The European Commission has today disbursed a combined €5.85 billion to Germanyand Slovakia under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) – the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU – bringing the total RRF funds disbursed across the EU to over €400 billion. This landmark figure underscores the Facility’s pivotal role in driving transformative reforms and investments that accelerate Europe’s energy independence, the green and digital transitions, and the Union’s long-term resilience and competitiveness.
As NextGenerationEU enters its final phase, its impact is increasingly tangible—strengthening the EU’s ability to navigate the energy crisis while laying the foundations for a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said: “Reaching €400 billion in NextGenerationEU disbursements is more than a milestone—it is proof of Europe’s determination to turn crisis into opportunity. We are building a Union that is greener, more competitive, and fairer for all. As we enter the final phase of this historic programme, our focus remains clear: delivering results that secure Europe’s resilience, leadership in the global green transition, and prosperity for generations to come.”
€4.6 billion disbursement to Germany
The Commission made a €4.6 billion disbursement to Germany, marking the country’s third payment under the RRF. This funding supports key measures, including:
- Reforms for a more efficient and digital public administration, enhancing governance and service delivery.
- Investments in energy-efficient building renovations, purchase of electric vehicles, and expansion of charging infrastructure to decarbonise transport.
- Funding for hydrogen research projects, advancing Europe’s leadership in clean energy innovation.
This disbursement follows Germany’s third payment request, submitted on 16 February 2026 and approved by the Commission on 13 March 2026. To date, Germany has received 80% of its total €30.3 billion grant allocation, with 79% of all milestones and targets under its national recovery and resilience plan now fulfilled.
€1.25 billion disbursement to Slovakia
The Commission made a €1.25 billion disbursement to Slovakia, covering the country’s sixth and seventh payments under the RRF. These funds support a broad range of reforms and investments, such as:
- Reforms in pre-primary education to boost enrolment rates and improve early childhood development.
- Implementation of a central management system for state-controlled hospitals, improving healthcare efficiency.
- Energy reforms, including streamlined grid connections for renewables and the establishment of go-to zones for wind energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Investments in innovation, in areas such as scholarships for talented and disadvantaged students, collaboration between academia and businesses, energy efficiency upgrades and innovative healthcare technology.
Today’s disbursement follows Slovakia’s sixth payment request (submitted on 30 June 2025, and approved by the Commission on 16 January 2026) and seventh payment request (submitted on 28 November 2025, and approved by the Commission on 10 February 2026). Slovakia has now received 81% of its total €6.4 billion allocation, with 62% of all milestones and targets under its national recovery plan completed.
Background
The Recovery and Resilience Facility has been instrumental in mitigating the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic while positioning the EU for long-term success. With up to €577 billion available in grants and loans, the RRF supports Member States’ efforts to:
- Strengthen economic resilience and foster sustainable growth.
- Accelerate the green and digital transitions, aligning with the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target.
- Enhance competitiveness through innovation, job creation, and structural reforms.
Payments under the RRF are performance-based, ensuring that funds are disbursed only upon the successful implementation of agreed reforms and investments. With the RRF set to conclude at the end of 2026, Member States must complete all remaining milestones by August 2026 and submit final payment requests by September 2026.
For more information
Recovery and Resilience Facility
Recovery and Resilience Facility project map
Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard
Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation
Recovery and Resilience payment claim process
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