António Costa

President of the European Council @EUCouncil

[António Costa @eucopresident]

I express my solidarity with Spain in the current situation of illegal migration in Ceuta.

While third-country nationals in Ceuta do not enjoy free movement to mainland Spain or the rest of the Schengen area, Spain’s firm response, including ongoing accelerated returns, demonstrates our determination to protect our external borders, combat illegal migration, and dismantle criminal smuggling networks.

I welcome Spain’s close cooperation with Morocco in addressing this shared challenge and ensuring swift returns.

We will remain in close contact with the Spanish authorities in the coming days.

[António Costa @eucopresident]

Last night, Russia launched a massive combined strike against Ukraine.

During the attack, Polish airspace was also violated, underlining once again that Russia’s aggression is a threat to the security of Europe as a whole.

My thoughts are with the victims of these attacks. The European Union stands in full solidarity with the Ukrainian and Polish authorities working tirelessly to protect and defend their citizens.

We are stepping up our support to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence, including anti-missile and anti-drone capabilities. Europe will continue to stand united in the face of this aggression.

[António Costa @eucopresident]

Meine Gedanken sind bei den Opfern des Anschlags auf die Christopher Street Day-Parade in Berlin.

Das ist ein Angriff auf die Werte, die unsere Union ausmachen. Die Europäische Union verurteilt jede Form von Hass, Extremismus und Gewalt auf das Schärfste.

Wir stehen in voller Solidarität an der Seite Deutschlands, der deutschen Bevölkerung und der gesamten LGBTQI+-Community.

[António Costa @eucopresident]

For the second time in 24 hours, Romanian airspace has been violated by drone incursions.

I commend the Romanian authorities for their swift and effective response.

We stand in full solidarity with Romania and its people. The security of Romania is the security of Europe. We will continue to strengthen the EU’s security, resilience and deterrence, including along our Eastern border.

[António Costa @eucopresident]

Russia’s attack on the Latvian Honorary Consulate in Sloviansk is a grave and unacceptable act. I strongly condemn this strike, which claimed lives and left many injured.

The European Union stands in full solidarity with Latvia and Ukraine.

[Christine Lagarde @Lagarde]

They carry my signature, but these are your banknotes.

Now it’s your turn to help shape what they’ll look like in the future.

Take part in the survey before 21 September and tell us which of the design proposals you’d like to see in your wallet https://t.co/2WiJdeIQNv

[António Costa @eucopresident]

Another decisive step to tighten the pressure on Russia.

Our 21st sanctions package targets the sectors with the highest impact: energy, financial services, crypto, and trade.

Our support for Ukraine and for a just and sustainable peace remains unwavering.

[Helen McEntee TD @HMcEntee]

Pleased we have agreed the 21st package of sanctions in the first weeks of the 🇮🇪Presidency. This package further targets Russia's revenue streams, impedes its shadow fleet and disrupts its supply-chains. Europe stands with Ukraine against Russia’s brutal war of aggression

[António Costa @eucopresident]

Bonne fête nationale à toutes et à tous !

Ik wens iedereen een fijne nationale feestdag!

Ich wünsche allen einen schönen Nationalfeiertag!

Belgium’s diversity is its strength. Just like Europe.

[António Costa @eucopresident]

A good first call last night with @andyburnham.

We agreed to further strengthen EU-UK relations, in view of the 2nd EU-UK Summit in Brussels later in the year.

We also discussed the common geopolitical challenges facing Europe. The EU and the UK will continue their close cooperation in support of Ukraine.

The EU and UK are standing side-by-side as friends and allies.

[António Costa @eucopresident]

Congratulations @andyburnham on your appointment as Prime Minister.

In the last two years EU-UK relations gained a new, positive momentum. I look forward to continuing to further deepen our cooperation for the benefit of our citizens and businesses.

The United Kingdom and the European Union are stronger together.

[António Costa @eucopresident]

I welcome today’s Council decision on the Association Agreement between the EU and Andorra and San Marino.

