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Restorative justice represents a modern vision of criminal justice policy. Its central objective is not retribution. Instead, it views crime primarily as causing harm and disrupting interpersonal relationships, rather than merely violating legal norms. Restorative justice therefore seeks renewal—a process that involves all affected parties to the greatest extent possible.

For one week, Pilsen became a hub of intensive discussion about the future of justice. The Department of Sociology and Social Work at the UWB Faculty of Arts organised a gathering of students from across Europe dedicated to exploring restorative approaches within criminal justice systems. As part of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), 23 students from partner universities in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Slovenia travelled to the West Bohemian city. “It is an increasingly relevant topic, and it’s fantastic that we managed to bring together in Pilsen so many enthusiastic young people with diverse European perspectives,” said Lukáš Dirga of KSS, the academic guarantor of the event on behalf of the University of West Bohemia.

Within the BIP, students and lecturers engaged in an intensive and interactive programme built largely on collaboration in international teams. Thanks to cooperation with the Prison Service of the Czech Republic, participants, for example, had the opportunity to visit the Pilsen prison. The programme also included guided screenings of documentary films and a meeting with representatives of Ponton, a non-profit organisation providing low-threshold social services and educational programmes for children, youth, and families in challenging social situations. BIP participants were able to discuss justice and punishment directly with the director of the Bory Prison, as well as with the chair of the Czech Institute for Restorative Justice, and a criminal court judge from Olomouc.

Ella Zimmermannová, a student of the Department of Sociology and Social Work at the Faculty of Arts particularly appreciated this: “Seeing a prison from the inside and speaking with people involved in the justice system is an invaluable experience. Suddenly, theory connects with reality. It was an absolutely inspiring atmosphere that pushed all of us to reflect on alternatives to traditional punishment.”

This year’s third edition of the international BIP programme also included informal activities, such as a laser game. “It wasn’t only about studying but also about building connections. We had the chance to test our teamwork outside the seminar room as well,” added KSS student Simona Franková with a smile. Event guarantor Lukáš Dirga was equally satisfied: “Through this initiative, the Department of Sociology and Social Work strengthens its position within the international academic environment and becomes an important participant in established international cooperation.”

According to Dirga, this year’s edition matched the quality of the previous two programmes hosted by the Evangelische Hochschule Bochum in Germany. The BIP will continue next year, when the Avans Hogeschool in Breda, the Netherlands, will welcome students and lecturers. Details about the programme and a list of all current BIPs are available on the website.