Portuguese municipalities seek funding for unfinished PRR projects

The National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP) is calling on the government to expedite funding for municipal projects that were not completed within the deadline of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), which ended on August 31. ANMP President Pedro Pimpão emphasized the need for effective mechanisms to ensure that ongoing works in education, health, and social action can continue without prejudice to municipalities that proactively initiated these investments.

Some municipalities are already managing the transition. Abrantes reported that its approximately 17 million euro investment portfolio is either completed or in substantial completion (at least 90% execution), including projects for childcare, health units, and student housing. In Mação, while a health extension was completed on time, other projects involving affordable housing and school expansions are transitioning to alternative funding via the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Concerns have also been raised regarding the future architecture of European funds. MEP Sérgio Gonçalves warned that proposed changes by the European Commission could increase municipal dependence on national governments, potentially limiting direct access to funds and regional autonomy in negotiating with the Commission.