At the closing of a conference commemorating Portugal's accession to the European Communities at the Catholic University of Portugal in Porto, Seguro considered that Portugal should maintain a consistent European policy and preserve internal consensus on its membership in the European Union.

The country should “focus its diplomacy and foreign policy on an ambitious project that allows it to be an increasingly relevant voice in Brussels [Belgium],” he stressed.

At a time when Europe needs to diversify partnerships and expand its network of influence, Portugal is not a periphery; it is a bridge, he argued.

“We are the Iberian gateway to a deeper relationship with Brazil, Africa and Latin America,” he declared.

The Head of State pointed out that Portugal has more to offer Europe than it usually recognises.

"European politics begins at home and with a clear strategy regarding our role in the European Union," he considered.

In a way, he added, Portugal and Europe face similar challenges.

"Either Europe chooses to be the subject of history, or it resigns itself to being the object of others' choices. As far as Portugal is concerned, I am certain that it has chosen to be the subject and I am certain that this will continue to be the will of the vast majority of Portuguese people," he stressed.

The President of the Republic also warned that "a Europe that hesitates is a Europe that loses and is a Europe that falls behind."

"The rule of unanimity in strategic areas is a luxury that we cannot continue to pay for," he concluded.