Category: Europe-Asia

VALLETTA, Malta (NPA) — European Council President António CostaEU unity crucial as bloc prepares for 2028-2034 budget, President Costa says

VALLETTA, Malta (NPA) — European Council President António Costa has stressed the importance of unity among European Union member states as the bloc prepares to negotiate its next long-term budget for 2028 to 2034.

Costa made the remarks following a meeting with Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, in Valletta on September 10, 2026, as part of his consultations with European leaders ahead of key decisions facing the EU.

He said engaging directly with EU leaders in their home countries was important for understanding different perspectives and building consensus within the European Council.

“It is very important for me to engage directly with all European leaders regularly, including their home country, and to listen to and understand all perspectives. This will help the European Council to achieve unity. Because unity cannot be taken for granted, we build it every day, at every meeting.”

Costa said the EU was preparing for a major budget decision that would determine the bloc’s ability to respond to its priorities between 2028 and 2034.

“We will need it again for a decision that will define what Europe is able to do between 2028 and 2034: on our next long-term budget.”

According to Costa, the geopolitical environment facing Europe has fundamentally changed since the previous long-term budget was negotiated in 2020, requiring a different approach to the structure and allocation of EU resources.

“We are now operating in a fundamentally different geopolitical environment from the one we faced when we last negotiated the budget in 2020. This new reality calls for a new approach to our budget, with a new structure and a new way of allocating our resources.”

He said the next budget must be capable of funding strategic priorities such as competitiveness, defence, security and strategic resilience.

“At the same time, the next budget should ensure funding for our cohesion and agriculture policies. They pull our regions upwards and support growth and jobs locally. In a nutshell, they have a direct impact on the prosperity of our citizens.”

Costa said reaching an agreement before the end of 2026 would be important to ensure continuity of funding for farmers, fishermen, students, researchers and businesses.

“Reaching agreement by the end of the year is key. Because we need to ensure that funding keeps flowing without interruption. For our farmers and fishermen, for our students and researchers, for our businesses.”

He outlined the proposed timeline as: “agree in 2026, legislate and prepare in 2027, deliver in 2028.”

EU budget requires new revenue sources

Costa described the size of the next EU budget as a critical issue, noting that the bloc, like national governments, must finance its priorities within limited resources.

He said most EU funding comes from national contributions by member states, which he argued must remain within reasonable limits.

“Therefore, we need new European revenues, the so-called new own resources, in order to reduce the pressure on national budgets. This will be a key component of an overall agreement.”

Costa discusses Mediterranean, Middle East

Beyond the long-term budget, Costa said he and Abela discussed issues expected to feature prominently at the upcoming European Council meeting, including developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

He said the developments had implications for Europe’s peace and stability, migration flows and energy security.

“We need to remain engaged in the region and I am grateful for your active role in this regard, dear Robert. The European Union will continue to work, including with regional and global partners, on the path towards a long-lasting peace, based on the two-state solution.”

Costa said recent geopolitical developments had demonstrated the need for Europe to accelerate efforts towards greater strategic autonomy.

“The geopolitical developments of recent years have shown us one thing clearly: Europe needs to accelerate its path towards greater strategic autonomy. And we are on the right track.”

He, however, stressed that greater European autonomy depended fundamentally on unity among member states.

“The most important condition for greater European autonomy is our own unity.”

Costa said strengthening unity was the main purpose of his meeting with Abela and would remain central to his consultations with other European leaders in the coming weeks.

“And that was the main purpose of today’s meeting with the Prime Minister Robert Abela, and of the talks I will continue to have with European leaders in the next weeks – to foster unity.”

He thanked Abela for the meeting and expressed confidence in continued cooperation ahead of the next European Council meeting.

“Dear Robert, I look forward to our work together at the next European Council.” has stressed the importance of unity among European Union member states as the bloc prepares to negotiate its next long-term budget for 2028 to 2034.

Costa made the remarks following a meeting with Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, in Valletta on September 10, 2026, as part of his consultations with European leaders ahead of key decisions facing the EU.

