Costa meets EU leaders ahead of December 1 presidency
- António Costa is meeting with EU leaders to discuss their political priorities ahead of his presidency.
- His tour started in Italy and includes meetings with leaders like Viktor Orbán and Pedro Sánchez.
- The goal is to foster collaboration among the 27 member states before taking office on December 1, 2024.
António Costa, the future President of the European Council, is engaging in a series of meetings with the leaders of the 27 EU member states ahead of his official start on December 1, 2024. His tour commenced in Italy with a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who notably opposed his election. Costa's agenda includes discussions with various leaders to understand their political priorities for the upcoming European institutional cycle. This initiative is crucial as it aims to foster collaboration and consensus among the member states. Costa's meetings also include a significant encounter with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who abstained during Costa's election, highlighting the diverse political landscape within the EU. The meetings are expected to continue throughout October, allowing Costa to establish connections and gather insights that will inform his presidency. His experience as a former Prime Minister of Portugal and his previous role in the European Council will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of EU politics during his two-and-a-half-year term.