Welcome to the Week em Breve, a wrap-up of important Portuguese news to keep you up to date and in the know.
Land Law Update to Allow Housing on Rural and Protected Land
The government has moved to relax land laws so municipalities can make rural, REN (National Ecological Reserve) and RAN (National Agricultural Reserve) land available for housing. The construction must be predominantly public or moderately priced housing, and there will be restrictions on the most sensitive ecological areas and agricultural land with the greatest potential, officials say.
Plans for Setubal Lithium Refinery Dropped
Galp has dropped plans for the Aurora lithium refinery in Setubal that was scheduled to start operations in 2026. This comes after Northvolt, a 50% partner in Aurora Lith, pulled out of the project earlier in the year. Northvolt, which makes batteries for electric vehicles, filed for bankruptcy last week.
There Are More American Students in Portugal than Ever, Claims Report
A new report by the United States Department of State revealed that over 1,600 American exchange students came to Portugal in the 2022/2023 academic year. This is more than ever before and represents an increase of almost 60% compared with 2021/2022.
There’s More to Portugal than Lisbon, says Turismo de Portugal
Turismo de Portugal is trying to alleviate concerns around the closure of several Lisbon museums next year, which coincides with a tourism campaign focused on Portugal’s culture. The National Museum of Theatre and Dance, the National Museum of Ancient Art, and the National Tile Museum will close for rehabilitation works for at least some of 2025. This is in addition to the National Archeology Museum, National Costume Museum, and National Music Museum already being closed.
Buried Banknotes Cause Headaches at Bank of Portugal
The Bank of Portugal has received and exchanged more than 1 million euros in unusable notes since 2020, according to Publico. The main cause of damage is due to burying notes in the ground — it seems Portugal’s healthy distrust of banks remains.
End Fuel Subsidies in Portugal, Says European Commission
The European Commission has called on Portugal to scrap its fuel subsidies, which include discounts on the Petroleum Products Tax (ISP) and an out-of-date carbon tax. Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, Minister of Finance of Portugal, argued in favor of the subsidies, saying that fuel prices need to be kept low. The disconnect has blocked the European Commission from giving Portugal’s budgetary plan, submitted in October, its unconditional endorsement.
