The Centre of Expertise conducted the Training and Capacity Needs Analysis (TNA) in 2017 in cooperation with the Union of Cypriot Municipalities, Union of Communities, and the Ministry of Interior. The TNA was followed by the preparation of the National Training and Capacity-Building Strategy (NTS), which is presented on 11 December at a national Conference, with participation of the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, the presidents of two unions of local authorities, and the president of the parliamentary committee responsible for local government, national and international experts. Both the TNA and NTS reports contributed greatly to the national discussions and preparation of the local government reform of Cyprus, with a direction towards more decentralisation and strengthening of local democracy. CoE support to local government reform was discussed and agreed with the Government of Cyprus.