Tuesday, 4/28/2026
The School of Economics, Management and Political Science at the University of Minho highlighted the participation of António Costa, President of the European Council, in the opening session of the 47th edition of the International Relations Colloquium.
As one of the most prominent figures in contemporary European politics, António Costa attended this opening event, contributing to the discussion on the challenges characterising the current international context, as part of the 50th anniversary of the University of Minho’s Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations.
Under the theme “50 Years of Global Dynamics: Where Powers Collide, Shadows Linger and Europe Trembles”, the Colloquium brought together leading experts to discuss global dynamics and Europe’s role in the contemporary world, in an initiative organised by CECRI – Centre for Studies in the International Relations Course.
In his address, António Costa highlighted the current international context, emphasising that “international relations are currently experiencing a context of growing disorder”, adding that we are witnessing “a growing violation of the rules-based order that prevailed in the post-war period”.
The President of the European Council also noted that “the world is becoming increasingly multipolar”, identifying the combination of this multipolarity and the erosion of international law as a central challenge for the European Union.
Stressing the importance of multilateral institutions, he stated that “the United Nations must be reformed, but cannot be replaced”, arguing that “the opposite of cooperation is conflict, and the opposite of rules is chaos”.
His speech formed part of a session marking half a century of teaching in the field of International Relations at the University of Minho, reinforcing the academic and institutional significance of the initiative.
The visit also included the signing of the School of Economics, Management and Political Science’s Guest Book.
Gabinete de Comunicação
Escola de Economia, Gestão e Ciência Política
Universidade do Minho
Telefone: 253 604 541
Email: gci@eeg.uminho.pt
