Also on social media, the President of the Assembly of the Republic, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, celebrates this date as "a day that signified democracy, development and cohesion".

In a message published on the social network X, the Prime Minister points out that Portugal became a "full member" of the then European Economic Community (EEC) 40 years ago.

Luís Montenegro states that Portugal "found a new meaning for its European vocation" and that "this strategic choice allowed the country to develop, grow and converge in the European space".

"It also consolidated our democracy, opened up the economy, modernised the country and projected us onto Europe and the world. Today, in the EU, we continue to work for a more prosperous Portugal and for a stronger and more cohesive Union. For the future of Portugal and for the success of the EU," adds the head of the PSD/CDS-PP government.

In turn, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco published messages on Facebook and Instagram, with a photo of Mário Soares as Prime Minister signing the treaty of accession to the EEC, and the following comment: "A day that changed our history. A day that meant democracy, development and cohesion."

The President of the Assembly of the Republic, a deputy elected by the PSD, refers to the accession as "a day that was prepared by many" and "to which parliament contributed greatly".

"A day in which Portugal encountered its European identity and its democratic destiny. 40 years ago, Portugal's accession to the European Communities. A day of the future. A day for all of us!", writes Aguiar-Branco.

Portugal's accession treaty to the then EEC was signed on June 12, 1985, by Mário Soares, as well as by the Deputy Prime Minister of the PS/PSD government, Rui Machete, and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Jaime Gama, and Finance, Ernâni Lopes.