Assembly of the Republic

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Assembly of the Republic

The Assembly of the Republic is the legislature of the government of the Portuguese Republic. It is bicameral, composed of a lower body, the House of Representatives, and an upper body, the Senate. It meets in the Palace of Saint Benedict in Lisbon. Senators and representatives are chosen through direct election. The Assembly has 242 voting members: 22 senators and 230 representatives. The Portuguese vice president has a vote in the Senate only when senators are evenly divided.

The Portuguese Republic House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Assembly of the Republic. The fixed-term for House members is for the two-year term of a Congress, subject to reelection every two-years or intra-term vacancy. The House is charged with the passage of federal legislation, known as law proposals; those that are also passed by the Senate are sent to the president for consideration.

The Portuguese Republic Senate is the upper chamber of the Assembly of the Republic. The Senate plays a role in the passage of federal legislation; it also confirms presidential appointments and provides a vital check and balance on the powers of the executive and judicial branches of government. Each of the 22 districts is represented by two senators who serve staggered terms of six years, for a total of 22 senators.​

 

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Bill for Economic Growth and Social Welfare - APPROVED AND SIGNED

Preamble: Recognizing the necessity of a balanced legislative approach, the Economic Growth and Social Welfare Act undergoes revision to address concerns raised during deliberations in the House of Representatives. This revised version strives to maintain the original vision of fostering economic growth and social welfare, while incorporating key amendments to ensure broad-based support and sustainability.

Article 2: Key Provisions (Amended):

Section I: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Support

Article 3: Comprehensive Support Program (Amended)
3.1 The establishment of a Small Business Support Center, providing consultation services, financial guidance, and regulatory assistance.
3.2 Tax incentives, allowing eligible small businesses to benefit from a reduced corporate tax rate for the initial three years of operation.
3.3 Access to low-interest loans facilitated through collaboration with financial institutions to ease capital acquisition for startups.

Section II: Investment in Education and Workforce Development

Article 4: Allocation of Funds for Education (Amended)
4.1 The creation of a National Skills Development Fund to finance vocational training programs, curriculum updates, and teacher professional development.
4.2 Modernizing the curriculum to include digital literacy, coding, and other skills relevant to emerging industries.
4.3 Collaborations with private industries to establish internship programs, providing students with practical experience aligned with industry needs.

Section III: Sustainable Infrastructure Development

Article 5: National Initiative for Sustainable Infrastructure (Amended)
5.1 Formation of an Infrastructure Sustainability Task Force, responsible for conducting environmental impact assessments and ensuring adherence to sustainable practices.
5.2 Investments in renewable energy projects, focusing on solar and wind power to achieve a designated percentage of the national energy mix.
5.3 Implementation of smart transportation systems, including the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and intelligent traffic management.

Section IV: Tourism Enhancement Program

Article 6: Tourism Enhancement Initiative (Amended)
6.1 Establishment of a Tourism Development Authority, coordinating marketing campaigns, infrastructure improvements, and regulatory support.
6.2 Implementation of local tourism impact assessments to ensure that tourism benefits local communities and minimizes negative environmental effects.
6.3 Support for local businesses through grants and incentives to enhance tourist experiences and services.

Section V: Research and Development Incentives

Article 7: Incentives for Research and Development (Amended)
7.1 Introduction of tax incentives, including tax credits and accelerated depreciation, for businesses engaging in research and development activities.
7.2 Creation of a Research and Development Oversight Committee, responsible for assessing grant applications and monitoring project progress.
7.3 Collaboration with academic institutions to establish research partnerships, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange.

Closing Remarks: The revised Economic Growth and Social Welfare Act reflects a collaborative effort to enhance Portugal's economic and social prospects through concrete and technical means. Striking a delicate balance between visionary progress and pragmatic considerations, this amended bill embodies a commitment to shaping a future that prioritizes both prosperity and well-being.

 

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TRILATERAL AGREEMENT ON MARITIME TRADE - APPROVED AND SIGNED

between the

United Kingdom of Great Britain and North Ireland,

Portuguese Republic,

and

Kingdom of Spain

[ August, 2004 ]
Preamble
The Parties hereby establish this Agreement to promote and regulate maritime trade activities among the UK, Portugal, and Spain, fostering economic cooperation, ensuring the efficient flow of goods, and enhancing maritime security.

Definitions
For the purpose of this Agreement:

a. Maritime Trade: Refers to the transportation of goods and services via maritime routes between the territories of the Parties.

b. Ports: Designates the sea and inland ports within the territories of the Parties, including associated facilities and infrastructure.

c. Maritime Security: Encompasses measures aimed at preventing and mitigating threats to maritime trade, including but not limited to piracy, smuggling, and terrorism.
Article I, Promotion of Maritime Trade
The signatories pledge to expedite the clearance of goods and reduce administrative complexities associated with maritime trade by streamlining customs and administrative procedures. Furthermore, active encouragement is given for private sector investment in the development and maintenance of modern port infrastructure and facilities. This article underscores the collective effort to create an environment conducive to the expansion and efficiency of maritime trade activities, promoting economic cooperation among the signatory nations.

Article II, Regulation
The Parties commit to a collaborative effort in establishing common standards and regulations to ensure safety, security, and environmental protection in maritime trade. Regular consultations will be conducted to address and harmonize regulatory frameworks governing maritime trade within the territories of the Parties. This cooperative approach aims to foster a unified and effective regulatory environment that benefits the Parties involved in maritime trade activities.

Article III, Security
Signatories shall engage in collective efforts to address and combat illegal activities, including piracy, smuggling, and terrorism, to enhance the security of maritime trade. Cooperation shall extend to the sharing of information and intelligence, facilitating a comprehensive approach to prevent and respond to maritime security challenges. Additionally, joint exercises and training programs may be organized to bolster the capabilities of the Parties in effectively dealing with threats to maritime security. This article underscores the commitment of the Parties to collaborate and strengthen security measures for the benefit of their respective maritime interests.

Article IV, Dispute Resolution
In the event of a dispute, the Parties commit to seeking amicable resolution through consultation and negotiation. Should the dispute persist, the Parties may explore alternative mechanisms for resolution, such as mediation, in accordance with mutually agreed-upon procedures. This article underscores the Parties' commitment to resolving disputes in a cooperative and constructive manner, ensuring the effective implementation and enforcement of the Agreement.

Article V, Notice of Withdrawal
This agreement shall continue to be in force until such time as any party decides to withdraw from it, intent to withdraw must be delivered in writing to other signatories which will commence a six (6) month notice period. If all parties wish to terminate this agreement, no notice period is required and the treaty can be terminated immediately.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, duly authorised by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.

Done in three originals, August 2004.

For the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Lawrence Adams


For the Portuguese Republic:
President of Portugal
António Guterres

For the Kingdom of Spain:
Prime Minister of Spaion
Pedro Sánchez

Published by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:
Point of Contact
Address: Foreign and Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London, SW1
Telephone: 03700 00 22 44
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