The European Union (EU) will deploy an Election Observation Mission to Colombia for the second time in history, to monitor the 2026 congressional and presidential elections, the National Civil Registry confirmed. The agreement officializing the deployment was signed on Dec. 18 by the EU Delegation and the National Registry, following an invitation extended by Colombian electoral authorities in September 2025. The EU had previously overseen the 2022 general election cycle in Colombia.
National Registrar Hernan Penagos highlighted the importance of international observation in ensuring the transparency and legitimacy of the electoral process. Penagos stated that the presence of the mission is decisive for the success of the democratic process and serves to strengthen the country’s democracy while increasing citizen confidence.
“We are very encouraged by the arrival of the European Union Election Observation Mission,” Penagos said. “From the Registry, we are attentive to putting at their disposal all the tools required for this observation process to be carried out with integrity.”
The EU’s mission will work beyond the voting days in Colombia’s presidential election
The mission’s work will extend beyond the specific days of voting. According to the Registry, the European observers will monitor the entire electoral cycle, conducting technical monitoring of stages such as candidate registration, logistical preparations, and the functioning of electoral software.
This comprehensive approach aligns with the European Union’s standard methodology for Election Observation Missions (EOMs). The EU typically deploys Core Team experts and long-term observers several weeks before election day. These teams remain in the country afterward to follow the counting and tabulation of votes. The missions are conducted according to principles of independence, full coverage, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, and noninterference.
Since 2000, the EU has deployed over 180 EOMs in more than 65 countries. These missions are designed to provide an independent assessment of the electoral process based on international and regional standards. Observers assess various aspects of the election, including the legal framework, the equality of the vote, media coverage, the digital space, the use of new technologies, and the appeals process.
Jörg Schreiber will be the deputy head of the European Union’s delegation in Colombia for 2026
Jörg Schreiber, the deputy head of the EU delegation in Colombia, ratified the technical accompaniment for the 2026 cycle following a meeting with Registrar Penagos in November. Schreiber noted that the EU values the feedback provided by Colombian authorities regarding suggestions made during previous observations.
The National Registry indicated it is currently advancing the implementation of recommendations from past national and international observation missions. On Nov. 24, Penagos met with representatives from the EU, the Organization of American States (OAS), the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), and the Carter Center to discuss these strategic alliances.
According to EU strategic communications, the immediate goals of such missions include strengthening public trust, encouraging civic participation, and deterring fraud. In the long term, the missions aim to improve the overall electoral framework and strengthen the independence of state institutions. Following the election, the EU EOM will issue a final report offering recommendations to improve the integrity and effectiveness of future democratic processes.