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.
Recap
Electronic monitoring, Technology
14th Electronic Monitoring Conference, Electronic Monitoring in a Changing World – Perception vs Reality
08/10/2026
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 30 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.
Recap
ITSCCS
Core Correctional Skills in Digital Probation: highlights from the 6th ITSCCS in Barcelona
05/10/2026
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.”
Recap
Framework Decisions
Recap: ERA workshop on Framework Decisions 829 and 947 in Bucharest
02/10/2026
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.
New
CEP
CEP and Catalan justice leaders reaffirm longstanding cooperation
29/09/2026
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.
Updated
Mental Health
DEADLINE EXTENDED: Call for Pilot Implementation of the European Mental Health Training Curriculum
29/09/2026
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.
Recap
ITSCCS, Technology
6th International Training School opens in Barcelona with a focus on digital probation
28/09/2026
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.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.