Latest news and stories about us relations in Portugal for expats and residents.
The President of the Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, has advocated for a renegotiation of the Bilateral Defense and Cooperation Agreement with the United States. Bolieiro argues that a review is necessary to compensate the region for its increased geostrategic value, though he acknowledged the current political climate in the U.S. may complicate such discussions.
The use of Lajes Air Base (Base Aérea das Lajes) to refuel American planes bound for Middle East operations has stirred a parliamentary controversy, with questions about whether Portuguese conditions on use were met. Experts quoted by outlets dispute the government account that flights were limited to refuelling and not used in attacks; Paulo Rangel will be heard in Parliament at the request of PS and PAN while Livre and Bloco seek explanations. Residents in the Azores and those following defence policy should watch parliamentary hearings for any diplomatic or base-access implications.
Lajes Air Base (Base Aérea das Lajes) is a Portuguese military airfield on Terceira Island in the Azores that has served as a strategic mid‑Atlantic stop for military and civilian flights since World War II. Its use for US military refuelling matters because operations there involve Portuguese sovereignty and government approval, so allowing US planes to refuel for missions to the Middle East can create legal and political controversy in Lisbon and the Azores.
Paulo Rangel is a Portuguese politician from the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) who has been a prominent voice on defence and foreign‑policy issues and has served in the European Parliament. He appears in this story because he commented publicly on the controversy over Lajes Air Base being used to refuel US planes.
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 Minister of Foreign Affairs went to Parliament to tell deputies that Portugal “does not support” American military intervention, but that the Government has maintained “loyal collaboration with the US” at Lajes, considering the figure of 76 aircraft to be “negligible”.
Luís Andrade, a full professor and expert on Lajes, believes that the “growing importance” of the Azorean base brings advantages to Portugal.
The president of the Regional Government of the Azores also says he is comfortable with the use the United States has been making of the military base. Mourinho will not have Aursnes available for the match against Casa Pia.
The President of the Regional Government of the Azores argues that the agreement with the United States regarding Lajes Base should be reviewed. Should Portugal comply with the agreement with the USA or follow international law?
Exchange of accusations between the singer and the president. Trump describes Bruce Springsteen as “mediocre and boring”. A military drone has landed at Lajes Base, the second one to do so.
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.
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.
The MQ-9 Reaper drones, the largest unmanned aircraft in the United States arsenal, are expected to arrive at Lajes Air Base in containers, be assembled there, and then proceed to Jordan. On the Portuguese side, the National Aeronautical Authority has requested technical information from the US regarding the aircraft, pilots, and safety procedures, but the operation is still awaiting a green light, with the final decision in the hands of the Government, which has not yet clarified whether it will authorise it. Drone expert Pedro Sinogas explains what these MQ-9 Reapers are and what they can do.
Trump believes that Iran is afraid to say it is negotiating a ceasefire for fear that its leaders will be killed. Additionally, Portugal wants clarification regarding US drones at the Lajes base.
On Saturday morning, 32 United States Air Force and Navy aircraft were stationed at Lajes Base on Terceira Island.
Portugal will only join the Peace Council created by the US President if the organisation's remit is confined to the Israel–Palestine conflict, Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said today.
Relief, concerns and warnings at the end of an extraordinary European Council meeting in Brussels.
The Prime Minister does not rule out accepting an invitation from Trump to the Peace Council, but only with limits.
European leaders are holding an emergency meeting because of tensions with the United States.
An emergency European Union summit is scheduled for this afternoon, where Donald Trump's moves and backtracks regarding Greenland will be analysed.
Miguel Baumgartner, a commentator for CNN Portugal, analyses the first year of Donald Trump's second term in the White House and reflects on how Europe should respond. He argues that European countries now have “an opportunity to take a giant step to become a decisive force.”
The Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, confirmed on Tuesday that Portugal is on the list of invitees to join the 'Peace Council' (Board of Peace, in English) announced by Donald Trump last week. At the very start of a procedural hearing before the Foreign Affairs and Portuguese Communities Committee in Parliament, Rangel ...
The European Parliament has halted the ratification process of a trade agreement with the United States. Greenland's Prime Minister has issued a warning related to the situation.
The Portuguese government on Monday called for a 'united and fairly strong' EU response to threats from the US president.
Portugal urges the EU to adopt a united and fairly strong response to threats from the US concerning Greenland.
EU leaders are meeting to determine how to respond to threats from US President Donald Trump, considering diplomatic, economic and political options.
Analysis of the Azores' strategic and diplomatic importance in relations between Portugal and the United States.
Portugal should defend — and actively contribute to — strengthening the European Union's military capabilities. But it is important not to confuse an objective with an illusion.
CNN Portugal journalist Rolando Santos also describes as 'ridiculous' the remarks of Stephen Miller, one of Donald Trump's main advisers, who said that Greenland belongs to the US 'by right'.
Presidential candidate Henrique Gouveia e Melo comments on the US attacks on Venezuela.
