Geopolitics news in Praia da Vitória, Azores, Portugal

Prudence and strategy: why Portugal must protect the Lajes Field base

An analysis of the strategic importance of the Lajes air base in the Azores and the reasons for Portugal to maintain its security.

Prudence and strategy: why Portugal must protect Lajes Base

The lieutenant general and SEDES member recalls the history of the relationship between Portugal and the USA and underscores the strategic importance of Lajes.

It seems to me a precautionary measure by the US to use its strategic assets, whether B-1s or B-2s, in Iran or Yemen

Major General Agostinho Costa, a commentator for CNN Portugal, analyses the movements underway at Lajes Field in the context of Trump's most recent statements on the Middle East.

Portugal PM cautions judiciary not to get political over US use of air base

Reuters9 Oct

João Gomes Cravinho says Portugal should have prioritised international law instead of ceding Lajes

Former Minister João Gomes Cravinho argues that Portugal should have focused on international legal principles rather than granting access to the Lajes Field base.

SÁBADO26 Sept

Fátima Amorim: “We see the geostrategic importance of Lajes Base in this scenario we are living through”

Fátima Amorim highlights the geostrategic relevance of the Lajes Base in the current global context.

Controversy over Lajes Field 'seems like a childish matter when the world is on fire'

Miguel Baumgartner, a commentator for CNN Portugal, analyses the political controversy surrounding Marco Rubio's statements regarding the United States' use of Lajes Field.

Squats

We have to squat a lot to have the strength and be worth something on our own.

Carneiro: Government has put the country in a “lamentable position” regarding the Lajes Base case

The PS Secretary-General says he feels “sadness that there was no sense of state from the Portuguese Government” and wants to hear clarifications from the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Parliament.

Pedro Frazão: "We must be neither a colony of Brussels nor a colony of Washington"

Pedro Frazão, from the Chega party, analyses the statements made by the US Secretary of State regarding the use of Lajes Field for an attack on Iran.

Lajes Base: 'The United States dreams and Portugal obeys'

A critical commentary on the power dynamics between the United States and Portugal regarding the Lajes Field military base.

Now Canal15 May

NATO leader says Europeans have “understood the message” from Trump

The NATO Secretary-General stated this Monday, May 4, that European countries have “understood the message” from US President Donald Trump and are now ensuring that agreements regarding the use of military bases are being implemented. Mark Rutte noted that while there was some disappointment from the US, European nations are now fulfilling bilateral base agreements. This follows Trump's criticism of NATO allies and his announcement of troop withdrawals from Germany, with threats to do the same in Spain and Italy, amid tensions over potential military action against Iran. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked that the timing of the announcement was a surprise, emphasizing the need to strengthen the European pillar within NATO as Europe faces the reality of needing greater autonomy from a volatile US.

NATO justifies troop withdrawal with US "disappointment" over allies' reaction to the war against Iran and cites Portugal as an example

The NATO Secretary-General explained on Monday, May 4, that the withdrawal of troops from Germany, announced by the US President, reflects “disappointment” regarding the lack of support from allies in the war against Iran, contrasting this with the support provided by Portugal. Mark Rutte noted that European leaders have clearly heard the US message, highlighting the logistical support provided by countries like Portugal, Romania, and others, including the use of bases such as Lajes in the Azores. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that while the timing of the announcement was a surprise, it underscores the need to strengthen the European pillar within NATO.

NATO justifies troop withdrawal from Germany with US disappointment and cites Portugal as an example

NATO explains the reduction of forces in Germany as a result of US dissatisfaction, highlighting Portugal as a case study.

Lajes Base: "It would be naive to be optimistic about the possibility of any change"

“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.

Lajes Base: "It would be naive to be optimistic about the possibility of any change"

“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.

To Hell with the Elections | Is Portugal at war? Out of the war? On the side of the war? It is wherever Trump commands

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.

Lajes Base: Neither nationalist nor Europeanist. Subservient.

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.

The Azores and the Lajes base remain highly relevant to US foreign policy

Luís Andrade, a full professor and expert on Lajes, believes that the “growing importance” of the Azorean base brings advantages to Portugal.

There is a reason why Portugal authorised US movements at Lajes and it 'could cause us problems with Iran'

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'.

"Naturally, Lajes Field and Portugal could be a target" for Iran

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.

US drone arrives at Lajes, Trump wants to strike Iran in an “extremely hard” way

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.

Trump's speech 'was a handful of nothing'

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.

Rogério Alves: "International law has been ignored"

Jurist Rogério Alves, a commentator for CNN Portugal, analyses Portugal's responsibility regarding the use of the Lajes Field base in the Azores.

Lajes Base gives the Americans 'enormous unpredictability' and 'the USA will never forgo' it

Luís Andrade, professor and researcher at the University of the Azores, explains the geostrategic importance of the Azores and the Lajes Base.

10 PM: Left Bloc wants to ban the use of Lajes Air Base in the war against Iran

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.

"It is not in Portugal's interest to be against NATO and against the USA" on the subject of the Lajes base

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