Antonio Costa Elected as European Council President

Portuguese Prime Minister Costa Costa has been elected as the first Portuguese chief to hold the European Council President, taking office on October 1, 2024.

Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa chosen as European Council President.
First Portuguese chief to hold this role
Takes office on October 1, 2024, succeeding Charles Michel
Known as "Gandhi of Lisbon" for frugal way of life and Indian roots
Elected by way of mystery poll of EU member country leaders
Term lasts 2.5 years, renewable as soon as (maximum 5 years)

Role and Responsibilities of European Council President

Leads the European Council, placing EU's political time table
Promotes concord and consensus amongst member states
Represents EU at worldwide summit meetings
Position made permanent in 2009 through Treaty of Lisbon
European Council meets twice a 12 months to set EU route

Other Key EU Leadership Appointments

Kaja Kallas (Estonia) decided on as High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Will update Josep Borrell as EU's de facto overseas minister
Must renounce as Estonian Prime Minister before taking office
Ursula von der Leyen reappointed for second term as European Commission President

European Union Structure and Governance

Founded in 1993 via Maastricht Treaty
Aims for political and monetary integration of member states
27 member nations, situated in Brussels, Belgium
720-member European Parliament elected by using EU residents
Parliament sits in Luxembourg, Brussels, and Strasbourg

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