Speech by President António Costa at the New Year's reception co-hosted by the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission 21:00 On 14 January 2026, European[...]

Dear Ursula
Dear Ambassadors,
Esteemed Guests,
Dear friends and colleagues,

It is my pleasure to welcome you, together with President von der Leyen, at the Justus Lipsius, to wish you all a very happy and successful new year.

At this challenging moment, our gathering is a timely reminder that institutions and diplomacy are the cornerstone of the multilateral rules-based order. The work you do every day underpins this.

I would like to start by thanking the Ambassadors and diplomats on mission here in Brussels - you are strengthening dialogue and building bridges with our Union. We are partners in this endeavour.

I would also like to thank the Permanent Representatives of the Member States - you represent the plurality of visions that enriches our Union. COREPER is the true engine room of the Council, and I express my deep gratitude to you all.

Last but not least, I thank the rotating presidencies of the Council, always injecting fresh momentum into the European Union. The commitment shown by the Polish and Danish Presidencies in advancing the Europe of Defence is a case in point. And I wish all the best for the Cyprus and Irish Presidencies this year.

The European Union is - first and foremost - a community of values with a constant commitment to peace on our continent and beyond. The European Union is a reliable and a predictable partner. We remain committed to our international engagements, to fair trade, to the reform of global financial institutions, and to Ocean protection. And to tackle climate change, global debt, and inequality. We remain committed to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Pact for the Future, and the Paris Agreement.

This is precisely my first message today: the European Union will always remain firm in defending the international rules-based order and international law. We will always uphold the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and defend human dignity and individual freedoms.

We cannot accept violations of international law - whether in Ukraine, Greenland, Latin America, Africa, or in Gaza. We cannot accept violations of human rights - whether in Iran, in Sudan, or in Afghanistan. The violent repression of the Iranian regime against its own people is unacceptable. This must stop immediately.

As we enter 2026, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues. So let me be clear, my second message: we will continue to work for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Our support to Ukraine's independence and sovereignty is unwavering and comprehensive. This includes ensuring its financing needs - as we decided at the last European Council. Providing security guarantees - as agreed in Paris under the Coalition of the Willing, together with like-minded partners. And, of course, building Ukraine's prosperous future as a member state of the European Union. Because enlargement, to Ukraine and other candidates, remains the best investment the European Union can make to ensure long-term peace, stability and prosperity in Europe.

Our decisions provide Ukraine with the necessary means to defend itself, to sustain its economy, and to support the Ukrainian people in the face of continued aggression. The only way forward is a ceasefire and a negotiated peace, based on international law, respect for sovereignty, and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Because in times like these, principles matter more than ever.

This brings me to my third message: multilateralism is not a vague word - it is the basis of our global engagement. A multipolar world needs multilateral solutions.

In 2025, Ursula and I have co-chaired twelve international summits with countries and organisations representing more than 60% of the United Nations family - with the Western Balkans, South Africa, Central Asia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Moldova, Japan, China, Egypt, with CELAC and the African Union.

We already started 2026 with the first-ever Summit with Jordan, along with visits to Syria and Lebanon. And we will hold the next Summit with India in two weeks. Our goal has always been clear: to deepen cooperation to foster prosperity, peace and security worldwide, and to strengthen the rules-based order.

The European Union will continue to act with the same determination. The same commitment. The same purpose. Together with more partners and more allies, at the United Nations and with regional organizations, and at the upcoming G7 summit in France and G20 in the United States.

On fair-trade, on peace, on climate action, on sustainable development. Because trade plays a crucial role as a geopolitical stabiliser. Trade is a fundamental source of economic growth.

And the world needs both: a rules-based economic order and shared prosperity. The European Union has built the most extensive network of trade agreements, covering 78 countries. And we are making it grow even further.

In a few days, President von der Leyen and I will travel to Paraguay for the signature of the Mercosur Treaty. And the Commission is making impressive progress in negotiations with countries like India, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and the United Arab Emirates, to name just a few.

At the beginning of a demanding year for all, my final message to you is one of trust. Your nations can trust the European Union as a reliable partner. When we commit, we deliver. Your nations can trust the European Union as a promoter of multilateralism. When we engage, we partner. And your nations can trust the European Union, as an economic driver. When we unite, we prosper.

These are my wishes to all: hope, confidence and prosperity. Happy new year!