Latest news and stories about sustainability in finance in Portugal for expats and residents.
An expert argues for the safety and viability of nuclear power as a strategic energy investment.
A consultancy firm, NBI-Natural Business Intelligence, estimates that investing 15 to 25 million euros in ecological restoration could have mitigated hundreds of millions in losses from this year's storms. By analysing the 'train of storms' in January and February, which caused between 5 and 6 billion euros in damage, the firm suggests that 15% of these losses—largely linked to flooding—could have been avoided through nature-based solutions. Nuno Gaspar de Oliveira, director of NBI, argues that the country is losing its natural capacity to absorb extreme events and criticises the current economic model that views investment in nature as a cost rather than a protective asset. Meanwhile, the government has announced a 111-million-euro plan to recover coastal areas affected by the bad weather.
FVC Group, Insun and Lightsource bp have filed an administrative complaint, claiming that the ICNF ignored mitigation measures four times greater than the impacted olive grove area.
Rising temperatures could cause a loss of productivity worth billions of dollars.
Measures to contain energy bill increases must be temporary and targeted at the most vulnerable. Most European countries do not want to relax electricity and carbon market rules.
This is the second time the construction of this large-scale solar plant in the Alqueva region has been rejected, even after the project was reformulated to try and meet environmental requirements. The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) had already issued a negative opinion in 2024.
Energy ministers met in Brussels to analyse ways to respond to increases in the sector, especially if prices continue to rise in the coming days. Maria da Graça Carvalho says the goal is to coordinate the reaction at a European level without altering the path already defined for decarbonisation and without changing market rules.
Energy ministers met in Brussels to analyse ways to respond to increases in the sector, especially if prices continue to rise in the coming days. Maria da Graça Carvalho says the goal is to coordinate the reaction at a European level without altering the path already defined for decarbonisation and without changing market rules.
Pedro Amaral Jorge, former president of the Portuguese Renewable Energy Association (APREN) for eight years, has been appointed to lead the central institutions of the Iberian Electricity Market (MIBEL), assuming the presidency of the Iberian Market Operator (OMIP and OMIE). The appointment was approved by the governments of Portugal and Spain following his election by the market's shareholders. Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, praised the move as a key step for the European electricity market. APREN confirmed his departure, noting that the association's leadership will be managed by its board until a successor is named.
The president of the renewable energy association is leaving his post at APREN to lead the Portuguese and Spanish operators of the Iberian electricity market.
Pedro Amaral Jorge, president of Apren since April 2019, is stepping down to assume the presidency of the Iberian Market Operator - Portugal (OMIP) and OMIE, the manager of the daily and intraday electricity market in the Iberian Peninsula.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group increased its lending to Portugal by 43% in 2025, reaching three billion euros. EIB President Nadia Calviño and Finance Minister (Ministro das Finanças) Joaquim Miranda Sarmento announced that 1.5 billion euros is specifically earmarked for social and affordable housing. Other major investments include nearly one billion euros for the high-speed rail project between Porto and Lisbon. Those seeking affordable housing should note that these funds aim to increase supply across the country quickly.
Joaquim Miranda Sarmento is Portugal’s Finance Minister who gave a hearing before the Budget, Finance and Public Administration Committee about fiscal measures affecting housing. His remarks matter to expats because finance ministry decisions — like exemptions and public guarantees for young homebuyers — influence the property market, taxes and programmes that can affect housing affordability.
The European Investment Bank (Banco Europeu de Investimento or BEI) is the lending arm of the European Union, owned by its member states. It provided €1.9 billion in financing to Portugal in 2023, focusing on sustainable transport and energy projects. Residents interested in Portugal's economic development should note its role in funding large-scale public and private infrastructure.
Nadia Calviño is the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), a role she assumed in January 2024. Before leading the EIB, she was Spain's First Vice President and Minister for Economy and Digital Transformation. Those following European economic policy should note her influence on how the EU funds climate and infrastructure projects in the euro area.
Portugal held 1.56 million tonnes of petroleum reserves in the final quarter of last year, with the government announcing plans to release 10% of these strategic stocks to help stabilize fuel prices amid global supply concerns.
Minister of Environment and Energy Maria da Graça Carvalho has ruled out nuclear energy for Portugal, asserting that the nation's high potential for solar, wind, and hydroelectric power makes renewables the only logical path for energy independence and competitiveness.
Minister of Environment and Energy Maria da Graça Carvalho stated that fuel prices (preços dos combustíveis) could decrease next week if international Brent crude prices remain low through Friday. The government is monitoring the impact of the Middle East conflict on energy costs and is prepared to offer tax relief via the tax on petroleum products (Imposto sobre os Produtos Petrolíferos or ISP). Drivers should note that a discount applies if prices rise by more than 10 cents.
Update: Portugal to release 10% of strategic oil reserves
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced that Portugal will release two million barrels of oil—roughly 10% of its strategic reserves—to help stabilize fuel prices. This move follows an International Energy Agency agreement to release 400 million barrels globally due to supply risks in the Strait of Hormuz.
Maria da Graça Carvalho, the Energy Minister, is a Portuguese engineer and politician affiliated with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) who has served as a Member of the European Parliament and held government roles connected to science and higher education policy. Her work on research and EU policy can affect funding and regulation that matter to professionals and students living in Portugal.
