Antonio Costa, the former Prime Minister of Portugal, has taken on the role of the fourth president of the EU leaders’ council. His main goal is to put an end to the bickering and internal dysfunction that has plagued Brussels for years. With threats from all sides, including the Russian army and challenges in competitiveness, Costa faces an uphill battle.
Costa’s optimistic attitude and track record of managing negotiations give hope to many that he can restore unity and trust within the EU. His focus on finding common ground among leaders and mobilizing support for key issues like defense, competitiveness, and the energy transition is crucial in these challenging times.
One of Costa’s immediate tasks is to work closely with Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, to coordinate their agendas and restore order in Brussels. By organizing effective meetings and fostering better communication among leaders, Costa aims to improve decision-making and collaboration within the EU.
As he navigates through tough negotiations on the EU’s budget, defense capabilities, and green transition, Costa will need to find a balance between increasing the budget size, exploring new revenue sources, and joint borrowing for specific projects. The ongoing threat from Russia has shifted some countries’ perspectives on deficits, potentially paving the way for agreements on key issues.
Despite the challenges ahead, Costa’s inclusive approach, willingness to seek compromises, and ability to build relationships with leaders across the political spectrum position him as a strong leader for the EU in these turbulent times. His upcoming retreats for leaders and focus on finding common ground offer hope for a more united and effective EU under his leadership.