This action will be implemented using the "European Response to the Electoral Cycle (EURECS)" approach, developed and copyrighted by ECES - whose main objective is to offer the European Union, its Member States, and beneficiary countries an innovative electoral and democratic support mechanism to implement projects and programmes in line with EU values and policies. The mechanism is designed to help prevent, mitigate, and manage election-related conflicts in line with international obligations, standards, and political commitments. EURECS strategy in Ethiopia will take into consideration the following elements:

• The 5 years of experience acquired by ECES in Ethiopia supporting the last electoral cycle.
• The recommendations from the EU EOMs, EEMs, and Follow-up missions in formulating and implementing activities supporting electoral processes. ECES will systematically liaise with the European Parliament, European Commission and EEAS Election Division in Brussels.
• The lessons learned exercise conducted by NEBE and involving ECES, UNDP and IFES.
• All phases of electoral cycle, in coordination with other election assistance providers, implementing activities supporting different electoral stakeholders like CSOs, NEBE, security forces, institutions dealing with electoral dispute resolution, media, etc.
• The need of interdisciplinary teams with skills adapted to the needs of the EURECS project (see human resources section) by adopting a joint human resource plan submitted to the EU services prior to the signature of the contracts.
• Relying on key experts from ECES who have spent the last 5 years supporting NEBE and CECOE and developed solid expertise and a strong network in Ethiopia.

EURECS is built around three main pillars: operational cycle and project management tools, programmatic and capacity-building tools, and analysis and knowledge management tools. Its implementation is structured around the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the ECES quality management system. Programmatically, EURECS is implemented through methodologies designed to support beneficiaries, donors, and electoral stakeholders. The methods are all adapted to the needs of the beneficiary and the context of the country concerned. A conflict-sensitive and inclusive approach will guide all stages of implementation. In addition to specific activities targeting vulnerable and marginalized groups, the commitment to inclusion of the disenfranchised will be reflected in all stages of implementation, i.e. the recruitment of experts, the selection of participants of project activities, and the development of project materials.

The analytical aspect of EURECS is based on three main methodologies: Leadership & Conflict Management Skills for Electoral Stakeholders (LEAD), Electoral Political Economy Analysis (EPEA), and electoral security threat assessment (ESTA). These methodologies provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the electoral landscape, its administration, and the complexity of possible influences on the security and stakeholder mapping of the country. The analysis will be part of theInception Report, together with a CSO mapping of CECOE member-organisations and other CSOs. The Inception Report will inform ECES and the EU Delegation to guide the implementation of the different activities of the project in an appropriate and conflict sensitive manner.

The project’s adherence to international principles of conflict sensitivity and human rights is grounded in the "Do No Harm" principle. ECES will conduct thorough human rights and conflict sensitivity assessments as part of the EPEA and ESTA methodologies to mitigate risks. Updates of these studies will be regularly produced At The request of the European Union Delegation and the German cooperation. These will directly feed into the risk assessment of the project, and be considered in the design of each activity. This ensures that activities avoid unintended harm, contribute positively and reinforce trust in the electoral process, strengthen democratic governance, and promote stability.

EURECS project will continue to support and strengthen already existing organisations and networks, while reinforcing and stimulating new non-state actors to seek active engagement, promote and provide for networking opportunities, and stimulate exchange among peers from other African election management bodies. ECES will collaborate closely with CSOs, community leaders, and other stakeholders who possess deep knowledge of the local context. The collaboration will also guide capacity-building workshops, CVE campaigns, and policy dialogues to ensure that activities are conflict sensitive, respect international human rights commitments and standards as well as cultural particularities, and bear relevance to the identified specificities and needs.