Key facts
- European Council President António Costa was targeted by a Portuguese neo-Nazi group.
- The Lusitanian Armillary Movement (MAL) compiled a list of over 100 "undesirables."
- The list included current and former Portuguese political leaders, journalists, and comedians.
- Authorities revealed the group planned attacks, including drone strikes and the use of 3D-printed weapons.
- Six members of the MAL were arrested in June 2025, with four in pre-trial detention for alleged terrorist offenses.
- The group allegedly had ties to neo-Nazi organizations throughout Europe.
European Council President António Costa was identified as a target by a Portuguese neo-Nazi group known as the Lusitanian Armillary Movement (MAL). Authorities revealed that the group, described as "far-right, nationalist, neo-Nazi, white supremacist, anti-establishment," compiled a list of over 100 politicians and public figures it held responsible for the "decline of the nation."
In addition to Costa, the list included current Portuguese head of government Luís Montenegro, former presidents Aníbal Cavaco Silva and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas, journalist Miguel Sousa Tavares, comedian Ricardo Araújo Pereira, and former European Parliament lawmaker Ana Gomes.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that the list was used to plan "future actions" against these prominent individuals. Allegations suggest that a high-ranking officer within Portugal's Public Security Police supplied MAL with information regarding the security arrangements of top politicians. The group reportedly discussed plans to raid Montenegro’s apartment to kidnap him and to target Costa’s private residence with a drone.
Portuguese authorities arrested six members of MAL in June 2025, with four currently in pre-trial detention for alleged terrorist offenses. The group is said to have had extensive ties to neo-Nazi groups across Europe and was reportedly using 3D printers to produce "ghost weapons" for its planned attacks.