The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has just updated its online database on criminal detention conditions in European Union (EU) countries. This tool gathers detailed information on detention regimes in the 27 EU member states and the United Kingdom.

The Permanent Observatory for Justice (OPJ) of the Centre for Social Studies (CES) contributed to this update through its participation in the FRANET network - the FRA's European research network - which collects and analyses relevant national information, drawing up the report on the situation in Portugal. The Portuguese study was carried out by Conceição Gomes, Carlos Nolasco, Diana Barros and Gustavo Veiga.

The database gathers information on: prison conditions (cell space, hygiene, healthcare, food, violence, etc.); the situation of specific groups (women, foreigners, young people, vulnerable people); European and national case law; and reports from prison monitoring and inspection organisations.

Created in 2019 to support legal professionals in cross-border cases, this tool combines legal standards, court decisions and empirical data on the prison system in Europe, promoting the protection of the fundamental rights of incarcerated people.

CES, through the Permanent Observatory for Justice, is the organisation contracted in Portugal by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) through the FRANET network. Until 2026, the work to be carried out will contribute to the FRA's studies and comparative analyses of the main challenges faced by the European Union and the Member States in terms of fundamental rights.

More information | https://fra.europa.eu/en/news/2025/unpacking-criminal-detention-rules-and-regulations-across-eu

Report on Portugal | https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/portugal-criminal-detention-2024-country-study_en.pdf