European economic integration and human development: The consequences of regional integration.

Abstract

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.