ERA Conference on The European Prison Rules as a Standard Setter for European Prison Conditions

On 6-8 October 2026, Antalya hosted the 14th Electronic Monitoring Conference “Electronic Monitoring in a Changing World – Perception vs Reality”. More than 350 participants coming from 32 countries across Europe and worldwide representing probation services, Ministries of Justice, victims´ services, EM providers, researchers as well as local participants representing the Turkish Prison and Probation Service gathered to discuss how electronic monitoring (EM) is understood by all stakeholders involved including the victims and the public, and how these perceptions compare to the evidence and experiences of those affected. While the gap between perception and reality in electronic monitoring has been recognised for over a decade, the rapid expansion of EM into areas such as victim protection, high-risk supervision and digital innovation has brought new challenges and questions to the forefront.

The sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills (ITSCCS) took place in Barcelona from 28 September to 2 October 2026, bringing together 26 participants for a week of learning, practical training and international exchange. Organised by the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) and the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialised Training (CEJFE), the programme focused on “Clicks and Empathy: Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation.”

CEP Vice-President Daniel Danglades, Ambassador Gerry McNally and Policy Officer Mirka Jakesova participated in the Seminar on Framework Decisions 829 and 947 and their Impact on Alternatives in the EU organized under the EU project run by the Academy of European Law on 28-29 September in Bucharest, Romania. The seminar brought together judges, prosecutors, probation practitioners, academics, and policy experts to discuss the growing role of alternatives to detention within European criminal justice systems. 

Representatives of the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) met with senior officials from the Catalan Department of Justice and Democratic Quality in Barcelona on 28 September 2026, alongside the opening of the sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills. The meeting offered an opportunity to recognise a longstanding partnership and discuss its continued development.

Good news for CEP members! Following requests from our members, CEP has extended the deadline to apply for the pilot implementation of the European Mental Health Training Curriculum for Probation Officers.

How can probation professionals use new technologies in their interactions while building trust, showing empathy and supporting change? This question is at the heart of the sixth International Training School on Core Correctional Skills, which opened in Barcelona on 28 September 2026.