António Costa’s Lighthearted Slip-Up Steals the Show at University of Minho’s International Relations Colloquium
BRAGA, Portugal — A moment of levity broke the formal atmosphere at the University of Minho on Tuesday when European Council President António Costa made an unexpected verbal slip during his keynote speech at the 47th edition of the Colóquios de Relações Internacionais. The gaffe, which Costa himself quickly acknowledged with a smile, drew laughter from the audience and became an instant talking point at the event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the university’s International Relations program.
The incident occurred as Costa, a seasoned politician known for his diplomatic prowess, addressed a packed auditorium of students, faculty and local dignitaries. While discussing the evolving challenges of global governance, he momentarily mixed up the names of two prominent international organizations, referring to the United Nations as the “European Union” before correcting himself. “Que lapso,” he quipped—Portuguese for “what a slip”—a remark that immediately eased the tension and endeared him to the crowd. The moment was captured by local media and quickly circulated on social platforms, highlighting the human side of a leader often seen in high-stakes diplomatic settings.
The speech, delivered on April 28, 2026, was part of a broader discussion on the state of international relations in an era marked by geopolitical fragmentation. Costa, who served as Portugal’s prime minister from 2015 to 2022 before assuming his current role at the European Council, used the platform to reflect on the growing “disorder” in global affairs, warning that “the power of force increasingly prevails over the power of law.” His remarks resonated with the event’s theme, “Between Crises and Transformations,” which focused on the shifting dynamics of diplomacy, security, and economic cooperation in a multipolar world.
For the University of Minho, the event was a milestone. The Colóquios de Relações Internacionais, an annual gathering organized by the Centro de Estudos do Curso de Relações Internacionais (CECRI), marked its 47th edition alongside the 50th anniversary of the university’s International Relations program—the first of its kind in Portugal. The occasion brought together a mix of academic rigor and institutional pride, with university rector Pedro Arezes emphasizing the program’s legacy in shaping generations of diplomats, policymakers, and analysts. “We celebrate not just numbers, but people,” Arezes said, “the memories they’ve built and the futures they represent.”
The Gaffe That Humanized a Diplomat
Costa’s slip-up, while minor, offered a rare glimpse into the personal side of a leader who has spent decades navigating the complexities of European and global politics. The European Council president, known for his measured demeanor and strategic acumen, has often been described as a “diplomat’s diplomat.” Yet, in Braga, his unscripted moment of humor underscored the pressures of public speaking, even for the most experienced orators.
According to attendees quoted in local reports, the audience’s reaction was one of warmth rather than criticism. Renata Costa e Silva, president of CECRI and a student at the university, later told reporters that the moment “made the event feel more personal.” The incident also sparked a wave of social media engagement, with students and observers sharing their own experiences of public speaking mishaps, turning the gaffe into a lighthearted viral moment.
This wasn’t the first time Costa’s public appearances have included moments of levity. During his tenure as Portugal’s prime minister, he was known for his ability to connect with audiences through humor, often using self-deprecating jokes to defuse tension. In 2021, for example, he joked about his “boring” speeches during a visit to a Lisbon school, earning laughter from students. Such moments have helped soften his image as a technocratic leader, making him more relatable to the public.
However, the context of Tuesday’s event made the gaffe particularly noteworthy. The Colóquios de Relações Internacionais is one of Portugal’s most prestigious academic forums on global affairs, attracting speakers from across the political and diplomatic spectrum. Past editions have featured addresses by former United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Costa’s presence at the event was seen as a nod to the university’s role in shaping Portugal’s diplomatic future, making his unscripted moment all the more memorable.
A Serious Message Amid the Laughter
While the gaffe dominated initial headlines, Costa’s speech carried a sobering message about the state of global affairs. He warned that the world is witnessing a “growing disorder” in international relations, driven by the erosion of multilateral institutions and the rise of unilateralism. “We are living in a time where the power of force is increasingly prevailing over the power of law,” he said, echoing concerns he has raised in other high-profile forums, including the United Nations General Assembly and the European Parliament.
Costa’s remarks came at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with conflicts in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa testing the resilience of international institutions. He pointed to the war in Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the rise of protectionist trade policies as examples of challenges that require collective action. “The rules-based international order is under threat,” he said, “and it is the responsibility of all nations to defend it.”
The European Council president also highlighted the role of education in addressing these challenges. Addressing the students in the audience, he emphasized the importance of diplomacy, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding in navigating an increasingly complex world. “The tools you are acquiring here—analyzing political ideas, interpreting market dynamics, anticipating geopolitical shifts—are more important than ever,” he said. His words were met with applause, reinforcing the event’s dual purpose: celebrating the past while preparing for the future.
The University of Minho’s Diplomatic Legacy
The Colóquios de Relações Internacionais is more than just an annual event; it is a cornerstone of the University of Minho’s efforts to foster dialogue on global issues. Founded in 1976, the university’s International Relations program was the first of its kind in Portugal, and it has since develop into a breeding ground for diplomats, academics, and policymakers. Over the past five decades, the program has produced thousands of graduates who have gone on to perform in governments, international organizations, and non-governmental agencies around the world.
Pedro Arezes, the university’s rector, used his opening remarks to reflect on the program’s impact. “Fifty years ago, the idea of studying international relations in Portugal was revolutionary,” he said. “Today, our graduates are shaping the world.” Arezes highlighted the program’s interdisciplinary approach, which combines political science, economics, history, and law to provide students with a holistic understanding of global dynamics. He also noted the university’s commitment to fostering diversity, with students and faculty from over 70 countries contributing to a vibrant academic community.
The event also served as a platform to honor the contributions of alumni. Among those in attendance were Ricardo Araújo, the mayor of Guimarães, and Altino Bessa, the vice-president of the Braga Municipal Council, both of whom are graduates of the program. Their presence underscored the program’s influence in shaping not only international policy but also local governance and civic engagement.
What’s Next for the Colóquios?
As the 47th edition of the Colóquios de Relações Internacionais came to a close, organizers announced plans for next year’s event, which will focus on the theme “Climate Change and Global Governance.” The decision reflects the growing recognition of environmental issues as a critical component of international relations, with climate diplomacy expected to dominate the agenda of global institutions in the coming years.
For the University of Minho, the event was a reminder of the enduring relevance of its International Relations program. As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges—from geopolitical conflicts to climate change—the university’s commitment to fostering dialogue and critical thinking remains as vital as ever. And while António Costa’s gaffe may have stolen the show, it was his message about the need for collective action in an increasingly fragmented world that left a lasting impression on the audience.
As the event concluded, students and faculty alike expressed optimism about the future. “This is why we study international relations,” said one student. “To understand the world’s complexities and to find ways to make it better.” For Costa, the moment of levity served as a reminder that even in the highest echelons of power, a little humor can go a long way in bridging divides.
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