Projects

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.

Related News

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

Community Sanctions and Measures

Nelson Mandela day

18/07/2026

Nelson Mandela Day reminds us that justice is not only about accountability – it is also about hope. Mandela believed in the dignity of every person and in the possibility of change. These principles are at the heart of probation.

Across Europe, probation professionals work every day to support people in taking responsibility for their actions, rebuilding their lives and successfully reintegrating into their communities. By promoting rehabilitation, social inclusion and human dignity, probation helps reduce reoffending and contributes to safer, more resilient societies.

New

Uncategorized

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

16/07/2026

The MSt in Applied Criminology, Penology and Management (Penology) at the University of Cambridge is designed for senior professionals working in prisons, probation, and related fields. The programme welcomes applicants from the public, private and voluntary sectors, the legal profession, and allied disciplines such as psychology and psychiatry.

New

CEP

Meet Ruth Armstrong, CEP’s new Research Policy Officer

14/07/2026

In early July 2026, Ruth Armstrong joined CEP as a Research Policy Officer. This is a new part-time role supporting the implementation of CEP’s Research and Development Strategy. Working with the Secretary General and the Expert Group on Research, Ruth will coordinate CEP’s research activities, exploring and building partnerships in research between academics and practitioners across Probation in Europe where members access, question and use evidence in their everyday work.

Recap

CJPE summer course, Gender-based violence

She Matters: Advancing Gender-Responsive Criminal Justice Through Cross-Sector Learning in Barcelona.

13/07/2026

From 7 to 10 July 2026, more than 60 criminal justice professionals from across Europe and beyond gathered in Barcelona for the 8th Criminal Justice Platform Europe (CJPE) Summer Course, hosted by the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialised Training (CEJFE) of the Government of Catalonia. Bringing together professionals from probation, restorative justice and prisons, the Summer Course once again demonstrated the unique value of cross-sector learning, international cooperation and professional exchange.

Reading corner

Probation in Europe

Dohľad

08/07/2026

The authentic world of probation and mediation, in which professional work intersects with human destinies, is brought to you by the publication through case studies revealing the diverse life stories of convicts and the dynamics of their relationship with probation and mediation officers.

Probation Journal

CEP

New Publication: CEP, Probation and the Digital Future

02/07/2026

The latest issue of the Journal of Offender Monitoring features an English version of Gerry McNally’s chapter, CEP, Probation and the Digital Future, first published in 2023 as part of the Portuguese book Execução das Penas e Medidas na Comunidade no Futuro Digital, edited by Nuno Caiado.

Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!

"*" indicates required fields