31 August marks an important milestone for the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU, as member states reach the final implementation deadline for the reforms and investments set out in their national recovery and resilience plans. This is a defining moment for the EU’s unprecedented common response to two major crises: the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
As NextGenerationEU enters its final phase, the focus now turns to completing the remaining steps for a successful conclusion of the Recovery and Resilience Facility. In this context, the Commission greenlighted today Sweden’s final payment request, who successfully completed 100% of its investments and reforms linked to its recovery and resilience plan, shortly after Denmark.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “NextGenerationEU helped protect our citizens and economies at a time of profound uncertainty. It accelerated the clean and digital transitions, cutting Europe’s reliance on imported energy exactly when that reduction was needed most. The reforms we enabled and the resilience we have built together will continue to benefit Europe for generations to come.”
Member States have until 30 September 2026 to submit their final payment requests under the RRF, together with all supporting evidence, while the Commission will complete all payments by 31 December 2026.
NextGenerationEU supported economic activity at a critical time, helped keep unemployment at record-low levels, and accelerated strategic investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean technologies. It has also demonstrated an important lesson for Europe’s future: public investment has a particularly strong impact when paired with structural reforms. Above all, NextGenerationEU has shown the strength of European unity. It proved that when Europe acts quickly, ambitiously and together, it can rise to exceptional challenges
As of today, €440 billion has been disbursed, with up to a further €133 billion to be paid by the end of 2026. The months ahead offer an opportunity to build on this momentum and deliver the full potential of NextGenerationEU.
A press release is available online.
