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

Yes

The word "merece" is identical in meaning, grammar, and spelling between Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It is the third-person singular present indicative of the verb merecer (to deserve). The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are more open and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often "reduced" or shortened; therefore, the final "e" in "merece" sounds much more like a closed "e" or even a very faint "i" sound (sounding almost like meréc').

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Ele merece uma promoção. (He deserves a promotion.)
  2. Você merece ganhar esse prêmio. (You deserve to win this prize.)
  3. Ninguém merece esse calor! (No one deserves this heat! / This heat is unbearable!)
  4. Ela merece todo esse sucesso. (She deserves all this success.)
  5. O time merece vencer o campeonato. (The team deserves to win the championship.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Ele merece uma promoção. (He deserves a promotion.)
  2. Tu mereces ganhar esse prémio. (You deserve to win this prize.)
  3. Ninguém merece este calor! (No one deserves this heat! / This heat is unbearable!)
  4. Ela merece todo este sucesso. (She deserves all this success.)
  5. A equipa merece vencer o campeonato. (The team deserves to win the championship.)