Skip to content

Projects

EMPRO project

EMPRO project
(Empowerment of the Framework Decisions 2008/947 and 2009/829 through EU Probation Services)

EMPRO aims to significantly strengthen the understanding and application of FD 2008/947 and 2009/829 within the European Union. It is further aligned with the overarching goals of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, contributing to a more humane and effective rehabilitation process. This encompasses highlighting the specific needs and rights of foreign nationals involved in pre-trial and post-trial phases, ensuring that justice and rehabilitation practices are equitable, effective, and respectful of fundamental rights.

To this end, EMPRO, which will be directly implemented in France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Germany, and Belgium, will deliver comprehensive hybrid training on the practical application of both FDs and the use of existing and forthcoming digital tools to assist professionals in streamlining the application of the instruments. In this way, EMPRO will capacitate justice professionals to fully understand and navigate the operational challenges in the effective application of these instruments. By embracing the use of existing and future digital tools EMPRO will contribute to streamlining effective cooperation between authorities, in full consideration of Directive 2023/2843 and Regulation 2023/2844. The activities will allow probation officers to explore their opportunities for action and leeway in promoting the application of FD 2008/947 and 2009/829.

Consequently, EMPRO will contribute to more frequent and faster recourse, when relevant, to alternatives to detention before and after the trial. It will also lay the groundwork for smoother communication among all relevant actors and enhanced cooperation at the national and European levels, particularly concerning the management of detainees from other member states. Such a new dynamic on the topic will facilitate a European-wide harmonisation of best practices and procedures within the justice and probation services sphere. The project will directly reach 600 stakeholders.

CEP is an Associated Partner to the EMPRO project.

Partner organisations

Our knowledge of Framework Decisions

The European Union and the Council of Europe have become increasingly important players in the development of probation in Europe. CEP is not only the voice of probation in Europe, it also wants to stimulate and support initiatives of international cooperation on probation and on the implementation of EU regulations. Below you will find all the information about the implementation of Framework Decisions  2009/829/JHA and 2008/947/JHA.

Related News

Check out the latest news and updates on this project’s focus area.

New

CEP Board

Interview with new CEP board member Žilvinas Miliauskas

17/03/2026

During the General Assembly in Austria, a new CEP Board got elected for the upcoming three years. In the coming weeks we will publish interviews with all newly-elected board members where they will share information on their professional background, how they would like to contribute, what challenges lie ahead and many more.

Enjoy reading!

Recap

Violent Extremism

Recap: Expert Group meeting on Violent Extremism

16/03/2026

On 12–13 March 2026, the Expert Group on Violent Extremism convened for an in‑person meeting in Bucharest, Romania. Hosted at the University of Bucharest, the meeting brought together practitioners and representatives from across Europe to finalise the overview of best practices for preventive interventions targeting juveniles and young adults up to the age of 26 under probation. Building on the extensive discussions and progress made in 2025, the group worked collaboratively to bring the document to completion.

Recap

Electronic monitoring

Recap: CEP Expert Group meeting at ATGV Antalya

12/03/2026

The CEP Expert Group on Electronic Monitoring, along with representatives of the CEP Office led by Mr. Daniel Danglades, CEP Vice-President, visited the Education and Social Facility of the Ministry of Justice in Türkiye – ATGV Antalya. The host country was represented by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Director General Mr. Fatih Güngör, Head of the Turkish Probation Department Dr. Hüseyin Şık, Member of the CEP EM Expert Group Ms. Elçin Kilecioğlu, as well as the Director and representatives of the ATGV facility, and officials from the courts, prosecution, and probation services in Antalya.

Recap

Education and Training

Recap: CEP Expert Network on Education and Training in Probation meets with the European Commission to discuss the EU Judicial Training Strategy

11/03/2026

On 11 March 2026, the CEP Expert Network on Education and Training in Probation met online with more than 20 participants from Belgium, Denmark, Sweeden, France, Romania, Croatia, Catalonia, Poland, United Kingdom and Türkiye to exchange views with the European Commission on the newly adopted EU Judicial Training Strategy 2025–2030.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for representatives of probation training institutions across Europe to engage directly with European Commission officials and discuss how the strategy may impact the training of probation and prison staff in the coming years.

Probation Journal

Women, youth

Understanding the needs of girls and young women in youth justice

10/03/2026

New research highlights the underlying needs that influence girls’ and young women’s contact with youth justice systems and calls for more gender responsive approaches in policy and practice. Drawing on a review of recent studies, the authors identify several factors shaping girls’ pathways into the justice system, including persistent abuse, trauma, gendered expectations, and systemic failures. Girls involved in youth justice are often affected by multiple forms of victimisation, such as sexual abuse, neglect, and domestic violence, with experiences frequently beginning in early childhood.

New

CEP Board

Interview with new CEP board member Ian Barrow

09/03/2026

During the General Assembly in Austria, a new CEP Board got elected for the upcoming three years. In the coming weeks we will publish interviews with all newly-elected board members where they will share information on their professional background, how they would like to contribute, what challenges lie ahead and many more.

Enjoy reading!

Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!