What sort of country would we be today if, 40 years ago, Portugal had not joined the European Communities?

«Accession was a fundamental political choice for consolidating our democracy. It affirmed Portugal’s place within a common project based on freedom, the rule of law, peaceful cooperation between peoples and the ambition to improve citizens’ living conditions,» said Fátima Barros, Chairwoman of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, as she opened the conference.

Understanding Portugal as it really is, with its progress and its shortcomings, is part of the Foundation’s mission. And understanding Portugal requires understanding the Europe of which we are a part and the international context in which we operate, she added.

For this reason, the Foundation has devoted considerable attention to European issues, from the major «European Portugal» meeting in 2013 to the publication of essays, scientific studies and Pordata statistical profiles that help us better understand this reality.

These topics have also reached wider audiences through documentaries, television debates, radio programmes, podcasts and conferences.