MEPs adopt priorities for COP31 pushing EU-led fossil fuel phase-out treaty
The European Parliament has approved a resolution setting its priorities for COP31, to be held in Antalya, Turkey, from 9 to 20 November. A 15-strong delegation led by Portuguese MEP Lídia Pereira (PSD) will urge all countries to adopt a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels, as agreed at COP30, and call on the EU to lead negotiations on a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty. MEPs also warn of a widening gap between climate finance needs and available funds, asking for more grant-based support that does not add to vulnerable countries' debt, and for adaptation funding to triple by 2035.
EU green-claims rules now apply, but Portugal has yet to write them into law
New EU rules against greenwashing took effect on 27 September, stemming from a 2024 directive on empowering consumers for the green transition. Vague labels such as "eco" or "environmentally friendly" need certified proof, carbon-neutral claims based on offset credits are banned, self-invented sustainability labels are barred, and future pledges need a verified plan. Portugal should have transposed the directive by March 2026 and faces infringement proceedings from Brussels; a parliamentary initiative filed on 3 September urges the government to act. Meanwhile, buyers can already use the 2021 consumer sales law, complaints books, ASAE, DECO or consumer arbitration centres.
Public sector decarbonisation programme grows to 901 bodies with 80 new members
The ECO.AP 2030 programme, which supports decarbonisation and resource efficiency in Portugal's public administration, now covers 901 entities and 785 energy and resource managers. Data from the energy agency ADENE, as of 30 September 2026, show 80 new members and 75 new managers in 12 months. The monitoring platform added 1,918 installations and 9,352 vehicles, and now also tracks street lighting and urban equipment. A total of 116 bodies have validated efficiency plans, and the agriculture and sea, finance and justice ministries published targets, bringing the total to five. The network of territorial coordinators nearly doubled to 32, 22 of them from local government.
World Energy Saving Day highlights simple ways households can cut consumption
World Energy Saving Day, marked on 21 October since 2012, aims to raise awareness among businesses, governments and the public of the need for energy efficiency. As renewables grow and transport, buildings and industry electrify, using energy responsibly matters more. The International Energy Agency and European Commission suggest everyday steps: lowering the thermostat one degree cuts heating use by about 7%, while raising air-conditioning one degree trims electricity use by nearly 10%. They also recommend checking the A-to-G energy label, repairing rather than replacing products, and working remotely or using public transport. A DECO study found 64% of Portuguese respondents say energy and fuel weigh most on household budgets.
Madeira opens €6.7 million freight aid for local producers, with higher ceilings and rates
Madeira's business development institute has opened applications for a €6.7 million incentive scheme covering the cost of shipping goods produced, imported or reprocessed on the island in 2025. Manufacturing and processing firms can claim up to €750,000 each, with co-funding of 80% for companies licensed in the Madeira Free Zone and 90% for the rest. Projects must show at least €7,500 in eligible spending. The money comes 85% from the European Regional Development Fund and 15% from the regional budget, and bids must be lodged on the Balcão dos Fundos platform by 17:00 on 20 November 2026.
Five Madeira food firms report new export leads after Paris SIAL fair
Five Madeira food and drink companies took part in SIAL Paris 2026, held from 17 to 21 October, and describe the trip as a success. Sweets & Sugar says it identified around 40 priority contacts across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, while first-time exhibitor Tequerys, which makes Venezuelan-style snacks, met buyers from four continents. The other participants, IlhaPeixe, Ilhopan and Martins & Martins, also cite leads with European and South American professionals. Invest Madeira organised the delegation, and the regional economy secretary says the government will keep backing internationalisation so that these contacts turn into lasting trade, exports and jobs.
Viana do Castelo factory ships first power unit for data centres abroad
The first EPOD unit built at the Nordic EPOD factory in Viana do Castelo left the site for export on Wednesday, the start of shipments from a plant that began operating in August. Located between the parishes of Darque and Vila Nova de Anha, it makes large systems that receive, transform, distribute and stabilise electricity so data centres keep running. Planned output is about 450 units a year, with projected annual turnover of 650 million euros and 90% of production going to Europe and the Middle East at first. The site covers 110,000 square metres, 21,000 of them built. Mayor Luís Nobre called it a milestone for the company and the municipality.
Kiwa Portugal launches training needs assessment for ISO management systems
Kiwa Portugal has introduced a training diagnostic aimed at companies working with ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety). The tool assesses how prepared a company's teams are, flags priority areas for skills development and supports the drafting of training plans tied to business goals and standards requirements. It targets firms in industry, construction and services, including SMEs, and sits alongside the company's existing assessment, certification and skills-development offer. Kiwa says the growing complexity of management-system requirements means success depends increasingly on whether staff have the knowledge to apply procedures consistently.
Viana do Castelo polytechnic promotes its courses at seven Latin American fairs and university meetings
The Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo (UNIPVC) took part in a 16-day mission across Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Chile, attending seven international education fairs organised by BMI GlobalEd | Times Higher Education. It made contact with more than 500 prospective students, mainly interested in master's and doctoral programmes. The trip was part of the Study & Research in Portugal initiative, the first joint action of its kind in Latin America, involving over 20 Portuguese institutions. In Mexico and Colombia, UNIPVC also met several universities to explore cooperation on mobility, joint training and shared academic projects. At UNAM, two Erasmus+ projects with Portuguese and Mexican partners were identified, one coordinated by UNIPVC on social entrepreneurship.
SIC and dstgroup launch €70,000 annual prize in memory of Francisco Pinto Balsemão
Broadcaster SIC and construction firm dstgroup have launched "Deixar o Mundo Melhor" (Leaving the World Better), a movement inspired by the legacy of Francisco Pinto Balsemão, one year after his death. It was presented at the MUZEU in Braga before local mayors, the Archbishop of Braga, university rectors, Balsemão's relatives and journalists from SIC and Expresso. The initiative aims to give visibility to people, ideas and projects that improve society, and will award an annual prize of €70,000. Cardinal José Tolentino Mendonça, one of the jury, sent a video message. Balsemão's son, Francisco Pedro, said the tribute is one his father would have valued most.
Faro parish sets aside €60,000 for resident-chosen projects and holds two more meetings
The merged parish of Sé and São Pedro in Faro is putting €60,000 into its 2026 participatory budget, with up to €15,000 available per project. Two further public meetings take place on 23 October at the municipal library and on 24 October in the Hangares community on Culatra Island, after earlier sessions at Patacão and Areal Gordo. Anyone aged 16 or over who lives, studies or works in the parish may take part. Proposals close on 25 October and then go through technical review. Public voting runs from 15 December to 5 February, with results due on 12 February 2027.
Alentejo estate boss named Best Portuguese Hotelier at Iberian luxury awards
Rita Andrade Soares, chief executive of Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, has won the Best Portuguese Hotelier title at the DUCO Spain & Portugal Awards 2026, presented at a ceremony in Marbella, Spain. The Alentejo regional tourism promotion agency, ARPTA, welcomed the recognition of her career and her role in raising the profile of Portuguese luxury hospitality. Accepting the prize, she shared it with her family and team. The estate, near Albernoa in the municipality of Beja, is a family-run Relais & Châteaux member combining a luxury hotel, wine tourism, gastronomy and nature experiences, with an emphasis on local produce and sustainability.
