On February 18 and 19, the EMPRO project held its kick-off meeting in Paris, France. All partners, French MoJ with Prison and Probation Services (DAP), Penal Reform International (PRI), IPS Innovative Prison Systems (IPS), the Schleswig-Holstein Association for Social Responsibility in Criminal Justice (SHLV); Probation and Victim Support (SHLV), the General Directorate of Reintegration and Prison Service (DGRSP), The Romanian National Probation Directorate (NPD) and The House of Justice of the Ministry of the German-speaking community (MDG – FbJUS), from Belgium, were present.
EMPRO is a two-year EU-funded project. More information can be found here.
The main purpose of the kick-off meeting was to align everyone and ensure a strong start to the project. It was an excellent opportunity to meet and introduce the various partners from different EU Member States who are now configured as a team, fostering a better understanding of the project’s objectives so that work can commence effectively.
The meeting began with a study visit to the Paris Probation Service on 18 February 2025. Following a general presentation, the participants gained insights from professionals at the Service Pénitentiaire d’Insertion et de Probation (SPIP), covering topics such as:
- The framework of the French probation service
- Working methodologies and the role of probation officers (RPO)
- Non-custodial measures
- Training for probation officers
- Digital tools used in the field
- Collaboration with judicial authorities
On 19 February 2025, the second day of the meeting, Daniel Danglades, CEP board member, the project leader and Pascal-Alexandre Roche, the deputy delegate of European and International affairs from the French MoJ, made opening remarks.
After introductions, the steering committee reviewed the project’s purpose and general objectives. Presentations followed on the project’s finances and budget, as well as the roles, responsibilities, and tasks assigned to each partner according to different work packages.
The team also discussed how success will be measured, along with the communication and dissemination plan and the project’s visual identity. CEP along with Penal Refom International and IPS will regularly publish updates and outcomes from the project on their websites and social media. The project will also involve numerous dissemination events across different EU Member States, as well as a mid-term conference at the Academy of Law (ERA) and a final international conference in Paris.
If you are interested in the different phases of the project, its outcomes, and final results, stay tuned!
