Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Charles Michel hands over the European Council presidency to Antonio Costa, emphasizing unity, climate goals, and European values.
The Outgoing European Council President and ex-Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel officially handed over his muscles to former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa at the centre of the organization in Brussels on Nov. 29, 2024. Antonio Costa, former Prime Minister of Portugal, is selected to succeed Charles Michel as President of the European Council on Dec. 1.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and the Vice President of the European Parliament, Pina Picierno, also attended the symbolic bell ceremony, the “sceptre” used by the President of the European Council to extend and close meetings with EU heads of state and government. In handing the baton to his Socialist colleague, Michel vindicated what has been accomplished over the past five years: ambition on climate goals, the pandemic crisis, and the resolute answer to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “The European Council,” stated the Belgian liberal, “is and must be the guardian of European unity. When we are united, we are very strong and can achieve great things for the good of people.”
Antonio Costa, from former mayor of Lisbon and Lusitanian PM to president of the European Council, stated, “There is no contradiction between these three levels.” Because,” the Socialist leader summarized, “Lisbon is my city. Portugal is my country, and Europe is our common home.” A home whose basis must be “European values, peace and prosperity.”
