European Commission outlines 13 key tasks for Portugal
The European Commission has released its 2026 spring package, identifying 13 priority areas for Portugal to address. Key recommendations include ensuring the long-term sustainability of the pension system, simplifying tax expenditures, and improving housing affordability. Brussels also urged the country to move away from a bank-credit-dependent financing model for companies in favor of more diversified capital ecosystems.
Update: Brussels questions effectiveness of Portuguese housing measures
In its latest recommendations, the European Commission expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of recent government housing policies. Specifically, Brussels questioned whether the reduction of VAT on construction and new tax benefits for landlords will successfully lower housing prices or increase the supply of available homes.
The European Commission is the EU’s executive body based in Brussels that proposes legislation, enforces EU rules and manages day‑to‑day EU policies; it is led by a President, currently Ursula von der Leyen. Commission proposals on harmonising business rules or introducing preferences can directly affect trade, regulation and competitiveness for companies and residents across all member states, including Portugal.
