1. Costa Takes Office as President of the European Council
António Costa, now the President of the European Council, took office with a promise to protect the “values” of the European Union, emphasizing that “unity is the vital force” of the 27 member states. In his inaugural speech, Costa highlighted the importance of defending “human dignity, freedom, democracy, rule of law, rights of minorities,” which he believes form the core of Europe. He declared that it would be his mission to build and safeguard this unity during his mandate, recognizing that the diverse political and social landscapes within the EU must come together to face “geopolitical challenges” both inside and outside Europe. Costa noted that the ongoing war in Ukraine, which threatens not only “peace” but “international rights,” makes the EU’s unity even more critical.
He further emphasized the need for a “more resilient” and “autonomous” Europe, particularly in matters of “security and defense,” to strengthen the EU’s role on the global stage. Costa stated that this resilience would reinforce the EU’s “transatlantic partnership” with NATO and the United States while calling for broader global engagement. Referring to the world as “multipolar,” Costa rejected dividing concepts like “Global South” and “Global North,” advocating instead for the EU’s external actions to be inclusive and pluralistic. He underscored that, in the face of current global challenges, the EU must collaborate with 192 countries to build a global network that transcends regional divisions.
Costa expressed deep pride in serving the EU, affirming, “Lisbon is my city, Portugal is my country, and Europe is our common home.” He promised to tackle his presidency with the same “honor” he brought to his previous leadership roles, vowing to “renew the connection” between EU institutions and the citizens they serve. As the first Portuguese and socialist to lead the Council, Costa’s presidency, starting December 1, represents a new chapter in both his political career and the EU’s leadership, with a clear focus on strengthening internal trust and international cooperation, navigating the complex challenges of today’s global political landscape.
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2. Portuguese to Lead New UN Body for Protecting Submarine Cables
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), alongside a UN agency, has created a new body to safeguard submarine cables, which will be co-chaired by Sandra Maximiano, president of the Portuguese telecommunications authority, Anacom. This body, consisting of 40 experts, aims to address the 150 to 200 incidents affecting submarine cables annually. The group will explore best practices and responses to combat both natural and human-made disruptions. Note that Maximiano will share the leadership with Nigeria’s Minister of Telecommunications, Bosun Tijani, and the organization’s first summit is scheduled for February in Nigeria.
Submarine cables, vital for 99% of international data flow, face threats from natural phenomena such as tsunamis and earthquakes, as well as human activity, including fishing, commercial navigation, and sabotage. The ITU’s deputy secretary-general, Tomas Lamanauskas, stated that human actions account for 7% of incidents. Although traffic can usually be rerouted, strategic regions, particularly in the Mediterranean and Red Sea, are susceptible to significant disruptions if damaged. A stark reminder of the risks occurred in 2022 when volcanic eruptions and tsunamis severed Tonga’s internet access for weeks, requiring 18 months to restore connections.
Recent incidents in the Baltic Sea, where cables between Finland, Germany, Sweden, and Lithuania were damaged, are under investigation. Authorities suspect sabotage, particularly involving the Chinese cargo ship Yi Peng 3, which was in proximity to the cables when the damage occurred. Maritime traffic data support this theory, and the ship is now anchored in the Kattegat Strait, under close surveillance by Danish, Swedish, and German patrol ships. The ITU’s new organization aims to mitigate such incidents by promoting international cooperation and sharing knowledge, while investigations into individual cases will remain the responsibility of national authorities.
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3. IMT Suspends License for Portuguese Women Only TVDE Platform
The IMT (Institute of Mobility and Transport) suspended the license of Pinker, a new TVDE platform exclusive to women, until the requested clarifications are provided. However, the company itself is not suspended. Founder Mónica Faneco responded to the decision, stating that the suspension only affects the license and that the platform is committed to clearing up any doubts regarding the legality of its operation. She emphasized the strong belief in the project and ongoing efforts to resolve any issues with the IMT to ensure alignment with legal requirements.
