In the European Parliament, Luís Montenegro emphasized the importance of a Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 that continues to promote convergence and competitiveness within the European Union. The Portuguese head of government argues that the EU budget should fund new political priorities without sacrificing crucial areas for the development of Member States and regions.
During his speech at the plenary session in Strasbourg, Montenegro called for a budget that "adds value to citizens' lives" and is visible across European territory. "There is no European competitiveness without cohesion, nor European cohesion without competitiveness," he stated, dismissing the idea of the MFF as a "begging contest" and viewing it as an "opportunity to deepen a social and economic project" based on innovation and solidarity.
Participating in the "This is Europe" debate series, inaugurated by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, the Portuguese Prime Minister considered the debate on the next MFF "decisive" for Europe's "political ambition." Montenegro highlighted Portugal's position, contributing to the common budget with a percentage of its GDP higher than that of "frugal" countries, and defended the need for an ambitious budget.
Marking 40 years since Portugal's accession to the EU, Luís Montenegro highlighted the cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as "the greatest success stories" for the country, inherent to the internal market and sources of prosperity. He evoked the geopolitical context to defend the importance of the outermost regions, such as the Azores and Madeira, as "a guarantee of depth and strategic autonomy."
The Prime Minister presented Portugal as a country that "values its human capital" and "the value of work," seeing in the reinforcement of competitiveness and wealth creation the means to defend the social model and ensure equal opportunities, especially in the face of "geopolitical upheavals."
Addressing challenges such as the energy crisis, Montenegro advocated for a coordinated European response, criticizing the "collective masochism" that harms Member States. Regarding housing, he considered it a "political priority" and argued for a complementary European response, respecting national competences, through simplified procedures and financing mobilization.
Concerning migration, Luís Montenegro mentioned the increase in foreigners in Portugal and the "structural reform" of immigration laws, stating that the country combines "responsible control with humanistic integration." Portugal advocates for a line of "regulation and humanism" for Europe that balances internal cohesion, economic needs, and border protection.
The Prime Minister shared Portugal's framework of political, economic, and social stability, with positive indicators such as increased real net household income, job creation, poverty reduction, and economic growth, all without tax increases. "These are evidence that we are on the right track," he concluded, aiming to solve structural and immediate problems for the Portuguese and for all of Europe.
