Recap: Expert Workshop on Framework Decision 2008/947/JHA and 2009/829/JHA

The programme covered a broad spectrum of expertise and experience taking into account national, cross-border experience combining practitioner-level insights and operational tools with systemic recommendations and institutional coordination. Gerry McNally and Mirka Jakesova (CEP) presented shared findings from the 9th Round of Mutual Evaluation and preliminary findings of CEP survey. Chiara Fiorillo from the DG Justice and Consumers shared updates and priorities from the European Commission. Presentations from the Netherlands, Latvia, and Romania illustrated diverse experiences with implementing the Framework Decisions, including successes and challenges while Irish representatives showcased their solution-oriented approaches. The updates from EJN as well as updates on ERA and EMRPO projects were shared by Natalia Ratajczak, Ramin Farinpour and Daniel Danglades.

Experts from Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Latvia, and Spain explored trust-building across jurisdictions, emphasizing cultural, legal, and operational nuances in the interactive roundtable. Solution-oriented approach was addressed in the group sessions with participants drafting the action plan on successful implementation of Framework Decisions within their respective organisations. Last but not least, CEP presented newly updated flyer and guide for Framework Decisions.

The workshop underscored the importance of mutual trust, shared learning, and coordinated implementation of EU justice policies. Participants left with renewed commitment and actionable insights to enhance cross-border probation and judicial cooperation.

Presentations:

1. Messages from the 9th Round of Mutual Evaluation and CEP survey results / Gerry McNally, University of Cork, Ireland and Mirka Jakesova, CEP, Czech Republic
2. European Judicial Network update / Natalia Ratajczak, EJN Secretariat, The Netherlands
3. Case Netherlands – How it started? / Melinda Lewis, Dutch Probation Service, The Netherlands
4. Case Latvia – How it works? / Eva Jurčenko, State Probation Service of Latvia
5. Case Romania – Reason of Refusal / Bogdan Popa, Arad Probation Office, Romania
6. Framework Decisions solution oriented – Irish approach / Sile Loughry, Probation Service, Ireland and Leah McCormack, Parole Board, Ireland
7. ERA: project update / Ramin Farinpour, ERA, Germany
8. EMRPO: project update / Daniel Danglades, Prison and Probation Service, France

Report to be downloaded here.