The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the main instrument of NextGenerationEU, has reached a key implementation milestone. As of 31 August 2026, Member States can no longer take new actions towards completing the reforms and investments included in their national recovery and resilience plans.
The focus now shifts to the final payment phase. Member States have until 30 September 2026 to submit their last payment requests, together with the evidence needed to demonstrate that the agreed milestones and targets have been achieved. The European Commission must complete all remaining payments by 31 December 2026.
NextGenerationEU was launched as the EU’s common response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and was later adapted to address the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine, particularly in the energy sector. Through the RRF, which provides up to €573 billion in grants and loans, the EU has supported reforms and investments aimed at accelerating the green and digital transitions, strengthening competitiveness and increasing the resilience of European economies.
RRF funding is performance-based, meaning that payments are made only after the Commission verifies the successful implementation of the reforms and investments agreed with each Member State.
So far, around €440 billion has been disbursed, with up to a further €133 billion expected to be paid by the end of 2026. The Commission has also approved Sweden’s final payment request after the country completed all reforms and investments under its plan, shortly after Denmark reached the same milestone.
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