Portugal’s foreign minister, Paulo Rangel, has said that Portugal would “obviously” back the United Kingdom’s possible return to the European Union, but it is still too soon to discuss this possibility.
The priority is to bring the UK closer to Europe’s 27 Member States.
“Portugal will obviously, without a doubt, be one of the leading advocates of the UK’s return to the European Union. But I think that, at this stage, it is premature to talk about it,” Rangel said in London, following a meeting with British counterpart, Ed Miliband.
Rangel believes the path to future “re-accession” lies in strengthening relations, particularly at the EU–UK summit scheduled for November 20 in Brussels, where he considers “tangible and visible results” important.
The meeting, which will bring together British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is expected to take stock of progress in areas such as defence, energy and agri-food standards.
“There are several areas where this is possible, notably the issues surrounding the ‘Made in Europe’ (programme) and determining to what extent the UK might also benefit from this status,” said the Portuguese foreign minister.
The UK government wants British companies to be included in the programme, which gives preference to European firms for public contracts and subsidies in strategic sectors such as steel, cement, aluminium and the automotive industry.
Despite Portugal’s support, Paulo Rangel emphasised that Britain will have to meet “a series of criteria and obligations”, and that the relationship with the EU should be comprehensive rather than selective.
“Provided these requirements are met, we will be at the forefront of those advocating this rapprochement,” he confirmed.
In addition to the UK–EU summit, Rangel said he discussed the international situation with Ed Miliband – notably support for Ukraine and Russian interference in the Black Sea, Romania and Bulgaria, Lithuania and Poland, including the attack in Leipzig.
The two countries also addressed the crisis in the Middle East and the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Suez Canal, the Red Sea and the Black Sea.
These issues contributed to preparations for Portugal’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council, which will begin in January 2027, Rangel added.
Rangel also revealed that his British counterpart is expected to visit Lisbon in the first half of 2027.
Source: LUSA