The European Commission's choice to integrate Portugal into the new so-called "Energy Highways" is, without exaggeration, one of the most important news for the Portuguese economy in recent years. Not only because of the investment involved, but also because of the strategic positioning that is recognized in the new European energy system.

We are talking about two critical infrastructures. The new electrical interconnections across the Pyrenees that will finally robustly connect the Iberian Peninsula to the rest of Europe. And, perhaps even more decisive, the hydrogen corridor that will connect Portugal to Germany, crossing Spain and France. A true European energy axis where Portugal is no longer on the periphery and becomes at the origin.

For years, there has been talk of the potential of green hydrogen in Portugal. Projects have been announced, clusters planned, applications to the RRP prepared. Many were expectant, some slowed down, others waited for clear signals from Europe. That signal has now arrived. And he arrived with maximum status. Project of Common European Interest, with political priority, institutional support, and direct access to EU funding.

This changes everything.

Portugal is no longer just a producer of renewable electricity to become a strategic supplier of decarbonized energy for central Europe. With sun, wind, installed capacity, political stability and now guaranteed physical connections, the country becomes part of the backbone of the new European energy security.

The blackout experienced in the Iberian Peninsula a few months ago served as a warning. Our interconnection rate with the rest of the European Union is still below 3%. The goal is to reach 15% by 2030. These new interconnections are the direct response to this fragility. More connections mean more resilience, less risk, less reliance on fossil fuels, and lower energy costs for businesses and households.

But there is something even deeper here. This decision by the European Commission definitively legitimizes Portugal's role as an exporter of green energy. We are no longer just talking about consuming renewables, we are talking about producing to supply European industry, particularly Germany, which desperately needs clean energy in order not to lose competitiveness.

This hydrogen corridor is, in practice, a new green pipeline. A gas pipeline of the future.

And this step can now revive many of the projects that were on hold. Hydrogen production centers, industrial hubs, investments in electrolysers, logistics and port clusters. With an energy highway on the doorstep, all of this makes real economic sense again.

The European Commission has already made it clear that these projects will have accelerated licensing, enhanced policy coordination, and funding through the Connecting Europe Facility, which has already invested billions and will have almost 30 billion in the next financial framework. These are not vague promises. It is about money, deadlines, and political priority.

For Portugal, this decision has a direct impact on industry, attracting foreign investment, creating qualified employment, and strengthening national energy sovereignty. We went from dependents to suppliers. From consumers to strategic producers.

After so many years talking about energy, technology, foreign investment, industry and energy transition, this news confirms what I have been defending. Portugal is not only a good student of Europe. Portugal is becoming an energy pillar of Europe.

And when energy changes, the economy changes with it.