Nicosia: Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna briefed the Cabinet on Wednesday regarding the progress of preparations for Cyprus’ EU Presidency, scheduled for the first half of 2026. After the meeting, she emphasized that the preparations have entered their most intensive phase, just six months before Cyprus assumes the Presidency.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Deputy Minister outlined that Cyprus is expected to handle approximately 330 subject files during its presidency, with around 50% related to new proposals. Raouna also revealed that the first draft of the Official Calendar of the Presidency has been completed and submitted to Brussels. This calendar includes 52 official high-level meetings across Brussels, Luxembourg, and Cameroon, in addition to 26 informal high-level meetings planned in Cyprus.
Raouna detailed that around 258 informal meetings are anticipated to occur in Cyprus, 27 of which are informal high-level meetings. These will include one Informal European Council Meeting, 19 Informal Ministerial Councils, four thematic meetings at the ministerial level, a visit from the College of Commissioners, the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament, and the Opening Ceremony. Furthermore, 231 additional meetings are planned across all Cypriot districts.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that planning from the outset included meetings and conferences across the island. Nicosia will host 84 meetings, while 33 will take place in Limassol, Paphos, and Larnaka, and 32 in Famagusta. She also mentioned that work is accelerating at the Conference Center, which will host high-level meetings, and at the Higher Hotel Institute premises, which will be converted into a press center, with both venues expected to be completed by September.
Raouna reminded that the process for submitting requests to hold events under the Presidency’s auspices is open until the end of July. Additionally, proposals for sponsorships by private entities can be submitted until the end of August. Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, is assuming the rotating Presidency for the second time, with the first being in 2012.