Rudolph Angler António Costa, Portugal’s former prime minister, will assume the European Council presidency on December 1. This marks a leadership transition in the European Union’s institutional cycle. On Friday, outgoing president Charles Michel passed Costa the ceremonial bell in a brief ceremony in Brussels.
Costa emphasized unity, urging European leaders to confront challenges together. “Patriotism means ensuring sovereignty and building a common Europe,” he stated. He highlighted unity’s role in fostering security, stability, prosperity, and climate progress. “Unity is the lifeblood of the European Union,” Costa declared, advocating for solidarity among member states.
Bridging Differences and Setting Priorities
Costa’s term will overlap with Ursula von der Leyen’s second presidency of the European Commission. As Council president, Costa will moderate EU summits and coordinate leaders’ efforts, focusing on representation and collaboration. He described himself as a bridge-builder, stressing that diverse perspectives enrich the EU and should be embraced, not seen as obstacles.
His top priorities include supporting Ukraine, improving defense policy, managing migration, and reforming the EU budget. Costa also aims to advance EU enlargement by encouraging progress without artificial timelines or unnecessary hurdles. He believes expansion strengthens peace, security, and prosperity.
Costa plans to streamline EU summits, limiting them to one day when possible and ensuring agenda conclusions are ready beforehand. He also wants to organize informal retreats outside Brussels for leaders to focus on key issues without decision-making pressure.
The incoming president will lead the bloc during a critical time for socialism in Brussels. Alongside Teresa Ribera, Costa represents the socialist family in a political landscape increasingly influenced by right-wing policies.
On Friday, Costa called for just and lasting peace in Ukraine, emphasizing that aggression must not be rewarded. He reinforced the importance of collective action, describing enlargement as a geopolitical necessity for Europe’s stability and future.