Works on the stretch between Elvas and the border was already been sent out to tender and are expected to begin before the year’s end, when the biggest tender to connect Évora and Elvas is going to be issued".

The EC also said it was going to put up €1.5 million to help finish the final part of the A25 between Vilar Formoso and the border, the minister said.

The EC said that this investment would not only modernise the European road network but also stimulate economic activity and encourage job creation", the EC said.