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Projects

Implementation Support for Transferring of European Probation Sentences (ISTEP)

The aim of the ISTEP project: with regard to the implementation of EU Council Framework Decision 2008/947/JHA the project aims to enhance the ability of probation agencies and sentencers within each EU Member State to understand clearly and have confidence in probation processes and procedures within each legal jurisdiction across the European Union. This is done by producing a detailed description of the suspended sentences, alternative sanctions and conditional sentences that exist within each legal jurisdiction within the European Union. In addition it is planned to hold a series of meetings in which the issues and procedures surrounding the pre and early implementation phases can be discussed and resolved by Member State representatives.

Aim of the ISTEP project: with regard to the implementation of EU Council Framework Decision 2008/947/JHA the project aims to enhance the ability of probation agencies and sentencers within each EU Member State to understand clearly and have confidence in probation processes and procedures within each legal jurisdiction across the European Union. This is done by producing a detailed description of the suspended sentences, alternative sanctions and conditional sentences that exist within each legal jurisdiction within the European Union. In addition it is planned to hold a series of meetings in which the issues and procedures surrounding the pre and early implementation phases can be discussed and resolved by Member State representatives.

Countries involved: UK, Bulgaria, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain
EU funding programme: criminal justice funding programme (JPEN)

Click on the link to read the ISTEP Handbook ‘Implementation Support for the Transfer of European Probation Sentences’

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

Electronic monitoring

Recap: CEP Expert Group meeting at ATGV Antalya

12/03/2026

The CEP Expert Group on Electronic Monitoring, along with representatives of the CEP Office led by Mr. Daniel Danglades, CEP Vice-President, visited the Education and Social Facility of the Ministry of Justice in Türkiye – ATGV Antalya. The host country was represented by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Director General Mr. Fatih Güngör, Head of the Turkish Probation Department Dr. Hüseyin Şık, Member of the CEP EM Expert Group Ms. Elçin Kilecioğlu, as well as the Director and representatives of the ATGV facility, and officials from the courts, prosecution, and probation services in Antalya.

Recap

Education and Training

Recap: CEP Expert Network on Education and Training in Probation meets with the European Commission to discuss the EU Judicial Training Strategy

11/03/2026

On 11 March 2026, the CEP Expert Network on Education and Training in Probation met online with more than 20 participants from Belgium, Denmark, Sweeden, France, Romania, Croatia, Catalonia, Poland, United Kingdom and Türkiye to exchange views with the European Commission on the newly adopted EU Judicial Training Strategy 2025–2030.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for representatives of probation training institutions across Europe to engage directly with European Commission officials and discuss how the strategy may impact the training of probation and prison staff in the coming years.

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.

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