26th European Diplomatic Programme Concludes in Cyprus

12.06.2026 Strategic Communications

On 3–5 June 2026, the concluding module four of the 26th edition of the European Diplomatic Programme (EDP), entitled “United for a Secure, Resilient and Prosperous Europe”, took place in Paphos, Cyprus, under the auspices of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The event was jointly organised by the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus and the European External Action Service (EEAS).

The programme brought together 75 participants, junior diplomats from all EU Member States, alongside officials from the EEAS, the European Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council. It marked the conclusion of a four-module cycle that began in Copenhagen in November 2025 and included study visits to participating Member States and a Brussels-based module on EU foreign policy and negotiation skills.

During the programme, participants discussed key challenges facing the European Union and its external action, including security and resilience, hybrid threats, cybersecurity, regional developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, and strategic communication. Interactive workshops addressed Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), information integrity and intercultural engagement. The programme also included cultural visits.

Training Directors from EU Ministries of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic academies met in parallel to exchange experiences on leadership, management, mentoring and coaching in diplomacy. Discussions also covered developments related to the European Union Diplomatic Academy (EUDA), the cooperation format under the Diplomatic Training Programme (DTP), ongoing Learning Partnerships activities and preparations for the next edition of the EDP.

The programme concluded with a diploma ceremony recognising the successful completion of the 26th European Diplomatic Programme. Throughout the cycle, participants strengthened their understanding of EU external action, developed practical diplomatic skills and built lasting professional networks across the European diplomatic community.

About the EDP

Established in 1999, the European Diplomatic Programme consists of four modules organised over one academic year. Its objectives are to strengthen diplomatic skills, encourage professional exchanges and networking and contribute to the development of a shared European diplomatic culture. Modules I and IV are organised by the respective Member States presiding the Council of the EU, Module II takes place at MS MFAs for small groups of participants and Module III is organised by the EEAS in Brussels.