Antonio Costa took over the bell from Charles Michel: Slobodna Dalmacija.
On 1 December 2024, the new President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, officially took office, succeeding Charles Michel, whose mandate was in serious competition with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This transition was marked by an important statement by Costa, who stressed the need for unity in the European Union, but also emphasised the importance of preserving its diversity, which is the EU’s strength.
This is reported by the Time Ukraine Israel portal, citing the Croatian publication Slobodna Dalmacija.
Ceremonial transfer of authority
At the handover ceremony, Costa said that “only together can we ensure stability, security and peace on our continent”, emphasising the importance of consensus among the 27 EU member states to achieve common goals. Charles Michel handed over his responsibilities to the Portuguese socialist, which was an important step in the political transformation of the European Union, which should become more adapted to the new geopolitical realities.
A look at the future of Europe
“Unity is the lifeblood of the European Union, and despite all our differences, we must see them as an asset, not a problem,” Costa said. He stressed that diversity of views and cultures is a natural part of the European community and its strength. Known for his diplomatic skills, Costa has proven himself to be a skilled politician who is able to find compromises between different political forces, which is necessary to achieve stability within the EU.
Priorities as President
Costa indicated that his priorities in his new position will be not only to strengthen the EU’s internal cohesion, but also to expand the Union, in particular to the Western Balkans and eastern neighbours, which he called “a powerful tool for peace, security and prosperity”. The new president also drew attention to the importance of the EU’s autonomy in security and defence matters, stressing the importance of the transatlantic partnership.
Position on the war in Ukraine
Speaking against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, Costa said that the EU should be at the forefront of the fight for peace, but a peace that does not reward aggression. He stressed that peace in Ukraine must be “just and lasting” and based on international law, which provides for the right of peoples to self-determination and respect for territorial integrity.
The departure of Charles Michel
Michel, who has completed his mandate, leaves the European Council after five years at the helm of the body, which were marked by a strained relationship with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. His departure is accompanied by relatively low ratings compared to his predecessors Herman Van Rompuy and Donald Tusk, which underlines the complexity of his political mandate.
A new stage in the history of the EU
Antonio Costa has become the first president of the European Council who does not have European roots. His paternal grandfather came from India and his grandmother from Mozambique, reflecting the diversity of cultures and heritage of the new EU leader. Costa, 63, is a well-known politician, having served as prime minister of Portugal, and was elected to his new post after numerous meetings with EU leaders.
The departure of Charles Michel and the arrival of Antonio Costa mark a new phase in the history of the European Council, which underlines the importance of cooperation, consensus and diversity to ensure Europe’s prosperity in the face of global challenges.
