Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
December 10, 2025
Rede Regional de Abate renova Certificação de Bem-Estar Animal, anuncia António Ventura
A Rede Regional de Abate dos Açores renovou a Certificação em Bem-Estar Animal (BEA), atribuída pelo Instituto de Investigação e Tecnologia Alimentar (IRTA), baseada nas normas europeias Welfare Quality, anuncia o Secretário Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação, António Ventura. A auditoria realizada pela AENOR confirmou que os matadouros da Terceira, São Miguel, Graciosa e Flores cumprem os requisitos exigidos, garantindo práticas que reduzem o stress e o sofrimento dos animais durante receção, maneio, insensibilização e abate. O Matadouro de Santa Maria não reuniu ainda a amostra mínima de animais necessária para a auditoria, mas o certificado foi prorrogado até fevereiro de 2026. António Ventura sublinha a importância desta certificação para o setor agroalimentar dos Açores: “a renovação da certificação em Bem-Estar Animal é um marco que demonstra o compromisso dos Açores com práticas responsáveis e sustentáveis”, realça Para o governante, “este reconhecimento internacional valoriza a carne açoriana e reforça a confiança dos consumidores”. E prossegue: “ao mesmo tempo, garante que os nossos matadouros seguem padrões rigorosos de respeito pelos animais. É um passo essencial para consolidar a imagem dos Açores como referência na produção alimentar de qualidade”. Neste contexto, a renovação da certificação em Bem-Estar Animal nos matadouros açorianos assume uma importância estratégica, não só garantindo o cumprimento das normas europeias, como também reforçando a confiança dos mercados e acrescentando valor à carne produzida na região. Trata-se de um passo que coloca os Açores em sintonia com as tendências internacionais de consumo responsável e sustentável, onde o respeito pelos animais é visto como parte integrante da qualidade alimentar.

Nota de Imprensa
December 10, 2025
REDES programme with youth volunteer projects in the Region
More than 90 young people living in the Azores have already applied for the REDES programme – Regional Youth Volunteering Network, with 44 young people already placed. Applications for this programme, promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment and run by the Regional Directorate for Youth, are open to young people and organisations at juventude.azores.gov.pt. All young people already placed in REDES opted for regular volunteer projects lasting three to nine months in institutions or associations active in the areas of culture, social inclusion, sport, the environment, health and prevention of risk behaviour, social support for children, young people, seniors and people with disabilities, animal welfare, among other areas of action. Young people involved in regular volunteer projects are awarded a monthly grant of up to €180, totalling €1,620, if they complete nine months of volunteering. REDES also includes a category for short-term volunteer projects. In this category, which includes volunteering projects for renovating a house or collecting animals, projects last between one and five days, for a total of 25 hours. Young people are eligible for a grant ranging from €21 to €75. The organisations with approved projects, details of the projects and the number of vacancies available are listed and can be found at https://juventude.azores.gov.pt/programa/redes/, where young people interested in volunteering can submit their applications. Currently, 21 applications from organisations have been approved for 31 vacancies on regular volunteering projects in São Miguel, Pico, Terceira, Graciosa and São Jorge. In turn, nine applications from organisations have been approved for 31 vacancies on short-term projects in São Miguel, Pico and Terceira.  REDES is aimed at young people residing in the Azores, aged between 15 and 28 at the time of application. It seeks to promote opportunities for the development of personal and technical skills, as well as for the exercise of active and supportive citizenship in activities contributing to their communities.  Youth associations and youth-oriented associations, student associations registered in the Azorean Register of Youth Associations, public entities, Private Social Solidarity Institutions, sports clubs, or other non-governmental and civil society organisations with projects aligned with the programme's areas may apply for volunteer projects. REDES - Regional Youth Volunteering Network was announced in June this year by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, in Lajes do Pico, on the island of Pico.   As Maria João Carreiro explained at the time, the Azorean Government wants, with this new programme, "to highlight the importance of volunteering for personal and social development of young people." In this regard, she called for the participation of entities willing to create volunteering projects that with the potential to add value to institutions and young people."

