The EU Ambassadors’ Conference in Brusseles (10 March 2026) outlined the key directions of the Union’s foreign policy in the context of deepening global instability. In his speech, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, stressed the need for the EU to act with one voice to defend its values and interests, despite the internal diversity of national positions.
The main emphasis is on preserving the rules-based international order and strengthening multilateralism. The EU is positioning itself as a defender of international law and the UN Charter in the face of growing geopolitical competition, including the actions of Russia, China and the US, which, according to Costa, are undermining the established order.
Among the priorities stand out:
- protection of international law and human rights in various conflict regions;
- active support for the UN and global initiatives (climate, sustainable development);
- expansion of partnerships and trade agreements;
- acceleration of the enlargement process, especially towards Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans;
- strengthening strategic autonomy through defence and economic competitiveness.
Special attention is paid to the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, highlighting the risk of global escalation and economic consequences. Costa emphasizes that the EU must react faster and more decisively in crisis situations.
Comment:
Costa’s speech represents a comprehensive strategic framework for the EU’s foreign policy and clearly demonstrates the Union’s ambition to be a global player. At the same time, there is a tension between the stated goals and the real possibilities. The EU is striving for a greater geopolitical role, but continues to face internal differences, slow decision-making processes and limited military and political resources.
This outlines the main challenge: whether the EU can transform its normative power and diplomatic activity into real geopolitical influence corresponding to its ambitions.
With this important speech, Costa makes a clear request to participate in determining the strategic directions of the EU’s foreign policy, alongside Ursula von der Leyen and Kaia Kallas. The three European officials, and Ursula von der Leyen in particular, are often criticized by member states for exceeding their foreign policy competences.
