Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro calls for stronger strategic role of the Azores within High Council for Internal Security
José Manuel Bolieiro calls for stronger strategic role of the Azores within High Council for Internal Security
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Regional Government launched public tender for housing construction in Sete Cidades, São Miguel Island
Regional Government launched public tender for housing construction in Sete Cidades, São Miguel Island
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Azores Health Line reinforcement improves response to users
Azores Health Line reinforcement improves response to users
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development met in São Miguel
Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development met in São Miguel
Nota de Imprensa
April 1, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro calls for stronger strategic role of the Azores within High Council for Internal Security The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, attended the meeting of the High Council for Internal Security at the Belém Palace in Lisbon, the first to be chaired by António José Seguro as President of the Republic. During a meeting marked by the current international context, José Manuel Bolieiro took the opportunity to highlight the growing strategic importance of the Azores in the Euro-Atlantic area, at a time when the war in Ukraine and the escalating tensions in the Middle East are redefining security priorities. “We have definitively left behind the illusion of a stable and predictable security order,” he stated, defending that these changes are refocusing the North Atlantic – and with it, the Azores – on the strategic decision-making map. For the head of the Azorean Government, the Region “has long ceased to be merely a remote region of the European Union,” establishing itself today as “a true axis connecting Europe, America and Africa,” with significance in maritime, energy and communications routes. José Manuel Bolieiro insisted that this central role must be backed up by tangible investment. “It is not enough to simply proclaim the centrality of the Atlantic: we must translate this into resources, a visible presence and enhanced cooperation,” he said, highlighting the need to strengthen surveillance, deterrence and response capabilities. The President of the Regional Government also highlighted that the Azores could be a hub for NATO, the European Union and the United States, whilst calling for greater European responsibility in the area of defence. Nevertheless, he cautioned that security cannot be achieved through military means alone. “Defending the territory also means defending people, their quality of life and their expectations for the future,” he stated, emphasising the importance of territorial cohesion and the development of island regions. The meeting was also marked by the unanimous approval of a favourable opinion on the adjustments to the National Deployed Forces for 2026, as well as a vote of praise for the Armed Forces.
April 1, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro calls for stronger strategic role of the Azores within High Council for Internal Security The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, attended the meeting of the High Council for Internal Security at the Belém Palace in Lisbon, the first to be chaired by António José Seguro as President of the Republic. During a meeting marked by the current international context, José Manuel Bolieiro took the opportunity to highlight the growing strategic importance of the Azores in the Euro-Atlantic area, at a time when the war in Ukraine and the escalating tensions in the Middle East are redefining security priorities. “We have definitively left behind the illusion of a stable and predictable security order,” he stated, defending that these changes are refocusing the North Atlantic – and with it, the Azores – on the strategic decision-making map. For the head of the Azorean Government, the Region “has long ceased to be merely a remote region of the European Union,” establishing itself today as “a true axis connecting Europe, America and Africa,” with significance in maritime, energy and communications routes. José Manuel Bolieiro insisted that this central role must be backed up by tangible investment. “It is not enough to simply proclaim the centrality of the Atlantic: we must translate this into resources, a visible presence and enhanced cooperation,” he said, highlighting the need to strengthen surveillance, deterrence and response capabilities. The President of the Regional Government also highlighted that the Azores could be a hub for NATO, the European Union and the United States, whilst calling for greater European responsibility in the area of defence. Nevertheless, he cautioned that security cannot be achieved through military means alone. “Defending the territory also means defending people, their quality of life and their expectations for the future,” he stated, emphasising the importance of territorial cohesion and the development of island regions. The meeting was also marked by the unanimous approval of a favourable opinion on the adjustments to the National Deployed Forces for 2026, as well as a vote of praise for the Armed Forces.
