António Costa, President of the European Council, plays a pivotal role in shaping the EU's policies towards the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He actively participates in discussions on sanctions against Russia, stressing the importance of maintaining pressure on Moscow to foster peace in Ukraine. Costa has underscored the necessity of supporting Ukraine's defense and financial stability, highlighting EU aid packages. Furthermore, his involvement in high-level meetings with EU leaders and Ukraine reflects his commitment to Ukraine's EU accession aspirations, despite challenges from EU member states. Costa's continuous engagement underscores his dedication to achieving a lasting peace and stability in the region.
What role does António Costa play in the EU's approach to Ukraine?
António Costa, as the European Council President, is instrumental in forming the EU's approach towards Ukraine. He advocates for continuous sanctions against Russia, supports military and financial aid for Ukraine, and participates in strategic talks highlighting Ukraine's potential EU accession. His efforts underline the EU's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and peace.
How does Costa influence EU sanctions against Russia?
Costa emphasizes the importance of maintaining and increasing sanctions on Russia to compel it to discuss peace terms for Ukraine. His stance is crucial in EU decisions related to sanction packages, ensuring continued pressure on Moscow as a means to halt military aggression and uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity.
What is Costa's view on Ukraine's EU membership aspirations?
António Costa supports Ukraine's EU membership aspirations, stating that it is the best security guarantee for the country. He acknowledges Ukraine's reform efforts and advocates for sustained discussions and steps towards Ukraine's potential accession, despite political obstacles from some EU member states.
What has Costa said about Ukraine's defense capabilities?
Costa underscores the critical need to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities as a vital component of both European and Ukrainian security. He urges EU partners to bolster military support, ensuring Ukraine can effectively defend itself against aggression, thereby protecting the larger European region from instability.
Why is Costa against relaxing sanctions on Russia?
António Costa believes that relaxing sanctions on Russia would undermine efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. He argues that sustained economic pressure on Moscow is necessary to bring it to the negotiating table, thus deterring further military aggression and safeguarding Ukrainian and regional security.
What are Costa's views on financial aid to Ukraine?
Costa advocates for substantial financial aid to Ukraine, reinforcing the EU's commitment to support Ukraine's economic stability and defense needs. He considers such aid crucial for Ukraine's resilience against aggression and for its developmental path towards potential EU membership.
How does Costa address EU member states' concerns about Ukraine's EU bid?
Costa navigates the concerns of EU member states regarding Ukraine's EU bid by highlighting Ukraine's reform progress and the strategic benefits of its potential membership. He focuses on fostering unity among EU nations to support Ukraine's accession journey, balancing political sensitivities with security imperatives.
What is Costa's position on Europe's defense independence?
António Costa advocates for greater defense independence for Europe, asserting the need for EU nations to have robust defense systems separate from U.S. reliance. This stance is driven by the intent to bolster European security through collaborative defense initiatives, enhancing overall regional safety and stability.
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Merz and Macron criticized Costa for his contacts with Kremlin, - Politico During the EU summit, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized European Council President António Costa’s attempts to establish diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin. 1 372 8 Previously in trend: Talks with Putin
European Council will meet on June 18-19 in Brussels: Ukraine among priorities European Council President António Costa confirmed that Ukraine will be among the key topics at the EU summit on June 18–19. Leaders will discuss support for Kyiv and European security. 407 1 Previously in trend: EU summit
Magyar informed Costa that negotiations had begun with Ukraine regarding rights of Hungarians in Transcarpathia Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the start of technical negotiations with Ukraine regarding the protection of the linguistic, educational, and cultural rights of the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia. 2 391 29 Previously in trend: The question of Transcarpathian Hungarians Relations between Ukraine and Hungary
Ukraine is stepping up its efforts towards European integration: we are preparing for launch of clusters and further decisions, — Zelenskyy Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with European Council President António Costa, during which they discussed Ukraine’s further European integration and diplomatic steps to end the war. 1 060 29 Previously in trend: Ukraine EU accession
European Union must be prepared for negotiations with Russia, - Costa European Council President António Costa stated that EU leaders are discussing preparations for potential negotiations with Russia aimed at ending the war. 1 172 15 Previously in trend: negotiations with Russia
We need to push forward process of Ukraine’s accession to EU and open first negotiation cluster as soon as possible, — Costa European Council President António Costa called on the European Union to open the first chapter in Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations as soon as possible. 563 8 Previously in trend: Ukraine’s Membership in the EU
Zelenskyy met with Costa: Ukraine is counting on opening of negotiation clusters in May-June. VIDEO On Monday, 4 May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with European Council President António Costa on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Yerevan. The two discussed Ukraine’s European integration. 523 7 Previously in trend: Ukraine’s Membership in the EU
