António Costa set to lead the European Council starting December 1, 2024

On December 1, 2024, António Costa will officially take office as the president of the European Council in Brussels. His inauguration ceremony is scheduled for the afternoon of Friday, December 1, where he will receive the presidency from the current leader, Charles Michel. This marks a historic moment as António Costa will be the first Portuguese and the first socialist to lead the European Council, which includes the heads of Government and State of the European Union. Costa has emphasized the need for unity among EU leaders and the importance of conveying political messages during meetings. Prior to officially assuming his role, Costa has been engaged in a tour visiting different European capitals, aimed at fostering relationships and understanding the priorities of fellow leaders. His predecessor, Charles Michel, expressed confidence that Costa will act as a unifier among member states as the EU navigates various challenges including economic issues and geopolitical tensions. It is anticipated that Costa's presidency will enhance the working relationships between the European Council and both the European Commission and the European Parliament. The ceremony will mark the end of Michel's term, during which he faced significant crises, including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The event is expected to be attended by various EU dignitaries, including the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who has a good rapport with Costa. This suggests a shift towards a more collaborative approach in addressing pressing issues facing the EU. In summary, António Costa’s leadership is seen as a promising development for the European Union, with hopes for better institutional relationships and a focus on collaborative governance among member states as they deal with current challenges.