Commemorating Bastille Day in Paris, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa showed Portugal’s unwavering support for UK (irrespective of Brexit) when questioned on the idea – championed by France’s president Macron – for a European Army.
Marcelo said: “It’s good to have a solid nucleus” reinforcing defences, promoting dialogue with neighbouring countries “and making a bridge with the United Kingdom, which is very important” as intentions here are to “continue collaboration with Britain”.
But as for Macron’s dream of a European army, Portugal is not interested. Even though the theme of last Sunday’s Bastille Day celebrations was ‘the construction of a Europe of defence in connection with NATO’, Marcelo said that “one thing is a strong European presence in defence, another is a European army. At this moment, Portugal doesn’t countenance the issue of a European army”.
This puts Portugal in the same position as Austria, Malta, Ireland, Finland and Sweden – all of which have repeatedly claimed they remain “militarily non-aligned” despite Brussels increasing efforts to establish a common military response force.
natasha.donn@algarveresident.com
Photo: © 2016-2019 Presidência da República Portuguesa
