Who we are
EPLO advances the interests of its member organisations through common policy positions and consequently advocating for those common positions. EPLO disseminates information and promotes understanding of EU policies of concern to its member organisations. The Office also builds solidarity and co-operation amongst its member organisations and with other relevant NGO networks. Finally, EPLO raises awareness about the contribution that the EU should make to peacebuilding, and the need to hold the EU accountable to its own political commitments of helping to secure peace within and outside its borders.
EPLO Staff
Sonya Reines-Djivanides
Henriette Umutesi
Lorenzo Conti
Carlotta Venza
Felicity Roach
Marie Lena Groenewald
Dearbhaile O’Callaghan
Victoria Jiménez Baigorri
Fernando Sanz Ocaña
General Assembly
The EPLO General Assembly meets once a year and is EPLO’s decision-making body. Every EPLO member organisation has one seat at the General Assembly. It is where constitutional decisions are taken by all member organisations, and where elections for the Steering Committee are held. In accordance with EPLO’s statutes, the Steering Committee selects EPLO’s Chair and Treasurer. The General Assembly decides on strategic multi-annual plans and bi-annual work plans on the basis of proposals prepared by the Office and the Steering Committee. The General Assembly also decides on membership admission and the principle structure of the Working Groups and other groups that develop EPLO’s policy positions..
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee consists of between five and seven members. Steering Committee members are elected for two-year terms by a simple majority of the votes of members present at the General Assembly and proxy votes. Steering Committee members are proposed by their organisation, are generally the EPLO representatives of that organisation, and have the seniority to engage their organisation. They are elected in a personal capacity and on the understanding that they work in the interest of EPLO, independent of their professional commitments elsewhere. Steering Committee members contribute their professional experience on a voluntary basis and seek to represent the best interest of EPLO as a whole and of all its members. The Steering Committee meets as necessary but at least four times a year.