A new chapter in relations between France and Portugal began on Sunday as a wide-ranging friendship treaty between the two countries officially entered into force, marking a significant step toward closer cooperation across multiple sectors.
The Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, signed in Porto in February 2025 by Emmanuel Macron and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, is designed to strengthen bilateral ties and reinforce collaboration within Europe.
French officials have described relations with Lisbon as “excellent,” highlighting the agreement as part of a broader effort to build a more self-reliant and competitive Europe. In a message to Portugal’s newly elected president, António José Seguro, Macron pledged to ensure the treaty delivers tangible benefits for both nations.
The agreement covers a wide range of areas, including defence, energy, trade and education. Both countries have committed to enhancing cooperation between their armed forces and defence industries, with a focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure and countering hybrid threats, particularly in cyberspace.
Energy cooperation also features prominently. France and Portugal aim to improve interconnections across the Iberian Peninsula, an issue that gained urgency following a major blackout affecting Spain and Portugal in April 2025. Officials say better integration with European energy networks will help prevent future disruptions and support long-term resilience.
On the economic front, the treaty promotes stronger support for small and medium-sized enterprises and encourages joint efforts in developing a sustainable “blue economy” linked to the Atlantic Ocean. Trade ties between the two countries are already robust, with France ranking as Portugal’s third-largest trading partner in 2025.
Analysts point to growing investment flows in both directions. Portuguese businesses are increasingly establishing a presence in France, while French firms continue to expand operations in Portugal, reflecting deepening economic integration.
People-to-people links are another key pillar of the agreement. Around 1.7 million Portuguese nationals live in France, making them one of the largest foreign communities in the country. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of French citizens reside in Portugal.
The treaty also aims to boost educational cooperation, including teacher training and student exchanges. However, some observers have raised concerns about practical challenges, particularly a shortage of Portuguese language teachers in France, which could limit progress in this area.
Implementation of the agreement will be overseen through regular high-level meetings between the two governments, ensuring continued coordination and follow-up on agreed initiatives.
The pact forms part of a wider strategy by France to deepen bilateral ties across Europe, following similar agreements with Germany, Italy and Poland, as Paris seeks to strengthen partnerships within the European Union.
