25/04/2025 (Agence Europe) – The first European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to the Philippines was officially launched on Friday 25 April by Marta Temido (S&D, Portuguese), following an initial five-day visit to the country (see EUROPE 13623/20). This mission involves observing the mid-term elections on 12 May, in response to an invitation from the government of the Philippines. It analyses the entire electoral process, from the analysis of the legal framework to the counting of results, including the observation of automated electoral technology. A total of 72 long-term observers were deployed throughout the country. Shortly before polling day, they will be joined by more than 100 short-term observers. On the same day, the EU observation mission will have more than 200 observers on the ground, representing one of the largest EU deployments in 30 years of election observation. (PLD)