How to maintain the effect of good preparation for release of violent extremist prisoners (VEPs), vulnerable and marginalised prisoners at risk of radicalisation once they are set free - this was the main focus of the regional conference “Challenges to ensuring prison exit continuum of VEPs/VEOs, vulnerable and marginalised prisoners at risk of radicalisation in the Western Balkans” held on 22 June 2023 in Durres, Albania.
Over forty professionals from the region, representing penitentiary, social welfare and protection sectors, adult education, employment services, civil society organizations active in preventing and countering violent extremism and post-penal assistance to former detainees learned about key approaches and best practices in preparation for release of the relevant categories of prisoners in the Netherlands, Germany, France and the Western Balkans region. 
What a quality pre-release programme implies; what are best practices of exit programmes in EU; how occupational/vocational or work opportunities in prisons can foster disengagement from violence and employment prospects upon release – these were just a few out of many issues discussed during the event. 
During the conference the participants had an opportunity to present and discuss key challenges they face while preparing VEPs, vulnerable and marginalised prisoners at risk from radicalization for release. They agreed that necessary preconditions for a quality preparation for release include a thorough risk assessment of prisoners, well-coordinated action of the different stakeholders supporting post-penal social reintegration, effective and timely information exchange between them and occupational, vocational or education opportunities while in prison which can improve the prisoners’ employment prospects upon return to communities.
The conference was organized within the framework of the regional action “Enhancing co-operation in the Western Balkans in managing violent extremism in prisons and preventing further radicalisation after release” implemented under Horizontal Facility Phase III for the Western Balkans and Türkiye, co-funded by EU and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.