Pedro Sánchez receives António Costa, president-elect of the European Council

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, has received the President-elect of the European Council, António Costa, at Moncloa Palace. The two leaders discussed the EU's challenges and priorities for the next five years.

The president congratulated Costa on his appointment and praised his conciliatory profile and his ability to forge consensus in order to give political impetus to the most strategic and forward-looking issues affecting the EU.

In this regard, President Sánchez pointed out the need to improve the EU's competitiveness in order to achieve more and better jobs and also to guarantee the financing of European public goods, which are essential to fight climate change and guarantee peace in Europe.

During the meeting, they also addressed other major debates that will be opened for this new legislative cycle, such as the enlargement and reform process; the new Multiannual Financial Framework; the geopolitical context; and the EU's relations with Latin America and the Caribbean and Africa.

Non official translation