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.  

 

 

COP29: LAST-MINUTE DEAL

The latest United Nations climate summit, COP29, has ended with an agreement, but still much disappointment and deep concern

 

The summit started with the president of the island state of Papua New Guinea remaining at home and declaring that the get-together of nearly 200 countries was “a waste of time.” Towards the end of the two-week conference, many of the thousands of delegates and observers denounced it as the worst climate summit ever. That too was perhaps an exaggeration.

 

The main objective of COP29 was to achieve a pledge from developed countries, which are responsible for most of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, to contribute 1.3 trillion dollars a year to developing nations, which are suffering most from climate change.

 

Anonio Guterres, Portugal’s former prime minister, now secretary-general of the United Nations, warned in an opening speech at the conference: “Pay up or humanity will pay up.”

Guterres wrapped up his thoughts just before the scheduled end of the summit in Azerbaijan on Friday by calling on world leaders to overcome their disagreement s.

 

The supposed last draft text came up with the figure of 250 billion dollars each year for the developing and most vulnerable countries. It was denounced by the poorer nations as “totally unacceptable and inadequate.” Delegates collectively walked out of the meeting.

 

After much wrangling, the richer countries agreed to triple their present annual public financing to 300 billion each year by 2035. While the rich are largely to blame for global warming, they are having to deal domestically with inflation and other economic problems.

 

Portugal and most other countries in the world sent leaders or senior delegates to Baku, the capital it of Azerbaijan, but from the very start it seemed obvious that a country like Azerbaijan so economically dependent on fossil fuels  was an inappropriate place to hold this summit.

The COP president of the host country said that oil and gas were “a gift from God.” He did not mention that non-fossil energy sources may also be a gift from God that could help save humanity from global warming extinction. Instead he announced that his country plans to expand its gas production. Saudi Arabia also infuriated many summit attendees with its determination to continue to use fossil fuels

 

Portugal, like the great majority of the countries in the world, is horrified by such attitudes. And now we await President-elect Donald Thump.

PORTUGAL AT THE UN COP29

 

Energy and Environment Minister, Maria da Graca Carvalho

Portugal has been contributing positively to the United Nations COP29 summit held in Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, the conference, which began on Monday 11, and concludes next Friday, has been mired in controversy and has so far failed to foster essential international cooperation. 

Despite the challenges at COP29, Portugal arrived at the summit with concrete initiatives, including a revised, and more ambitious Energy and Climate Plan aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. 

Portugal has also established an on-site pavilion, hosting 55 initiatives including conferences, presentations, and debates throughout the 11-day COP29 event on major issues, such as the need for greater climate action, present and future energy supplies, resource efficiency, water, and biodiversity. The Portuguese pavilion is also holding joint initiates with the international community of Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as European institutions. These presentations underscore Portugal’s proactive role in fostering global dialogue and offering actionable solutions on pressing climate challenges.

All of Portugal’s priorities align with those of the European Union, with a primary focus on meeting the 2015 COP21 Paris Agreement pledges to limit global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

The current emphasis is on urging the world’s wealthiest nations and largest greenhouse gas emitters to provide adequate funding to poorer countries critically impacted by global warming. These impacts include desertification, food insecurity, and shortages of drinking water. This funding approach aims to provide dual benefits—relieving financial burdens while accelerating climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable nations. A figure of 100 billion dollars or more, per year, discussed at prior summits, is frequently cited, but wealthier nations have been reluctant to commit to such contributions despite their responsibility for much of the damage. These financial commitments are vital not only for addressing the current climate crisis but also for fostering trust and equity among nations, which are essential for long-term cooperation.

Portugal’s leadership at COP29 is highlighted by its high-level delegation and innovative proposals. Leading Portugal’s COP29 delegation, Minister of Energy and Environment, Maria da Graca Carvalho, has highlighted Portugal’s intent to transform millions paid to former colonies from their national debts into climate investment funding. She emphasised, “to move forward globally in terms of climate change, it is fundamental that we increase the funding target for climate change, broadening the range of contributors for this. Currently, some of the biggest polluters in the world are not doing enough. The European Union has led this effort with funding and clear policies. Now we want to see the other major blocs and nations matching our level of commitment.” 

