Hollande says that Europe is facing a moment of truth and must resist calls to deny climate change or bar access to refugees.
Hollande said today on the sidelines of an informal meeting with six other EU leaders in Lisbon, Portugal that European Union countries should stick to their principles and defend their interests.
He said the EU has to be firm in its talks with US President Donald Trump.
Seven southern European leaders are holding a summit to emphasize their commitment to the European Union, in the wake of Britain's vote to leave the bloc.
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Portuguese officials say the seven leaders will commit their countries to closer cooperation on border security and efforts to fight terrorism.
They will also consider ways of spurring economic growth and coordinating their economies, which all use the euro currency. EU growth is on the whole sluggish.
The countries have already signaled they are prepared to surrender more national sovereignty to EU institutions.
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