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
Related News
Check out the latest news and updates on this project’s focus area.
Education and Training
Launch of 40 e-Capsules: Training on EU Law for Justice Professionals
29/06/2026
The European Judicial Training Team of the European Commission is pleased to announce the launch of 40 e-capsules (each available in all EU languages) within civil law, criminal law and fundamental rights.
CEP
Delegation from Azerbaijan visits CEP Office in Utrecht
25/06/2026
On 23 June, a delegation from Azerbaijan visited the CEP office in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The delegation included representatives of the Probation Service, Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a judge of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan and representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Netherlands. The visit to the CEP office was part of a broader learning programme with Reclassering Nederland.
CEP
Newsletter June 2026 out now
25/06/2026
CEP’s latest newsletter is out now! It includes:
- Recap of the Workshop on Caseload and Workload
- Save the date: Workshop on Technology and Alternatives to Detention
- New publications and outputs from Expert Groups
- Call for a new Expert Group on Overcrowding and Net-Widening
- Call for participation in DG training
- and much more!
CEP, Directors General Meetings
CEP Call for Applications – Training Opportunity for Directors GeneralÂ
24/06/2026
CEP is seeking 7 applications for an upcoming training programme, CEP Leadership Excellence Training, designed for a small group of Directors General or Deputy Directors General representing CEP member organisations. This training will take place on 19-21 October 2026, Zagreb, Croatia.
Framework Decisions
Exploratory Study on the possible Lisbonisation of ex-third pillar acquis in the area of mutual recognition in criminal matters published
23/06/2026
Commissioned by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST) and undertaken by ICF SA in December 2023, the study, published in April 2026, assesses the mutual recognition of criminal decisions and cross-border cooperation on criminal matters. Â
Probation in Europe, Probation outside Europe
New Division episode: Aditya Weriansyah about Probation, Prison and the work of NGOs in Criminal Justice in Indonesia
23/06/2026
The 21st episode of Division_Y features Aditya Weriansyah from Jakarta, Indonesia.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
"*" indicates required fields
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.