“European Autonomy in a Changing World” was the theme of the conference organized by the Portuguese Catholic University in Porto, featuring European Council President António Costa. In his remarks, António Costa outlined the pillars that should guide European strategic autonomy, from the principles of international law to investment in defense and competitiveness, and offered a note of confidence: “We have been able to withstand and grow stronger in the face of each crisis.”
Isabel Capeloa Gil, rector of the Portuguese Catholic University, opened the conference by situating the debate within the context of the university’s mission. “The theme calls upon us all as a society and as Europeans,” she stated. Isabel Capeloa Gil recalled that “Europe has grown, to a large extent, out of an awareness of its fragilities, but also out of the courage to envision a shared future” and that the issue of autonomy “takes on renewed importance today.” “Preserving and renewing this project,” she emphasized, “requires strategic vision and critical reflection, and this is where universities play a fundamental role.”
The International Order and Possible Scenarios
In his remarks, António Costa began with an assessment of the international order: the rules that emerged at the end of World War II are now being challenged by some of the major international actors, including countries with permanent seats on the UN Security Council. “The absence of rules means chaos,” he stated.
Defense, Competitiveness, and Strategic Autonomy
For António Costa, Europe’s strategic autonomy hinges on realizing that its fundamental advantage lies in spending better, not just more. “We don’t need 27 large armed forces; what we need is a robust system that ensures collective defense.” “Each country has its own priorities, but there are those shared by all 27,” he noted.
Students from the Catholic University in conversation with the President of the European Council
The conference included a question-and-answer session with students and faculty from various schools at the Catholic University, who actively participated in the discussion.
José Azeredo Lopes, a professor at the School of Law – Porto Campus, closed the event, highlighting the quality of the questions posed by the students and thanking the President of the European Council for his presence. In his closing remarks, he noted that the conference revealed a European Union “far more complex and rich than some might suppose,” leaving a note of confidence in the future of the European project.
The conference took place on April 28 in the Carvalho Guerra Auditorium and brought together the academic community and the general public for a moment of critical reflection and informed dialogue on Europe’s role in the world.
