The European Commission has released more than €1.86bn in recovery funds to Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark and Slovenia after the four countries met key targets linked to
reforms and investment programmes.
The payments are being made under the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the main funding programme of the €800bn NextGenerationEU recovery package.
The scheme is performance-based, meaning countries receive money only after completing agreed reforms and investments.
Belgium receives €567m
Belgium has received €567m following the completion of milestones linked to its fourth payment request.
The money will support projects aimed at improving sustainable transport, biodiversity, energy efficiency, digitalisation and social inclusion.
Among the measures are the construction of wildlife crossings, reforms to simplify environmental assessments for wind farms and the creation of a database containing information on court cases.
The funding will also support measures aimed at improving minimum pension provision and helping jobseekers and workers develop new skills.
Belgium submitted its fourth payment request in December 2025, and the Commission approved it in July 2026.
The latest payment brings Belgium's total RRF funding to 69% of its €5.26bn allocation.
Bulgaria receives €896m
Bulgaria has received €896m under its fourth payment request, after completing a wide range of reforms and investment targets.
The measures include anti-corruption reforms, new rules governing lobbying and support for renewable energy in households.
The funding will also contribute to sustainable transport, including new public rail service contracts and measures supporting electric and other low-emission vehicles.
Bulgaria initially requested €1.1bn in April 2026. However, the Commission approved only part of the request after three milestones remained outstanding.
These relate to legislation covering public transport, water supply and sewerage, and support for the cultural sector.
The Commission said the remaining money could be released once Bulgaria completes the outstanding requirements.
The latest payment brings Bulgaria's RRF funding to 68% of its total €6.17bn allocation.
Denmark completes recovery programme
Denmark has received €359m in its fifth and final payment from the RRF, completing all payments under its national recovery plan.
The funding has supported measures to cut agricultural emissions, promote climate technologies and reduce the use of fossil fuels in transport and homes.
More than 250,000 zero-emission cars benefited from reduced registration fees between 2021 and 2025. Almost 28,000 homes have also replaced oil or gas heating systems with heat pumps or district heating.
Energy renovation work has been carried out in more than 11,500 homes, including improvements to insulation and the installation of energy-efficient windows.
The programme has also supported vocational education and training.
Denmark is the first EU member state to receive all grants under its recovery plan, with payments completed ahead of the end-of-2026 deadline.
It has received 100% of its €1.63bn allocation.
Slovenia receives €41m
Slovenia has received €41m under its sixth payment request.
The funding includes support for the expansion of e-health services, including the national telemedicine system, allowing patients and doctors to communicate remotely.
Investment has also been made in energy efficiency, including upgraded air-conditioning and ventilation systems in 22 municipal buildings covering more than 40,000 square metres.
Many of the buildings are schools and kindergartens.
The latest payment also supports measures aimed at reducing long-term unemployment and strengthening Slovenia's economic and social resilience.
Slovenia has now received 87% of its €2.08bn RRF allocation.
Recovery fund deadline approaches
The Recovery and Resilience Facility was established to help EU countries finance reforms and investment following the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The programme is now approaching its final stage. Member states must complete all reforms and investments by 31 August 2026.
Payment requests must be submitted by 30 September, with all payments due to be completed by the end of December 2026.
The European Commission says the facility has supported projects designed to make EU economies greener, more digital and more resilient.