Nota de Imprensa
December 9, 2025
Regional Government promotes 7th Regional Meeting of Commissions for the Protection of Children and Youth
The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood (CAI), is promoting the 7th Regional Meeting of the Commissions for the Protection of Children and Youth (CPCJ) on December 11 and 12, at the Domingos Rebelo Secondary School Auditorium, in Ponta Delgada. This year's edition will focus on the theme "Enhancing the CPCJ to ensure better protection for children." The opening session, scheduled for December 11 at 2:30 p.m., will feature a message from Emanuel Areias, President of CAI. It will be attended by the Ponta Delgada City Council and Marta Gonçalves, Head of the ISSA Social Response Support Section, on behalf of the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi. This will be followed by a lecture from Ana Mesquita, researcher at the University of Minho and ProChild CoLAB, on the theme "Childhood, adversity and development: From science to public and collective action." There will also be a panel discussion on best practices in safeguarding children's rights in the Azores, with representatives from the National Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Children and Young People's Rights(CNPDPCJ), Olhar Poente Association, Colégio São Francisco Xavier School, Vitorino Nemésio Secondary School, and Manuel de Arriaga Secondary School. On December 12, at 9:30 a.m., Carmen Ventura, Coordinator of the CAI Technical Operations Team, will present “A Portrait of the CPCJ in the Azores.” At 10:30 a.m., Paulo Macedo, legal expert at the CNPDPCJ, will address the "Virtues and Challenges of the CPCJ," followed by a debate moderated by Conceição Lopes, Adviser to the Commission and representative of the Public Prosecutor's Office. In the afternoon, Nuno Pavão Nunes, psychologist at UpMind Academy, will present a session dedicated to the well-being and prevention of burnout among CPCJ professionals. The meeting's conclusions will be presented by Cláudia Rodrigues, President of the Ponta Delgada CPCJ. The session will be attended by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi and is scheduled to end at 4:45 p.m. As in previous editions, the Regional Meeting of CPCJs is a privileged moment for training, reflection and sharing among professionals, reinforcing inter-institutional coordination and the quality of responses in the field of prevention and intervention with children and young people at risk. This seventh edition highlights the priority given by the Regional Government to enhancing the CPCJs and promoting sustainable policies that guarantee the full protection of the rights of children and young people in the archipelago.

Nota de Imprensa
December 9, 2025
Alonso Miguel delivers firefighting vehicle to Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters
On Monday, the Regional Government increased protection and rescue resources in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo and on the island of Terceira, with the delivery of a new fire truck tanker to the Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, representing an investment of about €350,000.  The ceremony was part of the celebrations for the Patron Saint's Day of this institution. It also marked the 103rd anniversary of this association, which has been serving the Angra community for over a century. On this occasion, Alonso Miguel recalled that the Angra do Heroísmo corporation had already received, at the end of June, an emergency ambulance amounting to €90,000, emphasising that the delivery of the fire truck tanker is a continuation of the Government's efforts to renew and enhance resources throughout the Region. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, who oversees Civil Protection, stated that this new vehicle represented "a qualitative leap in water transport capacity, self-sufficiency and durability in firefighting scenarios, significantly strengthening the operational capacity of the fire brigade." The government official also highlighted the high volume of activity recorded by the corporation, which recorded more than 8,600 incidents between January 1, 2024, and this Sunday. According to him, it reflects "the strength of the operational product, but also the quality of leadership, the commitment of the teams and the sense of duty of this institution." In the context of the 103rd anniversary celebrations, Alonso Miguel highlighted the "long history and vitality" of the association, built "by generations of dedicated, courageous men and women with a deep sense of public service." He emphasised that the journey of these firefighters represents "a legacy of service honouring the association and the Azores, and continues to be an example of resilience and spirit of mission."  During the ceremony, the Regional Secretary reiterated the Government's commitment to modernising and enhancing the firefighting sector. He highlighted measures already implemented, such as career promotion and pay rises for firefighters, the renewal of the red and yellow fleet, the upgrading of the pre-hospital emergency medical service, the acquisition of Personal Protective Equipment and the updating of social benefits granted to firefighters.  In this context, the Regional Secretary emphasised that "the Government will continue to implement a wide range of structural investments, namely with the delivery of two new fire engines to the Associations of Vila Franca do Campo and São Roque do Pico, the provision of 17  tactical self-command vehicles, one for each fire brigade in the Region, the delivery of 70 defibrillator monitors for emergency ambulances, the distribution of Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) purchased at a cost of over €300,000, and the continuation of work on the SRPCBA Training Centre, including the construction of a new high-rise training tower." For 2026, the Regional Secretary also highlighted the 50% increase in funds allocated to the financing model of the Firefighters' Associations, from €500,000 to €750,000, and the planned delivery of 12 new emergency ambulances, including one for the Angra do Heroísmo fire brigade.  Alonso Miguel concluded his speech by emphasising that "the truth has no answer" and that "the recognition of firefighters is not just empty rhetoric, it is a tangible and visible reality." He reiterated that "the Government will continue to strengthen resources, value careers and work side by side with associations and municipalities to ensure predictability, stability and sustainability in the firefighting sector."

Nota de Imprensa
December 6, 2025
Azorean Government certifies "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" with craft Geographical Indication seal
The Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres received the artisanal Geographical Indication (GI) seal, valid throughout Europe, following a process promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA). The certification of this craft production was awarded by A.Certifica and acknowledged by the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, explained Maria João Carreiro at the certification ceremony held this Friday in the Lower Choir of the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada. “We moved forward with this certification in the belief that it offers the possibility of protecting and recognising a know-how that embodies the cultural, historical and social wealth of a people and a territory,” stated the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment. The "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" (representations) are the second Azorean craft product from the "Azorean Handicraft" collective brand with national and European Geographical Indication certification, after the "Violas da Terra dos Açores" (traditional Azorean guitar), in 2024. "The GI is a seal of quality and origin that certifies the unique link between craft production and the territory where it is produced, in this case the island of São Miguel, with all that this entails in terms of protecting and promoting technique, authenticity, quality and heritage identity within Europe," she said. The GI certificates were awarded to artisans Maria Luísa Benevides, Fátima Rodrigues, Maria da Graça Bastos, Clementina Vieira Botelho, Lurdes Pereira, Gabriela Correia, Maria da Paixão Resendes, Maria da Saudade Riley, Manuela Linhares, and the Nossa Senhora da Paz Cooperative, from Vila Franca do Campo, to whom the government official thanked for their "work in safeguarding centuries-old craft production." The Regional Secretary expressed her hope that these artisans "may make the most of this certification, which brings pride and renews their commitment to quality and respect for the unique characteristics" of a craft creation where art merges with faith and takes on both a sacred and decorative significance. GI certification is an opportunity for artisans and consumers in terms of raising awareness of authentic products, protecting production methods and techniques rooted in cultural and social heritage, strengthening the competitiveness of craft businesses, and providing legal protection within the European Union. "Bringing crafts closer to new market segments or stimulating dialogue between craft production and other sectors of activity, such as tourism, is now gaining new momentum with the access of Azorean Handicrafts to GI certification," she said. In her speech, Maria João Carreiro assured that the Regional Government will continue to work to "put craftsmanship where it should be: with the people, in dialogue with innovation and with the territory." The craft sector in the Azores, she continued, "is experiencing one of its best phases." In this regard, she highlighted the number of new artisans and craft production units under the "Azorean Handicrafts" collective brand, the expansion of the network of local fairs ("Azores Crafts Fair"), and the adaptation of SIDART to investment in innovation and promotion. The Regional Secretary also announced the opening of the Azores Craft Lab - Innovation, Arts and Crafts in 2026, a new public facility that will operate at the Azores Training Centre in Ponta Delgada, with a view to promoting and facilitating training, experimentation and innovation activities for the local public and visitors. Also participating in this GI certification ceremony for the "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" was the Director of External Relations and Legal Affairs of the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property, João Amaral, who presented the new European GI regulation, and the Executive Director of A. Certifica, who identified the place of the Azores in the national mapping of craft products with GI potential. The session ended with a performance by the Johann Sebastian Bach Group, featuring J. Van Berchem's "O Jesu Christe" (16th century) and the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Hymn.

