Costa confirms that Portugal will participate in NATO deterrence actions – World
The Portuguese prime minister said this Thursday that Portugal will participate in NATO actions in the context of the war between Russia and Ukraine, but only in “deterrent actions” in territories of the Organization that bordered Ukraine. “NATO will not intervene or act in Ukraine”, assured António Costa, in statements to the SS.
“Portugal this first year as a NATO rapid reaction force”, underlined the fast-moving minister. “We have one of its elements available, and the five-day readiness, if for that decision, will be selected for the set under the command of NATO, these dissidence missions,” explained.
“It would be better to stay in action, neither will intervene in Ukraine and in the position NATO will have, in which Portuguese forces can be committed, in which Portuguese forces can be committed and in particular with the NATO countries with borders”, he clarified.
The prime minister appeals to space through diplomatic channels, asking Russia to “return to the effort for dialogue and dialogue to force a return to peace and security”. Costa defended that “the last thing he wants is any break in diplomatic relations” and that these channels remain open. “We must maintain, at all levels, diplomatic exercises so that international law is guaranteed”, he underlined.
António Costa explained that the composition of the Portuguese force will be identified in NATO’s actions, but that today the concrete military command belongs to NATO as deployed forces, and for what mission. In order to make an effort, however, an authorization from the Superior Council for National Defense will be required.
Ukrainians, family and friends “are very welcome” to Portugal
The prime minister expressed all his solidarity with the Ukrainian people and assured that “they are very welcome” to the family country, as are all his friends and acquaintances who will seek safety in Portuguese territory. Portugal “will guarantee all international protection to Ukrainians”, stressed the Portuguese prime minister, adding that the visa process is streamlined.
Costa also said that there is an evacuation protocol for the Portuguese residing in Ukraine, which will need to be activated “if and when” for.
Regarding the impacts on the economy, Costa said that “it will already depend on the duration of the European conflict, the economy that will be applied by the European Union and what countermeasures will be activated by the authorities in response”. .
Still, the prime minister stressed that “Portugal is less dependent on Russia than other European states in terms of “used”, appealed the prime minister, underlining the importance of accelerating decarbonization and the adoption of renewable energies.
In this context, Costa argued, “the increase in interconnections between Portugal and Spain, and Spain with the whole of Europe, are decisive to increase energy security in Europe”. In addition to these relations, the “articulation of African energy supplying countries and how those in America can come from the United States” also gains importance, she explained.
(news in update)