## Earthquake Details

On Tuesday, a **5.3 magnitude earthquake** was recorded off the coast of **São Miguel**, in the **Azores**. The **Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere** reported that the quake occurred at **7:14 AM local time** (8:14 AM in Lisbon). The **epicenter** was located approximately **25 kilometers south-southeast of Faial da Terra**.

### Understanding Earthquake Magnitude

Earthquakes are classified based on their magnitude:
- **Micro**: less than 2.0
- **Very Small**: 2.0 - 2.9
- **Small**: 3.0 - 3.9
- **Light**: 4.0 - 4.9
- **Moderate**: 5.0 - 5.9
- **Strong**: 6.0 - 6.9
- **Major**: 7.0 - 7.9
- **Great**: 8.0 - 8.9
- **Exceptional**: 9.0 - 9.9
- **Extreme**: over 10

Fortunately, no damage has been reported following this earthquake. 

*Source: Lusa*

Um sismo de magnitude 5.3 na escala de Richter foi esta terça-feira registado ao largo da Ilha de São Miguel, nos Açores, sem notícia de danos.


Magnitude 5.3 Earthquake Shakes São Miguel in the Azores – No Damage Reported

## Political Stability and the Recovery Plan

The **Monitoring Committee for the Recovery and Resilience Plan** stated today that despite the recent **collapse of Luís Montenegro's Government**, the execution of the plan should not be affected. However, they emphasized the need for prompt decision-making.

Pedro Dominguinhos, President of the National Monitoring Committee for the Recovery and Resilience Plan (CNA-PRR), mentioned, "In the next two months, we will experience a period of political uncertainty. Regardless of this situation, which always creates some entropy, there are instruments available for the caretaker government to approve necessary measures for the effective execution of the PRR."

### Current Discussions and Funding Requests

The **reprogramming of the PRR**, which was recently presented, is currently under discussion in **Brussels**, while the sixth payment request is being evaluated. For the **seventh disbursement request**, evidence is being gathered to establish a timeline.

According to the Monitoring Committee, it will be up to the caretaker government to decide whether there is enough time to collect this data or if it will fall to the next administration.

### Maintaining Investment Momentum

Dominguinhos expressed optimism that even in scenarios of political instability, the execution of the PRR can remain unaffected. He urged that ongoing investments should continue and even be accelerated, with preparations for planned investments to be made so they can be launched once the reprogramming is approved.

### Call for Timely Decisions

The committee made a plea for timely decision-making and for public administration bodies to continue their decision-making processes. If the reprogramming is approved during this period, it is crucial to start preparing tenders for new investments and to allow for applications to be submitted.

### Government Collapse

The **Assembly of the Republic** today rejected the confidence motion put forth by the government, leading to its resignation. The motion saw opposition from the **PS, Chega, BE, PCP, Livre**, and the lone PAN deputy, **Inês Sousa Real**, while the **PSD, CDS-PP**, and **Iniciativa Liberal** voted in favor.

According to the Constitution, the rejection of a confidence motion necessitates the **resignation of the government**. Luís Montenegro's executive is now in caretaker mode, limited to strictly necessary or urgent actions to continue its activities.

A Comissão de Acompanhamento do Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência defendeu hoje, após a queda do Governo de Luís Montenegro, que a execução do plano não deve ser afetada, mas pediu que sejam tomadas decisões.

Political Uncertainty: Will Portugal's Recovery Plan Stay on Track?

## Welcome to the **Better Tourism Lisbon**
The BTL marks its 35th anniversary with a rebranding from Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa to **Better Tourism Lisbon** Travel Market. This change aims to enhance its international positioning while expanding its **B2B and B2C offerings**.

## Check-in
The fair kicks off on Wednesday at FIL - Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre, starting with professionals. The general public can enter from **5 PM on Friday**. The fair runs Saturday from **12 PM to 11 PM** and Sunday from **12 PM to 8 PM**. Tickets are priced at **€8** each (or **€20** for three and **€26** for four) and can be purchased online at [btl.fil.pt](https://btl.fil.pt).

