As the office of President is shaped to a large degree by the person holding the position, the briefing also indicates how Costa's approach differs from that of previous Presidents.

Telecommunications and Energy Council configuration (TTE) Infrastructure, trans-European transport, communications and energy networks About 80% of all EU legislation is adopted by qualified majority.

For these reasons, and as part of a wider reform of EU governance, the European Council decided to establish the European Semester in 2010. The first European Semester cycle took place in 2011.