Europe-bound Alliance: Germany and Portugal Unite
Germany and Portugal are set to further strengthen their economic relationship, with Portugal announced as the partner country of Hannover Messe from 2021. This decision sends an important signal to European partners about the commitment to strengthen the sovereignty and resilience of the European economy.
The German Embassy in Lisbon and the German-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce have been at the forefront of Portugal's endeavour as the partner country, having accompanied Portugal since the beginning. The economic relations between the two countries are already robust, with Germany being the largest foreign employer in Portugal, providing around 50,000 jobs through over 400 German companies.
Germany plays a special role as one of Portugal's largest trading partners. This partnership is further bolstered by the Goethe-Institut, which supports over 50 schools across Portugal in designing and improving their German language offerings. The annual German-language school theater competition held in Almada, Portugal, is a testament to this commitment.
Almada is home to the professional Festival de Almada, Portugal's largest theater festival, and a partner of several leading German stages. The festival provides a platform for Portuguese theater to present itself to a large German audience. In 2021, Portugal's literary scene will have the opportunity to do the same as the guest of honour at the Leipzig Book Fair.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a shift in priorities, with the economic and social recovery of Europe now taking precedence. Portugal's voice is particularly important in these debates due to its successful overcoming of the aftermath of the Euro crisis. Portugal's national recovery plan focuses on implementing the 'dual transition' in the areas of digitalization and sustainability.
The areas of digitalization and renewable energies hold high potential for deepening economic relations between Germany and Portugal. The pandemic has also highlighted the need for the European economy to become more resilient in key areas to ensure basic supplies and protect economies from external shocks.
The consecutive Council Presidencies of Germany, Portugal, and Slovenia were initially planned for July 2020 to December 2021, with the top priorities being relations with the United Kingdom and the European response to climate change. Meetings in the 'trio format' were held between representatives of the German, Portuguese, and Slovenian ministries to define a joint European agenda.
Germany and Portugal share a strong economic relationship, built on a shared commitment to the European Union and its values. This relationship was evident during the transition to democracy in the 1970s, when German parties supported Portuguese pro-democratic actors. This support was a prerequisite for Portugal's accession to the European Community, the precursor to today's European Union.
As the partner country of Hannover Messe 2022, Portugal's economic and investment location will gain greater visibility in Germany and worldwide. This partnership is more than just a business arrangement; it is a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between Germany and Portugal.
