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Election-Watch.EU (wahlbeobachtung.org)

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Election-Watch.EU (wahlbeobachtung.org) is an independent, non-partisan civil society organisation with extended international and citizen-based election observation and electoral assistance expertise.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Alexandra Geese (Member of the European Parliament)

23 Sept 2025 · Event: Securing elections in a weaponized information space: The european response to authoritarian and digital threats

Meeting with Borja Giménez Larraz (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

9 Jul 2025 · Reforma de la Ley Electoral Europea de 2018

Response to Report on the 2024 elections to the European Parliament

8 Nov 2024

Election-Watch.EU conducted the second comprehensive civil society-based Election Assessment Mission (EAM) and assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the 2024 European Parliament (EP) elections across all Member States (MS), highlighting good practices and areas of progress while identifying key challenges that require attention. Election-Watch.EU presented a Preliminary Statement at a press conference on 10 June 2024 in Brussels, with an assessment across the six areas of equality, inclusion, transparency, accountability, integrity, and resilience, and the overall objective of enhancing the European elections. In the attached Final Report, published on 30 September 2024, the EAM highlighted 19 good practice examples to provide inspiration for positive change and enhance electoral processes within and outside the EU. Further, the EAM provided a total of 21 recommendations throughout the report, summarised in the Annex. These recommendations are offered to stimulate discussion and provide a reference for future electoral reforms within the EU and the 27 MS. Election-Watch.EU stands ready to assist and continues advocating for electoral reforms. Key Recommendations for Strengthening EU Electoral Processes: Harmonise Electoral Framework and Seat Allocation: EU institutions and MS should collaborate to establish unified electoral rules, particularly regarding voting and candidacy rights, and to identify a permanent, transparent method for distributing EP seats that reflects demographic realities Increase Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities: Standardise accessibility measures across MS to ensure persons with disabilities can participate fully, addressing polling station access and alternative voting methods. Promote Inclusion of Marginalised and Underrepresented Groups: Expand gender quotas; strengthen measures for the inclusion of minorities, including the Roma; and enhance civic education for youth and first-time voters. Facilitate Mobile EU Citizens' Participation: Simplify registration, address language barriers, harmonise deadlines, and enhance data exchange to improve inclusion in European elections. Harmonise Conditions for Campaigning: Review electoral campaign regulations across MS and increase the visibility of European political parties to ensure equal opportunities for candidates. Strengthen Campaign Finance Transparency: Standardise campaign finance rules across MS and empower independent authorities with clear responsibilities and enforcement powers for effective oversight. Safeguard Media Freedom and Digital Transparency: Enforce media freedom protections and new social media regulations, with Digital Services Coordinators ensuring accountability on political advertising standards. Support Election Observation: Implement standardised frameworks for election observation across MS to strengthen transparency and public trust. Six MS do not have any framework for election observation, and 16 MS do not permit citizen election observers, which should be addressed. Standardise Electoral Dispute Resolution: Develop consistent complaint mechanisms, allowing comprehensive judicial review to ensure accountability and align with international standards. Ensure Transparency in Election Results: Publish detailed election and polling station results on a central platform to support transparency and public trust. The consolidation of MS election results by the European Parliament should become more transparent. Empower Civil Society and Protect Civic Space: Support civil society organisations and address civic space infringements, particularly in MS with restrictive civic engagement practices. These recommendations aim to create a cohesive, inclusive, and transparent electoral framework that fosters public confidence and ensures fair representation. Please read the findings of Election-Watch.EU in the attached report including the full set of 21 recommendations and 19 good practice examples.
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Meeting with Věra Jourová (Vice-President) and

25 Apr 2024 · Disinformation, media and protection of elections

Meeting with Nacho Sánchez Amor (Member of the European Parliament)

10 Oct 2023 · Electoral Observation