Last Updated on April 7, 2022 by Victor Queiroz
By now the whole world is aware of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine that has escalated into a full-blown invasion. Ukraine and Russia are in Europe and anyone considering traveling to any European country must be concerned. Well, it is normal to get concerned over such events however, you should know that the conflict hasn’t escalated outside the borders of Ukraine. For Western European countries like Portugal life is quite normal. Before you consider changing your plans for traveling or relocating to Portugal, here are a few things that you should know about Portugal and the war in Ukraine.
The truth about Portugal and the war in Ukraine
The rather unwise decision to get in the way of the prevailing peace in Europe by unleashing a war on democracy of close to 45 million people can never be justified.
Moscow’s claim that Ukraine’s western inclination was bringing threat close to Russia is how this whole circus began.
However, European countries including Portugal have stood together with Ukraine by providing them with whatever help they need.
So how exactly has Portugal helped Ukraine? Has the war in Ukraine brought any difference in Portugal? Let’s discuss!
Portugal has been empathetic to Ukrainians
Portugal, like most European countries, has been very supportive of Ukraine. The Prime minister of Portugal Antonio Costa has condemned the invasion of Russia to Ukraine from the beginning.
He went ahead and welcomed Ukrainians with friends and family in Portugal with open arms. What’s more, the Portuguese government has plans in place that are continuously helping refugees with housing and employment as they settle in.
The Portuguese government acknowledges that the Ukrainian people are having a difficult time and is providing continuous support for them.
Nothing has really changed in Portugal
Despite the war situation in Ukraine, Western Europe has not experienced any change as far as daily activities are concerned.
However, since Portugal is part of NATO nations, the government is working in conjunction with other countries to offer Ukraine the support that they need.
Other than the rapidly increasing number of Ukrainian refugees, everything in the country remains unchanged.
Is Portugal Being affected negatively by the war in Ukraine?
It would not be true to claim that Portugal is immune to some of the economic challenges that the war in Ukraine has presented to the world.
However, since there are minimal direct and indirect links with Russia, Portugal will not face the full brunt of the economic implications of the war.
Portugal exports only about 0.3% of its goods to Russia and imports almost a similar amount. What this means is that the ongoing economic recovery will not be affected. Nonetheless, the only change or vulnerability that exists is in the importer oil prices.
How are Ukrainian refugees received in Portugal?
First off, Portugal has the capacity of receiving and accommodating 1245 refugees from Ukraine.
The government is currently working with all the relevant agencies and institutions to make sure that all the refugees arriving in Portugal are accommodated.
In addition to receiving refugees in the country, the government is also aware that there are Ukrainian citizens who are not able to get out of their country.
For this reason, several organizations within the country are actively getting donations from various agencies across the country. Whether food, clothes, money, or even good for children.
The Russian Community in Portugal
The Russian community in Portugal generally does not support the invasion. All in a bid to show solidarity with their Ukrainian Kin, over 100 Russian citizens living in Portugal held peaceful demonstrations at Restauradores Square.
Apart from the Russian community in Portugal, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and other Portuguese citizens joined the protest to show solidarity and make their voices heard worldwide.
Is Portugal safe during the conflict in Ukraine?
Absolutely! Again, Portugal is in Western Europe far away from where the conflict is happening. Other than that, you should know that Portugal is among the most peaceful countries in the world.
According to the global peace index, Portugal is placed fourth. Crime rates are relatively lower compared to most European countries. The war is within the Ukrainian borders, far away from Portugal.
Should I postpone my relocation Plans to Portugal because of the conflict in Ukraine?
At the moment, life in Portugal remains the same and the war in Ukraine hasn’t brought any significant changes to the country.
Portugal remains peaceful, beautiful, and with plenty to offer for both visitors and immigrants.
There is no cause for alarm that would warrant you to delay your visit. Ultimately, the decision on whether it is the right time to migrate or postpone the process remains with you.
Take a peek at our Facebook group and get other information about moving to Portugal. Also, if you intend to migrate permanently to Portugal, we are more than happy to help you with the legal processes involved. Get in touch with us today!
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