PORTUGAL AND USA STRENGTHEN MILITARY TIES

Portugal’s close military relationship with the United States has strengthened further with a new bi-lateral announcement this week.

 

Just days before Donald Trump takes over again in Washington, a ceremony took place in the Lisbon offices of the Ministry of National Defence marking Portugal’s accession to the US National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program.

 

Said Portugal’s Minister of National Defence, Nuno Melo in the presence of the United States Ambassador to Portugal,: “I have no doubt that this partnership will strengthen military cooperation between our two countries, intensify what are already excellent bi-lateral relations, and the strong diplomatic, commercial and cultural ties that unite Portugal and the United States.”

 

The new arrangement is despite Donald Trump’s condemnation of low defence expenditures in most European Union countries, including Portugal. Trump has also shown little solidarity with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), of which Portugal is a founding member.

 

As reported by the Lusa News Agency, Nuno Melo emphasised in Lisbon this week that Portugal and the United States are “historic allies” that have contributed to peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic area for the past 75 years.

 

So absolutely no weakening of the alliance seems likely under Trump’s second presidential term. On the contrary, the new arrangement is intended to reinforce military cooperation and comes after threats of further Russian expansion almost two years after its invasion and increasing bombardments in Ukraine.

 

Donald Trump has repeatedly said he will end the Russia-Ukraine war the day he takes over as president. Let’s see what happens on Monday.

 

Meanwhile, the strongly pro-Trump USA-Portuguese community in Fall River, Massachusetts (mentioned in Portugal Newswatch last week), has been reading about the new military partnership program in a Fall River newspaper, The Herald News. It has noted that the program can lead to “joint exercises, sharing of expertise in disaster response, and collaborative efforts to address mutual security and defence challenges.”

 

Created in 1993, the State Partnership Program has been “successfully building relations for more than 30 years, and now includes 105 partnerships with 115 nations around the globe,” according to the United States National Guard website.

 

US-PORTUGUESE FAVOUR TRUMP

 

The Portuguese people living in the United States are mostly in favour of  President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House, according to reliable sources.

 

“Trump will be welcomed by Portuguese living on the east coast and all the way to the far west,” says Carolina Marcos, editor of the Portuguese American Journal.

 

Born in the Azores, like many other US immigrants, she has lived for many years in Boston, Massachusetts. One example of Trump's popularity, she says, is in the Massachusetts city of Fall River. She acknowledges that Portuguese residents helped other voters there to “embrace Trump and his harsh stance on immigration.” 

 

Carolina Matos was unhappy with both candidates in the December presidential election but notes that not only did Trump win in 2024, but he also had a higher percentage of votes in 2020 than anyone since Dwight Eisenhower in 1956. 

 

Journalist Ben Blake, reporting from Fall River, has clearly shown that although support for Democrats there dominated the community for 70 years, it has greatly fallen because most locals have moved to the right and are now pro-Republican and pro-Trump.

 

Blake visited Fernando’s bar in Fall River where the bar manager, Lucy Oliveira, serves Portuguese dishes such as pork sandwiches and bifanas to a crowd of regulars.  The locals told Blake that nearly all of them support Trump, each for personal reasons. One of Trump’s most liked characteristics is his “toughness.”  Lucy Oliveira said Trump’s brand as a successful businessman resonates because of Fall River’s post-industrial economic slump. “Everyone wants Trump because the economy is so bad,” she said. 

 

Daniela Melo, a Portuguese professor at Boston University, joked that “you can’t understand the politics of Mass unless you  understand how the Portuguese think.” She says that Portuguese attitudes currently stem party from President John F. Kennedy’s immigration laws, which allowed so many Portuguese to enter the country in the 1950s. Many came from the Azores with Fall River sometimes being referred to as “the tenth island.”

 

The number of people immigrating to the United States dropped dramatically when livelihoods in Portugal improved after the overthrow of the dictator Salazar In 1974.

 

The Portuguese have integrated into American society like the Jews, Irish, and others. Many Portuguese families are now in the second, third, or fourth generation in the United States.

