CEAD Francisco Suárez invites the entire academic community and the general public to the Open Lecture – Portugal in the Arctic or Portugal and the Arctic?, to be held on 15 april 2026, at 2:30 p.m., in Room C.-1.3 at Universidade Lusófona – CUP, located on Rua Alexandre Herculano (Novo Pólo).
This session will feature the special participation of Dr. Céline Rodrigues, PhD Candidate at NOVA FCSH and Doctoral Researcher at IPRI-NOVA. In this Open Lecture, it becomes essential to adopt a holistic perspective on environmental issues, the ocean, and the Arctic.
How are these themes interconnected, and how do they affect—and will continue to affect—Portugal?
From a theoretical and conceptual framework, it is possible to interlink several theories: Green Theory, maritime security, and human security. Portugal may reposition itself geopolitically as a global co-producer of maritime security, as challenges are transformed into opportunities for Portugal by being present in the Arctic in the 21st century—or at least by closely observing this region, understanding its relevance for the country in the current context and in the future through scenario-building. Portugal stands at a crossroads between climate change, the ocean, and proximity to the Arctic, due to the melting of the Arctic Ocean, which opens new maritime routes connecting the Atlantic and the Arctic. The two basins are already connected through the process of Atlantification, which accelerates ice melt and poses challenges to non-traditional security. However, it is equally important to understand Portugal’s relationship with the region. The surprises, as well as the similarities in Portugal’s engagement with the Arctic, can be fascinating.
Participation is free of charge and open to all interested parties.