European Competitiveness Fund to Arrive: Is Portugal Ready? (eco.sapo.pt)

• EU Commission proposal mid-2025: MFF 2028–2034 with Competitiveness Fund >€400B, merit-based allocation.
• Portugal's PM Montenegro: readiness stated but conditioned on preserving cohesion (still below 90% EU average).
• Portugal's SME-heavy economy faces structural gap; new AI2 agency to build consortia.

"The European Commission proposed in mid-2025 a radical reform of the EU budget: a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 with a Competitiveness Fund of over €400 billion. Instead of pre-allocated national envelopes, funds will be awarded competitively. Portugal's PM Luís Montenegro stated in April 2026 that Portugal is ready but conditioned support on preserving cohesion. Portugal's SME-dominated economy faces structural disadvantages. The new AI2 agency is tasked with preparing consortia."