António Costa

As the war in Iran takes center stage, there is only one winner: Russia. Profiting from rising energy prices and the diversion of military capabilities and benefiting from the reduced attention to the Ukrainian front.

Today @vonderleyen and I had a VTC with Leaders of Middle East countries on the latest developments of the war in Iran. We are working together to bring back peace and stability. The EU is committed to partnership, security, and prosperity in the region. Read our joint statement: link.europa.eu/GFxbFG

European Leaders have a clear priority — to strengthen our economic growth. 2026 will be the year of competitiveness. This is the commitment coming out from Alden Biesen.

Today’s discussions in Alden Biesen bring a new energy to the competitiveness debate. EU Leaders are united on the urgency to bolster the dynamism of Europe’s social market economy.

It has been a long journey, but the EU-Mercosur Agreement, creating the largest free trade area in the world, comes at the right moment, when we need it most. Follow my speech live ↓ twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…

Good to meet with President @ZelenskyyUa in Nicosia today. Yesterday’s agreement on security guarantees is a key step in our work towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Ukraine’s accession to the EU is a crucial security guarantee in its own right. It is a proven path to a more prosperous and stable future for the country. Our work is rapidly advancing.

We just held a productive and important meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris to advance our support for Ukraine. We stand ready to commit to a system of politically and legally binding guarantees that will be activated once a ceasefire enters into force. The EU will contribute to the efforts to ensure the security guarantees that Ukraine needs for any agreement for a long-lasting peace. • Supporting Ukraine’s advance on its accession path, a key element of its future prosperity. • Helping to cover Ukraine’s financial needs for the next two years through the €90 billion loan agreed by the EUCO last December. Part of these funds will support Ukraine’s armed forces, the first line of defence against the aggression. • We will assist with our civilian and military EU missions on the ground. Ukraine must be in the strongest possible position—before, during, and after any ceasefire.

I am following the situation in Venezuela with great concern. The European Union calls for de-escalation and a resolution in full respect of international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. The European Union will continue to support a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive solution in Venezuela. We support the efforts of the HRVP @kajakallas, in coordination with the Member States, to ensure the safety of European citizens in the country.

Wishing you joyful holidays filled with peace, serenity and cherished moments. Happy Christmas! Joyeux Noël!

“When the problem becomes the same for everyone, and they all share the same concern to solve it, differences and suspicions disappear.” May we remain inspired—and mindful—of Jean Monnet’s words, as stated in his Memoirs, the book I offered to the EU leaders as a holidays gift: a true manual of great current relevance.

Follow live: Press conference with President @vonderleyen and Prime Minister @mette Frederiksen following the European Council #EUCO ↓ twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…

We have a deal. Decision to provide 90 billion euros of support to Ukraine for 2026-27 approved. We committed, we delivered.

Deeply shocked by the horrific attack on those celebrating the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach. My heart goes out to the victims and their families and friends. I stand in solidarity with Australia and the Jewish communities worldwide. Europe is united against antisemitism.

As peace talks are ongoing, the EU remains ironclad in its support for Ukraine. Our financing proposals are on the table. The goal is a strong Ukraine, on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. We reaffirmed to President @ZelenskyyUA that the EU remains steadfast and committed to its principles. Ukraine’s sovereignty must be respected. Ukraine’s security must be guaranteed, in the long term, as a first line of defence for our Union. These priorities were are the center of our discussions with @SecGenNATO. Europe will keep contributing to all efforts for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

Honoré d’ouvrir la conférence annuelle de @DelorsInstitute. Une occasion de faire le bilan de ma première année de mandat et de discuter des défis qui attendent l’UE: situation en Ukraine, compétitivité, élargissement, engagement avec le reste du monde. twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…

The EU and Kazakhstan are entering a new phase of deepening our engagement. There is a strong opportunity to take our cooperation much further. And the EU stands ready to help unlock its full potential 🇪🇺🇰🇿

Just had a good phone call with President @ZelenskyyUa to update each other on the latest developments. On the EU side, we are firmly committed to continue with our comprehensive support to Ukraine. In the coming days, my focus will be on the preparations for the next European Council, when the important decision on securing Ukraine financing for 2026-2027 will need to be taken.

What is the role of the President of the European Council? As @eucopresident Antonio Costa is about to mark his first year in office, watch our YouTube video to find out what being #EUCO President means. 👇 youtu.be/5B7jvpFDUI4

Very useful meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. It was good to hear from President @ZelenskyyUa and @SecRubio about their assessment of the ongoing peace process. From the EU’s perspective, our discussions - especially those held yesterday in Luanda - reaffirm our commitment to continue exerting pressure on Russia and to support Ukraine - politically, economically and militarily.

The EU-African Union partnership is strong, delivers results, and is growing in ambition - for the benefit of our people. Our cooperation is a unique international partnership that promotes dialogue and trust between equals. twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…