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From: Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2026 3:31 PM
Cc: Informal TTE Telecommunications <[email protected]>
Subject: Invitation: Informal meeting of Telecommunication Ministers, 23 - 24 March, Nicosia, Cyprus

Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga.
Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada.

Dear Minister,

Please find enclosed invitation to the Informal meeting of Telecommunication Ministers which will take place in Nicosia on 23-24 March.

I very much look forward to welcoming you to Nicosia and to engaging in an open and constructive exchange.

Yours sincerely,

Invitation Informal TTE.pdf

CYPRUS PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EU

I N V I T A T I O N

Informal meeting of Telecommunication Ministers

23 - 24 March 2026

Nicosia, 19 February 2026

Dear Colleague,

I am pleased to invite you to the Informal meeting of Telecommunication Ministers which will

take place in Nicosia on 23-24 March.

Our gathering will start on 23 March with a guided tour at the CYENS Centre of Excellence and a tour

at the town’s historic center, followed by a gala dinner at A. G. Leventis Gallery. We are privileged to

welcome Sir Demis Hassabis as the Distinguished Guest of the Dinner, who will deliver a keynote

address followed by an engaging open discussion with the EU Ministers.

Representatives of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, the European Parliament

and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will join us at the gala dinner.

We aim to make this informal meeting a platform for an open and forward-looking exchange of

views, contributing to the reinforcement of Europe’s leadership, resilience, and strategic autonomy

in the digital domain.

Marking the commencement of the second day of our meeting, will begin with a discussion on

accelerating the widespread adoption of trustworthy AI across the Union. During the second

session, discussions will focus on strengthening protection of minors online, exploring key

policies, safeguards, and measures to ensure their safety and well-being in the digital ecosystem.

Following the family photo, the programme will resume with a working lunch focusing on the

protection of Europe’s critical infrastructures and the reinforcement of collective resilience in

the face of evolving challenges.

The sessions and working lunch will take place with the participation of European Free Trade

Association (EFTA) countries.

Please find attached the preliminary agenda of our meeting and the Practical Information Note,

containing details on accreditation, accommodation and other logistics. The final agenda and

discussion papers will be circulated in due time.

I very much look forward to welcoming you to Nicosia in March for a forward-looking exchange of

views on these importance policy topics.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Nicodemos Damianou Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation & Digital Policy

PIN Informal TTE Telecom.pdf

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I N F O R M A L M E E T I N G O F

T E L E C O M M U N I C A T I O N M I N I S T E R S

LEFKOSIA (NICOSIA), CYPRUS

23-24 March 2026

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LIST OF CONTENTS

KEY DEADLINES ............................................................................................................................................................. 3

LOCATION AND VENUES ............................................................................................................................................. 4

DELEGATIONS, REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION ....................................................................................... 6

Delegation format ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

Registration & Accreditation .................................................................................................................................. 6

Delegation Accreditation Officer (DAO) .............................................................................................................. 7

Pins and badges ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

SECURITY ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Weapon permits ........................................................................................................................................................ 9

Radio and communication frequencies ............................................................................................................... 9

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME ..................................................................................................................................... 9

BILATERAL MEETING ROOMS .................................................................................................................................. 11

INTERPRETATION........................................................................................................................................................ 11

TRANSPORT .................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Points of entry .......................................................................................................................................................... 12

Arrivals - Departures .............................................................................................................................................. 12

Transportation ......................................................................................................................................................... 13

ACCOMMODATION .................................................................................................................................................... 14

HEALTHCARE ARRANGEMENTS .............................................................................................................................. 14

SUSTAINABILITY.......................................................................................................................................................... 15

MEDIA ............................................................................................................................................................................ 15

THE PRESIDENCY ONLINE ......................................................................................................................................... 16

OTHER PRACTICAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................ 16

CONTACT DETAILS ...................................................................................................................................................... 17

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GENERAL INFORMATION

The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 has the pleasure of

welcoming you to Lefkosia (Nicosia) for the Informal meeting of Telecommunication

Ministers, which will take place on 23-24 March 2026.