He said engaging directly with EU leaders in their home countries was important for understanding different perspectives and building consensus within the European Council.

“It is very important for me to engage directly with all European leaders regularly, including their home country, and to listen to and understand all perspectives. This will help the European Council to achieve unity. Because unity cannot be taken for granted, we build it every day, at every meeting.”

Costa said the EU was preparing for a major budget decision that would determine the bloc’s ability to respond to its priorities between 2028 and 2034.

“We will need it again for a decision that will define what Europe is able to do between 2028 and 2034: on our next long-term budget.”

According to Costa, the geopolitical environment facing Europe has fundamentally changed since the previous long-term budget was negotiated in 2020, requiring a different approach to the structure and allocation of EU resources.

“We are now operating in a fundamentally different geopolitical environment from the one we faced when we last negotiated the budget in 2020. This new reality calls for a new approach to our budget, with a new structure and a new way of allocating our resources.”

He said the next budget must be capable of funding strategic priorities such as competitiveness, defence, security and strategic resilience.

“At the same time, the next budget should ensure funding for our cohesion and agriculture policies. They pull our regions upwards and support growth and jobs locally. In a nutshell, they have a direct impact on the prosperity of our citizens.”

Costa said reaching an agreement before the end of 2026 would be important to ensure continuity of funding for farmers, fishermen, students, researchers and businesses.

“Reaching agreement by the end of the year is key. Because we need to ensure that funding keeps flowing without interruption. For our farmers and fishermen, for our students and researchers, for our businesses.”

He outlined the proposed timeline as: “agree in 2026, legislate and prepare in 2027, deliver in 2028.”

EU budget requires new revenue sources

Costa described the size of the next EU budget as a critical issue, noting that the bloc, like national governments, must finance its priorities within limited resources.

He said most EU funding comes from national contributions by member states, which he argued must remain within reasonable limits.

“Therefore, we need new European revenues, the so-called new own resources, in order to reduce the pressure on national budgets. This will be a key component of an overall agreement.”

Costa discusses Mediterranean, Middle East

Beyond the long-term budget, Costa said he and Abela discussed issues expected to feature prominently at the upcoming European Council meeting, including developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

He said the developments had implications for Europe’s peace and stability, migration flows and energy security.

“We need to remain engaged in the region and I am grateful for your active role in this regard, dear Robert. The European Union will continue to work, including with regional and global partners, on the path towards a long-lasting peace, based on the two-state solution.”

Costa said recent geopolitical developments had demonstrated the need for Europe to accelerate efforts towards greater strategic autonomy.

“The geopolitical developments of recent years have shown us one thing clearly: Europe needs to accelerate its path towards greater strategic autonomy. And we are on the right track.”

He, however, stressed that greater European autonomy depended fundamentally on unity among member states.

“The most important condition for greater European autonomy is our own unity.”

Costa said strengthening unity was the main purpose of his meeting with Abela and would remain central to his consultations with other European leaders in the coming weeks.

“And that was the main purpose of today’s meeting with the Prime Minister Robert Abela, and of the talks I will continue to have with European leaders in the next weeks – to foster unity.”

He thanked Abela for the meeting and expressed confidence in continued cooperation ahead of the next European Council meeting.

“Dear Robert, I look forward to our work together at the next European Council.”

BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — The European Union has released €1.4 billion in proceeds generated from immobilised Russian Central Bank assets to support Ukraine, reinforcing its commitment to helping Kyiv withstand Russia’s ongoing invasion.

The European Commission announced on Monday that the funds represent the fifth transfer of windfall profits earned from the interest on cash balances originating from frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) held by Central Securities Depositories (CSDs).

According to the Commission, the latest disbursement covers revenues generated during the first half of 2026 and follows a previous tranche released in March 2026.

The Commission said immobilised Russian assets have so far generated a total of €8 billion in windfall profits since EU sanctions were imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the latest transfer demonstrates the bloc’s determination to hold Russia financially accountable for the destruction caused by the war.

