On December 1, António Costa, the former Prime Minister of Portugal (2015 – 2023), assumed office as President of the European Council, becoming the first Portuguese leader to hold the position. Concurrently, Ursula von der Leyen’s term as President of the European Commission was extended.
To mark the start of his tenure, Costa traveled to Kyiv on the same day, emphasizing the European Union’s unwavering support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.
“Ukraine, like my country and many others, has the same right under the Charter of the United Nations. Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and borders must be respected,” Costa stated during his visit.
He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Ukraine, stressing that “International Law must prevail,” and called for the defeat of the Russian invasion.
He warned that any concession to the aggressor would threaten the entire international community. Costa also condemned Russia for its nuclear threats and deliberate attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, including energy systems.
“This type of action targets people, children, and families, denying them access to electricity, heating, or water,” he highlighted.
António Costa meets Volodymyr Zelensky
The visit is pivotal for Ukraine, seeking assurances regarding NATO membership and further integration into the European Union.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently signaled a willingness to negotiate a ceasefire, suggesting that parts of the country could join NATO, with other territories to be recovered diplomatically.
Costa assured Ukraine of the EU’s solidarity, underscoring a multi-level support package encompassing humanitarian, economic, diplomatic, military, and energy assistance. He highlighted the EU’s financial aid exceeding €4.2 billion to support Ukraine’s budget and noted that starting next year, Ukraine would benefit from funds derived from frozen Russian assets to further pressure Moscow’s economy.
The new President of the European Council praised Ukraine’s progress toward EU accession through “profound reforms” made despite the ongoing conflict.
Next year, Ukraine will experience increased integration into the EU, including interconnection in roaming and participation in parts of the internal market. “It will be as if Ukraine were already part of the common market,” Costa remarked.
While in Kyiv, Costa extended an invitation to President Zelensky to attend the European Council meeting scheduled for December 19 in Brussels, reaffirming the EU’s long-term commitment to Ukraine. “We are by your side as long as necessary,” he concluded.
The European Council is a collegiate body that offers the overall political direction and priorities of the European Union. The European Council is part of the executive of the European Union, beside the European Commission. Also known as the Council, government ministers from each European Union country meet to discuss, amend and adopt laws, and coordinate policies. The ministers have the authority to commit their governments to the actions agreed on in the meetings.
António Costa, 62, was formally appointed on June 27, 2024 to take on President of the European Council, the second highest job in the European Union. He is seen as a “pragmatic negotiator,” and is believed to have all the right credentials for Brussels, including a moderate profile combining socialist democratic values with an orthodox approach to the economy. His career so far has included working as a lawyer, mayor of Lisbon, and prime minister. He worked as a lawyer before becoming a member of the Portuguese Parliament in 1991. His many positions since then have included mayor of Lisbon, elected in 2007, 2009, and 2013. He was a minister of the European Committee of the Regions from 2010 to 2015, adding to his considerable experience with the European Parliament and Council, before serving as prime minister from 2015 to 2024.
PAJ/Staff
