Diplomatic Skills Lab (DSL), in partnership with Lithuanian consultancy ESTEP (Europos socialiniai, teisiniai ir ekonominiai projektai www.estep.lt), has launched a comprehensive training programme to support Lithuania in its preparations for holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2027.

Assuming the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU is a significant milestone for any member state. It means that Lithuania will chair meetings of the EU Council, coordinate the work of the 27 member states, represent the Council in relations with other EU institutions, and play a key role in shaping legislative and policy priorities across the Union. Effective leadership during the Presidency requires extensive preparation, strong coordination skills, and deep knowledge of EU processes.

Running from April 2025 through March 2026, DSL and ESTEP will deliver 85 training courses designed to equip Lithuanian civil servants—including high-ranking officials and politicians—with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead effectively during the Presidency. The courses, each lasting between half a day and four days, will be delivered both online and in person in Vilnius.

Training modules include topics such as the EU Legal and Institutional Framework, EU Decision-Making, Sectoral Policies, Lithuanian Internal EU Policy Coordination, Impact Assessment, Negotiation and Intercultural Communication, and Chairing EU Working Party Meetings.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Lithuania to once again demonstrate leadership at the heart of the EU,” said Michael Roberts, Director of Diplomatic Skills Lab. “We are proud to support this effort. Having trained Lithuanian officials during their first EU Council Presidency in 2013, we are excited to return and build on that legacy. It is also another important step for our organisation as we continue to be trusted partners in preparing countries for the demands of EU Presidencies. We’re especially pleased to be working once again with ESTEP, whose local expertise and insight are invaluable.”

The training is coordinated by the Lithuanian Public Management Agency (Viešojo Valdymo Agentūra https://vva.lrv.lt/lt/) and co-funded by the European Union.

This training programme highlights Lithuania’s commitment to ensuring a successful and strategically impactful Presidency, backed by strong institutional capacity and professional excellence.