EKDDA undertook the design and implementation of training actions regarding the preparation of the public officers who are going to be involved in the Hellenic Presidency of the EU Council (first semester of 2014). EKDDA also undertook the monitoring of the relevant training programmes that are delivered by the General Secretariat of the EU Council and the French National School of Administration (ENA). The first phase of this action was concluded between May and July 2013 with the organisation of 8 training seminars and the participation of 250 PA officers from various Ministries and institutions who are to assume the position of Chairmen or Vice Chairmen within the EU Council’s Working Groups.

At a second phase, a series of training actions are going to be implemented for the second target group that is for the executives of the Presidency’s supporting groups, to be followed by specialised programmes regarding issues of negotiation techniques for the third target group: the active Chairmen during the Presidency. The training methods adopted include interactive communication, case studies, role playing and simulation exercises. When it comes to the seminars’ content, among other issues, the relations among the Hellenic Presidency, European Commission and European Parliament are going to be approached as well. The lecturers derive both from the General Secretariat of the EU Council and from EKDDA’s Registry of Experts/Trainers.