The Agreement between the EEC and the Portuguese Republic (Brussels, 22 July 1972)

Source: Imagens do processo de adesão de à Comunidade Europeia / RUI PATRÍCIO, Marcelo Caetano.- Lisboa: RTP [Prod.], 1986. Radiotelevisão Portuguesa Serviço público de televisão SA, Lisboa. - FILM (02:37, Noir et blanc, Son original). Arquivo RTP, Rua General Humberto Delgado 12-2 Prior Velho, 2685-340 Sacavém. Copyright: (c) Translation CVCE.EU by UNI.LU All rights of reproduction, of public communication, of adaptation, of distribution or of dissemination via Internet, internal network or any other means are strictly reserved in all countries. Consult the legal notice and the terms and conditions of use regarding this site. URL: http://www.cvce.eu/obj/the_agreement_between_the_eec_and_the_portuguese_rep ublic_brussels_22_july_1972-en-bf18770b-0841-4784-8645-c56261b05530.html Last updated: 05/07/2016

1/2 Agreement between the EEC and the Portuguese Republic (Brussels, 22 July 1972)

[Journalist] 1972 was also a year of new relations with Europe. A salient point: the signing of the Agreement with the enlarged European Economic Community by Portuguese Minister Rui Patrício.

[Rui Patrício] The importance of the agreements signed in Brussels on 22 January, the complexity of their provisions, and the importance of their future effect on the Portuguese economy merit a full, clear and detailed explanation to the people of Portugal.

[Marcelo Caetano] As a full member of the European Free Trade Association, known as EFTA, which includes the , we have already been granted substantial export facilities and incentives and we could not remain indifferent to this important customer of ours entering the common market. Because with the United Kingdom as a member, the common market accounts for no less than 55 % of what we sell abroad.

[Journalist] In recognition of the undeniable position of Portugal in the international order, during the year important European political and diplomatic figures came to for official meetings with the President of the Council of Ministers and a number of our Government ministers.

In March, Minister Rui Patrício went to at the official invitation of his British opposite number. In talks with the British Prime Minister, Edward Heath, and Foreign Secretary, Sir Alec Douglas-Hume, Dr Rui Patrício had the opportunity to discuss issues of importance for strengthening the oldest European alliance.

Prominent among the visits to Lisbon by foreign personalities were those of Spanish Minister López Rodó, who met the President of the Council of Ministers in the Algarve; Spanish Minister López Bravo, in the context of the periodic talks agreed between members of the Portuguese and Spanish Governments; Italian Minister Giuseppe Pella; and the Secretary-General of NATO, Joseph Luns, an old friend and admirer of Portugal and our civilising efforts.

2/2