The Faculty of Law joins the PRISA European research project

The Faculty of Law of the Université Catholique de Lille has been selected to participate in the European research project PRISA (Strengthening procedural rights for vulnerable individuals that are suspects and accused in criminal proceedings), funded by the European Commission’s JUST programme.

Led by Laure Laref, Michaël Laref, Laurent Chabert and Franck Ludwiczak, this 24-month funded project represents an important recognition for our faculty and for the Institut Catholique de Lille, which will contribute to a major European debate on the protection of fundamental rights.

Strengthening the rights of vulnerable individuals in criminal justice

The PRISA project aims to strengthen procedural safeguards for vulnerable individuals who are suspected or accused in criminal proceedings. Despite the existence of a robust European legal framework, the implementation of these rights remains uneven across Member States.

The project focuses in particular on the various forms of vulnerability, which may be related to gender, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, health or socio-economic circumstances. It also examines the challenges posed by the development of new technologies in criminal justice, which, in the absence of appropriate safeguards and judicial oversight, may exacerbate inequalities and undermine the fairness of proceedings.

European cooperation delivering tangible outcomes

Coordinated by the Pro Refugiu Association (APR), PRISA brings together partners from five countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Poland and France, represented by the Institut Catholique de Lille.

Over the 24-month period, the project will produce national reports and a comparative study, as well as an action plan and a handbook for legal and justice professionals. Expert meetings, round tables and conferences will also bring together lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers, academics, representatives of public institutions and civil society organisations.

Through this collaboration, the Faculty of Law of the Université Catholique de Lille will contribute to identifying practical solutions to better protect vulnerable individuals and ensure fairer criminal proceedings.

The selection of PRISA highlights our University’s commitment to European research and provides its teams with an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation, while contributing to a more inclusive justice system that respects fundamental rights.