Daily Briefing -- Thursday, February 26, 2026

Finance Minister Hospitalised

Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento was admitted to Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon on Tuesday for medical tests. Hospital sources ruled out a stroke but provided no further details. The government has not announced interim arrangements, suggesting a brief absence is expected.

ETIAS Delayed Until at Least 2027

The EU's planned travel authorisation system for visa-exempt visitors has been officially postponed, a direct consequence of ongoing delays to the Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric border programme. Travellers from the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil will not need ETIAS pre-approval for Schengen trips until next year at the earliest.

BTL Tourism Fair Opens as Largest Ever

The 36th edition of BTL opened at Lisbon's FIL convention centre with 60,000 square metres of exhibition space, 1,700 exhibitors, and five pavilions. The tourism sector is projecting six percent growth for 2026. Public access begins Thursday at 5pm and runs through March 1.

Portugal Lands Three Spots on Europe's Best Destinations List

Camara de Lobos (Madeira), Lisbon, and the Costa Vicentina have all been named among Europe's best destinations for 2026, according to the European Best Destinations ranking. Madrid took the top spot overall, but Portugal's three entries were noted for their diversity.

Six-Planet Alignment Visible from Portugal This Weekend

A rare planetary alignment featuring Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, Mercury, Uranus, and Neptune will be visible from Portugal in the evenings around February 28. Four of the six planets can be seen with the naked eye, starting 30 to 60 minutes after sunset on the western horizon.

Portugal Confirms World Cup Friendly Against Chile

The Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed a pre-2026 World Cup friendly against Chile on June 6. It will be the fifth meeting between the two nations. The match is part of Portugal's preparation for the tournament, which kicks off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer.

EuroDreams Prize Won by Portuguese Bettor

A Portuguese player has won the second prize in the EuroDreams lottery draw held on February 23, securing 2,000 euros per month for five years. The winning bet was placed in Portugal, though the exact location has not been disclosed.

Lisbon Emergency Kits Debate at City Hall

The Livre party proposed distributing emergency preparedness kits to Lisbon residents during a public session of the city council. Mayor Carlos Moedas responded that the municipality has already distributed more than 2,000 such kits, expressing surprise at the proposal.