We are strengthening ties with two of our closest neighbours, based on shared rules, high standards and mutual trust.

[EU Council Press @EUCouncilPress]

.@EUCouncil authorises signature of association agreement with 🇦🇩 & 🇸🇲. The agreement will
-provide legal certainty
-benefit people & develop partnership with 🇪🇺 neighbouring countries
-secure future prosperity across the region & to Europe
#EEA #EFTA
👇
https://t.co/07EGVNBvxN

[António Costa @eucopresident]

Pleased to meet @CFSaundersUN who is now heading @UNRWA.

I commend his pragmatic approach to ensure that UNRWA continues to play an essential role providing critical services to millions of Palestinians across the region, particularly in Gaza.

The EU will continue to provide political and financial support to UNRWA, as it has done for decades.

[António Costa @eucopresident]

Artificial intelligence is transforming economies and societies. A human-centric AI can be a great opportunity for Europe, our prosperity and wellbeing - for which we need to prepare.

Today, I met with a group of high-level European experts and practitioners to discuss the opportunities and risks that AI presents.

To fully seize the benefits of this revolution and boost our competitiveness, the EU must strengthen its digital sovereignty, facilitate investment, and promote lifelong learning, while at the same time protecting minors and safeguarding our values.

Today’s insights will help prepare our upcoming discussion on AI at #EUCO.

[António Costa @eucopresident]

Good call today with the President of Iraq, H.E. @nizarAmede.

I congratulated him on his election which comes at a crucial moment for Iraq and the region.

Iraq is an important partner for the European Union and we remain committed to Iraq’s stability and prosperity, in full respect of its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

I was encouraged to hear that the Iraqi authorities are committed to disarming the Iran-backed militias and to ensuring the State monopoly on holding arms.

The recent re-escalation in the Iran war is deeply concerning. Diplomacy is the only way forward for a truly peaceful, secure and stable Middle East.

[António Costa @eucopresident]

Enlargement is one of Europe's greatest success stories and we're writing its next chapter with four Intergovernmental Conferences taking place on the same day.

Today we will open new accession clusters for 🇺🇦 and 🇲🇩 and close several chapters in the negotiations of 🇲🇪 and 🇦🇱.

The momentum on EU enlargement is stronger than it has been in years.

The process is moving forward, driven by reforms and commitment. We must seize this opportunity.

Every step forward brings us closer to a more united, resilient and prosperous Europe.

[António Costa @eucopresident]

I welcome the signing today in Brussels of the EU–UK Agreement on Gibraltar. A historic step that completes the post-Brexit framework.

The agreement removes physical barriers at the Spain–Gibraltar border, benefiting the thousands of people who cross it every day. It will support the prosperity and stability of the region while safeguarding the Schengen area, the single market, and the customs union.

[António Costa @eucopresident]

C’est un honneur de célébrer, en ce 14 juillet à Paris, les valeurs de liberté, d’égalité et de fraternité.

Merci à @EmmanuelMacron et à la France d’avoir réuni, à l’occasion de ce défilé, les forces armées de toute l’Europe. La démonstration d’une Europe qui renforce sa capacité à assurer sa sécurité et sa défense.

[António Costa @eucopresident]

We just held a timely meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris to advance our support for Ukraine. Many thanks to President @EmmanuelMacron for hosting us.

The EU is fully united in its strategy of peace through strength: increasing support for Ukraine, increasing pressure on Russia, and advancing the path to a just and lasting peace.

We look forward to advancing Ukraine's EU accession process: tomorrow, we will open yet another negotiation cluster, bringing the country one step closer to its European future.

Enlargement is a key security guarantee - we need to continue and accelerate this process.

Enlargement remains the most important geopolitical investment, with Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans.

[António Costa @eucopresident]

Ballistic missiles are a growing threat to our security. Europe must strengthen its defence capabilities in this area, also building on Ukraine's expertise.

In Paris today, I welcomed the launch of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition and its flagship project to develop a European anti-ballistic missile capability.