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Presidency of the European Union In 2006, Portugal celebrated the 20th anniversary of accession to the European Union. Two decades on, and after a negotiation process that itself lasted almost ten years, the balance of integration into Europe has been extremely positive. During the last 20 years Europe has changed Portugal. But it is also true that Portugal has changed Europe. Our accession strengthened the Atlantic vocation of the European continent, and opened new prospects in Africa and America. Portugal, with its historical and ongoing relations, contributed not only to a rethink of the EU's priorities in external policy, but also provided Europe with a far more inclusive capital of cultural diversity. At two critical periods in the history of the building of Europe during those 20 years, in 1992 and in 2000, Portugal presided the Council of the European Union. In 1992 the ratification and entry into force of the Treaty on European Union, and in 2000 the European Agenda for Economic and Social Development (the «Lisbon Strategy»), formed a legacy attaching the Portuguese presidencies to the future of the EU. Now, Portugal leads for the Euopean Union for the third time. More information on other events and activities under the Portuguese Presidency of the European Union may be find at www.eu2007.pt, as well as the vision and strategy followed along the presidency. |
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