European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faced an extraordinary public rebuke from Portugal's head of state following what many are calling a spectacularly obvious geographical gaffe during a major international summit in Lisbon.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa delivered a masterclass in diplomatic shade after von der Leyen remarked that "Lisbon is also close to the ocean" during her opening address to the EU Political Community gathering on Thursday.
The awkward moment unfolded as von der Leyen attempted to highlight Portugal's maritime connections, seemingly unaware that Lisbon's coastal status ranks among Europe's worst-kept geographical secrets.
"When you say that Lisbon is close to the ocean, it's a bit like saying the sun is warm," President de Sousa dryly observed during his subsequent speech, drawing laughter and applause from assembled European leaders.
Diplomatic Tension at EU Summit
The public correction marked a rare moment of tension at the otherwise carefully choreographed gathering of 47 European countries. The summit, intended to demonstrate European unity following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, instead witnessed an embarrassing moment for the Commission president.
Von der Leyen's remark came during prepared comments praising Portugal's historical seafaring tradition. "It is so good to be in Lisbon," she stated. "A city that has always been a gateway to the world. Lisbon is also close to the ocean, so it is the starting point for many discoveries."
Portuguese Response Goes Viral
President de Sousa's witty rejoinder quickly spread across social media and diplomatic circles, with many praising his subtle yet unmistakable correction. The Portuguese leader, known for his popular touch and sharp humour, managed to highlight the absurdity of the comment while maintaining diplomatic decorum.
Political analysts suggest the incident may prove momentarily embarrassing for von der Leyen, who has positioned herself as a potential candidate for a second term leading the European Commission. The gaffe follows recent criticism of her handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has drawn criticism from some EU member states.
The European Commission has not commented on the incident, though sources indicate the remark was intended to highlight Portugal's maritime history rather than question anyone's geographical knowledge.
