In an official visit which lasted only four hours, the French President recalled that the Portuguese people had already made “huge efforts and sacrifices” and that Portugal “has already given Europe so much”.
In a visit dominated by the aftermath of the Nice terrorist attacks, Hollande said that while common guidelines were necessary, Europe should not be reduced to living off rules and discipline and should show more solidarity and hope.
Hollande also called for the process of the UK leaving the UK to be expedited, saying the matter will be at the forefront of the next European summit that is to be staged in Bratislava.