A training for potential future Press Officers in European Union Election Observation Missions (EU EOMs) was organised by EODS, in Brussels, from 25 – 28 June 2024. The activity gathered 12 participants with diverse skills and professional backgrounds. The gender balanced group came from different EU Member States, namely, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden and Spain. The four-day training was facilitated by two professionals with significant experience in election observation and in developing and implementing a visibility and communications strategy in the context of EU EOMs. The activity included a full-day practical session on how to make a video on a smartphone and training on events' live streaming facilitated by a team of video and film experts. Officials from the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) and the European External Action Service (EEAS) were also present. Colleagues from Strategic Communication and Foresight Directorate / Global Communications, International Cultural Relations and Public Diplomacy division briefed the participants on the communication policy in the European Union. Press officers’ main role is to ensure the election observation missions’ visibility contributing to showcase the extensive work done by the EU EOMs in promoting democratic trends around the world.
