Von der Leyen asks EU to give 'green light' to Portuguese defence plan after Brussels' approval
The President of the European Commission today asked for the swift approval by the Council of the European Union (EU) of Portugal's plan for €5.8 billion in defence loans, following approval from Brussels.
Von der Leyen urges fast approval of €5.8bn plan
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for the Council of the EU to rapidly approve Portugal’s defence spending plan that would unlock about €5.8 billion in favourable loans after a preliminary Brussels approval under the SAFE framework. Coverage notes the funds are earmarked to strengthen national defence capabilities and will move to the Council for formal sign‑off. The approval would accelerate procurement and investment in defence-related projects; contractors and regions expected to host works should watch for tender and consultation notices.
Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen (born October 8, 1958, in Brussels, Belgium) is a German physician and politician serving as President of the European Commission since December 1, 2019, becoming the first woman to hold this office. She previously served as Germany's Minister of Defense (2013-2019) and held cabinet positions in family, labour, and social affairs under Chancellor Angela Merkel. Re-elected in July 2024 with 401 votes for a second term until 2029, Forbes named her the world's most powerful woman in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Relationship with Portugal:
Von der Leyen approved Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan in June 2021—the first among 27 EU member states—worth €16.6 billion to "profoundly transform the economy". In a 2025 tribute to Portugal's 40 years in the EU, she declared "Your Fado, your destiny, is right here at the heart of Europe," praising Portugal's renewable energy leadership, infrastructure transformation, and ocean protection. She highlighted Portugal's potential in lithium processing and AI startups while advocating for removing obstacles to economic growth. She also promoted energy interconnections like the Bay of Biscay project linking France-Spain, addressing Iberian energy isolation.
Brussels to approve on Wednesday Portugal's plan for €5.8 billion in defence loans
The European Commission will approve, on Wednesday, 14 January, the plan for Portugal to access €5.8 billion in loans on favourable terms to invest in defence capabilities. 'We proposed the SAFE [Instrument for Action for the Security of Europe], our joint procurement initiative, less than a year ago, and ...'
Government says few Portuguese in Iran; help requests reported
The Portuguese government has assured that there are few Portuguese in Iran and that it is monitoring the situation and assisting nationals where necessary. Two Portuguese nationals have asked for help to leave Iran because of the violence, according to some reports; a protest took place outside the Iranian embassy in Lisbon. For expats with family in Iran, check travel advice and contact consular services if needed.
Update: Latest outlet reports confirm two Portuguese nationals have formally asked for assistance to leave Iran and the government says it is following the situation closely; media coverage also highlights protests in Lisbon by members of the local Iranian‑Portuguese community. Expats with relatives in the region should monitor official travel advice and consider contacting Portuguese consular channels if they need direct help or information.
Defence: Brussels approves Portuguese plan for €5.8 billion in loans on Wednesday
Eight countries are expected to receive the 'green light' for the plans submitted
Brussels to approve Portugal's plan for €5.8 billion in defence loans on Wednesday
The European Commission in Brussels is set to approve on Wednesday Portugal's plan to provide €5.8 billion in loans for defence spending.
Portuguese plan for €5.8 billion defence loans to be approved by Brussels
The European Commission will approve on Wednesday the plan for Portugal to access €5.8 billion in loans on favourable terms to invest in defence capabilities.
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Montenegro said this investment is being made in the name of national autonomy and sovereignty and because of the guarantees given to allies in international organisations.
