The European Penitentiary Training Academy Network (EPTA) was founded in 2010 by heads of European Penitentiary Staff Training Academies to provide for a structure that supports sharing of training methodologies and contents across Europe.

EPTA aims at developing cooperation that enhances initial and continuous training of correctional staff and at contributing to increase awareness of the correctional staff’s work in prison and probation settings.

At the 2023 EPTA conference, the future of the network was discussed, with the EPTA Steering Committee proposing its continuation under EuroPris management post the EU-funded EPTA II project. A majority survey response supported this transition, and EPTA members voted overwhelmingly (95%) in favor of merging with EuroPris, ensuring EPTA’s stability and a developed work program. While the EPTA project concludes in November, an extension to May 2024 is planned by the NHC, with a transition plan for a seamless handover.

Under EuroPris, EPTA will maintain its objectives, name, and logo, function as an expert network, offer free membership, and host an annual conference and activity program, with no mandatory EuroPris membership.

You can view the EPTA website here.