Portugal 40 years in the EU (1986)

Forty years ago, Portugal joined the European Union – a milestone that has changed both the country and our Union. EU membership was the culmination of Portugal's democratization and opened a new chapter in terms of prosperity and development. The Portuguese economy was modernized, important infrastructure was added, and education, healthcare, and living standards improved. Over these four decades, Portugal has become an open, competitive, and outward-looking country. The European Union has meant a great deal to Portugal. And Portugal is of great value to our Union.

How Portugal changed the EU

With Portugal as a Member State, the European Union has become a stronger community, based on trust, progress, and solidarity. Portugal has made a significant contribution to strengthening Europe's cohesion and global reach, as well as to the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty. In addition, Portugal has breathed new life into our partnerships with Africa and Latin America. Portugal's unwavering commitment to European values ​​– democracy, solidarity, and social justice – remains an inspiration for the European project.

How EU membership has changed Portugal

More than 55.000: Thanks to Erasmus+, Portuguese students studied at universities across the EU between 2021 and 2024.

Almost 200.000: Portuguese farmers receive essential support every year under the EU agricultural policy.

131%: amounts to the growth of Portugal's real GDP since accession to the EU.

More facts and figures

• The people of Portugal have experienced the benefits of stronger economic growth firsthand, with employment rising from 4 million jobs in 1986 to 4,8 million jobs in 2024.

• EU membership has deepened Portugal's trade relations worldwide. Global exports of goods increased from 2,8 billion euros in 1986 (7,3% of GDP) to 21,6 billion euros in 2024 (7,6% of GDP).

• Portuguese researchers have received nearly 3 billion euros in funding under Horizon Europe since 1986. Thanks to this support, more than 7.000 Portuguese researchers have been able to carry out projects with direct benefits for citizens across Europe.

40 years of Portugal in Europe

It has been 40 years since Spain and Portugal joined the EU. Today, His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain and the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, commemorate the accession of both countries to the European Communities in 1986. It was a historic milestone that sealed their transition to democracy after decades of dictatorship and anchored both nations in the European project. During its plenary session, the European Parliament reflects on this anniversary and looks back on four decades of democratic consolidation and economic integration.