Two theses are presented and discussed throughout the paper. First, the limits on public deficits with the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) do not correspond to the imposition of restrictive fiscal policies, but instead to the abandonment of an ultimate goal of economic policy: full employment....

The Portuguese convergence and growth experience after EU membership can be divided into two periods: 1986-1998, a convergence period during which growth in the Portuguese economy accelerated and Portugal grew faster than the EU15/14 average; and a stagnation/divergence period from 1999 onwards...

The Portuguese growth and convergence experience after EU membership can be divided into two periods: 1986-1998, a convergence period during which growth in the Portuguese economy accelerated and Portugal grew faster than the EU14 average; and a stagnation/divergence period from 1999 onwards when...