“Russia must pay for the destruction it has caused. We are using the proceeds from the immobilised Russian assets to make sure it does. We are making a further €1.4 billion available to Ukraine. This will support Ukraine’s continued resistance against Russia’s illegal war,” von der Leyen said.

The European Commission explained that while the Russian Central Bank assets remain frozen under EU sanctions, the interest generated on the cash balances does not belong to Russia.

Following proposals by the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, the Council of the European Union authorised the use of the net profits to support Ukraine.

Under the arrangement, 95 per cent of the funds will be channelled through the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism (ULCM), while the remaining 5 per cent will be allocated through the European Peace Facility (EPF).

The Commission said the ULCM provides non-repayable financial support to help Ukraine service macro-financial assistance loans provided by the European Union and other G7 partners under the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans initiative.

The ERA programme provides Ukraine with a total financing package of €45 billion, while the European Peace Facility supports the country’s urgent military and defence requirements.

The latest disbursement forms part of a broader package of restrictive measures adopted by the European Union in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

As part of those sanctions, the assets of the Central Bank of Russia held within the European Union were immobilised, preventing transactions involving the assets and reserves of the Russian central bank and affiliated entities.

The restrictions have resulted in significant cash balances accumulating within European financial institutions, generating extraordinary revenues through interest.

In February 2024, the Council of the European Union ruled that Central Securities Depositories holding more than €1 million in immobilised Russian central bank assets must retain the resulting cash balances and refrain from disposing of the net revenues generated.

Subsequent legal acts adopted in May 2024 authorised the use of those profits to support Ukraine.

The European Union further strengthened the sanctions framework in December 2025 by adopting legislation permanently prohibiting the transfer of immobilised Russian Central Bank assets back to Russia.

The Commission said the latest payment underscores the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine politically, financially and militarily for as long as necessary.

MADRID, Spain (NPA) — The Spanish government has reiterated that irregular entry into the country through the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla does not confer the right to remain in Spain, travel to mainland Spain or move freely across Europe, following a recent surge in migrant arrivals from Morocco.

The clarification comes after thousands of migrants crossed into Ceuta in recent days, prompting renewed scrutiny of Spain’s border management and migration policies.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Spanish government stressed that no recent court ruling has altered the country’s immigration laws or created a new pathway for irregular migrants to enter or remain in Spain.

“Entering Spain irregularly through Ceuta or Melilla does not grant the right to remain in the country, to travel to mainland Spain, or to move freely within Europe. It also poses a grave risk to life. No court ruling has changed this,” the statement said.

The government explained that the recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court merely clarified the legal procedure applicable to migrants arriving by sea and did not invalidate existing border controls or return procedures.

According to the statement, the ruling does not amend the Immigration Act, declare border refusals unlawful, create new entry routes or prevent the return of irregular migrants.

Spanish authorities also announced that security at the border has been strengthened with the installation of a 500-metre maritime containment barrier at the Tarajal breakwater in Ceuta.

The government said the new infrastructure is compatible with both the Supreme Court ruling and Spain’s return procedures, adding that nearly all migrants who crossed into Ceuta on July 30 have already been returned to Morocco.

Highlighting the uniqueness of Spain’s border controls, the government noted that Ceuta and Melilla operate under a dual border-check system.

It explained that travellers are first screened at the border with Morocco before undergoing a second Schengen border control when departing for mainland Spain by air or sea.

“No one boards without identifying themselves to the National Police,” the statement said.

The government also sought to dispel speculation linking the recent migrant arrivals to Spain’s ongoing extraordinary regularisation programme.

It clarified that the programme applies only to foreign nationals who were already residing in Spain before January 1, 2026, stressing that migrants who entered Ceuta on July 30 are not eligible.

“The only route is the legal one,” the statement added.

The latest migration surge has attracted attention across the European Union, with concerns growing over its implications for regional border security and migration management.

According to reports, Italy has suspended aspects of its Schengen travel arrangements with Spain following the influx, although Spanish authorities have continued efforts to return irregular migrants to Morocco.