This Practical Information Note (PIN) is intended to provide all necessary logistical and

programme-related information to facilitate the preparation of your visit.

Please note that the information contained herein may be subject to change. The

Cyprus Presidency will share any updated information related to the meeting through

the Cyprus Presidency’s dedicated Accreditation Platform.

KEY DEADLINES

When What Where/Who

No later than 26 February 2026

Appoint a Delegation

Accreditation Officer (DAO)

[email protected]

16 February 2026 Accreditation platform opens Platform link:

Accreditation delegations

For info:

[email protected]

6 March 2026 Deadline for claiming pre-

booked hotel reservations

Delegations to indicate booked

rooms through the Accreditation

Platform

13 March 2026 Accreditation platform closes Accreditation Team

23-24 March 2026 Informal meeting of

Telecommunication Ministers

Lefkosia

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LOCATION AND VENUES

Location

Lefkosia (Nicosia)

Photo from: Visit Cyprus

Lefkosia (Nicosia) – the last divided capital of Europe, as part of it remains under illegal

military occupation by Turkey – is a city where centuries of history meet a vibrant,

cosmopolitan present. As the island’s administrative and business centre, it combines

the energy of a modern European capital with the timeless charm of an ancient walled

city.

At its heart lies the old town, encircled by impressive Venetian walls and heart-shaped

bastions, offering a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. Narrow streets, traditional

shops, and historic monuments sit alongside contemporary galleries, museums and

cultural venues, reflecting Lefkosia’s dynamic character.

The modern city beyond the walls is fast-paced and forward-looking, home to major

commercial and financial institutions. Its retail landscape spans from bustling shopping

districts and malls to artisan quarters filled with local crafts. A diverse culinary scene

and a vibrant nightlife, where cafés and bars coexist with centuries-old buildings,

contribute to the city’s unique blend of old and new.

Beyond the urban centre, the wider Lefkosia region reveals a more peaceful side.

Picturesque countryside and mountain villages offer opportunities for hiking, cycling

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and exploring traditional life in scenic surroundings. Stone-built homes, quiet trails and

welcoming village squares invite visitors to experience the region’s rural charm.

With its many layers of history, culture and modern life, Lefkosia stands as the beating

heart of Cyprus – a capital that bridges the past and the future.

Discover more about Lefkosia – Visit Lefkosia

Venue

Filoxenia Conference Centre

17 Thrakis Street, Aglantzia 2112, Nicosia, Cyprus

Built in 1990, Filoxenia Conference Centre is the main conference venue of Lefkosia

and a landmark for international events in Cyprus. During the first Cyprus Presidency

of the European Union in 2012, the Filoxenia Conference Centre served as the primary

conference venue and will be the main venue for most high-level and working-level

meetings during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026.

The venue has been renovated to align with sustainable development standards and

environmental best practices, offering a modern and eco-friendly setting for

participants. It features state-of-the-art electronic infrastructure with high-speed Wi-

Fi, interpretation booths, lounge and restaurant areas for delegations, bilateral meeting

rooms and other essential facilities.

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Access to the Filoxenia Conference Centre is carefully managed, with a main entrance

for delegates and a separate entrance to the Media Centre, while only police-escorted

vehicles are permitted to enter the premises.

Security will be of the highest standard, including x-ray screening, CCTV monitoring,

controlled access points, safety barriers, 24-hour surveillance, cybersecurity safeguards

and a continuous police presence on site.

DELEGATIONS, REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION

Delegation format

Participation in the Informal meeting of Telecommunication Ministers will follow the 1

+ 2 format, referring to one (1) Head of Delegation and 2 accompanying delegates.

Registration & Accreditation

To ensure secure and efficient access to the meeting venue, delegation members must

be registered and accredited in advance through the Cyprus Presidency’s dedicated

online Accreditation Platform.

