Two methods of approach remain open to former MEPs wishing to apply for EU Election Observation Missions. The approach most likely to succeed is via your national Government. You will find the focal point list at the following address:     http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/applications/eom/index.cfm?fuseaction=c.show_focal_point_list

The second option is to apply directly to the European Commission which has introduced a system of online applications where candidates are invited to complete an electronic application form on the EuropeAid website: http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/applications/eom/index.cfm?fuseaction=c.show_update_observer_cv

First selections are made by Member States which propose qualified national candidates for the positions of Long-Term or Short-Term Observers. The European Commission remains in charge of final selection but continues to maintain its special agreement with Member States by giving priority to candidates presented by their Ministries.

Because of this, applications for Election Observation Missions should ideally be sent directly to your Government as well as, or instead of, the Commission.

In fact for some nationalities direct registration with the Commission will not result in selection. For example German and Swedish nationals have to be nominated by their Governments and registered with the national lists maintained by ZIF (Center for International Peace Operations -www.zif-berlin.org) and by Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation - www.sida.se).

Finally, Core Team experts for missions are directly recruited by the Commission. These experts are recruited for a period of 3 to 4 months on the bases of a service contract. These positions are published on the EuropeAid website and require either previous experience in observation missions or special skills and knowledge.

We would be grateful if you could send to us, at  our address in Brussels, a copy of any application you submit so that we can maintain our own files of Former MEPs interested in taking part in Election Observation Missions. This file will then be used in any future discussions we may have on your behalf with the Commission and the European Parliament, which, as many of you know, occasionally organises its own election Observation Missions.