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Enhancing Cross-border Mutual Legal Assistance and Recognition of Decisions within the Context of Detention

This project, led by the Europäische Rechts Akademie (ERA) and co-financed by the Justice Programme 2014-2020 of the European Union, consists of five seminars, two of which were planned to take place in Bucharest and Strasbourg in 2020, and three in Bucharest and Brussels in 2021. Each seminar focused on a different aspect of enhancing cross-border mutual legal assistance and recognition of decisions within the context of detention, with the aim to provide practical training for judges, prosecutors and lawyers in private practice, as well as prison and probation staff, in the field of detention. Unfortunately due to Covid-19 all events in 2021 had to be replaced by online ones, but a face-to-face seminar in Bucharest was scheduled on 28 February-1 March 2022. 

In the project’s e-library you will find the five seminars’ background documentations, speakers’ contributions, as well as all of the e-presentations:  e-Library – Detention and MLA (era-comm.eu)The general objective is to debate and assess how European legislation, standards and forms of cooperation are applied in the field of detention in the EU Member States, as well as to look at the matters from a perspective that encourages better cooperation between Member States, so as to ensure that the highest possible standards are maintained and mutual trust and recognition are enhanced. EU and Council of Europe (CoE) standards, best practice within Member States, European Court of Human Right’s (ECtHR) and CJEU case law will be discussed and assessed during the seminars. The framework decisions in relation to the transfer of prisoners, probation and alternative sanctions, the European Supervision Order and European Arrest Warrant will be examined in greater detail and their application and use discussed. The seminars will also refer to the main uses of the Council of Europe’s recommendations on detention, the non-binding European Prison Rules.More information about the project partners and methodology can be found here.

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.
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Partners

Memorandum of Understanding Signed Between CEP and RESCALED

11/12/2025

On 10 December 2025, at the CEP Headquarters in Utrecht, CEP and RESCALED signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The MoU was signed by Rogier Elshout, Chair of Rescaled and Jana Špero Kamenjarin, CEP Secretary General, with the signing ceremony attended by Helen De Vos, Rescaled Executive Director and Daniel Danglades, CEP Vice-President.

Through this partnership, both organizations will work together to develop joint activities, exchange expertise, and support initiatives that advance their shared objectives.

This MoU reflects a commitment to transparent communication and the creation of new opportunities for joint projects and broader community impact.

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Human rights and ethics

10 December – Human Rights Day

10/12/2025

CEP champions human rights because protecting dignity, fairness and equality is at the heart of effective probation. On 10 December, Human Rights Day, CEP celebrates the principle that everyone deserves respect and justice. Across Europe, CEP promotes social inclusion and supports the reintegration of people in contact with the criminal justice system. CEP strengthens community-based alternatives to imprisonment that reduce reoffending and build safer societies, advances professional and ethical probation practice, and connects practitioners, policymakers and researchers to share knowledge and promote humane justice. For CEP, justice is not only about punishment but also about opportunity, rehabilitation and respect for all.

Recap

CEP Events

Recap: First face-to-face meeting of the Expert Group Chairs

10/12/2025

On 9 December 2025, the CEP Office in Utrecht hosted the first face-to-face meeting of the Expert Group Chairs. The purpose of this meeting was to reintroduce the work of the Expert Groups and explore connections between work plans, opportunities for cooperation, and areas of common interest.

Recap

Framework Decisions

Recap: ERA seminar “Framework Decisions 2008/947/JHA and 2009/829/JHA and their Impact on Alternatives in the EU”

09/12/2025

On 4–5 December 2025, CEP representatives Gerry McNally, Danijela Mrhar Prelić and Pia Andersson attended the ERA seminar “Framework Decisions 2008/947/JHA and 2009/829/JHA and their Impact on Alternatives in the EU” in Vilnius.

Recap

Probation in Europe, Probation outside Europe

20th anniversary of Probation Service in Türkiye

08/12/2025

CEP had the privilege of participating in the Turkish Probation System 20th Year International Congress, marking the 20th anniversary of the Probation Service in Türkiye, held from 1–3 December 2025 at ATGV in Antalya.

Recap

CEP-Europris, Probation in Europe

Recap of CEP and EuroPris Meeting with Catalan Authorities

04/12/2025

On 3 December, on the occasion of the joint CEP and EuroPris Workshop on Transition from Prison to Probation held at the Centre for Legal Studies and Judicial Training (CEJFE) in Barcelona, representatives from both international organisations met with senior officials from the Catalan Ministry of Justice to present their current work, reflect on ongoing cooperation, and explore shared priorities for future collaboration.

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