Adoption of the revised Victims’ Rights Directive and call for evidence on EU strategy on victims’ rights

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.

Continue reading

Overview of Probation Procedures for Juveniles and Adults in Albania

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.

Continue reading

European Commission | Call for proposals to support transnational projects in the fields of e-Justice, victims’ rights, and procedural rights.

The European Commission has launched a new call for proposals to support transnational projects in the fields of e-Justice, victims’ rights, and procedural rights.

With a total budget of €9.4 million, the call aims to fund projects that contribute to the digitalisation and effectiveness of justice systems, strengthen the protection of victims, and promote access to justice and judicial cooperation across Europe.

 

Continue reading

Exploratory Study on the possible Lisbonisation of ex-third pillar acquis in the area of mutual recognition in criminal matters published

Commissioned by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST) and undertaken by ICF SA in December 2023, the study, published in April 2026, assesses the mutual recognition of criminal decisions and cross-border cooperation on criminal matters.  

Continue reading

Beyond the Headset: What the VR-TooL Pilot tells us about the future of probation training

This initiative is funded through the Erasmus+ project “Virtual Reality: A Tool in the Treatment of Offenders and Education of Probation Officers,” implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation of Croatia, ESC from Romania, and BeCure from Germany. It focuses on two main components: the development of VR content for offender rehabilitation programmes and VR-based training for probation officers.

The VR content is grounded in Core Correctional Skills and is designed to support both practical skill development and a rehabilitative approach. Virtual reality is introduced as an innovative complement to existing practice, enhancing offender treatment and professional training while supporting, rather than replacing, personal interaction.

Continue reading

A day in the life of a probation officer from Japan

Hello from Japan. I would like to introduce a day in the life of a probation officer in East Asia, a bit far from Europe. My name is Yuho Furukawa. I am currently working at UNAFEI, but from 2009 to last year I was a probation officer at a local probation office. There are several ways to become a probation officer in Japan, and the office attracts people from a wide range of fields, including specialists in the fields of law, psychology, welfare and sociology. I majored in psychology at university.

Continue reading