In 2016, ECES devised a strategy called A European Response to Electoral Cycles Support (EURECS), an operating model that outlines a number of guiding principles for delivering electoral assistance, via specific methodologies that have been also copyrighted, i.e. Electoral Political Economy Analyses (EPEA), Leadership and Conflict Management Skills for Electoral Stakeholders (LEAD) and Prevent and manage Election-related conflict and Violence (PEV). Rooted in lessons learned over fifteen years of experience in over 200 projects across 130 countries, EURECS aims to support the EU, its Member States, other European donors, and beneficiary countries in implementing electoral support projects aligned with EU values, policies, and international obligations.
EURECS responds to the entire electoral cycle, recognising that elections are not isolated events but long-term processes. It supports inclusive and sustainable electoral environments by engaging a wide range of actors, including electoral management bodies, civil society organizations, political parties, local authorities, parliaments, media, and security forces. The approach incorporates conflict-sensitive and human rights-based principles, guided by the "Do No Significant Harm" framework and designed to foster integrity, inclusion, and resilience in democratic governance.
The main objectives of EURECS are to provide a structured and innovative delivery mechanism for democracy and electoral assistance. to prevent, mitigate, and manage election-related conflicts and to promote long-term, inclusive, and sustainable electoral processes.
To achieve these goals, EURECS is built on three main pillars:
- Operational cycle and project management tools
- Programmatic and capacity-building tools
- Analysis and knowledge management tools
These pillars are operationalized through Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the ECES quality management system, ensuring consistent, tailored, and effective implementation. The methodologies used are context-specific and adapted to the needs of each beneficiary country.
EURECS is aligned with the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020–2027, particularly regarding electoral integrity and inclusive participation. It supports domestic electoral observation and their regional/international networks, strengthens EMB capacities, promotes inclusive legal frameworks, and ensures effective law enforcement.
Additionally, ECES integrates recommendations from EU Election Observation Missions (EU EOMs), Election Experts Missions (EEMs), and follow-up missions, ensuring coherence between observation and assistance. Continuous liaison with the European Commission, European Parliament, and EEAS further reinforces strategic alignment at the policy level.
The EURECS approach is currently being deployed through the EURECS II project in Ethiopia, funded by the EU and the German government through KfW Development Bank, for a total value of 14.050.000 EURO for a period 48 months.
Key stakeholders include NEBE, CSOs within and outside the framework of CECOE, the judiciary, security forces, and the media. Activities are implemented by interdisciplinary teams based on a joint human resource plan submitted to the EU. These teams include national and international experts with a holistic perspective on democracy support, electoral operations, civic and voter education, conflict prevention, and electoral dispute resolution.
EURECS places strong emphasis on inclusion, especially of marginalized and vulnerable groups. This commitment is reflected in recruitment practices, participant selection, and the development of tailored project materials. CSOs and community leaders with deep local knowledge are actively involved in designing and implementing activities, which include capacity-building workshops, civic education campaigns, early warning mechanisms, and policy dialogues.
Furthermore, ECES encourages peer exchanges among African EMBs, strengthens existing organizations and networks, and stimulates the creation of new non-state actors for sustained democratic engagement. Through its adaptable methodologies and deep field presence, ECES ensures a global, empirical-based understanding of electoral support challenges, delivering interventions that reinforce trust, mitigate risks, and enhance democratic stability.