Portugal advocates balanced and credible Security Council reform with expansion in both categories of members

On 20 February, Portugal took part in the second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on reform of the United Nations Security Council, focused on categories of membership.

In his statement, the Permanent Representative of Portugal, Ambassador Rui Vinhas, reaffirmed Portugal’s support for a reform that is credible, balanced and capable of commanding the broadest possible support across the membership.

Portugal supports expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories, stressing that the Council’s composition no longer reflects current geopolitical and demographic realities. Correcting the historical under-representation of Africa must remain central to any reform, while other under-represented regions should also see their presence strengthened.

Portugal expressed reservations regarding proposals to create a third category of longer-term seats, cautioning that such an approach could add structural complexity without guaranteeing broader consensus. Reform efforts should therefore focus on adjusting the two existing categories.

On fixed regional seats, Portugal signalled openness to careful consideration of proposals that may help reconcile membership with geographic representation, including for the African Group, the Arab Group or Small Island Developing States (SIDS), while underscoring that Council members must serve in their national capacity and remain elected by the General Assembly.

Portugal remains committed to engaging constructively toward a viable and legitimate reform that strengthens the Security Council’s representativeness and effectiveness.