Message by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of Portugal’s EU Membership
On 31 December 2025, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, recorded at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, a video message on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of Portugal’s EU Membership.
In her message, Ursula von der Leyen celebrated four decades of shared European history, unity, and progress. From renewable energy leadership and modern infrastructure to culture, innovation, and ocean protection, Portugal’s journey within the European Union is a story of resilience, solidarity, and vision.
This video shows the entire video message by Ursula von der Leyen.
Show transcript
Dear Portugal. Caras e caros portugueses.
40 years ago our European family was reunited.
It was a moment of joy.
You returned to your rightful place at the heart of the European family.
In those 40 years, we have grown so much stronger together.
Your beautiful country.
The garden planted by the sea has been transformed
from Minho to the Algarve.
People are living longer and earning more.
Portugal paved the way for renewable energy in Europe.
Together we are building new schools and hospitals
like the new Central Hospital of Algarve.
We have developed a nationwide motorway network
and we supported the building of the incredible
Vasco da Gama Bridge, the longest in Europe
and Europe has gained so much from Portugal too, like fado music,
a rich and diverse gastronomy,
your unique azulejo tile work
and your hospitality.
You brought your firefighting expertise
to the Civil Protection Mechanism.
Just as you ventured the Unknown Seas 500 years ago,
you have pioneered start-ups and innovation,
and shared a new way of preserving the oceans.
What a great journey we share.
I wish you a very happy 40th anniversary of EU membership.
Your fado, your destiny
is right here at the heart of Europe and long live Europe.
