Stories from Lisbon · Portugal

The Lisbon Association of Property Owners has accused the executive branch of governing for insurance companies rather than citizens. This accusation follows the decision to make the creation of accident insurance mandatory.

The 2026 Open House event in Lisbon will feature 77 new spaces and 5 new routes. The event is part of the broader Lisbon Open House programming. Pedro Miguel Ribeiro will report on these additions. The event also includes 241 films as part of the Lisbon festival context.

This refusal occurred on the eve of September 28. Consequently, the COPOL authority is now responsible for issuing the mandates. A police commander in Lisbon is facing scrutiny regarding the selection and detention of individuals for preventive arrests.

Nearly 180 public works projects in Portugal have been delayed due to a storm combo. The delays are creating a precarious financial situation for the involved institutions.

A report from the National Commission for Monitoring the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) released this morning identifies a crisis in the social sector. Some investments are facing delays due to labor shortages, despite government efforts to attract immigrant workers through a 'green lane' initiative. A former economy minister stated that the 22 billion euro PRR program does not represent new investment but rather includes previously planned funds. The minister noted that the program's measures are not significantly different from previous levels. This situation may create challenges for insurers regarding international reinsurance of these funds. If targets are missed, funds may need to be redirected to other instruments. While the commission believes the targets can be met, failure to realize specific investments could necessitate redirecting funds to other instruments.

The asylum request for Diego Marin has not yet been resolved in Portugal. Supporters of the Amara.org community have expressed fear regarding government intentions to extradite Marin to Colombia to face justice. The client is seeking asylum based on alleged threats in Colombia.

The sale of Novo Banco to the French BPC has been finalized. The PCIE will take full ownership of Novo Banco after purchasing positions from American firm Lone Star and stakes held by the state and the resolution fund. The total value of the transaction is part of a broader restructuring process. This follows the previously planned terms for the acquisition. A monitoring commission report released this morning covering June of last year to March of this year identified 16 investments currently in a critical state. The report also noted that health and housing sectors are in critical condition regarding UPR investments. The final sale value reached 6.7 billion euros, which is 200 million euros above the previously projected amount. This occurs as the Eurozone recorded 1 percent growth in early 2026.

Prime Minister Luiz Montenegro stated the executive is working to connect all district capitals via highways. The announcement was made in Lisbon. A study is currently underway for a highway connection to Portalegre.

Portuguese company Tekever is developing autonomous AI drones to support British Apache helicopters. The drones will provide capabilities for reconnaissance, strikes, and electronic warfare in autonomous mode.

The National Commission for Monitoring the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) warned of persistent execution delays. The commission reported issues including decision-making delays and pressure on final beneficiaries. Currently, 37 investments are classified as being in a concerning or critical state. The government has been distracted from the PRR, focusing more on the 'PTRR' instead. This situation represents an aggravation of the PRR's status, with only four months remaining. The Socialist Party (PS) wants to hear Pedro Domingos in Parliament regarding the execution of the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Pedro Dominginhos, president of the PRR Monitoring Commission, stated that rising inflation could create difficulties for the recovery and resilience plan. He noted the plan is already being affected by the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.