 

In California, it was predicted that the Portuguese community might tip the balance of power in the US Congress. Reporting internationally from the small town of Thornton in California’s Central Valley, Faith E. Pinto, a staff reporter for the Los Angeles Times described Portuguese flags flying proudly above the streets thronged with festive season revellers. Portuguese people from all across the Central Valley flocked to Thornton to celebrate. There was a parade, several Catholic Masses, and even a bullfight. It was a delightful occasion “to share food, language, and culture of families quietly, but powerfully, tucked away in Californian farmlands, according to the Los Angeles Times.  

 

“You don’t have to be Portuguese to get elected in the Valley – but it doesn’t hurt,” joked Jim Costa, a US politician.

 

“Far away from the centres of power in Washington, a small but sizable Portuguese population has played a meaningful role in shaping the Central Valley – and the community’s politics could prove crucial,” wrote Faith Pinto. 

 

Latinos far outnumber the number of Portuguese immigrants in California’s Central Valley. “Although the Portuguese are now generations deep in the Valley, many are still close to their immigrant family roots. And in many ways, the story of Portuguese people in California – just over 350,000, according to the 2020 US census – follows the arc of many immigrant groups in the US”. 

 

Generation by generation, Portuguese worked their way up to become supervisors, managers, or owners of farmlands in California. Portuguese politicians have been vying to represent their region, and now most are welcoming Donald Trump. 

 

At a “Farmers for Trump” rally involving tractors and trucks blaring their horns and flying Portuguese flags down a two-lane highway, Kenneth Rose, who called himself 100% Portuguese, perched himself on a pick-up truck and declared: “I’ve seen enough. I don’t need any more liberalism in this country.”

 

FESTIVE SEASON NUMBERS RISE

 

 

Statistics in certain sectors in Portugal have risen over the festive period, according to various reports by the Lusa national news agency.

 

The value of Christmas shopping between 1 and 24 December increased by 15 %, over the same period in 2023. MB WAY (Multibanco) Christmas shopping rose by over 40%

 

The PSP police arrested 349 people for road offenses between Christmas and the New Year. 230 of the arrests were for drink-driving.

 

A record twenty deaths occurred on Portuguese roads during the “Operation Christmas – New Year 2024/2025” conducted by the GNR police

 

Statistics just released show that overnight stays in tourist accommodation rose by 4.1% from January to November to over 76 million. The increases for residents was 2.5% and for non-residents 4.8%

 

The year-on-year inflation rate stood at 3.0% in December, 0.5 percentage points more than November, according to an estimate just released by Statistics Portugal

 

A new study shows that 70% of people in Portugal have expressed concerns about processing personal data through artificial intelligence (AI) systems used by financial institutions. This puts Portugal’s wariness well above the European Union average, which stands at 52%

 

 The Independent Doctor’s Union and the government have just reached an agreement that provides for an average salary increase of 10% by 2027.

 

The legal age to withdraw from work (retire) is to rise by two months to 66 and nine months, according to a new government order based on estimated average life expectancy and data revealed by Statistics Portugal (INE)

 

Entrance fees to national museums have just gone up by between two and seven euros.

 

 

Brazilians more welcome in Portugal

 

By Marla Barret

Portugal Passes Law Allowing Brazilians to Apply for Residency After Entering as Tourists

In a groundbreaking move that underscores Portugal’s historical ties with Brazil, the Portuguese government has passed a new law allowing Brazilian nationals to apply for residency after entering the country as tourists. This significant policy shift not only simplifies the immigration process for Brazilians but also strengthens the cultural and economic bonds between the two nations.

A Simplified Path to Residency

Under the new law, Brazilian tourists in Portugal can now transition to residency status without leaving the country. This eliminates the need for a lengthy and expensive process that previously required applicants to return to Brazil and apply through consular services. The change is expected to benefit thousands of Brazilians who are seeking opportunities in Portugal, whether for work, education, or family reunification.

First Steps: Tourist Visa Requirements

For Brazilians considering this pathway, the journey begins with obtaining a tourist visa. While Brazilian citizens can enter Portugal without a visa for stays of up to 90 days under the Schengen Agreement, those intending to transition to residency should ensure they meet all initial entry requirements. These include:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned stay.

• Proof of Accommodation: Reservation details or a letter of invitation from a host in Portugal.

