1. Measles Is on the Rise in Europe, But Portugal Only Has One Reported Case
Europe is experiencing a resurgence of measles, with countries like Spain reporting 107 cases this year and Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands following suit with rising numbers. The WHO has warned that Europe saw a 200% increase in cases in 2024, with the region going from 100,000 to over 300,000 cases. In contrast, in Portugal, it remains under control, with only one reported case in 2025. The DGS (General Directorate of Health) confirmed that this case was “imported,” originating from another European country. Thanks to high vaccination coverage, Portugal is seeing less probability of large outbreaks.
Note that the rise in measles cases across Europe is attributed to the stagnation of vaccination coverage following the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by the growth of anti-vaccine movements. However, Portugal’s vaccination rates remain high, with the first dose of the MMR vaccine reaching 98%. The DGS stresses that while small outbreaks can occur, large-scale incidents are not expected due to the country’s strong vaccination programs.
Despite small outbreaks like the 35 cases in 2024, the DGS assures that Portugal has “eliminated the disease” and does not anticipate major threats. However, as mentioned, the situation in Europe, particularly in countries with lower vaccination rates, is much more concerning. Measles can still cause severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, especially in unvaccinated individuals. Thus, the DGS encourages anyone with suspected measles to contact the SNS24 helpline for assistance.
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2. Portugal Among the Top 15 European Countries for Most Gender-Equal Governments and Parliaments
Portugal is among the top 15 European countries for gender parity in both government and parliament, according to Eurostat. On the Executive side, with 40% women in the government, Portugal ranks above the European average of 35.1%. Note that the country saw the second-largest increase in Europe, rising by 25.7 percentage points since 2014. Finland leads with 60%, while Hungary has no women in its government.
In parliaments, the trend is similarly positive, with women holding 33.4% of seats across Europe, a 5.6 percentage point increase from a decade ago. Portugal, with 35.8% women in the Assembly of the Republic, ranks 11th. Countries like Sweden, Finland, and Denmark lead with the highest representation of women, while Hungary, Cyprus, and Romania show the lowest numbers.
It is important to consider that Portugal’s rise in gender equality within political institutions places it among the most improved countries, with significant improvements made in both governance and legislative representation. The country’s commitment to gender parity, continuously surpassing European averages, signals ongoing progress in achieving political equality.
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3. The Ongoing Political Crisis and the Imminent Fall of the Government
The political crisis in Portugal, largely driven by the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s family company, Spinumviva, is likely to lead to early elections. The Parliament rejected two motions of censure against the Government, including the PCP’s motion and Chega’s in February. However, the PS’s decision to request a Parliamentary Inquiry into the company put additional pressure on the Prime Minister. In response, as stated above, Montenegro announced a motion of confidence in the Government. With both PS and Chega planning to vote against it, the motion is expected to be rejected, leading to the Government’s collapse.
Note that the failure to approve the motion of confidence, as outlined in the Constitution, would trigger the resignation of the Government. Given the fragmented political situation, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has already stated that early elections could take place on May 11 or 18. The President emphasized the importance of staying in the country to oversee the process and has canceled a planned visit to Estonia. He clarified that he would consult the parties and the Council of State before calling for elections if the motion is defeated.
The timeline for the crisis is set to unfold as follows: On March 7, the Council of Ministers is expected to approve the motion of confidence and submit it to Parliament. The debate and vote are likely to take place on March 12. On March 13, the President will meet with political parties, followed by a meeting with the Council of State on March 14. By March 15, a decision on the election date will be made. The elections are tentatively set for May 11 or 18, depending on the outcome of the motion of confidence, marking the possible culmination of this ongoing political crisis.
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4. Portugal Among EU Countries with the Greatest Employment Growth in the Fourth Quarter of 2024
Portugal recorded the third highest employment growth in the EU in the last quarter of 2024, with a 0.5% increase, matching Greece. This was well above the Eurozone’s growth of 0.1% and the EU’s 0.2%. Employment in Portugal outperformed most countries, with only Romania (+2.0%) and Spain (+0.9%) doing better. In comparison, countries like Croatia and Finland experienced the largest declines, both at -0.4%. In year-on-year terms, Portugal’s employment grew by 1.7%, with the Eurozone seeing a 0.7% increase and the EU a 0.5% rise in the fourth quarter. The growth rate in Portugal was higher than many EU countries, including Latvia (-1.0%) and Sweden (-0.6%).
