Latest news and stories about geopolitics in Azores, Portugal for expats and residents.
Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel clarifies that Portugal is not involved in the conflict with Iran, while affirming that the United States' use of the Lajes Base remains compliant with established conditions.
Lajes Air Base in the Azores has reached its highest level of US military aircraft activity since the onset of the conflict in Iran, with 32 aircraft currently stationed at the facility.
The article discusses the strategic importance of the Lajes Air Base and the role of the Azores in Portugal's contributions to international alliances.
“In the short term, I confess it would be naive to be optimistic about the possibility of a change” to the agreement that Portugal and the United States of America (USA) maintain regarding the Lajes Base.
“In the short term, I confess it would be naive to be optimistic about the possibility of a change” to the agreement that Portugal and the United States of America (USA) maintain regarding the Lajes Base.
Some of the most destructive drones have been passing through Lajes Field.
Seguro chose the Azores to commemorate June 10th in a year marking half a century of regional autonomy and during a time of geopolitical turmoil. The choice of Monjardino was a natural option.
Trump promised to destroy a civilisation, and the aircraft for that war crime continued to stop over at Lajes. What has become of the conditions “imposed” by Dr. Rangel on the USA? Portugal not only supports an illegal war: it sits, rolls over, and plays dead.
With the use of Lajes in violation of the agreement and conditional authorisation, in an illegal offensive without consulting allies and with serious impact on Europe, Portugal accepts, unlike Spain and Italy, to remain in a toxic and abusive relationship with Trump. Due to a habit of submission, an absence of autonomous foreign policy, and a lack of principles. Always eager to stand out in the petty, inconsequential vanity of international positions, but panicked at the prospect of appearing on the radar for difficult choices.
Luís Andrade, a full professor and expert on Lajes, believes that the “growing importance” of the Azorean base brings advantages to Portugal.
José Manuel Bolieiro, Regional President of the Azores, highlights the geostrategic value of the archipelago, which the EU and NATO should value. He sees opportunities and dismisses negotiations. Does the future depend on investment?
José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of the Azores, argued on Friday, April 3, that a review of the Bilateral Defense and Cooperation Agreement with the US is necessary to compensate the region as an 'act of justice' given the 'resurgence' of its geostrategic value. Bolieiro acknowledges that the current international context and the US administration's stance on security and defense may make it difficult for Portugal to renegotiate at this moment, but insists that once the opportunity arises, it is only fair to revisit the agreement. He emphasizes that the Azores have become increasingly relevant to the country, the EU, and NATO, and that the region should benefit from the agreement as stipulated by the Constitution. The Lajes Agreement was last revised in 1995, and the Azores have since seen a reduction in military presence and the loss of financial compensation, which the regional government now seeks to address.
Diana Soller analyses Portugal's position regarding the conflict in the Middle East in light of the latest movements at Lajes Air Base, where a US 'killer' drone, the MQ-9 Reaper, landed early this morning. The CNN Portugal commentator highlights that Portugal chose to do the opposite of several European countries that have 'distanced themselves from the no-longer-so-allied USA'.
The President of the Government of the Azores advocates for a review that compensates the region as an “act of justice” in light of the “resurgence” of its geostrategic value.
The president of the regional government argues that the Azores have proven their geostrategic value to NATO. Also, Iran warns against any “provocative action” in the Strait of Hormuz.
The President of the Government of the Azores advocates for a revision of the agreement with the USA, which was last reviewed in 1995 when the 40 million dollar compensation was cut.
CNN Portugal commentator Helena Ferro Gouveia analyses the latest movements at Lajes Field, which has begun receiving US MQ-9 Reaper drones, known as “killer drones”, since Thursday.
The US President made statements regarding the war in Iran and says the conflict will end in “two or three weeks”. The MQ-9 Reaper, a US drone, is already in the Azores.
Francisco Proença Garcia speaks of an inward-looking speech without major news. Regarding the Lajes Field, the researcher and university professor views its use by the US as natural.
Jurist Rogério Alves, a commentator for CNN Portugal, analyses Portugal's responsibility regarding the use of the Lajes Field base in the Azores.
Luís Andrade, professor and researcher at the University of the Azores, explains the geostrategic importance of the Azores and the Lajes Base.
The Left Bloc (BE) is calling for a prohibition on the use of the Lajes Air Base for military operations related to the conflict with Iran.
Pedro Santos Guerreiro, executive director of CNN Portugal, analyses the stance the Portuguese government has adopted regarding the use of the Lajes base by the USA
These drones have been used by the US in the war against Iran. And more are on their way to the war - but they pass through the Azores first.
Tiago André Lopes describes Portuguese foreign policy as 'absent', following the lead of its partners without the capacity to make sovereign decisions. The CNN Portugal commentator is reacting to the authorisation granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the arrival of US drones at Lajes Air Base in the Azores.
NATO intercepted a fourth Iranian missile over Turkey this Monday, while the IMF calls for “carefully calibrated measures” to stabilise markets. Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Kharg Island, a major oil extraction site for Iran, if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened and negotiations with Tehran, which he describes as “serious”, are not concluded “soon”. We are updating all information on the Middle East conflict here.
The open letter has 8,500 signatures that “give voice to the indignation” and ask the Government to “condemn” the conflict between the United States and Iran by prohibiting the use of the base by American aircraft in the context of the war.
The Spanish Prime Minister points out that the war will not lead to higher wages or more affordable housing.
Use by the United States military of Portugal’s Lajes airbase, on the Azores’ island of Terceira, is reported to be more intense than at any point in the current conflict The post Lajes registers strongest U.S.military presence since start of Iran conflict appeared first on Portugal Resident.
Thirty-two US military aircraft are stationed at the base on Terceira Island, including 15 KC-46 Pegasus refuelling tankers. Montenegro said in Parliament on Wednesday that the use of the base by the US “has complied with the assumptions underlying the authorisation” granted by Portugal.
