The European Parliament's election observation aim at strengthening, in the third countries concerned by elections or referendums, the legitimacy of national electoral processes, increasing public confidence in elections, avoiding electoral fraud, better protecting human rights and contributing to conflict solution. Members of the European Parliament provide a particular political perspective, expertise and experience in election observation.

The European Parliament Election Coordination Group was established by decision of the Conference of Presidents on 8 November 2001. The Election Coordination Group examines all general questions related to planning, organisation, evaluation and follow-up of Parliament's election observation missions. » Composition of the group.

The European Parliament's election observation missions are authorised by the Conference of Presidents on the basis of requests submitted by the Election Coordination Group.

Upon invitation from the country organizing the election or referendum, the European Parliament cooperates closely with Council and Commission and coordinates its activities with the competent international organisations. In general, when an EU Election Observation Mission is taking place, the European Parliament delegation forms part of it. In cases where there is no EU Election Observation Mission, and the European Parliament decides nevertheless to send an observation mission, the European Parliament delegation participates independently in election observation, where appropriate in cooperation with the relevant international organisations.

The Election Observation Service provides the secretariat to the Election Coordination Group.