While thousands have already been deported, reports indicate that a number of migrants remain in Ceuta, hoping to secure an opportunity to remain in Spain or eventually reach mainland Europe.

KYIV, Ukraine (NPA) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Ukraine’s international partners to impose tougher and better-coordinated sanctions on Russia’s ballistic missile industry, warning that gaps in the existing sanctions regime continue to allow Moscow to expand its missile production despite the ongoing war.

Speaking during a meeting with heads of Ukraine’s foreign diplomatic missions, Zelenskyy said the growing threat posed by Russian ballistic missiles demands stronger international action, deeper military cooperation and accelerated development of Europe’s collective air and missile defence capabilities.

According to the Ukrainian leader, several key Russian companies involved in manufacturing ballistic missiles remain outside sanctions imposed by major Western partners, enabling them to continue operating through what he described as loopholes in different jurisdictions.

“Everyone can see the ballistic missile threat posed by Russia, and this threat is growing,” Zelenskyy said.

“Some key Russian enterprises involved in ballistic missile production are still not subject to strict global sanctions. Of the 17 key Russian enterprises involved in producing ballistic missiles, most can unfortunately exploit sanctions loopholes in various partner jurisdictions.”

He called on Ukraine’s allies to strengthen coordination and synchronise sanctions regimes across countries, arguing that fragmented restrictions weaken international efforts to reduce Russia’s military capabilities.

“We need greater coordination, daily engagement with partners on sanctions, and greater synchronisation of sanctions,” he added.

The Ukrainian President warned that Russia’s extensive use of ballistic missiles, coupled with similar tactics employed by Iran, is encouraging potential aggressors elsewhere to view such weapons as effective tools of warfare.

According to him, the global ballistic missile threat is likely to increase significantly unless democratic nations collectively strengthen their defensive capabilities.

“One of the worst consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine—and of Iran’s tactics as well—is that potential aggressors around the world can see how much harm ballistic missiles can inflict on human life,” he said.

“The global ballistic missile threat will therefore continue to grow, and all anti-ballistic defence capabilities must grow as well.”

As part of Ukraine’s response, Zelenskyy unveiled the FREYJA project, which he described as a future integrated European anti-ballistic missile defence system.

He said Ukraine has the capacity to manufacture both the interceptor missile and its launch platform, while several European partners possess the radar systems, sensors and supporting technologies required to make the project operational.

“Our FREYJA can become a shared European system providing integrated protection. FREYJA will be quick to produce and battle-tested,” he said.

The President disclosed that agreements had already been reached with participating governments and defence manufacturers.

According to Zelenskyy, the Anti-Ballistic Coalition currently comprises Ukraine, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, alongside 12 defence manufacturers, while remaining open to additional countries capable of contributing to Europe’s collective security.

Beyond missile defence, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s expanding defence-industrial cooperation with international partners through what he described as the Drone Deals initiative.

He said the programme provides Ukraine with stable, long-term annual financing for domestic drone manufacturers while enabling partner countries to benefit from modern defence technologies.

“Through the Drone Deals format, Ukraine receives long-term annual funding for the country and for Ukrainian defence manufacturers—a stable financial foundation for the defence industry. Our partners, in turn, receive modern defence capabilities,” he said.

According to him, Ukraine has already concluded drone cooperation agreements with nine countries, while negotiations on another 15 agreements are underway.

The President also announced a key change in Ukraine’s security architecture.

He said Defence Minister Rustem Umerov will become the new Head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service to enable him focus on defence diplomacy, negotiations with the United States and other strategic partners, as well as diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Russia’s invasion.

Zelenskyy also named Ihor Klymenko as the new Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC), describing him as an experienced security official who played a central role in strengthening Ukraine’s resilience during the previous winter.

He disclosed that the NSDC would soon meet in a special session to assess the implementation of regional resilience plans, warning that officials who fail to deliver would be held accountable.

The Ukrainian President also instructed the government, diplomatic missions and national institutions to align foreign policy priorities more closely with Ukraine’s defence, economic resilience and international partnerships.

