Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said on Friday that Portugal’s current and future investment in defence is “unparalleled” and a prerequisite for safeguarding peace and sustaining economic and social development.
He was speaking during a lunch with Portuguese military personnel from the first National Detached Force stationed in Slovakia, as part of a NATO mission.
“The effort we are making now and will continue to make in the coming years is unparalleled in our history,” the prime minister said, pointing to increased investment in military careers and equipment.
Montenegro said the investment is driven by the need to protect national autonomy and sovereignty, and to honour commitments made to allies. He warned that Europe now faces a reality that had remained dormant for years. “The reality of danger. The existence of enemies,” he said, referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The prime minister considered that investment in defence “is a precondition” for sustaining social welfare spending in areas such as health, education and housing.
“This is a conscious investment. We do not want it to undermine economic and social development. It is essential if Portugal is to remain a developed country that offers opportunities to all,” he said.
Montenegro added that a stronger economy depends on security. He warned of “hostile manipulation” and “disinformation campaigns aimed at weakening democratic institutions”.
He also stressed the economic impact of defence spending, saying Portugal is building a national defence industrial base. This includes aeronautics, ammunition, vehicles, components and related services.
At the end of November, the cabinet approved Portugal’s formal application to the European SAFE defence loan programme, worth €5.8 billion.
Montenegro said part of the investment will be used to modernise strategic assets, including the Alfeite Arsenal (ship repair yard on the south bank of the river Tagus in the Lisbon district).
The prime minister was accompanied by Defence Minister Nuno Melo and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces (CEMGFA), General José Nunes da Fonseca. He arrived at the Lešť military base shortly after 2.15pm, where around 120 Portuguese soldiers are stationed.
A short military ceremony followed, along with the signing of the guest book and an exchange of institutional gifts.
Source: Lusa
