Martim Kuprenski calls for regulatory stability and a strategic focus on technology in 2026

Martim Kuprenski, Managing Partner at Morais Leitão, in a commentary published in ECO, argues that the key decision the Government should take in 2026 is, paradoxically, to know when not to intervene. In his view, true strategic vision lies in a clear political commitment to regulatory stability, legislative predictability and administrative efficiency.

According to Martim Kuprenski, Portugal faces a serious problem of regulatory instability, resulting from frequent and successive legislative changes that create an environment of uncertainty ill-suited to medium- and long-term investment decisions. For investors and economic operators, the coherence and durability of the rules are critical factors, often undermined by a logic of continuous reform.

This context is compounded by a persistent structural challenge: the bureaucratic costs associated with the slowness of administrative and judicial decision-making. These constraints continue to affect the country’s competitiveness and the confidence of those seeking to invest. Rather than launching new reforms, 2026 should, in the view of the Managing Partner of Morais Leitão, be a year of consolidation, simplification and strengthened system efficiency.

With regard to the legal sector, Martim Kuprenski identifies a scenario of increasing competition, marked by the stronger presence of large international consultancies and Spanish law firms in the Portuguese market. These players benefit from scale, integrated business models and a strong capacity to invest in technology and talent, intensifying competitive pressure.

The first year of multidisciplinary practice in Portugal has accelerated this trend, fostering greater convergence between legal services, consultancy and technology. Despite the challenges, Martim Kuprenski stresses that this environment also creates significant opportunities for all stakeholders in the sector.

The main opportunity lies precisely in technology. The adoption of advanced digital tools and artificial intelligence solutions is driving a profound transformation of the legal profession, both in Portugal and internationally. Today, beyond technical expertise, increasing importance is placed on how that knowledge is structured and presented, the ability to design client-focused solutions, and efficiency in delivering value.
Within this new landscape, the integration of technology with high-level legal expertise becomes decisive in meeting the demands of an increasingly sophisticated market, strengthening law firms’ ability to innovate, differentiate and create sustainable value for their clients.

Read the full commentary on the ECO website.