Projects
ERA project
Prison population rates within the EU still differentiate greatly from Member State to Member State, with the highest numbers still registered in the majority of newer Member States that joined after 2004. There is also a varying picture when it comes to the application of non-custodial sanctions and measures throughout the EU’s Member States, with there being a clear need to increase awareness about such alternative measures and their application amongst relevant practitioners in many Member States.
This clearly shows that more must be done to demonstrate the effectiveness of relevant EU instruments to reduce prison populations, use pre-trial detention as a measure of last resort and to consider the use of non-custodial sanctions and measures as an alternative. Moreover, a specific need for continuous training for magistrates at all stages of their career on all the mutual recognition instruments covered by this project has been identified, with there especially being a lack of knowledge and experience among practitioners as regards Framework Decisions 2008/947/JHA on probation and alternative sanctions and 2009/829/JHA on the European Supervision Order (ESO), which is an obstacle to a more frequent application of these instruments.
The project offers a comprehensive overview of EU instruments of mutual legal assistance and mutual legal recognition in the field of deprivation or restriction of liberty, placing them within the wider context of the applicable Council of Europe recommendations and the relevant ECtHR and CJEU judgments, with the aim of facilitating better cross-border cooperation among Member States and raising awareness of alternatives to detention.
CEP is an Associated partner in this 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.
Recap
Prison
CEP at the 2026 European Symposium on Detention Houses
28/04/2026
On 21–22 April 2026, CEP participated in the 2026 European Symposium on Detention Houses organised by RESCALED in Tirana, Albania.
Held under the theme “Sustainability and Justice”, the Symposium focused on promoting detention houses as a sustainable and humane alternative to large-scale prison institutions, bringing together justice practitioners from across Europe to discuss innovative approaches to detention and reintegration.
Recap
Education and Training
Recap: Expert Network on Education and Training in Probation Launches New Term and Sets Priorities for 2026–2028
24/04/2026
On 21 April 2026, the Education and Training Expert Network in Probation held its second online meeting, bringing together representatives from CEP member organisations and experts involved in the training of probation professionals across Europe. The meeting marked the beginning of a new working cycle for the network, under the leadership of its Chair, Cédric Le Bossé, and provided an important opportunity to collectively reflect on its future direction.
New
CEP Board
Interview with new CEP board member Eva Fernandes
23/04/2026
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
CEP members, Probation in Europe
CEP Member visit to the Probation Service in Albania
22/04/2026
On 22 April 2026, the Confederation of European Probation carried out a member visit to the Probation Service in Albania, where the delegation was warmly welcomed by Ms Irma Bime, newly appointed Director General for Probation, Mr Eris Sheshi, Director of Electronic Monitoring and Ms Drisilda Memollari, Head of the Probation Office in Tirana.
CEP was represented by Ms Jana Spero Kamenjarin, Secretary General, and Mr Daniel Danglades, Vice President.
Recap
Probation outside Europe
Recap: 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole, day 3 and 4
20/04/2026
Daniel, CEP Vice-President, and Nasir, head of an Indonesian probation and parole office and one of the organisers of the World Congress, reflect on days 3 and 4 of the 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole in Bali, Indonesia.
Recap
Probation in Europe
CEP at PC-CP 41st Working Group Meeting
20/04/2026
On 14–16 April 2026, CEP Secretary General Jana Špero Kamenjarin represented CEP at the 41st meeting of the Working Group of the Council for Penological Co-operation (PC-CP) in Strasbourg, France.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.