I’ve noticed that in both Belgium and The Netherlands there has been an increase in war talk lately, saying how we need more military personnel and that we need to be wary of Russia. I’ve seen some British articles about it too.
Now, I hope it is purely coincidental otherwise I’d have to get worried about EU+UK being complete idiots and preparing for war.
media is busy with the upcoming elections here (Portugal) but tbh I don’t think I’ve heard the “defense” narrative being pushed ever, maybe some talk once in a blue moon about bringing back obligatory conscription but other than that I think it’s too much of a small country and quite peripheral for that talk to gain traction
also there aren’t many pockets interested in - or capable of getting it, really - “defense” money, but the defense budget increased in 2023 I’m sure, some RRF money thrown in there as well
on the other hand I’ve never heard talk about dismantling the very strategic American base in Azores, we’re still part of NATO (founding member!) and whoever holds the belief that we shouldn’t be is ridiculed, even though we joined during our fascist era
I believe the common conception about “defense” here is: no more, no less
I see, so the Portuguese channel I have access to is standard. I only have the one so I’m glad I’m not missing out on anything (except the language barrier). I honestly couldn’t imagine Portugal succeeding in the military sect even if CHEGA wins so I’m glad I was right to think that. Unfortunate that there’s still a base is the Açores, though.
Portugal makes me so sad, my family is from there and things could’ve been so good but alas… at least they’re not itching for war like the other EU states… hopefully one day they’ll be free from NATO.