Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública
Regional Government presents innovative solution for design, construction and concession of Lagoa Alcohol Plant
Regional Government presents innovative solution for design, construction and concession of Lagoa Alcohol Plant
Communiqué from the Council of the Government
Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Regional Government convenes FUNDOPESCA Board
Regional Government convenes FUNDOPESCA Board
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
More than 130 unemployed people placed in INCLUIR measure under Social Employment Market
More than 130 unemployed people placed in INCLUIR measure under Social Employment Market
Nota de Imprensa
February 5, 2026 Regional Government presents innovative solution for design, construction and concession of Lagoa Alcohol Plant The Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration and the Azores Regional Section of the Portuguese Architects' Association presented the guiding proposal for the intervention and redevelopment of the Alcohol Plant at a session held on Wednesday in Lagoa. The proposal follows the participatory planning process involving the community and various technical and scientific entities. During the session, the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, highlighted the involvement of the community, the technical committee, and other experts and researchers. "My first words are of deep gratitude for the committed and professional manner in which this process has been conducted," he said. The proposal presented incorporates contributions collected during visits, public debates and consultations, as well as the work of the Commission that monitored the entire process. Duarte Freitas emphasised that the document "accommodates the main concerns and goals expressed, preserving memory, reinforcing identity and projecting the repurposing of the space." He emphasised: "The Alcohol Plant was and is an iconic landmark, and will now be whatever we want it to be." With this stage concluded, the Regional Government will move forward with the preparatory work for a tender process that will include the design, construction and concession of the new complex. "This will be an ambitious and pioneering procedure in the Region," Duarte Freitas said, ensuring that the goal is to create "a renovated, lively, useful space and a lever for the development of Lagoa, São Miguel and the Region." The report presented on Wednesday can be consulted at Sinaga - Architectural Intervention | Alcohol Plant and Sugar Plant.
February 5, 2026 Regional Government presents innovative solution for design, construction and concession of Lagoa Alcohol Plant The Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration and the Azores Regional Section of the Portuguese Architects' Association presented the guiding proposal for the intervention and redevelopment of the Alcohol Plant at a session held on Wednesday in Lagoa. The proposal follows the participatory planning process involving the community and various technical and scientific entities. During the session, the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, highlighted the involvement of the community, the technical committee, and other experts and researchers. "My first words are of deep gratitude for the committed and professional manner in which this process has been conducted," he said. The proposal presented incorporates contributions collected during visits, public debates and consultations, as well as the work of the Commission that monitored the entire process. Duarte Freitas emphasised that the document "accommodates the main concerns and goals expressed, preserving memory, reinforcing identity and projecting the repurposing of the space." He emphasised: "The Alcohol Plant was and is an iconic landmark, and will now be whatever we want it to be." With this stage concluded, the Regional Government will move forward with the preparatory work for a tender process that will include the design, construction and concession of the new complex. "This will be an ambitious and pioneering procedure in the Region," Duarte Freitas said, ensuring that the goal is to create "a renovated, lively, useful space and a lever for the development of Lagoa, São Miguel and the Region." The report presented on Wednesday can be consulted at Sinaga - Architectural Intervention | Alcohol Plant and Sugar Plant.
Comunicado
February 4, 2026 Communiqué from the Council of the Government The Council of the Government, which met on February 4, 2026, in Ponta Delgada, addressed the issue outlined in paragraph 1 and decided to adopt the measures listed below: 1. The Regional Government is monitoring the situation regarding the water supply problem in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island, in light of the landslide that occurred at Nascente do Galego. The necessary resources will be provided to resolve this situation, always considering the interests of the population. 2. Approve the Resolution authorising the signing of a programme contract between the Region and Ilhas de Valor, S.A., for 2026, totalling €2,100,000.00, for the implementation of the company's Activity Plan and Budget. Ilhas de Valor, S.A. has been carrying out its activities supporting projects that entail significant investments, which are essential for fostering economic development and creating hubs of attraction, particularly for private investment. Therefore, it is important to provide the company with the administrative powers and financial resources to ensure the proper implementation of the various actions included in its Activity Plan and Budget, including the investment plan, for 2026. 3. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree regulating the legal framework for the classification of trees of public interest in the Region. 4. Approve the Resolution authorising the urban development operations proposed by Tabacaria A Gaivota Limitada, with a view to building a four-star hotel in the parish of São Sebastião, municipality of Ponta Delgada, with an expected capacity of 205 beds.
