Portugal: Why It Isn’t Officially a Mediterranean Country Yet Geographically and Culturally Closer

Portugal is often associated with the Mediterranean region due to its southern location and cultural ties but it is not technically classified as a Mediterranean country for a few reasons. This article explores the reasons behind this classification, as well as Portugal's unique status within the Mediterranean Programme (ENI CBC MED).

Geographical Boundaries

The Mediterranean Sea is bordered by countries that have coastlines directly on the sea. While Portugal has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, it does not border the Mediterranean Sea itself. The closest Mediterranean countries are Spain and France, which share a border with Portugal to the east and south respectively, and have Mediterranean coastlines. This geographical distinction is one reason why Portugal is not classified as a Mediterranean country.

Climate Differences

Even though southern Portugal, particularly the Algarve region, has a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, the northern parts of Portugal experience a more temperate maritime climate. This variation in climate further distinguishes Portugal from the classic Mediterranean countries, which typically exhibit more uniform Mediterranean climates. Therefore, while Portugal shares some climatic traits with Mediterranean countries, it does not fully align with the climate characteristics of the region.

Cultural and Historical Context

Countries that are classified as Mediterranean often share certain cultural, historical, and economic characteristics related to the sea. Although Portugal has Mediterranean influences, its history and culture are also shaped by its Atlantic connections, including exploration and maritime trade. This unique blend of cultural and historical influences sets Portugal apart from other Mediterranean countries and explains why it is not classified as a Mediterranean nation.

Portugal’s Inclusion in the ENI CBC MED Programme

Despite not being officially classified as a Mediterranean country, Portugal is part of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENI) Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) MED programme. This programme focuses on cooperation in the Mediterranean region to address common challenges such as climate change, drought, mass tourism, aging, and youth unemployment.

Southern Portugal, specifically the Algarve region, is considered as having a Mediterranean-equivalent status. This region shares many features with the rest of the Mediterranean countries and faces the same challenges. Therefore, the Algarve is often included in the programme despite the lack of a direct Mediterranean coastline. The same can be said for Jordan, which does not have a Mediterranean Sea border but is still considered a MED country and is part of the ENI CBC MED programme.

Conclusion

In summary, while Portugal is geographically close to the Mediterranean and shares some climatic and cultural traits, it is primarily an Atlantic nation. However, due to the Algarve's Mediterranean-equivalent status and the shared challenges faced by the region, Portugal is included in the ENI CBC MED programme.

Note: ENI CBC MED stands for European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument - Cross-Border Cooperation Mediterranean Programme, a EU-funded programme focusing on cross-border cooperation between the European Union and the Mediterranean countries to foster economic and social development.