The 8th edition of the Workshop of Representatives of Detention Centres continues a series launched by EMN Luxembourg in 2019. Since its first edition, the annual workshop has provided a dedicated forum for representatives of detention centres from across Europe to exchange experience and good practices, reflect on common challenges and share lessons learned. The workshop has been hosted in different countries over the years, including Poland in 2023 and the Czech Republic in 2025, allowing participants to discover different national settings while maintaining continuity in professional contacts. Its informal format also offers participants an opportunity to step away from their day-to-day responsibilities and engage directly with colleagues working in different national contexts.

This year’s exchanges included a discussion on mandatory training for detention centre staff, looking at the wide range of knowledge, skills and competences required to work in such a complex and sensitive environment. It also considered the importance of staff experience and motivation, as well as staff retention, and the role of cooperation with a range of partners in supporting high-quality and continuous training. A second discussion examined the impact of the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum on the functioning and tasks of detention centres, including possible implications for capacity, staffing and budgets. The open exchange then provided an opportunity for countries to share their experience with Iceland, which is preparing to establish its first detention centre, including the main challenges they had encountered and what they might do differently if they were starting again. A separate discussion addressed the viability and practical challenges of implementing alternatives to detention. On the second day, participants visited the Merksplas closed centre, where they were able to see the Belgian setting in practice and engage directly with colleagues through questions and discussion.

The workshop also provides opportunities for contacts and cooperation beyond the meeting itself. The informal and dynamic exchanges can help strengthen professional links between detention centres in different countries and provide a basis for follow-up activities, including bilateral contacts and visits and staff exchange initiatives. The 9th edition of the workshop will be hosted by Cyprus, continuing the series of annual meetings dedicated to exchanging experience and strengthening professional contacts between detention centre representatives across Europe.