Dorita Yiannakou
Cyprus has completed extensive infrastructure upgrades as it prepares to assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union, investing €25.6 million in conference and media facilities to host hundreds of high-level meetings throughout 2026.
The upgrades focus on the Filoxenia Conference Centre, which will serve as the main venue for meetings, and the Press Centre, formerly the Higher Hotel Institute of Cyprus (AXIK). The projects aim to meet EU Council specifications and support the logistical demands of ministerial councils, technical committees and delegations arriving from across Europe.
The Secretariat of the Cypriot Presidency has concluded nearly two years of preparation and is launching a six-month program of official and informal meetings. Each ministry will organize and manage sessions related to its policy responsibilities, while the Secretariat oversees coordination, scheduling and procedures.
Cyprus is expected to manage approximately 330 legislative and non-legislative EU files during its term, based on the inherited agenda. Officials say the presidency offers an opportunity to advance national priorities while reinforcing Cyprus’ role as a stable and reliable partner at a time of heightened geopolitical and economic pressure in Europe.
Beyond its political significance, the presidency is expected to provide a boost to the local economy. The influx of foreign officials, journalists and technical staff is anticipated to support tourism, hospitality, transport and professional services, while upgraded infrastructure will remain in use after the presidency concludes.
According to the Secretariat of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026, about 28,000 delegates are expected to travel to Cyprus during the six-month term. The current schedule includes 53 official meetings, 260 informal meetings and 19 informal ministerial councils.
Upcoming meetings
The presidency will formally begin Wednesday with an opening ceremony at the Cyprus Theatre Organisation in Nicosia.
One of the most significant early events will be the visit of the College of European Commissioners on Jan. 15. Led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, commissioners will meet with the Cypriot government to coordinate priorities for the presidency. Most sessions will take place in Limassol, at the new port’s passenger terminal, which will be specially configured for the visit.
The first informal ministerial meeting, the Justice and Home Affairs Council, is scheduled for Jan. 21 at the Filoxenia Conference Centre.
In addition to ministerial meetings, 233 informal meetings at the technical level are planned. These include 84 meetings at Filoxenia, 33 in Limassol district, 33 in Larnaca district, 32 in Famagusta district, 33 in Paphos district, and 16 at other venues such as search and rescue coordination centers and Nicosia City Hall.
Government officials said meetings were distributed geographically to ensure balanced visibility and promotion of all areas under the control of the Republic of Cyprus. Some high-level meetings linked to the Cypriot presidency will also take place in Brussels, Luxembourg and Cameroon.
Infrastructure upgrades
The Department of Public Works allocated €16 million for renovations at the Filoxenia Conference Centre and the Press Centre, while the Department of Electromechanical Services spent an additional €9.6 million on technical systems and equipment at both sites.
The Filoxenia Conference Centre includes five main conference halls and several smaller meeting rooms, with a total capacity of up to 800 participants. Following the upgrade, all areas are equipped with high-speed networks, modern conferencing systems and interpretation facilities that meet the technical standards of the EU’s Directorate-General for Interpretation.
A medical clinic staffed by medical and nursing personnel, along with an ambulance, will operate daily at the venue. Catering services will also be provided, with quality control procedures in place.
Additional costs will be covered through alternative funding sources, including sponsorships coordinated by the Secretariat. Some meetings will be fully or partially funded by the EU or other organizations. As with other member states holding the rotating presidency, Cyprus centrally planned the meetings, with implementation handled by the relevant ministries.
Each EU country hosting the presidency covers the costs of meetings held on its territory. Officials said procurement followed state accounting rules, with competitive tenders and legally required procedures. Security planning involves coordination with all relevant authorities, while transportation and traffic management are being handled in cooperation with police to minimize disruptions.
Economic and diplomatic impact
Officials describe the Cypriot presidency as a “multiplier” for economic and social benefits. The prolonged presence of ministers, technical delegations and journalists is expected to drive demand in hotels, restaurants and related industries, while supporting professions such as translators, technicians, tour guides, conference organizers and communications firms.
Upgraded venues are expected to continue hosting international events after the presidency ends.
Diplomatically, the presidency places Cyprus at the center of EU decision-making and strengthens bilateral relations with other member states. It also provides a platform to highlight national priorities, including energy policy, maritime security, migration and digital transformation.
Cyprus previously held the EU Council presidency in 2012, eight years after joining the bloc. That term focused on maritime policy and negotiations over the EU’s 2014–2020 budget framework and included high-profile meetings such as the Limassol conference, which produced the “Limassol Declaration.” Officials at the time emphasized Cyprus’ tradition of hospitality as a defining element of its European identity.
