Portugal applied to the UN Security Council

Portugal presented in New York its application to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the 2026 election for 2027/28 under the motto "Prevention, Partnership, Protection".

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel said that Portugal will present "preventive diplomacy", will "build bridges", and will invest in protection.

"We have three main mottos for this campaign: One the one hand, the idea of preventing and avoiding conflict. Therefore, being on the Security Council offering what we cal preventive diplomacy. Secondly, to build bridges, being partners". "On an international level, and I would even say on a global level, the Portuguese State is renowned for this capacity to build bridges on all continents – from Oceania to Asia, from Africa to the Americas, or in Europe".

And "Portugal has what is referred to as "soft power", it has a great capacity for this, therefore, to build bridges. This is highly relevant not just for security matters, but also on agendas such as, for instance, the reform of international finances so that the debt of poorer countries, such as in Africa, can be restructured. And then, we have this notion of protection", he added.

Portugal’s direct opponents are Germany and Austria in the fight for the two seats as non-permanent members given to the Western Europe and Other States group.

Portugal’s advantage and what sets it apart is its "more Atlantic vocation, its maritime vocation, its more universalist vocation", and "a significant presence in the Americas and in Africa, as well as long-standing tradition in Asia", which are "highly relevant assets".