The award serves as a testimony to not only the mission in Guatemala but to the EU’s dedication to fostering transparent, credible, and inclusive electoral processes across the globe, particularly during times when democracy faces challenges in various regions.

Three decades ago, the EU embarked on a crucial mission - deploying its first Election Observation Mission. Since then, the EU has conducted over 200 missions in 75 countries worldwide.

WilsonCenter

These missions play a vital role in assessing the credibility, transparency, and inclusivity of elections. Beyond that, they scrutinize the adherence to human rights, including the right to vote for all, with a special focus on women, people with disabilities, and minorities. Moreover, EU election observation missions evaluate the respect for freedom of expression, freedom of the media, and freedom of opinions.

As we celebrate three decades of deployment, the EU was deeply honoured to receive the Wilson Award this Tuesday 28 November, highlighting the organization's unwavering commitment to the democratic process.

This award is not just a recognition of the EU’s work as an entity but also a tribute to the dedicated experts on the ground. From smaller to larger missions, each expert plays a crucial role in safeguarding democracy and electoral processes. Their diligence and commitment have been fundamental to the success of the EU's endeavours over the past 30 years.

As we reflect on the journey of the EU Election Observation Missions and celebrate this milestone, it is a moment to acknowledge the importance of upholding democratic values globally.

The award not only honours the EU but also underscores the significance of the collective effort in ensuring credible and inclusive elections. In a world where democracy faces numerous challenges, the EU's commitment to these principles remains unwavering.