Nota de Imprensa
April 1, 2026 Regional Government launched public tender for housing construction in Sete Cidades, São Miguel Island The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, has announced the launch of a public tender for the construction of 16 houses in the parish of Sete Cidades, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, with a base price of €3.1 million, plus VAT. Applications must be submitted by May 12 this year via the platform www.acingov.pt, with a completion period of 720 days. The launch of this works contract for the construction of nine two-bedroom houses and seven three-bedroom houses is another clear decision on the part of the Azorean Government to continue promoting an increase in the supply of housing at prices compatible with household incomes and encourage people to settle in parishes and municipalities across the Region. This public tender for the construction of housing on serviced plots, whose Notice was published today in the Official Journal, is the second to be launched by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition government for that housing development in Sete Cidades. The first tender was launched in January 2025, with a base price of €2.9 million and a completion period of 450 days; no proposals were submitted by construction companies. For Maria João Carreiro, the launch of a new tender is “clear evidence that the Regional Government has not given up on building houses in Sete Cidades.” This is in stark contrast to previous administrations, which “have neglected, for decades, several land plots in the Region earmarked for housing development, much to the detriment of Azorean families.” The Regional Secretary also expressed confidence that the upward adjustment of the base price of this contract, as well as the extension of the completion deadline, will prove attractive to construction companies, whose involvement has been crucial to the successful implementation of this historic public investment – notably through the RRP – in housing in the Azores.
April 1, 2026 Regional Government launched public tender for housing construction in Sete Cidades, São Miguel Island The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, has announced the launch of a public tender for the construction of 16 houses in the parish of Sete Cidades, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, with a base price of €3.1 million, plus VAT. Applications must be submitted by May 12 this year via the platform www.acingov.pt, with a completion period of 720 days. The launch of this works contract for the construction of nine two-bedroom houses and seven three-bedroom houses is another clear decision on the part of the Azorean Government to continue promoting an increase in the supply of housing at prices compatible with household incomes and encourage people to settle in parishes and municipalities across the Region. This public tender for the construction of housing on serviced plots, whose Notice was published today in the Official Journal, is the second to be launched by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition government for that housing development in Sete Cidades. The first tender was launched in January 2025, with a base price of €2.9 million and a completion period of 450 days; no proposals were submitted by construction companies. For Maria João Carreiro, the launch of a new tender is “clear evidence that the Regional Government has not given up on building houses in Sete Cidades.” This is in stark contrast to previous administrations, which “have neglected, for decades, several land plots in the Region earmarked for housing development, much to the detriment of Azorean families.” The Regional Secretary also expressed confidence that the upward adjustment of the base price of this contract, as well as the extension of the completion deadline, will prove attractive to construction companies, whose involvement has been crucial to the successful implementation of this historic public investment – notably through the RRP – in housing in the Azores.
Nota de Imprensa
April 1, 2026 Azores Health Line reinforcement improves response to users The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, highlighted the findings of the 2025 Activity Report of the Azores Health Line (LSA), emphasising the essential role of this service in promoting faster, safer and more appropriate access to healthcare in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Throughout 2025, the LSA recorded a total of 14,652 calls from all the islands of the archipelago, with São Miguel accounting for 82% of the total, followed by Terceira with 14.6%. “The Azores Health Line has established itself as a key gateway to the Regional Health Service, ensuring that citizens receive safe, swift and effective guidance,” stated Mónica Seidi. As part of the healthcare response, 3,583 consultations were booked via the LSA, 84% of which actually took place, demonstrating a high rate of attendance by service users. This indicator underlines the service’s effectiveness in coordinating with healthcare facilities as well as in managing citizens’ needs appropriately. In late 2024, the LSA underwent a restructuring, with its management transferred to the Regional Directorate for Health. This process involved enhancing the quality and safety of care through the creation of new protocols and an increase in the daily staff-to-patient ratio, as well as increasing the team from around 10 to 49 nurses, under a reorganised shift schedule, ensuring an even more qualified, continuous and person-centred response to patients. In 2025, the operation of the LSA represented a total investment of €221,999.50, corresponding to an average cost of €15.15 per call, which highlights the importance of this service as a tool for improving the efficiency of the healthcare system. In 2026, the Regional Government plans to implement a series of strategic measures aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of the LSA. These include the relocation to new facilities, the introduction of more advanced monitoring systems – including call recording – and investment in technological solutions that enable integrated, data-driven management. “We are investing in the technological modernisation of the Regional Health Service and the training of our staff to ensure a service that is increasingly accessible, efficient and patient-centred,” she added. In addition, the technical skills of professionals will be further improved, with a particular focus on the Suicide Prevention Helpline, ensuring a more specialised, sensitive and appropriate response to users’ needs.
