FRENCH PRESIDENT’S STATE VISIT

During a two-day state visit to Portugal, President Emmanuel Macron of France sought to boost bilateral ties between France and Portugal, while also advocating for greater European unity in the face of growing threats and uncertainties.

 

President Macron and his wife, Brigitte, were warmly welcomed in Lisbon on Thursday by Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro.

 

The visit came just days after Macron met with U.S President Donald Trump in Washington, where he tried to persuade Trump of the importance of continuing the long-standing transatlantic relationship, which now seems to be crumbling.

 

Soon after his arrival, Macron stressed the need to support Ukraine, especially at a time when the Trump administration is befriending Russia’s Vladimir Putin while Ukraine’s fate remains desperately uncertain. Macron and other European leaders have been calling for greater cooperation in response to the deepening concerns triggered by Trump’s perplexing turn-arounds.

 

A considerable majority of people in France (66%) believe that the European Union should continue supporting Ukraine financially and militarily, even without US backing. However, a greater majority of French people (78%) oppose deploying French troops on the ground in Ukraine.

 

Macron expressed hope that the meeting between Trump and  Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy this Friday would go well. “I’ll always try to be there to make things easier, but Ukraine is an important fight for us,” said Macron in Lisbon.

 

He added: “It’s important that Zelensky should be able to explain to President Trump what is at stake in his country, as I tried to explain last Monday how important it is for us, and also to remind him of the importance the transatlantic link can have.”

Unfortunately the Ukrainian leader’s meeting in Washington could hardly have been worse. During an angry quarrel in the Oval Office, Trump cancelled the meeting and ordered Zelensky out.

 

On Friday President Macron and his wife travelled to Porto in northern Portugal, where they signed agreements related to political, security, and economic issues.

 

 

Written by Len Port,

Edited by Catriona Anderson.

PLASTICS BUBBLE BARRIER

A remarkably innovative way to help prevent plastic waste from contaminating the oceans has been devised in Portugal.

Portugal has long been at the forefront of combating plastic pollution. Specialist researchers warn that every minute of every day, the equivalent of one garbage truckload of plastic waste enters our oceans. In Europe alone, an estimated 825 million pieces of plastic end up in the sea yearly. Experts caution that by 2040, this figure could reach a staggering 37 million tonnes annually.  This includes huge quantities of microplastics, which are killing hundreds of marine species and severely endangering human health by infiltrating our food chain. This is not alarmist speculation—it is a reality that demands urgent action.

The coastal town of Vila do Conde in northern Portugal has joined forces with scientists to create a ‘bubble barrier’ in the Ave River. This relatively simple yet highly effective system uses a curtain of air bubbles to trap plastic waste in a container before it can reach the Atlantic. Plastics – even microplastics - can then be eliminated. So far, the ‘bubble barrier’ has successfully intercepted 86% of the plastics in the river.

Further high-tech methods may help address this growing crisis, but municipalities, businesses, and individuals also need to play their part by actively collecting and reducing plastic waste – both near the water and elsewhere.

Trump’s ACCUSATIONS AND LIES

Following the security conference in Munich and the European summit in Paris, Portugal, and most other European countries, have dismissed President Trump’s absurd accusations against his former allies while switching sides and befriending President Putin.

In one of his blusters, Trump accused Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy of being a “dictator”.

FACT: As confirmed by all top international news outlets, Zelenskyy is not a dictator. He won a landslide victory in the second round of Ukraine’s national election in 2019. He gained global respect after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. 

Trump accused Zelenskyy of refusing to hold elections.

FACT: Ukraine was scheduled to hold a national election in 2024 at the end of Zelenskyy’s first five-year term in office. However, long before Zelenskyy became president, Ukraine’s constitution already forbade elections if the country was under martial law, which it has been since 2022. Zelenskyy has stated that it would be “absolutely irresponsible” to hold an election during the war. He has affirmed that new elections will be held as soon as possible but has not indicated whether he will seek another term in office.

