President of the European Council, António Costa

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The next President of the European Council will be António Costa, a former prime minister of Portugal. In the European Union (EU), this is the second most significant position. The council in Brussels made the unexpected decision to select Costa even though he wasn't initially on the list of contenders. This demonstrates a change in perspective toward considering other options and indicates Portugal's growing influence within the EU.

The Political and Leadership Background of António Costa


Born in 1961, António Costa began his career as a lawyer before embarking on a lengthy political career that included stints as Lisbon's mayor, the vice president of the European Parliament, and a cabinet minister in Portugal. During his time as Portugal's prime minister, Costa played a key role in putting changes into place meant to revive Lisbon's economic and social structures. In addition, he is renowned for his practical leadership approach, which is counterbalanced by a strong belief in social justice.

Significant Accomplishments and Acknowledgment


Because of his humble upbringing and Indian ancestry, Costa is sometimes referred to as the “Gandhi of Lisbon.” In 2017, the Indian President granted him the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, highlighting his significant contributions to the Indian diaspora. In addition, he possesses an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card.

Context of the Presidency of the European Council


The position of President of the European Council was established on December 13, 2007, with the signing of the Treaty of Lisbon. The first person to occupy the position was Herman Van Rompuy. In order to guarantee that all EU members agree on shared policies, the president plays a crucial role in reaching consensus and directing talks inside the council. The reason António Costa is running against Charles Michel is his desire to advance liberty and unity throughout Europe. This shift in the strategic leadership of the European Union helps member states cooperate to accomplish common social and economic objectives by illuminating the union's ongoing dynamics and evolving governance.