It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the website of the Institute for Economic, Fiscal and Tax Law of the Faculty of Law of the University of Lisbon (IDEFF).

The many individuals who have attended postgraduate courses organized by the Institute or participated in other initiatives undertaken by us know the degree of rigour, experience and innovative ability they can expect from us. To those now coming into contact with us for the first time we would warmly urge you to come and work with IDEFF.

Heir to the rich tradition of legal and economic science education at the Faculty of Law of Lisbon University, IDEFF has gradually extended its activity into an area undergoing profound changes in which the international dimension is increasingly present.

IDEFF blends both technical preparation and reflection on the major socio-economic issues of our time, as demonstrated by the international conference on Portugal/EU - United States economic relations, to be held between 23 and 27 June.

The Journal of Public Finance and Financial Legislation, that I have had the honour of being the founder and director, has positioned itself as a privileged forum for debate in these areas. The quality and quantity of prestigious names who have worked with us creates a duty and responsibility we have tried to respect. Other initiatives in the area of publishing business will soon be announced.

This is a time when relations between universities and civil society are becoming closer and we intend to continue to play a central and pioneering role in this process, and as such your help and commitment to our work will be decisive. We are counting on you.

Eduardo Paz Ferreira
President of IDEFF
Senior Professor at the Faculty of Law of Lisbon University