Portugal and Spain are proactively reinforcing their alliance in response to the energy crisis and gas supply challenges sparked by the Ukraine conflict. The defense and foreign ministers of both nations gathered in Lisbon this week to discuss a shared strategy for security and international relations, including continued pressure on France to advance the Midcat gas pipeline. The aim is to create a physical link that can lessen Iberia’s energy isolation and reduce EU reliance on Russian gas.
Following the talks, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares highlighted the willingness of Spain and Portugal to offer proposals that could support the broader European Union. Initiatives like Midcat reflect a longstanding collaborative approach in Brussels, seeking practical solutions to counter gas leverage attempts. Albares noted that thanks to the regasification capacity of both countries, energy supply remains stable, and the pipeline project would strengthen European solidarity across the bloc. (Attribution: official statements from the Spanish foreign ministry)
Portugal has underscored that completing Midcat would serve Europe’s gas needs and also enable future transport of other energy forms. The ongoing energy dilemma remains central, especially as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today proposed a European hydrogen bank, a concept seen as advancing energy autonomy through new cross-border interconnections. Ministers from both countries indicated that their positions are gaining clarity and momentum in Brussels. (Attribution: statements from the Portuguese foreign ministry)
Iberian unit
The energy crisis triggered by the Ukraine conflict has forged closer ties between Portugal and Spain in recent months. This rapprochement aligns with European Commission measures such as proposed caps on Iberian electricity market gas prices, which helped stabilize European markets and contribute to a notable decrease in global oil prices. The two nations compare favorably with the rest of the EU in electricity reliability, and their leadership is increasingly seen as pivotal in Europe’s evolving energy landscape. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles has emphasized the goal of elevated leadership for Spain and Portugal within the EU, noting that both countries will continue to influence many decisions amid today’s changes. (Attribution: remarks from the Spanish defense ministry)
Beyond a unified energy stance, the ministers reaffirmed the necessity of sustaining Ukraine support through military training and arms provisions. Both sides agreed on the importance of continuing capacity-building for Ukrainian forces and enhancing allied readiness. Portuguese Defense Minister Helena Carreiras stressed the ongoing commitment to strengthen recommendations on this front. The two nations also highlighted common positions toward Latin American and North African partners, with particular attention to regional developments in the Sahel. (Attribution: remarks from the Portuguese defense ministry)