We should prepare for launch of first negotiation clusters on Ukraine’s accession to EU, - Costa European Council President António Costa believes that following the unblocking of a €90 billion loan and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, the next step could be the launch of the first round of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU. 1 147 12 Previously in trend: Ukraine’s Membership in the EU
Next step is formal opening of first cluster of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to EU – Costa President of the European Council António Costa has said that after the approval of the €90 billion loan for Ukraine and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, it is time to prepare the next step. 1 511 17 Previously in trend: Ukraine’s Membership in the EU
Zelenskyy discusses with Costa unblocking of €90 billion in aid for Ukraine after Druzhba repairs President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with European Council President António Costa the unblocking of the €90 billion financial aid package. 1 193 9 Previously in trend: Aid to Ukraine from Europe
EU cannot prioritise Ukraine’s interests over those of Slovakia or Hungary, — Fico Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated in a conversation with European Council President António Costa that the European Union "cannot prioritize Ukraine's interests" over those of Slovakia or Hungary. 2 829 28 Previously in trend: Robert Fico’s statements on Ukraine Oil transit via Druzhba pipeline
Costa convenes European Council meeting: Zelenskyy to speak at it European Council President António Costa will hold a meeting of the European Council next week amid the escalation of the military conflict in the Middle East. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also address the meeting on the Russia-Ukraine war. 889 7 Previously in trend: Participation of Zelenskyy in the European Council special session
Costa: Now is not time to relax sanctions on Russia President of the European Council António Costa stressed that now is not the time to ease sanctions against the aggressor state, Russia. 875 4 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia EU sanctions against Russia
EU may approve new package of sanctions against Russia tomorrow – Costa The European Union believes pressure on Moscow should be increased in order to force it to come to the negotiating table to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. 1 052 8 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia
Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector are attempt to intimidate Ukrainians, — Costa The President of the European Council, António Costa, condemned Russia's missile strikes on Ukraine's energy system and civilian infrastructure. 810 8 Previously in trend: Massive combined attack
Costa: Ukraine will assess timing of resumption of transit via Druzhba oil pipeline The President of the European Council, António Costa, announced an agreement with Ukraine on assessing the timing of the resumption of oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline. 2 778 10 Previously in trend: Oil supplies through "Druzhba" pipeline
Von der Leyen, Costa and leaders of several EU countries arrive in Kyiv (updated). PHOTOS Today, 24 February 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa arrived in Kyiv. 6 092 19 Previously in trend: Von der Leyen visit to Ukraine
Traffic restrictions in Kyiv on 24 February due to visits by foreign delegations On Tuesday, February 24, temporary traffic restrictions will be introduced in Kyiv due to security measures involving foreign delegations. 1 450 12 Previously in trend: War Full-scale war anniversary
European Council President Costa states Ukraine’s EU accession date is not yet determined European Council President António Costa stated during a press conference in Oslo that the European Union continues to work on Ukraine's accession to the bloc, but there is currently no clear date for the completion of this process. 1 375 37 Previously in trend: Ukraine EU accession
European Council President Costa to visit Kyiv on February 24 European Council President Antonio Costa will visit Ukraine on February 24 to take part in events marking the fourth anniversary of the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. 398 1
EU has serious doubts about number of elements in "Peace Council" charter, - Costa Leaders of European Union member states have "serious doubts" about certain provisions of the charter of the "Peace Council" initiated by US President Donald Trump. 1 298 8 Previously in trend: Trump creates Peace Council
Zelenskyy, Christodoulides, Costa and von der Leyen discussed defence aid to Ukraine and reparations loan. VIDEO President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a joint meeting with Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. 769 5 Previously in trend: Use of frozen assets of Russian Federation Reparations from Russia
EU approves €90 billion in aid for Ukraine The EU has decided to provide Ukraine with €90 billion in 2026–2027 to support the country's economy, defence and stability. 9 926 122 Previously in trend: Use of frozen assets of Russian Federation Aid to Ukraine from Europe
EU will not leave summit without decision on money for Ukraine, - Costa European Council President António Costa said that EU leaders will decide on funding for Ukraine for 2026-2027 and will not conclude the summit without a final agreement. 1 248 2 Previously in trend: Use of frozen assets of Russian Federation
Zelenskyy to attend EU leaders’ summit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been invited to participate in discussions on Ukrainian issues at the European Council meeting on 18 December, but he is expected to join the discussion via video link. 1 421 8 Previously in trend: EU summit
Zelenskyy touches down in Brussels for talks with EU and NATO leaders President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Brussels on Monday, 8 December, for meetings with leaders of the European Union and NATO. 783 2 Previously in trend: Zelenskyy’s meeting with Rutte Zelenskyy meets von der Leyen Zelenskyy met with Costa and von der Leyen
Zelenskyy to meet with Rutte, von der Leyen and Costa: they will discuss peace efforts President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet today with NATO Secretary General Rutte, European Commission President von der Leyen, and European Council President Costa. 532 3