Nota de Imprensa
December 6, 2025
Artur Lima highlights role of Artificial Intelligence as "catalyst for economic, social and environmental progress"
The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, presided over the opening session of the "AI & Business" event on Friday, which took place at NONAGON - São Miguel Science and Technology Park, in Lagoa. The event brought together companies, experts, researchers and decision-makers to discuss the progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for the business sector. "It is events like this that demonstrate that we are evolving at a dizzying speed, and that if we fail to keep up, we will miss the boat," stated the Vice-President of the Government. In this regard, Artur Lima stressed that the Regional Government is undertaking efforts to ensure that the entire Region keeps pace with the digital transition, through profound reforms in regional IT systems, as well as promoting increased connectivity between the Azores and the world. "Technology is no longer just a tool; it has become a strategic partner in the way we think, work and create value," stated the government official. He added that "Artificial Intelligence is at the heart of this transformation, changing the way companies understand and interact with their customers, optimise processes and make decisions." However, the Vice-President stressed that Artificial Intelligence "does not replace, nor should it ever replace, human vision." This technology "intends to enhance human strategy, creativity and ethics, freeing up time and resources to innovate, solve complex problems and create value," he emphasised. Considering the current context marked by growing technological disruption, Artur Lima also noted that the companies of the future will be those capable of combining the power of data, AI technology and human sensitivity, achieving efficiency gains and flexibility to adapt to constantly changing markets. "Today, we have the opportunity and responsibility to use this technology as a catalyst for economic, social and environmental progress," he noted. During his speech, the Vice-President of the Government also expressed his confidence that the event will strengthen the relations of those present with the new AI methods and techniques. "Let us seize this moment to build smarter, more humane and better prepared companies for the future, as it is important to anticipate, provide training and empower, so that we can take action and converge," concluded Artur Lima. Organised by Nonagon - São Miguel Science and Technology Park, "AI & Business" is part of the "Training and Digital Transformation of Companies in the Azores (C16-i05-RAA)" project under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

Nota de Imprensa
December 5, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro stresses that "transparency is essential for strengthening public confidence"
The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the 4th Regional Conference on "Corruption Prevention and Transparency." An initiative part of the celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day, it took place at the Auditorium of the Agrarian Development Service, bringing together experts and entities for a broad reflection on integrity, prevention mechanisms and strengthening trust in institutions. The head of the Azorean Government stressed the importance of consolidating a culture of transparency and public accountability, defending that "corruption prevention and transparency are essential to give credibility to institutions," as well as to bring public administration closer to citizens. The session featured presentations on current challenges in this area, from the link between fraud, corruption and European funds, to the new GRECO evaluation cycle for autonomous regions and local authorities, including the role of ethical regulation in political life. The programme sought to combine technical knowledge with civic and institutional reflection. The President of the Government also highlighted a new development with a direct impact on the regional economy, pointing out that "at this very moment, a technical meeting is taking place with business associations and the Regional Secretary for Finance to work on new financial resources." In this regard, he recalled that the RRP, in its initial version, did not include the allocation of direct support to business investment. José Manuel Bolieiro explained that, following the review and simplification process completed on October 31, it was possible to pave the way for new investment incentive instruments, namely through the Financial Instrument for Innovation and Competitiveness. This measure includes a specific allocation for the Region amounting to €40 million, managed by Banco Português de Fomento (investment bank). It also provides for increases in the co-financing rates guaranteed by the Regional Government, which "may reach 70% of the investment value." Outlining the scope of the decision, José Manuel Bolieiro stressed that "with this decision, we reiterate our commitment to creating better conditions for investment, innovation and prosperity," reinforcing the goal of "strengthening the Azorean economic fabric and projecting the Azores into the future." The conference also featured several speakers and experts, including Ana Carla Almeida, Deputy Attorney General and Think Tank facilitator, António Delicado, Vice-President of GRECO and member of the Board of Directors of MENAC, and Susana Coroado, researcher, in a programme moderated by José Mouraz Lopes, President of the Board of Directors of MENAC. The session also featured a speech by Patrícia Borges, Coordinator of the Corruption Prevention and Transparency Office, highlighting the regional commitment to promoting good practices in integrity and transparency. Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government

Intervenção
December 5, 2025
Speech by the President of the Government
