Enhancing the integrity of the 2024 European Parliament elections

This policy document is a result of the ongoing research and human rights advocacy conducted by Election-Watch.EU, the European Partnership for Democracy, Democracy Reporting International, and the European Platform for Democratic Elections. The Supporting Engagement in European Elections and Democratic Societies project organized four thematic webinars, where European policymakers and experts discussed crucial aspects of the upcoming 2024 European elections. A high-level panel, consisting of representatives from the four major political groups and civil society, convened at the European Parliament on July 4, 2023, to deliberate on ways to enhance electoral integrity before the 2024 European elections. The SEEEDS project partners express their readiness to assist European and Member State decision-makers in preserving trust and enhancing the integrity of the 2024 EP elections.

The document outlines findings and recommendations across four chapters: Equality and Inclusion, Transparency, Accountability, and Risks and Opportunities. The primary objective of this policy paper is to contribute to the integrity of the 2024 European Parliament elections by addressing risks and opportunities in the political campaign and electoral processes. This includes potential interference, disinformation, and challenges related to diminishing civic space. The paper identifies areas for improvement in equality, inclusion, transparency, and accountability, providing recommendations for enhancing overall integrity and security. 

The policy paper recommends that the European Union and EU Member States: 
- Encourage Member States to undertake comprehensive European electoral reforms. 
- Strengthen free media and safeguard journalists from threats and intimidation. 
- Protect civic space and enhance civil society engagement in elections. 
- Foster the inclusion of youth, women, persons with disabilities, and mobile EU citizens. 
- Reinforce oversight bodies to ensure consistent application of political advertising and finance rules. 
- Improve efforts to combat disinformation and raise awareness of information sources. 
- Promote policy debates and democratic participation among European citizens. 
- Enhance the EU's image as a promoter and role model of democratic elections.