A successful Presidency is top priority, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Marilena Raouna, said Wednesday, addressing the beginning of trainings for the preparation of the public service in view of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026. 

The trainings are organised by the Cyprus Academy of Public Administration in cooperation with the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 and the General Secretariat of the Council.

According to an official press release, in her address, Raouna stressed that a successful Presidency is a top priority for the Government and for the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.

She added that Cyprus will act as an honest broker and will work to promote the European agenda in a spirit of sincere cooperation.

Addressing the participants, the Deputy Minister conveyed the message that the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026 is a collective effort. She also noted that their presence at the training seminar demonstrates the collective commitment to building the knowledge and skills required for the successful conduct of the Cyprus Presidency.

Raouna pointed out that the training plan for the Cyprus Presidency will be completed with approximately 30 trainings, which were designed based on existing needs.

In total, she added, approximately 900 people are expected to be trained, including Ministers/Deputy Ministers, representatives from the offices of Ministers/Deputy Ministers, European Affairs Teams, heads and members of diplomatic missions, chairpersons and members of working groups, press officers, as well as other executives of the public service and other involved bodies and services.