Direção Regional de Qualificação Profissional e Emprego
Governo Regional leva programas de juventude, qualificação e emprego à Feira da Indústria, Comércio e Serviços dos Açores – FICSA
Governo Regional leva programas de juventude, qualificação e emprego à Feira da Indústria, Comércio e Serviços dos Açores – FICSA
Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Paulo Estêvão congratulates Madalena School on its victory in CanSat Portugal and highlights success of Region’s commitment to space sector
Paulo Estêvão congratulates Madalena School on its victory in CanSat Portugal and highlights success of Region’s commitment to space sector
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Payments to Azorean farmers continue without cuts
Payments to Azorean farmers continue without cuts
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Regional Government launches €1.8 million call for proposals to support investment in wine sector
Regional Government launches €1.8 million call for proposals to support investment in wine sector
Nota de Imprensa
May 5, 2026 Governo Regional leva programas de juventude, qualificação e emprego à Feira da Indústria, Comércio e Serviços dos Açores – FICSA A Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego (SRJHE) vai marcar presença institucional na próxima edição da Feira da Indústria, Comércio e Serviços dos Açores – FICSA 2026, que decorre de 8 a 14 de maio, nas Portas do Mar, em Ponta Delgada, numa organização anual da Câmara do Comércio e Indústria de Ponta Delgada. Esta participação institucional será dinamizada através da Direção Regional de Qualificação Profissional e Emprego e da Direção Regional da Juventude e pretende “reforçar junto dos cidadãos a divulgação das políticas públicas de juventude, formação, emprego e valorização das competências na Região”, explica Maria João Carreiro. Segundo a Secretária Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego, o ‘stand’ da SRJHE irá funcionar como um “balcão aberto de atendimento ao público” para esclarecimentos sobre medidas de estágios, de apoios à contratação e à requalificação profissional, bem como ofertas formativas na Região ou programas de mobilidade ou voluntariado jovem. “O nosso objetivo com esta participação é aproximar os cidadãos e as empresas dos incentivos e oportunidades de qualificação, formação e empregabilidade que existem nos Açores, estimulando os jovens e os trabalhadores para o desenvolvimento de uma cultura de investimento pessoal na sua formação e competências”, afirma a governante. O ‘stand’ da SRJHE vai estar integrado no “Espaço Qualificações” da FICSA e conta ainda com um segmento para promoção do Ensino Profissional nas Escolas Profissionais, integrado na campanha “A Tua Primeira Escolha”, que é promovida anualmente pela SRJHE para sensibilizar os jovens em idade escolar para as oportunidades desta via de ensino e para o período de candidaturas aos cursos em oferta nas Escolas Profissionais. Durante a FICSA, cuja edição deste ano é dedicada ao emprego e às qualificações, vai ser apresentada a oferta formativa para o ciclo de estudos 2026-2029 nas 16 Escolas Profissionais da Região e no Centro de Qualificação dos Açores. Diariamente, serão ainda dinamizadas no ‘stand’ da SRJHE sessões “A Tua Primeira Escolha LAB – À Descoberta das Profissões”, com demonstrações ao vivo e interativas de profissões e áreas profissionais com formandos de Escolas Profissionais dos Açores. “Ao verem de perto como se trabalha ou o que se aprende numa determinada área profissional, os jovens conseguem compreender melhor o que cada percurso envolve e identificar afinidades que muitas vezes não descobririam apenas através da teoria. Estas demonstrações são importantes para ajudá-los a tomar decisões mais informadas e alinhadas com os seus interesses”, defende Maria João Carreiro. A programação das sessões “A Tua Primeira Escolha LAB” pode ser consultada nas páginas “Qualificação Profissional e Emprego Açores” e “Juventude Açores” no Facebook. A FICSA, que se realiza anualmente durante as Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, conta este ano com 122 ‘stands’ empresariais e 56 de artesanato, através do Centro de Artesanato e Design dos Açores, da Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego.
May 5, 2026 Governo Regional leva programas de juventude, qualificação e emprego à Feira da Indústria, Comércio e Serviços dos Açores – FICSA A Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego (SRJHE) vai marcar presença institucional na próxima edição da Feira da Indústria, Comércio e Serviços dos Açores – FICSA 2026, que decorre de 8 a 14 de maio, nas Portas do Mar, em Ponta Delgada, numa organização anual da Câmara do Comércio e Indústria de Ponta Delgada. Esta participação institucional será dinamizada através da Direção Regional de Qualificação Profissional e Emprego e da Direção Regional da Juventude e pretende “reforçar junto dos cidadãos a divulgação das políticas públicas de juventude, formação, emprego e valorização das competências na Região”, explica Maria João Carreiro. Segundo a Secretária Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego, o ‘stand’ da SRJHE irá funcionar como um “balcão aberto de atendimento ao público” para esclarecimentos sobre medidas de estágios, de apoios à contratação e à requalificação profissional, bem como ofertas formativas na Região ou programas de mobilidade ou voluntariado jovem. “O nosso objetivo com esta participação é aproximar os cidadãos e as empresas dos incentivos e oportunidades de qualificação, formação e empregabilidade que existem nos Açores, estimulando os jovens e os trabalhadores para o desenvolvimento de uma cultura de investimento pessoal na sua formação e competências”, afirma a governante. O ‘stand’ da SRJHE vai estar integrado no “Espaço Qualificações” da FICSA e conta ainda com um segmento para promoção do Ensino Profissional nas Escolas Profissionais, integrado na campanha “A Tua Primeira Escolha”, que é promovida anualmente pela SRJHE para sensibilizar os jovens em idade escolar para as oportunidades desta via de ensino e para o período de candidaturas aos cursos em oferta nas Escolas Profissionais. Durante a FICSA, cuja edição deste ano é dedicada ao emprego e às qualificações, vai ser apresentada a oferta formativa para o ciclo de estudos 2026-2029 nas 16 Escolas Profissionais da Região e no Centro de Qualificação dos Açores. Diariamente, serão ainda dinamizadas no ‘stand’ da SRJHE sessões “A Tua Primeira Escolha LAB – À Descoberta das Profissões”, com demonstrações ao vivo e interativas de profissões e áreas profissionais com formandos de Escolas Profissionais dos Açores. “Ao verem de perto como se trabalha ou o que se aprende numa determinada área profissional, os jovens conseguem compreender melhor o que cada percurso envolve e identificar afinidades que muitas vezes não descobririam apenas através da teoria. Estas demonstrações são importantes para ajudá-los a tomar decisões mais informadas e alinhadas com os seus interesses”, defende Maria João Carreiro. A programação das sessões “A Tua Primeira Escolha LAB” pode ser consultada nas páginas “Qualificação Profissional e Emprego Açores” e “Juventude Açores” no Facebook. A FICSA, que se realiza anualmente durante as Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, conta este ano com 122 ‘stands’ empresariais e 56 de artesanato, através do Centro de Artesanato e Design dos Açores, da Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego.
Nota de Imprensa
May 4, 2026 Paulo Estêvão congratulates Madalena School on its victory in CanSat Portugal and highlights success of Region’s commitment to space sector The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, publicly congratulated the team of students and teachers from Madalena Basic Education and Secondary School, in Pico, on their brilliant and resounding victory in the 13th edition of CanSat Portugal. The winning team, named “Astros Nó Atlântico,” comprises students Sara Oliveira (team spokesperson), Rui Batista, Paulo Gabriel Medeiros, Martim da Costa, Maria Medeiros and Gil Gaspar, and the Robotics Club teachers, António Medeiros and Marta Oliveira. It is important to note that this was the only Azorean team competing in this national event, which brought together 80 students and 20 teachers from 14 schools throughout the country. The Azorean school’s qualification to represent Portugal at the CanSat European Championship, to be held in the Netherlands, demonstrates the excellence of the work carried out. "It is important to emphasise that this distinction and this level of excellence do not happen by chance. They are the direct result of a structured strategy in the Region, underpinned by the work carried out in collaboration with the Azores Mission Structure for Space (EMA-Espaço)," stressed the government official. He continued: "It was our commitment to flagship projects, such as CanSat Junior Azores – now in its 4th edition – and our solid organisational capacity and technical preparation that gave our students the skills needed to shine now, compete and win at a national level." The Regional Secretariat reiterates its immense pride in the Azorean youth and the work of excellence promoted by the teaching staff at Madalena Basic Education and Secondary School, ensuring that aerospace literacy and investment in science education will continue to be cornerstones of the Region’s future.
May 4, 2026 Paulo Estêvão congratulates Madalena School on its victory in CanSat Portugal and highlights success of Region’s commitment to space sector The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, publicly congratulated the team of students and teachers from Madalena Basic Education and Secondary School, in Pico, on their brilliant and resounding victory in the 13th edition of CanSat Portugal. The winning team, named “Astros Nó Atlântico,” comprises students Sara Oliveira (team spokesperson), Rui Batista, Paulo Gabriel Medeiros, Martim da Costa, Maria Medeiros and Gil Gaspar, and the Robotics Club teachers, António Medeiros and Marta Oliveira. It is important to note that this was the only Azorean team competing in this national event, which brought together 80 students and 20 teachers from 14 schools throughout the country. The Azorean school’s qualification to represent Portugal at the CanSat European Championship, to be held in the Netherlands, demonstrates the excellence of the work carried out. "It is important to emphasise that this distinction and this level of excellence do not happen by chance. They are the direct result of a structured strategy in the Region, underpinned by the work carried out in collaboration with the Azores Mission Structure for Space (EMA-Espaço)," stressed the government official. He continued: "It was our commitment to flagship projects, such as CanSat Junior Azores – now in its 4th edition – and our solid organisational capacity and technical preparation that gave our students the skills needed to shine now, compete and win at a national level." The Regional Secretariat reiterates its immense pride in the Azorean youth and the work of excellence promoted by the teaching staff at Madalena Basic Education and Secondary School, ensuring that aerospace literacy and investment in science education will continue to be cornerstones of the Region’s future.
Nota de Imprensa
May 4, 2026 Payments to Azorean farmers continue without cuts The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food noted that payments of EU aid in the agricultural sector are published annually in an indicative payment schedule issued by the Financing Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries (IFAP). From October 1 to April 30, POSEI EU aid was paid out within the existing EU financial allocation, i.e., EU financial funds ended on April 30. With a view to avoiding the cuts that occurred before 2021 under socialist governments, the necessary financial supplements, amounting to about €19 million, will be paid from this month onwards, so that farmers can receive support without any apportionments. It is important to note that, if there were a socialist government, farmers would only receive the amounts allocated for April, at a rate of 44% for the Cattle Slaughter Premium, 55% for Support for the Production of PDO and PGI Wines, and 90% for support for the Private Storage of "Island Cheese" and "São Jorge Cheese." With a view to avoiding the usual apportioning of aid to farmers’ income, between 2021 and 2024, the regional budget allocated an average amount of €16 million per year as a financial supplement to the POSEI programme, while in 2025, the State Budget allocated €16 million. The payment details are published on the IFAP website, alongside all payments under the POSEI, PECP and PRORURAL+ schemes. Therefore, the claims made by the Socialist Party in a public statement released today are not true, and it is regrettable how much their administrations have undermined farmers’ income through these apportionments.
May 4, 2026 Payments to Azorean farmers continue without cuts The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food noted that payments of EU aid in the agricultural sector are published annually in an indicative payment schedule issued by the Financing Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries (IFAP). From October 1 to April 30, POSEI EU aid was paid out within the existing EU financial allocation, i.e., EU financial funds ended on April 30. With a view to avoiding the cuts that occurred before 2021 under socialist governments, the necessary financial supplements, amounting to about €19 million, will be paid from this month onwards, so that farmers can receive support without any apportionments. It is important to note that, if there were a socialist government, farmers would only receive the amounts allocated for April, at a rate of 44% for the Cattle Slaughter Premium, 55% for Support for the Production of PDO and PGI Wines, and 90% for support for the Private Storage of "Island Cheese" and "São Jorge Cheese." With a view to avoiding the usual apportioning of aid to farmers’ income, between 2021 and 2024, the regional budget allocated an average amount of €16 million per year as a financial supplement to the POSEI programme, while in 2025, the State Budget allocated €16 million. The payment details are published on the IFAP website, alongside all payments under the POSEI, PECP and PRORURAL+ schemes. Therefore, the claims made by the Socialist Party in a public statement released today are not true, and it is regrettable how much their administrations have undermined farmers’ income through these apportionments.
Nota de Imprensa
May 4, 2026 Regional Government launches €1.8 million call for proposals to support investment in wine sector The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, will open a new call for applications for the VITIS programme – Vineyard Restructuring and Conversion, with a budget of €1.8 million. The application period runs from May 18 to June 19, 2026, under the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC) 2023–2027. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, the launch of this call “reiterates the Regional Government’s commitment to supporting the wine sector, enhancing the value of regional production, preserving traditional vineyard landscapes and boosting the competitiveness of Azorean producers in an increasingly demanding market.” The government official emphasised that the Government's strategy is based on a clear vision of higher-quality production and modern farms, capable of establishing themselves both within and outside the Region. Under Ordinance no. 40/2025 of April 23, this financial instrument supports the planting of new vineyards and the restructuring and conversion of vineyard plots, with a strong focus on organic production methods. Support for producers takes the form of direct financial contributions towards investment and compensation for income loss associated with the transition period for vineyards, thereby ensuring the necessary stability and predictability for investors. This will be the second call for applications launched under the current PEPAC framework, following the first call opened in December 2025. It has already included 6.46 hectares of vineyards undergoing conversion, with a balanced distribution across different islands. The historical impact of this programme has been truly transformative in the region: between 2014 and 2023, VITIS led to the approval of 644 applications, transforming approximately 955 hectares of vineyards, corresponding to an overall investment of over €24.9 million in the archipelago. “The results achieved in recent years show that VITIS is a decisive tool for transforming Azorean viticulture,” emphasised António Ventura. According to the government official, “every restructured hectare and every producer deciding to invest represents a firm step towards building a sector.” “This new Notice is a clear invitation to producers to continue investing, innovating and believing, seeing that competitiveness is built on vision, hard work and consistent support,” concluded the Secretary for Agriculture.
May 4, 2026 Regional Government launches €1.8 million call for proposals to support investment in wine sector The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, will open a new call for applications for the VITIS programme – Vineyard Restructuring and Conversion, with a budget of €1.8 million. The application period runs from May 18 to June 19, 2026, under the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC) 2023–2027. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, the launch of this call “reiterates the Regional Government’s commitment to supporting the wine sector, enhancing the value of regional production, preserving traditional vineyard landscapes and boosting the competitiveness of Azorean producers in an increasingly demanding market.” The government official emphasised that the Government's strategy is based on a clear vision of higher-quality production and modern farms, capable of establishing themselves both within and outside the Region. Under Ordinance no. 40/2025 of April 23, this financial instrument supports the planting of new vineyards and the restructuring and conversion of vineyard plots, with a strong focus on organic production methods. Support for producers takes the form of direct financial contributions towards investment and compensation for income loss associated with the transition period for vineyards, thereby ensuring the necessary stability and predictability for investors. This will be the second call for applications launched under the current PEPAC framework, following the first call opened in December 2025. It has already included 6.46 hectares of vineyards undergoing conversion, with a balanced distribution across different islands. The historical impact of this programme has been truly transformative in the region: between 2014 and 2023, VITIS led to the approval of 644 applications, transforming approximately 955 hectares of vineyards, corresponding to an overall investment of over €24.9 million in the archipelago. “The results achieved in recent years show that VITIS is a decisive tool for transforming Azorean viticulture,” emphasised António Ventura. According to the government official, “every restructured hectare and every producer deciding to invest represents a firm step towards building a sector.” “This new Notice is a clear invitation to producers to continue investing, innovating and believing, seeing that competitiveness is built on vision, hard work and consistent support,” concluded the Secretary for Agriculture.
Nota de Imprensa
May 4, 2026 Public tender for allocation of three houses on Graciosa Island from May 6 to 27 The public tender for the allocation of three houses built under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) on the island of Graciosa will run from May 6 to 27 inclusive, according to the Order issued by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published today in the Official Journal. The three three-bedroom houses include two located in the Barão da Fonte do Mato I housing development, Regional Road no.3, parish of São Mateus, whilst the third house to be allocated under this tender is located in the Dores II housing development, rua Manuel Machado Ávila, parish of Santa Cruz da Graciosa. These new houses are intended for the permanent residence of applicants and their households. They will be allocated on a lease with a purchase option scheme, with tenants having the option to purchase one year after signing the contract. Applications must be submitted by filling in the appropriate form, available on the Regional Directorate for Housing website at https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drh/concursos, and delivered in one of the following formats: Regional Directorate for Housing, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, no. 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; Regional Directorate for Housing office on the island of Graciosa, located at Avenida Mouzinho de Albuquerque, no. 30, 9980-320 Santa Cruz; RIAC (Integrated Citizen Support Network) offices; online, via the website https://habitacao.azores.gov.pt. The regulations of this public tender, available for consultation on the DRH website and at the Regional Directorate for Housing office on Graciosa Island, contain all the information regarding the eligibility criteria and application procedures, as well as information on the allocation of housing. Any requests for clarification should be addressed to the president of the jury and submitted by the interested parties in writing to the DRH Services in Ponta Delgada or the DRH office on the island of Graciosa. Alternatively, they may be sent to the email address [email protected] until May 14. Requests will be answered within a maximum of three working days from the date on which they are received. The contract for the construction of these three new houses was awarded to the company Vila Jardim, representing an investment of €710,000 funded under the RRP. The ceremony marking the laying of the first stone for this project took place in September 2025 and was presided over by Maria João Carreiro. Also under the RRP, five houses on the island of Graciosa have already been renovated, corresponding to an investment of over €259,000.
May 4, 2026 Public tender for allocation of three houses on Graciosa Island from May 6 to 27 The public tender for the allocation of three houses built under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) on the island of Graciosa will run from May 6 to 27 inclusive, according to the Order issued by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published today in the Official Journal. The three three-bedroom houses include two located in the Barão da Fonte do Mato I housing development, Regional Road no.3, parish of São Mateus, whilst the third house to be allocated under this tender is located in the Dores II housing development, rua Manuel Machado Ávila, parish of Santa Cruz da Graciosa. These new houses are intended for the permanent residence of applicants and their households. They will be allocated on a lease with a purchase option scheme, with tenants having the option to purchase one year after signing the contract. Applications must be submitted by filling in the appropriate form, available on the Regional Directorate for Housing website at https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drh/concursos, and delivered in one of the following formats: Regional Directorate for Housing, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, no. 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; Regional Directorate for Housing office on the island of Graciosa, located at Avenida Mouzinho de Albuquerque, no. 30, 9980-320 Santa Cruz; RIAC (Integrated Citizen Support Network) offices; online, via the website https://habitacao.azores.gov.pt. The regulations of this public tender, available for consultation on the DRH website and at the Regional Directorate for Housing office on Graciosa Island, contain all the information regarding the eligibility criteria and application procedures, as well as information on the allocation of housing. Any requests for clarification should be addressed to the president of the jury and submitted by the interested parties in writing to the DRH Services in Ponta Delgada or the DRH office on the island of Graciosa. Alternatively, they may be sent to the email address [email protected] until May 14. Requests will be answered within a maximum of three working days from the date on which they are received. The contract for the construction of these three new houses was awarded to the company Vila Jardim, representing an investment of €710,000 funded under the RRP. The ceremony marking the laying of the first stone for this project took place in September 2025 and was presided over by Maria João Carreiro. Also under the RRP, five houses on the island of Graciosa have already been renovated, corresponding to an investment of over €259,000.
