-14 concrete cases and, thus, have all it takes to investigate the root causes of the problems. For these reasons, NPMs can and should go beyond mere inspection and monitoring of compliance. Rather they should offer recommendations on how to reduce the likelihood or risk of torture or ill-treatment that aim to support the State in the identification of forward-looking solutions and achieve change. By adopting this role, NPMs can be key players in upholding and harmonising EU standards on detention conditions. Project objectives To facilitate the NPMs work, this Project produced a Series of Handbooks that collect relevant international standards and guidance on how to monitor detention conditions. The Handbooks are intended as a practical tool for NPMs to get a better understanding on: • Main thematic issues and the risks for the prevention of torture and illtreatment connected to them • The existing international standards on selected thematic issues • How to apply these international standards in practice and monitor the selected thematic issues Overall, the Project aims to support NPMs in putting forward recommendations on how to reduce the likelihood or risk of torture or ill-treatment and, ultimately, contribute to prison conditions in full compliance with fundamental rights in the EU. Project methodology The EU funded Project began in January 2019 and covered four thematic issues identified based on results from previous projects and in direct consultations with EU NPMs. Under the overall coordination of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights, each Project Partner was responsible for the research on one particular thematic issue,