Stories from Lisbon · Portugal

A report indicates that June weather was significantly drier in the interior and parts of northwest Spain, contributing to an exceptional wildfire season.

A report published on Wednesday indicates that 2025 was the hottest year ever recorded. The report notes that Europe is experiencing warming at a rate twice as fast as the global average. This data follows previous warnings regarding rising greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related risks. This prediction is based on current climate trends and scientific modeling.

New measures in Portugal have prohibited public access to the identification of political party and campaign donors. This change follows decades of allowing the consultation of donor identities and political financing details. The measure has faced criticism while being welcomed by more discreet financiers.

The NGO Dress a Girl, founded in the United States in 2009, provides dresses to girls in underprivileged countries. The organization began operations in Portugal in 2016 and transitioned into a non-profit entity in 2018.

The Portuguese Air Force confirmed that F-16M fighter jets conducted an operational mission that involved breaking the sound barrier. The mission was described as a necessary operational requirement.

The Portuguese Football Federation will change the rules for the Taça de Portugal starting next season. Semi-finals will now be played as single matches at neutral venues. The final will continue to be held at the Estádio Nacional in Jamor. Some Portuguese clubs have expressed disagreement with this new format. Under this schedule, the championship concludes, followed by the semi-finals one week later, and the final 15 days after that. The change aims to align the cup's structure with the Taça da Liga. The format change follows incidents involving players Vinicius Junior and an Argentine player during a Real Madrid match in February. The new model is described as being similar to the English cup format. The Taça de Portugal competition format will be altered starting next season, according to reports from Jornal Record.

The resignation of José João Abrantes has created uncertainty regarding the timing of judicial elections scheduled for early May. Abrantes has not formalized his departure, stating he does not wish to fuel controversy.

The Southern Farmers Association reports a second wave of Blue Tongue disease in the region. The outbreak has been aggravated by extreme weather conditions and a lack of livestock assistance and food.

Consultancy firm Conexos is entering the Iberian market to target the techno-industrial sector. The company aims to support both small enterprises and large corporations in management and operational efficiency.

The average rate for new bank loans to companies in Portugal was 3.8 percent in 2025. The Portuguese anticorruption mechanism reports that nearly 81% of cases result in dismissal orders. The National Anticorruption Mechanism (MENAC) reported a high dismissal rate for criminal cases in 2025. Out of 478 decisions communicated to MENAC by courts and the Public Ministry, nearly 81% were dismissal orders. Corruption and abuse of power were the leading types of infractions reported through the established channel. Portugal's anti-corruption mechanism reported a high rate of criminal case dismissals in 2025. Investigations are reportedly hindered by the high level of rationality of those committing the crimes and the prevalence of anonymous complaints. Approximately 44% of reported communications involve local public administration.