CDPPS Annual Conference Highlights Collaboration and Achievements

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The 29th Council of Europe Annual Conference of Directors of Prison and Probation Services (CDPPS) took place on 24 and 25 June 2024 at the Grand Hotel Millenium in Sofia, Bulgaria. 

 

The conference featured plenary sessions and six workshops focusing on key issues including the autonomy of prisoners, combating organized crime groups, net-widening in probation, managing returnees and their families, the role of victims in the rehabilitation process, and dealing with lifelong sentences and high-security regimes.

 

The event was attended by Directors General from the Council of Europe member and observer states, along with representatives from the European Union, the United Nations, the European Organisation of Prison and Correctional Services (EuroPris), the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA), and the Confederation of European Probation (CEP). Renowned researchers and professionals also participated, with over 150 attendees contributing to the high-level discussions.

 

Our President, Peter Severin, represented ICPA at the conference, alongside the European Board Members Kim Ekhaugen and Kathleen Van De Vijver, significantly enhancing connections with their European colleagues.

 

A notable moment at the conference was when Kim Ekhaugen was honored with an award for his invaluable contributions to the design and construction of a new prison in Bulgaria. This recognition highlighted the collaborative efforts and shared expertise among member states.

 

This annual conference remains a vital forum for sharing knowledge, best practices, and promoting international cooperation in corrections and probation.