Former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa is now President of the European Council. If his experience raises hopes for his ability to lead the EU's 27 member states - he takes on the role at a difficult time.
ADVERTISEMENTHow will the new President of the European Council differ from his predecessor, Charles Michel? What are his main challenges, and how does he plan to reshape the Council, representing the 27 member states? Radio Schuman focuses on António Costa today.
Costa is widely recognised for his bridge-building abilities, extensive political experience—as former Prime Minister of Portugal, Mayor of Lisbon, and Member of Parliament—and seniority.
He is expected to get along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU leaders, avoiding controversies like "sofagate" - von der Leyen's infamous side-lining during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
However, uniting the bloc—a key responsibility of the European Council President—will not be without difficulties.
We dive into the issue with Euronews journalist Jorge Liboreiro.
In the second part of the program, we take a look at today's Employment and Social Policy Council, where EU ministers are set to approve an action plan, including a section on labour migration.
In the final part of the show, Radio Schuman examined the best and worst European countries for smoke-free homes.
Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Georgios Leivaditis and Brodheim, David. Music by Alexandre Jas.