For security reasons, access to the venue and other official parts of the programme will

be granted exclusively to accredited members of the delegation.

Registration and accreditation will be managed centrally by the designated Delegation

Accreditation Officer (DAO) through the Cyprus Presidency’s dedicated online

Accreditation Platform. The DAO will complete the required procedures on behalf of

all delegation members within the established deadlines.

All personal data provided for accreditation will be processed in full compliance with

the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Cyprus Presidency’s personal

data privacy notice can be accessed through the Accreditation Platform.

For any questions related to registration and accreditation, please do not hesitate to

contact the Accreditation Team (contact details are provided in the last section).

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Delegation Accreditation Officer (DAO)

The designated DAO will serve as the exclusive point of contact with the Cyprus

Presidency on all matters regarding registration and accreditation.

To appoint the DAO, please submit their full name, telephone number and email

address to [email protected] no later than 26 February 2026. Once

appointed, the DAO will receive login credentials and detailed guidance for using the

Accreditation Platform.

The Cyprus Presidency’s dedicated Accreditation Platform will be used to manage all

relevant delegation information, including personal details, accreditation,

transportation arrangements as well as accommodation and dietary requirements.

It is the DAO’s responsibility to ensure that all members of the delegation are duly

registered and that all required information is submitted accurately by 13 March 2026.

This includes indicating in the Accreditation Platform which registered delegate

will serve as the +1 accompanying the Head of Delegation. By centralising this

process, the Cyprus Presidency aims to guarantee smooth coordination and to

facilitate the full and secure participation of each delegation in the meeting.

Following registration, the platform will remain accessible until three days prior to the

commencement of the event, allowing delegations to enter their flight numbers and

hotel accommodation details. Please note that once the registration period has closed,

only the sections pertaining to flight details and hotel accommodation will remain

available for editing.

Pins and badges

Upon arrival at Larnaka or Pafos International Airports, the Head of Delegation (HoD)

will receive a pin and delegation members will receive badges.

The distribution of the pin for the HoD and the badge for one (1) accompanying

delegate will take place through each delegation’s designated Liaison Officer. The

distribution of badges for the remaining accredited delegates will take place at the

Cyprus Presidency’s Information Points at Larnaka and Pafos International Airports.

Delegates arriving two days before the meeting or earlier are requested to collect their

badge at the Accreditation Centre, which will operate outside the Filoxenia Conference

Centre in Lefkosia between 08:00 – 16:00.

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All pins and badges are strictly personal and non-transferable and must be visible at

all times within the official venue, designated means of transport and security areas

and, generally, throughout all parts of the official programme.

Lost pins or badges should be reported immediately to the Accreditation Team via the

contact details provided in the last section.

LIAISON OFFICERS

Each delegation will be assigned Liaison Officers (LOs) by the Cyprus Presidency of the

Council of the EU.

Under the guidance of coordinators, the LOs will serve as the main contact persons,

delivering logistical support and assistance throughout the programme. Key

responsibilities include:

• Distributing pins and badges

• Providing assistance at the venues and support throughout the programme

• Escorting the delegation to the airport for departure

Moreover, additional Liaison Officers will be present at the two Cyprus Presidency’s

Information Points at Larnaka and Pafos International Airports, at the meeting venue

and the designated hotel as well as in the official transportation vehicles.

Contact details of the assigned LOs will be provided to each delegation through their

Diplomatic Mission in Cyprus well ahead of the meeting.

SECURITY

Security during the meeting will be ensured by the Cyprus Police, in close cooperation

with all relevant national authorities.

Each delegation can accredit up to one (1) security officer via the Cyprus Presidency’s

dedicated Accreditation Platform, upon request.

Designated security zones and transportation vehicles will be accessible only to duly

accredited members of the delegation wearing visibly valid badges at all times.

Every person entering the Filoxenia Conference Centre will be subject to mandatory

security screening at each entry, including walk-through metal detector checks and X-

ray screening of personal belongings and electronic devices.

