Overview
Capital: Lisbon
Official EU language(s): Portuguese
EU member country: since 1 January 1986
Currency: euro. Portugal joined the Eurozone on 1 January 1999.
Schengen: Schengen area member since 26 March 1995
Figures: Geographical size – population – gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in PPS
Political system
Portugal operates as a semi-presidential republic with a prime minister as the head of government and a president as the head of state. The president holds the authority to appoint the prime minister and other government members. Administratively, Portugal is divided into 308 municipalities, further subdivided into 3,092 civil parishes. Legally identifiable local administrative units include the municipality and civil parish, alongside the national government.
Trade and economy
In 2020, the most significant sectors of Portugal’s economy included wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation, and food services (20.8%), public administration, defense, education, human health, and social work activities (20.7%), and industry (17.4%).
Within the EU, 71% of Portugal’s exports are traded, with Spain (25%), France (14%), and Germany (12%) being primary partners. Beyond the EU, 6% of exports head to the United Kingdom, and 5% to the United States.
Imports mainly originate from EU Member States, constituting 75%, with Spain (33%), Germany (13%), and France (7%) as significant contributors. Externally, 5% of imports come from China and 3% from the United Kingdom.
Portugal in the EU
European Parliament
Portugal is represented by 21 members in the European Parliament.
Council of the EU
Portuguese government representatives actively participate in Council meetings to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies.
Presidency of the Council of the EU
Portugal held the Presidency of the Council of the EU in January-June 1992, January-June 2000, and July-December 2007.
European Commission
Elisa Ferreira represents Portugal as the Commissioner nominated to the European Commission, overseeing Cohesion and Reforms.
European Economic & Social Committee
Portugal contributes 12 representatives to the European Economic and Social Committee, offering consultation on proposed laws affecting work and social situations.
European Committee of the Regions
With 12 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, Portugal ensures regional perspectives are considered in proposed laws.
Permanent representation to the EU
Portugal maintains communication with EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels, ensuring effective pursuit of the country’s interests and policies within the EU.
Budgets and Funding
Portugal’s contributions to the EU budget are determined based on its economic capacity, supporting various programs and projects across EU countries. The EU budget prioritizes the needs of Europeans as a whole.
