Costa Advocates for Enhanced EU Security Measures to Maintain Peace

Warsaw – During the inauguration of Poland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), the President of the European Council, António Costa, emphasized the need to “enhance security to preserve peace in Europe.”
“Our [European] Union was established as a peace initiative following World War II, and it is crucial that we bolster our security framework to maintain peace across Europe,” Costa stated during a ceremony in Warsaw.
Having assumed his role just a month ago, Costa highlighted that supporting Ukraine continues to be a key focus, insisting that the nation requires assistance “for as long as necessary,” as it approaches the third anniversary of the ongoing conflict on February 24, 2025.
The former Prime Minister of Portugal identified defense as a “strategic priority” for the EU.
He announced plans for an informal meeting in early February, bringing together the presidents and prime ministers of the 27 EU member states, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss enhanced collaboration in defense matters.
Echoing the sentiments of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Costa advocated for strengthened cooperation with NATO, noting that 23 out of the 32 members of the Atlantic Alliance are also part of the EU.
He remarked that Poland’s leadership during the first half of 2025 will serve as an “inspiration,” especially given the resilience shown by its people in the face of “foreign interference that threatens democratic integrity.”
Poland officially took over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1st and will hold this position until June 30th, prioritizing the bloc’s security amidst prevailing uncertainties and geopolitical challenges stemming from various conflicts.
Warsaw succeeds Hungary, which was under the leadership of the contentious Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, in the six-month presidency of the EU Council.