Portugal, like three other MIPEX countries, has attained best practice on both definitions and concepts and fields of application. Portugal would attain best practice on enforcement mechanisms, that rank 2nd after the NL, if the average length of procedures were below six months. Enforcement mechanisms would also improve if labour law allowed NGOs (specifically, legal entities with legitimate interest in promoting equalities), not just trade unions, to carry out proceedings on behalf of and in support of victims. The specialised equality agency assists victims of ethnic, racial, religious and nationality discrimination, but with limited legal standing. The state introduces positive action measures, but does not ensure that other functions of public bodies promote equality.
