Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
September 12, 2025
Macaronesia can play "an important role in the European Union's external cooperation," defended Artur Lima
The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, met with the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Digital Economy of the Republic of Cape Verde to discuss political cooperation between the archipelagos that comprise the Macaronesia region. For the Deputy Prime Minister, "this dimension of convergence" contributes to the acquisition of "skills for true multilateral cooperation" to "specifically address challenges faced by islands" in areas such as the sea, science and technology, cybersecurity, and geostrategy. "It is essential that the archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde work together with European institutions," he said, emphasising the "geostrategic role we play as a Macaronesia region." The Vice-President of the Government stressed that "Europe needs Macaronesia for its relations with Africa, North America and South America, as it lends an extraordinary Atlantic dimension," which is relevant to areas such as "maritime and air security, defence and space." In this regard, Macaronesia "can play an important role in the European Union's external cooperation," he said. In the future, it is in this "geostrategic dimension that we must work with Cape Verde," stressed Artur Lima. On that occasion, the topic of increased mobility and the possibility of establishing a new air link between Cape Verde and Boston, via Terceira, where a large Cape Verdean community resides, was also addressed. The Vice-President's visit to Cape Verde followed the presentation of the projects approved in the first call for proposals for the Interreg MAC (Madeira, Azores, Canary Islands) Programme 2021-2027, as part of the ATLANTE strategic project. The ATLANTE project has the strategic goal of strengthening institutional cooperation between European and African regions and countries within the geographical area covered by the InterregMAC Programme. Simultaneously, it aims to establish a platform for dialogue and collaboration in sectors of common interest. During the opening session, the Vice-President recalled the "cross-contexts" between the Azores and Cape Verde, both consisting of "nine inhabited islands, each distinct from the other, and each with its own characteristics, weaknesses, potentialities and challenges." The historical experience of the diasporas from both archipelagos, particularly in the United States of America, and the presence of the Cape Verdean community established in the Azores, were also highlighted by the government official as evidence of the shared experience and existing ties between both sides. Artur Lima also highlighted that the Azores were "the venue for the celebrations of the 50 years of independence of the Republic of Cape Verde," in 1975, which took place in Angra do Heroísmo. These celebrations "were sponsored by the Government of the Azores" and aimed to strengthen "the historical and emotional ties between both archipelagos," he pointed out. Regarding the proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, the Vice-President warned of "a major setback for the Outermost Regions" if it were to be implemented. "It is unacceptable to sacrifice Outermost Regions. We will not accept this position," he stressed. In the first call for proposals under the INTERREG MAC 2021-2027 Programme, the Azores are involved in 22 projects among a total of 135 applications submitted. In 21 of these projects, the Azores are participating in direct partnership with Cape Verdean institutions.

Nota de Imprensa
September 11, 2025
Azores with 362 new housing solutions under implementation
362 new housing solutions are currently being implemented in the Azores, representing an investment of over 43.6 million Euros financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) for the Region. This investment will increase the supply of public housing for different situations and age groups, including young people, middle-class and single-parent families, not forgetting the most disadvantaged households facing serious housing shortages. Faced with the national and European challenge that is also being experienced in the regional housing market, namely in the acquisition and construction of housing or rental properties, the Government is implementing with determination, rigour and responsibility what is the largest investment ever made in public housing in the Azores. Between 2012 and 2020, only 71 houses were built, which is less than one house per year and per island. The continuous underinvestment in housing during those years has led to a supply deficit in the Region. It will now be remedied by the investment being made in new housing solutions, such as construction, renovation, and plot servicing. This is the case of the São Pedro neighbourhood, in the parish of Maia, municipality of Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island, where the construction of six two-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments is progressing, as confirmed this week by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, "in an example that is multiplying in different municipalities and islands." The works contract for the São Pedro neighbourhood was awarded in October 2024 to the company Marques, S.A. for 2.3 million Euros, financed under the RRP, and is expected to be completed in early 2026. In addition to the construction, renovation and servicing of plots for transfer, the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Housing, is investing in adapting support measures for construction, renovation and rental to the current context, namely the increase in lease and construction material costs. A 20% increase in lease incentives, as well as changes to the calculation formulas and income brackets for eligibility for self-build support on serviced plots provided by the Region, are some of the measures promoted by the PSD/CDS/PPM coalition to reduce the financial burden on families seeking access to housing. This year, the Azorean Government regulated the new lease with purchase option scheme so that Azoreans can benefit from new, modern and efficient housing solutions at prices compatible with their incomes. The purchase option can only be exercised by the tenant one year after signing the lease agreement.

