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Is the word aproximar the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the spelling and the core meaning of "aproximar" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese, the typical usage and the grammar involving the word's interaction with pronouns and tenses differ significantly. In Brazil, it is common to use proclisis (placing the reflexive pronoun before the verb, e.g., se aproximar) and the gerund (está aproximando). In Portugal, the standard is enclisis (placing the pronoun after the verb, e.g., aproximar-se) and the construction "a + infinitive" (está a aproximar).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Você pode se aproximar de mim. (You can approach me.)
  2. A tempestade está se aproximando da costa. (The storm is approaching the coast.)
  3. Eu tentei me aproximar do assunto de forma discreta. (I tried to approach the subject discreetly.)
  4. O preço vai se aproximar do valor esperado. (The price will approach the expected value.)
  5. Não se aproxime da beira do rio. (Do not approach the edge of the river.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Podes aproximar-te de mim. (You can approach me.)
  2. A tempestade está a aproximar-se da costa. (The storm is approaching the coast.)
  3. Eu tentei aproximar-me do assunto de forma discreta. (I tried to approach the subject discreetly.)
  4. O preço vai aproximar-se do valor esperado. (The price will approach the expected value.)
  5. Não te aproximes da beira do rio. (Do not approach the edge of the river.)