Previous Article
News
In Memoriam: Nico van Zelst, Founder and former Secretary General of CEP
It is with great sadness that CEP announces the passing away of Mr. Nico van Zelst, one of the founders of CEP, on 14th December 2021 at the age of 92.
Nico was closely involved in the setting up of CEP 40 years ago (in 1981) and it was thanks to his enthusiasm and hard work that CEP was able to grow into the large and Europe-wide probation organisation that it is now.
The start
“More than forty years ago, we started working to set up the European Probation Service“, were Nico’s words in his written speech during the CEP 40 years anniversary conference in Paris in November 2021, where he unfortunately could not be present. “In 1979, when I was serving as the director of the Dutch probation service, we discovered that there were 500 Dutch inmates abroad. And so I created a special group to help our citizens in foreign prisons. After that, I discovered that there were a few thousand foreign nationals in Dutch prisons. And that was the sign to create European cooperation. We officially started this European Conference for Probation and Aftercare in the Abbaye de Royaumont near Paris, in 1981.“
In 1989, Nico retired from the Dutch Probation Service, and the Queen of the Netherlands gave him a high decoration for all the work he had done. Also he was nominated by the Queen to serve as a judge and magistrate in the Netherlands.
Nico fell ill shortly before the CEP anniversary conference at the Abbey du Royaumont – an event that he had so much been looking forward to. The speech that he had prepared has been spoken out by CEP Secretary General Willem van der Brugge during the official dinner.
CEP will always remember Nico van Zelst with pride and gratefulness.
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.
Reading corner
Probation in Europe
New Release: Forensic Social Work – Supporting Desistance
13/11/2025
This book, Forensic Social Work – Supporting Desistance, has been released by Routledge. It is a practice-oriented resource exploring how forensic social work can support desistance and foster meaningful change in the lives of justice-involved individuals.
New
Probation in Europe
New Vodcast Episode: Stephan Leißner on Event-Based Group Work in Probation
13/11/2025
The 16th episode of Division_Y features Stephan Leißner, a public probation and parole officer at the Coburg Regional Court in Bavaria, Germany.
Recap
Probation in Europe, Projects
CoPPer Project Final Conference: A Celebration of Collaboration, Impact and Inspiration
10/11/2025
On 6 November 2025, the CoPPer Final Project Conference took place at Het Nutshuis in The Hague, the Netherlands, marking a milestone in European cooperation and innovation in the field of probation. The event brought together 66 participants representing jurisdictions from Germany, Ireland, United Kingdom, Portugal, Netherlands, Romania, Estonia, as well as Türkiye and Japan. A clear sign of the growing international interest in the CoPPer project and its outcomes.
Recap
Probation outside Europe
CEP at the 27th ICPA Conference in Istanbul
05/11/2025
CEP SG Jana Spero Kamenjarin attended the 27th International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) Conference, held in Istanbul, Türkiye. The conference brought together professionals, researchers, and policy experts from around the world to share insights and best practices. There were approximately 700 participants and the conference program consisted of 151 presentations.
New
Others
New DG JUSTICE Newsletter on funding opportunities & funded projects is out.
03/11/2025
The latest edition of the DG JUSTICE Newsletter is now out, packed with funding opportunities and funded projects!
New
Uncategorized
Newsletter October 2025 out now
30/10/2025
CEP’s latest newsletter is out now! Articles on the CEP conference: Public Perception of Probation, Expert Network Meeting on Education and Training, CEP Calls for EM expert group, CEP awards and more.>> Read here
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.