## World Map of Destinations
This year, BTL expects to attract **around 80,000 visitors**, featuring about **1,500 exhibitors** and **600 events** over five days. The fair will showcase national and international destinations across four pavilions, including **gastronomy**, **enotourism**, and unique segments like **Weddings** and **Wellness**. Families can enjoy the **Kids Route**, where children receive a passport for a fun adventure.

## A Passport to 4,000 Prizes
Visitors can explore international destinations through the **BTL Passport**, with a chance to win **4,000 prizes**, including trips, vouchers, and hotel stays.

## Featured Municipality: **Leiria**
This year’s spotlight is on **Leiria**, humorously addressing its lesser-known status in the tourism sector with the phrase “Leiria doesn’t exist.” The municipality will showcase its heritage and gastronomy in Pavilion 2, promoting its growth potential in tourism.

## National Destination: **Alentejo and Ribatejo**
Representing a mega tourism region, Alentejo and Ribatejo will present numerous projects, live cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances, emphasizing their rich history and offerings.

## International Destination: **Cuba**
Cuba is this year’s International Guest Destination, showcasing its cultural diversity, music, and culinary delights, aiming to maintain its popularity with Portuguese travelers.

## A Different Destination: **Ukraine**
Despite its current challenges, Ukraine participates to promote solidarity and future tourism, emphasizing its cultural heritage and inviting visitors to support its recovery.

## Music and Entertainment
Throughout the fair, various performances will occur, including fado and regional folklore. Notable acts include the **Casa de Fados da Cuca Roseta**, with performances scheduled daily.

## Taste the World
Visitors can enjoy a variety of global flavors, from coffee and wines to Brazilian delights and even learn arts like **origami** and **calligraphy**. The fair offers a plethora of experiences, making each day unique!

Abre a maior feira de turismo do país: de 4.ª a 6.ª para profissionais, a partir das 17h de sexta para todos. Entre promoções e passatempos, festa e destinos, a BTL é também uma viagem.

Explore the Exciting BTL: Lisbon's Premier Tourism Fair Unveils New Features and Destinations!

![Algarve Citrus](https://www.agroportal.pt/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ccdr-algarve.gif)

**CCDR Algarve**'s President José Apolinário and Vice-President Pedro Valadas Monteiro will participate in the event **“Citrinos do Algarve – IGP, a valuable asset for promoting tourism in the region”** on March 12 at 14:00 at the **BTL – Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market 2025**. This initiative, in partnership with **AlgarOrange** and the Algarve Tourism Region, aims to enhance the visibility of Algarve's citrus fruits.

The event will kick off with a presentation of a **study on the perception and consumption of Algarve oranges**, developed by students from the **University of Algarve**. Attendees will also enjoy a **tasting session featuring innovative cocktails** made with Algarve oranges and other local agro-food products, curated by the **Vila Real de Santo António School of Hospitality and Tourism** in collaboration with **AlgarOrange**.

**AlgarOrange**, founded in 2018, is a non-profit organization representing Algarve's citrus producers, accounting for approximately **40% of the region's citrus production** and **30% of national production**. The Algarve is home to the **largest citrus production** in Portugal, with **87% of the country’s orange production** occurring here. The 2023-2024 campaign has seen a **10% increase** in productivity compared to the last decade.

This production generates an annual revenue of **€180 million**. In 2023, regional fruit exports exceeded **€107.5 million**, making up **37% of Algarve's exports**, with oranges being the third most exported fruit in Portugal. **90% of these exports** go to the European market, particularly to Spain, France, and Poland.

The **EU-regulated label** ensures the authenticity of the product. The **Citrinos do Algarve IGP (Protected Geographical Indication)** boasts unique characteristics such as a thin, colorful peel and high juice content. In the last decade, the IGP certification has significantly contributed to the growth of Algarve’s agro-food sector, with a record of **64,000 tons** of IGP Citrus sold in the 2023/24 campaign, marking a **360% increase** since 2016/17.

With support from European funds, the citrus sector has undergone transformations, investing in production technologies, including efficient irrigation management and fruit processing for commercialization.