Peace plan needs further refinement. Borders cannot be changed by force and size of Armed Forces of Ukraine cannot be limited, - statement by EU leaders EU leaders are ready to join in refining the American plan to end the war in Ukraine, as a number of its points are unacceptable and cause concern. 4 451 71 Previously in trend: US peace plan
No one vetoed use of Russian assets for Ukraine, - Costa The European Union has not removed the issue of using Russian assets for transfer to Ukraine from its agenda. 1 450 2 Previously in trend: Use of frozen assets of Russian Federation confiscation of frozen assets
EU has pledged to cover Ukraine’s financial needs in 2026-2027, Russia must understand this well - Costa The leaders of the European Union have committed to ensuring the financial needs of Ukraine in 2026-2027. 1 072 4 Previously in trend: Aid to Ukraine Financial assistance to Ukraine
Zelenskyy meets with Costa: Positions coordinated ahead of European Council session. VIDEO Before the European Council meeting in Brussels, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with European Council President António Costa. 547 2 Previously in trend: EU Council meeting
Ukraine has implemented reforms for EU: next step is up to European Union, - Costa Ukraine has successfully implemented key reforms to join the EU. The next decision on moving forward is now on the side of the European Union. 4 249 18 Previously in trend: Ukraine EU accession
After massive Russian attack on Ukrainian cities, Costa called on partners to strengthen Ukraine’s defense and increase pressure on Russia The President of the European Council, António Costa, responded to Russia's massive shelling of Ukraine on the night of Sunday, September 7. He called on partners to "stay the course": to strengthen Ukraine's defenses and increase pressure on Russia through additional sanctions. 1 400 11 Previously in trend: Massive rocket attack Pressure on russia
Costa: EU preparing new sanctions package against Russia and coordinating actions with US European Council President António Costa said that Brussels has begun work on a new package of sanctions against Russia, and that a European team is heading to Washington to coordinate actions with American partners. 931 6 Previously in trend: EU sanctions against Russia
Ukraine’s EU accession talks must continue despite Hungary’s obstruction – Costa European Council President António Costa said that Ukraine’s EU accession talks must continue despite Hungary’s obstruction. 795 15 Previously in trend: Ukraine’s Membership in the EU
Von der Leyen, Costa and Modi discuss support for Ukraine and peace. PHOTO European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the "Coalition of the Willing" meeting in Paris. 2 034 1 Previously in trend: Support for Ukraine
Zelenskyy discusses security guarantees and defense industry funding with Costa President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with European Council President António Costa. 672 6 Previously in trend: security guarantees Production of weapons
European Council to meet on August 19 to summariz results of negotiations in Washington, DC - Costa European Council President António Costa convened the heads of state and government of the European Union member states on August 19 to take stock of the meetings in Washington on the war in Ukraine. 607 10
Costa announces results of meeting between European leaders, Zelenskyy and Trump: "Only Ukraine can negotiate on issues related to it" President of the European Council Antonio Costa announced the results of the meeting on peace for Ukraine with European leaders, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which took place on 13 August. 1 215 3 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations
Macron and Costa tried to dissuade Zelenskyy from signing NABU and SAPO law – FT French President Emmanuel Macron and European Council President António Costa reportedly tried to dissuade Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from signing the law restricting the powers of NABU and SAPO. 4 868 17 Previously in trend: Abolition of NABU and SAPO independence
China must influence Russia to respect UN Charter and stop its military aggression against Ukraine - Costa President of the European Council Antonio Costa in his opening remarks at the EU-China summit called on China to influence Russia to end the war. 984 9 Previously in trend: Russia-China relations
EU countries can increase aid to Ukraine thanks to NATO’s new financial target – Costa European Union countries may increase the amount of military support for Ukraine in 2025. 881 4 Previously in trend: Aid to Ukraine from Europe
Beijing to continue supporting negotiations and political resolution of "Ukraine crisis" – Wang Yi On Wednesday, July 2, during a meeting in Brussels with European Council President António Costa, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Beijing would "continue to promote negotiations and a political settlement of the 'Ukrainian crisis.'" 1 233 31 Previously in trend: China on Ukraine Peace Negotiations
Zelenskyy meets Presidents of European Council and Commission and NATO Secretary General: Working on unity among all allies Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission, as well as NATO Secretary General António Guterres, Ursula von der Leyen, and Mark Rutte. 889 4 Previously in trend: NATO Summit in The Hague
Zelenskyy to meet with Costa, von der Leyen, and Rutte on June 24 in The Hague On Tuesday, June 24, in The Hague, Presidents of the European Council António Costa, the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 772 15 Previously in trend: NATO Summit in The Hague
Zelenskyy and Costa discuss sanctions against Russia and Ukraine’s path to EU President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with President of the European Council António Costa. 532 0 Previously in trend: Zelenskyy–Costa talks on May 21
Zelenskyy meets with Costa and von der Leyen: they discussed pressure on Russia and Ukraine’s EU path. VIDEO On Friday, May 16, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. 826 9 Previously in trend: Zelenskyy met with Costa and von der Leyen
Trump’s tariffs are big economic mistake, says European Council President Costa The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, believes that the tariffs to be announced by US President Donald Trump are a "big economic mistake." 2 007 15 Previously in trend: Trump trade wars Trump’s relations with the EU
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