Navigating Global politics: António Costa Addresses US-EU Relations and Defense Strategies
António Costa, the current President of the European Council, has been at the helm for about two months.He’s preparing for an upcoming summit focused on defense,the first since the return of Donald Trump to the White House. This presents a unique chance to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and re-establish a strong transatlantic relationship.
In a recent interview with RTP journalist Paulo Dentinho, Costa was asked about the crucial question of who foreign leaders should contact when seeking to engage the European Union. Given the sometimes divergent views between European institutions, this question holds particular weight.
“Nós temos trabalhado muitíssimo bem. A União Europeia tem várias instituições,mas é uma única União Europeia,fala a uma única só voz” ,costa responded. “Temos trabalhado muito bem em conjunto.E essa unidade das instituições é fundamental”.
This powerful statement underscores the importance of unity and coordinated action within the EU, ensuring a strong and consistent voice on the global stage.
addressing concerns about competition from the United States, particularly President Trump’s proposals for tax cuts to incentivize domestic production, Costa highlighted the long-standing “relationship of allies and friendship” between the EU and the US, emphasizing the mutual benefits of preserving it.
“Claro que também há uma competição económica,” he acknowledged. He went on to express the EU’s hope that “all commercial dynamics with the United States can be resolved on a negotiated basis,” echoing a stance similar to that adopted during the Biden governance.
“Percebemos que os Estados Unidos tenham preocupações. Nós também temos preocupações, (…) com outros agentes económicos internacionais”.
Costa stressed that thes issues are natural in any complex relationship and that finding solutions that protect the mutual interests of both sides is crucial.
When it comes to defense spending, Costa addressed President Trump’s push for NATO members to allocate 5% of their GDP to defense, a goal that has proven challenging for some EU members, including France. Costa pointed out that Europe has been gradually increasing its defense spending over the past decade, noting a commitment made by allies in 2014 to raise their defense investment to 2% of their GDP.
“Em 2014, os aliados decidiram aumentar até 2 por cento do seu Produto Interno Bruto no investimento em Defesa”
Costa emphasized that this gradual increase demonstrates Europe’s dedication to strengthening its defense capabilities and ensuring its security within the broader NATO framework.
Investing in Defense: Strengthening Europe’s Security and Economy
In a rapidly changing world landscape marked by geopolitical uncertainty,the European Union is increasingly focusing on bolstering its defense capabilities. This push for strategic autonomy is driven by the need to safeguard the security and sovereignty of its member states, and to ensure a robust and competitive European economy.
European leaders recognize that a strong defense posture is not only essential for protecting their collective interests but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth and technological advancement.
“The report by Mario Draghi is particularly significant because it highlights that, just like investments in energy transition, investments in defense should be drivers of our economic competitiveness,” stated former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa, who currently serves as the President of the European Council. This emphasis on the economic benefits of defense spending opens up a crucial dialog for the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework,prompting the question: “How can we increase spending in new areas without compromising traditional investment areas?”
Costa stresses the importance of prioritizing defense spending,particularly in light of the current global challenges. “We all know that nothing works without first ensuring safety and security,” he emphasizes. “The threats to our security, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and borders are real, and therefore, for the European Union and its member states to be able to strengthen their defense investments, it is fundamental to also strengthen their economic and industrial base.This investment therefore also has a virtuous effect on strengthening our economies and autonomy,” he said.
the European Union’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities aligns with the approach being championed by the United States, as Costa notes, “What Donald Trump is proposing is in line with what the European Union has been doing as 2014, and especially since 2022.”
This renewed focus on defense comes after the European Council in December 2021 declared strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy in defense as a priority.
The EU aims to achieve greater efficiency in defense spending through collaborative purchasing, equipment standardization, and interoperability. These initiatives not only strengthen Europe’s collective security but also foster innovation and competitiveness within the European defense industry.
As international tensions escalate, the EU’s concerted effort to bolster its defense capabilities signals a profound shift in its strategic posture. By recognizing the interconnectedness of security and economic strength, the EU is paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for its citizens.