The Prime Minister acknowledged today that reaching 2% of GDP in Defense investment this year is a daunting task, but the government remains committed and assured dialogue with the opposition for long-term goals.
“We are committed and think it’s possible, but it’s challenging. And it’s challenging for practical reasons, not due to a lack of willingness. Let me say more, it’s not due to a lack of will or money,” stated Luís Montenegro during a press meeting at the NATO summit concluding today in The Hague, Netherlands.
Portugal’s head of government has pledged to achieve the 2% of GDP target for Defense by the end of this year, which according to government calculations, will require an investment increase of about one billion euros.
Apart from the 2% target this year, the high-level meeting agreed allies should spend 5% of GDP on Defense-related expenses, with 3.5% on traditional military spending (armed forces, equipment, and training) and an additional 1.5% on investments like infrastructure and industry by 2035, with an interim review in 2029.
Montenegro estimated that in the next four years, Portugal would be “above 2% of GDP” with a “gradually upward trend” so that by 2029 the country is positioned to meet the final goal in the following six years.
“I would like to point out that we are talking about a time frame covering several legislative terms, so as I mentioned prior to this summit, we will continue to prioritize political dialogue with the main opposition parties,” emphasized the executive leader, who had two meetings with Chega and PS in São Bento before heading to The Hague.
The Prime Minister noted that in the past decade, Portugal “was not a good example in terms of fulfilling its commitments” within the Alliance, clarifying that “this is not exclusive criticism of any particular government or party.”
“From now on, we must be more consistent with the commitments we have made, and that is what we intend to do,” he stated.