Nota de Imprensa
September 10, 2025
Adaptation of taxi transport scheme to make activity more attractive and sustainable, stresses Berta Cabral
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, stressed today that adapting the legal scheme for public passenger transport by taxi, unanimously approved by the Azorean Parliament, to the Region will make the activity "more attractive, sustainable and fairer." "What we propose in this adaptation of the national law governing the legal scheme for public passenger transport service by taxi is the exemption from the application and use of taximeters and, additionally, the possibility of transferring the taxi operator licence, which consists of a permit, to a forced heir or executor," she stressed during the presentation of the document. “We are, therefore, firmly confident that this legislative proposal will guarantee the resolution of specific problems faced by taxi drivers in the Azores. It will also make the entire activity more attractive, more sustainable and fairer,” he continued, speaking in the city of Horta during a debate at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The government official pointed out that the proposal approved today aims to "solve specific problems and create better conditions" for taxi activity, while "taking into account the specificities" of the various Azorean islands. She explained: “This is an essential public transport service that ensures mobility for the Azorean population, especially outside urban centres, with the particular advantage of proximity and solutions for the most vulnerable members of society, such as the elderly and the sick. Similarly, the taxi service has taken on a critical role in the development of our tourism industry, often being the first and last point of contact with those visiting us.” Compared to national legislation, the Azorean scheme has two specific features: firstly, it ensures that taxis are exempt from the obligation to be fitted with a taximeter, a decision that "considers the characteristics of the regional market," which is small and geographically dispersed, with short distances travelled and waiting times, without prejudice to an annual review. Another specific feature concerns the non-applicability of licence expiry for taxi operators, which are issued as a permit, in the event of the death of a sole proprietor, as provided for in Decree-Law No. 101/2023 of October 31, given the characteristics of the regional market.

Nota de Imprensa
September 10, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro exchanged farewell greetings with Commander of the Azores Air Zone
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, met with Major General António Moldão, the Commander of the Azores Air Zone, during a farewell audience held on Tuesday at the German Colony in Horta. The head of the Azorean Government conveyed the Regional Government's gratitude for Major General António Moldão's "excellent performance." In this regard, he emphasised that his leadership contributed "to raising awareness and understanding of the importance and significance of the Azores within Portugal's maritime geography and the country's Atlantic centrality." The President of the Government highlighted the significance of Air Base No. 4 on Terceira Island in providing services to the Azorean population, particularly in search and rescue operations. He acknowledged the "enormous operational effort made by the Air Force for the benefit of the population." The audience was also an opportunity for joint reflection on the geostrategic and geopolitical value of Air Base No. 4, in the national context, within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance and the bilateral agreement between Portugal and the United States of America. José Manuel Bolieiro extended his best wishes for success to Major General António Moldão in his new professional endeavours, expressing hope that he "will continue to be a friend and advocate for the interests of the Azores and Portugal in the Atlantic." António Moldão expressed his gratitude for the honour and emphasised his pride in commanding the Azores Air Zone. He highlighted the crucial role of the Air Force in supporting the population and strengthening the strategic position of the Region.

Nota de Imprensa
September 10, 2025
Azores' GDP grows by more than two billion Euros under coalition governments, highlights Paulo Estêvão
The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, praised today the current economic situation in the Azores, pointing out that the regional economy has "never" experienced such significant growth. “At the end of this year, the Azores' GDP will exceed 6 billion Euros. In 2012, at the beginning of Vasco Cordeiro's two administrations, the GDP stood at 3.546 billion Euros. In the last eight years of socialist Governments, led by Vasco Cordeiro, the Azores' GDP grew by a meagre 450 million Euros. This was in the course of eight years. If we consider the growth forecast for this year, the Azores will have recorded a GDP growth of more than 2 billion Euros in just five years," stated the government official. The Regional Secretary spoke at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in the city of Horta. He pointed out that the current economic growth "is only happening" due to the "policies that have been implemented" by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition. "Taxes were reduced, and even so, social support was substantially increased, and several careers were upgraded. All this led to an increase in consumption and contributed to further boosting the Azorean economy. As a result, within two legislative terms, the Azores' GDP, i.e. the wealth produced by the Region, will have doubled," he stated. Acknowledging that the Government had put "all its eggs in one basket," Paulo Estêvão stressed that the commitment to economic growth had been successful, even though there were still challenges to overcome. He stated: "Are there arrears in payments in the Region? Yes, there are. It is a problem that we have to solve, and we are already doing so. In health, for example. However, in all other areas, it is vital to bring payments up to date. This is our focus and our commitment. And we will succeed. We will maintain economic growth. Low taxes. Maintain and even increase social support. Continue to value careers. We will focus on revenue growth through economic growth, and we will fine-tune our budget efforts." The government official also defended the need to create "more cash flow," reiterating the idea that "it is necessary to cut all expenses that do not jeopardise the Region's economic growth, social support and increased household income." “We will do this, and we will be successful again. Anyone who is on the verge of doubling GDP in just two terms of office can commit to this. It is not impossible, and we have already achieved what almost everyone considered impossible,” he concluded.