February 4, 2026 Communiqué from the Council of the Government The Council of the Government, which met on February 4, 2026, in Ponta Delgada, addressed the issue outlined in paragraph 1 and decided to adopt the measures listed below: 1. The Regional Government is monitoring the situation regarding the water supply problem in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island, in light of the landslide that occurred at Nascente do Galego. The necessary resources will be provided to resolve this situation, always considering the interests of the population. 2. Approve the Resolution authorising the signing of a programme contract between the Region and Ilhas de Valor, S.A., for 2026, totalling €2,100,000.00, for the implementation of the company's Activity Plan and Budget. Ilhas de Valor, S.A. has been carrying out its activities supporting projects that entail significant investments, which are essential for fostering economic development and creating hubs of attraction, particularly for private investment. Therefore, it is important to provide the company with the administrative powers and financial resources to ensure the proper implementation of the various actions included in its Activity Plan and Budget, including the investment plan, for 2026. 3. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree regulating the legal framework for the classification of trees of public interest in the Region. 4. Approve the Resolution authorising the urban development operations proposed by Tabacaria A Gaivota Limitada, with a view to building a four-star hotel in the parish of São Sebastião, municipality of Ponta Delgada, with an expected capacity of 205 beds.
Nota de Imprensa
February 4, 2026 Regional Government convenes FUNDOPESCA Board Following the bad weather that has hit the archipelago in recent weeks and considering that the weather conditions are expected to worsen in the coming days, the Regional Government has decided to convene, under the terms of the Regional Legislative Decree no. 19/2013/A of October 17, in its current wording, the Administration Board of the Azores Fishers' Salary Compensation Fund (FUNDOPESCA) for next Monday, February 9, at 2:30 p.m. This meeting will serve to analyse the evolution of fish unloadings in the auctions of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, as well as the grounds and scope of applicability, in the event of a decision to activate FUNDOPESCA, with a view to paying a salary compensation to the fishing professionals covered by this fund. Since November 2025, the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, through the Regional Directorate for Fisheries, has been monitoring fish unloading in the Autonomous Region of the Azores and, in parallel, has been verifying the grounds for the possible activation of FUNDOPESCA, according to the provisions of Article 5(1) of Regional Legislative Decree no. 38/2023/A of October 24, which introduced the second amendment to the Regional Legislative Decree no. 19/2013/A of October 17. In addition to an Administration Board, comprising various organisations from the fisheries sector, FUNDOPESCA has a set of rules defined for its activation and does not depend on its own volition or requests from politicians. Therefore, considering the defined criteria and continuous monitoring, whenever deemed necessary, the members of the board will be called upon to deliberate. The protection and safety of professionals in the fisheries sector is paramount for the Regional Government, and it is our mission to stand by vessel owners and fishers when weather conditions do not allow them to carry out their valuable work.
February 4, 2026 Regional Government convenes FUNDOPESCA Board Following the bad weather that has hit the archipelago in recent weeks and considering that the weather conditions are expected to worsen in the coming days, the Regional Government has decided to convene, under the terms of the Regional Legislative Decree no. 19/2013/A of October 17, in its current wording, the Administration Board of the Azores Fishers' Salary Compensation Fund (FUNDOPESCA) for next Monday, February 9, at 2:30 p.m. This meeting will serve to analyse the evolution of fish unloadings in the auctions of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, as well as the grounds and scope of applicability, in the event of a decision to activate FUNDOPESCA, with a view to paying a salary compensation to the fishing professionals covered by this fund. Since November 2025, the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, through the Regional Directorate for Fisheries, has been monitoring fish unloading in the Autonomous Region of the Azores and, in parallel, has been verifying the grounds for the possible activation of FUNDOPESCA, according to the provisions of Article 5(1) of Regional Legislative Decree no. 38/2023/A of October 24, which introduced the second amendment to the Regional Legislative Decree no. 19/2013/A of October 17. In addition to an Administration Board, comprising various organisations from the fisheries sector, FUNDOPESCA has a set of rules defined for its activation and does not depend on its own volition or requests from politicians. Therefore, considering the defined criteria and continuous monitoring, whenever deemed necessary, the members of the board will be called upon to deliberate. The protection and safety of professionals in the fisheries sector is paramount for the Regional Government, and it is our mission to stand by vessel owners and fishers when weather conditions do not allow them to carry out their valuable work.
