Latest news and stories about economic activity in culture in Portugal for expats and residents.
António José Seguro clarifies that his public warnings regarding Portugal's demographic and political challenges are intended as constructive calls to attention rather than partisan criticism.
The departure of immigrant workers from Portugal has resulted in a shortage of approximately one thousand drivers for ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt, highlighting the country's reliance on foreign labor.
The European Union and Mexico have finalized an agreement in Mexico City to modernize their 2001 partnership, focusing on enhanced political and economic cooperation, the elimination of trade tariffs, and the promotion of equal market access for service providers.
The growing demand for defence spending creates new market opportunities, though many companies may struggle to meet the requirements to participate.
The Confederation of Commerce and Services expresses skepticism regarding a Social Concertation agreement on labour laws, while Prime Minister Luís Montenegro maintains an inclusive approach toward all parliamentary parties, including Chega, despite concerns over the party's radicalism.
Over twenty-four national defence companies are traveling to the United States to attend the Sea-Air-Space Expo and the inaugural PT-US Defence Industry Days, marking a strategic effort to enhance the global visibility and market positioning of the national defence sector.
As the deadline for non-binding bids for TAP's privatisation arrives, major European airline groups face a shifting economic landscape, with Lufthansa confirming its continued interest despite broader sector challenges.
Former President Aníbal Cavaco Silva urges the current government to pursue structural reforms with firmness, while criticizing the PS for a lack of courage and Chega for a lack of credibility and preparation.
Political opposition is urging the government to reintroduce a zero VAT policy on essential goods to combat rising inflation driven by energy price hikes and supply chain disruptions.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro faces a heated parliamentary debate as opposition parties criticize the government's response to rising fuel prices triggered by the conflict in Iran.
Ana Duarte of F. Rego suggests that establishing a catastrophe fund is essential to address the current challenges in the agricultural insurance market.
The article discusses the detrimental impact of bureaucratic delays and obstacles on economic activity, highlighting findings from a recent INE survey. It identifies the judicial system, licensing, and taxation as the primary barriers to business development, exacerbated by ineffective public policies. The author calls for legislative reforms to address these issues, particularly in the judicial and licensing sectors, to facilitate investment and growth in the economy.
The president of CIP, Armindo Monteiro, asserts that while policies are beginning to shift away from the traditional 'hand-out model' of European funding, the presence of unions complicates the implementation of these changes. He criticizes unions for focusing primarily on reducing working hours and increasing holidays, which he believes hinders the potential for economic growth and improvement in living standards in Portugal.
The article discusses the urgent need for Portugal to create conditions that allow its citizens, especially the youth, to live fulfilling lives. It highlights the challenges of job instability, low wages, and high housing costs that hinder family planning and personal growth. The piece argues that economic growth should not only be measured by GDP but also by the quality of life and the ability to retain talent. It calls for policies that promote better salaries, housing access, and support for families, emphasizing that the Portuguese dream is collective and rooted in the belief that each generation can live better than the last.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has proposed discussions on establishing a disaster fund in Portugal to address damages from increasing natural disasters, such as recent floods. During a visit to the flooded area of Alcácer do Sal, he highlighted the need for financial relief for businesses affected by such calamities, especially those without insurance. He noted that similar funds exist in the European Union and emphasized the opportunity presented by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) to support this initiative.
Following severe weather conditions in Portugal, over 100,000 insurance claims have been submitted, with 75% already assessed. Insurers have processed only 12,000 claims so far, as many are hindered by access issues. The government has extended the state of calamity in affected areas and pledged significant financial support.
I express solidarity with families and businesses hit by the recent storm and analyse the economic fallout: production disruptions, supply problems, material losses and sharp revenue declines compounding an already fragile economic context. The initially approved support of about €2.5bn is inadequate; the government’s move to roughly €4bn reflects the scale of social and economic damage and the need for swift, streamlined, locally tailored aid. While budgetary discipline underpins external credibility and macroeconomic stability, excessive restraint now risks irreversible loss of productive capacity, exports and skilled jobs. Support should be treated as strategic investment in Portugal’s resilience, alongside longer‑term spending on resilient infrastructure, risk management and climate adaptation policies.
Portugal is seeking to enhance its appeal to Middle Eastern investors, particularly from Qatar, by shifting its marketing strategy beyond just its favorable climate. In Doha, representatives from Startup Portugal are engaging with local entrepreneurs to promote investment opportunities in the country.
The Golden Visa program in Portugal is increasingly seen as a strategic investment tool amidst economic uncertainty in Europe. It has demonstrated that intelligent investments can lead to widespread prosperity, benefiting both investors and the local economy.
The EU–India trade agreement creates a “rare opportunity” to expand Portuguese agri‑food exports, with olive oil singled out as the main beneficiary. The Federation of Portuguese Agri‑food Industries said there are “absolutely favourable conditions for olive oil exports” and described the pact as an unprecedented chance for the sector. To convert the opportunity into sustained growth, industry representatives stress the need for investment in production capacity, market development and compliance with buyer standards, while monitoring regulatory and logistical challenges that could affect competitiveness.
Guimarães has been chosen as the site for the presentation of Portugal’s national space strategy, a symbolic starting point for mayor Ricardo Araújo’s plan to turn the municipality — home to the Guimarães Space Hub — into an Iberian leader in the aerospace sector. Local authorities are pursuing rehabilitation of facilities, investment and economic activation to attract industry, create jobs and build a skills pipeline. Realising that ambition will require sustained funding, coordination with national and international partners, and targeted policies to translate strategy into industrial growth rather than a one‑off showcase.
An initiative to showcase and promote Portuguese footwear brands in the New York market.
Marco Galinha, founder and CEO of Grupo BEL and major shareholder of the Global Media Group, highlighted the role of the Diário de Notícias as a space for freedom and critical thinking during a time of geopolitical tension. Speaking at the Champalimaud Foundation, he emphasized the importance of pluralistic debate and diplomacy, noting that in a polarized world, the ability to listen is a rare and essential act. The conference, attended by government officials and international diplomats, focuses on themes such as the economy, innovation, and Portugal's future.
Another edition of Primavera Sound is here. It kicks off on Thursday in Porto, with Gorillaz, The XX, and Massive Attack as headliners. Alongside the music, the economic impact and the commitment to sustainability make this festival a benchmark for the city.
Bad Bunny's concerts in Lisbon on May 26 and 27 led to an 8% increase in local business revenue compared to the same days last year, according to UNICRE data. While transaction volume rose by 12.03%, the average ticket price fell by 3.59% to 30.18 euros. This performance outperformed Rosalía's concerts on April 8 and 9, which saw a 0.79% decline in revenue. Additionally, six people were arrested for ticket scalping for the Bad Bunny concerts.
Businessman César do Paço will acquire a 20% stake in Global Media, the owner of Diário de Notícias, through a capital increase, according to information published on the newspaper's website. The report, citing an internal memo, states that the Global Media Board of Directors has announced the execution of a capital increase.
The company considers the entry as “essential for the continuity of its sustainable growth,” noting that the media sector faces “challenges of digital transition and adaptation to new information consumption habits.”
Quadrantis will pay 40.5 million euros for the largest event venue in Portugal, which had been put up for sale for 32 million by Insula Capital.
The salary review for top-level positions contrasts with the refusal to grant pay rises to employees.
