Portugal had to designate seven SACs in the Atlantic region by 7 December 2010 and 54 SACs in the Mediterranean region by 19 July 2012.
Portugal has also failed to establish the necessary conservation measures to maintain or restore the protected habitats and species in these sites.
The current measures adopted in the framework of the Portuguese Natura 2000 sectorial plan (PSRN2000) and the other sectorial and special plans are not comprehensive and precise enough to allow for an adequate level of protection and SACs designation.
As recognised by Portugal, the designation of the SACs requires a prior mapping of natural habitats and species as well as the adoption of management plans for each site.
The Commission has repeatedly urged Portugal to fulfil its obligations. A letter of formal notice was sent in February 2015 and a reasoned opinion in May 2016.
So far, Portugal has not been able to respect its own commitments for SACs designation, and establishment of conservation measures.