WHEN ADAPTATION ELUDES TRANSFORMATION : The Losing Game of Portuguese Territories within the Context of Europe

What may be the expected effects of European integration on Portuguese regions, referring to the role of Community funding in public sub-national activity? The inclusion of Portuguese local and regional entities within the European context opens up new opportunities in a new administrative environment. This should influence the socio-political practices under which they usually operate. Significant consequences are also to be expected in the way they act, especially bearing in mind that Portugal is one of the countries that has benefited most from European regional policy. To what extent this has led to a modernization of the Portuguese political system, considering specifically the principles of transparency, subsidiarity and participation which are promoted by European discourse ? These should lead to an enhanced role of territorial forces in the decision-making processes.