Nota de Imprensa
February 4, 2026 More than 130 unemployed people placed in INCLUIR measure under Social Employment Market More than 130 unemployed people with low employability, disabilities or impairments are already integrated into traineeship projects in a real work context through the INCLUIR measure under the Social Employment Market (MSE). The measure was implemented by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment. Since 2025, the year when this public policy measure for labour inclusion was created, 124 applications from non-profit organisations have been approved for traineeship projects in other regional employers, including private companies, for a total of 163 vacancies. This indicates that, to date, more than 80% of the vacancies created for the benefit of unemployed people eligible for the MSE have been filled. The INCLUIR measure mobilises non-profit organisations, namely Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS), to promote traineeships in other regional employers, as a response to unemployment problems associated with disability, impairments and personal and/or social problems faced by the unemployed. Applications opened on February 1 and are open until December 31 this year at emprego.azores.gov.pt, where the MSE Implementation Guide can also be consulted. "The initial data on the implementation of this new measure leads us to two immediate conclusions: the INCLUIR measure is opening up companies to people who have difficulty integrating or reintegrating into the labour market; IPSS and companies are joining forces to integrate workers who can effectively bring value and productivity to companies," stated the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment. Maria João Carreiro also stressed that "the personal and social circumstances of workers should not be an obstacle to their integration into the labour market," and for this reason, she added that "this is a measure that calls on companies to fulfil their social responsibility." Traineeships last for 24 months, including a two-month rest period, and can be full-time (maximum 35 hours per week) or part-time (between 15 and 20 hours per week). Trainees are awarded a traineeship grant corresponding to 100% of the Minimum Monthly Wage (RMMG) in the Region, in the case of full-time internships. For part-time traineeships, the grant is proportional to the weekly working hours, based on the RMMG in the Region. Additionally, the trainees receive a meal allowance. The promoting entities receive monthly support equal to 23.75% of the traineeship grant awarded for each trainee during the training period. If a trainee is hired in the month following the completion of their traineeship, promoting entities will receive support amounting to 50% of the total support awarded during the training period. Employers taking part in the traineeship project can benefit from the “Contratar Social” measure when hiring trainees at the end of their training. This measure provides support of up to €26,000 over four years for each new job created. In the case of workers with disabilities or impairments, employers can benefit from hiring support for six years, ranging from 90% of the salary costs incurred by the company for the hired worker, in cases where the worker's disability is equal to or greater than 90%, and 40% in cases of disability equal to or greater than 40% and less than 60%. The MSE, whose new regulations were published in January 2025, is the main public governance instrument for promoting the labour market inclusion of unemployed people facing vulnerabilities in the labour market. It brings together the public administration, non-profit organisations and employers in promoting pathways that foster the labour inclusion of workers whose unemployment is associated with personal and/or social difficulties.
