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

Yes

The word "princípio" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more "open" and the syllables are articulated with more distinct resonance. In Continental Portuguese, the vowels are much more "closed" and reduced; unstressed vowels often become nearly silent or very short, which can give the word a more clipped, consonant-heavy sound to an untrained ear.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Eu sempre sigo o princípio da verdade. (I always follow the principle of truth.)
  2. No princípio do projeto, nada funcionava. (At the beginning of the project, nothing worked.)
  3. Ele é um homem de bons princípios. (He is a man of good principles.)
  4. Tudo começou no princípio da semana. (Everything started at the beginning of the week.)
  5. Eu não entendi o princípio da questão. (I didn't understand the principle of the matter.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Sempre sigo o princípio da verdade. (I always follow the principle of truth.)
  2. No princípio do projeto, nada funcionava. (At the beginning of the project, nothing worked.)
  3. Ele é um homem de bons princípios. (He is a man of good principles.)
  4. Tudo começou no início da semana. (Everything started at the beginning of the week.)
  5. Não percebi o princípio da questão. (I didn't understand the principle of the matter.)