Portugal's Journey to the European Union: Motivations and Outcomes
Portugal's decision to join the European Union (EU) was a pivotal moment that marked significant changes in its economic, political, and social landscape. This choice, made after the Carnation Revolution in 1974, aimed to address a multitude of challenges and capitalize on the benefits offered by EU membership. This article explores the key reasons behind Portugal's decision to join the EU, the outcomes of this decision, and its lasting impact on the country.
Why Did Portugal Want to Join the EU?
Portugal's quest to join the EU was driven by several compelling reasons. These motivations encompassed economic development, political stability, access to the European single market, and cultural and social integration.
Economic Development
Following the Carnation Revolution, which marked the end of a long dictatorship, Portugal recognized the urgent need to modernize its economy and improve living standards. Joining the EU was seen as a pathway to accelerate economic growth through access to funding, investment, and a free trade market. The EU provided Portugal with financial support and institutional modernization that were crucial in its post-revolutionary development.
Political Stability
Political stability was another significant motivation for Portugal's EU membership. By aligning with Western European nations, Portugal sought to strengthen its democratic institutions and political practices. Sharing democratic values and practices with other EU member states was seen as a way to ensure long-term stability and integration.
Access to the Common Market
Membership in the EU granted Portugal access to the European single market, allowing for free trade with other member states. This access was vital for boosting exports and attracting foreign investment. The integration into a powerful common market helped modernize Portuguese institutions and provided new opportunities for international trade.
Structural Funds and Support
EU membership also came with substantial financial support in the form of structural funds. These funds were designed to reduce regional disparities and support infrastructure development and improvements in public services, particularly in poorer regions of Portugal. This support was crucial for addressing the economic gaps that existed after the revolution.
Cultural and Social Integration
Culturally and socially, Portugal aimed to strengthen its ties with other European nations, fostering cultural exchange and social integration. EU membership was seen as a way to enhance Portugal's international standing and influence, making the country a more vibrant participant in the European community.
Portugal's Integration into the EU
Portugal officially joined the EU, then the European Economic Community (EEC), in 1986. This marked a significant milestone in its post-revolutionary development. The integration into the EU meant the country would be part of a powerful common market and that its institutions would be modernized to support this integration. Financial resources were available, and the structural funds provided were instrumental in addressing economic disparities and fostering development.
Outcomes and Impact
Portugal's journey to the EU has had far-reaching and positive outcomes. The economic growth experienced in the late 70s and early 80s was significant, but it was the social advancement that brought the most change. Portugal was treated fairly during its integration due to its status as an old Western European nation. Despite challenges, such as the austerity crisis from 2008 to 2012, the verdict is clear: Portugal owes much of its current standing to its membership in the European community.
Portugal has grown immensely since 1986, with the benefits of EU membership greatly outweighing the costs. College-educated individuals, from both the far left and the far right, often overlook the vast privilege that EU membership has brought to their lives and those of their families. It is a move that cannot be understated in terms of its impact on stabilizing Portugal and ensuring a more comfortable and prosperous future for its citizens.
For Portugal, being part of the European Community was a monumental decision that saved the country from political instability, rampant inflation, and extreme poverty. The elites of the 1980s played a crucial role in achieving this integration, and the outcome is undeniable. Portugal got much more than it lost and would have experienced a vastly different trajectory if it had not joined the common market.