“We have been working hard to ensure we do not lose any subsidies from the PRR and are closely monitoring any potential constraints,” stated Hélder Reis at the launch event for the construction of a new road variant in Torres Vedras.
When questioned about rising prices and the insufficient funding for many construction projects, the Secretary of State for Planning and Regional Development responded that the country has been finding solutions.
“For the 26,000 houses that need to be built under the PRR, the State Budget has already secured about 800 million euros, and thus, the State Budget itself has been providing funds for some projects that the country deems should be financed,” he exemplified.
The official expressed his readiness to “find solutions” in cases where there is a financial shortfall.
Hélder Reis affirmed that Portugal’s management of the PRR “is following the normal procedures,” rejecting any delays.
He explained that, compared to payment requests from EU member states, “we are among the countries that have made requests in a timely manner.”
The funds are being received “as programmed.”
Regarding the targets, Portugal submitted its seventh payment request on Thursday, “we are awaiting reimbursement for the sixth payment request and are working to ensure that by the end of the year, we have the eighth request processed and, in 2026, the ninth and tenth.”
Of the 22 billion euros approved for Portugal, 10 billion euros have already been received from the European Union, with more than eight billion already paid to final beneficiaries, achieving a 47% execution rate.
An amount between 1.5 to 2 billion euros is under the management of entities such as the Regional Coordination and Development Commissions, ready to be paid.
“We have liquidity to make payments, and thus, the sixth payment request, made in November, will probably be cleared soon, possibly during the summer,” he added.
