António Costa

O povo brasileiro falou. Parabéns pela sua reeleição, Presidente Lula! A União Europeia e o Brasil são parceiros sólidos. Falei com o Presidente Lula ao telefone ontem à noite para o felicitar pela sua reeleição.

Today, the people of Serbia turned out in record numbers to shape their country’s future. Congratulations to the Student List on its victory in the parliamentary elections.

Thank you dear Péter Magyar for the invitation to join you in Budapest to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.

The Hungarians’ deep yearning for independence and self-determination found renewed expression in 1989, when Hungarians were pioneers in removing the Iron Curtain. It also guided Hungary’s decision to join the European Union in 2004 - a crucial step in the reunification of Europe.

The EU stands in full solidarity with Romania following this morning’s attack on a vessel off its coast. I express my sincere solidarity with the victims’ families and extend my heartfelt condolences. I commend the Romanian Coast Guard for its ongoing search-and-rescue efforts.

Attacks off the coasts of EU Member States in the Black Sea are increasing as a consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Such attacks are unacceptable and must stop.

It was my pleasure to welcome President of Viet Nam, Tô Lâm, to Brussels. President Tô Lâm’s visit today follows my visit to Hanoi in January of this year, when we elevated the relationship between the EU and Viet Nam to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”.

In an uncertain world, the EU and Viet Nam are proving that reliable and predictable partnerships matter. In spite of our geographical distance, we share the same vision to defend multilateralism and uphold the international rules-based order.

Congratulations to the International Criminal Court and its officials on receiving the Sakharov Prize. This award sends a powerful message to the world: Europe stands firmly behind international law, the fight against impunity, and accountability for the most serious international crimes.

Europe’s support for Ukraine - together with our international partners - is stronger than ever. And will remain steadfast.

Russia’s hybrid campaigns - including acts of sabotage and repeated violations of European airspace and territorial waters - remind us that the security of Ukraine and the security of Europe are inseparable.

The EU’s next long-term budget is not merely a matter of figures. It is a political choice regarding the Europe we wish to build together and our capacity to act. #EPlenary @europarl.europa.eu

The EU’s trade policy is built upon an extensive network of trade agreements - the world’s largest - which we continue to expand. But trade must be fair and based on rules. #EPlenary @europarl.europa.eu link.europa.eu/BnQdNR

Energy costs are at the heart of European competitiveness. The energy bills of European households and businesses are too high - mainly because of a war far beyond our borders. That is why the #EUCO supported short-term measures to reduce the pressure on citizens and companies.

We deeply regret the ratification today by the Libyan Parliament of the so-called Libyan-Türkiye Memorandum of Understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea.

We recall that the EU’s position on this matter was clearly stated by the European Council in 2019 and remains unchanged. This agreement infringes upon the sovereign rights of third states, it does not comply with the Law of the Sea, and is null and void.

Final debate of today’s #EUCO - migration. The numbers show that the EU’s comprehensive approach is working: irregular border crossings into the EU are at their lowest level since 2021.

Finishing the day with a strategic debate on EU enlargement and internal reforms. This week we had intergovernmental conferences with Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania. Driven by the reforms, the accession process is making progress.

Next on the #EUCO agenda - trade. We will take stock of the imbalances affecting the global economy and their impact on European industry.

Now discussing Europe’s response to high energy prices. They are putting pressure on households and businesses. They are undermining our competitiveness. The EU is working on a coordinated response. Targeted, temporary measures are essential to ease the burden and reduce price volatility.

The #EUCO meeting has started! Welcoming @president.europarl.europa.eu Roberta Metsola to take stock of progress on our “One Europe, One Market” agenda. We are turning commitments into action. We need to maintain our ambition and move faster.

High and volatile energy prices are putting pressure on households and businesses and undermining our competitiveness. That’s why we need a coordinated European response, with targeted and temporary measures to cut energy bills and contain price volatility.

In the longer-term, the energy transition remains our best answer. Reducing our dependence on fossil fuel markets is essential to Europe’s strategic autonomy and resilience. Energy will be a central focus for Leaders at tomorrow’s European Council.

Social dialogue is a cornerstone of the EU social model. Our Tripartite Social Summit is always a valuable opportunity to exchange with representatives of Europe’s workers, employers and SMEs.

Today I had very useful meetings at @europarl.europa.eu ahead of tomorrow’s #EUCO. With @president.europarl.europa.eu we took stock of the progress on the EU’s ‘One Europe, One Market’ competitiveness agenda. Leaders will continue the discussion with Roberta Metsola at the European Council.