News
Recap: Expert Workshop on Framework Decision 2008/947/JHA and 2009/829/JHA
The Expert Workshop held on September 10–11, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium, brought together senior managers, probation practitioners, criminal justice professionals such as lawyers and prosecutors from across Europe as well as representatives of the European Commission, Academy of European Law and European Judicial Network to discuss the advancements in the implementation of Framework Decisions 2008/947/JHA and 2009/829/JHA. Hosted at the Houses of Justice, the CEP Expert Workshop served as a dynamic platform for mutual learning, collaboration, and strategic planning.
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:
- Messages from the 9th Round of Mutual Evaluation and CEP survey results / Gerry McNally, University of Cork, Ireland and Mirka Jakesova, CEP, Czech Republic
- European Judicial Network update / Natalia Ratajczak, EJN Secretariat, The Netherlands
- Case Netherlands – How it started? / Melinda Lewis, Dutch Probation Service, The Netherlands
- Case Latvia – How it works? / Eva Jurčenko, State Probation Service of Latvia
- Case Romania – Reason of Refusal / Bogdan Popa, Arad Probation Office, Romania
- Framework Decisions solution oriented – Irish approach / Sile Loughry, Probation Service, Ireland and Leah McCormack, Parole Board, Ireland
- ERA: project update / Ramin Farinpour, ERA, Germany
- EMRPO: project update / Daniel Danglades, Prison and Probation Service, France
Report to be downloaded here.
Related News
Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.
New
CEP
Newsletter August 2026 out now
27/08/2026
CEP’s latest newsletter is out now! It includes:
- Approaching deadlines for upcoming events (ITSCCS26, 14th EM and DG leadership training) and the Mental Health curriculum pilot)
- Call for European Probation Journal on the topic of Workload in Probation
- EU documents like SPACE II, revised Victims’ Rights directive and so on
- and much more!
New
Caseload and workload
Do you work in probation? We need your voice!
24/08/2026
As part of its long-standing cooperation with research, CEP invites its members to contribute to a special edition of the European Probation Journal on the topic of Workload in Probation.
New
Alternatives to pre-trial detention, Foreign Nationals in Prison and Probation, Gender Equality, Probation in Europe
SPACE II report is now available
24/08/2026
The use of community sanctions and measures that allow individuals to remain in the community – also known as alternatives to imprisonment – continues to grow overall in Europe, although at a moderate pace, according to the latest Council of Europe annual penal statistics on persons under the supervision of probation agencies (2025 SPACE II survey).
New
Victims rights
Adoption of the revised Victims’ Rights Directive and call for evidence on EU strategy on victims’ rights
05/08/2026
The Council of the European Union has formally approved a new directive strengthening the rights of victims of crime across the EU. The updated law improves access to information, support, and protection by introducing an EU-wide victim support helpline (116 006), making it easier to report crimes through digital tools, strengthening safeguards for victims’ personal data, expanding child-friendly support services, improving access to legal aid, and helping ensure that victims receive compensation more quickly.
This directive updates the 2012 EU Victims’ Rights Directive and aims to ensure that victims receive more consistent and effective support across all Member States. Following its publication in the Official Journal, Member States will have 24 months to transpose the new rules into national law. For more information, see the Council of the European Union’s press release: Council greenlights law reinforcing protection of victims’ rights and check out the revised Victims’ Rights.
Probation Journal
juvenile offenders, Probation in Europe
Overview of Probation Procedures for Juveniles and Adults in Albania
22/07/2026
The Albanian Probation Service plays an important role in the implementation of alternative sanctions and measures for both juveniles and adults. Through supervision, assessment, and rehabilitation-oriented interventions, the Service aims to support compliance with court decisions, reduce the risk of reoffending, and promote the successful reintegration of individuals into society.
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.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.