Integrated Framework for Protecting Elections Launched in Brussels

Following the global launch event at the UN in New York, International IDEA and the Permanent Mission of Canada to the EU hosted the regional launch of the Framework in Brussels. 

With support from the Government of Canada, International IDEA has developed the Integrated Framework for Protecting Elections – a set of versatile, customizable and gender-sensitive resources that help national stakeholders prevent, manage and respond to electoral risks, threats and crises. This event was an opportunity to present in more detail the experiences and lessons learned from Finland and discuss the Framework's use in Europe. 

After welcoming remarks by Ché van Haastrecht (Counsellor, Head of Political, Economic & Public Affairs, Mission of Canada to the European Union) and Sam van der Staak (Director of Regional Europe Programme, International IDEA), Katarzyna Gardapkhadze (Director Global Programmes, International IDEA) thanked Canada for generous contribution and delivered a keynote speech focused on democratic shocks and resilience.

In his presentation, Sead Alihodzic (Principal Advisor at the Electoral Processes Team, International IDEA) introduced the concept behind the Integrated Framework, outlined the project's key objectives and steps implemented from 2023 to 2026, and described the main resources that constitute the Framework. These include the Guide, a Self-Assessment Survey, the Training Curriculum and the Resources Portal. 

Niklas Wilhelmsson (Head of Unit Democracy and Elections, Ministry of Justice, Finland) described the events organized in Finland as part of the project and concluded that the Framework has demonstrated both its relevance and its potential to support national electoral authorities and stakeholders. He expressed interest in using the Framework resources to roll out nationwide capacity development training that will reach election officials in local communities.  

Päivi Nikander, an Independent Elections Expert who wrote the project’s lessons learned report, argued that the Framework is highly relevant for Finland and suitable for scaling up in the EU, accession countries, and globally. She noted the potential for the Framework to support European initiatives such as the European Democracy Shield. 

The Q&A round was facilitated by Marilyn Neven (Head of EU Liaison Office, Regional Europe Programme, International IDEA). In addition to offering more details about Finnish experiences and possible use of the framework in the EU, discussions touched on several other issues, including the importance of a whole-of-society approach in protecting elections, the effectiveness of electoral assistance, and gender perspectives in protecting the integrity of elections, to mention a few.

International IDEA acknowledged a seed-funding contribution from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Protecting Elections Phase 2, which will focus on country implementation.