During an informal meeting of European Union Defense Ministers in Warsaw, Poland—currently holding the EU Council presidency until the end of June—Portuguese Minister of Defense Nuno Melo expressed support for two key European Commission strategies unveiled last month: the White Paper on the Future of European Defense and the ‘ReArm Europe’ plan, according to a statement from Portugal’s National Defense Ministry.
In the meeting, the ministers reviewed and discussed these strategic initiatives. The Portuguese delegation backed the proposals and emphasized the significance of bolstering its defense capabilities. The note highlighted the role of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in supplying the European Defense Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) and stressed the urgency of streamlining equipment procurement processes through legislative measures like the ‘Omnibus’ package, aimed at enhancing transparency and oversight.
The White Paper outlines the EU’s strategy to enhance security and defense capabilities by 2030, focusing on strengthening the European defense industry, particularly supporting SMEs, and investing in research, development, and emerging technologies.
The ‘ReArm Europe’ plan aims to establish financial instruments to support these objectives.
Earlier this week, Nuno Melo advocated for a “green lane” in defense procurement to minimize bureaucratic hurdles and simplify processes, noting the formation of a joint team with the Ministry of Economy to address these issues.
During today’s Warsaw meeting, Melo reminded other European nations of the importance of maintaining links with strategic partners such as Brazil and emphasized the significance of adopting a comprehensive approach, particularly for maritime security and Africa.
Melo also underscored the necessity of cohesive and effective cooperation between the EU and NATO to ensure collective defense against future threats.
The meeting’s first segment, attended by the Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration, Sergiy Boyev, demonstrated the EU’s ongoing commitment to bolstering military support to Ukraine, according to the statement.
The Portuguese Ministry of Defense detailed key focus areas for European ministers, including artillery ammunition, drones, anti-aircraft defense systems, training, and equipping Ukrainian brigades, and significantly enhancing Ukraine’s defense industries.
Melo noted that Portugal has already committed an additional package of 221 million euros as part of the NATO agreement in Washington, contributing armored vehicles, naval assets, helicopters, and ammunition, and continuing training contributions in Portugal, Spain, Poland, and Germany.
Last Thursday, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced a government resolution authorizing up to 205 million euros for military support to Ukraine. This amount is part of the overall 221 million euro commitment for 2025, supplementing the 227 million euro pledge for 2024, as explained by the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro.
