President António Costa’s Agenda: Strengthening Unity and Addressing Global Challenges
February 17, 2025 – This week, António Costa, President of the European Council, embarks on a series of high-level meetings aimed at addressing critical issues related to Ukraine, security in Europe, and fostering cooperation among key international stakeholders. The agenda highlights the importance of multilateral dialogue in tackling global challenges under Costa’s leadership.
Informal Meeting on Ukraine and Security in Europe
On Monday, February 17th, President Costa will participate in an informal meeting on Ukraine and security in Europe hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. As President of the European Council, Costa plays a pivotal role in bringing together EU member states to coordinate their responses to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and reinforce regional stability.
Engagements with Key International Figures
On Tuesday, February 18th, President Costa is scheduled to meet with U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, General Keith Kellogg, at 10:00 AM. This discussion is expected to focus on strengthening transatlantic coordination to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Later that day, at 12:00 PM, he will hold a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever, which includes a photo opportunity, underscoring the importance of bilateral relations within the EU framework.
At 14:00, President Costa will engage in discussions with Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The conversation may explore financial mechanisms to bolster economic resilience in Eastern Europe, particularly in light of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. In the afternoon, Costa will meet with Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, at 15:30, followed by a session with Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), at 16:30. These engagements reflect the European Council’s commitment to strengthening ties beyond Europe and addressing energy security—a critical component of broader geopolitical considerations.
Regional and Institutional Collaborations
On Wednesday, February 19th, President Costa continues his engagements with a meeting at 12:30 PM with José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the regional government of Azores. This interaction highlights the importance of integrating regional perspectives into national and European policies. Later, at 14:30, President Costa will deliver a speech during the first plenary session of 2025 for the European Committee of the Regions at the European Parliament. His address is anticipated to emphasize the role of local and regional authorities in shaping cohesive European strategies.
The day concludes with a meeting at 19:00 with Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy. This engagement likely focuses on advancing industrial policy initiatives that align with Europe’s long-term prosperity goals.
Strengthening Ties with Regional Governments
Finally, on Thursday, February 20th, President Costa will meet with Salvador Illa i Roca, President of the regional government of Catalonia, at 10:00 AM. This meeting aims to reinforce dialogue between central and regional governments, ensuring alignment on shared priorities and addressing any specific concerns arising from regional contexts.
This week’s agenda show focus to fostering collaboration across various levels of governance, both domestically and internationally. Through these engagements, he seeks to promote peace, security, and sustainable development, reflecting the European Council’s active role in shaping a stronger and more united Europe.