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Weapon permits

Diplomatic Missions are required to follow the standard application procedure to

obtain the necessary permits. In addition to this procedure, if a security officer of a

Head of Delegation carries a weapon, this must also be disclosed through the Cyprus

Presidency’s dedicated Accreditation Platform.

Obtained weapon clearance (original document) must be presented upon arrival.

Request shall be filed 10 days prior to planned visit to the Republic of Cyprus at the

latest. In the note verbale, it is necessary to provide the following information for each

individual security officer:

• Security officer’s name and rank

• Arrival/departure date and time

• Means of transportation to/from Cyprus

• Date and place of birth

• Passport number and expiry date

• Weapons (serial number, type, calibre, number of ammunitions)

Radio and communication frequencies

Use of radios/walkie-talkies is permitted only through the standard procedure, in order

to prevent interference with Cyprus Police communication frequencies.

An official request must be submitted to the Protocol Department of the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs to grant permission for radio frequencies for the purpose of

communication between security officers of a foreign delegation.

Request shall be filed 10 days prior to planned visit to Cyprus at the latest. Note verbale

should include:

• Information about radio equipment

• Indicated radio frequency needed for communication

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME

Please note that this programme is subject to change.

The final detailed programme and accompanying steering notes will be shared with

participants in advance of the meeting.

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Monday

23 March 2026

Morning /

Afternoon

Arrival of delegations at Larnaka/Paphos Airport and transport to

hotel or directly to site visit depending on arrival time

15.30 – 16.00 Transfer to the site visit premises

16.00 – 16.30 Welcome networking reception and opening remark by the

Presidency at the New Town Hall

16.30 – 18.00 Guided tour to old town’s historic center and panoramic city view

from the roof top of the new municipality

18:00 – 18.45 The CYENS Walk – Guided discussion and interactive display of

technologies developed

18.45 – 19.45 Back to hotel and break

19.45 – 20.00 Transfer to dinner venue – A. G. Leventis Gallery

20.00 – 20.30 Networking Reception

20.30 – 22.30 Gala Dinner and Keynote speaker Sir Demis Hassabis

22.30 – 22.45 Transport to hotel

Tuesday

24 March 2026

08.00 – 08.30 Pick-up from hotels and transfer to Filoxenia Conference Center

08.30 – 09.00 Arrival and Doorstep

09.00 – 09.30 Opening of the meeting

09.30 – 11.30 First session discussion on accelerating the widespread adoption

of trustworthy AI across the Union

11.30 – 13.15 Second session discussion on strengthening protection of minors

online

13.15 – 13.30 Group photo

13.30 – 15.00 Working Lunch for HoD only on protection of Europe’s critical

infrastructures and the reinforcement of collective resilience in the

face of evolving challenges

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15.00 – 15.30 AOB

15.30 End of Meeting

15.30 – 16.00 Press conference

15.30 Transport to hotels or the airport

BILATERAL MEETING ROOMS

Bilateral meeting rooms at the Filoxenia Conference Centre will be available upon

request by the delegation. These can be reserved in advance or on the day of the

meeting by contacting the assigned Liaison Officer or by sending an email to

[email protected].

Meeting rooms are reserved in 30 minute slots. Interpretation will not be provided for

bilateral meetings.

The following information shall be indicated when booking bilateral meeting rooms:

• Name of the meeting

• The counterpart

• The preferred date and time

• Number of participants

INTERPRETATION

Simultaneous interpretation for the meeting at the Filoxenia Conference Centre will be

provided by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Interpretation (DG

SCIC) in a 6/6 language regime (EL, EN, FR, DE, ES, IT / EL, EN, FR, DE, ES, IT).

If additional interpretation is required beyond the official provision, delegations may

bring their own interpreter. In this case, the interpreter must be accredited in advance

via the Cyprus Presidency’s dedicated Accreditation Platform and will count as one (1)

of the two (2) allocated delegation members.

