Roundup: UK to opt to stay in EU: Portuguese president

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said on Tuesday he believes that the United Kingdom would not opt to leave the European Union and that the referendum taking place on Thursday would make the EU "wake up."

"Given my optimism, inherent to my way of being, even if not an excessive optimism, but an optimism based on knowledge of realities, I persist on my conviction that the vote will be favorable to the permanence of the United Kingdom in the European Union," Rebelo de Sousa said at a conference to mark 30 years anniversary since Portugal joined the European Economic Community at the Portuguese parliament.

"The referendum will serve to wake up the European Union from its fearful, inconsequential lethargy, a lethargy that has dominated the European reality in the past years," he added.

Rebelo de Sousa's comments come as United Kingdom voters get ready to head to the polls on Thursday to make the monumental decision of whether they stay in the European Union or not.

He also said he was concerned regarding the possibility of Brexit and pointed out that it would lead to serious consequences not only for the United Kingdom but also for Europe, and for Portugal.

"The United Kingdom is a fundamental piece in this union of nations," he said.

The Brexit referendum was promised by David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, as part of his campaign in the 2015 election.

The Leave campaign says the UK pays too much in costs relating to being in the EU. Among other factors, it says it wants more control of its borders, pointing out that it wants to accept EU migrants taking into account their skill level. The Leave campaign also says that by leaving it will have more power in negotiating global trade deals.

The Remain campaign says that by staying in, families will benefit from more financial security and opportunities due to free trade, as well as from cheaper prices on food and fuel. It also points out that leaving will lead to an economic shock, and that the country risks going back into recession.

Cameron made a Brits don't quit plea on Tuesday, warning the UK of the damaging effects leaving the EU would have on the country, and pointing out that the EU was important for the country's economy, security and international standing.

European Council President Donald Tusk warned on Monday during an official visit to Lisbon that Brexit could be the first step of disintegration of the EU, and also urged the British to vote to remain.

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