“There is a structural delay that we are correcting with realism and determination,” stated the minister during an informational session on the artistic and infrastructure programs of the initiative, held in Évora.
Acknowledging a “full awareness that the schedules are demanding,” the minister emphasized that “the physical and financial execution of the PRR [Recovery and Resilience Plan] until June 2026 requires focus, agility, and coordination.”
“But we also know there is a will, talent, and installed capacity in the territory, and that is what is important to mobilize,” added the official, who is also responsible for Sports and Youth.
Margarida Balseiro Lopes noted that there are less than two years until the start of CEC Évora 2027, indicating that it is now “the time for accelerated preparation, execution, and mobilization of civil society.”
“It is the moment to ensure that this project reaches people concretely,” she remarked.
This session at the Convento de São Bento de Cástris, the headquarters of the managing association on the outskirts of the city, followed a series of meetings between the minister, the Évora Municipality, and the board and general assembly of the association.
At the end, speaking to journalists, the minister highlighted her intent during these meetings to “demonstrate the Government’s commitment to this project, which is of national interest.”
“The Government’s commitment, beyond the reprogramming of the PRR [26 million euros for the redevelopment of city heritage], is to be present and ensure that Évora 2027 is a success, and it has all the conditions to be so,” she said.
When questioned by journalists about disagreements regarding the form of municipal financing, which the city council wants to partially be in kind, Margarida Balseiro Lopes indicated having observed “great harmony and capacity for interaction.”
“If this is the hallmark, which I believe it will be every day until January 1, 2027, I have no doubt that any challenges will undoubtedly be overcome,” she added.
Regarding the creation of the Alentejo Regional Orchestra, which her predecessor, Dalila Rodrigues, committed to last April, the current minister disclosed that it is one of several issues she plans to work on in the coming days or weeks.
