António Costa Kicks Off European Council Presidency with Strong Support for Ukraine

António Costa's Arrival in Kyiv

The new President of the European Council, António Costa, arrived in Kyiv this Sunday to mark the first day of his mandate. He was accompanied by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, to reaffirm support for Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion.

At approximately 8 AM local time, Costa and his delegation, which includes Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, arrived in the Ukrainian capital.

"On our first day in office, we are here to send a clear message that we stand with Ukraine and continue to provide our full support—humanitarian, financial, military, and diplomatic—as we have since the beginning of this aggressive war," stated Costa during a press briefing on the night train to Kyiv.

Discussions on the Future

Costa emphasized the importance of discussing both the current state of the war and the future of European integration, including Ukraine's integration into the EU. Kaja Kallas highlighted that starting their mandates in Kyiv symbolizes that Ukraine is a European issue, promoting unity and collaboration.

Kallas noted the grave situation on the battlefield and stressed the need for the EU to demonstrate its support for Ukraine, providing hope for the nation regarding its accession to the EU and the reconstruction of its territories.

High-Level Visit Amidst Ongoing Struggles

This high-level visit comes after days of intense Russian attacks on Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure, as the country braces for a challenging winter. The EU has mobilized assistance and continues to provide robust support since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

The visit follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent comments about being ready to end the war in exchange for NATO membership for non-occupied territories, even if Russia does not immediately return seized lands.

António Costa's presidency of the European Council will last until May 31, 2027, during which he aims to enhance the institution's effectiveness and promote European unity. His first European summit is scheduled for December 19.

Costa is the first Portuguese and the first socialist to lead the Council, having previously represented Portugal there for eight years as Prime Minister. He intends to find common ground among the 27 EU member states during his term.

Costa succeeds Charles Michel, who held the position from 2019 until this Saturday, during a period marked by crises, including the invasion of Ukraine.