April 1, 2026 Azores Health Line reinforcement improves response to users The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, highlighted the findings of the 2025 Activity Report of the Azores Health Line (LSA), emphasising the essential role of this service in promoting faster, safer and more appropriate access to healthcare in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Throughout 2025, the LSA recorded a total of 14,652 calls from all the islands of the archipelago, with São Miguel accounting for 82% of the total, followed by Terceira with 14.6%. “The Azores Health Line has established itself as a key gateway to the Regional Health Service, ensuring that citizens receive safe, swift and effective guidance,” stated Mónica Seidi. As part of the healthcare response, 3,583 consultations were booked via the LSA, 84% of which actually took place, demonstrating a high rate of attendance by service users. This indicator underlines the service’s effectiveness in coordinating with healthcare facilities as well as in managing citizens’ needs appropriately. In late 2024, the LSA underwent a restructuring, with its management transferred to the Regional Directorate for Health. This process involved enhancing the quality and safety of care through the creation of new protocols and an increase in the daily staff-to-patient ratio, as well as increasing the team from around 10 to 49 nurses, under a reorganised shift schedule, ensuring an even more qualified, continuous and person-centred response to patients. In 2025, the operation of the LSA represented a total investment of €221,999.50, corresponding to an average cost of €15.15 per call, which highlights the importance of this service as a tool for improving the efficiency of the healthcare system. In 2026, the Regional Government plans to implement a series of strategic measures aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of the LSA. These include the relocation to new facilities, the introduction of more advanced monitoring systems – including call recording – and investment in technological solutions that enable integrated, data-driven management. “We are investing in the technological modernisation of the Regional Health Service and the training of our staff to ensure a service that is increasingly accessible, efficient and patient-centred,” she added. In addition, the technical skills of professionals will be further improved, with a particular focus on the Suicide Prevention Helpline, ensuring a more specialised, sensitive and appropriate response to users’ needs.
Nota de Imprensa
April 1, 2026 Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development met in São Miguel The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired on Tuesday the first regular meeting of the Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CRADS) of 2026 in Ponta Delgada. The Regional Secretary noted that the CRADS is a highly relevant advisory body for government action in the environmental and sustainable development field, ensuring close dialogue between the Regional Government and environmental non-governmental organisations and other bodies involved in or interested in environmental and sustainability issues. During this meeting, Alonso Miguel emphasised that “a presentation was made to the members of the Council on the current status of the implementation of ongoing LIFE projects in the Region. Furthermore, proposals for amendments to various regulations governing access to natural areas in the Azores were considered, with a view to improving the efficiency of procedures and adapting them to the current government structure, as well as the decree approving the list of coastal bathing waters identified in the Azores for 2026." Alonso Miguel pointed out that, “regarding the ordinance regulating access to the Pico Mountain Nature Reserve, there is a proposal to introduce a series of amendments concerning the conditions under which bookings are made and the terms on which refunds are issued when, for duly justified reasons, visits do not take place. Specific provisions include a maximum period of 72 hours after booking for the submission of refund requests, as well as the requirement for proof of refunds to visitors.” “It is also proposed to improve the equipment and items required for access to the mountain, as well as the requirement for children aged five and over to be accompanied on the ascent, with the signing of a liability waiver, whilst also introducing changes to discourage ascents in situations where this is not recommended, thereby reinforcing individual responsibility,” he added. As for the amendment to the regulations governing access to the interior of the Caldeira do Faial, Alonso Miguel highlighted “the reduction in the daily visitor capacity from 40 to 30, and in the maximum group size from 15 to 10,” whilst “it is also proposed to increase the number of hours visitors may remain inside the Caldeira, from three to five hours.” “The conditions for access to the interior of the Caldeira have also become stricter, and the requirement to pay access fees 48 hours in advance has been removed, making it possible to carry out activities on the day itself,” he added. Regarding the proposed amendment to the ordinance regulating access to the Praia islet, on Graciosa Island, Alonso Miguel pointed out that “the proposal stipulates that authorised activities must be supervised by a Nature Ranger or a technician from the Graciosa Nature Park.” The Regional Secretary took the opportunity to note that “the concession contract with a local company for accessing the islet has recently been revoked. It is now available to all maritime tourism companies, provided they comply with the regulations and observe the passenger capacity limits, thereby making access to that nature reserve widely available.” During the session, the decree approving the list of coastal bathing waters identified in the Azores for 2026 was presented, under the responsibility of the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies. It includes 88 identified bathing waters, the same 87 as last year, with the addition of the bathing water on the Franca do Campo Islet, which is set to reopen in the current bathing season. “There was a commitment on the part of the Regional Government to continue monitoring the bathing water on the islet, in collaboration with APA - Portuguese Environment Agency, and, following the tests carried out in 2025, an "acceptable" rating was achieved." He concluded: “If only the 2025 tests were considered, the classification would be ‘excellent’, but as the calculations are based on data from recent years, the classification reached the ‘acceptable’ level; however, this result allows us to reopen the islet for bathing already this bathing season.”
