Penal policy transfers in Europe. Connecting aims and aspiration with windows of opportunity

• In Event: EU Law Criminal Policy

Abstract

Penal policy transfer occurs in various forms and contexts worldwide. International professional meetings, academic reviews, study visits, and transnational projects serve as key platforms where ideas can seamlessly traverse continents and jurisdictions through the exchange of expertise among participants. These ideas may eventually materialize into concrete policies and reforms or remain dormant, awaiting future opportunities for implementation. This presentation outlines the findings of a thematic analysis conducted across ten European jurisdictions as part of doctoral research on the transfer of criminal justice policies in Europe. The study proposes a conceptual model that maps a potential pathway for the transfer of penal policies, integrating key elements such as domestic aspirations, the existence of specific national objectives, and the strategic use of windows of opportunity (e.g., political priorities, financial resources, and collaborative interactions). By following this pathway, jurisdictions can achieve greater clarity of action, fostering a conducive environment for policy reform and potentially inspiring similar changes in other jurisdictions. The study introduces a five-step model observed across these ten European jurisdictions, offering a structured approach for future penal policy reform and probation development.

Author

• Iuliana Elena Carbunaru, Bucharest University, Sociology and Social Work Faculty