EPTA II: Recent Developments and Future Directions
In September 2023, members of the European Penitentiary Training Academies (EPTA) network, funded by the European Union’s Justice Programme, convened in Tallinn for the 15th Annual Conference. Co-organized by the Netherlands Helsinki Committee (NHC), EuroPris, and the College of Justice at the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, the conference took place on September 26 and 27. The theme, “Lessons Learned: Overcoming Teaching Challenges – Strategies and Solutions for Effective Education,” allowed participants to share experiences and address common issues such as training retention and recruitment challenges.
During the conference, EPTA members voted and decided to merge with EuroPris to enhance sustainability and foster a more collaborative approach.
From May 14 to 16, 2024, the École Nationale d’Administration Pénitentiaire (ÉNAP) hosted the final meeting of the EPTA II steering committee. This meeting, which included representatives from prison training institutions in Bulgaria, France, Georgia, Ireland, and Romania, as well as EuroPris and NHC, focused on finalizing the project. The integration of the EPTA network into EuroPris was discussed to ensure long-term sustainability and better alignment with penitentiary training advancements.
Looking ahead, EPTA members will reconvene in Tbilisi, Georgia, in September, where a new committee will be established under EuroPris, marking the next phase of the network’s development.
Achievements and Future Plans
Over recent years, the EPTA network has demonstrated its potential for growth and impact. The network has become more professional and structured, marked by an increase in membership and the launch of a new website. The “EPTA II: Innovating Together” project aimed to build on these achievements by strengthening the network, enhancing its sustainability, and promoting more in-depth information sharing.
The EPTA network will continue to encourage participation and exchange among its members, enabling both existing and future European partners to benefit from training outcomes. National Training Academies will continue gaining access to innovative tools developed by EPTA, aiding in tracking new developments in correctional staff training.
Some of the achievements of the project included:
- Further development of the EPTA website, online platform, and Knowledge Management System
- A crisis management workshop focused on innovative training methods
- Three cross-border staff training exchanges
- A Criminal Justice Crossover Training with the collaboration of EuroPris, the Confederation of European Probation and the European Forum of Restorative Justice.
Photo: EPTA representatives at the 15th Annual Conference
