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

No

While the spelling, grammar, and fundamental meaning of "começo" are identical in both dialects, the answer is no because there is a difference in typical usage and register. In Brazil, "começo" is used universally for almost any context, whether casual or formal. In Portugal, while "começo" is perfectly correct, there is a much stronger linguistic tendency to use the synonym "início" when referring to the start of formal events, organized processes, or specific periods of time.

Brazilian Portuguese (Natural Usage)

  1. "O começo do filme foi meio parado." (The beginning of the movie was a bit slow.)
  2. "Eu começo a estudar amanhã cedo." (I start studying early tomorrow.)
  3. "No começo, eu não gostava de café." (In the beginning, I didn't like coffee.)
  4. "A gente precisa dar um começo nesse projeto." (We need to get a start on this project.)
  5. "O começo do mês é sempre difícil para o meu bolso." (The beginning of the month is always difficult for my wallet.)

European Portuguese (Natural Usage)

  1. "O início do filme foi bastante lento." (The beginning of the movie was quite slow.)
  2. "Eu começo a estudar amanhã cedo." (I start studying early tomorrow.)
  3. "No início, eu não gostava de café." (In the beginning, I didn't like coffee.)
  4. "É necessário dar início a este projeto." (It is necessary to initiate this project.)
  5. "O início do mês é sempre difícil para o meu orçamento." (The beginning of the month is always difficult for my budget.)