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Green Transition Forum 5.0

European Council President: Political Courage and Resolute Actions Are Needed to Guarantee Competitiveness, Future of European Citizens

Ivona Velichkova
European Council President: Political Courage and Resolute Actions Are Needed to Guarantee Competitiveness, Future of European Citizens
European Council President: Political Courage and Resolute Actions Are Needed to Guarantee Competitiveness, Future of European Citizens
The President of the Council of the European Union, Antonio Costa, addresses the Green Transition Forum 5.0 in Sofia, June 17, 2025 (BTA Photo/Hristo Kasabov)
Sofia,  
17.06.2025 14:31
 (BTA)

In a video address to a Sofia Green Transition Forum in Sofia on Tuesday, the President of the European Council Antonio Costa said Europe faces unprecedented challenges that require political courage and resolute actions to preserve its place, guarantee competitiveness, and secure the future of the citizens of Europe

Tuesday was Day Two at Green Transition Forum 5.0: Competitiveness and Innovation in Central and Eastern European countries (CEE)” in Sofia. The event is organized for the fifth consecutive year by the Green Transition Forum and Dir.bg at the Sofia Event Center. BTA is a media partner.

According to Costa, more than ever, Europe needs a broad meaningful dialogue within its societies involving all stakeholders.

He argued against the idea that Europe is in irreversible decline, that it cannot compete with autocratic models and leaders. This is not true: the European project is a space for peace, cooperation, prosperity, and social cohesion, he noted.

He gave the example of Portugal, which joined the European Union after years of dictatorship. Taking this European path allowed the country to fully harness its potential, Costa commented. He added that similarly, about 25 years ago, European integration opened new opportunities for the people of Central and Eastern Europe. With these enlargements, Europe’s economy became stronger, and countries united in their diversity, he pointed out.

Costa warned, though, that Europe cannot rest on its past achievements because trust is currently undermined and the new normal is uncertainty. In these times, the future is in our hands, he emphasized.

He recalled that last November the EU adopted a declaration in Budapest on horizontal reforms aimed at making the Union stronger, more resilient, and more competitive. Furthermore, in March 2025, leaders agreed that this year significant progress would be made regarding actions to boost competitiveness. He went on to disprove claims that to achieve this, Europe must sacrifice some environmental goals. This is not true: Europe's bold climate policies aim not only to guarantee the future of our children but also our energy independence and our position as a global leader, he said. He was adamant that this transition must leave no one behind and that quality jobs need to be created to ensure the prosperity of consumers and businesses. Today, we have the responsibility not only to protect the most beautiful project of the 20th century - the EU and Europe - but also to create a better future, said the President of the European Council.

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By 22:13 on 17.06.2025 Today`s news

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