A three-week diplomatic tour will bring Europe’s top priorities into focus, with one financial decision looming over every conversation.
European Council President António Costa will conduct his annual “Tour of Capitals” from August 25 to September 17. Over the course of several weeks, he plans to meet with the leaders of most European Union countries.
The European Council press service reported that the series of visits is intended to align the positions of heads of state and government ahead of upcoming European Council meetings and international summits. One of the key topics of discussion will be the development of the EU’s next long-term budget.
Defence, competitiveness, enlargement and support for Ukraine will be at the heart of my discussions with European leaders during my upcoming “Tour of Capitals”. But, of course, the main topic will be the EU’s next long-term budget. These exchanges provide a vital 360-degree view of the priorities and expectations of the Member States.
– António Costa
First meetings as part of the “Tour of Capitals”
The first leg of António Costa’s trip will include five capitals in Central and Baltic Europe: Bratislava, Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and Prague.
On August 25 in Bratislava, António Costa will hold talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
On August 25 in Tallinn, a meeting with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal is scheduled.
On August 26 in Riga, talks will be held with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs.
On August 26 in Vilnius, Costa will meet with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.
On August 27 in Prague, talks with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš are scheduled.
Support for Ukraine among EU priorities
Support for Ukraine, security issues, defence capabilities, economic competitiveness and EU enlargement will be important elements of the consultations with the leaders of member states.
On the eve of the launch of the “Tour of Capitals”, António Costa arrived in Kyiv on the day of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence.