Lisbon: The EU Council president on Thursday marked the 40th anniversary of Portugal's accession to the then-European Economic Community, now the European Union, calling it a milestone that reshaped both the nation and Europe itself. 'This is a huge success for Portugal, the fruit of Portuguese efforts. But it is also thanks to Europe's solidarity as part of a project of shared prosperity,' Antonio Costa said at the ceremony in the capital Lisbon.
According to Anadolu Agency, Costa highlighted the culmination of Portugal's democratization process that began with the Carnation Revolution of 1974, noting that the accession treaty not only concluded Portugal's democratic transition but also ushered in the era of the greatest social and economic development in Portugal's history. He emphasized that the 1985 accession fulfilled the 'three Ds of the April revolution,' stating that after democracy and decolonization, accession to the EEC opened the door to development.
Costa described the 1980s enlargement as a turning point for Europe, where Europe was first defined not just as a customs union or common market, but as a political entity and a union of democracies. Highlighting the country's economic transformation since joining the bloc, Costa noted that the Portuguese economy has grown 143% due to its internal market opening up to Europe, with an eightfold increase in average wages and an elevenfold rise in GDP per capita.
He praised Portugal's modern workforce, pointing out the reduction in illiteracy and the increase in higher education among young people, which offers the country significant potential for future development. Costa remarked that it is no surprise that the Portuguese, among all Europeans, trust the European Union the most.
Costa also underscored Portugal's role in shaping Europe's path, stating that Portugal has always been an active, loyal, and constructive partner, able to align its interests within the framework of the EU's common interests. On the EU's growth, he noted the increase in member states from 10 in 1985 to 27 now, describing enlargement as the greatest geostrategic investment for peace and prosperity.
In closing, Costa cited the words of the late Mario Soares, then Portugal's president, at the 1985 treaty signing, expressing hope for a future of solidarity, unity, progress, social justice, and a contribution to peace and stability in today's troubled world.