The recommendation addressed to Portugal emphasises the importance of accelerating the decarbonisation of transport by prioritising more sustainable mobility solutions, including public transport, active mobility and the improvement of urban spaces.

On 3 June 2026, the European Commission presented the Spring Package of the 2026 European Semester, which sets out policy guidelines for Member States against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, the challenges of the energy transition and the need to strengthen the European Union’s economic and social resilience.

The European Semester is the main annual process for coordinating the European Union’s economic, social, budgetary and structural policies. Through this mechanism, the European Commission analyses the economic and social developments in each Member State and presents country-specific recommendations tailored to the main challenges identified.

In the 2026 report on Portugal, the European Commission identifies a broad range of priorities, including the sustainability of public finances, housing, innovation, administrative simplification, energy efficiency, water and waste management, adaptation to climate change, skills, health, and the continuation of reforms and investments associated with the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

Among the recommendations addressed to Portugal, the need to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport and industry stands out, notably through the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies and the promotion of investment in public transport.

This recommendation is particularly relevant for promoting active mobility, as an essential component of a more sustainable, efficient, inclusive and resilient mobility system. A focus on walking and cycling contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, reducing energy dependence, promoting public health and enhancing the urban environment.

Active mobility plays a complementary and strategic role in the transition to cleaner and more accessible transport systems, working in tandem with the strengthening of public transport, the improvement of intermodality, the enhancement of public spaces and the promotion of safer, healthier and more inclusive cities.

The Spring Package of the 2026 European Semester further reinforces the importance of social and territorial cohesion, climate change preparedness and the resilience of critical infrastructure – dimensions that intersect directly with the objectives of public policies on active mobility.

The European Commission now invites the Eurogroup and the Council to discuss the package of measures presented, continuing the dialogue with the European Parliament and the Member States throughout the next stages of the European Semester’s economic coordination cycle.