Launch of the National Forum on Gaming, the Internet and Video Games has brought together key national actors in Portugal to address non-substance-related addictions, with crucial support from an EU/Council of Europe Project in aligning the initiative with international standards and good practices.
The National Forum was launched on 17 April 2026 in Cascais, marking an important step in Portugal’s response to problematic internet use, gaming and gambling. Around 25 organisations attended this first meeting, and the organisers expect the Forum’s scope to expand to include many more stakeholders in future editions.
The initiative was strongly endorsed by the Secretary of State for Health Ana Povo, who publicly promoted it as a national priority. The President of Institute on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies (ICAD, IP), Joana de Almeida Teixeira, also underlined the importance of addressing non-substance-related addictions, positioning the Forum as a strategic tool to mobilise society around public health objectives.
The event featured thematic presentations in the areas of Gaming, Internet/Screens and Gambling by Professor Eduarda Ferreira, Dr Mário Santos and Dr João Marques, who were present in their quality as National Experts appointed by ICAD. Participants from industry, health, regulatory bodies and people with lived experience of gambling problems shared their perspectives in a respectful and inclusive atmosphere, with public health as the guiding principle.
The National Forum was assisted by the Project, which provided expertise and technical input on international standards and good practices in the field of gaming, internet and gambling-related harms. This support helped ensure that the Forum’s design and discussions are aligned with evolving European and global approaches, strengthening the quality and impact of the national response.
Learn more here:
https://47khi.r.sp1-brevo.net/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsDg0aYLyD8nIXo55LHCVO/UgspjQ46Ybep
https://www.cascais.pt/noticia/forum-nacional-do-jogo-internet-e-videojogos
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DYvuQXPPuew
This project is co-funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument and implemented by the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the European Commission.