Latest news and stories about regulation in government in Setúbal, Portugal for expats and residents.
Former ministers and experts urge the Portuguese government to intervene in the Galp-Moeve deal, warning that failure to act could result in the loss of national control over the Sines refinery, reduced market competition, and increased financial burdens on taxpayers.
A professional network is advocating for fair funding in continuing care units to address critical staffing shortages, with formal recommendations due to the government by June.
The scarcity situation that Almada experienced in recent weeks has put the spotlight on the capacity for water management in the country. Preparation for scarcity events, argues the president of the Water and Waste Services Regulation Authority, Vera Eiró, “is a process”, making it difficult for the country to ever...
The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, José Manuel Fernandes, advocated this Monday for “intelligent water management” to reduce water loss to the sea through increased storage. He stated that management must balance human consumption, agriculture, industry, and civil protection needs. He emphasized the need to store water rather than letting it flow into the sea, while also highlighting the importance of conservation and interconnected networks. Meanwhile, companies face risks regarding water quality compliance, and the Almada municipal water services (SMAS) have confirmed a new water extraction borehole following exceptional technical and operational efforts.
Portugal’s government is examining what legal powers it may have to intervene in the planned Galp-Moeve deal, as it seeks guarantees that the Sines refinery remains in Portugal and prioritises The post Government weighs legal options over Galp-Moeve deal appeared first on Portugal Resident.
The Minister of Environment and Energy stated on Wednesday, July 1st, that the government is studying legal instruments to ensure the Sines refinery remains in Portugal and continues to supply the country during crises, following the non-binding agreement between Galp and Moeve shareholders. Maria da Graça Carvalho noted that the government's priorities are to keep control of the refinery within Portugal and guarantee supply security. She highlighted that the government is exploring all legal avenues, particularly given that Moeve's investors are based outside the European Union, and noted the state's 8.24% stake in Galp as a key factor in its ability to intervene.
The Government's priorities include ensuring 'the power for the refinery not to leave Portugal' and the capacity to 'act or guarantee supply in crisis situations', explains Maria da Graça Carvalho, given that Moeve's investors and shareholders are from outside the European Union.
Maintaining the refinery in Sines and ensuring Portugal is supplied first in the event of an energy crisis are the two conditions the Government wants to impose on the merger between Galp and Moeve. There are legal scenarios in place to act.
An audit reveals that the appointment orders for managers in acting roles were published in the Diário da República without the required mention of the appointees' academic and professional curricula.
The conversation regarding the data centre in Sines was only discovered in October 2025, following a review of the investigation.
The Minister of Economy argued this Wednesday that illegal houses should be legalised provided they meet the necessary criteria, such as the land being eligible for urban development by administrative decision and meeting the minimum habitability conditions required by law. Minister Manuel Castro Almeida was speaking at the parliamentary committee for State Reform.
President António José Seguro has promulgated three government decrees, including the regulation of the Mobility and Transport Fund (FMT), while stressing the need for adequate funding for municipalities. The President highlighted that the transfer of responsibilities to municipalities and inter-municipal communities must be accompanied by sufficient financial resources to ensure financial neutrality and prevent territorial inequalities. Additionally, Seguro approved measures regarding the administration of the Setúbal and Sesimbra port authority and a new regime for foreign higher education institutions operating in Portugal.
It is an agreement that could lead the Sines refinery to join a joint venture. Also in this bulletin: the campaign for the presidential election and Donald Trump's threats to Iran.