The IMT’s decision questions the legality of a service exclusively for women, citing the prohibition of discrimination in individual and paid passenger transport, according to Article 7 of Law No. 45/2018. This law ensures that users have equal access to TVDE services, irrespective of sex, ancestry, or age, which has prompted concerns about Pinker’s gender-specific model. Despite these concerns, Faneco insists that the platform’s goal is to provide security and confidence for women and that its operations will comply with legal standards once clarified.
Pinker, a platform designed to offer a safer transport option for women, is set to differentiate itself from competitors such as Uber and Bolt, which already operate in Portugal. By only accepting female drivers and being exclusively for women, Pinker aims to provide a unique and secure alternative. Licensed both in Portugal and Europe, the platform already has over a thousand interested drivers. Faneco remains committed to working with authorities to swiftly resolve the situation, underscoring the innovative and differentiated nature of Pinker in the Portuguese TVDE market.
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4. Lisbon Subway Breaks Passenger Transport Record
Metropolitano de Lisboa (Lisbon Subway) transported a record 126 million passengers in the first three quarters of 2024, the highest ever for the first nine months of the year. This significant increase of 7.4 million passengers compared to 2023 and 419,600 compared to 2019 was driven by the introduction of the free “navegante” Metro card for students under 18 and 23 in January 2024, which resulted in a sharp rise in demand. Furthermore, better coordination between mobility operators in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area contributed to the overall growth in passenger numbers, demonstrating the effectiveness of improved integration within the transportation system.
Starting December 1, 2024, a new free travel policy for all citizens up to 23 years old, whether students or not, will provide an additional boost to Metropolitano de Lisboa’s growth. In September 2024, the company saw 14.8 million passengers, marking an increase of 7.0% compared to the previous year and 0.5% compared to pre-pandemic September 2019. These results were achieved despite ongoing infrastructure challenges, including network expansions, the installation of a cutting-edge Communications-based Train Control (CBTC) system, and accessibility improvements, all of which have had an impact on service availability.
The upcoming network extensions are expected to sustain this growth and environmental benefits. The Circular line, linking Rato to Cais do Sodré with two new stations and 2 more kilometers of track, will add 9 million new passengers and reduce CO2 emissions by 4.2 thousand tons. Meanwhile, the extension of the Red line to Alcântara will introduce 8 million new passengers, with a significant portion of this demand coming from current public transport users, while cutting CO2 emissions by 6.2 thousand tons. These developments, combined with a new rolling stock fleet and network modernization, will increase train frequency, reduce wait times, and improve service reliability, comfort, and overall quality.
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5. Tourism Continues to Grow After Summer with Boost from Resident Stays
Tourism in Portugal continues its upward trajectory post-summer, with October seeing a 3.8% rise in guests and a 2.5% increase in overnight stays compared to the previous year. Notably, the Canadian market led the growth, showing a year-on-year increase of 15%. Overnight stays by residents reversed the downward trend of September, rising by 1.2% to 1.9 million. However, Alentejo was the only region to show a decrease in overnight stays, down 4.4%, while the Azores (+10.8%) and Centre (+7.0%) regions recorded the highest growth, reinforcing a nationwide trend of increasing demand.
In terms of regional performance, the external market saw growth across all areas, particularly in the Azores (+19.3%) and the Setúbal Peninsula (+8.9%), except in Alentejo (-3.1%). Domestically, Madeira (+10.7%) and the Centre (+8.6%) posted the most significant increases in overnight stays. In contrast, Alentejo (-5.3%), Oeste and Vale do Tejo (-4.8%), and the Algarve (-3.9%) experienced declines. Among the top ten source markets, the UK held the largest share at 19.9%, followed by Germany and the United States. Canada showed the highest growth (+15%), while Spain experienced the largest decrease in tourist numbers at -12.4%.
