António Costa – President of European Council

July 1, 2024

António Costa, who used to be the prime minister of Portugal, has been chosen to be the next President of the European Council. This is the second most important job in the European Union (EU). In Brussels, the council made this surprising choice, picking Costa even though he wasn’t on the first list of candidates. This shows a shift toward looking at more choices and shows that Portugal is becoming more powerful in the EU.

António Costa’s Political and Leadership Profile

António Costa, born in 1961 and initially a lawyer, has had a lengthy political career that includes terms as a cabinet minister in Portugal, the vice president of the European Parliament, and the mayor of Lisbon. During his tenure as the Prime Minister of Portugal, Costa was pivotal in implementing reforms aimed at revitalizing both the economy and social fabrics of Lisbon and Portugal. He is also known for his pragmatic leadership style, which is balanced by a strong commitment to social justice.

Notable Achievements and Recognition

Costa, often referred to as the “Gandhi of Lisbon” due to his modest lifestyle and Indian descent, was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the President of India in 2017, emphasizing his notable contributions to the Indian diaspora. He also holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.

Background of the European Council Presidency

While the Treaty of Lisbon was being signed on December 13, 2007, it set up the job of President of the European Council. Herman Van Rompuy was the first person to hold the job. The President plays a key part in achieving agreement and guiding discussions within the council, ensuring that all EU member states agree on common policies. António Costa is running against Charles Michel because he wants to promote freedom and European unity. This change in the strategic leadership of the European Union sheds light on the ongoing dynamics and changing governance within the union, which helps member states work together to achieve shared social and economic goals.

« Previous Post Next Post »