Portugal’s determined approach at COP29, from its ambitious carbon neutrality goals to its call for equitable climate funding, serves as a vital reminder of what is at stake. As the summit progresses, such leadership will be crucial to navigating the complexities of global cooperation and ensuring the world remains committed to a sustainable future. 

Meanwhile, it remains uncertain what can be achieved at this year’s COP summit, especially with the absence of many key world leaders, given the vital role of global cooperation in significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and keeping the world’s average surface temperature within 1.5C (2.7F) of pre-industrial levels. 

Written by Len Port

Edited by Catriona Anderson. 

UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE SUMMIT

As the world faces escalating environmental crises, the annual United Nations climate summit, this year titled COP29, has convened to address urgent solutions for a rapidly warming planet. Scientists say that a climate apocalypse is still preventable, but only if robust measures are taken without further delay. This is the immense challenge facing the United Nations summit conference being held this week.

Almost 200 countries were invited to take part in the latest annual summit – being held this year in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. COP29 seeks to drive bold commitments toward drastically reducing global emissions, secure substantial financial support from developed nations to aid vulnerable countries and foster unprecedented levels of international collaboration to counteract the intensifying effects of climate change. Key objectives include finalising agreements on climate finance mechanisms, establishing stricter accountability for national targets, and advancing policies to support sustainable development worldwide. 

Portugal’s former prime minister, now leader of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, spoke at the opening ceremony on Monday. “We are in the final countdown to limit global climate temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. And time is not on our side.”

Mr Guterres continued with dire warnings: “With the hottest day on record...  the hottest months on record...  this is almost certain to be the hottest year on record and a master class in climate destruction – families running for their lives before the next hurricane strikes, biodiversity destroyed in sweltering seas, workers and pilgrims collapsing in insufferable heat, floods tearing through communities and tearing down infrastructure, children going to bed hungry as droughts ravage crops. And all these disasters and more are being supercharged by human-made climate change. And no country is spared..”

Many leaders have declined to attend the conference for one reason or another. Neither President Biden nor Vice-President Harris is attending, though Biden sent an envoy who said that global warming is “a life-or-death fight.” 

President-elect Donald Trump is certainly not attending as he is not only in denial about global warming but threatening to dismantle the international climate efforts approved at the Paris Agreement in 2016. 

Other absentees at the summit include Britain’s dedicated environmentalist, King Charles lll, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, Russia’s President Putin, France’s President Macron, and Germany’s Chancellor Scholz. China is not represented by President Xi Jinping, but by his deputy, Han Zheng.

“It is hard to imagine a less plausible venue for the annual UN-sponsored conference than the dictatorial petrostate of Azerbaijan,” wrote Gwynne Dyer in the Portugal News. The eastern European country of Azerbaijan continues to export huge amounts of oil and gas, two of the fossil fuels massively harming the modern world. In recent years, Portugal has been energetically minimising its use of such fossil fuels. 

The island state of Papua New Guinea has refused to take part in the summit saying that it is “a waste of time.”

Island states are the most vulnerable in the world to climate change due mainly to rising sea levels that are threatening to swamp them. Portugal is a particularly vulnerable mainland country ever threatened by wildfires, drought, and flooding. Rising sea levels could completely saturate Portugal’s beautiful low-lying coastal areas, eradicating beaches along with the tourist economy.

Top of this week’s working agenda is the highly controversial financial deal needed for wealthy countries to pay the poorer countries suffering the worst because of the greenhouse gas emissions caused by China, North America, Russia, India, and wealthier European nations. In 2019, the richer nations promised to provide the poorer ones $100 billion (more than €94 billion) a year. 

“The rich cause the problem, the poor pay the price,” said Mr Guterres.

Let’s see what the COP29 conference comes up with.  

An update will be here early next week.

Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson.

 

SHOCK IN EUROPE OVER US ELECTION

 

Most people in Portugal and almost all other European countries have been shocked and worried by the election of Donald Trump for a second term as president of the United States.

