Case Spotlight: Romania
Romanian Penitentiary Administration
The development level of any society is reflected in the efficiency and accountability of its prison system. A prison system must not be seen merely as a detention place, isolated from the broader community, but as an active agent of rehabilitation and social re-entry. In this context, the Romanian Penitentiary Administration embraces with determination the task of modernising and reforming the Romanian prison system, addressing both internal needs and international standards. Prison overcrowding and the need for infrastructure development are two of the most significant challenges we face, but they are not insurmountable. With a clear vision and a strategic plan, the administration is consistently working to overcome these obstacles.
The Romanian Administration of Penitentiary has undertaken an extensive effort to modernise prison infrastructure. Between 2021 and 2023, approximately 2,003 new accommodation places were created, and another 218 existing ones were upgraded. This represents a significant
step toward meeting the organisation’s goals. These investments had a direct impact on several prison units across the country.
In 2023, the administration started to use 1,282 new accommodation places. Of these 1,113 were created by repurposing existing spaces, while 169 were provided with the support of external beneficiaries.
Key prison facilities in locations such as Arad, Jilava, Craiova, and Gherla benefited from these capacity expansion projects. Moreover, maintenance works and repairs were performed in 1,293 detention rooms, with a further 1,703 rooms receiving maintenance works to enhance living conditions.
The year 2024 marked a continuation of this transformation and modernisation process, with the implementation of a standardised, pavilion-type concept. This effort consists in constructing 20 pavilions, each with a capacity of 100 places, across 12 prison facilities. These investments are fundamental for expanding the accommodation capacity and reducing overcrowding.
During 2024 and 2025, the penitentiary administration is creating 4,594 new accommodation places. Key projects include the construction of 420 new places at Baia Mare Prison, 400 at Constanța-Poarta Albă Prison, and 410 at Vaslui Prison.
Achieving ambitious objectives often comes with challenges that require careful management. Large-scale projects are inevitably subject to risks of delays, stemming from the complexity of administrative procedures such as public tenders or unpredictable needs for additional funding.
Furthermore, execution issues during construction, as well as urbanistic constraints can further postpone delay the completion of significant objectives. Despite these obstacles, the administration remains committed to completing its projects with determination and transparency.
Looking ahead, Romania has a clear plan for the continued development of the prison system. Two new prisons will be built within P47 Berceni and P48 Unguriu projects. These facilities will provide approximately 1,900 new accommodation places, significantly reducing overcrowding and improving detention conditions throughout the country. Construction work on these projects commenced in January 2024, with completion expected within the next 4–5 years.
Although there are still many challenges to overcome, it is important to recognise that we are at a crucial moment in the evolution of the Romanian prison system: The system the highest number of accommodation places in its history, and 13,257 staff members ensure a record staffing rate of
82.64%. The reoffending rate, which exceeded 46% in 2008, has now stabilized below 37% over the past three years.
The progress Romania has made in this complex field, which poses challenges to many member states, has not gone unnoticed. The sustained efforts of the penitentiary administration have been acknowledged at the European level. For the first time in many years, the Committee of
Ministerial Delegations in Human Rights within the Council of Europe issued a decision positively valuing the advancements made in the prison system.
However, we will not stop here. There is still work to be done. The penitentiary administration reaffirms its commitment to consistently invest in the development of Romania’s prison infrastructure, creating a safe and humane environment, contributing to reducing reoffending, and supporting a fair and efficient justice system for all citizens.
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