The outgoing president of the European Council said this Friday that he trusts former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa, who will succeed him in December, to be a “guardian of unity” among member states, when the European Union will face economic and geopolitical challenges.
“I hope António Costa - with his experience, who knows all his colleagues, all 27 countries – will play a very important role to ensure that the European Council continues to be the guardian of European unity“, said Charles Michel.
Speaking at a press conference in Budapest, at the end of an informal meeting of the European Council where strategic independence was discussed to make the EU more competitive, the Belgian official said: unity is never given“.
Charles Michel stated “increased pressure on the multilateralism or the rules-based order“, for “wars and conflicts around the world, including in the immediate neighborhood” and, also, for the “challenge of competitiveness”.
António Costa, who was part of the European Council representing Portugal for eight years (during which he was prime minister), knows some of the leaders of the European Union (EU), but it is planned by him, in his mandate of two and a half years. at the head of the institution, find points of convergence for commitment between the 27
Therefore, before starting his duties, during the summer and early autumn he toured the capitals of Europe to meet personally with EU heads of government and state to learn more about their views and priorities for the first institutional cycle others in the community space. .
António Costa’s European tour began in July in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the only one among 27 MEPs who voted against his appointment, which is why the official decided Portugal start the visit there.
This was followed by countries such as Hungary, which has the rotating presidency of the EU Council this semester, and Poland, which will succeed it in the first half of 2025, and the other countries, finishing in the Nordics.
For next Tuesday, a meeting is planned with the president of the European CommissionUrsula von der Leyen.
Last June, EU heads of state and government elected Costa as president of the European Council for a two-and-a-half-year term starting on 1 December 2024, making him the first Portuguese and the first socialist to lead the European Council. institution. He succeeds Charles Michel of Belgium, who has been in the post since 2019.
The former Prime Minister of Belgium, the liberal politician Charles Michel, 48, heads the European Council until November 30, 2024, in a period marked by crises such as the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the Covid- 19, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and, more recently, the rekindling of tensions in the Middle East.
This was the last European summit chaired by Charles Michel.
Meeting in the capital of Hungary for the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU assumed by Hungary, the heads of Government and State of the Union — including the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro — approved the Budapest Declaration, which defended they “mobilize significant investments, public and private funding”, especially in the Defense sector.
A new European agreement on EU competitiveness discussed this Friday in Budapest
Interview: The Future of Europe with Time.news Editor and EU Expert
Time.news Editor: Good day, and welcome to this exclusive interview. Today we have a distinguished expert in European politics, Dr. Elena Martinez, to discuss the upcoming transition in the European Council with the appointment of António Costa as president. Welcome, Dr. Martinez!
Dr. Elena Martinez: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in! Charles Michel, the outgoing president of the European Council, has expressed his confidence in António Costa becoming a “guardian of unity.” Given the current economic and geopolitical challenges facing the EU, how crucial is this role?
Dr. Martinez: It’s absolutely vital. Michel emphasized that “unity is never given,” which highlights the precarious state of collaboration among member states. With rising pressures from global conflicts and economic instability, Costa’s ability to unify the 27 nations will be tested. His experience as the former Prime Minister of Portugal and his familiarity with European leaders may give him an edge in fostering consensus.
Editor: Speaking of Costa’s experience, he’s been meeting with heads of state across Europe. How significant is this outreach strategy for his upcoming presidency?
Dr. Martinez: Extremely significant. Costa’s pre-emptive engagement with other leaders is a strategic move. By understanding their priorities and concerns, he can identify common ground, which is essential for any collaborative effort. This approach may also help diffuse tensions, especially given that, at least one EU leader opposed his appointment. Starting his tour in Rome with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was symbolic in that regard.
Editor: Indeed, it shows a proactive approach. In your view, what challenges do you foresee that could test Costa’s role as president in the next two and a half years?
Dr. Martinez: A few challenges immediately come to mind. First, the ongoing situation regarding Russia and Ukraine continues to test EU solidarity. Second, the EU’s internal issues—like migration and economic disparities among member states—require delicate navigation. Additionally, the growing calls for strategic independence in terms of defense and technology could create further divisions. Costa’s effectiveness will depend on his ability to balance these conflicting interests while maintaining a unified front.
Editor: Charles Michel highlighted the increased pressure on multilateralism and a rules-based order. How do you think Costa can address these pressures?
Dr. Martinez: Costa will need to champion multilateralism, perhaps even initiating dialogues that reaffirm the EU’s commitment to international cooperation. Additionally, he can emphasize the importance of rules-based governance as a means to tackle issues like trade disputes and climate change, which require collaborative solutions. Strengthening ties with non-EU allies may also be a part of this strategy in promoting a unified approach that doesn’t isolate the EU on the global stage.
Editor: Very insightful! As the first Portuguese and first socialist to lead the European Council, how significant is this for the EU’s political landscape?
Dr. Martinez: It’s very significant. His leadership presents an opportunity for the EU to showcase diversity in governance, especially in a time when many countries are leaning towards more populist and nationalist policies. Costa can leverage his platform to advocate for progressive agendas such as climate action, social equity, and economic sustainability, potentially redefining the Council’s priorities.
Editor: It seems António Costa has quite a journey ahead of him. what are your predictions for his presidency?
Dr. Martinez: If he successfully unifies the member states around key issues and addresses both internal and external challenges, he may strengthen the EU’s position in the global arena. On the other hand, failure to achieve consensus could lead to further fragmentation and challenges to the EU’s integrity. it will be a fascinating period to watch!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for sharing your expertise with us today. It seems we’re on the brink of an interesting era for the European Union.
Dr. Martinez: I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these critical issues. Here’s to hoping for a progressive and unified Europe!
Editor: And to our viewers, thank you for joining us. Stay tuned for more updates on Europe and its evolving political landscape!