Portugal Backs Costa and Metsola for EU Leadership Continuity

Portugal's PM Luís Montenegro supports keeping António Costa and Roberta Metsola in senior EU roles through 2029.

By News National Editorial Team

Portugal is backing the continuation of António Costa as President of the European Council and Roberta Metsola as President of the European Parliament through 2029, with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro arguing that continuity could provide greater stability for the European Union.

Montenegro's position was reported during discussions over the future leadership of the EU institutions as European governments consider the bloc's priorities for the coming years.

Montenegro supports continuity

The Portuguese prime minister has expressed support for extending the mandates of Costa and Metsola, both of whom currently hold senior positions at the EU level.

Costa, a former Portuguese prime minister, became President of the European Council in 2024. Metsola, from Malta, has led the European Parliament since 2022 and was re-elected to the position in 2024.

Montenegro's argument is that keeping experienced leaders in place could provide greater continuity while the EU deals with security, economic and geopolitical pressures.

Portugal's wider EU priorities

The Portuguese government has also been engaged with discussions about the EU's long-term budget, competitiveness and strategic autonomy.

Costa met Montenegro in Lisbon in September, with their discussions covering the 2028–2034 EU long-term budget, competitiveness and strategic autonomy. They also discussed the "One Europe, One Market" agenda, which aims to improve conditions for businesses and opportunities for citizens.

These issues are likely to become increasingly important as EU governments debate future spending priorities, defence requirements and economic competitiveness.

Costa's role in EU enlargement

Costa has also placed considerable emphasis on EU enlargement.

During the EU-Western Balkans summit in June, he described enlargement as a strategic priority and encouraged candidate countries to accelerate reforms.

Montenegro has emerged as one of the EU's leading candidates in the enlargement process. By July 2026, 18 of the 33 negotiating chapters in Montenegro's accession talks had been provisionally closed, according to the European Council.

The European Council has also said that Montenegro could become the EU's 28th member around 2028 if the accession process proceeds successfully and all requirements are met.

What continuity could mean

Keeping experienced leaders in senior EU positions could help maintain continuity on major issues including defence, energy security, economic competitiveness, migration and enlargement.

However, any future appointments or mandate arrangements depend on political negotiations among EU member states and the institutions involved.

Portugal's position therefore represents political support rather than a final decision on the future composition of EU leadership.

Why it matters for Portugal

Portugal has traditionally sought an influential role in EU policymaking, and Costa's presence at the top of the European Council gives Lisbon a direct connection to the bloc's highest political discussions.

Supporting continuity could also help Portugal maintain influence over debates involving the EU budget, competitiveness, strategic autonomy and enlargement.

The issue is likely to remain part of wider negotiations as European governments prepare for the next stage of EU institutional planning.

Verification

News National checked Reuters' current reporting with European Council material concerning Costa's work with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and the EU's enlargement agenda. The support for continuity is a political position attributed to Montenegro, not a completed EU appointment decision.

Sources: Reuters; European Council; Government of Portugal.

Portugal EU politics, Luís Montenegro, António Costa, Roberta Metsola, European Council, European Parliament, EU leadership 2029