“This was the predefined date and, due to the lack of consensus among the EU Member States for an alternative, it will be the date that will apply”, said European sources to Lusa agency at the end of the meeting of the permanent representatives of European countries, in Brussels.

According to the same sources, “there were suggestions for other dates”, namely requested by Portugal, “but no alternative obtained the necessary unanimity”.

Official approval of the date for the 2024 European Parliament elections will take place next week at the General Affairs Council.

June 10th is a national holiday, marking the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities, and June 13th is a public holiday in Lisbon, so the Portuguese Government fears a lower turnout and has been trying to change the date, without success.