The overall increase in hours worked was 0.6% in the Eurozone and 0.5% in the EU. Eurostat estimates that, in the last quarter of 2024, 219.7 million people were employed across the EU, with 171.2 million in the Eurozone. The productivity of the workforce increased by 0.4% in the Eurozone and 0.8% in the EU compared to the same period the previous year, further highlighting the positive economic trends in many parts of Europe.
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5. Russian Investment in Portugal Soared After Ukraine Invasion and Golden Visas Started Again
Following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian investment in Portugal surged by 49%, reaching 450.6 million euros in 2024, and one of the main targets of this influx was the Golden Visa program. Note that the Bank of Portugal reported this significant rise in foreign direct investment but did not provide specifics on where the capital was directed. However, the newspaper ‘Público’ revealed that golden visas were a primary focus.
Suspended in 2022 after the invasion and European Union sanctions, the golden visas were reintroduced in August 2024 by the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA). The suspension ended after Portugal lost legal cases regarding the freezing of Russian citizens’ visa applications, which had been based on the European Commission’s recommendation, a non-binding measure that could not override the law.
Note that, between 2023 and 2024, there were cases where golden visas were granted through judicial means, with those individuals not being subject to sanctions; and that, in 2021, a year before the war, Russia had been the country with the most golden visas granted, with 65 visas issued.
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6. Portuguese Prime Minister Denies Illegal Activity Through His Real Estate Fund
Luís Montenegro, leader of the PSD and Prime Minister of Portugal, stated that he “did no more nor less than any Portuguese person” and rejected accusations of any illegalities or wrongdoings. He emphasized that he feels “exactly like any other Portuguese person” while also taking responsibility for his actions, and jokingly commented that his “responsibility was working” and reiterated his position that he did not violate any exclusivity duties with the company Spinumviva.
Note that these statements came in the context of the allegations surrounding his real estate company, which has been under scrutiny. Spinumviva caught the public’s attention mainly because of the new land law and because its clients included notable companies that may have benefited from the Prime Minister’s position. However, Montenegro expressed frustration over being accused of political wrongdoing, questioning how it is possible to accuse him “categorically and politically” without consequence, asserting that he was “accountable for everything.”
Following the announcement of a motion of confidence to be discussed in parliament, the Prime Minister stated firmly that he was “ready to go door to door, Portuguese to Portuguese” to explain his position. He also questioned the absurdity of the argument suggesting he could have been in the government while doing something else.
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7. At doBeco, in Santos, You Can See Pastries Being Made on the Spot
After its success in Arroios, the Mello brothers, Lourenço and António, have expanded by opening a second location of doBeco in Santos, Lisbon, with a larger and brighter space. The menu remains the same, focused on classic dishes, but with new options arriving in the spring. The bakery has grown in popularity, with people coming for the pastries, coffee, brunch, and atmosphere. In fact, the Santos location was initially planned to be the first bakery, but delays in construction and licensing led to the opening in Arroios first in 2023.
The new bakery occupies the space of a former water bottle factory, and it stands out for its larger and more luminous space, with large windows along the façade. A major highlight of the new space is its open kitchen, visible to the customers, where they can watch the pastries being made from scratch. According to Lourenço, this creates a connection and proximity with customers, who are not used to seeing the production process firsthand. The bakery’s clientele is largely international, but there has been an increase in Portuguese customers. The owners want their Portuguese identity to be acknowledged. Lourenço emphasizes that the brand is Portuguese, and customers should think of it as such.
The menu is seasonally updated, with special coffees and new pastry items every month. Antonio, the creative mind behind the menu, is already planning dishes for spring. Some classics remain unchanged, such as the croque monsieur and classic eggs in various preparations. The brunch menu includes standout items like the doBeco plate, featuring eggs, bacon or salmon, gouda, artisanal ham, hash browns, roasted broccoli, and more. They also offer breakfast and brunch menus for one or two people, with beverages ranging from specialty coffee to matcha, fresh juices, and wine. In the future, Lourenço would like to open more bakeries, but only in strategic locations, ideally in Portuguese neighborhoods.
