With a global value of 2.5 billion euros, the package of measures approved by the Council of Ministers this Sunday, February 1st, and released by the Prime Minister, aims to “support families, companies and local authorities, accelerate reconstruction and guarantee the restoration of affected infrastructures”. Read in detail:
– Prolongation and extension of the calamity situation
State of calamity extended until 11:59 pm on February 8, 2026, due to the persistence of population assistance needs and the forecast of very adverse weather conditions, including extreme risk of flooding.
Territorial extension of the calamity to the municipalities of Águeda, Albergaria-a-Velha, Alcácer do Sal, Aveiro, Estarreja, Ílhavo, Murtosa, Ovar and Sever do Vouga.
– Exceptional and temporary social support
Direct support to families in situations of need or loss of income, through occasional or exceptional subsidies, in cash or in kind.
Variable value, defined case by case by Social Security.
Maximum limit of 1074.26 euros per household member, paid in up to 12 monthly installments.
Support for private social solidarity and similar institutions operating in the affected municipalities, with amounts defined after individual assessment.
– Exemption from paying Social Security contributions, in whole or in part:
Up to six months, extendable for an equal period, in the case of total exemption;
Up to one year, in the case of partial exemption of 50% of the contribution rate paid by the employer.
Simplified regime for reducing or suspending activity for companies in crisis, with exemption from some legal obligations, subject to validation by the Social Security Institute.
– Support for employment and training, through IEFP:
Extraordinary financial incentive to maintain jobs;
Extraordinary support for independent workers;
Priority in active employment measures;
Extraordinary qualification and professional training plan.
– Support for reconstruction and recovery
Support of 10 thousand euros for own and permanent housing for repair, rehabilitation or reconstruction works, in a similar regime to that applied in fires.
Eligibility for temporary relocation expenses, when justified.
Costs validated by the local authority and the competent CCDR.
IFRRU credit lines for expenses not covered by the grant.
400 million euros for Infraestruturas de Portugal, intended for the recovery of roads and railways.
200 million euros for local authorities, to recover municipal equipment and infrastructure, with priority given to schools.
20 million euros for the recovery of cultural heritage, including the Monastery of Batalha and the Convent of Christ, in Tomar.
Support for agriculture and forestry, up to 10 thousand euros to restore the productive capacity of affected farms.
_ Tax moratoriums for taxpayers and accountants based in the affected municipalities:
Obligations between January 28th and March 31st can now be fulfilled until April 30th.
– Moratoriums on bank loans
90-day moratorium on loans related to personal and permanent housing and companies, starting on January 28, 2026.
Possibility of later creating selective moratoriums of up to 12 months for situations of deeper damage, in conjunction with Banco de Portugal and the Portuguese Banking Association.
– Lines of credit for affected companies
Treasury credit line of 500 million euros:
Maturity of 5 years and grace period of 12 months;
Intended for immediate liquidity, working capital and continuity of activity.
– Investment credit line of 1,000 million euros:
Maturity of 10 years and grace period of 36 months;
Immediate coverage of 100% of validated losses;
Subsequent deduction of amounts paid by insurance companies;
Possibility of subsidy of up to 10% after 36 months, subject to compliance with activity, employment and insurance coverage criteria.
– Administrative simplification
Exceptional exemption from prior administrative controls in public and private reconstruction works.
Application of a successive control and accountability regime in the urban planning, environmental, public procurement and financial domains.
– Creating a Mission Structure
Creation of a Mission Structure for the Reconstruction of the Central region, based in Leiria. Beginning of duties on February 2, 2026, with the aim of monitoring and coordinating support for populations, companies and local authorities
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