Previous Article
News
A new project: Probation Observatory. Network and Training (PONT)!
Although they were adopted in 2008 and 2009, the Council of Europe Framework Decision 2008/947/JHA and Framework Decision 2009/829/JHA (FDs, in short), are still underused by the member states. For example, in 2017 FD 2008/947 was only used in 369 incoming cases and 396 outgoing cases. Despite a small progress in 2018 (544 incoming cases and 548 outgoing cases), its potential is far from being fulfilled. The use of FD 2009/829 is even more critical. Statistical data regarding its utilisation is not even available as there is no dedicated agency dealing with it in the member states.
In order to enhance the use of these two FDs, the European Commission through DG Justice Grants decided to fund the project Probation Observatory. Network and Training (PONT), initiated by the University of Bucharest, in partnership with University Loyola AndalucÃa, University of Latvia, Ministry of Justice Bremen and the Confederation of European Probation (CEP).
The objectives of the project for the next two years are to offer training to the competent authorities on the two FDs and to create a sustainable network of experts in this field.
Literature and Training
To this end, the project team will conduct a thorough literature review, covering academic papers, grey literature and previous training content. At the same time, based on questionnaires and interviews, they will run a training gap analysis aiming at identifying the training needs of the competent authorities and probation staff in relation to the FDs.
Based on the training gap analysis and the literature review, they will elaborate a comprehensive training platform and deliver training to at least 60 representatives of the competent authorities and probation staff from at least twelve jurisdictions.
As the training will be conducted in a training of trainers fashion, it is expected that the trainees will become resources (trainers and experts) for their own jurisdictions and the surrounding areas.
Information Request
The project builds on the previous projects dedicated to mutual trust and FDs. Therefore, the project team would be grateful for receiving information about any brochure, manual, article or training content that was used in your jurisdiction when preparing for the implementation of the FDs. With your consent, they could be stored in a comprehensive bank of training materials that will be open for anyone interested and could also be used on the training platform developed by this project. This information and others that you think might be of use could be directed to the project leader, prof. Ioan Durnescu, email: idurnescu@gmail.com.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Prof. Ioan Durnescu

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.
Recap

CEP Events, Communication and Awareness-Raising
Recap: Conference on Public Perception of Probation
06/05/2025
From 6 to 7 May, the CEP Conference on the Public Perception of Probation in Europe took place in Antalya, Türkiye, bringing together over 100 participants from more than 20 countries. The event offered space for open discussion, exchange of experiences, and practical ideas on how probation is seen and supported across Europe.
New

Probation in Europe
New Interview Online with Felix Gerike, a survivor of a knife attack
01/05/2025
What do victims of violent crime need to recover—and what can be done to prevent such attacks?
In the latest episode of Division_Y, Jo Tein, CEP board member, speaks with Felix Gerike, a survivor of the 2023 Brokstedt knife attack in Germany. Felix played a crucial role in disarming the attacker, helping to prevent further harm. He shares his personal experience, reflections on victim support, and his views on justice and policy responses to violent crime.
Probation in Europe
New Executive Summaries for the report on Building Probation Capacity in Spanish and Italian
01/05/2025
Updated

CEP Board, Probation in Europe
New Interview Online: Maren Michels – The Role of NGOs in Probation
22/04/2025
In the newest Division_Y interview, Maren Michels, director of the Hamburg Welfare Association, shares her experiences and reflects on the vital role that NGOs play in supporting people during and after incarceration.
New

CEP Events
Want to Win a CEP Award? See How Finland Did It – Apply for 2025!
22/04/2025
We’re excited to share an exclusive interview with the winners of the Development of National Probation Services Award from the CEP Awards 2022:
The Prison and Probation Service of Finland.
New

Volunteers
International Day for Community Volunteers
17/04/2025
 17 April – International Day for Community Volunteers!
Today, we celebrate the inaugural International Day for Community Volunteers Supporting Offender Reintegration—a day dedicated to acknowledging the vital contributions of volunteers who assist individuals in their journey back into society.​
This initiative was launched during the 2nd World Congress for Community Volunteers, held alongside the 6th World Congress on Parole and Probation in The Hague (16–18 April 2024).​
At CEP, we’re proud to support the official Declaration on the International Day for Community Volunteers. We’re also actively involved in the CoPPer project—a European initiative aimed at promoting community participation in probation services. CoPPer focuses on training volunteers to support individuals under supervision, helping them access education, employment, and community connections. ​

A heartfelt thank you to all the community volunteers out there—your dedication makes a real difference.​
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
"*" indicates required fields
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.