Nota de Imprensa
September 9, 2025
Regional Government welcomes Parliament's unanimous decision to recognise Bermuda driving licences
The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, welcomed today the unanimous approval of a draft bill by the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores regarding the recognition of driving licences issued in Bermuda on Portuguese territory. The approval concerned amendments to the Highway Code and the Regulations on Legal Qualifications to Drive. Paulo Estêvão expects that, in the next phase, the National Assembly will be "particularly sensitive" to the national implementation of these amendments, which have been sought for decades by the Portuguese community in Bermuda. As he stressed, the Regional Government is "following" the different considerations voiced in plenary by various parliamentary groups and representatives, praising the "strong ties" between this territory and the Autonomous Region of the Azores. He continued: “This initiative meets the expectations of the many Azorean descendants living in Bermuda, who have long awaited a resolution to this issue. The Regional Government hopes that the Portuguese Parliament will be especially attentive to the needs of one of the largest Portuguese communities abroad, considering its population percentage.” Bermuda, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, covers a surface area of just 53.35 km². As a British Overseas Territory, it enjoys a high degree of autonomy and a population of approximately 64,000 residents, making it one of the most densely populated regions in the world, with only 200 km of roads and bridges. It is estimated that approximately 35% of Bermuda's resident population is Portuguese or of Portuguese descent, primarily from the Azores. The Azorean Government also emphasises the contributions of Andrea Moniz-DeSouza, President of the Association of Azorean Emigrants, throughout the process.

Nota de Imprensa
September 9, 2025
Duarte Freitas advocates budget adjustments with Azorean economy growing
The Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, defended today at the Azorean Parliament a "prudent financial policy that maintains low taxes" as a mechanism to stimulate economic growth, while ensuring balanced accounts and investment capacity. Duarte Freitas acknowledged that the "current situation is paradoxical," with “historic” indicators but "also with a huge challenge in terms of budget sustainability." He noted: "It is precisely now that we must take action, as the worst mistake would be to wait for stagnation or crisis to redress imbalances. We cannot waste this opportunity. It is time to make budget adjustments while the economy is growing." "I can announce here that the 14th Regional Government will present, within a maximum period of one month, a savings plan with a series of measures that will result, as early as 2026, in savings in the Regional Budget amounting to more than 30 million Euros," he said, speaking at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. These include measures such as a 20% reduction in office and consultancy expenses or an equal percentage reduction in travel and accommodation, studies and reports, seminars and exhibitions. "This plan also includes measures to effectively maximise regional assets, which are expected to generate an impact of over two million euros by 2026," he added. "The total amount of main taxes rose from around 541 million Euros in 2019 to 681 million Euros in 2024, an increase of 26%,” he explained. In the second quarter of 2025, the unemployment rate reached "a historic low of 3.9%," the best figure since 2007, while in 2024, 4.39 million overnight stays in tourism were registered, "a 45% increase, and 188 million Euros in revenue, 80% more than five years ago." He continued: "Although the update of the statistical series has postponed this goal by one year, in 2025, the Region will exceed the 6 billion-Euro GDP mark, something unthinkable just a few years ago. In 2019, it stood at 4.349 million Euros, according to the same statistical basis as the 2021 series. These figures prove that the economy is generating wealth, income and consumption. The Azorean economy is stronger than ever. This is due to the efforts and success of businesses and families. Duarte Freitas highlighted several measures implemented by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition governments that had a clearly positive impact on Azorean citizens. He specifically mentioned "tax cuts that removed hundreds of millions of Euros from the region's treasury," but emphasised that these cuts "restored and stimulated income for families and businesses." The government official also highlighted the success of the “Azores Fare,” which has led to an investment of 13.5 million Euros this year, when it was initially estimated to cost six million Euros. Meanwhile, he noted that increased funding for health and education enabled the payment of teachers' seniority entitlements and the revaluation of health careers. “These are the achievements of this Government, delivering justice that was previously denied. In education, transfers grew by 45% between 2019 and 2025, while in health, they grew by around 80%. Salary increases between 2024 and 2025 represent more than 52 million Euros, including 32 million Euros for the teaching career. All of this, naturally, puts pressure on the Regional Budget," he said.

Nota de Imprensa
September 9, 2025
3rd Santa Maria Agricultural Trade Fair Biennial begins Thursday
The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, through the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary and Food, in partnership with the Santa Maria Agricultural Association, is promoting the 3rd Santa Maria Agricultural Trade Fair Biennial, which will take place between September 11 and 14, 2025, on Avenida de Santa Maria, next to the former football pitch. This year's edition includes two major events: the Regional Beekeeping Forum, with conferences, workshops and demonstrations, and the 3rd Charolais Breed Conference, featuring lectures, competitions and more. The 3rd Agricultural Trade Fair Biennial and the Azores Regional Beekeeping Forum, in particular, highlight Santa Maria's role as a hub for agricultural and beekeeping innovation, promoting quality products and recognising the value of Azorean rural culture. The Regional Beekeeping Forum opens with technical visits, practical workshops, and thematic conferences, bringing together experts from the Azores, Mainland Portugal, and the Balearic Islands. Over the four-day event, the aim is to create a sharing space where farmers, beekeepers, researchers, technicians, companies and the community in general can work together on innovation and sustainability, promoting the products from Santa Maria and the Azores. The event showcases a programme that combines technical, scientific, cultural and gastronomic activities. Moreover, there will be technical sessions, agricultural competitions, presentations of local products, show cooking and food tastings, highlighting some of the island's most emblematic products. The venue will also feature food stalls, cultural entertainment, musical performances, and activities for families and children.