October saw the average length of stay fall by 1.2%, reaching 2.54 nights, with the Azores (+1.9%) and Madeira (+2.2%) being the only regions to register an increase. The bed occupancy rate dropped by 0.2 percentage points to 51%, maintaining the downward trend from September, while the room occupancy rate increased by 0.7 percentage points to 63.2%. This reflects a steady growth in tourism, albeit with fluctuations in regional performance and slight reductions in average stay and bed occupancy, indicating a shift in travel patterns across Portugal.
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6. SNS (National Health Service) Assisted Over 300,000 Foreign Non-Residents
From 2021 to September 2024, over 330,000 foreign non-residents were treated in Portugal’s public healthcare system, with 102,182 foreign individuals seeking care in 2023 alone. A significant portion of these patients, 40% in 2023 and 35.6% in 2021, lacked insurance or international agreements for treatment. Public hospitals in Lisbon, the Algarve, Caldas da Rainha, and other regions saw the highest demand, while smaller regions like Viana do Castelo and Porto Alamada had fewer foreign patients.
In 2023, almost half of the foreign non-residents treated in public hospitals (49%) had no healthcare coverage or agreements for medical services. The total number of foreign patients has been steadily increasing, from 46,091 in 2021 to 89,371 in 2022. Notably, 43,264 foreign patients without insurance in 2023 contributed to a growing concern over the rising costs of healthcare for non-residents. This influx of foreign patients highlights a growing trend of individuals seeking expensive medical treatments in Portugal.
Health Minister Ana Paula Martins acknowledged the issue of foreign patients seeking costly treatments and promised to study the situation. However, the Ministry of Health, along with the president of the Portuguese Medical Association and the Portuguese Association of Hospital Administrators, did not respond to inquiries regarding future actions. Data collection on foreign patients’ visits was carried out by the General Inspectorate of Health Activities (IGAS) across 39 Local Health Units in October and November.
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7. Chef Vítor Adão Will Host a Guest Chef Every Month for a One-of-a-Kind Dinner
Vítor Adão is organizing a series of unique “four-handed” dinners at his restaurant ‘Plano’, in Graça, hosting a guest chef every month until 2025. The first dinner, with Miguel Laffan (Palma, Torre de Palma Wine Hotel), takes place this Saturday. Through these collaborations, Adão aims to blend origins, approaches, and “fire,” offering a six-course menu that promises to create sparks. Guest chefs include Diogo Rocha (Mesa de Lemos), Vasco Coelho Santos (Euskalduna Studio), and Rodrigo Castelo (Ó Balcão), each bringing their culinary expertise to the table.
The goal is for a chef to join Adão each month, creating a menu that reflects both the guest’s techniques and Adão’s tradition of bringing “Trás-Os-Montes” to the table. The dinners will be priced at €135, with wine pairings included. The collaboration with Laffan, for example, merges their shared experiences, creating an exclusive menu meant to “make faísca.” Adão facilitates the dynamic, ensuring the guests are part of an immersive, participatory culinary experience.
As 2025 progresses, guest chefs like Diogo Formiga (Encanto) and António Loureiro (A Cozinha) will join the series, each contributing their distinct flavor and philosophy to the events. The dinners are an exploration of Portugal’s evolving cuisine, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and the enriching exchange between chefs. Adão’s ongoing mission is to craft unforgettable culinary moments by uniting top chefs, their unique styles, and the vibrant culinary culture of Portugal.
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8. From Pine Trees to Bolo-Rei, Sintra Celebrates Christmas the Traditional Way
Sintra wants to keep Christmas traditions alive. In addition to the Christmas Kingdom promoted by the municipality, Parques de Sintra also offers extra reasons to visit this historic town during the holiday season. At locations like the Monserrate Cottage and the Pena Palace, families can engage in activities such as making traditional bolo-rei (king cake) and creating a Christmas tree full of history. The program starts on December 7 and runs until January 6. In “The Cottage Prepares Christmas,” visitors will be greeted by characters dressed as traditional Sintra peasants. Participants are invited to try their hand at the chores of the farm, such as making bolo-rei and crafting a Christmas decoration using natural elements. To conclude the event, there will be a visit to meet the farm’s animals. The program runs between December 7 and 21 at 10:30 AM. Tickets cost €14 for adults and €12.50 for children aged 3 to 12 years. Children under 3 can participate for free.
