Portugal in the European Union

Recommended Prerequisites

To know the process of European integration, or, idealy, the political system of the European Union.

Teaching Methods

Teaching methods are based on a theorectical and practical approach in the classroom. Theoretical teaching is provided with lecturing classes, where sudents are provided with the explanation of the main contents of the syllabus by the professor. Practical teaching method is based on two strategies: one is the promotion of thematic debates in classes, requiring theoretical use for critical analysis by the students, based on previous recommended academic readings; and the other one is fullfilled with case-studies analysis, operationalised in written and oral works presentations by students.   

Learning Outcomes

The curricular unit (cu) provides a timely transversal knowledge of different dimensions of the relation of Portugal with EU. At the end of the semester, the student should:

1. Understand the historical context of dictatorship and its political opposition in relation to European integration

2. Understand democratic transition as a turning point in the relation of Portugal with EEC and acknowledge its European geopolitical importance

3. Caracterize the Portuguese party system in relation with theoretical and political debates about and of the EU

4. Understand the Portuguese economic path in relation with EU policies

5. Understand and develop critical sense about the Portuguese governmental programmes and European Council presidencies in relation with national and European dynamics

6. Understand the Portuguese foreign policy within CFSP 

7. Acquire ability to critically think the future of Portugal within European integration dynamics, using learnt theoretical contents.   

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Dictactorship towards Europe in construction

1.1 The New State and European integration: between ideal and pragmatism

1.2 The europeanism of socialist opposition versus the "euroscepticism" of communist opposition 

2. Democratic transition as a turning point on European integration

2.1 The indefinition of the revolutionary period and the Western Europe support to europeanist parties

2.2 The definition of the constitutional period and consolidation of political debate on accession

2.3 Negotiations and accession

3. The europeanization of Portugal from 1986 to present

3.1 Portuguese party system and the EU

3.2 Portuguese governments and the EU

3.3 Cohesion policy in Portugal and economic and social convergence

3.4 Portuguese presidencies of the Council of the European Union

3.5 Euro-atlanticism of Portuguese foreign policy

3.6 Portugal facing European crisis

4. Conclusion and reflexion

4.1 An europeanized Portugal?

4.2 Which future for Portugal in the EU?

Head Lecturer(s)

Dina Sofia Neves Sebastião

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Participation in debate-classes : 15.0%
Research work: 35.0%
Mini Tests: 50.0%

Bibliography

Cunha, A. (ed.) (2018). Os partidos políticos portugueses e a União Europeia. Almedina.

Ferreira-Pereira, L.C. (ed.) (2014). Portugal in the European Union: Assessing Twenty-Five Years of Integration Experience. Routledge.

Moury, C.; Ladi, S., Cardoso, D. & Gago, A. (2021). Capitalising on Constraint. Bailout Politics in Eurozone Countries.  Manchester University Press.

Pinto, A.C., & Teixeira, N.S. (ed.) (2017). A Europeização da Democracia Portuguesa. Instituto de Ciências Sociais.

Sebastião, D. (2018). Mário Soares e a Europa. Principia.

Pinto, A.C. & Teixeira, N.S. (ed.) (2005). A Europa do Sul e a Construção da União Europeia. Imprensa de Ciências Sociais.

Silva, A.M. da (2000). Portugal entre a Europa e Além-Mar. Do Plano Briand na SDN (1929-30) ao Acordo Comercial com a CEE (1972-73). Livraria Minerva.

Verney, S., Bosco, A., & Lobo, M.C. (ed.) (2018). Southern Europe and the Financial Earthquake (2ª ed). Routledge.