Madrid — The Teatro Real in Madrid hosted the ceremony of the 2025 Fórum Europa Award, granted to António Costa, President of the European Council and former Prime Minister of Portugal. The award, organized by Nueva Economía Fórum on the occasion of its 25th anniversary, coincided with the 40th anniversary of Spain and Portugal’s accession to the European Union and the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration.
The event was opened by José Luis Rodríguez, Founder and President of Nueva Economía Fórum, and Diego Rodríguez, its Director General, who highlighted the institution’s 25-year trajectory as a key space for debate and reflection in Spain and Europe under the motto “The Value of Dialogue”.
The ceremony was presided over by His Majesty King Felipe VI, with the distinguished presence of the Second Vice President of Spain and Minister of Labor and Social Economy. King Felipe VI described Costa as “a great democrat, a convinced European, and a great friend of Spain.” The King reaffirmed his faith in the European project and concluded with the call: “Let us remain united, let us move forward.”
The EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, introduced the laureate, emphasizing his path from Mayor of Lisbon to a leading European statesman.
In his acceptance speech, António Costa recalled Portugal’s democratic transition after dictatorship and its encounter with Spain and Europe, “enhancing the possibilities of progress for Portugal and for all of Europe.” He also stressed that “peace without defense is an illusion” and called for strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Antonio Costa, the former Prime Minister of Portugal, is currently the forth President of the European Council.