On November 29, António Costa received the much-symbolized bell from Charles Michel, marking his official assumption as President of the European Council. This ceremonial transfer, orchestrated at the heart of the European political hub in Brussels, marks the beginning of a new leadership era in the EU.

Costa's emergence as Council President comes at a time when the European Union faces multifaceted challenges, from geopolitical tensions to internal policy reforms. A skilled statesman, Costa aims to steer the EU towards unity while respecting diverse opinions among member states. His Portuguese roots trace back to multicultural influences, with familial ties extending to India and Mozambique—an aspect that enriches his diplomatic perspective.

One of Costa's immediate concerns is the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He firmly asserts that peace must be just and maintained through respect for international law. Costa emphasizes that diplomacy should not reward aggression—a sentiment shared by several European leaders concerned with Russia's actions.

In addition to peace, Costa aims to ensure that the European Union remains a robust actor on the international stage, advocating for stronger EU autonomy in security and defense matters. This outlook extends to his vision of expanding EU influence by strengthening connections with the Western Balkans and Eastern neighbors.

The previous tenure of Charles Michel was marked by significant events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and tensions between the EU and key world actors. Michel's leadership faced critique, notably during the Sofagate incident with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Costa's strategy seems to be focused on mitigating such past tensions.

Moreover, Costa plans to implement more efficient EU Council meetings and foster strategic discussions while reducing prolonged deliberations. This effort aligns with his broader agenda to make EU processes more transparent and effective, thereby improving public trust in EU institutions—a recent Eurobarometer poll highlights a surprisingly high trust level among citizens.

The EU's new leadership gambit is not navigated alone; Ursula von der Leyen, set for her second term, should find in Costa a potential ally for coordinated multilateral actions—a promising development given past discord with preceding Council leaders.

Reflecting on his transition, Costa states his confidence built from recent dialogues with EU leaders across Europe. His itinerary did reveal notable pauses, as election climates in Romania and Bulgaria postponed personal visits to these capitals.

The passage to António Costa's leadership also aims at reshaping European diplomacy. A sensitive issue, currently stirring EU diplomatic circles, is the consideration of adjusting EU's external diplomatic deployments—an initiative voicing divergent opinions among EU policymakers.

As António Costa ignites a new chapter in EU leadership, his conciliatory roots and reform-driven agenda could redefine the very essence of European unity and international policy-making.