Where will the Portuguese EU presidency focus?

So the little state in Europe's western tip could focus on what was planned next year: Preparing Europe to cope better with crises, and making Europe greener, more digital and social. In addition, it is required to strengthen the EU's role in the world's political arena.

Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa

“We hope to start quickly both with the activism of the new budget and with the aid of the Corona pandemic”, Foreign Minister Santos Silva said. Not without personal interest. Portugal urgently needs its share in the 750 billion-euro aid package, as do other countries. About 26 billion for limiting pandemic damage and recovery will have to go to Portugal.

Softening Corona's Harms

The funds, which the socialist minority government in Portugal desperately needs to continue the social democrat course of social improvements. In Portugal the Corona pandemic has caused an unemployment rate of about 9%, state debts have increased to 131% of gross domestic production, tourism has been blocked, an important branch of the economy with only 14% of GDP in 2019.

It is important for Portugal to create a positive image during its presidency. “Like all small EU countries, Portugal will use the presidency's six-month best to present itself and call attention to the country”, says politician Mónica Dias from Catholic University in Lisbon. The chances for this are not so bad, after all, small EU countries have to compensate for the small political burden with many diplomacy in the talks.

According to Dias, adapted to the Portuguese political tradition of seeking and finding compromises, this could turn to advantage for another milestone in the country's presidency. The deepening of social and solid Europe. Without a more social Europe, it will not be possible for a more ecological Europe and move forward with digitisation”, notes Mónica Dias

Plans to Expand Relations with India

Here another highlight should be mentioned in foreign policy, planned during the Portuguese presidency ʹa summit with India. “to create a geopolitical balance is important to expand political and economic ties with India”, says Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva.

Augusto Santos Silva

“We should not leave out the world's greatest democracy”, according to Silvas. This is important in order for the EU to create new markets, politicalologist Mónica Dias also points out. Whether the planned May 8th summit in Lisbon will be a virtual or presence date is not yet known due to the pandemic.

Of course, Portugal has a good chance for a successful summit: this country has been until the 1960s colonial power in India's federal state, Goa. Relations between the two countries are excellent, Portuguese Prime Minister Costa, whose family comes from Goa, has also been given India's credit of honor. /dw/