Paula Gomes Freire, Managing Partner, is quoted by Jornal de Negócios in an article bringing together contributions from several leading figures on the outlook for 2026. In the piece, entitled '258 Leaders anticipate 2026´, Paula Gomes Freire outlines a global scenario of continued uncertainty, shaped by technological developments and geopolitical tensions.

Among the main factors that will continue to set the pace for 2026, VdA's Managing Partner anticipates that ‘tariffs, artificial intelligence, tension and war’ will remain in the spotlight, in an adverse global context. Nevertheless, she emphasises a positive outlook for Portugal, despite moderate economic growth forecasts in Europe.

The Managing Partner at VdA points to Portugal’s strong economic performance between 2022 and 2025, marked by surpluses in both the public and private sectors, debt reduction, growth in human capital and an improvement in the country’s credit rating. For 2026, Portugal is expected to once again grow above the European average.

Assuming that the current cycle of political stability can be maintained, Paula Gomes Freire believes that Portugal is well placed to continue to assert itself as one of the main investment destinations in Europe in 2026.

• This article is available in the 2 January 2026 edition of Jornal de Negócios.