FULL-PROOF seminar in Poznan: strengthening procedural rights in practice

On 24–25 June 2026, members of the FULL-PROOF project consortium and practitioners met in Poznan, Poland to examine how procedural rights can be protected not only in law, but also in the first, often decisive, moments of criminal proceedings.

International Cross-Professional Seminar brought together professionals involved in different stages of the justice process to discuss the practical application of legal safeguards for suspects and accused persons, particularly in cases involving people in vulnerable situations.

The programme combined expert presentations, project findings, workshops and an interactive cross-professional case simulation. Discussions focused on procedural safeguards for persons from particularly vulnerable groups in detention, including access to a lawyer, the earliest stages of detention and barriers linked to language, health, disability, social situation or previous experience of violence.

A central theme was where procedural rights are at risk in practice. Project findings showed that formal transposition of EU standards is necessary, but not sufficient. Participants discussed how safeguards may be weakened when they are not applied quickly, clearly and consistently from the outset of proceedings, especially when communication, access to legal assistance or institutional cooperation are not ensured in practice.

The seminar also highlighted the project’s work to date and its contribution to supporting the effective application of procedural rights in practice. Participants discussed how the project’s findings and activities can help address practical challenges, further develop useful resources, and inform recommendations for professionals and institutions.

The seminar underlined one of FULL-PROOF’s key messages: procedural rights are protected not only through legal standards, but through the everyday decisions, communication and cooperation of the professionals who apply them.