Tump claimed Zelenskyy had a job approval rating of just 4%.

FACT: Zelenskyy’s approval rating stands at 57%, according to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. By contrast, Trump’s job approval rating is 45%, according to Gallup.

Trump claimed Ukraine was to blame for starting the war.

FACT: It is undeniable to the whole world that President Putin is responsible for Russia’s so-called “military operation” that started the war. 

Trump has also claimed that Ukraine wants to prolong the war “to keep the gravy train going,” meaning continuing aid for the war effort provided by the United States under the Biden administration.

FACT: Time and again Zelenskyy has stated that he wants to end the war, but he will not surrender. As Ukraine’s foreign minister put it: “We will defend our right to exist.”

Having turned his back on Ukraine and his NATO allies in Europe and Britain, Trump is looking forward to having a personal meeting with Putin to build on the extensive phone conversation he has already had with the Russian leader. 

The danger with Trump is that he is so capricious and unpredictable that no one knows what is coming next. The fear is that he will fully betray America’s allies, putting Europe and the wider world at serious risk."

Russia stands as the most easterly country in Europe, while Portugal is the most westerly. Despite the distance between them, Portugal has every reason to be deeply concerned about the ongoing situation. As tensions continue to rise and alliances look to be shifting, Europe faces an uncertain future. 

 Written by Len Port

Edited by Catriona Anderson.

MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE – SUMMARY

It has become increasingly clear that Europe can no longer rely on the United States as a trusted ally. The Trump administration has distanced itself from Europe while strengthening ties with Russia and “betraying” Ukraine.

This development is of great concern to Portugal and other committed European members of NATO and the European Union. 

On day one of the 61st annual Munich Security Conference, European leaders were stunned by a speech from United States Vice President J.D. Vance. In his address, Vance barely mentioned Russia or Ukraine, despite the war in Ukraine being the central focus of the conference agenda. Instead, he delivered a blistering attack on European politicians, accusing them of “retreating” from their democratic values. He claimed that the primary threat to some of Europe’s fundamental principles came not from Russia or China, but from within Europe itself. He criticised European governments, including Britain, for censoring free speech, failing to control illegal migration, ignoring religious freedom, and avoiding the question of how to resolve the Ukraine war. 

It was clear that Vance had little respect for America’s long-standing European partners. His 20-minute rant was condemned outright by European leaders, sparking a furious backlash. At best, Vance’s tirade was described as “bizarre.”

On the second day of the conference, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky went further, making it abundantly clear that he fully respected and trusted European countries and strongly advocated for the formation of a united European military force. He walked a fine line in trying not to antagonise the Trump administration while emphasising that the defence of Europe was now, more than ever, the responsibility of Europeans rather than the United States within NATO.

“Let’s be honest, now we can’t rule out the possibility that America might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it,” said Zelenskyy. He went on to say: “Does America need Europe as a market? Yes, but as an ally? I don’t know. For the answer to be yes, Europe needs a single voice, not a dozen different ones.” 

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, European NATO countries are trying to ramp up their defence budgets from an average of 2.2% of GDP to between 2.5% and 3%. Poland plans to reach 4.7% this year, while Estonia and Latvia are committed to spending 5%. Portugal hopes to reach more than 4% by 2029. 

President Zelenskyy and European representatives want to be present at the negotiations about to take place between America and Russia over the war in Ukraine. A senior Ukrainian official may have a seat at the table, but there is little hope of Ukraine fulfilling its wish to join NATO so long as the United States is a key member. 

Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg was asked whether Europe could participate in the US – Russia negotiations. He responded, “I am from the school of realism and that is not going to happen.”

French President Emmanuel Macron has convened an emergency summit for European leaders in Paris today (Monday) to address the latest confusing and controversial challenges created by President Trump. Only the most influential European countries have been invited to the Paris summit. Portugal will not be represented.

The US president has already spoken with Putin by phone, and a meeting to discuss peace in Ukraine is expected to take place soon in Saudi Arabia between senior American and Russian officials.

