Defence council approves potential new multinational military mission

The Portuguese Defence Council has unanimously given its approval to proposals to adjust the number of national forces deployed, and to a “potential new multinational mission” (so far unspecified).

The information is contained in a press release published on the official website of the presidency regarding yesterday’s meeting of the council on matters relating to national defence and the armed forces – the second to be held during the tenure of the current head of state, António José Seguro.

According to the release, the Defence Council carried out “an assessment of the international defence and security situation, as well as the conclusions of the NATO Summit held in Ankara” last week.

“The Defence Council also analysed a request for an opinion from the Defence Committee of parliament. It provided an update on deployed national forces and unanimously gave a favourable opinion on the proposals to adjust the Open Sea Initiative and national participation in the Portuguese Capacity-Building Mission in São Tomé and Príncipe – as well as on a potential new multinational military mission”, says the statement.

The National Defence Council “also unanimously resolved to express its gratitude and praise to the armed forces for the role they play in Portuguese society and in projecting Portugal’s image to the world”.

Under the terms of the Constitution, the Superior Council of National Defence is a specific collegial body, chaired by the country’s president, which acts in an advisory capacity on matters relating to national defence and the organisation, functioning and discipline of the armed forces.

This body comprises the prime minister, the ministers of state and of national defence, foreign affairs, internal administration, finance and those responsible for the sectors of industry, energy, transport and communications; the chief of the armed forces; and the chiefs of the navy, the army and the air force.

The Superior Council of National Defence also includes representatives of the Republic and the heads of the regional governments of the Azores and Madeira, the Speaker of parliament, and two further MPs elected to this body by a two-thirds majority.

The current Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, António José Seguro, convened the Supreme Council of National Defence for the first time on March 31, shortly after taking office as the country’s president.

According to a statement released at the time, the meeting involved an “assessment of the international situation and its impact on national defence” and “an update on deployed national forces”, with a “unanimous favourable opinion” being given on the “proposed adjustments to deployed national forces” for 2026.

Source: LUSA

Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.