The entirety of the funds available under the RRF, amounting to €360 billion in grants and €213 billion in loans, has now been requested by EU countries. This milestone marks the culmination of a five-year period dedicated to reforms and investments, driven by the European Union in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and significant economic and energy challenges.
The Recovery and Resilience Facility, a central element of the NextGenerationEU program, has supported economic activity at critical times, helping to keep unemployment at historically low levels and accelerating strategic investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean technologies.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the solidarity and ambition demonstrated by Europe, stating that NextGenerationEU was created at a decisive moment to shape a stronger and more independent future. To date, €450 billion has already been disbursed from the RRF.
In September, the Commission received 21 final payment requests, totaling €105.4 billion and covering 1539 milestones and targets. With these latest submissions, all Member States have met the established deadline.
The European Commission is currently assessing each request based on the evidence provided by the Member States. Preliminary assessments are expected by November 20, with payment decisions to be adopted by the end of December. All payments related to fulfilled milestones and targets should be completed by December 31, 2026.
Since its launch in 2021, the RRF has been instrumental in supporting reforms and investments that enhance economic and social resilience, as well as accelerating the green and digital transitions. The facility also covers measures under the REPowerEU plan, aimed at diversifying Europe's energy supply.
