António Costa

EU chief says we stand with the Iranian people, promises swift sanctions

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promises swift proposals for new sanctions against Iran.

Allies agree on strong security guarantees for Ukraine

Ukraine's allies have agreed on security guarantees for Ukraine, the leaders of the "Coalition of the Willing" said after Tuesday's meeting in Paris. The aim of the coalition is to build a lasting peace, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

Ukraine gets its money – Trump and De Wever winners

Ukraine gets its billions – but not in the way the EU leadership had intended. After the fateful summit in Brussels, US President Donald Trump and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever emerge as the big winners.

More support for Ukraine – without Russian assets

EU support for Ukraine has been approved, after a late-night tussle at the EU summit. But EU leaders failed to agree on using frozen Russian assets as the basis for the multi-billion-euro loan. Instead, the solution will be to take out joint EU loans.

Disagreement shakes the EU: "It's tearing itself apart"

The pressure is on the EU leadership as member states pull in different directions on Ukraine support, trade and the US. For some, the disagreement is a real Christmas present.

Ukraine's money is running out - Belgium is the key

When EU leaders meet for the last summit of the year, it's all about one thing – finding a solution so that Ukraine doesn't run out of money this spring. The decision is urgent, but EU countries still don't agree.

Ukraine decision delayed until summit

Despite intensive negotiations, it will likely take until the EU leaders' summit on Thursday before a solution is reached regarding future support for Ukraine.

Trump's strategy shocks Europe: "Hair-raising"

The cold showers were twofold: First, the US announced that Europe must take over large parts of the responsibility for NATO by 2027. Then, the White House warned of “civilizational obliteration” and said it wanted to support “patriotic” parties in Europe.

Zelenskyy: Productive meeting in Brussels

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy describes Monday night's meeting in Brussels as "good and productive."

Zelensky: No legal right to give up land

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting with key European leaders in both London and Brussels on Monday. Difficult issues around territories and security guarantees remain to be resolved within the framework of the peace negotiations.

"Only Ukraine can make decisions about armed forces"

Only Ukraine can decide on its defense. And all issues of sanctions and frozen assets require the EU to be on board, say EU leaders after an extraordinary summit.

Trump opens up for changes to peace proposal

Ukraine and the United States meet in Switzerland for talks on the US peace plan proposal. European leaders emphasize that borders must not be changed by force. President Donald Trump also opens up for changes to the draft.

Kristersson on peace plan: Will Russia meet his demands?

The draft peace agreement for the Ukraine war appears to be in Russia's favor, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at a press conference.

European Leaders and Ukraine Discuss Peace Talks Amid Russian Control

The frontline in Ukraine should be the starting point in a peace negotiation, announces a gathering of European leaders together with Ukraine's president. It can open up for Russia to continue controlling parts of Ukraine, which Donald Trump has spoken of as a necessity.

Zelenskyj Remains Hopeful for Tomahawk Support Despite Trump's Hesitation

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyj has not lost hope for the longed-for Tomahawk robots – despite the fact that the President of the USA Donald Trump evaded the requirement during the leaders' meeting. It is good that President Trump did not say "no", even if he today did not say "yes", says Zelenskyj in an interview with NBC News.

Zelenskyj: US Opposes Escalation in Ukraine Conflict

Will Ukraine get Tomahawk robots from the USA? That question was on everyone's lips when President Donald Trump received his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyj in the White House – but the only message that came was that the USA does not want to see an escalation.

Global Reactions to US Peace Plan for Gaza

Cautious hopes and verbal praise were expressed around the world when the USA presented its peace plan for Gaza – which was approved by Israel.

EU May Open Backdoor for Ukraine Membership Talks

The EU Council President António Costa hopes to be able to let Ukraine in to formal negotiations about EU membership through a back door.

Moldova Election: Pro-EU Party Wins Majority in Parliament

It has been described as a fateful choice between a future path towards the west or increased Russian influence. When almost all votes have been counted in Moldova's parliamentary election, the pro-European PAS is on an unexpectedly strong own majority, 55 of 101 seats. The people have chosen "democracy, reforms and a European future", writes EU Council President António Costa.

Europe Faces Autumn Crisis Amid Trump Tensions

A hundred years in crisis is portrayed for Europe due to the concessions to Donald Trump. The EU leadership is pressured and criticized by heavy voices in Brussels.

Merz Calls Meeting on Ukraine with Global Leaders

Germany's Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls for a meeting with the US President Donald Trump, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte and a number of European leaders, about the situation in Ukraine.

China-Russia Relations Key for EU Cooperation

Beijing and Brussels have agreed to lead the world in the fight against climate change at a time when the US, under Donald Trump, is withdrawing during a summit in Beijing. The "decisive factor" for the EU in the cooperation is now China's relationship with Russia.

EU Leaders to Meet President Xi in China for Summit

Criticism Arises Over Proposed EU Budget Increase to 2 Trillion Euros

Larger, smarter and sharper are the watchwords when the EU Commission proposes a considerably increased long-term budget of 2,000 billion euro. But the criticism is also immediate.