Key facts
- Pedro Lourtie, chief of staff to European Council President António Costa, is responsible for brokering consensus among EU leaders.
- Lourtie's diplomatic back channel to Moscow, initiated at Costa's direction, has caused friction with some member states like France and Germany.
- The relationship between the European Council and the European Commission has significantly improved under Costa and Lourtie.
- Lourtie and Seibert, chief of staff to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, maintain close daily contact.
- Lourtie and Seibert demonstrated their close working relationship by briefing ambassadors from a car during Ukraine peace talks.
Pedro Lourtie, the chief of staff to European Council President António Costa, plays a crucial role in brokering consensus among EU leaders on complex issues, from trade wars to geopolitical conflicts. His position requires a delicate balance of advancing Brussels' agenda while ensuring all 27 capitals' views are considered.
Lourtie recently faced scrutiny following revelations that he initiated a diplomatic back channel with Moscow, a move Costa defended as necessary for establishing future communication lines. This outreach, however, strained relations with some member states, including France and Germany, who expressed frustration over the lack of prior consultation. Despite the controversy, some diplomats suggested that existing trust in Costa and Lourtie mitigated a more severe backlash.
His background as Portugal's former ambassador to the EU and secretary of state for European affairs provides him with a deep understanding of national capitals' perspectives. This experience has also fostered a strong working relationship with Bjoern Seibert, the chief of staff to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Their close collaboration marks a significant improvement from the previously strained relationship between the Council and the Commission.
Lourtie and Seibert have demonstrated their commitment to keeping member states informed, notably by briefing ambassadors from a car during emergency Ukraine peace talks in Geneva. This proactive approach underscores Lourtie's role as a key facilitator in navigating the increasingly challenging diplomatic landscape of the European Union, particularly as the bloc tackles contentious issues like its €1.8 trillion long-term budget.