Portugal has secured its seventh 'Best Destination in Europe' title at the 32nd World Travel Awards in Sardinia, Italy. The country was recognized for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and exceptional hospitality, alongside wins for Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira.
Microsoft Portugal is undergoing a second significant round of layoffs this year, impacting 68 employees in roles such as customer account managers and cloud solution architects. These cuts are part of Microsoft's broader global restructuring efforts to optimize operations in a dynamic market.
Doctors in Portugal, represented by the National Federation of Doctors (FNAM), have announced a nationwide strike for October 24. The action stems from stalled negotiations with the Ministry of Health over salary demands, working conditions, and concerns regarding the centralization of emergency services, which FNAM argues will compromise patient care.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) held a press briefing on October 15, 2025, commending Portugal's 2026 budget proposal. The budget aims for near balance, reinforces sound public finances, and projects public debt to fall below 90% of GDP by year-end 2026, a milestone not seen in 16 years. Key measures include tax cuts and minimum wage increases.
Lisbon's Humberto Delgado International Airport faced significant disruptions and passenger chaos after the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) went live on October 12, 2025. Non-EU travelers endured waits exceeding 90 minutes, resulting in missed flights and widespread frustration. Authorities acknowledged a 'critical day' on October 14, citing longer processing times and system teething issues.
Dr. Miriam Santos, a professor at FCUP and INESC TEC researcher, has made history as the first Portuguese to receive the ERCIM Cor Baayen Early Career Researcher Award for her groundbreaking work on data quality for responsible AI systems. The 2025 award recognizes her significant contributions to AI ethics and data-centric AI.
Portugal's far-right Chega party is demonstrating significant momentum in the ongoing local elections in Albufeira, Algarve, building on recent legislative successes. The party aims to leverage these local gains as a springboard for broader national political influence.
Revolut has officially joined Portugal's MB Way network, enabling instant transfers and a suite of new functionalities for its over 2 million customers. This integration, alongside the rollout of Portuguese IBANs, marks a significant step in Revolut's ambition to become a primary banking choice in the country.
An 18-year-old demonstrator is in critical condition after being electrocuted at Lisbon's Rossio railway station during a protest on October 4, 2025. The incident occurred as he climbed a train during a large demonstration against the detention of Portuguese citizens in Israel and in solidarity with Palestinians.
Portugal recorded the largest house price increase in the European Union during the second quarter of 2025, with a 17.2% year-on-year rise, according to Eurostat. This growth significantly outpaced the EU average, positioning Portugal as the top performer in the bloc's housing market for the period, driven by strong demand and limited supply.
Portugal and Finland have announced a strategic alliance focused on developing green hydrogen. This collaboration leverages Portugal's renewable energy potential and Finland's advanced technology, aiming for significant green hydrogen production and integration into the energy grid by 2030.
The Portuguese Parliament has agreed to revisit discussions on stricter controls for gambling advertising and promotions, forwarding five initiatives from the left-wing ecologist party Livre to committee stage. Proposals include limiting online ads, banning sponsorships, and mandatory addiction warnings, reflecting concerns over public health and consumer protection.
The European Commission has approved a €100 million budget increase, raising Portugal's total aid to €275 million for electro-intensive industries. This funding aims to partially reimburse companies for higher electricity prices stemming from carbon costs under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, preventing relocation and supporting the energy transition.
The Azores archipelago is bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Gabrielle, leading the government to order the closure of schools and public services across several islands. The storm, which peaked as a Category 4 hurricane, is expected to bring heavy rain, high winds, and dangerous storm surge to the Portuguese islands.
Portuguese authorities have raided the offices of TAP Air Portugal, a Lisbon law firm, and government premises. The operation is linked to a controversial €500,000 severance payment made to former executive Alexandra Reis, with investigators probing suspected crimes including mismanagement, corruption, and abuse of power.
The Lisbon University Institute (ISCTE) is installing the world's largest terrestrial multicore fibre testbed on the Lisbon Metro's Yellow Line. Valued at €2.3 million, the project aims to validate next-generation optical communication technologies in a real-world underground environment, addressing future data capacity demands.
Home and garden décor retailer Casa has ceased operations in Portugal, closing all 13 of its stores nationwide after filing for insolvency. The move, impacting 98 staff and over 110 creditors, follows significant financial losses and intense market competition from both traditional rivals and online platforms.
