Lisbon, May 19, 2026 (Lusa) – Portugal’s prime minister and Social Democratic Party (PSD) leader, Luís Montenegro, has said that current international uncertainty provides a strategic opportunity for the country to become an influential diplomatic power and a "historical opportunity" for renewable energy.

Montenegro outlined these conclusions on Portugal's geopolitical position in his global strategy motion, titled "Trabalhar - Fazer Portugal Maior" (Working – Making Portugal Greater).

The social democratic leader's campaign delivered the document to the PSD national headquarters on Monday ahead of the direct leadership elections on 30 May.

"The PSD sees the international context as a strategic opportunity for Portugal to transform into an influential power, a driver of economic development and a prestigious country," the motion states.

He described the current international situation as full of "uncertainty and unpredictability."

"War has returned to Europe, competition among great powers has intensified, instability is spreading in several world regions, and the fight for technological leadership and energy autonomy is reshaping alliances, dependencies and strategic priorities," he noted.

However, Montenegro says Portugal occupies "a unique position" in this context because "its geography, history, language, and European and Atlantic integration give it a strategic centrality that it must assume with ambition and responsibility."

"Portugal is a European, Atlantic, Portuguese-speaking, and global country. It bridges continents, cultures, and economies. Its history, human scale, and diplomatic tradition give the nation credibility to build bridges, bring blocs closer, and open paths where others see blockages," he said.

The prime minister noted that the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), "is increasingly a space for the future that brings together emerging economies and regions with growing strategic relevance."

"The Portuguese language is a strategic asset that connects peoples separated by thousands of kilometres and provides unique communication among very diverse geographies, generating opportunities for business relations, universities and artists. Valuing the Portuguese language means transforming this affinity into action, using this common platform to generate more cooperation, knowledge, innovation and ambition," he said.

The motion states that the Atlantic "is the natural space for Portugal’s international projection."

"The historical connection to the United States, the role in NATO and cooperation with the United Kingdom, especially post-Brexit, reinforce Portugal’s importance as a point of balance and trust between the two sides of the Atlantic. Our transatlantic relationship is historical and unique," Montenegro said.

Regarding the European Union, the prime minister promised "an active and ambitious stance" from Portugal "in building the Europe of the future, strengthening its presence in European institutions, and playing an increasingly relevant role in major strategic debates."

Another chapter of the motion, focusing on the economy within the current international situation, notes that "Portugal and Europe face a decisive moment" in a world "marked by geopolitical instability, Middle East tensions, blockades in the Strait of Hormuz and a prolonged war on the European continent."

In this external environment, energy "has once again become a matter of sovereignty, freedom, and economic competitiveness."

Furthermore, analysts estimate that digitalisation, data centres, and artificial intelligence will drive energy demand growth until 2050.

"Portugal has, for the first time since the Industrial Revolution, a historic opportunity in the energy sector," the prime minister said.

Montenegro’s motion notes that "under the new energy paradigm based on renewables, Portugal holds unique competitive advantages in wind, solar and hydro energy."

"We have significantly reduced energy dependence over the last two decades, but we must go further. Renewable energy is a strategic asset for the country, not only for environmental reasons, but for its direct contribution to business competitiveness, household income and to reduce external dependence," he added.

PMF/LYT // AYLS

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