The European Prison Education Association is an organisation made up of prison educators, administrators, governors, researchers and other professionals whose interests lie in promoting and developing education and related activities in prisons throughout Europe in accordance with the recommendations of the Council of Europe. EPEA is recognised by the Council of Europe as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). It is commited to working with prison administrations in Europe to further its aims, but is totally free-standing and independent. Apart from serving the aims of the organisation by encouraging the formation of national branches, etc. the EPEA organises a major international conference on prison education every two years.
The EPEA is recognised by the Council of Europe as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). It is committed to working with prison administrations in Europe to further its aims, but is totally free-standing and independent.
The EPEA has established itself as the European voice for prison education drawing its membership from over 40 countries. Acknowledgment of its strength and importance lies in its recognition as an official Non-Government Organisation (NGO) with participatory status at the Council of Europe (COE), and it has been honoured further by its recent election to the Liaison Committee of NGOs with full voting rights.