António Luís Santos da Costa (born 17 July 1961) is a Portuguese lawyer and politician who has served as president of the European Council since 2024. He previously served as prime minister of Portugal from 2015 to 2024 and as secretary-general of the Socialist Party from 2014 to 2024.

Early career

Born in Lisbon, Costa held several government posts: secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs from 1995 to 1997, minister of Parliamentary Affairs from 1997 to 1999, minister of Justice from 1999 to 2002, and minister of Home Affairs from 2005 to 2007. He was mayor of Lisbon from 2007 to 2015.

Leadership of the Socialist Party and premiership

Costa was elected secretary-general of the Socialist Party in 2014. His near nine-year tenure as prime minister is the second longest in Portuguese democracy, and he was also the longest-serving politician in government functions in that period. On 7 November 2023, Costa resigned following an investigation involving members of his government in connection with alleged corruption and malfeasance in handling lithium mining and hydrogen projects. The president of Portugal subsequently dissolved Parliament and called a snap election.

European Council presidency

As European Council president, Costa is involved in efforts to reach agreement among EU leaders on the bloc’s long-term budget, known as the multiannual financial framework. In the context of negotiations over the 2028–2034 budget, he has stated that an agreement must be delivered by the end of the year to ensure the new budget is operational without disruption in funding.