Algarve municipalities' body approves €26.6 million 2027 budget with transport and climate priorities
The Algarve's intermunicipal body, AMAL, has approved a €26,622,565 budget for 2027, which now goes to its Intermunicipal Assembly for a vote. Transport is a lead priority: AMAL expects to choose the winner of a new tender for the VAMUS Algarve 2026-2034 intercity bus service, aimed at decarbonising the sector. On climate, it plans to finish climate action plans for all 16 municipalities and update the regional adaptation plan so it also covers mitigation. Other priorities include managing Algarve2030 EU funds, digital transition and social action, plus preparing for reduced European support after 2030.
Azores sets aside €450,000 to secure access to Ferraria point in 2027
The Azores regional government plans to spend €450,000 in 2027 on protecting and stabilising the route to Ponta da Ferraria, one of São Miguel's most visited tourist spots. Access is currently restricted after a temporary closure caused by landslides, which drew criticism from businesses and political parties. Environment secretary Alonso Miguel presented the figure while discussing the 2027 Plan and Budget, in which his department's investment rises by about €6 million, or 20%, on 2026. It also funds soil bioremediation studies on Terceira, retention basins and environmental monitoring. The Assembly votes on the budget in November.
Marine scientists warn 2027 budget cuts threaten Portugal's ocean research and restoration plans
Marine researchers are using National Sea Day to warn that Portugal's ocean ambitions depend on stable science funding. Only about 15% of this year's research project bids were recommended for funding, and the 2027 budget could cut the science foundation's allocation by more than 20% as recovery money ends. Long-term monitoring of coasts and estuaries cannot survive year-to-year financing, and the nature restoration plan, costed at €500 million a year, needs that data to be judged. They call for protected multi-year funding, regular grant calls, secure careers and more ocean literacy.
Alentejo 2030 opens funding call for sustainable affordable public rental housing
The Alentejo 2030 programme has opened a call, Aviso ALT2030-2026-64, to expand public housing let at affordable rents. Projects must be led by municipalities or inter-municipal bodies and follow New European Bauhaus and circular-economy principles, stressing sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion. Investments should reach high standards of energy efficiency, accessibility and resource use, include green spaces and test new construction models built on circularity, technology and nature-based solutions. Municipalities, inter-municipal communities and their business entities can apply, except in the coastal Alentejo sub-region covered by the Just Transition Fund. Social solidarity institutions may join through a protocol with a municipality. Applications run in fourteen phases, from November 2026 to December 2027.
Leiria council plans 200 controlled-cost homes on five municipal plots
Leiria's municipality is to build 200 controlled-cost homes, mayor Gonçalo Lopes announced at an extraordinary Municipal Assembly session on the state of the municipality. The homes will go on five council-owned plots in the urban area of Leiria and in Marrazes, land that was handed over for public facilities during subdivision procedures. They are aimed at young people and middle-class families, with affordable rents.
Faro plans 480 price-controlled homes on its outskirts
Faro City Council expects to open a tender before the end of the year for the design and construction of 480 homes at controlled prices. The development is planned for Braciais, on the outskirts of the Algarve capital. The mayor was the one to reveal the plan.
Parties file budget amendments on housing, from loan guarantees to scrapping moderate rent
On the last day for submitting amendments to the state budget, housing dominated the proposals, and the number filed set a record. The governing AD alliance wants to widen the public guarantee on housing loans. Chega is betting on tax deductions. The left is pushing to abolish the "moderate rent" scheme, which caps rents at around 2,300 euros.
Portuguese business leaders demand concrete action on housing as hiring suffers
Business leaders in Portugal are adding their voices to calls for concrete housing measures, saying high costs and a shortage of affordable homes are making it harder for companies to recruit. The problem is felt in every area where firms operate, and hits hardest among workers who have to relocate, including foreign staff, who can make up a large share of some workforces. The president of the Portuguese Business Association, Luís Miguel Ribeiro, said the State must lead by example. The intervention comes as parties are still trading blame, with around 2,500 proposals tabled for the 2027 State Budget.
Silves reforms planning rules and staffing to cut application delays
Silves Council has introduced new measures to speed up planning and building procedures as it adapts to national reforms under the Simplex Urbanístico programme. These include new rules for dealing with the public, mandatory application forms and technical requirements for digital submissions. Additional technical and architecture staff were hired from 1 October and have been trained on the legislative changes. A new municipal urbanisation and building regulation is being fast-tracked. The council is also building an electronic licensing platform to end paper applications, though it has given no launch date, and it continues to expand its GeoSilves online planning map.
Mealhada presents €1.9m plan to remodel Luso's Quinta do Alberto
Residents of Luso have seen the plans to redevelop the Quinta do Alberto. The work will be done in two phases. The first, worth €1.9 million, goes back out to public tender after the earlier round drew no bids, and could finish in 2027. It includes a new car park, traffic reorganisation on two streets, pedestrian zones, a waterfall, a panoramic lift, a viewpoint and a café. The second phase adds a green park of native species. Parking was the main worry: the council says time-limited spaces will remain in the village centre, but local officials fear older residents will struggle.
CDS-PP presents Câmara de Lobos with 2027 budget wishlist spanning traffic, sewage, farming and heritage
The Câmara de Lobos branch of the CDS-PP has put forward its proposals for the municipality's 2027 budget, after meeting the deputy mayor. On mobility, it wants a traffic-flow plan, more parking in congested streets, more bus-stop shelters and more electric-vehicle charging points. On environment, it seeks a deal with public company ARM to extend the sewage network and a composting centre. Farmers hit by bad weather or pests would get municipal support, with tougher rodent control and new farm tracks. The party also asks for a heritage inventory, recordings of local brass bands, three promised museums and a birth-rate incentive for Curral das Freiras.
Three-day European Funds showcase in Portugal closes with projects and public meetings
The 2026 edition of the Mostra dos Fundos Europeus has ended after three days of initiatives, projects, hands-on experiences and meetings. The event set out to show how European funds, channelled through Portugal 2030, are being used to build a country with more opportunities. Organisers described the days as a mix of discovery, dialogue and closeness between people and projects, stressing investment, innovation and cooperation. They thanked participants, partner bodies, exhibitors and visitors, and said they hope to return for a next edition.
Miranda do Corvo and Aga Khan Foundation sign cooperation deal on education and sustainability
The municipality of Miranda do Corvo and the Aga Khan Foundation Portugal signed a strategic cooperation protocol on Friday, 6 November. It provides for joint projects in education, citizenship, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. The partnership is meant to strengthen ties between the two institutions and forms part of the municipal Miranda Family Lab strategy, which aims to position the municipality as a family-friendly place.
Arcos de Valdevez launches social card for over-65s and people with disabilities
The municipality of Arcos de Valdevez has introduced the Cartão Municipal Inclusão +, a social support measure for residents aged 65 or over, or with a disability rating of at least 60% certified by a multipurpose medical certificate. Cardholders can access benefits and discounts on municipal, cultural, sports and educational services, along with support for public transport and parking. Applications can be made mainly through the council's official website, or in person at the town hall's public service desk by filling in a form and handing in the required documents.
