The defense economy and the European Union’s perspectives on this sector were at the core of the most recent event hosted by Círculo Eça de Queiroz, featuring an address by the Minister of National Defense, Nuno Melo. The private gathering, organized by a group of members, brought together more than 50 business leaders and also included the participation of the President of IdD Portugal Defence, Ricardo Pinheiro Alves, the Member of the European Parliament, Vasco Weinberg, and the Secretary of State for Defense, Álvaro Castelo Branco.
In a geopolitical context marked by new security and innovation challenges, the event provided an opportunity to share insights on emerging opportunities and available funding mechanisms, allowing entrepreneurs to gain a better understanding of the support lines and investments made over the past decades.
Nuno Melo highlighted the opportunities arising from public procurement processes and emphasized the need to invest in new technologies to strengthen both national and European defense capabilities. “The defense sector is in constant pursuit of innovative and technologically advanced solutions,” said Nuno Melo. “Portuguese companies have a fundamental role to play in this ecosystem, leveraging European funding programs to establish themselves in the Defense Economy.”
For the President of Círculo Eça de Queiroz, António Martins da Costa, this represents a major opportunity for the national business sector. “The European Union has been intensifying its efforts to reinforce the continent’s security and defense, making this a structural issue of great interest for Portugal and our companies. The possibility of accessing funding and integrating into European value chains are crucial aspects that cannot be overlooked,” he stated.
This initiative reflects the mission of Círculo Eça de Queiroz to foster dialogue and knowledge-sharing among business and institutional leaders, strengthening the connection between the private sector and the major economic and strategic issues that shape Portugal’s future.