THE PORTUGUESE PARLIAMENT AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS: AN ASSESSMENT OF PLENARY DEBATES
THE PORTUGUESE PARLIAMENT AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS: AN ASSESSMENT OF PLENARY DEBATES

Summary/Abstract: Although there have been some important contributions to the study of the relationship between the Portuguese Assembleia da República and the institutional system of the European Union, more research and studies are required in order to examine the multiple features of that relationship. Bearing that in mind, this article will analyse in particular the role of the Assembleia da República’s plenary in relation to European matters, by systematizing the plenary debates particularly addressing EEC/EU matters, which took place in Parliament after Portugal’s accession to the European project, from the IV Legislature (1985-1987) through the XI Legislature (2009-2011) and by assessing the intensity and the evolution of plenary sessions devoted to this subject during those 26 years. This article therefore seeks to present a quantitative analysis of the number of plenary debates dedicated to European matters held in each legislature, while also providing a qualitative approach regarding the contents of those debates. Also included is an analysis of the changing legal framework in which mandatory plenary sessions devoted to EU affairs have been held over the years, covering the latest developments introduced by the entry into effect of the Lisbon Treaty and of Law no. 21/2012 of May 17, which amends Law no. 43/2006 of August 25, on the Assembleia da República’s monitoring, assessment and pronouncement regarding the development of the European Union.

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