The ISP is Portugal's excise tax on fuels — the Tax on Petroleum and Energy Products (Imposto sobre Produtos Petrolíferos e Energéticos) — charged as a unit rate per litre on petrol, diesel and other fuels. The government sets and can temporarily cut those unit rates; a recent decision to reduce the rate for road diesel on the mainland aims to lower pump prices and reduce transport costs for drivers and businesses, though it also lowers tax revenue.
Luís Filipe Montenegro Cardoso de Morais Esteves (born February 16, 1973, in Porto) is a Portuguese lawyer and center‑right politician who has served as Prime Minister of Portugal since April 2, 2024. A long‑time member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), he is the leading figure of the post‑Troika generation of Portuguese conservatives. Montenegro was elected to the Assembly of the Republic in 2002 for the Aveiro district and remained an MP for 16 years, becoming PSD parliamentary leader from 2011 to 2017 during the bailout and austerity period under Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho. He was a prominent defender of strict austerity measures, arguing in 2014 that “the life of the people is no better, but the life of the country is a lot better,” a phrase that has followed his public image since. After an unsuccessful leadership bid against Rui Rio in 2020, Montenegro won the PSD leadership in 2022. He then forged the centre‑right Democratic Alliance (PSD–CDS‑PP and allies), which won a plurality of seats in the 2024 legislative election. Refusing to partner with the far‑right Chega, which he has called “often xenophobic, racist, populist and excessively demagogic,” he formed a minority government as head of the XXIV Constitutional Government on April 2, 2024. His first government fell in March 2025 after a no‑confidence vote linked to a conflict‑of‑interest affair, but fresh elections saw the Democratic Alliance increase its seat share, allowing Montenegro to return as prime minister leading the XXV Constitutional Government. His importance to Portugal lies in attempting to re‑center the traditional centre‑right after the crisis years, defending liberal‑conservative economics and EU alignment while drawing a sharp line against formal cooperation with the radical right, thus shaping how Portuguese democracy manages its new multi‑party era.
The article discusses the growing concerns about sustainability in the workplace, emphasizing the need to balance organizational development, economic growth, environmental protection, and community well-being. It highlights the challenges posed by an aging workforce in Portugal, where recruitment difficulties and talent retention issues are becoming more pronounced. The article also addresses gender disparities in the workforce, particularly the prevalence of part-time work among women and the implications for productivity and career opportunities. It calls for a demographic analysis within organizations to adapt health support and public policies that promote sustainable practices, benefiting individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.
The association Zero has highlighted Portugal's excessive vulnerability to international oil market fluctuations, urging for enhanced electrification and strengthening of public transport to mitigate fossil fuel consumption and its economic impacts. They emphasize that this dependence contributes to inflation and economic competitiveness issues, particularly in light of rising fuel prices linked to geopolitical conflicts. Zero advocates for a structural reduction in oil reliance through improved public transport and vehicle electrification, rather than temporary tax relief measures. They also point out that the transport sector is a significant contributor to national greenhouse gas emissions, primarily relying on imported fossil fuels, and call for urgent action to address these challenges.
Portugal and Spain are forging an alliance to address climate change and enhance economic cooperation. At a recent summit, they focused on eliminating barriers for cross-border businesses while prioritizing sustainability initiatives.
Tourism is a vital part of the Portuguese economy, but it must adapt to new challenges such as increasing value, diversifying markets, and managing visitor flows effectively. Lídia Monteiro from Turismo de Portugal emphasizes the need for strategic growth in a competitive global landscape.
2025 marked a significant growth year for the wind energy sector, with €45 billion invested in new projects expected to flourish in the future. However, the installation of offshore wind towers has encountered challenges, experiencing the slowest growth rate to date.
The energy transition is a critical issue that must be prioritized in economic, industrial, and climate policy discussions. It is essential for sustainable development and addressing climate change.
On February 21, the Zero Association for Sustainable Land Systems called for the reoccupation of vacant buildings to create affordable housing under the National Building Renovation Plan (PNRE). They emphasized the need for clearer targets, social safeguards, and better coordination with existing national policies to ensure the plan meets its climate and social objectives. The association warned that without these measures, the plan could lead to negative outcomes such as rent increases and displacement of vulnerable tenants. They also highlighted the importance of transparency in financing and the need for mechanisms to support low-income households.
Economist João Rodrigues dos Santos warns that the €2.5 million package announced by the Prime Minister to support populations and businesses affected by Storm Kristin is likely insufficient. He argues the sum will fall short of actual needs and calls for larger, targeted structural investment in climate adaptation and resilience — prioritising long-term public safety, sustainable infrastructure and policy measures rather than one-off relief.
The upcoming presidential election on February 8 presents significant challenges for the elected candidate, including addressing the impacts of climate change, such as severe storms, and making critical decisions regarding labor law reforms.
The government has committed €110 million to support lithium extraction projects despite strong public opposition. Environmental groups describe the funding as a 'blank cheque' paid for by taxpayers, arguing it risks local ecosystems and undermines sustainability claims. The injection of public funds raises wider questions about fiscal priorities, state backing for critical minerals, regulatory oversight and democratic legitimacy amid popular resistance.
