Lisbon, Sept. 22, 2026 (Lusa) - The Portuguese Defence Minister, Nuno Melo, is due to appear before parliament on Tuesday to answer questions regarding the procurement of three frigates from Italy under the SAFE European loan programme.
The request was made jointly by the PSD and the CDS-PP, as well as by Chega, and was unanimously approved on the 8th by the parliamentary Defence Committee.
Before the minister provides his explanations, MPs will debate the possible inclusion in the hearing of a «slide presentation on the SAFE Instrument, accompanied by an explanatory address by an admiral», something which was requested by Minister Nuno Melo.
Portugal is currently undertaking one of the largest defence investments in its democratic history: European loans under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) Instrument, amounting to around €5.8 billion.
Recently, the deal involving the acquisition of three new-generation frigates from the Italian firm Fincantieri (at a cost of around €3.9 billion, with delivery scheduled for 2029) has sparked controversy, with parties such as Chega and the PS criticising the way the Government has handled the SAFE process, levelling accusations of a lack of transparency and calling for greater openness.
In August, the online newspaper 24Horas published an article stating that the alleged last-minute withdrawal of the Portuguese company NTG, which was to act as an intermediary in the deal, resulted in that company losing €90 million in commissions.
The Ministry of Defence rejected the claims made in the 24Horas report, maintaining that the process is taking place between the Portuguese and Italian states, «not with companies», and that «no Portuguese company has ever, even for a single day, participated in the procurement process involving the Portuguese and Italian states».
NTGroup (NTG) also stated that it was not included in the «formal intergovernmental negotiating team», nor did it take part in the final meetings regarding the acquisition of the frigates, emphasising that it is not claiming any payment from the Portuguese State.
Nuno Melo has meanwhile announced that he will take legal action against the newspaper, as well as against Chega's leader André Ventura and MP Pedro Frazão, who, on social media, raised suspicions of «backroom deals» and corruption.
The PS has already announced that it will once again press for the creation of a parliamentary subcommittee to monitor the SAFE programme, holding the Government accountable for the controversies.
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