Reflecting on the broader war effort, Zelenskyy praised Ukraine’s Air Force for defending the country’s skies despite what he described as an unequal battle against Russia’s vastly superior military resources.

He said Ukraine has prevented Russia from achieving air superiority since the start of the full-scale invasion and has significantly strengthened its air defence capabilities through cooperation with European partners.

According to him, systems such as Patriot, IRIS-T, NASAMS and Hawk have enabled Ukraine to intercept a substantial proportion of Russian cruise missiles, while the country’s success rate against attack drones now exceeds 90 per cent.

“Ukrainians did not surrender—and will not surrender—their skies to Russia. That is one of our nation’s greatest achievements throughout this full-scale war,” Zelenskyy said.

He acknowledged that ballistic missiles remain one of Ukraine’s greatest security challenges but expressed confidence that closer cooperation with allies, expanded sanctions against Russia and stronger integrated air defence systems would further strengthen Ukraine’s ability to protect its territory and move closer to what he described as a just and lasting peace.

BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — The Council of the European Union has imposed sanctions on nine Russian individuals and four entities over their alleged involvement in cyber-attacks and destabilising activities targeting the European Union, its member states and international partners.

The sanctions, announced on Monday, form part of the EU’s efforts to counter malicious cyber operations and activities linked to Russia’s military and intelligence networks.

According to the Council, those sanctioned are accused of carrying out, facilitating or enabling cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure, government institutions and essential services across Europe and beyond.

Among the entities sanctioned is Media Land LLC, a bulletproof hosting service provider accused of supporting a wide range of cybercriminal activities.

The company and its owner, Alexander Volosovik, were sanctioned for allegedly facilitating malware attacks, ransomware operations and phishing campaigns that targeted EU member states and other countries.

The Council also listed ML.Cloud, a sister company of Media Land LLC, for its alleged role in supporting the cyber operations.

The EU further imposed sanctions on Z-Pentest, described as a pro-Russian hacktivist group accused of targeting critical infrastructure, particularly in the energy and water sectors.

According to the Council, the group was responsible for a cyber-attack on a Danish water utility in December 2024.

Its alleged leader, Yuliya Vladimirovna Pankratova, and one of its principal hackers, Denis Olegovich Degtyarenko, were also included on the sanctions list.

Both individuals are reportedly linked to the Cyber Army of Russia Reborn (CARR), a group the EU says has carried out sustained distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks since 2022 against countries supporting Ukraine.

The Council alleged that CARR has targeted government agencies, financial institutions, media organisations and critical infrastructure across EU member states, Ukraine and other countries, and is linked to Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU.

Also sanctioned were LLC Impuls and its owner, Evgeniy Viktorovich Bashev, who the EU identified as a member of GRU Unit 29155.

According to the Council, the company provided technical and material support for cyber-attacks and attempted cyber-attacks carried out by the intelligence unit against the EU and its member states.

The sanctions also target Maksim Evgeniyevich Voronin, Maksim Alexandrovich Gordienko and Vitaly Nikolayevich Kovalev.

The Council accused Voronin and Gordienko of participating in the development, distribution and sale of the information-stealing malware LummaC2, while Kovalev was linked to the development of the Trickbot and Conti malware programmes.

The EU said the sanctions were adopted in close coordination with the United Kingdom, marking the first time both jurisdictions have simultaneously imposed cyber sanctions under their respective legal frameworks.

The Council said the coordinated action underscores the shared commitment of the EU and the UK to countering malicious Russian cyber activities.

In a separate measure, the EU also sanctioned Ivan Kasyanenko, Deputy Commander of the Special Operations Service of Russia’s military intelligence agency (GRU).

According to the Council, Kasyanenko allegedly supervised operations linked to GRU Unit 29155, including activities in Afghanistan, the 2018 Novichok poisoning of former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter, covert operations across Europe, and the management of Wagner Group networks in Africa.

The Council further alleged that he coordinated military-technical cooperation initiatives involving Iran.

