The spectroscopic properties of alkaline earth borophosphates MBPO5 (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) doped with Ce3+ ions are investigated in the 130-400 nm wavelength region. The bands corresponding to the 4f(1)-> 4f(0)5d(1) transitions of Ce3+ in the host lattices are identified. The barycenters of Ce3+ in the host lattices, the host absorption, the crystal field splitting, the emission and the Stokes shifts are presented and discussed in terms of the crystal structure of the host lattice. In addition, the luminescent properties are quasi-quantitatively discussed using the dielectric scheme, and the influence of charge compensation on the emission of Ce3+ is discussed also. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.