Portugal has established a new Central State Procurement Agency (CAE) through Decree No. 22/2026, dated June 8th. The agency’s primary goal is to improve the planning, transparency, and efficiency of public works contracting and procurement processes. This initiative aims to centralize and streamline how the government acquires goods and services. The decree’s preamble highlights the need for better management of public contracts. The CAE is expected to oversee and coordinate public procurement, potentially leading to cost savings and reduced bureaucracy. It remains to be seen how effectively the agency will navigate the challenges of implementation and achieve its stated objectives. The move signals a commitment to modernizing public administration in Portugal.