• Return Ticket: Evidence of a return or onward travel plan within the 90-day visa-free period.

• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage is mandatory, ensuring tourists are protected in case of medical emergencies or unforeseen events. Travel insurance should meet Schengen requirements, covering a minimum of €30,000 as reported by SchengenInsuranceInfo.com

• Sufficient Funds: Proof of financial means to cover expenses during the stay, such as bank statements or a letter of sponsorship.

What Does Residency Offer?

Residency in Portugal provides several benefits, including access to healthcare, education, and the labor market. It also paves the way for permanent residency or citizenship after a few years, granting Brazilians the right to live and work across the European Union.

Navigating the Application Process

Once in Portugal, Brazilian tourists can apply for residency through the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). The application typically requires:

• Proof of Entry: A stamped passport or other documentation verifying arrival in Portugal.

• Housing Contract: Rental agreement or proof of residence.

• Employment Offer or Financial Support: Evidence of economic stability.

• Criminal Record Certificate: Issued by Brazilian authorities and apostilled.

Applicants are encouraged to seek legal advice or consult with immigration specialists to ensure compliance with all requirements.

A Growing Brazilian Community

Portugal has long been a favored destination for Brazilians, drawn by a shared language, familiar culture, and favorable living conditions. This new law is expected to further bolster the Brazilian diaspora, which already forms one of the largest immigrant communities in the country.

Conclusion

Portugal’s decision to streamline residency applications for Brazilians reflects its commitment to fostering closer ties with its former colony. For Brazilians dreaming of a new life in Europe, this policy offers an unprecedented opportunity. As always, prospective migrants should prepare meticulously, ensuring they meet all entry requirements, including securing reliable travel insurance, before embarking on their journey.

Marla Barrret is a contributor to PORTUGAL NEWSWATCH wish special expertise in the legal aspects of emigration and immigration.

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WINTER VISITORS TO THE ALGARVE

 

One of most globally endangered bird species has been tracked undertaking an epic journey from England to the Algarve.

The birds – Curlews - are the largest European wading species, typically found in estuaries and moorlands. Due to their rarity, several were rescued, reared, and released this summer in the Dartmoor Natural Park in Devon, England.

A few individuals have since flown 2,092 kilometres south to the Algarve. Following extraordinarily careful observations, the BBC is quoting Jon Avon, the Curlew Recovery Project officer of the Duchy of Cornwall, as saying that “three of the birds were located in northern Spain, while two others made it all the way to southern Spain and the Algarve.”

Curlews have a distinctive call, and are also best known for their long legs, their long, slender, down-tuned beaks, and mottled brown plumage. If you see one in the Algarve, please let us know.

Meanwhile, the huge of human visitors to the Algarve each year is rising. The United Kingdom accounts for the largest number of visitors from the north. Big numbers also come too from Germany, France, Scandinavia and elsewhere. More Americans are enjoying the low as well as the high season. Groups of Canadians who call themselves ‘snowbirds,’ fly in from icy conditions at home in winter to meet in the Algarve.

Winter visitors to the Algarve are attracted not only because of the milder southern weather, but because significant discounts are on offer for accommodation. Many hotels and resorts are giving 50% discount deals for the low season, December through February.

The booming number of humans from abroad is, of course, much appreciated locally. But aside from the Curlews, we must not forget the great many resident, stray, abandoned and stressed dogs and cats wandering about among the visitors.They need care and homing. Fortunately, Animal Rescue Algarve (ARA) is doing the very best it can. It could do with your help: https://animalrescuealgarve.com /

289 462 384

Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson. 

DEEPENING UNITY IN EUROPE

 

It is perhaps no coincidence that the importance of Portugal’s participation in the European Union has been emphasised in Lisbon this week by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. 

 

The EU is an essential part of NATO, even more so at a time of Russian expansionist threats, and just weeks before Donald Trump takes over the White House. With shared values and sharing most of the same member states, the EU and NATO are now facing strategic challenges like never before

 

Noting that Portugal’s former Prime Minister Antonio Costa heads the EU Council in Brussels, and that Mark Rutte of the Netherlands is the NATO chief, Portugal’s President stressed the fact that Portugal and the Netherlands share their commitment to multilateralism. 

