António Costa: The Puzzle Master of European Consensus
António Costa, the former Prime Minister of Portugal, has embarked on a new and challenging role as the President of the European Council. This position places him at the helm of EU summits, tasked with forging compromises among the 27 heads of state, a diverse group encompassing figures like France’s Emmanuel Macron and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. Costa’s challenge lies in deciphering the nuances of each nation’s position, identifying which stances are negotiable and which are fundamental. Those who have followed his career, like political reporter Paulo Pena, describe Costa as having a particular affinity for complex challenges, likening him to a puzzle solver, both literally and figuratively. This characteristic, combined with his belief in his ability to engage with anyone, regardless of their viewpoint, positions him well for the delicate task of navigating the intricate political landscape of the European Union.
The European Council plays a crucial role within the EU’s complex machinery. It operates as the highest political authority, setting the strategic direction for the entire Union. Decisions made at the Council level subsequently cascade down through the EU hierarchy, impacting policies and initiatives across the member states. Costa has outlined key priorities for his tenure, which include maintaining unwavering support for Ukraine, strengthening defense cooperation among member states, and addressing the persistent challenge of immigration. These priorities align closely with the positions held by many member states, suggesting a potential basis for consensus-building under Costa’s leadership.
Costa, a 63-year-old Portuguese politician, is widely regarded as pragmatic and adept at finding common ground, a view shared by both his political allies and rivals. His reputation for consensus-building is built on years of experience, including six years spent alongside former Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven at EU summits. Löfven characterizes Costa as a solutions-oriented leader with a deep commitment to the European project, further describing him as a warm, humorous, and universally respected figure. Costa’s appointment has been met with widespread relief, particularly following a period of tension between his predecessor, Charles Michel, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The relationship between Costa and von der Leyen appears significantly more amicable, potentially fostering a more collaborative and effective working dynamic within the EU leadership.
Costa’s political journey is marked by extensive experience, having served as Lisbon’s mayor, Interior Minister, a Member of the European Parliament, and most notably, as Portugal’s Prime Minister for nearly a decade. He assumed the premiership in 2015 during the aftermath of the financial crisis, successfully navigating Portugal’s economic recovery while implementing social reforms, including raising the minimum wage. This approach established Portugal as a model for European social democrats, demonstrating that investment and social progress could be achieved alongside fiscal responsibility. However, Costa’s political trajectory experienced a temporary setback in 2022 when he resigned amidst allegations of impropriety related to lithium mining and data center procurement involving individuals within his political circle. Despite these allegations, which he denies and for which he has not been charged, Costa was elected as the President of the European Council in June 2023.
The European Council is currently dominated by leaders from center-right parties, with social democrats representing a minority. Costa, a left-leaning politician, now presides over this diverse group. However, as Löfven points out, party affiliation is often less significant than geographical considerations within the Council, particularly regarding budgetary matters. Costa’s unique background also adds another layer to his leadership. He is the first person from an ethnic minority to hold a top EU position. His grandfather hailed from Goa, a former Portuguese colony in India, and his grandmother was of French-Mozambican descent. This diverse heritage, coupled with his experience fostering closer ties with former Portuguese colonies during his premiership, suggests a broader perspective on international relations, aligning with his stated goal of redefining the EU’s global engagement.
Costa’s principal responsibility is not solely to represent the EU on the global stage, but to cultivate a unified EU stance behind closed doors. He has spent considerable time engaging with European leaders to gather input from the 27 member states. This inclusive approach underscores his commitment to building consensus and addressing the diverse priorities of the EU member states. His success will depend on his ability to navigate the complex interplay of national interests and forge a common path forward for the European Union. He will draw upon his experience, his pragmatic approach, and his reputed ability to connect with individuals across the political spectrum, seeking common ground and crafting solutions to the myriad challenges facing the EU in the current global landscape.
