The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), a staunchly orthodox party, has opposed every stage of European integration since the community began. The communist opposition can be divided into at least five distinct phases. This study will analyze the party’s approach during each phase with special attention to the post 2008 economic crisis approach and the PCP's antagonism toward “federalism.” The PCP has generally adhered to what can be labeled a Third world/radical ideological argument concerning integration's side effects. For example, it has argued that membership will not resolve Portugal's economic problems but only increase the nation's dependence on the outside world. Portugal will be integrated more deeply into "monopoly capital's international division of labor" resulting in a considerable loss of sovereignty. The party has also called frequently for the government to inform the public of the membership process and of its consequences, assuming that the Portuguese would turn against integration if they knew "all the facts" (although as discussed below based on the Greek referendum, the PCP is concerned that voters have been adversely influenced by big capital propaganda). Over the years the PCP has focused its analyses on Portugal's various economic sectors to show how European Economic Community (EEC)/European Union (EU) membership has had an overall negative impact on them.

--