Unity of Germany and Portugal in the Heart of Europe
Portugal and Germany, two pro-European partners with a shared commitment to the European Union, are deepening their economic and cultural relations. The focus of Portugal's national recovery plan is on the 'dual transition' in the areas of digitalization and sustainability, which aligns perfectly with Germany's strategic priorities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the focus to Europe's economic and social recovery, and Portugal's voice holds particular significance due to its own experiences in overcoming the aftermath of the Euro crisis successfully. This shared understanding has led to numerous collaborative efforts between the two nations.
One such initiative is the German-Portuguese Journalism Award, which will annually honour exceptional journalistic contributions about the other country, starting in 2021. This award aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of each nation's culture and society.
In the cultural sphere, Almada, Portugal, is home to the professional Festival de Almada, Portugal's largest theater festival. This festival partners with several leading German stages, and an annual German-language school theater competition is held in Almada. Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, this cultural festival has managed to adapt and continue.
Germany plays a significant role as one of Portugal's largest trading partners. To encourage more young Portuguese to learn German, the Goethe-Institut supports over 50 schools across Portugal in designing and improving their German language offerings. This initiative is a testament to the importance both nations place on fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
The German organization that has initiated and supported the project to promote closer economic relations between Germany and Portugal is the Deutsch-Portugiesische Handelskammer (German-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce). This organization, which fosters bilateral economic ties, has been instrumental in promoting German-Portuguese economic diplomacy since its inception.
The decision for Portugal as the partner country of Hannover Messe sends an important signal to European partners for strengthening the sovereignty and resilience of the European economy. Digitalization and renewable energies hold great potential for deepening economic relations between Germany and Portugal, and Portugal's economic and investment location will gain greater visibility in Germany and worldwide as the partner country of the Hannover Messe 2022.
Looking back, we can see that Germany has played a crucial role in Portugal's transition to democracy in the 1970s, paving the way for Portugal's entry into the European Community, the precursor to today's European Union. This historical bond continues to strengthen the relationship between the two nations today.
Preparations for the consecutive Council Presidencies of Germany, Portugal, and Slovenia, from July 2020 to December 2021, initially focused on relations with the United Kingdom and Europe's response to climate change. Numerous meetings in the 'trio format' took place between representatives of the German, Portuguese, and Slovenian ministries to define a joint agenda for Europe.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for Europe's economy to become more resilient in key areas to ensure populations' basic needs and protect economies from external shocks. Germany remains a crucial partner for Portugal in these endeavours, with both nations working together to build a stronger and more sustainable Europe.
