“This prospect of political change in the United States of America has to be seen as an opportunity, the opportunity to talk less and do more”, said Luís Montenegro, speaking to Portuguese journalists.

“From a bilateral point of view, we have every interest in continuing to deepen our relationship” between Lisbon and Washington, given that, “from an economic, cultural and even historical point of view we have a very deep relationship” due to “the large Portuguese community in the United States of America and the fact that more and more Americans are investing in Portugal and visiting Portugal”, he said.

At a time when the EU is trying to be more economically competitive and more independent from third countries, the Portuguese head of government reinforced that “Europe must have more autonomy, from the point of view, not only of defense, but also from the point of view of its economic dynamics”.

“We have to reinforce the capacity of Europeans to produce more in all contexts in the primary sector, from the outset”, he stressed.

Asked about Trump's position regarding Western support for Ukraine in the wake of the Russian invasion, which began in February 2022, Luís Montenegro said he hoped the United States would continue to be a “privileged partner” in aid, particularly at the NATO level.