At the informal meeting in Brussels on Friday 26 January, the afternoon debates led by the EU justice ministers focused on the model for detention centres, with the aim of adopting EU Council conclusions in June.
Small-scale detention, aimed at facilitating the reintegration of prisoners into society, is a model recognised for its ability to reduce reoffending and promote prisoners’ autonomy.
Ahead of the debates, the European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, stressed the importance of these discussions, declaring: “It is a subject I try to raise regularly; it’s a form of detention with a small number of prisoners in the same place to facilitate reintegration and rehabilitation”.
The Belgian model, presented by the Minister of Justice, Paul Van Tigchelt, who chaired the debates, gives prominence to detention centres geared towards rehabilitation and active preparation for the reintegration of prisoners. These facilities, designed for small groups, encourage responsibility and autonomy, from household chores to work and training opportunities outside the home.
This approach could represent a significant evolution in the management of detention in Europe. According to the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, it is in line with the growing trend to prioritise the social reintegration of prisoners, as opposed to more traditional and punitive methods. In addition, the success of this model reportedly lies in its ability to adapt the level of security and reintegration programmes to individual needs.
The EU Member States reportedly expressed a keen interest in this method, considering adopting it as part of their own judicial systems. The Council conclusions, expected in June, should provide a roadmap for the integration of these practices. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)