Minister for Europe visits Lisbon
David Lidington visited Lisbon on 10 December to discuss EU growth and competitiveness
UK Minister for Europe meeting his Portuguese opposite number Bruno Ma莽茫es
During his visit, the UK Minister for Europe met his Portuguese opposite number Bruno Ma莽茫es, State Secretary for European Affairs; Carlos Moedas, State Secretary Assistant to the Prime Minister; and Miguel Morais Leit茫o, State Secretary Assistant to the Deputy Prime Minister.
The key themes covered in the bilateral talks were EU growth and the reforms needed to make Europe more competitive, democratic and flexible. This includes completing the digital single market, promoting free trade (eg the EU鈥檚 Trans Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the US), and reducing unnecessary regulation on business, as recommended by PM David Cameron鈥檚 Business Taskforce. Mr Lidington commented that he was impressed by the level of common ground between UK and Portugal on promoting European competitiveness, and reiterated the UK Government鈥檚 commitment to EU membership, though stressing the need for changes in Europe.
The Minister learned more from his interlocutors about Portugal鈥檚 adjustment process and the good progress achieved so far in terms of reforms. He reiterated UK鈥檚 interest in promoting partnerships between British SMEs and Portuguese companies to enter Portuguese speaking markets in Africa and Brazil. The visit programme included two media engagements and a speech during a dinner debate about 鈥楤ritain in Europe鈥� at the British Ambassador鈥檚 Residence, with the participation of guests from Government, academia, banking, business and political commentary.
You will be able to see the interview in a future programme on SIC Not铆cias online.