Daily Briefing -- Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Saharan Dust Returns to Portugal Starting Today

A wave of dust from the Sahara Desert is set to drift over mainland Portugal beginning Tuesday, bringing hazy skies and reduced air quality. IPMA warns the phenomenon will intensify throughout the week. Residents with respiratory conditions should take precautions, and drivers should expect reduced visibility in some areas, particularly in the south.

Pordata Study: Portugal Has Sixth-Lowest Purchasing Power in EU

New data from Pordata's interactive EU comparison platform reveals Portugal has the sixth-lowest purchasing power among the 27 member states, despite a cost of living below the European average. Housing prices rose 24.1 percent since 2020 -- the second-highest increase in the bloc, behind only Greece. The figures underscore the widening gap between economic growth and household welfare.

US Ambassador Presses Portugal on F-35 Purchase and Defence Spending

Ambassador John Arrigo told CNN Portugal he wants to see Portuguese defence spending reach five percent of GDP by 2035, more than doubling the current two percent. He also signalled Washington's desire to reduce a 3.8-billion-dollar trade deficit that currently favours Portugal. Lockheed Martin's F-35 competes with Sweden's Gripen to replace Portugal's ageing F-16 fleet.

Government's PTRR Recovery Plan Approved Without Budget or Funding

The Council of Ministers approved the PTRR last Friday, a successor to the PRR with targets through 2034. The government acknowledged the plan will lead to fiscal deterioration but hopes to use EU exception clauses for extraordinary reconstruction spending. Analysts warn a supplementary budget may still be necessary, and a return to deficit is possible.

Portugal's Bureaucracy Criticized as Barrier to Growth

Commentator Henrique Raposo, writing in Renascenca, described Portugal's bureaucracy as "so complicated it has become comical," arguing it is a root cause of low salaries, weak purchasing power, and high housing costs. The criticism echoes growing calls from business groups and economists for regulatory simplification.

Foster Care Campaign Launches in the Algarve

AIPAR, a social solidarity institution based in Faro, has launched the "Tempo de Acolher" campaign to recruit foster families across the Algarve. The initiative highlights a striking statistic: 95 percent of children in care in Portugal live in institutions, the highest rate in Europe. The campaign runs throughout February.

Egg Prices Stable in 2026 After Sharp Rise Last Year

The price of a half-dozen eggs increased by 0.50 euros compared to February 2025 but has remained stable so far this year, according to consumer protection group DECO. The data suggests some easing in food inflation pressures, though overall grocery costs remain elevated compared to pre-2024 levels.