| This study examined the effects of European economic integration in Portugal. It put forth the hypothesis that Portugal's participation in the European economic integration process has played a major role in the maintenance of political stability and in the growth of the Portuguese economy. This in turn, has to an extent, been a causal factor in the improvement in the state of the human condition through financial aid in the form of Community Structural Funds. Specific socio-economic indicators were used as a means of evaluating the human development level before and after regional integration. Since EU accession, there is evidence of a high correlation between Portugal's participation in the regional integration process, and a rise in the economic and human development level of the population. Hence, it may be assumed that the policies utilized in fostering economic integration have had a positive effect on the rate of economic progression. It has also influenced to a significant degree, the rise in the level of human development. |