 

Also this week, Portugal’s Finance Minister, Joaquim Mirandinha Sarmento, said the European Union needs common instruments to fund defence spending amid the protracted war in Ukraine and calls from Washington for NATO members to increase such expenditure. “All together, we must find solutions, just as we did in the financial crisis, the sovereign debt crisis, the pandemic, with inflation,” said the minister. 

 

In the words of a NATO statement last week, NATO and the EU “work side by side in crisis management, addressing hybrid threats and challenges posed by growing strategic competition, as well as in building the capacities of their common partners in the east and south.

 

Relations between the two organisations were institutionalised in the early 2000s, building on steps taken in the 1990s to promote greater European responsibility in defence matters. NATO, of which Portugal is a founding member, plays a complementary, coherent and mutually reinforcing role with the EU in supporting international peace and security. 

 

The NATO statement went on to say that the development of European defence capabilities is a key element of joint efforts to make the Euro-Atlantic area safer, and it contributes to transatlantic burden-sharing. In developing these capabilities, NATO allies must ensure coherence and complementarity and avoid unnecessary duplication.  

 

Close cooperation between NATO and the EU is key to developing an international, comprehensive approach and operations requiring crisis management and operations, involving the use of both military and civilian means. 

 

NATO and the EU stand united in condemning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to self-defence, 

 

The 2022 Strategic Concept – the Alliance’s core policy document, which sets NATO’s strategic direction for the coming years – describes the European Union as a unique and essential partner for NATO and calls for an enhanced strategic partnership. In January 2023, the NATO Secretary General and the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission signed the third Joint Declaration on EU-NATO Cooperation to further strengthen and expand the partnership. This declaration builds the unprecedented progress in cooperation since previous declarations were signed in 2016 and 2018.

Written by Len port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson.

 

 

LATEST INTERNATIONAL PEACE EFFORTS

At a time of intense warfare in the world, Portugal has been hosting a United Nations conference aimed at helping to establish global peace.

 

The 10^th UNAOC Global Forum, held this week in Cascais, brought together a group known as ‘friends’ of the Alliance of Civilisations (AOC)’, with political and religious leaders, representatives of national and regional organisations, and members of secular societies. Groups of academics, youths, journalists and donor agencies and foundations were present at the meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday. Renowned as one of the most peaceful countries on the planet, Portugal was an appropriate venue.

 

Speaking about the world in general, Antonio Guterres, the former Portuguese prime minister, now secretary-general of the United Nations, said at the opening of the forum: “We are more united by our common fate than divided by our distinct identities. In every corner of the world we see the social fabric under serious strain. The escalation of conflicts, the increase in social tensions, and the spread of hate speech are just some of the manifestations of this crisis of confidence that affects human and international relations.”

 

Among the 1,800 people attending the forum were Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and Spain’s King Filipe Vl.

 

Various speakers addressed a number of key peace and security issues, including bridging aggressive regional divides, promoting international harmony, and restoring trust among nations.

 

Guterres said that “the absence of peace is leading to an erosion of trust among international institutions and societies.” Trust, he continued, has become an increasingly scarce resource in a globalised world where information circulates with unprecedented speed through social networks. Hate speech, amplified by digital platforms, undermines relationships between people and communities, exacerbating divisions and creating a sense of insecurity.

 

In appealing for peace, Guterres cited the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan, where hundreds of thousands of innocent people, including a large percentage of women and children, have been killed, critically injured, or forced to flee their homes. Guterres said that In addition to ending armed conflicts, peace involves an environment of dialogue, respect and reconciliation between different cultures.

 

The conference ended with a 25-paragraph declaration of much-needed innovative actions. These included the use of AI to influence inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue. AI could also combat disinformation, misinformation and hate speech, while strengthening factual integrity.

Leading participants at the forum pledged to:

+ Emphasise the need to combat all forms of religious intolerance.

+ Acknowledge the central role of inclusive, quality and transformative education in promoting dialogue, peace and human rights.

+ Recognise the role religious leaders can play in conflict mediation and development cooperation.

+ Underline the positive impact that safe, orderly and regular migration can have on countries of origin and destination.