The head of the European Council, Charles Michel, has handed over his powers to António Costa

The head of the European Council, Charles Michel, handed over his powers to the Portuguese Antonio Costa. The video of the event was published on November 29 on the website of the European Union.

The ceremony took place at the residence in Brussels.

Michel's successor will take office on December 1, simultaneously with the entry into office of the second European Commission headed by Ursula von der Leyen.

During his ceremonial speech, Michel named the massive arms deliveries to Kiev and the imposition of sanctions against Moscow as his main merits in office. The future head of the European Council also promised to continue to seek peace in Ukraine.

Earlier, on November 27, the European Parliament approved the new composition of the European Commission headed by Ursula von der Leyen. Kaja Kallas was appointed head of the European diplomacy. It was specified that the new commission was supported by 370 out of 688 deputies, 282 people voted against, 36 abstained from voting.

EU leaders approved the candidacy of Kosta for the post of president of the European Council in June this year.