Socialists and Democrats led Portugal and Spain into Europe. Four decades later, we celebrate this historic step and reaffirm our drive to shape Europe’s future for social, economic and environmental progress.
Gathering in Lisbon this week for an External Group Meeting, S&D members today marked 40 years since Portugal and Spain signed the accession treaty to join the European Economic Community (EEC) on 12 June 1985. This achievement - the legacy of Prime Minister Mário Soares (PS Portugal) and Prime Minister Felipe González (PSOE Spain) - positively transformed the future of both countries.
S&D President Iratxe García said:
“Today, we celebrate a date that marked a before and after; a historic step that signified progress, like never before, for people in Portugal and Spain. Equality, prosperity and democracy have all been strengthened by EU membership. We are proud of this legacy, which socialists delivered.
“The entry of Portugal and Spain into the European Union was not just economic integration. It was a political affirmation. Over these four decades, Portugal and Spain have not only benefited from the European project; they have also transformed it. We see this today under the leadership of European Council President António Costa, and the strong role of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Socialists and Democrats have always fought for Europe and today we reflect on where we have come from, and reaffirm our drive to shape Europe’s future.
“Today, 40 years later, from Lisbon, we want to renew our commitment. Not just to remember, but to act. Not only to celebrate, but to move forward. Because as Mário Soares said: Only those who give up fighting are defeated.”
Head of the Portuguese S&D Delegation, Marta Temido, said:
“Portugal’s step towards Europe in 1985 was a step towards democracy. Over the 40 years that followed, our European journey has delivered so much for the country and its citizens. We have seen remarkable economic growth and social development, whilst we enriched the European project itself. We are now at the heart of the European project. I pay tribute to Mário Soares for his vision and his perseverance in making this a reality. Today, everyone in Portugal benefits from his efforts. We will keep fighting to make Portugal and Europe stronger.”
Marking the milestone in Lisbon, S&D President Iratxe García and S&D members held an exchange with former President of the European Parliament and former leader of the S&D Group, Enrique Barón Crespo, and former Secretary of State for European Affairs and Secretary of State to the Prime Minister, Tiago Antunes. This was followed by a discussion on what matters to young people, with Portuguese Socialist Youth Secretary-general Sofia Pereira and Young European Socialists President Enric López Jurado, with introductory remarks from European Commissioner Glenn Micallef.
S&Ds are in Lisbon from Tuesday 10 June to Friday 13 June for an External Group Meeting. A central focus of the high-level meetings is housing. Yesterday, the S&Ds adopted a housing declaration - A home is a human right: Call for action to secure quality housing for all. This evening, at a dedicated S&D outreach event on housing, the S&Ds will open a discussion with citizens on how the EU can improve life for people in Portugal and across Europe.
