14 Nov 1988: Portugal joins the Western European Union.
11 Dec 1987: Parliament votes unanimously to cede Macao to China in 1999.
23 March 1987: Pact with China settles return of Macao in 1999 with tacit understanding that the capital system will remain in place for another 50 years.
30 June 1986: Portugal starts talks with China about Macao.
9 March 1986: Mario Soares becomes the first civilian President.