In order to facilitate the selection of EU election observers, the European Commission has developed a roster which accelerates the process and makes it more transparent, impartial and uniform.
All candidates (core team and observers) interested in participating in an EOM have to register their candidature in the Election Roster. The minimum requirements to become an observer are defined in the EU Guidelines on Common Criteria for the Selection of Electoral Observers. In summary, the main points are:
- Citizenship of EU Member State, Switzerland or Norway.
- Previous experience of election monitoring and/or other relevant experience or know-how and specific training, national and/or international – good experience of working languages of EU EOMs (either English, French, or Spanish or a combination of those languages);
- Familiarity and experience with electoral laws and procedures (including inter alia electoral rolls, national electoral committees), not limited to a single electoral tradition
- Ability to maintain professional independence and strict impartiality in the conduct of duties in the host country;
- Analytical and drafting skills
- Interpersonal skills (e.g. capacity of balanced judgement, ability to work in teams, ability to cope with difficult situations, respect for local attitudes, good communication skills, readiness to work in a multicultural environment);
- Demonstrated commitment to democracy and human rights;
- Special knowledge of human rights and democratisation issues;
- basic knowledge of institutional aspects of the EU;
Qualified candidates are invited to enter their CVs into the electronic form provided. After screening the CVs of their own nationals, Member States will propose the most qualified candidates for the position of long or short-term observer (LTO/STO) in one of the EU's Election Observation Missions.
Core Team experts are recruited by the Commission directly. Candidates interested in applying as a Core Team member should regularly consult the calls for candidatures page.
Candidates should be aware that Member States may apply additional criteria when proposing their nationals for LTO or STO positions. Commission services may also add criteria in relation to specific countries. The Commission makes the final selection of LTOs and STOs. For further information, please consult the European Union External Action Service website.
Join the Roster of EU Election Observers.
