“We are following it with the utmost attention and I must say that this is felt throughout Europe. In other words, the perception that there is a slowdown in the strongest European markets, namely the two locomotives - France and Germany - and, at the same time, that there are sectors that are compensating and accelerating”, said Pedro Reis.

The minister assured, however, that there is “still no evidence” of a wave of bankruptcies, particularly in the automotive components sector, highlighting that, “in Europe, [this] is an issue that is at the heart of the agenda”.

“Whether it is Europe as an economic bloc, or the European players in their various dimensions, they are very attentive,” he said.