António Costa

António Costa is a prominent Portuguese statesman whose distinguished career reflects a steadfast commitment to democratic values, European integration, and public service. Born in Lisbon on July 17, 1961, he has played a key role in shaping Portugal’s modern political and economic landscape. A graduate in Law from the University of Lisbon, António Costa holds postgraduate degrees in European Studies and in Contract Dispute Mediation and Arbitration from the Catholic University of Lisbon. He began his public service journey in the 1980s as a member of Lisbon’s Municipal Assembly and later worked as a lawyer. Over the years, he held a range of high-level roles: Deputy Mayor of Loures, Minister of Justice, Minister of Internal Affairs, and leader of the Socialist Party’s parliamentary group. He also served as a Member and then Vice-President of the European Parliament. In 2007, he was elected Mayor of Lisbon, a role in which he transformed the Portuguese capital into a more sustainable and dynamic European city. From 2015 to 2024, António Costa served as Prime Minister of Portugal, leading the country through pivotal years for both the EU and Portugal. During this time, he was also the Secretary-General of the Portuguese Socialist Party. With deep insight into governance, regional policy, and European cooperation, António Costa remains a respected voice in the European and international arena.