During the press conference, interpretation will be provided in a 2/2 language regime

(EN, EL / EN, EL).

No interpretation will be provided for the working lunch.

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TRANSPORT

Points of entry

Note: The legal points of entry by air into the Republic of Cyprus are the International

Airports of Larnaka and Pafos. There are no legal points of entry in the occupied areas

of the Republic of Cyprus, where the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not

exercise effective control due to the Turkish occupation. Entering through any airport or

port in the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus is illegal.

For further information on the legal points of entry into the Republic of Cyprus, consult

the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus: https://www.gov.cy/mfa/en/documents/important-information-concerning-travel-to-the- turkish-occupied-area-of-cyprus/

Arrivals - Departures

The Head of Delegation (HoD), together with one (1) accompanying delegate (and 1

security officer, if applicable) will be received at the “Heads of State Terminal” at

Larnaka International Airport, and transportation will be provided to the designated

hotels.

The remaining delegates, upon arrival at Larnaka or Pafos International Airport, should

proceed to the Cyprus Presidency Information Point(s), close to customs clearance in

the arrivals area. Delegates can collect both their accreditation badges and receive

assistance regarding transfers to the designated hotels. Transportation will be provided

by vehicle, bus or shuttle service between airports and designated hotels.

All delegates wishing to make use of the transportation arranged by the Cyprus

Presidency are requested to indicate this through the Accreditation Platform (only a

YES selection will be taken into account). Delegates must provide complete and

accurate travel details (e.g. flight number, arrival and departure times, and

accommodation) at least three (3) days prior to the start of the meeting/conference.

Any modifications submitted after this period will not be taken into account and

delegates will have to make their own arrangements.

To facilitate efficient planning, airport transportation will be arranged once the

required travel details are submitted through the Accreditation Platform and within the

designated timeslots. Please note that a waiting time at the airport of up to two hours

may be required.

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Alternative means of transportation, such as taxi services, shuttle services and public

transportation, are available at the airport premises, but not provided by the Cyprus

Presidency, and must be arranged individually.

Transportation for small numbers of delegates arriving or departing will be provided

by the Cyprus Presidency through shuttle services. Please note that these transfers may

include brief stopovers, which could require delegates to disembark and board

connecting shuttle services. The Cyprus Presidency will not offer exclusive

transportation arrangements.

Delegates wishing to proceed directly to the airport from the meeting venue at the

end of the programme are requested to indicate this via the Accreditation Platform.

Kindly be advised that any delegates who do not arrive in time to join the social

programme at the beginning of the event will be responsible for making their own

transportation arrangements in case they wish to join the social programme.

Delegates departing on commercial flights are strongly encouraged to make use of

online check-in in advance.

Should the original travel details provided for transportation purposes change due to

delays, missed flights or other unforeseen circumstances, delegates may required to

make their own transportation arrangements.

Please note that transfers to and from the airport will be available from the day before

the meeting until the day after the meeting. In the event of an earlier arrival or a

later departure, delegates will be required to make and cover their own transportation

arrangements.

Transportation

The Cyprus Presidency will provide transport for members of the official delegation.

Transfers will operate between designated hotels and meeting venues throughout the

official programme, in coordination with the Cyprus Police.

Please note that official transfers to and from hotels will be provided exclusively for the

hotels designated within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency. These will be

displayed as available options on the Accreditation Platform at the time of registration.

Transportation for accredited delegates will be arranged by buses between the

designated hotels and the meeting venue and by car for the HoD + 1 (+1 security

officer, if applicable). Delegates are kindly requested to be ready for departure at the

transfer times indicated in the official programme, as buses will depart punctually.

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Transportation to the excursion or/and dinner venue will be provided mostly by buses

for all participants.

Delegates staying outside the designated hotels who require transportation to the

meeting venue will be picked up from a single collection point, details of which will be

communicated at a later stage.

