Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
António Costa addressed international relations at the 47th Colloquium on International Relations at the University of Minho, highlighting the growing global disorder marked by violations of the post-World War II international order. He noted that force often prevails over the rule of law, with major powers disregarding peace and disrupting global trade.
Costa emphasized the world’s shift toward multipolarity, as more emerging economies gain influence and medium-sized countries seek greater roles. This erosion of respect for international law, combined with increasing multipolarity, shapes the main challenge for the European Union.
He summarized the EU’s strategy in five key elements: Principles, Peace, Prosperity, Partnerships, and Power. The EU must support a rules-based international order anchored in the United Nations Charter, defend human rights, encourage peaceful conflict resolution, respect state sovereignty, and uphold the stability of internationally recognized borders.
Regarding the United Nations, Costa stated that reform and modernization of the multilateral system are necessary—particularly since the Security Council no longer reflects the current global reality—but such reform should not eliminate the UN. The organization must be reformed, not replaced.