As Europe rethinks security, defense, and strategic autonomy in an increasingly uncertain world, Madeira is making a case for its place at the center of the Atlantic conversation.
The Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of Madeira has approved a resolution calling for the archipelago to be formally recognized as a “permanent strategic asset” within the European Union’s security and defense architecture. The initiative comes at a time when geopolitical instability, growing concerns over critical infrastructure, maritime security, and the protection of global supply chains are reshaping European priorities.
Approved by Madeira’s regional parliament on May 7 and officially published on June 2, Resolution No. 20/2026/M urges both the European Commission and the Portuguese Government to fully integrate Madeira into emerging European policies related to security, defense, and Atlantic projection.
The resolution argues that Europe’s security cannot be viewed solely through a continental lens. Instead, it must encompass maritime routes, submarine communications cables, exclusive economic zones, airspace, and other critical infrastructure that extend far beyond mainland Europe.
At the heart of Madeira’s proposal is the recognition of the broader Macaronesian region, which includes Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands, with Cape Verde serving as a strategic partner of the European Union. According to the document, this vast Atlantic space covers approximately 4.5 million square kilometers and plays an increasingly important role in European security, biodiversity protection, maritime governance, and international cooperation.
Madeira’s parliament argues that the archipelago’s location places it in a privileged position for monitoring, surveillance, and control of the Atlantic Ocean. As the European Union strengthens its maritime security framework, border protection systems, and defense capabilities, Madeira sees itself as a natural platform for contributing to regional stability and European strategic interests.
Among the priorities identified in the resolution are the modernization of ports, airports, and logistics infrastructure for dual-use civilian and security purposes; enhanced maritime and aerial surveillance through advanced monitoring technologies; greater interoperability between national, European, and NATO structures; protection of submarine cables and digital infrastructure; and the creation of an Atlantic center of excellence dedicated to maritime security, research, and innovation.
Regional lawmakers stress, however, that the proposal should not be interpreted as a call for militarization. Rather, they present it as a recognition of Madeira’s geostrategic advantages and its capacity to contribute to European security objectives while simultaneously generating highly qualified employment, attracting investment, and promoting economic development.
The initiative is closely linked to the European Union’s evolving strategic agenda. The resolution references the European Commission’s 2026 Work Programme, entitled The Moment of European Independence, as well as discussions surrounding the next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034.
Madeira’s parliament argues that security, defense, competitiveness, and territorial cohesion are increasingly interconnected and that the European Union’s Outermost Regions should play a larger role in this emerging framework.
Consequently, the resolution calls for the development of a dedicated strategy for the Macaronesian Outermost Regions, incorporating a clear Atlantic security dimension supported by European funding mechanisms related to defense, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, maritime surveillance, and monitoring systems.
The document also urges the European Union to prioritize investments in Madeira’s port, airport, digital, and logistics infrastructure within the 2028–2034 budget cycle, while respecting the unique characteristics and challenges of the Outermost Regions as recognized under Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
In addition, Madeira proposes the creation of a permanent European forum dedicated to strategic reflection on the Atlantic. Regional lawmakers argue that territories occupying key geographic positions can no longer be viewed as administrative peripheries. Instead, they should be recognized as structural assets that contribute directly to Europe’s security, resilience, and global influence.
The resolution, signed by the President of Madeira’s Legislative Assembly, Rubina Leal, represents an ambitious effort to position the archipelago at the center of future European discussions on Atlantic security, strategic autonomy, and defense policy.
As Europe increasingly turns its attention toward the Atlantic, Madeira is making clear that it does not see itself as a distant frontier of the continent, but as one of the gateways through which Europe engages with the wider world.
Translated and adapted from a story in Diário dos Açores-Paulo Viveiros, director. Photo from Câmara Municipal do Funchal.
