The PS parliamentary group has inquired centrist Nuno Melo about Portugal’s potential participation in a new NATO initiative aimed at strengthening ally presence on the eastern flank, and the possible extent of involvement by the Portuguese Armed Forces in terms of resources and capabilities.
This operation was announced by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on September 12 and, as noted by the PS, emerged “at a time when the provocations from the Russian Federation toward Alliance countries like Poland reach absolutely unacceptable, reckless, and dangerous levels—as exemplified by the repeated violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones.”
“This moment requires determination, deterrence, and an enhancement of the allies’ posture in the face of the Russian Federation’s repeated irresponsibilities,” stated the text, signed by PS parliamentary leader Eurico Brilhante Dias.
The socialist bench highlights that “several allied countries” have already begun announcing “the deployment of forces and capabilities for this mission,” citing examples such as Denmark contributing “two F-16s and a frigate,” France “with three Rafales,” and Germany “with four Eurofighters.”
“The United Kingdom has also expressed its willingness to support these forces, among others, which will strengthen the already existing allied forces,” it reads.
PS deputies recall that on the 15th, the Defense Minister assured Portugal’s readiness to enhance its presence in Eastern Europe “if necessary,” affirming that Portugal’s effort within NATO aligns with allies’ decisions and the country’s capabilities.
“If there is a need to strengthen the current presence, we will acknowledge that,” Nuno Melo stated at the time.
For the PS, strengthening defense capabilities “and their allocation to the collective defense effort of the European continent are imperative, achievable only with broad political and social support.” They argue that “building this support requires information, justification, transparency, and debate about the fundamental options to be made.”
