Montenegro says he has a guarantee from Brussels that Portugal will not lose PRR funds

Trade component of EU-Mercosur agreement enters into force

The trade component of the partnership agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur enters into force this Friday (May 1st) on a provisional basis, eliminating customs duties on various traded products. Following ratification by Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) and the European Commission, tariffs on a range of goods are now removed. The agreement includes safeguard clauses for EU agricultural imports following sector opposition, as well as provisions for investment facilitation and public procurement access. This stage covers only the economic aspect and will expire upon the final approval of the general agreement, which includes environmental governance and political cooperation commitments, subject to ratification by all 27 member states.

Magyar meets with Brussels to unlock RRP

“We have no time to lose”: Magyar meets with Von der Leyen to unlock 17 billion from the RRP and SAFE programme funds, but Brussels warns about the restoration of the Rule of Law.

European Parliament wants to exclude recovery fund costs from the next budget, proposes 10% increase

The European Parliament approved its position on the long-term European Union (EU) budget for 2028-2034 this Tuesday, demanding a 10% increase over the European Commission's proposal to support community priorities. According to the interim report, approved this Tuesday by 370 votes to...

Parliament wants EU long-term budget to top €2 trillion

Plenary vote sets the stage for tense negotiations with national governments.

European Parliament votes for 10% increase in EU multiannual budget

The European Parliament is voting this Tuesday, the 28th, on its position regarding the long-term European Union (EU) budget for 2028-2034, demanding a 10% increase over the European Commission's proposal to support community priorities. The interim report outlines the assembly's negotiating position, focusing on affordable housing access through EU funds without cutting traditional agriculture and cohesion policies. The Parliament proposes 1.27% of gross national income in national contributions, compared to the Commission's 1.15%. The total proposed Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is approximately 2.014 trillion euros. The Commission has proposed that Portugal receive 33.5 billion euros under this new budget. The European Parliament has also given final approval to the 2026 EU budget.

France and Greece call for delaying Covid debt repayment and for more EU bonds

“It is idiotic” to immediately pay back post-pandemic loans, French President Emmanuel Macron says on visit to Athens.

US and EU sign strategic agreement on critical minerals

The United States and the European Union signed a strategic partnership agreement this Friday to strengthen access and security in the supply of critical minerals. The understanding aims to diversify supply chains considered essential for the economy and security.

Brussels gives 'green light' to tax on extraordinary profits of energy companies

The European Commission gave its approval this Wednesday to the proposal from Portugal and four other countries to apply a temporary tax on the extraordinary profits of energy companies. Brussels' position, however, is that the measure is an exclusive decision for the Member States. 'Member States may also adopt taxation measures on extraordinary profits...'

What budget? What policies? - Portugal and the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034) - Portuguese Communist Party

An analysis of Portugal's position and priorities regarding the upcoming European Union budget cycle for 2028-2034, as presented by the Portuguese Communist Party.

Partido Comunista Português21 Apr

Europeans tried to win over the US this week in DC. Their efforts were lost in translation.

The Trump administration, focused on the economic arms race with China and its foreign policy goals, doesn’t seem to be listening to Europe.

Portugal among countries advocating for a new tax on energy profits in the EU

Portugal joins other nations in supporting the implementation of a new levy on energy sector profits across the European Union.

jornaleconomico.sapo.pt17 Apr

13H Von der Leyen says there are no conditions to activate the general escape clause

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen states that the current economic situation does not warrant the activation of the general escape clause for fiscal rules.

Tax on windfall profits could generate additional revenue

The European Commissioner for the Economy stated today that potential taxes on the windfall profits of energy companies, as requested by Portugal, could “generate additional revenue,” and warned of the “profound economic uncertainty” related to the conflict in the Middle East.

European Commission sees revenue potential in taxes on energy profits

The European Commissioner for Economy stated that potential taxes on windfall profits from energy companies, as requested by Portugal, could generate additional revenue, while warning of deep economic uncertainty due to the conflict in the Middle East. The Commission is currently reviewing a request from the Portuguese Finance Minister and his counterparts from Germany, Spain, Italy, and Austria to create an EU-wide tax on energy windfall profits, similar to 2022 crisis measures. Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis noted that while energy tax relief can provide immediate benefits, it must be balanced against long-term goals and fiscal costs. The Commission will provide a detailed assessment of the macroeconomic impact of the conflict in the upcoming European Semester spring cycle.

