Portugal celebrates 40 years since joining the European Union

On the 1st of January, 40 years since Portugal joined the then European Communities is celebrated. This was a structural moment in the country’s contemporary history that consolidated the Portuguese democracy and set the start of a profound economic, social, and institutional transformation process.

The entry into force of the Treaty of Accession signed in 1985 was the outcome of a strategic option taken on following the 25 April revolution, based on European integration as a factor of political stability, economic development, and Portugal’s international affirmation. This would confirm the country as an integral part of a democratic, developed, and solidary Europe.

As part of the commemorations of the 40th anniversary of signing the Treaty of Accession in June 2025,  Prime Minister Luís Montenegro noted that the European integration process changed the country’s path irreversibly allowing for a profound economic, social, and democratic transformation. Over the last four decades, this path has represented concrete gains for citizens, visible in the improvement of quality of life, the increase in opportunities, and economic development convergence.

The Head of Government also stressed that joining the European Union was a collective strategic investment that was decisive in accelerating economic growth, consolidating the democratic institutions, and boosting social and territorial cohesion, staking Portugal as an active and committed member of the European project.

On the same occasion, the Prime Minister and the President of the Republic singed the Lisbon Declaration, which reaffirms Portugal’s unwavering commitment to upholding, valuing, and strengthening the European project, taking on as a commitment contributing to a safer, just, innovative and prosperous Europe, a driver of social progress, economic growth, convergence, and cohesion to the benefit of all citizens.

The importance of having a competitive and cohesive Europe was likewise noted, one that is capable of responding to citizens’ aspirations and ensuring equal conditions and opportunities in an international context that is set by profound economic, technological, and geopolitical transformations. In this framework, structural challenges to the future of the European project were identified, such as territorial inequalities, demography, housing, the increase in income, and upholding democracy faced with the rise in populist and extremist phenomena.

While celebrating 40 years since Portugal joined the European Union, the Government reiterates its commitment to the European integration founding values — democracy, the Rule of Law, solidarity, and peace.