Portugal's Prime Minister Luís Montenegro cites economic growth as airport chaos erupts over new EU border system

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said Portugal is on a path of economic growth and credibility, highlighting higher wages, lower taxes and competitive energy prices that place the country among the OECD's top performers. He noted that 2026 has been intense for projecting Portugal’s economic and social progress despite storms and supply‑chain impacts from Middle‑East conflicts.

At the same time, Montenegro acknowledged severe disruption at Portuguese airports caused by the EU’s new biometric border‑control system, which went fully live in April. Passengers faced waits of up to two hours in Lisbon, Porto and Faro, with many missing flights. The prime minister expressed dissatisfaction and said the government is prepared to suspend the measure if necessary, while stressing the need to maintain security and economic movement.