Election observation is a vital component of European Union activities to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law worldwide. Election observation can contribute to strengthening democratic institutions, build public confidence in electoral processes and help deter fraud, intimidation and violence. Election observation also serves to reinforce other key European Union foreign policy objectives, notably peace-building. With these objectives in mind, the European Union has become a leading force in international election observation. Since 2000 over a hundred EU Election Observation Missions (EU EOMs) have been deployed to all continents, with the exception of the OSCE region, following a long-term observation methodology to assess election processes according to international standards and best practices for genuine democratic elections.

In addition to election observation, the European Commission is engaged in election assistance, the technical or material support given to the electoral process. More information on election assistance is available on the DEVCO website.