Brussels backs windfall tax on big firms to ease pain from energy crisis

“We are looking into whether we can come up with some kind of more coordinated approach at the European level," says economy czar Valdis Dombrovskis.

Dombrovskis opens the door to a windfall tax on energy companies

The European Commissioner for Economy stated this Thursday that potential taxes on the windfall profits of energy companies, as requested by Portugal, could 'generate additional revenue', while warning of the 'profound economic uncertainty' related to the conflict in the Middle East. 'There are some discussions in some member states about windfall taxes, which, if implemented, could generate...'

Prices must be curbed!

The taxation of windfall profits for oil companies, requested by the governments of Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Austria from the European Commission, is presented as a response to the cost-of-living crisis. While the measure is understandable, it is insufficient and risks serving as a political alibi to avoid the real debate: price controls. Taxing profits does not lower fuel or grocery costs for struggling families and businesses. There is a clear contradiction: if governments acknowledge 'excessive profits,' they are admitting that prices are excessive, yet they refuse to discuss direct price controls. This issue, particularly regarding food and fuel, must be addressed to stop speculative margins. Beyond immediate relief, the crisis highlights Europe's structural dependence on fossil fuels and the need for a serious energy transition toward renewables and a more resilient, local economy.

Windfall profits: justice or illusion? — Debate

Finance Minister Miranda Sarmento wants a new EU tax on windfall energy profits. After the mediocre experience of 2022, are we looking at a case of justice or populism?

Brussels considers ‘windfall tax’ request – pushed by Portugal – on energy firms

The European Commission has said it is analysing a request from Portugal, Germany, Spain, Italy and Austria to create a windfall tax on energy companies. “We have received the letter. The post Brussels considers ‘windfall tax’ request – pushed by Portugal – on energy firms appeared first on Portugal Resident.

Brussels analyses Portuguese request for windfall tax on energy companies

The Commission is working in close cooperation with member states on potential targeted policy measures in response to the current energy crisis facing Europe.

Brussels analyses Portuguese request for windfall tax on energy companies

The European Commission stated this Monday that it is analysing the request from Portugal, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Austria to create a tax on the windfall profits of energy companies, while noting that the situation differs from the 2022 energy crisis. “We have received the letter. We are currently analysing it and will respond in due course,” says an official source from...

Portugal requests authorisation from Brussels to create a tax on extraordinary energy profits

Miranda Sarmento was one of the European ministers to request authorisation from the European Commission to create a tax on the extraordinary profits of energy companies, similar to what occurred in 2022.

Portugal and four other countries want a tax on energy companies' windfall profits

The Portuguese Finance Minister and his counterparts from Germany, Spain, Italy, and Austria have asked Brussels to create a tax on the windfall profits of energy companies, similar to measures used to contain the 2022 energy crisis. The request was made in a joint letter signed by Joaquim Miranda Sarmento and the federal ministers of...

Portugal among five EU countries calling for a windfall tax on energy companies

Joaquim Miranda Sarmento was one of five Finance Ministers to sign a letter requesting a tax on energy companies to mitigate the effects of the war on fuel prices.

Portugal and four other countries want a tax on extraordinary energy profits

The letter, dated April 3rd, is addressed to the European Commissioner for Climate Action, Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Growth, the Dutchman Wopke Hoekstra.

5 countries ask Brussels to tax energy companies benefitting from Iran crisis

Austria, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain want extra corporate profits generated during the Mideast conflict to be distributed fairly.

Portugal among five EU countries calling for a windfall tax on energy companies

Five EU finance ministers, including Portugal's, have called for a tax on the windfall profits of energy sector companies. The military operation 'Epic Fury' against Iran has so far resulted in 13 US service members killed and 365 wounded, the Pentagon revealed. We are following all developments here, minute by minute.