February 4, 2026 More than 130 unemployed people placed in INCLUIR measure under Social Employment Market More than 130 unemployed people with low employability, disabilities or impairments are already integrated into traineeship projects in a real work context through the INCLUIR measure under the Social Employment Market (MSE). The measure was implemented by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment. Since 2025, the year when this public policy measure for labour inclusion was created, 124 applications from non-profit organisations have been approved for traineeship projects in other regional employers, including private companies, for a total of 163 vacancies. This indicates that, to date, more than 80% of the vacancies created for the benefit of unemployed people eligible for the MSE have been filled. The INCLUIR measure mobilises non-profit organisations, namely Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS), to promote traineeships in other regional employers, as a response to unemployment problems associated with disability, impairments and personal and/or social problems faced by the unemployed. Applications opened on February 1 and are open until December 31 this year at emprego.azores.gov.pt, where the MSE Implementation Guide can also be consulted. "The initial data on the implementation of this new measure leads us to two immediate conclusions: the INCLUIR measure is opening up companies to people who have difficulty integrating or reintegrating into the labour market; IPSS and companies are joining forces to integrate workers who can effectively bring value and productivity to companies," stated the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment. Maria João Carreiro also stressed that "the personal and social circumstances of workers should not be an obstacle to their integration into the labour market," and for this reason, she added that "this is a measure that calls on companies to fulfil their social responsibility." Traineeships last for 24 months, including a two-month rest period, and can be full-time (maximum 35 hours per week) or part-time (between 15 and 20 hours per week). Trainees are awarded a traineeship grant corresponding to 100% of the Minimum Monthly Wage (RMMG) in the Region, in the case of full-time internships. For part-time traineeships, the grant is proportional to the weekly working hours, based on the RMMG in the Region. Additionally, the trainees receive a meal allowance. The promoting entities receive monthly support equal to 23.75% of the traineeship grant awarded for each trainee during the training period. If a trainee is hired in the month following the completion of their traineeship, promoting entities will receive support amounting to 50% of the total support awarded during the training period. Employers taking part in the traineeship project can benefit from the “Contratar Social” measure when hiring trainees at the end of their training. This measure provides support of up to €26,000 over four years for each new job created. In the case of workers with disabilities or impairments, employers can benefit from hiring support for six years, ranging from 90% of the salary costs incurred by the company for the hired worker, in cases where the worker's disability is equal to or greater than 90%, and 40% in cases of disability equal to or greater than 40% and less than 60%. The MSE, whose new regulations were published in January 2025, is the main public governance instrument for promoting the labour market inclusion of unemployed people facing vulnerabilities in the labour market. It brings together the public administration, non-profit organisations and employers in promoting pathways that foster the labour inclusion of workers whose unemployment is associated with personal and/or social difficulties.
Nota de Imprensa
February 4, 2026 Investment by companies applying for IFIC-Azores exceeds €252 million As of January 30, a total of 74 applications had been submitted to the IFIC – Financial Instrument for Innovation and Competitiveness, representing an overall investment of over €252 million. The Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration welcomes the strong support of the regional business community for this new instrument, which is part of the RRP for the Azores. Its implementation was only possible following the latest reprogramming and the Regional Government's efforts to ensure the necessary conditions for its implementation and adaptation to the regional reality. This effort has resulted in the creation of a mechanism to support business investment aligned with the Region's goals towards modernisation, competitiveness and economic growth. The high level of participation in IFIC, both in terms of the number of applications and the amounts of investment proposed, highlights the dynamics of companies and the regional economy. It confirms that companies in the Azores are proactive and willing to implement new projects that contribute to value creation, increased competitiveness, innovation and growth. The Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration also emphasises that the outreach and engagement efforts undertaken by the Regional Directorate for Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness throughout the application period contributed to building closer ties with the regional business community and facilitated companies' access to this European funding opportunity. The investments proposed through these applications will have a direct impact on the regional economy, contributing to greater wealth, increased business activity and job creation, with positive effects on cohesion and sustainable development in the Region.
February 4, 2026 Investment by companies applying for IFIC-Azores exceeds €252 million As of January 30, a total of 74 applications had been submitted to the IFIC – Financial Instrument for Innovation and Competitiveness, representing an overall investment of over €252 million. The Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration welcomes the strong support of the regional business community for this new instrument, which is part of the RRP for the Azores. Its implementation was only possible following the latest reprogramming and the Regional Government's efforts to ensure the necessary conditions for its implementation and adaptation to the regional reality. This effort has resulted in the creation of a mechanism to support business investment aligned with the Region's goals towards modernisation, competitiveness and economic growth. The high level of participation in IFIC, both in terms of the number of applications and the amounts of investment proposed, highlights the dynamics of companies and the regional economy. It confirms that companies in the Azores are proactive and willing to implement new projects that contribute to value creation, increased competitiveness, innovation and growth. The Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration also emphasises that the outreach and engagement efforts undertaken by the Regional Directorate for Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness throughout the application period contributed to building closer ties with the regional business community and facilitated companies' access to this European funding opportunity. The investments proposed through these applications will have a direct impact on the regional economy, contributing to greater wealth, increased business activity and job creation, with positive effects on cohesion and sustainable development in the Region.
