Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
I was the Mayor of Lisbon. I am proud to serve my city. I was the Prime Minister of Portugal. I am proud to serve my country. Now I am the President of the European Council. I am proud to serve the European Union. Lisbon is my city. Portugal is my country. Europe is our common home. There is no contradiction between these three levels. This is what happened in the speech given by the Portuguese António Costa, the new President of the Council of the European Union, at the handover ceremony that took place inside the European Council headquarters in Brussels, where he took over his duties from his Belgian predecessor, Charles Michel. After thanking the former President and the good work he had done during his years in office, Costa said: "Today, in this globalized world, the only way to be truly national, to ensure sovereignty, is to build a common Europe. Because only together can we defend security, stability and peace on our continent. Only together can we achieve shared prosperity, economic growth and climate change. Only together can we make Europe's voice heard on the international stage. So, unity is the lifeblood of the European Union. But we should not ignore our differences of opinion, nor treat them as a problem. We have 27 different histories and cultures, and we look at the world from different geographical locations. This diversity is completely natural. It enriches us. We are able to harness this strength. It is the strength of Europe. The truth is that the unity of Europe in diversity is wonderful. It stems from the strength of our unwavering common will. As President of the European Council, I will make it my mission every day to build this unity and to cherish our natural diversity.

What is Europe? Europe is about values, peace and prosperity. Values ​​are the foundation on which we have built everything else. They are enshrined in our treaties, at the very top. They set high standards for all of us, institutions and citizens alike.

Human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, including the protection of minorities. These values ​​and principles are the essence of Europe and our way of life. They must be defended. That is the main lesson of Europe’s dark past of dictatorship and war.

After thirty-three months – one thousand and ten days – of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, we all yearn for peace. Peace does not mean real peace, nor does it mean surrender. Peace must not reward the aggressor. Peace in Ukraine must be just; it must be lasting; and it must be based on international law.
This war is taking place on European soil, but at stake are the universal principles enshrined in the UN Charter: the right of peoples to self-determination, the right of nations to choose their own future, and respect for territorial integrity and state borders. That is why we must write a new chapter in the EU’s peace project. By becoming stronger, more efficient, more flexible and, yes, more independent in security and defence. And by always working for a strong transatlantic partnership.

Enlargement to the Western Balkans and our eastern neighbours is a powerful instrument for peace, security and prosperity – and a geopolitical imperative. The EU and the candidate countries must work harder and faster – without artificial timetables, but also without unjustified obstacles.

We live in a multipolar world with seven different continents and 193 countries. We need to engage these countries by weaving a global network. In doing so, we must abandon concepts such as the “global south” or the “global north”. The EU’s external action must recognise that the south and the north are in fact multiple.
This also means that the EU must be a partner in a global, multilateral, sustainable and peaceful future. For a new global governance, a new global financial architecture. And for championing global causes such as the fight against poverty, climate change and the health of our oceans.
Finally, Europe is about prosperity. The EU has always been anchored in a promise of shared prosperity for its citizens. That is what we must deliver. The reports of Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi are a call to action, and the Budapest Declaration sets out the priorities. As we move forward, it is up to us, the institutions and the member states, to make the decisions. We need to complete the single market, cut bureaucracy, invest in skills and innovation, and turn challenges such as those facing defence and energy into opportunities to enhance competitiveness.
Having spoken to European leaders during my visits over the past few weeks, I feel confident. This is because of their sense of urgency, and above all because of their general focus on collective action inspired by creativity and guided by pragmatism.
Finally, the bond that must bind us together in defending our values, building peace and achieving prosperity – is trust. And we need to renew this bond with citizens. By working closely with social partners, our regions, our cities and civil society representatives. Because we must show that we are effectively addressing people’s concerns. From the housing crisis to better managing migration. From ageing to climate change.
The Portuguese socialist Costa has become the new President of the European Council. Shortly after being elected by his peers last June, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni voted against his appointment at a Council meeting.
Following his appointment, Costa promised that his mandate would be one of continuity, “focusing on setting the strategic agenda approved by the Council in June that will guide the European Union for the next five years.”

Costa was Portugal’s prime minister from 2015 to 2024, a position he resigned after initially being investigated over irregular investment deals in lithium and green hydrogen projects. His current status as a witness has not proved to be a stumbling block to his appointment. Since the investigation was first published, Costa has consistently maintained his innocence, saying he resigned from the government to preserve his political integrity. During his time in government, he allowed non-EU citizens to immigrate to Portugal without a work contract, creating an image of one of the most open immigration policies in the bloc, which has been met with opposition from far-right leaders. Costa is also highly admired by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and has been a constructive partner in the European Council for nearly a decade. One European analyst said Costa is a skilled negotiator who is able to “bring together” the positions of leaders of all political stripes.