The initiative **“Citrinos do Algarve – IGP, a valuable asset for promoting tourism in the region”** is part of the **PDR2020-20.2-FEADER-092942 (Technical Assistance RRN 2023)** program.

*Source: CCDR Algarve*

O Presidente e o Vice-Presidente da Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional (CCDR) do Algarve, I. P., José Apolinário e Pedro Valadas Monteiro, respetivamente, participam na ação “Citrinos do Algarve – IGP, um ativo para a promoção turística da Região”, evento promovido pela CCDR Algarve | Agricultura e Pescas, em parceria com a AlgarOrange – […]

Discover the Algarve's Citrus Treasures at Lisbon's Tourism Fair

## Enhancing Railway Connections to Spain

The **National Railway Plan** outlines strategic priorities to enhance **railway connections to Spain**, particularly focusing on **high-speed lines**. Improving access to major urban areas is also a key goal.

The plan was approved during a recent **Council of Ministers** meeting, directing **Infraestruturas de Portugal** to conduct necessary studies for the following railway investments:

- **Modernization and electrification** of the Vouga Line, ensuring full interoperability with the North Line.
- Evaluation of options for a **direct connection from the West Line to Lisbon**, specifically to the **Cintura Line**.
- Strengthening **cross-border connections to Spain**, including high-speed links between **Porto/Vila Real/Bragança/Spain**, as well as connections from **Aveiro/Viseu/Salamanca** and **Faro/Huelva**.

This approved plan confirms the development priorities for the **high-speed network**, which includes already approved routes from the previous administration, such as **Porto-Lisbon**, **Porto-Vigo**, and **Lisbon-Madrid**.

## Public Consultation and Legislative Support

The investments outlined in the national railway plan were subject to public consultation initiated by the previous government. They are considered the result of extensive public feedback, complying with legal frameworks and a **parliamentary resolution** recommending the plan's approval. Discussions with Spain during the latest **Luso-Spanish summit** also contributed to the final outcome.

The **Ministry of Infrastructure** has indicated that the realization of these projects in the medium term is part of the **National Investment Program 2030**, which is also a continuation from the previous government.

Minister **Miguel Pinto Luz** emphasized the importance of addressing the backlog in railway development, stating, "It is crucial for Portugal to catch up on railway infrastructure. Defining priorities and investing in modernization is a complex process that has dragged on for years, and we must have the courage to pursue it if we want to honor international commitments and, above all, commitments to the Portuguese people."

Plano Ferroviário Nacional estabelece como prioridades as ligações a Espanha a partir de Bragança, Viseu e Faro/Huelva. E pede estudos sobre ligação da Linha do Oeste à Linha de Cintura em Lisboa

Portugal's National Railway Plan: Boosting Connections to Spain and Enhancing Lisbon's West Line

**An 11-year-old child sustained minor injuries** on Tuesday following a collision between two cars in Paço de Arcos (Oeiras municipality), on the **Marginal Avenue**, which connects Lisbon and Cascais. According to an official source from the **Paço de Arcos Volunteer Firefighters**, who provided assistance, one vehicle crossed the central divider and collided with a car traveling in the opposite direction.  
  
Fortunately, the child, who was traveling in one of the vehicles, was the only person injured in the incident. The same source confirmed that **hospitalization was not necessary** as the injuries were minor.  
  
Following the accident, traffic was significantly disrupted in both directions, with considerable delays still reported towards Lisbon around 10:45 AM.

Um veículo galgou o separador central e foi embater num carro que circulava no sentido contrário. Acidente aconteceu na Avenida Marginal, que liga Cascais a Lisboa. Criança ficou com ferimentos leves.

11-Year-Old Injured in Car Collision on Marginal Avenue Between Cascais and Lisbon

**Tribeca Festival Lisboa** is back for its **2nd edition**, taking place from **October 30 to November 1, 2025**, at **Unicorn Factory Lisboa**. Following the success of its inaugural event, this year's festival promises an **expanded three-day program** featuring a diverse selection of **independent films from the USA**, **Portuguese films**, **series**, **podcasts**, and **musical showcases**. Attendees can also look forward to **live discussions** with both international and local stars.  

