Portugal’s Policy towards the Post-Soviet States (with a Focus on Russia)

The article examines the evolution and current state of Portugal’s policy towards Russia, identifying the key factors that shape the nature of bilateral interaction amid the ongoing transformation of the contemporary international relations system. Particular attention is paid to the specifics of the Portuguese approach to developing relations with Russia in the context of the country’s simultaneous membership in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The study provides a detailed analysis of the legal and treaty framework underpinning bilateral relations, including the 1994 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, as well as trade and economic dynamics from 2007 to 2024, clearly illustrating the impact of the sanctions regime on the volume and structure of bilateral trade. The role of Portugal as a potential mediator in advancing Russia’s relations with the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), drawing upon its unique historical experience of engagement with former colonies in Africa and Latin America, is thoroughly considered. The phenomenon of the “Portuguese paradox” is identified, whereby the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration does not hinder but rather facilitates the maintenance of constructive dialogue with Russia. The study explores in detail the distinctive features of Portugal’s sanctions policy, characterized by a consistent commitment to preserving channels of political dialogue with Moscow even under conditions of growing international tension. The differentiated positions of CPLP member states on key international issues and their direct effect on the prospects of Russian-Portuguese cooperation are analyzed. The article considers the prospects for establishing a distinctive model of bilateral interaction that organically combines Portugal’s formal solidarity with its Western partners and a pragmatic pursuit of consistently developing multifaceted ties with Russia.

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