Portugal’s prime minister and defence minister recently met in Brussels with their NATO counterparts, expressing deep concern over President Trump’s sudden close friendship with Vladimir Putin and its implications for the security and defence of Ukraine and the rest of Europe. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro emphasised that defence is a political priority and called for a recovery and resilience programme to fund investment in the face of threats in various sectors, particularly regarding vital maritime connections in Portugal.

“We have a war on European territory. We have our defence and security threatened in various areas.” Of vital maritime importance, he said, are the marine cables that connect Portugal with the American continent and pass on to other parts of Europe and beyond. 

Meanwhile, on Friday, the final day of the Munich Security Conference, numerous breakout meetings and sideline discussions were held to address issues raised over the previous two days.  More than 850 participants attended, including some 40 heads of state, 40 foreign minister, 25 defence minister, as well as representatives from think-tanks, NGOs and businesses.  

Written by Len Port

Edited by Catriona Anderson.

HELP FOR DEMENTIA HELPERS

The Alzheimer Portugal organisation is holding monthly Dementia Support Group get-togethers to help anyone looking after a family member or friend suffering from this incurable condition.

 

The English-language meetings are held in Portimao on the third Friday of each month, the next being on, February 21.

 

Under the leadership of Margarida Farreira, head of the Altzheimer Portugal organisation in Portimao and Lago, the meetings run from 11 am to 12.30 am. They offer a opportunity for dementia helpers to exchange experiences thoughts and ideas.

 

The number of people attending these intimate sessions usually varies anywhere between five and fifteen.

 

The Alzheimer centre in Portimao is located at Rua Sidonio Pais, Urb S. Francisco, Lt,2 Loja2 8500-735 Portimao.

 

To attend a session, it is best to contact the organisers by phone (965276690), or email (geral.algarve@alzheinerportugal.org). You could also check the website at www. Alzheimerportyga.org

TOURISM BREAKING ALL RECORDS

Tourism in Portugal reached record levels last year and is predicted to grow even further this year.

Hotels and other types of tourist accommodation welcomed 31.6 million guests in 2024, a 3.2% increase from 2023. Overnight stays totalled 80.3 million, up 4.0%. International visitors accounted for 70.3% of all tourists, according to figures compiled by the National Statistics Institute 

The Algarve, Portugal’s main tourist destination, with its world-renowned beaches and golf courses, attracted an unprecedented 5.2 million visitors. Faro airport was busier than ever, as were the region's golf courses, on which 1.46 million rounds were played, up 5% from the previous year. 

Beyond mainland Portugal, a remarkable expansion of the tourist industry is taking place in the Portuguese autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira. The Azores archipelago enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2024, with 2.9 million overnight stays between January and November, an annual growth of 9.5%, the highest in Portugal overall. April to June remains the best period for the choice activity of whale and dolphin watching. 

Madeira has once again won the accolade of being Europe’s leading island destination. A growth of 8.8% in inbound international visits is predicted for this year and 8.9% next year. While most visitors are from mainland Portugal, hundreds of thousands arrived from abroad.

Tourism generated €58 billion in revenue for Portugal in 2024 and €33.8 billion in 2023. The latter represented 12.7% of the country’s GDP The equivalent was 12.1% in 2022 but just 7.8% in 2021.

The largest group of international visitors came from the UK, accounting for around 20% of total arrivals. Germans ranked a distant second, followed by visitors from the United States. Tourism from Poland and Canada is on the rise. However, there has been a significant drop in the number of Spanish holidaymakers.  Smaller drops were also recorded among tourists from France and Brazil. 

The outlook for growth this year is 9%, according to the Secretary of State for Tourism. While welcoming continued growth, he warned of associated challenges and risks, including the need for a more skilled workforce, advancing the digital transition of companies, and the training of immigrants. Increased tourism will also place greater pressure on resources, particularly water supplies. 

Tourism in Portugal reached record levels last year and is predicted to grow even further this year.

