"It is a privilege to be Portuguese and above all, European"

The Prime Minister was at the discussion to prepare the upcoming European Council, where issues will be discussed that reflect "the geopolitical context we are facing at the moment".

Security and defence

The European Council will bolster the measures to support Ukraine. Luís Montenegro stressed that the Government will not tire of "trying all the mechanisms to ensure political, economic military, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine" in Europe.

He also underlined the urgency in promoting hostilities in the Middle East cease. The Prime Minister advocated the two-state solution, something sustained by the Government for 12 years, when Portugal voted in favour of the Palestinian authority being an observer in the United Nations. He also recalled that last month, the Government voted in favour of it being a fully-fledged member of this body. Recognising Palestine is a matter that must be discussed "on a broader scale in the European Union" and not unilaterally and individually.

It is expected that Europe will invest in more financial resources in security and defence and, in this way, all the economies and industries that operate in this area will be leveraged. It is important above all for Portugal to make the most of these opportunities, the Prime Minister noted.

European Institution Leaders

The Prime Minister noted that António Costa’s application to President of the Council, backed by the Government since 9 June, will be consummated on Thursday. It is also expected that the European Council’s proposal for Ursula von der Leyen to be President of the European Commission and the Liberals taking on the role of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy will be taken forward.

Luís Montenegro reiterated that the Government took the position of "looking at the Portuguese State’s interest, but above all, looking at Europe’s interest" and "the best decisions and best balances" to achieve efficacy in the European institutions’ work.

Economic competitiveness

Luís Montenegro indicated the importance of attracting investment to Europe that will allow especially small and medium-sized enterprises to obtain more instruments to become competitive. This attraction must follow a "path of harmonisation of rules, fighting red-tape and having administrative streamlining", he said.

With the agenda, the goal is to "ensure the European Social State, European well-being, and a European way of living".