National Defense Minister Helena Carreiras announced on Friday that Portugal should participate with “about two dozen” soldiers in the European Union’s mission to train Ukrainian soldiers.
“The mission is being defined, but we are aiming for about two dozen soldiers, trainers, who can participate in training activities in the areas where our capabilities have been identified, according to what is requested by Ukraine,” said Helena Carreiras, who was heard in parliament, in the Budget and Finance and National Defense Committees, on the state budget for 2023.
The minister stressed that the aid Portugal has given to Ukraine has already exceeded 315 tons of lethal and non-lethal military equipment, “with rigor” and “solidarity” within the country’s availability.
Francisco César, deputy chairman of the PS bank, praised the government’s proposal for the defense budget for 2023 and questioned the minister about, among other things, the Portuguese presence on the eastern flank at a time of conflict between Ukraine and Russia . .
“Not only do we maintain the intent to continue with our troops on the missions we have underway, but there may be occasional adjustments in the sense of strengthening, for example, the air police missions as we already have.” done in Lithuania or Iceland, and adjustments to this strength that we have in Romania,” Helena Carreiras replied.
It will be a reinforcement adapted to NATO’s “requests in terms of the new model of armed forces” being “designed,” he added.
Helena Carreiras stressed, however, that Portugal, along with other Allies, still has a “360 degree vision” on defense and concerns “to the south”, namely in Africa, the Sahel and the Mediterranean.
“There will also be news about the new projection for next year by the end of the year,” he said.
Pedro Pessanha, from Chega, questioned the minister about the government’s objectives regarding GDP value to be achieved [Produto Interno Bruto] in military spending, mentioning the 2% NATO has requested from allies.
“We are determined to hit the 2% by the end of the decade was the Prime Minister’s pledge and this is the realistic commitment we have, bearing in mind that, in addition to this financial commitment, there are commitments in two other areas: of capabilities and contributions in troops, in missions, which in our opinion should be looked at together,” said Helena Carreiras, adding that there are other allies who agree with this view.
The minister stressed that the government’s expected commitment to reach 1.66% of GDP in Defense by 2023 is being maintained and stressed: “We will deliver”.
Source: DN
