In early March 2022, the Portuguese Government presented the Commission with a draft partnership agreement setting out how it intends to use the European Structural and Investment Funds as part of its Portugal 2030 strategy.

In a country where the level of public investment is, in percentage terms, just above half the EU average, it is imperative that these funds are put to work urgently. The investment shortfall is even more acute as a result of the fact that, to date, less than 75% of ESIF funds allocated to Portugal 2020 have been implemented. Given this track record, the slow start in allocating funds could mean they are not all used by 2029.

I would like to know:

1. Does the Commission have any idea when the partnership agreement for Portugal 2030 will be signed?

2. Is it already possible to predict the percentage contribution of the Portuguese State, on average, by region or by strategic objective?

3. Can the Commission already project the amounts allocated to agri-food production, energy, transport and housing?