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

Yes

The word "esses" is identical in meaning, grammar, and spelling in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It functions as a masculine plural demonstrative pronoun or adjective (meaning "those"). The only difference lies in pronunciation:

• Vowels: In Brazilian Portuguese, the initial "e" is typically a closed [e]. In many regions of Portugal, the stressed "e" can be more open [ɛ].
• Sibilants: In most Brazilian dialects, the final "s" is pronounced as a [z] (e.g., es-siz) or a clear [s]. In Continental Portuguese, the final "s" is almost always pronounced as a "sh" sound [ʃ] (e.g., es-sish).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Esses livros são muito bons. (Those books are very good.)
2. Eu não entendi esses argumentos. (I didn't understand those arguments.)
3. Onde você comprou esses tênis? (Where did you buy those sneakers?)
4. Esses caras são meus amigos. (Those guys are my friends.)
5. Esses brinquedos são muito legais. (Those toys are very cool.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

1. Esses livros são muito bons. (Those books are very good.)
2. Não percebi esses argumentos. (I didn't understand those arguments.)
3. Onde compraste esses ténis? (Where did you buy those sneakers?)
4. Esses tipos são meus amigos. (Those guys are my friends.)
5. Esses brinquedos são muito fixes. (Those toys are very cool.)