ABSTRACT
Introduction This chapter traces the phase of the initial preparations of the presidencies on four generic dimensions in Poland, Denmark and Cyprus. They are all operationalisations of the governmentality perspective on the early phase of the presidency process. The first dimension focuses on ‘disciplining’; that is, some of the particular key challenges that all bureaucrats as representatives of their member states are facing, as well as the ambition attached to holding the office. The second dimension examines where inspirational ideas in organising the presidency are coming from and why. Here we are looking from below as well as from above in the power hierarchies, our is focus constantly on the relationship between the actors in the process. The third dimension examines the initial organisation of the presidency: the structures, processes and networks established to handle the presidency tasks (i.e., the ‘technologies’ of the presidency, cf. chapter 1). The fourth dimension outlines the process of selecting initial priorities. Finally, the chapter compares the initial preparations with reference to the theoretical framework before concluding.
