Keynote speech by President António Costa at the Matthiae Mahl event 22:50 On 6 March 2026, European Council President António Costa was in Hamburg where he delivered a speech[...]

It is an honour to speak to you today at this prestigious Matthiae Mahl Ceremony in Hamburg.

It is also a privilege to share the stage with the Chancellor Merkel, a leader with whom I had the pleasure of working and learning. The six years during which we sat side by side in the European Council were truly memorable for me, as I witnessed her commitment and vision in defending a stronger, more humanistic, and more prosperous European Union. Vielen Dank liebe Angela.

Last year, as part of my tour of regions, I had the opportunity to visit Hamburg in all its splendour. Its impressive port stands as a leading commercial hub open to the world, complemented by thriving industries, knowledge and innovation centres, and a flourishing start-up scene. A city reborn from the ashes of the Second World War, with a resilient history that mirrors the very soul of Europe - open, vibrant, and a bridge to the world.

As we gather to celebrate the spirit of unity and solidarity, we must reflect on the pivotal role that cities - before nations and states - have played in European history. Rome and Athens laid the foundations for Western thought, democracy, and governance. The Hanseatic League, formed in the 12th century, with Hamburg at its core, enabled free exchange of goods, knowledge, and ideas. Lisbon and Seville as leading Atlantic gateways in the 16th century, linked Europe with newly discovered worlds. Florence, Venice, Milan flourishing in the Renaissance, as true vessels of humanism, scientific discovery, and artistic expression.

Europe was forged by this network of cities, which grew into nations and later into independent states, making the European Union a unique reality in its diversity. Not a state or a federation, but a project of voluntarily shared sovereignty to promote peace and prosperity. A Union where every level of governance plays a crucial role.

It is this uniqueness that makes our Union attractive to many countries that wish to join us, and to many others that seek to maintain closer ties. Our success lies not only in what we have achieved, but in our shared ability to shape the next chapter of our history. At the heart of this European architecture lies our common commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and human dignity. In today's geopolitical context, these values are more important than ever.

The European Union will always defend an international rules-based order anchored in international law, multilateralism, and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. The alternative for these rules and international order is simply the chaos and violence.

We cannot accept violations of international law - whether in Ukraine, Greenland, Latin America, Africa, or Gaza. We cannot accept violations of human rights - whether in Iran, in Sudan, or in Afghanistan.

The war in the Middle East is of the utmost concern. Iran is responsible for the root causes of this situation. But unilateralism can never be the path forward. And the retaliation by Iran and its proxies across the region, with attacks against many of its neighbours, including Cyprus, a member state of the European Union, undermines international peace and security. The rapid response from Greece, France, Italy and Spain, sending military forces to protect Cyprus, is a powerful example of European autonomy and steadfast solidarity.

The European Union urges all parties to show maximum restraint. The European Union stands with the long-suffering people of Iran. We believe their human rights and freedoms must be fully respected. We support their right to live in peace and determine their own future. Protecting civilians, ensuring nuclear safety and respecting international law is crucial. We must avoid further escalation. Such a path threatens the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. The consequences are severe, also in the economic sphere, as demonstrated by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The only lasting, sustainable, resolution is a diplomatic one.

Distinguished guests,

The European Union is a project of reconciliation and peace. But peace without defence is an illusion. On 24 February 2022, Europe changed forever. As Thomas Mann once said: "war is only a cowardly escape from the problems of peace". He might be right, and the problem is that this cowardice persists to this day.

With Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, war has returned to our continent, and, once again, Russian imperialism has threatened our common security. The following month, during the Versailles Summit in March 2022, the European Union made a clear commitment to take greater responsibility for its defence. Since then, the European Union has acted with a determination that many doubted could exist on our continent in times of war. Europe is particularly grateful to Germany for its courage and leadership in implementing both a Zeitenwende and an energy decoupling from Russia.

In 2024, the European Union adopted a strategic agenda focused on three priorities: defence, competitiveness and our engagement in the world. Last year, the priority was to create the building blocks of the Europe of defence.

Defence spending in 2025 was up almost 80% compared with before the war in Ukraine. The European Union and its member states are mobilizing up to €800 billion by 2028. This marks the greatest surge in defence investment in the history of the European Union. Not in opposition to NATO, but to strengthen the transatlantic alliance.

