The main objective of the talks, which took place in Brussels on 21 June 2016, was to discuss the implementation of recommendations made by the Committee with a view to introducing a guaranteed minimum service in prisons during strikes and other industrial action by staff. These talks form part of a dialogue which has been ongoing on this issue for more ten years between the CPT and the Belgian authorities. In this context, it should be recalled that the CPT visited four penitentiary establishments (Huy, Ittre, Jamioulx and Paifve) affected by strikes from 7 to 9 May 2016.

The CPT’s representatives were Mykola GNATOVSKYY, President of the CPT, as well as Jeroen SCHOKKENBROEK (Executive Secretary) and Michael NEURAUTER (Head of Division) of the Committee’s Secretariat.