1. Lisbon Named Best Culinary Destination in Europe
Lisbon has been awarded the title of Best Culinary Destination in Europe at the World Culinary Awards, which was held on Wednesday in Dubai. Competing against renowned cities such as Barcelona, Copenhagen, Florence, London, Paris, and Vienna, Lisbon stood out as the victor in this prestigious category, which is closely associated with the World Travel Awards. Carlos Moedas, the president of Lisbon’s City Hall, expressed his pride in this recognition, emphasizing how the city’s culinary traditions beautifully blend with innovation. He underscored the significant role that the local economy and gastronomy play in enhancing Lisbon’s appeal as a tourist destination.
In addition to Lisbon’s accolade, Porto was honored as the Best Emerging Culinary Destination. The award for Best Fine-Dining Hotel Restaurant went to Vila Joya, while José Avillez’s Belcanto was named the Best Portuguese Restaurant. Now in its fifth edition, the World Culinary Awards aim to celebrate and promote global culinary culture, fostering gastronomic tourism by showcasing best practices and innovations across various categories. The winners are determined through public voting, reflecting the collective appreciation for culinary excellence.
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2. Celebration for Little Readers at the National Library
The third edition of the Festa dos Pequenos Leitores will take place on October 12 at the Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal, from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The event includes a book fair, workshops, and guided tours for all children up to 12 years old. The event’s highlights feature an opening concert with a Orquestra de Foles and various hands-on activities, including music, illustration, and visits to the “Hospital dos Livros” to learn about restoration and conservation.
Additionally, two exhibitions of children’s books will be showcased: 1) “A revolução ilustrada,” celebrating the 50 years of the April 25th Revolution; and 2) “A ilustração à conversa com um gigante,” marking the 500 years of Luís de Camões’ birth. The entry is free, but some activities, such as workshops and tours, require on-site registration and are limited to existing spots, working on a first come first served basis. For more information, the complete agenda is available for consultation on the Biblioteca’s website.
Where? National Library of Portugal. When? October 12, Saturday 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM. How much? Free.
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3. Portuguese Rivers and Waterways Will Be Restored
Over 300 km of rivers and streams in Portugal are set to be restored by 2026, with the ultimate goal of reaching 500 km by 2030 as part of the National Restoration Plan. The initiative, led by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), involves 18 projects across 24 municipalities in the Center and North of the country. Supported by €19.4 million in funding from the Environmental Fund and REACT-EU, these projects focus on renaturalizing riverbanks, improving water quality, and preventing floods by removing artificial barriers and promoting ecological balance in river ecosystems.
Key examples include interventions in rivers like Nabão and Este, where green zones and restored banks are being implemented to mitigate the impact of floods. Despite progress, critics from environmental NGOs argue for more transparency and call attention to the lack of projects in the South, where rivers like the Guadiana remain unaddressed. The APA counters that the absence of summer water flow in Southern rivers makes them less of a priority. Nevertheless, the restoration program remains dynamic, with plans for future interventions, new funding through Portugal 2030, and ongoing efforts to promote collaboration between municipalities for greater ecological impact.
The APA also focuses on stabilizing areas affected by wildfires, such as those in Guarda and Albergaria, with assessments ongoing for regions hit by 2023 fires. NGOs like the ANP|WWF stress the need for broader involvement in the National Restoration Plan and highlight the importance of protecting 20% of degraded ecosystems by 2030, as mandated by the new European Restoration Law.
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4. A Portuguese School Project Teaches Students About Emotions
“Atitude Positiva” is a socio-emotional learning project that exists in some Portuguese schools, aimed at fostering students’ self-awareness, confidence, and emotional intelligence. Implemented in schools across Cadaval and Torres Vedras, the program helps students from the 4th to 8th grades manage transitions between school cycles, express feelings, and develop self-control to prevent risky behaviors. The initiative emphasizes group dynamics, such as ice-breaking activities and collaborative games, to create a sense of unity among students. These activities allow students to share emotions, build team strategies, and gain insights into conflict management, teamwork, and assertiveness. By addressing key aspects like decision-making and self-esteem, the program creates a safe space for students to share their experiences and improve mental wellbeing.
The project, led by Académico de Torres Vedras (ATV), involves a team of psychologists who design and adapt materials such as board games and reflection exercises to enhance communication, social awareness, and relational skills. Teachers are involved, and the class-based approach ensures that the collective progress of students reduces aggressive behaviors and promotes positive interactions. Over its 20 years of existence, “Atitude Positiva” has reached around 25,000 students, expanding beyond Torres Vedras to other regions of Portugal. The program also has an international component, collaborating with European partners to develop digital tools addressing youth anxiety and social isolation.
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5. Social Security Blocks IBAN Changes after Dozens of Complaints
Around 90 victims have reported a loss of 60,000 euros due to unauthorized IBAN changes in Direct Social Security, prompting Social Security to block this functionality after receiving numerous complaints. The Judicial Police has advised victims to file complaints and update their digital security, as malicious interference allowed third parties to access beneficiaries’ credentials, leading to payments made to incorrect accounts. The Social Security has confirmed that they are collecting information to understand the situation better, as many payments did not reach the legitimate beneficiaries.
Note that the Social Security system requires beneficiaries to present proof of bank account ownership in person to change their IBAN. Additionally, they are also developing enhanced security measures for the process. Due to the vulnerability of some beneficiaries, exceptional financial support may be provided to meet immediate needs, depending on individual assessments and documentation proving ownership of the IBAN and filing of a criminal complaint. The number of reported cases may rise, indicating that more victims could still be unaware of their losses. Therefore, the total amount of 60,000 euros may also increase as additional cases come to light.
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6. The Latest Details on the Triple Homicide in Lisbon
A 33-year-old man is still on the run after a shocking triple homicide in the Vale neighborhood of Penha de França, where he shot and killed barber Carlos Pina and a couple, Bruno Neto and Fernanda Júlia, who were outside the barbershop. The attack reportedly stemmed from Carlos’s refusal to cut the murderer’s hair immediately, as he wanted to go to lunch. Witnesses say the assailant fled the scene in a green Land Rover with two relatives, who did not participate in the crime. Carlos, a father of five, including a baby, was shot inside the barbershop, while the couple, who leave behind a young daughter, was killed outside.
The crime has left the community reeling, prompting residents to set fire to vehicles allegedly linked to the suspect’s family. Additionally, reports indicate a 40-minute delay in emergency assistance, with the INEM denying any wrongdoing while acknowledging an impasse in accessing the crime scene. Note that promises of retaliation against the suspect and his family have emerged on social media. Due to the crime, the investigation has shifted to the Polícia Judiciária (PJ), which established a security perimeter around the barbershop and conducted searches at the suspect’s home, as the hunt for him intensifies.
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7. Porto’s Portuguese Safety
Portugal ranks among the seven most peaceful countries worldwide and the five most peaceful in Europe, according to the ex-Minister, José Luís Carneiro, which highlighted a decrease of 45,388 reported crimes since 2003, with significant reductions also noted in the Porto district, where there were 12,783 fewer crimes than two decades ago. Note that the overall safety of Porto is underscored by the continued growth in tourism, with eight million overnight stays in the Metropolitan Area of Porto in 2023, leading to increased public space activity. Moreover, the area experienced a rise in immigration, contributing to the local economy and demographics.
The discussion at the “What Porto for 2045?” debate, where the ex-Minister spoke, emphasized the need for a comprehensive, integrated approach to safety, including strategies for preventive civil protection and urban security. António Araújo, leading the civic movement Porto com Porto, called this the right time to reflect on pressing urban issues such as mobility and security. The goal is to compile a list of 50 proposals to present to local governance, addressing the myriad challenges facing the city. In particular, 70% of traffic accident victims were noted to occur on municipal roads, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety measures.
