Observing elections is part of the bedrock of a functioning democracy, which is, in turn, a crucial factor in sustainable development. This requires skilled and trained observers.
Training for observers is organised by their own Member States (mainly for short-term observers) and by Commission services with the support of its specific initiative NEEDS (the Network for Enhanced Electoral and Democracy Support).
NEEDS bolsters the capacity of the EU and civil society organisations to conduct election observation missions, thereby enhancing the transparency and credibility of observed elections. In addition, NEEDS is conducting a series of seminars for domestic observer groups in Africa, the MEDA region, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
NEEDS is conducting a series of training seminars for EU long-term observers and core team experts for EU EOMs. Trainees are selected on the basis of their profiles, experience and language skills. There is also the need to strike a balance between the nationalities and gender of the participants.