While European leaders were quick to congratulate Mr Trump on Wednesday morning, most were concerned about future US – EU trade relations, the president-elect’s unpredictable attitude towards global warming, and the war in Ukraine that is threatening to move westward across the continent.

While Trump’s second term in the White House starting January 21, will be welcomed in Moscow,  North Korea, and the right-wing government in Hungary, Kamala Harris’s defeat is very disturbing for leaders and citizens in European countries, north to south.

A study by the Intercampus research company in Portugal showed that 70% of Portuguese citizens would have voted for Kamala Harris According to the survey, only 28% of respondent said they were convinced that Donald Trump would win.

As for the impact of the election outcome, about 65% believed that the choice would influence the economy and social progress in Portugal, as well as the management of armed conflicts at a time of war in Ukraine and the Middle East.

In Spain, a recent pre-election report by the Franklin Institute of the University of Alcalá revealed that 75% of Spaniards believed ta Harris victory would be better for Spain than the return of Trump.

Six out of 10 Spaniards thought that that Harris was more likely to win. Spain’s socialist government openly announced its support for Harris.

A recent poll conducted in Greece showed that 46% of Greek citizens favoured Kamala Harris compared to 32% for Donald Trump

As for Greek national interests, 30% of Greeks believed that Harris was closer to their priorities — and only 10% believed that Trump would be better for their country.

An opinion poll in Germany showed that two-thirds of Germans preferred Harris to be the next US president, with only 12% wanting a Trump victory.

In France, according to a survey by YouGov, a majority wanted a Harris win, with less than a quarter thinking Trump would be the better on foreign policy.

The most recent YouGov Euro Track study showed that Harris was also the favourite in Britain with 61% of respondents. She was the favourite by far in Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark with more than 80% of Danes wanting Harris to win, compared with 16% for Trump.

One of the few European countries with totally opposite views was Hungary. The right-wing Hungarian government turned the election into a domestic political issue. Viktor Orbán was one of the first foreign leaders to back Trump in 2016 and has stuck with him ever since. Polls in Hungary showed that 75% of his voters were behind him on Trump.

The very tight, too-close-to- call battle between Harris and Trump in the months, weeks and days before the presidential election somewhat jeopardised Europe’s trade ties and defence relations - particularly as Trump’ has been so critical of America’s NATO allies, and much less so of President Putin's aggression.

Europe will now be watching closely at the hoo-ha that may follow in the US and abroad. 

Written by Len Port.

Edited by catriona Anderson.

                                

Falling Short on Climate Action: Catastrophes Loom

                        

The torrential rainfall and furious flooding in neighbouring Spain in recent days have been made all the worse by climate change, according to scientists.

An entire year’s worth of rain fell within about eight hours, causing devastation to property and resulting in at least 160 deaths in Spain's Valencia region.

A super typhoon has just hit Taiwan, bringing the entire country to a standstill. The storm's full force has hit the capital, Taipei, with winds of more than 200 kilometres per hour. Whole villages are expected to be buried by landslides.

Rainfall said to have intensified twofold by climate change, caused deadly flooding in central European countries two months ago. The widespread flooding affected countries including Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. Thousands of people had to be evacuated from their homes.

Wildfires and droughts have become all too common in Portugal. From the middle of September this year Portugal faced severe forest fires in the central and northern regions, fuelled by unusually high temperatures. The emergency services in Portugal needed support from neighbouring countries. Overall, the temperatures in Portugal this year are expected to be the hottest ever.

Portugal’s Antonio Guterres has become one of the world’s most vocal advocates, urgently warning of the escalating risk of global warming, which threatens not just disastrous weather, but total worldwide catastrophe.

He explains only by limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius do we have a fighting chance of preventing the irreversible collapse of the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets - and the catastrophes that accompany them.”

“That means cutting global emissions by 42% compared to 2019 levels by 2030, and 60% by 2035.”

We are only on track to cut emissions by 10% by 2030. This crucial fact will no doubt be at the forefront of the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, as leaders gather from Monday, November 11 to Friday, November 22.

Written by Len Port.

Edited by Catriona Anderson.