Today the European Union Election Observation Missions (EU EOM) and, in particular, the team of the EU EOM to Guatemala, is one of the laureates of the Wilson Award for Public Service for their important role in the defence of democracy. EU High Representative Josep Borrell, through a message delivered by Chief Observer Cañas on his behalf at the awards ceremony, expressed his pride and the gratitude of the European Union.

High Representative Borrell said: “The award not only acknowledges the excellent work of the team who has carried the EU EOM flag most recently in Guatemala, but it also recognises the positive impact of the European Union Election Observation Missions deployed by the EU across the world. Support to democracy worldwide is in the DNA of the European Union. Electoral Observation Missions are a crucial tool for EU foreign policy. Our observation missions enhance our engagement with partner countries, including in support of their efforts to fulfil their international obligations. And this is crucial, because only a functioning democracy can address its citizens’ needs, meet their demands and fulfil their aspirations.”

High Representative Borrell extended this Award to each and every member of EU EOM teams, as they all act upon the same rigorous methodology that ensures the highest standards of professionalism, independence and impartiality, in promoting and defending democratic processes and institutions. “The fact that independent electoral observers often carry their mandate in complex situations, as we have most recently seen in the case of Guatemala, make their status of human rights defenders even more evident” – he acknowledged.

The European Union deploys EOMs to countries all around the world, with the exception of the regions covered by the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE). The OSCE also observe election processes in EU Member States.

The EU is a globally recognised actor in international election observation. Since 2000, the EU has deployed over 200 Election Observation Missions (EOMs) in more than 75 countries.

The Wilson Center is a non-partisan policy forum that addresses pressing global issues through independent research and open dialogue. Prior awardees include former Presidents Fernando Henrique Cardoso of Brazil and Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia.

For more information on EU EOM, you can visit: EU Election Observation Missions | EEAS (europa.eu)