Portugal and Spain are determined to strengthen their alliance. energy crisis and gas supply problems arising from the conflict in Ukraine. The defense and foreign ministers of the two countries met in Lisbon this Wednesday. joint strategy On security and foreign relations, where the need to continue to pressure France to complete the Midcat gas pipeline is also discussed. A connection that will reduce the energy isolation of the Iberian Peninsula and help reduce reliance on Russian gas in the European Union (EU).
After the meeting, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares emphasized the willingness of Spain and Portugal to make proposals that would help the rest of the EU. Offers like Midcat explore what the two countries have always done in Brussels. there is solutions to help deal with gas blackmail “It’s about playing European as we Spaniards and Portuguese always do,” Albares said. The Minister reminded that thanks to the regasification capacity of the two countries, neither Spain nor Portugal had problems in energy supply and that the project aimed to strengthen “European solidarity”.
The completion of the Midcat gas pipeline is also advocated by Portugal, emphasizing that it will serve not only to supply gas to the rest of Europe, but also to transport other energies in the future. “The energy problem is fundamental. The President of the European Commission this morning proposed a European hydrogen bank, which we think is an excellent idea, pointing to energy autonomy through new interconnections. The positions of Portugal and Spain are gaining ground and are becoming more and more clear”, explained João Gomes Cravinho, Portuguese Foreign Minister.
Iberian unit
The energy crisis stemming from the conflict in Ukraine has brought the two countries closer in recent months. An approach that was eventually adopted by the European Commission, such as the proposal to limit the price of gas in the Iberian electricity market, which made it possible to maintain solid positions in Europe and contributed to a significant drop in oil prices. Electricity in two countries compared to the rest of the EU. “We want to increase the leadership of Spain and Portugal in Europe. The two countries will continue to contribute to many questions in these times of change. Desiring strong and deep leadership in the EU”, stated Margarita Robles, the Spanish Minister of Defense.
In addition to advocating for a common position in the energy field, the ministers of the two countries insisted on the need to continue to support Ukraine in both arms and troop training. “We agree with Spain” The importance of soldier training and we will continue to work to strengthen these recommendations.”, said Helena Carreiras, Portuguese Defense Minister. The two countries also showed a common position in relations with the countries of Latin America and North Africa, paying special attention to the situation in the Sahel.