Mr. Rui Macieira is the new Ambassador of Portugal to Greece. He assumed his duties on 17 June 2024. He was Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva (2018 to 2024). He was Ambassador of Portugal to Denmark and Lithuania from 2014 to 2018. He served as Director General for Foreign Policy from 2012 to 2014; Director General for European Affairs from 2011 to 2012; Deputy Director General for Foreign Policy from 2008 to 2011; and Deputy Director General for European Affairs from 2006 to 2008. He was also Deputy Permanent Representative of Portugal to the United Nations (New York 2002-2006). Other positions he held after joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The cases in March 1984 include Head of the United Nations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2002. Head of Department at the Ministry of Defense (1997 and 1999). Deputy Diplomatic Counselor to the Prime Minister (1995-1997); Deputy Chief of Mission at the Portuguese Embassy in Rabat in 1995; and First Secretary at the Portuguese Embassy in Paris (1990-1995). Mr. Macieira holds a degree in Economics from the Portuguese Catholic University, Lisbon (1982). He is undoubtedly an important figure in the field of international diplomacy, with experience, knowledge and will to ensure even better cooperation in Greece and Portugal.

The new ambassador of Portugal was met by the editor in chief of Discoveryfootball.com, Manos Staramopoulos, in his office at the Embassy in Athens and they discussed many topics. The 2030 World Cup, which his country will also host (in addition to Spain and Morocco). The legacy that the organization will leave, how the thousands of fans will be served as best as possible. The cooperation with Spain and Morocco and much more...

DF: What are Portugal's expectations for hosting the 2030 World Cup?

R/: Portugal hopes that organising the 2030 World Cup will reinforce its reputation as a country capable of hosting major sporting events, highlighting the quality of its infrastructure and logistical expertise. In addition, the government seeks to promote physical activity and sports as fundamental pillars for the health and well-being of the population. The tournament is also seen as an opportunity to attract national and international attention, uniting the population around football and boosting tourism and the local economy.

DF. Which cities in Portugal will host matches and which stadiums will be used?

R/: The host cities in Portugal for the 2030 World Cup will be Lisbon and Porto. The stadiums selected to host the games are the José Alvalade Stadium and the Sport Lisboa e Benfica Stadium, both in Lisbon, and the Dragão Stadium, located in Porto.

DF: What are Portugal's biggest goals from hosting this event?

R/: Portugal's main objectives in hosting this event are to continue to showcase our ability to organise major sporting events and to accumulate know-how in logistics and event management on this scale. In addition, the country hopes to create jobs, further invest in training qualified human resources and promote the participation of young volunteers, encouraging the involvement of new generations in sports and community development.

DF: What are the main challenges the country faces in preparing and hosting such a large event?

R/: The main challenges facing Portugal in preparing for and organising an event of this size include the ability to accommodate numerous tourists and football fans in a short span of time. This requires improvements in transport, the hotel offer and the provision of complementary services. However, the country is confident in its ability to respond quickly, effectively and efficiently to these demands, drawing on its experience of previous events and the joint work of various organisations.

Economic and tourism development

DF: How does Portugal intend to capitalize on the World Cup opportunity?

R/: Portugal intends to capitalize on the opportunity of the 2030 World Cup by increasing jobs, driven by tourism and the organization of the event, and by the growth in the number of international visitors. The country also aims to strengthen its position as a tourist destination of excellence and consolidate its image as a strong nation in the organization of major events.

DF: What is the expected impact on tourism during and after the World Cup?

R/: The impact on tourism during and after the 2030 World Cup is expected to be positive, significantly benefiting local commerce and various other areas. During the event, there will be an increase in the number of foreign visitors, estimated at between 300 and 500 thousand additional tourists, who are expected to generate spending of between 500 and 650 million euros in local commerce. This increase should also be reflected in around 18 to 23K new temporary or permanent job opportunities in the hotel, catering, transport and entertainment sectors. After the World Cup, Portugal's international visibility should translate into a sustained flow of tourists, consolidating the country as an attractive destination in the long term and generating lasting economic benefits.

DF: Are there plans to improve the infrastructure (transportation, hotels, etc.) due to the World Cup?

R/: There are no plans for significant investments exclusively for the World Cup. However, improvements and interventions are anticipated at the stadiums hosting the matches, which will be carried out gradually leading up to the tournament.

DF: How does Portugal see the cooperation with Spain and Morocco in the joint organization of the event?

R/: Portugal sees cooperation with Spain and Morocco in the joint organization of the 2030 World Cup in a very positive light. The country’s will to work together, share the perfect know-how in various areas and join forces to ensure that the best World Cup ever is staged. This collaboration is also seen as an opportunity to strengthen the already strong cultural, economic and sporting ties between the countries involved.

DF: How does Portugal intend to showcase its culture and traditions during the World Cup?

R/: Portugal intends to highlight its culture and traditions during the 2030 World Cup, presenting itself as a tourist destination of reference, recognized for the friendliness and hospitality of its people. The country will valorize its varied culture by promoting gastronomy, handicrafts, music, typical festivities and historical heritage, creating an authentic and memorable experience for visitors.

DF: What initiatives will be taken to strengthen Portugal's sports culture because of the event?

R/:  Portugal will take advantage of the media impact of the 2030 World Cup to strengthen its sporting culture through various initiatives. Encouraging young people to volunteer at the events, promoting values such as teamwork and commitment to sport. The presence of world-renowned players will serve as an inspiration to new generations, encouraging them to take up sport. The improvements to the infrastructure will contribute to the continued development of sport in the country. There will be campaigns to promote healthy habits and regular physical exercise among the population. All these initiatives aim to create a legacy, strengthening the Portuguese connection to sport.

DF: Are there plans for how the sports infrastructure will be used after the end of the World Cup?

R/: Yes, there are plans to utilize the sports infrastructure after the end of the 2030 World Cup. They will be integrated into the daily lives of local clubs and teams, ensuring their continued use and contributing to the development of sport in Portugal.

DF: How will future generations of Portuguese benefit from this experience?

R/:  Future generations of Portuguese will benefit from this experience through the added value provided by experiences shared with other cultures. Exposure to a diversity of languages, customs, and traditions during the 2030 World Cup will help promote tolerance, respect and intercultural understanding. In addition, the event will leave infrastructure, knowledge, and further opportunities in sport, education and tourism, which will positively impact the development of future generations.

About safety and sustainability

DF: What security measures are planned to ensure the smooth running of the event?

R/: Various security measures are planned to ensure the smooth running of the event, including reinforced security inside and outside the stadiums, with the presence of security forces in all areas associated with the event. There will be close international cooperation between the security forces of the host countries, ensuring effective planning and rapid responses. Parallel programs and fan zones will also be set up, which will make it possible to control crowds safely, as well as offer alternative entertainment. Portuguese hospitality will be a key factor in creating a welcoming and safe environment, promoting peaceful celebrations and reinforcing the spirit of friendship among visitors.

DF: What steps will Portugal take to ensure that the event is environmentally friendly?

R/: The fact that no new infrastructure needs to be built is a great advantage, as it minimizes the environmental impact. In addition, the organization of the event will pay special attention to sustainable measures, such as the use of existing infrastructure, with a focus on ecological and efficient practices. These measures aim to ensure that the 2030 World Cup is environmentally friendly, contributing to a legacy of sustainability.