ABSTRACT
This final chapter considers the extent to which a coherent and fair policy on release from prison is developing within the EU. It identifies the main challenges to successful comparative work on release from prison. One difficulty is that the fine line between imprisonment and liberty is not always clear. Definitional challenges abound when it comes to comparing different forms of release. Available statistics are limited.
Common themes include the need to clarify the purposes of conditional release, and the need to identify appropriate conditions and requirements. The chapter underlines the basic problems in predicting recidivism, and urges the use of early release to achieve the basic aims of punishment, especially the reintegration of offenders.
