Bratislava: President of the European Council, Ant³nio Costa, will embark on a strategic tour of EU capitals from 25 August to 17 September 2026, an initiative known as the "Tour des Capitales." This annual event aims to collect insights from EU leaders on pressing issues, starting with meetings in Slovakia and Estonia on 25 August.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Costa's agenda includes a stop in Cyprus between 1 and 4 September, following his visit to Greece. The discussions are set to explore critical topics such as the EU's long-term budget, defense strategies, competitiveness, enlargement, and support for Ukraine. These dialogues are intended to align member states' priorities and inform decisions at future European Councils and international summits.
Costa's detailed itinerary for the first week features engagements with key leaders. On 25 August, he will meet Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal in Tallinn. His tour continues on 26 August with a meeting in Riga with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, followed by a session with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda in Vilnius. The week concludes with discussions in Prague on 27 August with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babi€š¬¦¡.
Currently, Costa is in Kyiv for the Coalition of the Willing summit, representing the EU. He recently met with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham during a train journey to Kyiv, marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence celebrations.