Previous Article
News
Recap: Online meeting for Directors General and senior managers
On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, CEP hosted its annual online meeting for Directors General and senior managers, with over 40 participants representing full member organizations. The meeting focused on European funding opportunities, namely financial mechanisms offered by the European Commission and Norway Grants.
Mr. Juan Pedro Lazaro Merino working with the EC DG for Justice and Consumers presented the background for the Justice Programme, its objectives and the Justice Work Programme for 2025 adopted in July 2024. The participants were introduced to action grants aimed to promote judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters, to support transnational projects on judicial training covering civil law, commercial law or fundamental rights, and finally to support transnational projects in the fields of e-Justice, victims’ rights and procedural rights. The presentation highlighted the objectives, priorities, and the types of applicants targeted by these funding opportunities as well as stressed the need to focus on the quality, impact and relevance of the submitted projects to the above mentioned calls.
Mr. Kim Ekhaugen from the Norwegian Correctional Service introduced the participants with the aims of the Norway Grants, emphasizing their goal of reducing social and economic disparities. The main beneficiaries of the NG are 15 Eastern European Countries. He noted that negotiations for the next financial period will begin in 2025, focusing on three key priorities: social inclusion, a green environment, and the justice sector. Within the justice sector, the main areas of focus will include women, juveniles, minors, vulnerable groups, mental health issues, alternative sanctions, and pilot projects designed to serve as models for other countries.
Two practical experiences in drafting and managing projects were shared by Ms. Vesna Zelić Ferencic from the Croatian Ministry of Justice, Public Administration, and Digital Transformation, and Mr. Daniel Danglades from the French Penitentiary Administration. While Daniel focused on the process of preparing for and drafting the EC action grant project emphasizing that probation is an integral part of judicial training, even though it is sometimes overlooked, Vesna highlighted key activities implemented under Norway Grants and Erasmus+ projects, underscoring how diverse funding mechanisms foster innovation and provide valuable learning opportunities for probation staff.
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.