The Porto Metropolitan Area (AMP) registered a significant recovery in the implementation of EU funds, currently positioning itself above the national average in the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

According to the data presented at last Friday's meeting of the Porto Metropolitan Council, the overall execution of the PP in the AMP reached 78%, surpassing the national average of 61%, reflecting a strong alignment between municipalities and technical structure.

This performance is the result of a joint effort to reverse a particularly challenging situation at the beginning of the year. As the President of the Porto Metropolitan Council, Pedro Duarte, pointed out, "today we can look at reality with optimism", underlining the significant recovery achieved in a few months.

Under the investment Integrated Operations in Disadvantaged Communities in the Porto Metropolitan Area – the AMP presents a total of 1,620 projects submitted, corresponding to 97.5 million euros of expenditure presented and 119 million euros contracted, resulting in an overall implementation rate of 78%. The implementation rate varies between the different Local Technical Units, ranging from 67% to 92%, which shows high levels of implementation. To ensure that the available funds are fully used, a hybrid redistribution model is being applied, combining territorial criteria with performance at the level of financial implementation, promoting a balance between cohesion and effectiveness.

In the NORTE 2030 programme there is also a significant evolution in the analysis and implementation of applications. By the end of May 2026, the number of operations approved, contracted or under implementation increased to 202, reflecting a growth of 25 operations in the most recent period, while the public operations under review decreased to 84, down 41 from before. Although there are still ongoing processes, with requests for clarification and opinions at different stages, there is a clear acceleration in the review and approval mechanisms.

The AMP is at a decisive stage in the implementation of the Community deadlines, marked by the proximity of deadlines and the intensification of technical work.

According to Pedro Duarte, the objective is to "implement 100% of the RRP", ensuring that no money is wasted and that EU funds are fully put at the service of the region.

The improvement of the implementation indicators confirms the responsiveness of the AMP and its municipalities, resulting in a more positive outlook on the achievement of the objectives set for the European funds. 

Photograph: Marco Domingues/Porto City Council