From December 29 to January 6, visitors to the Noble Hall of the Pena Palace will be able to see the historical recreation of King Fernando II’s Christmas tree, considered the first Christmas tree in Portugal. This tree differs from the modern decorated version. “The Pine Tree of Pena,” as the monarch called it, was a small pine adorned with very simple decorations, such as small figures and fruits like apples, pears, and pomegranates. Note that this initiative aims to teach the origins of this tradition in our country, and, to see this early Christmas tree up close, you can buy a ticket to visit the National Park and Palace of Pena or take advantage of free entry, available to residents of Portugal on Sundays and public holidays.
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9. The Stars of Christmas in Almada
Christmas is coming to Almada with a month full of events ranging from music to circus, comedy, and the usual gastronomic specialties. The “Feliz Almada” program kicks off on December 6th with a concert by Marisa Liz at the Comandante Júlio Ferraz Urban Park. The following day, the same stage will host Herman José’s “One Man Show.” The start of the celebrations will be marked by the inauguration of the Christmas lights at Praça da Liberdade, followed by a Christmas parade. The remaining program will feature a Christmas Circus with a performance by Rodrigo Gomes (8th), a concert by Carminho (15th), the Almada XMAS Comedy Night with Carlos Pereira, Ricardo Maria, Ana Arrebentinha, and David Cristina (20th), a concert with Carolina de Deus and Nena (21st), and magic performances by David Sousa (22nd).
“Feliz Almada” will also feature a Christmas Market at Praça São João Baptista, running from December 6th to 24th. Here, you will find a selection of artisans, artists, farmers, businesses, and private social solidarity institutions, along with a perfect gift for the holiday season. The market will also have food stalls where you can snack and enjoy various entertainment programs. Moreover, at Praça da Liberdade, from December 6th to 30th, “Cidade Natal” will offer a variety of attractions, such as an ice rink, Santa’s House, a Parisian carousel, a tram ride, and several interactive photo opportunities.
The event is free to attend, with access limited to the venue’s capacity and on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets should be picked up at the box office near the Feliz Almada tent one hour before the shows.
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10. A Different Orchestra: “It’s Necessary to Focus More on Ability and Less on Inability”
Paulo Jacob, music therapist and coordinator of ‘Ligados às Máquinas’ (Connected to the Machines), founded in the ‘Associação de Paralisia Cerebral de Coimbra’ (APCC – Association of Cerebral Palsy of Coimbra), seeks to address the lack of participation for people with severe neuromotor impairments. Starting in 2007 with a blend of technology and disability, Jacob’s project emerged as an “orchestra of samples,” allowing wheelchair-bound musicians to actively engage in creative processes. Technology, from hardware to software, was adapted to facilitate musical participation and enhance life quality, giving voice to those historically excluded from such activities.
Formed over years of experimentation, the group’s members, including Andreia Matos and Pedro Falcão, contributed personal sounds from their homes, assembling over 400 samples through a democratic process. The music, driven by diverse genres, is not strictly therapeutic but culturally enriching, positioning each participant as a cultural agent. Jacob guided them with gestures and eye contact, fostering an inclusive, collaborative atmosphere. Despite challenges like coordination, the project blossomed into a dynamic collective, where the intention was not just musical output but a shared experience that questioned societal norms and expectations.
‘Amor Dimensional’ (Dimensional Love), the group’s album set for release in December, is a product of collaboration with over 30 artists like Salvador Sobral and Rita Redshoes, who contributed samples. This album, born from seven months of sample collection, transcends typical boundaries of disability, exploring the group’s deep connection and the transformative potential of music. The title reflects the affection that unites them, with performances expected to challenge societal perceptions of disability, reversing the typical power dynamics and showcasing the ability of people with disabilities to shape culture.
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