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ERA project

Prison population rates within the EU still differentiate greatly from Member State to Member State, with the highest numbers still registered in the majority of newer Member States that joined after 2004. There is also a varying picture when it comes to the application of non-custodial sanctions and measures throughout the EU’s Member States, with there being a clear need to increase awareness about such alternative measures and their application amongst relevant practitioners in many Member States.

This clearly shows that more must be done to demonstrate the effectiveness of relevant EU instruments to reduce prison populations, use pre-trial detention as a measure of last resort and to consider the use of non-custodial sanctions and measures as an alternative. Moreover, a specific need for continuous training for magistrates at all stages of their career on all the mutual recognition instruments covered by this project has been identified, with there especially being a lack of knowledge and experience among practitioners as regards Framework Decisions 2008/947/JHA on probation and alternative sanctions and 2009/829/JHA on the European Supervision Order (ESO), which is an obstacle to a more frequent application of these instruments.

The project offers a comprehensive overview of EU instruments of mutual legal assistance and mutual legal recognition in the field of deprivation or restriction of liberty, placing them within the wider context of the applicable Council of Europe recommendations and the relevant ECtHR and CJEU judgments, with the aim of facilitating better cross-border cooperation among Member States and raising awareness of alternatives to detention.

CEP is an Associated partner in this project.

Brochure

CEP is Associated Partner in this project.
Read more about the project here.

Partner organisations

Our knowledge of Framework Decisions

The European Union and the Council of Europe have become increasingly important players in the development of probation in Europe. CEP is not only the voice of probation in Europe, it also wants to stimulate and support initiatives of international cooperation on probation and on the implementation of EU regulations. Below you will find all the information about the implementation of Framework Decisions  2009/829/JHA and 2008/947/JHA.

Related News

Check out the latest news and updates on this project’s focus area.

Probation Journal

Violent Extremism

2025 EU Guidance document responding to the needs of victims of terorrism

23/06/2025

To mark the EU Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism on 11 March, the EU Centre of Expertise for Victims of Terrorism has published a new Guidance Document on the Needs of Victims. This document is a significant step forward in reinforcing a victim-centred approach within counter-terrorism efforts across the European Union.

 

Recap

Alternatives to pre-trial detention

CEP Vice-President speaks at ERA event on European Prison Rules

21/05/2025

The event was organised by the Academy of European Law (ERA) in cooperation with the Council of Europe (CoE), the Confederation of European Probation (CEP), and EuroPris. It forms part of the EU co-funded project “European Prison Rules: Dissemination and Implementation,” which aims to promote consistent application of the Council of Europe’s standards in detention across EU Member States. The project focuses on increasing awareness and understanding of the European Prison Rules among justice professionals and supporting national training efforts on detention conditions and fundamental rights.

 

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.

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