We are now working tirelessly to deliver: to invest better, coordinate more, improve efficiency, strengthen our European defence industry and deploy new financial instruments. But long-term security in Europe cannot be upheld through increased investment and cooperation in defence alone. It must be achieved through a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Because Ukraine's security is Europe's security.

Our response has been clear since the first day of Russia's war of aggression. To provide full support to Ukraine - politically, diplomatically, financially, in its security, reconstruction, and on its path to the European Union membership. Because enlargement to Ukraine - as well as to Moldova and the Western Balkans - is the best geopolitical investment the European Union can make for peace and prosperity. Although, defence investment is impossible without economic prosperity.

Just as we made 2025 the year of European Defence, we must make 2026 the year of European competitiveness. Both are crucial pillars of Europe's sovereignty. Last month, I convened European Union Leaders in Alden Biesen, north of Brussels, to create new momentum around competitiveness. The sense of urgency was clear - we must deliver on concrete measures, with clear timelines, at our next European Council meeting in two weeks. We need a European Union that leads in innovation, in green and cutting-edge technologies, and digital transformation. For our ability to move autonomously, more confident, stronger, and faster.

At the core of this more sovereign path lies our crown jewel: the single market. Just as we moved from the common to the single market in 1992, we must now complete this journey by creating 'One Market for One Europe'.

Making it easier to bring businesses, services and investments across borders. Reducing red tape at all levels, while maintaining our policy ambitions. Combining affordable, secure and sustainable energy sources, in a truly integrated European energy market. Strengthening our digital sovereignty. Defending our standards and regulatory independence against tech oligarchs. Protecting our children from deregulated and unconstrained social media. Mapping and reducing our economic dependencies in strategic economic sectors. Defending ourselves from economic coercion, wherever it may come from. Promoting a savings and Investment Union that channels savings into productive investments within the European Union.

We must also take pride in the European Union as a solid and reliable trade powerhouse. The European Union has built the most extensive network of trade agreements, covering 80 countries. And we are in the process of adopting or ratifying agreements with a further 27 countries.

Trade deals are global rulebooks. Tariffs are taxes on citizens and companies. The recent agreements with Mercosur and India are two impressive game-changers. Both reinforce the European Union's role as a reliable and predictable partner, and as a stabiliser of the international economy.

These agreements send a powerful message to the world. Instead of tariffs, the European Union offers partnerships. Instead of spheres of influence, we are creating spheres of shared prosperity. And prosperity to be delivered for our citizens - on quality jobs, wages, public services and housing affordability. Strong welfare states, affordable housing and high-quality jobs are not obstacles to competitiveness - they are its foundation. A social Europe is part of our DNA, as a social market economy.

Distinguished guests,

We live in a multipolar world. But that doesn't mean that we return to old divisions, blocs, or spheres of influence. The European Union is not a tool in someone else's game. The European Union must be its own player. We need to chart our own course, based on cooperation, not confrontation. Sovereignty is not isolation. It's about alliances, about building bridges, about finding partners who share our values.

We have seen this in action. Last year, together with Ursula von der Leyen, I have co-chaired 12 international summits with countries and organisations representing more than 60% of the United Nations family. We held summits with Brazil, South Africa, China, and India - all the BRICS excluding Russia. We have forged new partnerships across the globe - in Asia, Africa, or the Americas. We have deepened cooperation with like-minded democracies - the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and Japan.

This is how we assert our sovereignty in a connected world: through engagement, not retreat. Through multilateralism, not coercion or bullying. Here, in Hamburg, an ancient European gateway open to the world, we are reminded of the enduring strength of our Union. It is this spirit of openness, innovation, and connection that we, as Europeans, must continue to embrace.

Here, in Germany, a founding nation of our Union, and a beacon of prosperity, we recall the words of Willy Brandt, which apply both to German and European reunification: 'what belongs together will grow together.'

This is not just a vision of economic integration. It is a genuine commitment to solidarity and cohesion within our Union. It is a vision of Europe as a living body, where cities, regions, and nations are all vital organs working in harmony for the prosperity, peace, and dignity of all our citizens. This is what built the European Union. This is what we will continue to fight for.

Thank you.