Lisbon, June 12, 2026 (Lusa) - The cabinet authorised on Thursday expenditure of up to around €130.4 million to support Ukraine this year, in response to the war with Russia.
According to a statement released by the government, it approved a resolution on Thursday“authorising, in 2026, expenditure of up to approximately €130.4 million to support Ukraine, in line with Portugal’s international commitments, specifically within the framework of NATO and the Security Cooperation Agreement signed in 2024”.
The legislation provides for the donation of “lethal and non-lethal” military equipment, as well as other assets of the Armed Forces, and stipulates that “the allocation of resources will be determined by the Minister of National Defence, covering various areas”.
According to the PSD/CDS-PP government, these areas include “air, maritime and armoured capabilities, communications, protection and logistical support”.
“This measure aims to strengthen support for Ukraine, contribute to the defence of its sovereignty and, at the same time, promote the development of the national defence technology and industrial base,” the statement reads.
At the press conference following the weekly cabinet meeting, the minister of cabinet affairs explained this funding within the context of Portugal’s international commitments, Europe’s defence efforts, and the continuation of support for Ukraine.
“Their struggle is the struggle of the whole of Europe for common security, and we remain committed; here, once again, we have approved a decision to enable and continue that support. We remain fully committed to our support for Ukraine,” stated António Leitão Amaro.
The government also approved another resolution rescheduling the implementation and funding of NATO infrastructure projects in Portugal, specifically at Beja Air Base and the Portinho da Costa quay, which belongs to the NATO ammunition depot in Porto.
The resolution updates the total authorised amount to around €21.9 million (an increase of €4.7 million), “reflecting the increased funding and the need for additional work, particularly on the refurbishment of the Portinho da Costa quay”, the government explained.
The decree also establishes the “sharing of costs between NATO funding and the national component, covered by the Directorate-General for Armaments and National Defence Assets’ own revenue, with no additional impact on the Ministry of Defence’s budget”.
“The amendments aim to ensure that the strategic infrastructure will be completed, guaranteeing its full operational capability,” the government adds in the statement.
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