This responsibility actually rotates amongst member countries every 6 months and it will be the first proud occasion that the Island Republic manages the perceived seat of EU power, since joining the EU in 2004.
What the general public at large may not be aware of is that there is a cost attached to this pleasure, which is forecasted to be in the region of 60 million euro. Let's hope that the public finances recover somewhat before then.
Its interesting to know that preparations are already under way (like an early Christmas) and that in reality the Presidency is viewed by many in the know to be a national challenge for the country.
Either way, we can expect that approximately no less than 3,500 meetings will take place during the period of the Presidency, of which a notable 150 (more or less) will in the Republic of Cyprus (the rest being at the EU HQ in Brussels.
The accommodate many of these prestigious (at least in EU Political terms) official meetings the Conference centre of Nicosia is being renovated, as it will be utilised with the nearby Philoxenia Hotel for Journalists and Interpreters.
Both of the Hilton Hotels are expected to be full and expensive during this period, as will the Holiday Inn and all Hotels in the capital.
The EU Presidency is a great opportunity to showcase Cyprus. In particular the nearest city to Nicosia and point of arrival Larnaca is well placed top make an impact. Being only 30 mins away from Nicosia, there are all kinds of spin offs from commuting stays, shorts breaks before and after meetings, dinners by the sea, confidential meetings close to the airport and the list goes on.
Fortunately the Larnaca Municipality has seen the potential of 2012 and plans are afoot to facilitate the spins offs and create some Festivals to attract people to Larnaca.
We will keep you posted.
Grant Holmes
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