On 30 September 2022, Portugal submitted a payment request to the Commission based on the achievement of the 20 milestones and targets indicated in the Council Implementing Decision for the second tranche. They cover reforms in the areas of public hospital management and digital transition in the private and public sectors. Several milestones and targets also relate to significant investments in the areas of health, forestry, water management, social protection, innovation, sustainable mobility, digital skills, culture, public finance and public administration. In their request, the Portuguese authorities provided detailed and comprehensive evidence demonstrating that the 20 milestones and targets had been achieved. The Commission has now sent the Economic and Financial Committee (EFC) its positive preliminary assessment of Portugal's compliance with the milestones and targets required for this payment, asking for its opinion. Following the opinion of the EFC, the Commission will adopt the final decision on the payment of the financial contribution, after which the payment to Portugal will take place.