Questions of closer European cooperation in security and defence policy and the current security challenges were at the focus of the informal meeting of the EU defence ministers on August 26 2020. A day later, the EBD Dialogue discussed the outcomes of the meeting and the priorities of the Portuguese EU Council Presidency with regards to the European defence policy with the Portuguese Minister of Defence João Gomes Cravinho. Attended by approximately 50 participants, the event was chaired by Bernd Hüttemann, Secretary General of EM Germany, and framed by the statements of Dr. Linn Selle, and Michael Gahler MEP, President and Vice-President of EM Germany.

Within the trio-presidency of Germany, Portugal and Slovenia – internally often also called “GPS group” – Portugal will inherit some long-term projects such as the Strategic Compass and the implementation of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) from the German Presidency. Furthermore, one cornerstone of their programme is the future development of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Cravinho emphasised that Portugal will continue the debates on the modalities of third country participation in PESCO projects during their presidency. Additional priorities will be the cooperation with the African Union, maritime security, and – also against the background of the upcoming presidential elections in the USA – EU-NATO relations.

Find further information on the event here.