The second phase of our flagship project in Ethiopia: European Response to Electoral Cycle Support in Ethiopia – Phase II (EURECS II). Funded by the European Union and Germany through KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau), this four-year project builds on the success of the first phase and reflects the continued commitment of the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) to promoting democratic governance in Ethiopia.
EURECS II will reinforce cooperation with key national partners, including the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and the Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE), as well as with international stakeholders. The project aims to foster transparency, credibility, and public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 7th General Elections in 2026.
Among its priorities, EURECS II will:
- Support NEBE in applying lessons from the 2021 elections and preparing for upcoming general and local elections;
- Strengthen CECOE and the capacity of domestic observers to monitor all stages of the electoral cycle;
- Promote inclusive participation of women, youth, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, and first-time voters.
The first phase of EURECS (2018–2023) contributed significantly to Ethiopia’s electoral reform through technical assistance, leadership training, and strategic planning with NEBE. It also advanced electoral conflict prevention, supported the creation of CECOE—which deployed over 2,800 domestic observers in 2021—and promoted accessible voter education.
07 May 2025
