Prime Minister attends the Southern European Countries Conference

The Portuguese Prime Minister claimed that Europe is facing the challenge of becoming more competitive to be able to strengthen social cohesion, invest in defence, be in the front line of innovation, and fighting and mitigating the effects of climate change in a joint statement with his counterparts from the Southern European countries in Portoroz, Slovenia.

Luís Montenegro added that to do so, it is not just necessary to increase the Union’s resources, rather also use private resources. For the private resources available in savings and investment in capital markets to be used in Europe and not be invested in economies elsewhere, he stated that a true savings union and single capital market is required.

The Prime Minister also noted the importance of the European Union simplifying rules and executing common policies, namely in energy, energy prices, and producing more green energy and for this, we cannot waste more time in interconnecting the European electricity grids.

Another important aspect for social and economic cohesion is immigration, he said, adding that the European Union and the Southern countries need manpower, but immigration must be regulated so that immigrants that seek out Europe legally can be integrated duly. Illegal immigration must bear the consequence of a return to the countries of origin and countering illegal networks and human trafficking mafias. The Southern European countries agree as to the need to apply the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which will also boost the economy’s competitiveness.

The nine Heads of State and Government, together with the President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen, a guest at the meeting, viewed the EU multiannual framework and maintaining the cohesion and common agricultural policies, where Luís Montenegro stressed the need for all to have the same opportunities.

Portugal will take on the rotating presidency of the Southern European Countries group in 2027, and the Prime Minister thanked the other leaders for the trust they deposited in the future Portuguese presidency. 

Luís Montenegro met with the Heads of State and Government of Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Malta, Slovenia, and Spain; Italy was represented by the Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. The Summit resulted in the approval of a joint declaration.

In addition to European affairs, the Slovenian Chair also invited King Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss the situation and peace process in the Near and Middle East, where another declaration was approved on the matter.