"So far, the Commission has concluded that Portugal has satisfactorily implemented about a quarter of the milestones and targets included in the plan", pointed out an official source from the European Commission, in response to Lusa.

As a result, Brussels transferred 7.772 billion euros in funds to Portugal, equivalent to about 35% of the total amounts allocated to the national RRP.

The transfer in question reflects the "successful implementation" of 102 milestones and targets, which represents 22%.

In total, Portugal submitted four requests for payment of grants and loans, and received the corresponding disbursements in May 2022, February 2023 and December 2023.

The European Commission also stressed that Portugal has already made "significant progress" in carrying out reforms and investments that are "essential for the country's economic recovery and resilience".

Brussels assured that it continues to collaborate with Portugal "in a constructive manner" to ensure a "successful" implementation of the RRP.

The financial execution of the RRP rose to 20%, with payments to direct and final beneficiaries reaching 4.358 billion euros up to 21 May, revealed the latest monitoring report.

Companies lead the payments, with 1.695 billion euros received, followed by public entities, with 1.010 billion euros.

Public companies (470 million euros), municipalities and metropolitan areas (383 million euros) and schools (275 million euros) also stand out.

On 22 September 2023, the European Commission approved the revision of Portugal's RRP, which now amounts to 22.2 billion euros.

This change includes the financial allocation of the European energy programme RepowerEU (704 million euros), as well as that which was not used from the 'Brexit' adjustment reserve (81 million euros).

The RRP, which has an implementation period until 2026, aims to implement a set of reforms and investments with a view to recovering economic growth.

In addition to aiming to repair the damage caused by covid-19, this plan also aims to support investments and generate employment.

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