40 years of EU membership
Forty years ago, Spain and Portugal joined the European Union, making it culturally richer and politically stronger.
Their membership helped create millions of new jobs, modernise economies and deepen trade ties within Europe and beyond.
Student mobility and travel have strengthened connections between citizens.
In these forty years, Europeans have enjoyed more rights, better health and additional freedoms.
Spain and Portugal have reinforced democracy and advanced social progress. They have broadened Europe’s global outlook, particularly towards Latin America, Africa and the Mediterranean.
The EU, Spain and Portugal have grown stronger together.
How this enlargement has positively changed the EU
Over the past forty years, this enlargement has brought clear and lasting benefits to the whole Union.
- The EU’s economy became stronger
- Trade inside and outside the EU increased
- Regions across Europe became better connected
- European food became more secure and diverse
- Research, innovation and study opportunities grew
- Europe became better in helping in crises
- The EU gained more global influence
