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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.

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Others

Applications for the Cambridge MSt in Applied Criminology, Penology and Management are now open

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The Institute of Criminology, Cambridge, have opened up applications for the MSt in Applied Criminology, Penology and Management in the next academic year.

Recap

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CEP at the Leadership Conference 2026

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CEP Secretary General Jana Špero Kamenjarin was delighted to participate in the Leadership Conference 2026 of the Norwegian Correctional Service, held on 9–10 September in Oslo.

Recap

Foreign Nationals in Prison and Probation

Recap: Expert Group of CEP and EuroPris, on Foreign Nationals in Prison and Probation (FNPP)

14/09/2026

On 7 and 8 September 2026 the joint Expert Group of CEP and EuroPris, on Foreign Nationals in Prison and Probation (FNPP), came together in The Hague for a valuable exchange of ideas, experiences, and expertise on one of the most important challenges facing prison and probation services across Europe.

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CEP

Newsletter August 2026 out now

27/08/2026

CEP’s latest newsletter is out now! It includes:

. >> Read here

>>Read previous newsletters

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Caseload and workload

Do you work in probation? We need your voice!

24/08/2026

As part of its long-standing cooperation with research, CEP invites its members to contribute to a special edition of the European Probation Journal on the topic of Workload in Probation.

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Alternatives to pre-trial detention, Foreign Nationals in Prison and Probation, Gender Equality, Probation in Europe

SPACE II report is now available

24/08/2026

The use of community sanctions and measures that allow individuals to remain in the community – also known as alternatives to imprisonment – continues to grow overall in Europe, although at a moderate pace, according to the latest Council of Europe annual penal statistics on persons under the supervision of probation agencies (2025 SPACE II survey).

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Read the report

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