António Costa, as the President of the European Council, plays a pivotal role in EU politics. His recent focus has been on integrating Ukraine into the European fold, confronting diplomatic challenges with Russia, and ensuring financial aid for Kyiv. Costa has maintained robust discussions on sanctions against Moscow and has been pivotal in EU-Russia negotiations. He insists on advancing Ukraine's EU accession talks despite opposition, and underlines the importance of Europe’s autonomy in defense. Costa's leadership is also marked by engagements with global leaders, emphasizing EU’s commitment to peace in Ukraine and broader geopolitical stability.
What is António Costa's role in the European Union?
António Costa serves as the President of the European Council, where he influences crucial EU strategies, including sanctions on Russia, peace initiatives for Ukraine, and dialogues regarding Ukraine's European integration process.
How does António Costa contribute to peace in Ukraine?
António Costa contributes by advocating for Ukraine's EU accession and coordinating EU efforts to impose sanctions on Russia, thereby increasing diplomatic pressure aimed at restoring peace and supporting Ukraine's sovereignty.
What stance does Costa have on EU's defense independence?
Costa believes the European Union should strengthen its defense capabilities, reducing reliance on the United States, thus enhancing Europe’s ability to respond to military aggression independently.
What was discussed in recent meetings between Zelenskyy and Costa?
Recent discussions between Zelenskyy and Costa covered topics like sanctions on Russia, financial assistance for Ukraine, and progressing towards Ukraine's EU integration, aligning both leaders on these strategic goals.
Why is Costa's communication with Kremlin controversial?
Costa's communication with the Kremlin is controversial because it faced criticism from other EU leaders like Macron and Merz, who are concerned about legitimizing Russia’s stance despite ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
How is the European Union assisting Ukraine financially?
The European Union, guided by leaders like António Costa, has pledged significant financial aid to Ukraine, including a €90 billion package aimed at stabilizing Ukraine’s economy and supporting its defense over 2026-2027.
What diplomatic actions has Costa taken regarding Russia?
Costa has been involved in EU development of sanctions against Russia and dialogues for possible negotiations, focusing on utilizing diplomatic channels to influence Russia’s actions and demeanor toward Ukraine.
What challenges does Costa face in supporting Ukraine?
Costa faces challenges such as balancing EU member states' differing priorities, negotiating humanitarian and military aid, and dealing with international diplomatic tensions to ensure consistent EU support for Ukraine.
How are Costa's actions impacting EU’s global relationships?
Costa's leadership influences the EU's global relationships by fostering alliances, as seen in joint strategies with leaders like Macron and von der Leyen, and coordinating with nations like the United States on sanction policies.
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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. 9 948 122 Previously in trend: Use of frozen assets of Russian Federation Aid to Ukraine from Europe
EU to allocate additional 15 billion euros to Ukraine - Costa Several EU member states have announced commitments to provide up to €15 billion in additional assistance to Ukraine. 7 858 14 Previously in trend: Special summit EU support for Ukraine
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. 6 122 19 Previously in trend: Von der Leyen visit to Ukraine
European Commission President von der Leyen and European Council President Costa arrive in Kyiv. VIDEO On the morning of 24 February, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa arrived in Kyiv. 5 899 25
Costa calls for special EU meeting: We are ready to increase our financial and military support to Ukraine President of the European Council Antonio Costa is convening a special meeting of the European Union on 6 March 2025 to consider strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities. 5 436 14 Previously in trend: Aid to Ukraine
EU countries will not demand any of Ukraine’s natural resources in exchange for aid – Costa The EU member states will not demand any natural resources from Ukraine in exchange for assistance. 5 102 36
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. 4 914 17 Previously in trend: Abolition of NABU and SAPO independence
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. 4 473 71 Previously in trend: US peace plan
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. 4 265 18 Previously in trend: Ukraine EU accession
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. 2 853 28 Previously in trend: Robert Fico’s statements on Ukraine Oil transit via Druzhba pipeline
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. 2 803 10 Previously in trend: Oil supplies through "Druzhba" pipeline
Macron tells EU leaders about his meeting with Trump On Wednesday, February 26, European leaders held a videoconference during which French President Emmanuel Macron spoke about his meeting with his American counterpart Donald Trump. 2 751 12
Main guarantee of Ukraine’s security is its people, - Costa President of the European Council Antonio Costa believes that the best security guarantees for Ukraine are Ukrainians themselves. 2 694 20 Previously in trend: security guarantees
