Portugal implements public procurement and local power reforms

The Portuguese government is advancing reforms to simplify public procurement and local governance. At the Public Law Summit 2026 in Porto, Secretary of State for Simplification Paulo Magro da Luz detailed updates to the Public Contracts Code (CCP) and the Administrative Procedure Code.

A key initiative involves integrating procurement platforms with the Digital Business Wallet. This move aims to implement the ‘once only’ principle, allowing suppliers to avoid submitting documents that the state already possesses, such as commercial registry certificates and criminal records. This process is linked to the new Interoperability Law, with goals extending toward 2028.

Simultaneously, discussions regarding a new Local Power Code have raised questions about municipal autonomy. While the code aims to systematize and simplify complex legal diplomas, critics express concern that the reform may increase the dependence of local authorities on central administration. This follows recent changes to the governance model of Regional Coordination and Development Commissions (CCDR), where the majority of executive board members are now appointed by the Council of Ministers.