News
From Challenges to Solutions: Mapping European Strategies on Prison Overcrowding
EuroPris has published a new report titled From Challenges to Solutions: Mapping European Strategies on Prison Overcrowding. The report provides an overview of how prison administrations across Europe are addressing prison overcrowding and their responses to it.
The mapping exercise was conducted between April and September 2025. It is based on structured survey responses from 33 national and regional prison administrations, representing approximately 80% of EuroPris members. The findings are complemented by expert interviews and institutional input.
The report reflects the contributions of prison administrations, representatives, and experts who shared their experience and perspectives.
Key findings
- Prison overcrowding remains a widespread and systemic challenge with implications for safety, dignity, and compliance with international standards.
- Between 2020 and 2025, 24 of the 33 participating administrations reported an increase in prison populations. Notable increases were identified in France, Sweden, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Croatia.
- Overcrowding affects more than occupancy levels. It has consequences for access to healthcare, education, mental health support, staffing capacity, and overall safety.
- Measures taken by prison administrations operate at different levels. These include immediate operational responses, medium-term systemic measures, and long-term strategic approaches such as population forecasting and infrastructure planning.
- No single measure is sufficient on its own. Sustainable progress depends on coordinated action across the justice system and investment in staff, activity spaces, and reintegration pathways.
Purpose of the mapping
The report offers an overview of how prison overcrowding is understood and managed within the responsibilities of European prison administrations. It is intended to support informed dialogue among policymakers, practitioners, and partners, and to encourage shared learning and forward planning for more humane and resilient prison systems.
Explore the Findings
Discover the full mapping and see how European prisons are working toward sustainable capacity management.
- View the full interactive report here.
- Alternatively, you can download and view the report as a PDF here.
Related News
Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.
Uncategorized
Help Us Improve the CEP Website
07/01/2026
At Confederation of European Probation (CEP), we want to make sure our website continues to support our mission and the work of our community in the best possible way.
We are inviting you to take part in a short survey that takes around six minutes. Your feedback will help us understand what is working well and where the website can be improved.
Prison
From Challenges to Solutions: Mapping European Strategies on Prison Overcrowding
06/01/2026
EuroPris has published a new report titled From Challenges to Solutions: Mapping European Strategies on Prison Overcrowding. The report provides an overview of how prison administrations across Europe are addressing prison overcrowding and their responses to it.
The mapping exercise was conducted between April and September 2025. It is based on structured survey responses from 33 national and regional prison administrations, representing approximately 80% of EuroPris members. The findings are complemented by expert interviews and institutional input.
Probation in Europe
New calls for proposals under the CERV and Justice programmes!
05/01/2026
Discover the first 2026 calls and do not miss the opportunity to apply.
Probation in Europe
The Routledge Handbook of European Penology
05/01/2026
The Routledge Handbook of European Penology, published by Routledge. This comprehensive volume has been edited by Sonja Snacken, Gaëtan Cliquennois, Ioan Durnescu, Diete Humblet and Elena Larrauri.
Domestic violence, Gender-based violence
Practitioner guidance for supporting neurodivergent clients in domestic abuse work
23/12/2025
A new practitioner guide is currently being piloted across the UK that aims to support professionals working with neurodivergent clients for more inclusive domestic abuse perpetrator interventions. The guide has been co developed for domestic abuse perpetrator intervention practitioners who work with neurodivergent clients, translating research findings into practical guidance for day to day practice.
Probation in Europe
New Vodcast Episode: Christoph Koss on Probation and Parole in Austria
22/12/2025
The 17th episode of Division_Y features Christoph Koss, Director of the NEUSTART Association for Probation and Parole, Restorative Justice, and Social Work in Austria.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.