Agreement on "peace" cannot be limited to ceasefire – Costa President of the European Council Antonio Costa said that negotiations on ending the Russian-Ukrainian war should be held with the participation of Ukraine and the EU. 2 608 41 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations
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. 2 418 29 Previously in trend: The question of Transcarpathian Hungarians Relations between Ukraine and Hungary
In 2025, EU will allocate 1.5 billion euros to Ukraine every month, - Costa The European Union will provide economic and military assistance to Ukraine. Thus, it is planned to allocate 4.2 billion euros to support the Ukrainian budget by the end of the year, and in 2025 the EU will transfer 1.5 billion euros to Ukraine every month. 2 294 15
Macron to tell EU leaders about talks with Trump French President Emmanuel Macron will tell EU leaders about his meeting with US President Donald Trump. 2 216 10
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. 2 049 1 Previously in trend: Support for Ukraine
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." 2 019 15 Previously in trend: Trump trade wars Trump’s relations with the EU
Just and lasting peace will be chosen by Ukraine and Ukrainians, - Costa The European Union will support Ukraine as long as necessary. 1 681 6 Previously in trend: War
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. 1 555 17 Previously in trend: Ukraine’s Membership in the EU
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. 1 471 2 Previously in trend: Use of frozen assets of Russian Federation confiscation of frozen assets
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. 1 470 12 Previously in trend: War Full-scale war anniversary
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. 1 440 8 Previously in trend: EU summit
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. 1 420 11 Previously in trend: Massive rocket attack Pressure on russia
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. 1 401 8 Previously in trend: Talks with Putin
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. 1 397 37 Previously in trend: Ukraine EU accession
Zelenskyy meets with European Council President Costa. VIDEO President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Council Antonio Costa, who arrived on an official visit to Kyiv. 1 368 21
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. 1 319 8 Previously in trend: Trump creates Peace Council
Best guarantee of security for Ukraine is joining EU – Costa President of the European Council Antonio Costa said that EU membership is the best security guarantee for Ukraine. 1 275 14 Previously in trend: Ukraine’s Membership in the EU Security guarantees for Ukraine
Costa met with Kellogg: We need agreement that will ensure lasting peace in Ukraine and security in Europe President of the European Council Antonio Costa met with US Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg. 1 272 7 Previously in trend: statement of peace
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. 1 264 2 Previously in trend: Use of frozen assets of Russian Federation
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.'" 1 256 31 Previously in trend: China on Ukraine Peace Negotiations
Costa urged Zelenskyy to continue working on EU accession: Ukraine has made extraordinary progress. PHOTO President of the European Council Antonio Costa met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 1 238 11
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. 1 225 3 Previously in trend: Peace negotiations
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. 1 219 9 Previously in trend: Aid to Ukraine from Europe
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. 1 195 15 Previously in trend: negotiations with Russia
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. 1 165 12 Previously in trend: Ukraine’s Membership in the EU
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. 1 097 4 Previously in trend: Aid to Ukraine Financial assistance to Ukraine
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. 1 086 29 Previously in trend: Ukraine EU accession
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. 1 073 8 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia
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. 1 019 9 Previously in trend: Russia-China relations
Costa and von der Leyen after Trump-Putin conversation: Support for Ukraine remains unwavering President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen expressed hope that the telephone conversation between Trump and Putin would be progress toward a just peace for Ukraine. 970 7 Previously in trend: Trump and Putin’s conversation
Costa on drone incident: Romania’s security is Europe’s security European Council President António Costa commented on the drone incursion into Romania. The EU has expressed its full solidarity and pledged to strengthen security along its eastern border. 944 10 Previously in trend: shot down of drones in Romania
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. 941 6 Previously in trend: EU sanctions against Russia
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. 918 4 Previously in trend: NATO Summit in The Hague
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. 910 7 Previously in trend: Participation of Zelenskyy in the European Council special session
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. 907 4 Previously in trend: Aid to Ukraine from Europe
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