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8. Aerospace Is Now the Industry That Gives Wings to the Portuguese Economy
Portugal’s aerospace cluster has firmly placed the country on the global map, with over 150 companies and a turnover of €1.72 billion. The sector has attracted major global players such as Airbus and Lufthansa, positioning Portugal as a highly respected industry hub. The sector’s growth is reflected in major investments, like Lufthansa Technik’s new facility in Santa Maria da Feira, alongside Airbus Atlantic’s operations in Santo Tirso, showcasing Portugal’s dynamic role in the global aerospace supply chain. Over 90% of production is exported to countries like France, Brazil, and the US, contributing to Portugal’s international standing.
Over the past two decades, Portugal’s aerospace sector has developed expertise in manufacturing aero structures, components, and maintenance services, with key investments like the Pratt & Whitney maintenance center. Experts highlight the importance of expanding the supplier chain to ensure the industry’s future growth. Embraer’s recent subsidiary in Portugal, focused on defense and security solutions for NATO and the EU, marks a milestone in Portugal’s strategic position. The sector’s evolution from aero structures to more advanced technology is crucial for maintaining global competitiveness and innovation.
Note that Portugal is positioning itself at the forefront of aerospace and mobility innovation, with projects like the FLY-PT “flying car” prototype and the development of the LUS222 aircraft. Initiatives like AI Fights Space Debris and New Space Portugal highlight the country’s space exploration ambitions, ensuring continued growth in satellite technology and aerospace. Moreover, sustainability goals, such as the integration of green energy in the new Lisbon airport design, demonstrate Portugal’s commitment to eco-friendly innovations.
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9. Portuguese Prime Minister Urges Portugal to Use Low-Cost Loans to Invest in Defense
At the extraordinary European Council summit in Brussels, EU leaders agreed to fast-track the mobilization of necessary funding for strengthening the EU’s defense and security infrastructure. The “Rearm Europe” initiative, proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is supposed to tap into resources from the Cohesion Funds, the European Investment Bank, and private capital to improve defense capabilities. Additionally, the leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. In this regard, the EU agreed to provide €30.6 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine in 2025 to aid in its recovery and ongoing efforts to counter aggression.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro highlighted that Portugal should seize the opportunity to use low-cost loans from the European Commission for defense investment, commending the flexibility provided to maintain the trajectory of public finances. He emphasized that Portugal, with positive budget surpluses in both 2023 and potentially 2024, has room to increase public spending without violating the EU’s stability pact. He also signaled the activation of the national safeguard clause, which would allow a maximum increase of 1.5% per year in defense spending while avoiding excessive deficit procedures.
The Prime Minister also expressed that Portugal is prepared to deploy troops to Ukraine if needed, further solidifying its commitment to European security. He emphasized that Portugal stands ready to assist its European partners, should the situation require a greater military presence. Note that, at the summit, Hungary was the sole EU member not to sign the conclusions regarding the support for Ukraine.
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10. Portuguese Government Moves Forward with Public-Private Partnerships in Five Hospitals
The Portuguese government has decided to move forward with public-private partnerships (PPPs) in five hospitals of the National Health Service (SNS): Loures, Amadora-Sintra, Vila Franca de Xira, Garcia de Orta, and Braga. The Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, emphasized that this is a “very important historic decision,” recalling that three hospitals had a recent experience with PPPs and another had a past experience. These evaluations concluded that PPPs, when managed well, delivered better healthcare at a lower cost to patients.
The government is launching two key processes for these hospitals: first, creating a price comparator with the public sector to ensure savings for taxpayers, and second, preparing an open, transparent, and competitive process for awarding the PPPs. The Minister of the Presidency supported the decision by referencing guarantees from the Health Regulatory Authority, the Court of Auditors, and studies that all agree PPPs in healthcare have proven to be successful and will continue to be.
In addition to these partnerships, the government approved investments of €30 million in Viseu Hospital for a technical center and radiotherapy center, as well as €7 million for equipment. A €32 million reinforcement for Évora Hospital was also confirmed to ensure the completion of its project. Furthermore, the government announced the elimination of 120 fiscal council positions in health units, leading to savings of €1.3 million.
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