President Pavel receives European Council President-elect António Costa at Prague Castle

President Petr Pavel received António Costa, the European Council President-elect, at Prague Castle on Thursday. Mr. Costa also held talks with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala at the Kramář Villa, focusing on future cooperation, preparations for the upcoming European Council summit, and the EU’s priorities for the coming years.

A seasoned politician, Costa served as Portugal’s prime minister from 2015 to April 2024 but resigned last year amid a corruption investigation related to major industrial projects. He is set to succeed Charles Michel as head of the European Council on December 1.