Portugal is against the creation of a separate European army and instead supports the strengthening and modernization of its armed forces within the framework of NATO, led by the United States, the country's Defense Minister Nuno Melo said, in contrast to the position of neighboring Spain, BTA reported.
Melo said late on that Portugal is a founding member of NATO that values the United States. He described Washington as a fundamental transatlantic partner.
"We are not in favor of creating a single European army," he told a parliamentary committee, adding that Portugal must invest in its armed forces to ensure they are capable of carrying out their assigned missions within NATO.
Amid doubts about US President Donald Trump's commitment to European security, Spain has called on the European Union to take steps towards creating a separate joint army as a means of deterrence.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has rejected calls for a European army, saying it would cost member states far more than the 5% of gross domestic product that NATO countries - with the exception of Spain - spend on defense. have agreed to spend on defense and related investments by 2035.
Madrid said it could meet its commitments by spending 2.1% of GDP.
Melo said Portugal had increased its defense spending, in line with NATO criteria, to 6.12 billion euros - or 2.1% of GDP - in 2025, four years ahead of schedule.
In 2024, spending amounted to about 4.5 billion euros, or 1.58% of GDP. Spain also met its 2% GDP target last year, spending 33.5 billion euros - an increase of 44.5% compared to 2024.
Portugal has applied for 5.8 billion euros in low-interest loans from the EU to strengthen its armed forces, Melo said. The new equipment, including frigates, armored vehicles, satellites and drones, should be delivered by 2030, "if all goes well," he added.
The SAFE program is a 150 billion-euro EU initiative aimed at strengthening defense capabilities, addressing critical gaps and jointly purchasing equipment to counter potential threats to the bloc.