Porto, May 13, 2026 (Lusa) - The president of Portugal, António José Seguro, said that Portugal must adopt a "more active voice" within the European Union as it has much to offer.

At the close of a conference marking Portugal’s accession to the European Communities at the Portuguese Catholic University in Porto on Tuesday, Seguro said that Portugal must have a consistent European policy and preserve internal consensus regarding its European Union membership.

The country must “focus its diplomacy and foreign policy on an ambitious project that allows it to be an increasingly relevant voice in Brussels”, he said.

At a time when Europe needs to diversify its partnerships and expand its network of influence, Portugal is not on the periphery; it is a bridge, he said, adding that “we are the Iberian gateway to a deeper relationship with Brazil, Africa and Latin America”.

He also pointed out that Portugal had more to offer Europe than it typically credits itself for, and that European policy begins at home with a clear strategy regarding the nation's role in the Union.

He added that, in a way, Portugal and Europe face similar challenges, and that Europe must choose whether to be an active subject of history or resign itself to being the object of others' choices.

Regarding Portugal, he expressed confidence that the country had chosen to be an active participant and believed this would maintain the will of the vast majority of its citizens.

He warned that a Europe that hesitates is a Europe that loses and falls behind.

“The rule of unanimity in strategic areas is a luxury we can no longer afford,” he concluded.

SVF/MYAL // ADB.

Lusa