Under the sanctions, all individuals and entities listed will be subject to an asset freeze, while EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds or economic resources available to them.

The individuals have also been placed under travel bans, preventing them from entering or transiting through the territory of European Union member states.

ANKARA, Türkiye (NPA) — President of the European Council, António Costa, has said Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure demonstrate its failure to achieve its military objectives on the battlefield.

Costa made the remarks on the sidelines of the ongoing NATO Summit in Ankara following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Costa said the European Union remained committed to supporting Ukraine and advancing its bid for membership of the bloc.

According to him, negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union are progressing, with the opening of a new negotiating cluster expected soon.

“There is growing global momentum to deliver peace through strength by increasing financial, energy and military support for Ukraine while stepping up pressure on Russia to engage in meaningful peace talks,” he said.

Costa added that Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukraine’s cities and infrastructure underscored its inability to achieve its objectives through military action.

“We stand with Ukraine every step of the way,” he said.

Newpost Africa reports that the European Union has expanded financial and military support for Ukraine as the war enters another year. In recent weeks, the European Commission began disbursing billions of euros under the Ukraine Support Loan and Facility, funding drones, air defence systems, ammunition and broader budgetary needs. EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to long‑term political, financial, humanitarian and military aid.

Meanwhile, the European Council reiterated its backing for Ukraine’s EU membership bid, following the first accession negotiations cluster in June. Leaders pledged to maintain pressure on Russia while supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery, defence and post‑war reconstruction as part of the bloc’s security strategy.

The conflict has also seen Ukraine intensify long‑range strikes on military and energy infrastructure inside Russia. Forces have increasingly used drones and precision weapons to hit oil depots, refineries, air bases and logistics hubs, saying the operations aim to weaken Russia’s war effort. Moscow has condemned the attacks, while Kyiv insists they are legitimate military targets under its right to self‑defence.

GDAŃSK, Poland (NPA) — European Council President António Costa has reaffirmed the European Union’s unwavering support for Ukraine, announcing a new €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan to strengthen the country’s resilience and accelerate its reconstruction amid the ongoing war with Russia.

Speaking on Thursday at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Poland, Costa said the European Union remained committed to supporting Ukraine militarily, economically and diplomatically until a just and lasting peace is achieved.

“The European Union has stood, and will continue to stand, firmly with Ukraine,” Costa said.

He noted that the EU has provided more than €200 billion in assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, making the bloc the country’s largest international donor.

According to him, the newly established €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan will address urgent needs, including military requirements, adding that the first payment under the facility was made on Wednesday.

Costa said Ukraine had demonstrated its willingness to pursue an immediate ceasefire and sustained diplomatic efforts towards ending the conflict, while stressing that only Ukraine could determine the terms of any future peace agreement.

“No one can talk on behalf of Ukraine; only Ukraine can speak for the Ukrainian people,” he said.

He added that any lasting peace must respect international law, uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and provide long-term security guarantees.

The European Council President also said the European Union was intensifying pressure on Russia through sanctions, revealing that the bloc had adopted 20 sanctions packages and was preparing another.

He disclosed that EU leaders had also agreed politically to extend sanctions against Russia for one year instead of the previous six-month renewal period.

Looking beyond the war, Costa said the EU was already laying the foundation for Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction through investments in modern infrastructure, green energy, digital transformation and institutional reforms.

He described Ukraine’s recovery as closely linked to its bid for European Union membership.

Costa recalled that accession negotiations formally opened last week and expressed confidence that negotiations on the remaining chapters would begin as soon as possible.

He noted that despite the challenges of war, Ukraine had continued to implement significant reforms required for EU membership.

The European Council President stressed that reconstruction must focus on improving the lives of citizens through quality jobs, education, healthcare and support for veterans, vulnerable groups and survivors of the conflict.

He said rebuilding Ukraine would strengthen peace, democracy and prosperity across Europe.

“Ukraine’s reconstruction is a major contribution to lasting peace in Europe. Together, we can help Ukraine rise stronger, freer, more prosperous and firmly within the European Union,” Costa said.