The Government of Portugal has voluntarily contributed €70,000 to two trust funds of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), reinforcing international efforts to eliminate chemical weapons and strengthen global chemical security. The contribution supports both Syria-related missions and capacity-building activities for Portuguese-speaking Member States under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
A total of €50,000 has been allocated to the Trust Fund for Syria Missions, which supports OPCW efforts to fully determine the scope of Syria’s chemical weapons programme, verify declared elements, assist in destruction planning, and investigate allegations of chemical weapons use, including identifying those responsible. These activities are part of ongoing international efforts to ensure accountability and complete elimination of chemical weapons in Syria.
The remaining €20,000 has been directed to the Trust Fund for the Implementation of Article VII, which focuses on strengthening national implementation of the CWC. This funding will help build capacity among Portuguese-speaking Member States by deepening understanding of the Convention, improving national compliance systems, and encouraging cooperation in chemical weapons prevention and response mechanisms.
The contribution was formalised in a signing ceremony held on 16 March 2026 at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague, between Portugal’s Permanent Representative to the OPCW, Ambassador Clara Nunes dos Santos, and OPCW Director-General Ambassador Fernando Arias. Both sides emphasized the importance of sustained international cooperation in upholding the global norm against chemical weapons.
Portuguese officials highlighted that the OPCW plays a central role in international security and disarmament, noting that collective responsibility is essential to addressing challenges such as the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons programme and strengthening compliance with the CWC. They also stressed the value of supporting capacity-building efforts for member states, particularly within the Community of Portuguese-speaking countries.
OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias expressed appreciation for Portugal’s timely support, stating that the contributions will enhance Syria-related verification and investigation efforts while also strengthening implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention through targeted capacity-building initiatives.
Established in 1997, the OPCW oversees global efforts to eliminate chemical weapons and ensure compliance with the CWC across its 193 Member States. The organisation has verified the destruction of thousands of tonnes of declared chemical weapons stockpiles and was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize for its role in advancing global disarmament.
