EU Council President Antonio Costa celebrated the 40th anniversary of Portugal's EU accession, hailing it as the catalyst for the nation's most significant period of social and economic development and a testament to European solidarity.
The 40th anniversary of Portugal's accession to the European Union marks a pivotal moment in the nation's history, ushering in an unprecedented era of progress, EU Council President Antonio Costa stated on Thursday.
“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,” Costa said at a ceremony in the capital.
He emphasised that joining the bloc was the final step in Portugal's journey to democracy that began with the 1974 Carnation Revolution. "The signing of 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," Costa declared. He highlighted that the accession fulfilled the "three Ds" of the revolution: Democracy, decolonisation, and Development.
Since joining the EU in 1985, Portugal has undergone a remarkable transformation. Costa detailed the profound economic impact, noting, “The Portuguese economy has grown 143% due to its internal market opening up to Europe. There has been an eightfold increase in the average wage, and GDP per capita has risen elevenfold.”
The social progress has been equally striking. “Once a country in which an 18% illiteracy rate hindered development, today Portugal is a country where the 43% of young people with higher education offer the country enormous potential for future development,” Costa said. This profound change, he argued, is why "the Portuguese, out of all Europeans, nowadays trust the European Union the most."
Costa also reflected on the broader significance of the 1980s enlargement for the continent. “For the first time, Europe was not defined as a customs union, a common market, but as a political entity, as a union of democracies," he said. He praised Portugal's consistent role as an "active, loyal and constructive partner" within the EU.
The Council president stressed the strategic success of EU enlargement, which has grown from 10 members in 1985 to 27 today. "Enlargement has turned out to be the greatest geostrategic investment for peace and prosperity," he affirmed.
In his closing remarks, Costa echoed the words of the late Portuguese President Mario Soares from the 1985 treaty signing: “A day of good omen for the future of Europe. May that future be one of solidarity and unity, may it promote progress and social justice and may it provide an element of peace and stability in today’s troubled world.”
Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to their second UEFA Nations League title in dramatic fashion on Sunday, scoring a crucial equaliser and watching from the sidelines as his side triumphed 5-3 on penalties against Spain after a pulsating 2-2 draw in Munich.
Experts say there is no proof a renewable energy experiment led to the widespread blackout across the Iberian Peninsula in April, as investigations point to a complex grid failure with no single identified cause.
Portuguese prosecutors have opened an investigation into far-right politician Andre Ventura after he made controversial pre-election remarks targeting the Roma community.
Portugal’s centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, has won the country’s third parliamentary election in as many years, but once again failed to secure a majority, setting the stage for further political uncertainty.
Portugal's ruling centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, is on track to win the most votes in Sunday’s snap parliamentary election—but likely without securing a governing majority, according to exit polls.
The crisis unfolding in Iran has prompted several countries to begin evacuating their citizens still present in the country.
Viswashkumar Ramesh, the only known survivor of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, said he escaped through an emergency exit as bodies lay scattered around him.
Azerbaijan and Armenia have successfully concluded peace agreement negotiations and are now in consultations to sign the treaty, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced.
The Dutch caretaker government has expressed support for NATO’s proposed 5% GDP defence spending target, citing rising security threats as justification.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he and his team were aware of Israel’s plans to strike Iran, calling the operation “very successful.”
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan and the UK are strengthening defense ties with a new Military Cooperation Plan, focusing on peacekeeping and military education.
A 30-year-old woman was shot by police in Munich on Saturday evening after stabbing two people at Theresienwiese, a central park best known for hosting Oktoberfest.
Viswashkumar Ramesh, the only known survivor of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, said he escaped through an emergency exit as bodies lay scattered around him.
The Dutch caretaker government has expressed support for NATO’s proposed 5% GDP defence spending target, citing rising security threats as justification.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he and his team were aware of Israel’s plans to strike Iran, calling the operation “very successful.”
Israel’s military is bracing for a long-term conflict, with IDF officials warning of expected Iranian retaliation and ongoing operations in Gaza.
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to reach a deal on its nuclear program, warning that more violence could follow after Israel’s latest strikes on Iranian targets.
The crisis unfolding in Iran has prompted several countries to begin evacuating their citizens still present in the country.
Viswashkumar Ramesh, the only known survivor of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, said he escaped through an emergency exit as bodies lay scattered around him.
Azerbaijan and Armenia have successfully concluded peace agreement negotiations and are now in consultations to sign the treaty, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced.
The Dutch caretaker government has expressed support for NATO’s proposed 5% GDP defence spending target, citing rising security threats as justification.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he and his team were aware of Israel’s plans to strike Iran, calling the operation “very successful.”
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment