For Portugal, joining the EU in 1986 signalled the beginning of increased integration into Europe, following more than forty years of political authoritarianism and international isolation. Since then, the Portuguese democracy has fully consolidated, the state that had emerged in the wake of the revolution has given way to privatization and economic liberalization, and an already open economy has pursued further integration with European partners, especially neighboring Spain. In this key volume, noted scholars examine the gains and risks of Portugal's regional integration into the EU and suggest options for the future. They address related issues in four main areas of concern: national identity and literature, economics and finance, social policy and the state, and science and research policy. This comprehensive assessment of Portugal's emergence into international trade and diplomacy provides a model for future studies of the impact of EU integration on the society and culture of new member states.