Portugal: Maria Reina Martin: “Refocusing the European debate on migration issues”

The vice president of the PICM/IPCM, the Portuguese Maria Reina Martin, has declared that "we are at a decisive moment for the consolidation of the European project."

Maria Reina Martin also holds once of the vice-presidencies of EZA, representing the Fidestra association of Portugal. She added that "the populist and ultra-conservative discourse according to which "we run the risk of becoming contaminated" with immigration, responsible for all evils, is a discourse that cannot prevail or dominate the European debate."

"The principles of the European project, of our Europe, are different. Welcoming and integrating each human being with dignity is a principle that guides us. It is also important not to forget this welcome; Integration implies rights and duties for those who arrive and for those who receive".

The members of the PICM/IPCM have supported her words: "We do not defend an uncontrolled entry, without worrying about whether or not we have the conditions to welcome them with dignity, but we do not accept a walled Europe either." Consequently, "it is urgent to find a balance, focus the European discourse on migratory movements and not allow a divisive issue to destroy our European project."