A Convergence Movement Between the European Union's Economic Constitution and National Economic Constitutions – Lessons from the Portuguese Case

This chapter seeks to demonstrate a mutual influence between national economic identities and the European Union’s own economic identity. In order to do so, it draws on the example of the Portuguese Constitution. Firstly, the initial text of the Portuguese Constitution of 1976 is analysed. The Portuguese case is a good starting point, given its singularities within Western Europe. Secondly, an attempt at identifying the European Union’s economic model is made, focusing on a perceived mischaracterisation as neoliberal. Thirdly, the interaction between the Portuguese and European Constitutions is analysed, focusing on the economic aspects, in order to highlight the convergence movement.