An official source from António Costa’s office stated today that five months ago, when he took office as the leader of the institution that brings together the heads of state and government of the European Union, António Costa “established as a rule, in respect to his duty of neutrality regarding the political life of the member states, that he should not participate in any activities of national political parties.”
“For this reason, the president of the European Council did not and will not participate in any events of the Portuguese election campaign,” explained the same source.
It was further noted that the former Portuguese Prime Minister will vote in Lisbon on the election day, May 18.
As the election campaign for the legislative elections in Portugal enters its third day, the official from the European Council President’s office also mentioned that in recent months, António Costa has “declined several invitations to participate in party events in countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.”
On December 1, António Costa began his two-and-a-half-year term at the helm of the European Council, becoming the first socialist and the first Portuguese to hold this position.
According to the EU treaties, the president of the European Council does not perform any national functions.
While this does not prevent him from exercising rights like freedom of expression, it cannot be incompatible with his duties as president of the European Council.
The role involves presiding over European Council meetings, ensuring the preparation and continuity of its work in cooperation with the Commission, facilitating consensus, providing information to the European Parliament, and representing the European Union externally at the level of heads of state or government.
The position became permanent and full-time following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009, as prior to that, the European Council was an informal body and the presidency was not an official position.
