The Portuguese authorities consider that the measures financed were in the public interest because, following the BSE crisis, it became clear that the disposal of slaughterhouse waste was a public service mission falling under the responsibility of the State because of its importance for the protection of human and animal health and the environment.
Portugali ametiasutused on seisukohal, et rahastatud tegevused esindavad avalikku huvi, sest pärast BSE kriisi on ilmnenud, et tapamajade sanitaarjäätmete kõrvaldamine peaks kuuluma riigi avalik-õiguslike ülesannete hulka tulenevalt selle olulisusest inimeste ja loomade tervise ja keskkonna kaitsmisel.