election-watch.eu

Brussels, 16 April 2026. Election-Watch.EU contributed to a stakeholder consultation on Safety in Political Life, organised by the European Commission as part of the follow-up work under the European Democracy Shield. The session preceded the adoption of a Commission Recommendation on safety in politics, and supported the preparation of a dedicated guide of best practices aimed at ensuring the safety of political candidates and elected representatives.

The consultation addressed the escalating offline and online threats faced by political actors across the European Union. Discussions focused on the main challenges hindering safety in politics, with particular attention to local politicians and groups at heightened risk of discrimination.

During the exchange, Election-Watch.EU provided insight into the EEAS Electoral Violence Risk Assessment methodology. This framework, which assesses the drivers and triggers of violence, was highlighted as a tool that could be effectively adapted to the EU Member State context to inform policymaking and protective measures.

Ensuring a safe environment for political participation is a fundamental requirement for electoral integrity. Our work places particular emphasis on the need to safeguard fragile and underrepresented groups, including women. For this reason, Election-Watch.EU was represented by Armin Rabitsch and Camille Forite, a renowned expert in gender-based violence in elections, who provided specialised expertise to the workstream’s focus on protecting those at heightened risk of discrimination.

election security, electoral violence risk, gender-based violence, inclusion in elections, safety in policial life, transparency of political campaign