António Costa: “We need to work for a stronger transatlantic relationship”

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.

On Wednesday, MEPs debated the outcome of the December EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen, focussing on Ukraine, EU-US relations and the EU’s global role.

In his first plenary debate as president of the European Council, António Costa said EU heads of State and Government pledged “to strengthen Ukraine’s position for every scenario. Peace must be the peace chosen by Ukraine and by Ukrainians. For the sake of Ukraine’s security. For the sake of Europe’s security.” He reaffirmed the EU’s support for Ukraine “for as long as necessary, and whatever it takes, for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”

EU leaders are fully committed to enlargement, he said, which they consider “the biggest geopolitical investment for peace and security, for our people and our continent.” On transatlantic relations, Mr Costa said that he was looking forward to working closely with the new US administration “to advance a positive and fair economic cooperation and to work on our shared priorities for prosperity and security, while – naturally – protecting our own interests…a stable, balanced and predictable trade relationship” is in the interest of both the EU and the US, he said.

The EU needs to strengthen its bilateral relations with third countries to tackle climate action, sustainable development and reduce poverty, President Costa said. “It is a multipolar world that requires tailored approaches,” he stressed, adding that he will develop relations with South Africa, Central Asia, Brazil, Japan and India to address these challenges.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the need for Europe to change and adapt to a new era of harsh geostrategic competition. She said the EU’s new “Competitiveness Compass” will focus on closing the innovation gap with Europe’s competitors, fostering decarbonisation and competitiveness and strengthening economic resilience and security.

On transatlantic relations, she said that the EU will be ready to negotiate with the U.S. while standing by European principles.

Reactions by MEPs

MEPs welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, with some calling for a two-state solution. Several MEPs emphasised the need for the EU to maintain its geopolitical relevance in a world experiencing seismic shifts. Some MEPs stressed the importance of ensuring Europe is not excluded from any peace-making efforts in Ukraine, and others urged Europe to reinforce its defence capabilities. Meanwhile, a number of MEPs raised the importance of addressing illegal migration, especially by dealing with the issue outside the EU.

On EU-US relations, speakers warned that Europe is now a target under the Trump administration, while others welcomed the new US leadership. Several MEPs raised concerns about European democracy being threatened by external forces, while others defended the EU’s green policies in light of the US’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.