European Council President António Costa arrived in Bucharest on Thursday morning, where he was received by President Nicușor Dan at Cotroceni Palace, according to the Presidential Administration. The visit forms part of a broader tour of European capitals aimed at shaping upcoming EU priorities and negotiating the next long-term bloc budget for 2028 through 2034.
Cotroceni Talks Target EU Multiannual Budget and Regional Defense
According to the official schedule released by the Presidential Administration, the two leaders convened for initial tête-à-tête discussions followed by formal talks. The agenda centers on the future multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034, which will dictate spending priorities and fund allocations across European policies for a seven-year period. Additional coverage notes that discussions also encompass European security and defense, economic competitiveness, EU enlargement, and ongoing support for Ukraine.
Romania serves as a key pillar for European security, regarding the strategic importance of the Black Sea and the eastern flank. During prior exchanges, António Costa and Nicușor Dan addressed hybrid warfare, European solidarity, and the SAFE mechanism, alongside the broader integration path of the Republic of Moldova.
Broader European Tour Schedule
The Bucharest stop is positioned between high-level meetings across multiple member states. According to scheduling details provided, António Costa visited Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Croatia Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, and Hungary Prime Minister Péter Magyar. Following Thursday’s joint press statements with Nicușor Dan, scheduled around 11:00 local time, the European Council President will travel to Sofia to meet Bulgarian leadership, before concluding the leg in Athens with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Did you know? The ongoing tour by European Council President António Costa runs through September 17, focusing on gathering direct input from national leaders on EU strategic direction before upcoming Council meetings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did António Costa meet in Bucharest?
António Costa was received by President Nicușor Dan at Cotroceni Palace for private and official talks.
What are the primary topics of the European Council President’s tour?
Discussions focus on the 2028–2034 multiannual financial framework, security and defense, economic competitiveness, EU enlargement, and support for Ukraine.
Where does António Costa travel after Romania?
Following the Bucharest meetings, the European Council President travels to Sofia for talks with Bulgarian leadership and to Athens to meet the Prime Minister of Greece.
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