Please note that transportation to events or meetings which are not included the

aforementioned official programme, will not be provided by the Cyprus Presidency.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel rooms for this meeting have been pre-booked by the Cyprus Presidency for all

delegates at Hilton Nicosia.

For the Head of Delegation and the one (1) additional delegate, the accommodation

is covered by the Cyprus Presidency for 23 March 2026 (one room on a bed and

breakfast basis). The reservation will be made by the Cyprus Presidency upon

registration. After the completion of registration, a message will be sent with the

reservation details.

Other delegates who intend to make use of the pre-booked rooms are requested to

complete the booking process via the link or the contact email provided on the

Accreditation Platform (the Accreditation Platform itself does not function as a booking

platform and indicating interest only there will not be considered a reservation). Please

note that delegates are responsible for making their own reservations and for covering

accommodation costs.

Delegates staying at another hotel, other than the one pre-booked by the Cyprus

Presidency, are kindly requested to specify the hotel name on the Accreditation

Platform under the section “Other”.

HEALTHCARE ARRANGEMENTS

The venue will have a fully equipped healthcare point with medical assistance.

The hospital in Cyprus that will be on hospital alert during the meeting is the Lefkosia

General Hospital.

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At the time of accreditation, the platform will ask for relevant information on allergies,

dietary restrictions and preferences of the delegation and voluntarily: blood group,

mobility issues, medicinal allergies and pharmaceutical treatments. It is important that

all this information is provided so that they may be addressed properly. Please note

that this information will be kept strictly confidential. Safeguarding the health of

participants is a priority.

SUSTAINABILITY

The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 is organised in line with the

principles of sustainable development and digital transformation.

Sustainability measures cover waste prevention and management, environmentally

responsible cleaning practices, the use of eco-labelled products, energy and water

saving and decoration based on native plants and flowers.

Further actions include sustainable catering with no single-use plastics, promotion of

local products, food donation to reduce waste and digital monitoring of indoor

environmental quality.

MEDIA

The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) has been designated as the Host

Broadcaster of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 and will provide

audiovisual coverage of the meeting:

• Arrival and doorstep

• Handshake

• Family photo

• Press conference

The Press and Information Office (PIO) will serve as the Host Photographer of the

Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026.

A Media Guide, prepared by the Communication Team of the Cyprus Presidency, will

be uploaded to the Cyprus Presidency’s website.

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THE PRESIDENCY ONLINE

The website and Social Media channels of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the

EU 2026 are the Presidency’s main communication channels, where news, events and

other official material are published.

• Website: Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026

• Social Media Channels: • Instagram: @cy2026eu

• Facebook: facebook.com/CY2026EU

• LinkedIn: Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cy2026eu

• X: @cy2026eu

• BlueSky: @cy2026eu.bsky.social

• Flickr: Cy2026.EU

OTHER PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Emergency number: 112 (fire brigade, ambulance, police)

Electricity: The voltage in Cyprus is 230V. Cyprus uses Type G plugs (UK-style with

three rectangular pins), so bringing a suitable plug adapter, if needed, is advisable

Local time zone: Eastern European Time (EET) (GMT +2)

Country code: Cyprus +357

Currency: The official currency of Cyprus is Euro (€)

Weather: Weather in Cyprus

Smoking: Smoking is only allowed outdoors in the designated areas of the official

meeting venues

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CONTACT DETAILS

For information on the preliminary programme:

- Email: [email protected]

- Phone number: +357 22691938 / +357 22

For information on registration and accreditation:

- Email: [email protected]

- Phone number: +357 22801761 / + 357 22801762 / +357 22801763

For information on accommodation:

- Email: [email protected]

- Phone number: +357 22308325

For information on transportation:

- Email: [email protected]

- Phone number: +357 22801835

For information on Liaison Officers:

- Email: [email protected]

- Phone number: +357 22801845

For information on Bilateral Meetings:

- Email: [email protected]

- Phone number: +357 22801784 / +357 22801774

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