Energy sector is Europe’s greatest weakness, says Portuguese PM

The energy sector is “the greatest vulnerability that Europe has” right now, Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa said in Paris on Tuesday.

After a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, Costa said he had discussed peace, food security, energy transition and defence.

“It is an opportunity for us to discuss the issues on Europe’s agenda, the issues that have to do with rebuilding peace, the need to respond to food security crises, and strengthen our defence capabilities. But also to respond to what this crisis has demonstrated, which is that Europe’s greatest vulnerability is in the energy sector”, he stressed.

Before lunch at the Élysée Palace, Costa said he was counting on the French president’s “drive” to build Europe’s future, particularly on energy independence and defence.

“Here, at the Elysée Palace, with the drive of Macron, it is certainly a good point to look at the future of Europe, at what we have to change to have a Europe that is increasingly stronger, fairer, more inclusive and more able to compete on a global scale,” Costa told journalists.

Costa is in Paris to open three exhibitions on Portuguese art in major French museums, including the Louvre and will be received for a working lunch at the Élysée Palace.

Costa defended the need to accelerate the energy transition to “recover” European independence.

“Let’s talk about Ukraine, the best way to continue to support Ukraine, sanction Russia and do everything to end the conflict. Let’s talk about food security. We have been working these last years on strengthening Europe, and we will talk about the energy and defence issue,” said Macron.

Following last week’s European Council summit, the French president joked that he and Costa are no longer on speaking terms. Macron also said that African relations would be under discussion at lunch.

“One of the very important issues for our two countries is Africa. Your country is very committed, and a constant, effective partner and our enhanced partnership is another point of commitment at the European level,” he said.

Macron also confirmed his presence at the UN Oceans Summit to be held in June in Lisbon.