British News Agency

European Council President Antonio Costa issued a statement on his meeting with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in Lisbon, the final stop of his tour of European capitals. Describing the meeting as productive, Costa emphasized the importance of Europe’s competitiveness for strategic autonomy.

Costa said: “A competitive Europe is a critical element of our strategic autonomy.” He noted that the European Union’s “One Europe, One Market” agenda aims to create better conditions for European companies and more opportunities for citizens.

Costa also said the meeting addressed the need to reach an agreement by the end of the year on the European Union’s next long-term budget. He stated that Europe must have the necessary capacity to respond to the new geopolitical reality and implement its common priorities more effectively.

At the end of his statement, Costa expressed his pleasure at being in Portugal, saying: “How good it is to be in Portugal!”