NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and French President Emmanuel Macron are scheduled to engage in discussions and events that promise to have significant political and economic implications.

Today, 27 January, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will visit Lisbon to meet with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, and key officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel and Defense Minister Nuno Melo.

A press conference will follow these meetings, during which the NATO Secretary-General is expected to discuss NATO’s priorities and Portugal’s role within the alliance.

Portugal is currently spending around 1.5% of its GDP on defence, below NATO’s 2% target, raising questions about its ability to meet heightened expectations. Therefore, the controversial suggestion made by US President Donald Trump that NATO countries devote 5% of their GDP to defence is the driving force behind the current discussions about defence spending.

Later in the week, on 29 January, the former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi will join a meeting of the Portuguese Council of State, put together by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The meeting will focus on “perspectives and challenges for the future of the European Union”.

Mario Draghi is a prominent figure in debates over the economic and strategic future of Europe because of his reputation as a revolutionary European leader. His report, known as the “Draghi Report” which is commissioned by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, outlines priorities such as fostering innovation, reforming regulations, and boosting research and development.

Among the report’s key proposals are reforms to strengthen Europe’s fragmented defence industry, promote strategic autonomy, and align decarbonisation efforts with competitiveness.

Moreover, French President Emmanuel Macron will also visit Portugal on 27-28 February for an official state visit aimed at deepening ties between the two nations. Macron and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro will sign a ‘Friendship Treaty’, marking a renewed effort to enhance relations.

The visit will include a solemn session at the Assembleia da República, where Macron and Assembly President José Pedro Aguiar-Branco will deliver speeches. This event symbolises the shared commitment to cooperation in areas such as trade, cultural exchanges, and innovation.