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8. Sporting Clube Portugal Proposes to Buy Alvaláxia Shopping Center for €17 Million
Members of Sporting Clube de Portugal voted overwhelmingly in favor of the buyback of the Alvaláxia shopping center located within the club’s stadium, achieving 96% approval during a recent general assembly. The proposal for acquiring the shopping center for €17 million accounted for 95.73% of the member’s votes, with 15,342 votes in favor. This, in turn, seems to reflect a strong desire among members to reacquire the property the club had previously sold. João Palma, president of the General Assembly, characterized this buyback as a significant turning point, signaling a return to reclaiming assets and demonstrating unity and support from the membership.
Additionally, the financial report from the previous season was approved with 94.54% of votes, indicating overall confidence in the club’s management. The acquisition aligns with Sporting’s strategic plan for the next ten years, aimed at transforming Alvaláxia into a new museum and creating a venue for entertainment both on game days and beyond. The space was originally sold in 2007 during Filipe Soares Franco’s presidency, and the club views the purchase as “strategic and of extreme importance” for its immediate future, enhancing the club’s role in the community and boosting its financial stability.
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9. The 2025 State Budget: Current Status and Negotiations Ahead
The government will unveil its proposed State Budget for 2025 (OE2025) on October 10, with ongoing negotiations with the Socialist Party (PS). The OE2025 includes €5.7 billion in additional spending, reflecting measures already approved in parliament and new initiatives. The opposition’s measures, valued at €740 million, primarily involve an IRS reduction and adjustments to VAT on electricity and toll exemptions. In contrast, the government’s measures account for €452 million, focusing on salary increases for public sector workers, pension adjustments, and IRS changes.
Projected economic growth is at 2%, with a budget surplus of 0.3% anticipated for 2024 and 2025. The government has revised its IRS Jovem proposal to expand eligibility to all youths under 35, allowing for a 13-year benefit period. However, the IRC tax remains a contentious point, with the government proposing a reduction from 21% to 20%, while the PS demands a reduction to 17%. Additionally, the government aims to reduce autonomous vehicle taxes and enhance salary incentives, while a bonus for pensioners is also on the table. The minimum wage will rise to €870, which, despite not being mandated in the budget, will affect public sector finances. Notably, the government’s commitment to reinstate extraordinary tax credits for investment is critical in negotiating a potential compromise with the PS. The government’s ability to secure a majority for the OE2025 hinges on satisfying multiple political factions while addressing pressing economic challenges.
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10. Free Social Transportation Pass and Public Transportation Investments
The government is set to approve the expansion of the free youth pass to all individuals up to 23 years old, regardless of their student status. This initiative, estimated to benefit an additional 241,000 individuals, will come into effect in November at an annual cost of 40 million euros. It is part of the Green Mobility Package, which aims to enhance the mobility of passengers and goods through various measures.
In the context of the State Budget, in the passenger transport sector, eight measures will be introduced, requiring a total investment of 115 million euros by 2025, while five measures for goods transport will involve an investment of 55 million euros. Additionally, the Passe Social + will be expanded to cover the entire continental territory, targeting long-term unemployed individuals and those with disabilities equal to or greater than 60%, with a name change to Passe Circula.pt.
The new pass will cost the country 17 million euros annually to cover around 100,000 more citizens than its predecessor. Apart from that, support of three million euros will also be allocated to municipalities and intermunicipal communities for developing Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans. Moreover, the government plans to invest 2.7 million euros in digitalization for intelligent mobility and enhance public transport user experiences.
Further investments include 10 million euros from the Public Transport Service Fund for decarbonization and green mobility promotion, alongside support for constructing bike lanes under the “Portugal Ciclável 2030” initiative and increased public administration assistance for bicycles and parking systems.
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