The Portuguese mainland and its archipelagos host a rich biodiversity, and its marine environment is of particular importance.
The implementation of EU environmental law and policy has contributed to preserving and improving the environment in Portugal.
Nevertheless, Portugal still faces considerable environmental challenges and investment needs, in particular in the areas of water and waste management, nature protection, air quality, and enforcement.
Highlights
Portugal has adopted measures to improve forest management.
In 2024 Portugal approved the PENSAARP 2030, a new national strategic plan for water supply, wastewater and pluvial water management. Portugal is currently working on a new national strategy on water.
Main Challenges
Circular economy
Portugal needs further efforts for improving waste management and developing the potential of the circular economy. Portugal missed the EU target of recycling 50% of municipal waste by 2020 and it is at high risk of missing the new EU waste targets for 2025.
Nature and biodiversity
Portugal needs to adopt the management plans of its Natura 2000 sites, identifying the site-specific conservation objectives and measures and providing the necessary technical, human and financial resources.
Pollution
Further infrastructure investments are needed to improve water management, such as in wastewater collection and treatment, in the reduction of leaks in the networks and general water supply, in monitoring water quality and quantity, as well as in applying nature-based solutions and river restoration.
Governance and investment
EU funding has significantly contributed to improving the implementation of environmental law and policy in Portugal. Nevertheless, Portugal still faces considerable environmental challenges and investment needs. The investment gap to meet Portugal’s environmental objectives is an estimated €1.6 billion per year, representing 0.65% of the national GDP, below the EU-average (0.77%), with the highest share needed for biodiversity and ecosystems.
Portugal has continued adopting measures to improve access to justice and compliance assurance, including compliance promotion and inspections.