European Commission Call for Candidates for the Election Observation Mission in the Philippines

Key Chapter Title List

1. Long-Term Observers (LTOs)
2. Short-Term Observers (STOs)
3. Language Requirements
4. Important Notes
5. Candidate Qualification Requirements
6. Selection of Successful Candidates and Information to be Provided to Pre-selected Observers
7. Matters the Committee Draws to the Attention of Member States
8. Explanation of Observer Daily Allowance (Forfait)
9. Code of Conduct
10. Certificate of Fitness for Work
11. Medical Declaration
12. Personal Data Protection

Document Introduction

This document is an official notification issued by the European Commission's Service for Foreign Policy Instruments to all Member States, formally initiating the selection process for Long-Term and Short-Term Observers for the 2025 European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) for the Midterm Elections in the Republic of the Philippines. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP) has decided to deploy this mission to observe the elections scheduled for May 12, 2025. The notification elaborates on the mission's operational framework, aiming to provide comprehensive and authoritative guidance for Member States nominating candidates and for potential observers.

The core content of the notification includes specific deployment arrangements for long-term and short-term observers. Seventy-two (72) Long-Term Observers (LTOs) are planned for recruitment, with each Member State able to nominate up to 5 candidates. The expected deployment period is from April 10 to May 22, 2025, totaling 43 days. One hundred and four (104) Short-Term Observers (STOs) are planned for recruitment (including 2 candidates from EU Liaison Points), with each Member State able to nominate up to 6 candidates. The expected deployment period is from May 3 to 18, 2025, totaling 16 days. The notification specifies the daily allowance observers are entitled to (LTOs €300/day, STOs €260/day) and details the adjustment ratios for different accommodation and meal arrangements, reflecting the refinement and transparency of logistical management.

The document systematically outlines the qualification thresholds and behavioral standards for candidates. Observers must possess fluent English language skills (C1 level) and have experience in relevant election observation, large-scale international civilian missions, or human rights monitoring tasks. The document particularly emphasizes that observers must be in good health, capable of adapting to difficult living conditions, long working hours, and potentially stressful environments. All observers must strictly adhere to the Code of Conduct, including maintaining strict neutrality, respecting local laws, not interfering in the electoral process, and not making personal or premature comments to the media. Violations may lead to early termination of the mission, immediate repatriation, and non-recommendation for participation in EU election observation tasks for the following five years.

The notification further elaborates on the strict selection process and data protection policy. Candidates must submit applications through the EU Roster for Election Observers (ROSTER) system. Selection will be based on relevant Council decisions and past assessment records. The European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) are responsible for the final selection of the observer list. The document includes a detailed Personal Data Protection Statement, clarifying the legal basis for processing personal data for the execution of the mission's tasks (such as arranging travel, insurance, visas), the types of data processed (including identity, financial, medical information, etc.), storage periods (typically seven years after the end of the service contract, with health data destroyed after the mission ends), and the scope of data recipients. This statement ensures strong protection for observers' personal data rights under the framework of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Regulation (EU) 2018/1725.

Overall, this document is not only an operational guide but also a model document reflecting the EU's election observation methodology, professional standards, and legal compliance requirements. It systematically presents the EU's standardized, end-to-end process for deploying election observation missions in third countries, covering personnel selection, logistical support, behavioral constraints, and rights protection. It holds significant reference value for studying the EU's external electoral assistance policy, international election observation practices, and cross-border mission management.