Portugal’s campaign for membership as a non permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2027 2028 term has formally launched. Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel introduced the campaign in New York using the slogan “Prevention, Partnership, Protection.” This seat will allow Portugal to play a bigger role in global peace efforts and international diplomacy.

The election will take place in 2026. Portugal will compete with Germany and Austria for one of two available seats in the Western Europe and Other States group. Rangel expressed confidence that Portugal’s focus on bridge-building will help it stand out in this race. Portugal last held a seat on the Council from 2011 to 2012 term.

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Why Portugal Wants Security Council Seat

The United Nations Security Council is one of the UN’s most significant entities. It is in charge of preserving world peace and security. The Council can authorize military actions, impose sanctions, and make binding decisions that all member states must follow. Non-permanent members do not have veto power but they still influence many policies and decisions.

This seat means more than prestige for Portugal. It offers a chance to support peace, climate action, and human rights worldwide. Portugal believes its peaceful diplomatic style and commitment to multilateral cooperation can make a positive difference.

Rangel said:

Portugal has what is called ‘soft power’ (…) This is very relevant not only in security issues, but also in agendas such as the reform of international finance, so that the debt of the poorest countries, as in the case of Africa, can be restructured. And then we’ll also have the idea of protection

Rangel described Portugal’s soft power meaning its ability to resolve issues through dialogue instead of force. He added that this approach will help in areas beyond security such as debt restructuring for poorer countries.

Portugal Vision Behind The Campaign

Portugal’s campaign focuses on three key principles which are prevention, partnership, and protection. Portugal believes in addressing conflicts before they escalate. By promoting preventive diplomacy, Portugal hopes to reduce the need for military action and create stability worldwide.

Rangel said:

We have three main mottos for this campaign: On the one hand, the idea of ​​preventing and avoiding conflicts. Then, being on the Security Council with what we call preventive diplomacy. Secondly, building bridges, and being partners.

Portugal has a reputation for building positive relationships with countries around the world. This bridge-building skill is rooted in its history and international presence. Rangel noted that Portugal’s diplomatic network spans Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia. This allows Portugal to act as a mediator between different nations.

Portugal wants to protect vulnerable nations and communities. The country is vocal about supporting financial reforms that reduce debt burdens on developing nations, especially in Africa.

Portugal Competitors For The UN Seat: Germany And Austria

Germany and Austria are strong competitors with significant influence and positive reputations in the European Union. Rangel believes Portugal has unique qualities that set it apart.

Germany and Austria share a cultural and linguistic background but Portugal has a distinct Atlantic and maritime heritage. It also has close ties to Africa, Latin America, and Asia which gives it a broad international perspective.

Rangel noted:

We believe that, on an international level, and I would even say on a global level, the Portuguese State is known for its ability to build bridges across all continents – from Oceania to Asia, from Africa to the Americas or Europe”, defended Rangel in statements to journalists.

He believes these connections make Portugal’s perspective flexible and unique. Portugal’s peaceful reputation may also help in the campaign. The country has no recent history of colonial conflicts and maintains positive relationships with many nations.

Portugal Financial Budget For The UN Campaign

Portugal has allocated €1.7 million to support its bid for a Security Council seat. This budget shows how serious Portugal is about securing this position. The funds will support public relations, diplomatic efforts, and outreach to key countries around the world. The campaign is expensive but Portugal views it as a worthwhile investment.

If Portugal get this seat on the Security Council, it will open new diplomatic, economic, and cultural opportunities for Portugal. The campaign will also help Portugal build stronger international relationships and give it a greater voice in the UN.

The Trump Factor Impact And UN Relations

Rangel also addressed concerns about a possible return of Donald Trump as U.S. president. Trump’s previous term saw reduced U.S. funding for UN programs and agencies. Rangel noted that the UN is now better prepared to handle similar challenges.

Rangel explained:

Obviously, we know that President Trump’s doctrine in his first term was always to invest less in multilateral relations and greater investment in bilateral relations. Therefore, this had some consequences for the financing of the UN. But, as far as I know, the UN is also prepared to have some constraints at this level, so, honestly, I wouldn’t dramatise this issue either

He believes that the UN has adapted to manage such changes if they happen again. Portugal’s campaign aims to strengthen UN values which remain essential despite political changes.

Portugal’s Challenges For Securing Security Council Seat

Securing a Security Council seat is not easy. Portugal will need strong diplomatic support and a clear way to stand out from its competitors. Building alliances and gaining commitments from other member states will be essential all the way up to the vote in 2026.

Rangel added:

I am absolutely convinced that (…) if we run a campaign in line with what is the Portuguese tradition at the United Nations, we will be assured of our election as a non-permanent member for the 2027/2028 biennium. This is not an excess of trust. As I say, we will have to work until the end.

Rangel remains optimistic about Portugal’s chances. He cites the country’s positive reputation and its tradition of peaceful diplomacy as assets. Portugal sees this campaign as more than just a race for a seat. It represents values the country stands for, such as peace, fairness, and cooperation.

He said:

I think Portugal has a lot of chances. And, in fact, it has proven in the past to have very difficult opponents and to have managed to win. I think that the trump card is, firstly, the Portuguese global and universalist vocation. This ability to dialogue with the world whole

Portugal wants to support conflict prevention, humanitarian protection, and constructive international relations. The world will watch closely as the election draws nearer.

Portugal believes it has a strong case for a Security Council seat. It is emphasizing its strengths such as its diplomatic connections, commitment to peace, and positive international image. Portugal hopes these qualities will earn it the support of the international community.