Around 20,000 journalists and delegates will be arriving in Cyprus during the country’s EU rotating presidency in the first half of 2026, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna told MPs on Wednesday.

Raouna said that Cyprus would be chairing 195 working groups and subgroups, and 258 meetings, and would be handling 330 legislative files, which included the Multiannual Financial Framework.

She added that 65 individuals were currently employed at the secretariat, with 331 positions having opened to cover the needs of various ministries and the permanent representation to the EU.

Raouna said these posts would be terminated no later than July 31, 2026.

Furthermore, positions for scientific staff have been approved in seven diplomatic missions, including Geneva, Vienna, Dublin, The Hague and Amman.

Cyprus, Raouna said, was assuming the EU presidency at a critical juncture for the European Union, with complex geopolitical developments, adding that Cyprus would be negotiating the overall budget of the EU for the next seven years.

“A successful presidency will be an opportunity to strengthen our role and footprint,” she told reporters at the House.

Asked about Cyprus’ priorities, Raouna said they included issues related to EU social policies, such as housing, the price of energy and strengthening EU relations with the Middle East and the Gulf.

EU meetings, informal councils and conferences will be hosted at the renovated Filoxenia Conference Centre in Nicosia.