Can António Costa Succeed in the Toughest Political Role in the World?

The world’s most challenging political roles are often overlooked, with the president of France, opposition leaders in North Korea, and ministers for Brexit opportunities facing myriad difficulties. Among these challenging positions is that of the president of the European Council, responsible for chairing meetings among the EU’s 27 national leaders. Finding common ground among such diverse nations is a daunting task, requiring exceptional diplomatic skills.

The upcoming PEC, António Costa, is set to take on this demanding role, following in the footsteps of previous presidents who have struggled to navigate the complexities of EU politics. With the position lasting for five years, Mr. Costa will outlast many of Europe’s current leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz. One of the key responsibilities of the PEC is to ensure that major EU players like France and Germany are working towards common goals, a task that has proven challenging in recent years.

Many are hopeful that Mr. Costa will bring a fresh perspective to the role, as the current president, Charles Michel, has faced criticism for his handling of EU affairs since 2019. As European leaders prepare to confirm Mr. Costa’s appointment, there is optimism that his tenure will bring much-needed stability and cohesion to the EU during a time of uncertainty and change.