Hotels and other types of tourist accommodation welcomed 31.6 million guests in 2024, a 3.2% increase from 2023. Overnight stays totalled 80.3 million, up 4.0%. International visitors accounted for 70.3% of all tourists, according to figures compiled by the National Statistics Institute.

The Algarve, Portugal’s main tourist destination, with its world-renowned beaches and golf courses, attracted an unprecedented 5.2 million visitors. Faro airport was busier than ever, as were the region's golf courses, on which 1.46 million rounds were played, up 5% from the previous year. 

Beyond mainland Portugal, a remarkable expansion of the tourist industry is taking place in the Portuguese autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira. The Azores archipelago enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2024, with 2.9 million overnight stays between January and November, an annual growth of 9.5%, the highest in Portugal overall. April to June remains the best period for the choice activity of whale and dolphin watching. 

Madeira has once again won the accolade of being Europe’s leading island destination. A growth of 8.8% in inbound international visits is predicted for this year and 8.9% next year. While most visitors are from mainland Portugal, hundreds of thousands arrived from abroad.

Tourism generated €58 billion in revenue for Portugal in 2024 and €33.8 billion in 2023. The latter represented 12.7% of the country’s GDP The equivalent was 12.1% in 2022 but just 7.8% in 2021. 

The largest group of international visitors came from the UK, accounting for around 20% of total arrivals. Germans ranked a distant second, followed by visitors from the United States. Tourism from Poland and Canada is on the rise. However, there has been a significant drop in the number of Spanish holidaymakers.  Smaller drops were also recorded among tourists from France and Brazil. 

The outlook for growth this year is 9%, according to the Secretary of State for Tourism. While welcoming continued growth, he warned of associated challenges and risks, including the need for a more skilled workforce, advancing the digital transition of companies, and the training of immigrants. Increased tourism will also place greater pressure on resources, particularly water supplies. 

 

DEFENCE SPENDING TENSIONS RISE

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has reaffirmed Portugal’s commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.0% of GDP by 2029, but some other NATO countries, particularly the United States, say that is not nearly good enough. 

At the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that countries failing to meet the 2.0% target would have to reach it within “a couple of months”, not years. This was in the face of different threats from Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

Rutte met Montenegro this week in Lisbon, and the Portuguese prime minister said he would do his best to bring forward the 2.0% target date. He later told a press conference that both his PSD-led government and other parties, most notably the opposition Socialists, were strongly committed” to meeting the defence spending goal, but that the deadline would depend on a task force involving the foreign, domestic defence and finance ministries, “which could be extended to other areas of government.” He added that the country’s productive and industrial capacity needed to be increased and enhanced for long-term viability. 

The Portuguese prime minister stressed that the US in particular should be aware that the 23 European Union members of the North Atlantic Alliance collectively already spend more than 2.0% of their GDP on defence. 

“I’m not avoiding the responsibility of Portugal to do this as quickly as possible,” he said, adding that it is necessary to act as a bloc to redefine objectives, policies, and investments to be effective. 

Increased investment in the defence industry will mean greater autonomy for Europe, safeguarding the European economy and, as a result, safeguarding the European welfare state, said Montenegro. 

NATO Secretary General Rutte’s insistence that the urgent increased spending also applied to Spain.  At a meeting with Jose Manuel Albares, Spain’s foreign minister, Albares like Montenegro confirmed his country’s intention of spending 2.0% of its GDP on defence by 2029. 

Foreign Minister Albares told reporters that Spain had been increasing its defence spending “for years”, and it was “getting close” to the 2.0% goal. Spain’s defence budget currently stands at 1.8% of GDP. 

President Donald Trump is expected to increase pressure on European countries for a defence spending rise to 5.0% of GDP, while, threatening to pull the United States out of NATO altogether if they fail to comply. 

In view of the war in Ukraine and the possibility of further Russian expansion, top EU foreign affairs official, Kaja Kallas, told the recent annual conference of the European Defence Agency in Brussels that member states need “to wake up.”