Berlin, 2.12.2025: The European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE), a network of 17 European citizen election observation organizations, has elected a new Board to guide its work over the next two years. The expanded Board, previously comprising three members, will help the EPDE in addressing the increasingly complex challenges facing democratic elections in Europe today.

“Democratic elections across Europe face unprecedented intensity of hybrid threats, foreign interference, and technology-driven manipulation,” said Stefanie Schiffer, who has also been re-elected as Chair of the Board. “Our expanded Board reflects the diversity of our network and brings the expertise needed to address these evolving challenges. Together, we will continue to support citizen election observation and promote free and fair elections across Europe.”

The Board includes representatives from both EU and non-EU members, expanding geographic representation and adding capacity in critical areas, like media and technology, human rights, and election monitoring that play a central role to safeguarding electoral integrity. With more members on the Board, EPDE gains greater capacity to engage with its wider network and to support its members, who often work under difficult conditions marked by shrinking civic space.

The new Board members are:

• Stefanie Schiffer, Director, European Exchange, Germany – Chair
• Emin Abbasov, human rights lawyer, Azerbaijan
• Rasťo Kužel, Executive Director, MEMO 98, Slovakia
• Vardine Grigoryan, Democracy Monitoring and Reporting Coordinator, Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly – Vanadzor (HCAV), Armenia
• Zofia Lutkiewicz, President, Political Accountability Foundation, Poland

The new Board of the EPDE (f.l.t.r.): Stefanie Schiffer (European Exchange, Germany), Vardine Grigoryan (Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly – Vanadzor, Armenia) Rasťo Kužel (MEMO 98, Slovakia), Zosia Lutkiewicz (Political Accountability Foundation, Poland); not pictured: Emin Abbasov (human rights lawyer, Azerbaijan).

For further information, please contact:

Matthias Meier
Head of Communications
European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE)
meier@european-exchange.org