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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.

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!

New

Gender Equality, Gender-based violence

Women’s Day

09/03/2026

Yesterday was International Women’s Day.

At CEP, this day closely reflects our core values and ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing gender-based violence within the context of probation and community justice.

Directors General Meetings

Online meeting for Directors General and Senior Managers in Probation

05/03/2026

On Wednesday 4 March CEP organized its annual online meeting for Directors General and Senior Managers in Probation. The session offered a comprehensive look into how CEP Expert Groups function and the value they bring across the organization. Participants gained a clearer understanding of how these groups operate, how they support CEP’s strategic priorities, and how colleagues can engage with their work—either as active members or as stakeholders who rely on their outputs.

New

Probation in Europe, Violent Extremism

New EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation Newsletter

05/03/2026

The latest edition of the EU Knowledge Hub on Prevention of Radicalisation newsletter is now available.

This month’s edition highlights key activities bringing together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, victims, and representatives from victims’ associations through strategic meetings and specialised trainings across Europe and beyond. It also shares updates on preparations for the 2026 European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism, reinforcing a united message of solidarity and the European Commission’s continued commitment to victim- and survivor-centred action.

Recap

Probation in Europe, Probation outside Europe

CEP at EL PACCTO Webinar

05/03/2026

On 25 February 2026, the European Union–funded EL PACCTO 2.0 Programme (Technical Assistance against Transnational Organised Crime) organised a webinar on alternative measures in the Caribbean.

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