Full text of the speech delivered today by the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, in Ponta Delgada, at the opening session of the 4th Regional Conference on Corruption Prevention and Transparency: "It is with a sense of political and civic responsibility that I address you at this 4th Regional Conference on Corruption Prevention and Transparency, at a time when the Region is marking International Anti-Corruption Day. This meeting is not merely symbolic. It is a renewed commitment to those who dedicate their professional lives to studying, preventing and fighting one of the most serious challenges facing contemporary democracies. Corruption erodes citizens' trust, distorts competition, weakens public administration and compromises the legitimacy of public policies. It undermines the trust of honest and open citizens in all aspects of life and everyone. Therefore, tackling corruption is not only an ethical requirement. It is an indispensable condition for strengthening democracy, the functioning of the rule of law, transparency and citizens' trust in the political process. When a State — or a Region — commits to preventing corruption, it is clearly stating that democracy is not solely based on the act of voting, but on permanent relations of trust between those who govern and those who are governed. This trust is built on transparency, responsibility, accountability and integrity. It was with this purpose in mind that, in 2021, the Government of the Azores created the Corruption Prevention and Transparency Office.  This office has been entrusted with the mission of promoting and ensuring that all regional public administration services are familiar with, implement and monitor corruption prevention mechanisms. It has promoted initiatives such as this one to increasingly promote a culture of ethics and responsibility that should be present across all public services. Corruption prevention requires proximity, knowledge and continuous action. No entity, however well prepared, can respond to this challenge in isolation. For this reason, the work carried out by the Office has been cross-cutting across the entire Regional Public Administration, including the public business sector, allowing us to understand the specificities of each organisation and tailor best practices and solutions to them. We know that corrupt practices can arise in any sector of society. Therefore, identifying risks, reducing weaknesses and strengthening internal control mechanisms is essential. This effort is aligned with international recommendations, particularly those of the OECD, which emphasise the importance of solid public integrity systems. This year, marked by the restructuring of the Office, was particularly dedicated to consolidating ethical instruments, addressing weaknesses and raising awareness among the Public Administration and Azorean society. Particular attention has been paid to young people, as democratic integrity is also built by educating new generations in ethics and civic responsibility. Preventing and fighting corruption is always a permanent and demanding task. It requires updating procedures, continuous training and, above all, the courage to break with indifference. Every step we take will be a step that brings the Region closer to a more solid and a more transparent public system that is more worthy of citizens' trust. For the Government of the Azores, integrity is also security. Transparency is a protective measure. And prevention is always preferable to reaction. Becoming aware of correct behaviour and good practices, ethics, and how to comply with transparency rules and procedures is essential for awareness of legitimacy. This is achieved through prevention and the establishment of a culture of ethics and legality. On the other hand, the State and legislators must be more competent in formulating rules and laws so that they truly serve the public interest and safeguard the honour and good of individuals and institutions. Moving forward with structural reforms, administrative modernisation, and the strengthening of control mechanisms and increasing openness of public data is the inevitable path. Legislating frantically is not enough, nor is it advisable. It is necessary to do so with quality and simplicity so that the application of the law does not result in processes that stifle the smooth running of contemporary societies. Therefore, all those who have the power to legislate and regulate must do so with high standards of rigour and responsibility, being, from the outset, the first defenders of ethics and transparency.  Next, it will be essential to monitor the actions of public officials and involve everyone participating in public life. All for a genuine atmosphere of control, where ethical values — integrity, responsibility, competence and accountability — are not mere abstract principles. It is everyday practices, adopted by workers, leaders, public managers and members of government, that can set a good example. Therefore, this conference, enhanced by the presence of renowned experts, is a unique opportunity to increase awareness on the subject, promote a stronger ethical culture that we must uphold in a democracy, and assess the progress made, while also learning from best practices in professional integrity and citizenship. The commitment of the Government of the Azores is transparent and straightforward: to continue strengthening our institutions, protecting those who report irregularities, promoting good transparency practices, and consolidating a true culture of integrity in the Regional Public Administration. Building a stronger and more transparent democracy cannot be decreed: it is built by every one of us, everywhere and every day. It is built through responsible choices, consistent practices and a firm determination to reverse opacity. I wish everyone an inspiring and productive conference that will generate practical, lasting and transformative actions for the future of our Region. I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for the effort, independence and proactivity of Dr Patrícia Borges.