Former Economy Minister and architect of Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), António Costa Silva, is urging a shift towards creative policymaking as the funds from the PRR are deployed. He suggests that Portugal should focus on domestic construction of naval assets, specifically building two out of the three frigates recently purchased from Italy. This move, he argues, would foster national industrial capacity and skills. Costa Silva’s call comes as Portugal looks beyond the immediate impact of the PRR and considers long-term strategic investments. He implies a need for innovative approaches to maximize the lasting benefits of European funding. This recommendation highlights a desire to go beyond simply receiving funds to actively building internal capabilities. The statement underscores the importance of strategic planning to ensure continued economic growth.