The festival has been enhanced with improved venues, upgraded screenings, and an even more welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved. Jane Rosenthal, co-founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises, expressed her excitement, noting that “Lisbon welcomed the Tribeca Festival with open arms last year, and we found a home away from home, a creative refuge filled with inspiration and innovation.”  

Francisco Pedro Balsemão, CEO of Impresa, emphasized the unique experience the first festival provided to the Portuguese audience and looks forward to elevating the **quality content** and unforgettable discussions this year. Carlos Moedas, President of the Lisbon City Council, reiterated the festival's importance in reinforcing Lisbon's commitment to **culture and artistic innovation**, solidifying its status as a major global cultural hub.  

The inaugural festival featured the **Portuguese premiere of “Anora”** by Sean Baker, which won five Oscars, including **Best Picture**. Highlights included live conversations with Tribeca co-founders **Robert De Niro** and **Jane Rosenthal**, as well as notable talents like **Whoopi Goldberg**, **Patty Jenkins**, and others.

Após o sucesso da 1ª edição, o evento regressa para apresentar uma variedade de filmes independentes dos EUA, películas portuguesas, séries, podcasts e

Get Ready for the 2nd Edition of Tribeca Festival Lisboa: Exciting Updates Await!

### Major Budget Increase for Lisbon's Violet Line

The **Violet Line** of the Lisbon metro, which will connect the municipalities of **Loures** and **Odivelas**, is set to see an **increase in costs** by **€150 million**, raising the total expenditure to **€677 million** from the previously estimated **€527 million**. This decision was approved during a recent cabinet meeting and announced by the **Ministry of Infrastructure**.

### Extended Timeline for Completion

In addition to the budget increase, the timeline for the completion of the project has also been pushed back. The line, originally expected to be completed by **2027**, will now not be operational until **2029**.

### Reasons Behind the Changes

Minister **António Leitão Amaro** highlighted that the initial construction bids were deemed too low, leading to their rejection. He stated, "It is necessary to launch the tender, materialize this work, and revise the values upwards due to price conditions."

The ministry noted all submitted bids for the Violet Line construction exceeded the base price by an average of **46%** compared to the previous government's estimates. Consequently, the project’s cost has surged by **28%**, and new funding sources from both national and European avenues are being explored.

### Project Details

The Violet Line construction was initially projected to require **€250 million** for design and construction, including the acquisition of rolling stock and signaling systems. The line will span **11.5 km** and feature **17 stations**. In Loures, **nine stations** will be built, serving the parishes of Loures, Santo António dos Cavaleiros, and Frielas, over a stretch of approximately **6.4 km**. Meanwhile, in Odivelas, stations will be established in Póvoa de Santo Adrião, Olival de Basto, Odivelas, Ramada, and Caneças, covering about **5.1 km**. The design includes **12 surface stations, three underground, and two in a trench**.

The financing will be secured through the **European Investment Bank** and increased contributions from the state budget and the **Environmental Fund**. However, due to the delays, the Violet Line will not be included in the **Recovery and Resilience Plan** (PRR) as previously confirmed by the government in February.

O Governo aprovou o reforço do investimento na linha Violeta do metro de Lisboa, que vai servir Odivelas e Loures. O concurso para a construção da linha não teve seguimento devido aos valores baixos. 

Magnitude 5.3 Earthquake Shakes São Miguel in the Azores – No Damage Reported

Summary:

Earthquake Details

Understanding Earthquake Magnitude

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Political Uncertainty: Will Portugal's Recovery Plan Stay on Track?

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Lisbon's Violet Metro Line Faces Major Budget Hike and Delayed Completion Until 2029

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Political Uncertainty: Will Portugal's Recovery Plan Stay on Track?

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Portugal's National Railway Plan: Boosting Connections to Spain and Enhancing Lisbon's West Line

11-Year-Old Injured in Car Collision on Marginal Avenue Between Cascais and Lisbon

Get Ready for the 2nd Edition of Tribeca Festival Lisboa: Exciting Updates Await!

Lisbon's Violet Metro Line Faces Major Budget Hike and Delayed Completion Until 2029