April 1, 2026 Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development met in São Miguel The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired on Tuesday the first regular meeting of the Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CRADS) of 2026 in Ponta Delgada. The Regional Secretary noted that the CRADS is a highly relevant advisory body for government action in the environmental and sustainable development field, ensuring close dialogue between the Regional Government and environmental non-governmental organisations and other bodies involved in or interested in environmental and sustainability issues. During this meeting, Alonso Miguel emphasised that “a presentation was made to the members of the Council on the current status of the implementation of ongoing LIFE projects in the Region. Furthermore, proposals for amendments to various regulations governing access to natural areas in the Azores were considered, with a view to improving the efficiency of procedures and adapting them to the current government structure, as well as the decree approving the list of coastal bathing waters identified in the Azores for 2026." Alonso Miguel pointed out that, “regarding the ordinance regulating access to the Pico Mountain Nature Reserve, there is a proposal to introduce a series of amendments concerning the conditions under which bookings are made and the terms on which refunds are issued when, for duly justified reasons, visits do not take place. Specific provisions include a maximum period of 72 hours after booking for the submission of refund requests, as well as the requirement for proof of refunds to visitors.” “It is also proposed to improve the equipment and items required for access to the mountain, as well as the requirement for children aged five and over to be accompanied on the ascent, with the signing of a liability waiver, whilst also introducing changes to discourage ascents in situations where this is not recommended, thereby reinforcing individual responsibility,” he added. As for the amendment to the regulations governing access to the interior of the Caldeira do Faial, Alonso Miguel highlighted “the reduction in the daily visitor capacity from 40 to 30, and in the maximum group size from 15 to 10,” whilst “it is also proposed to increase the number of hours visitors may remain inside the Caldeira, from three to five hours.” “The conditions for access to the interior of the Caldeira have also become stricter, and the requirement to pay access fees 48 hours in advance has been removed, making it possible to carry out activities on the day itself,” he added. Regarding the proposed amendment to the ordinance regulating access to the Praia islet, on Graciosa Island, Alonso Miguel pointed out that “the proposal stipulates that authorised activities must be supervised by a Nature Ranger or a technician from the Graciosa Nature Park.” The Regional Secretary took the opportunity to note that “the concession contract with a local company for accessing the islet has recently been revoked. It is now available to all maritime tourism companies, provided they comply with the regulations and observe the passenger capacity limits, thereby making access to that nature reserve widely available.” During the session, the decree approving the list of coastal bathing waters identified in the Azores for 2026 was presented, under the responsibility of the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies. It includes 88 identified bathing waters, the same 87 as last year, with the addition of the bathing water on the Franca do Campo Islet, which is set to reopen in the current bathing season. “There was a commitment on the part of the Regional Government to continue monitoring the bathing water on the islet, in collaboration with APA - Portuguese Environment Agency, and, following the tests carried out in 2025, an "acceptable" rating was achieved." He concluded: “If only the 2025 tests were considered, the classification would be ‘excellent’, but as the calculations are based on data from recent years, the classification reached the ‘acceptable’ level; however, this result allows us to reopen the islet for bathing already this bathing season.”
Nota de Imprensa
March 31, 2026 Regional Government is investing over €190,000 in stepping up rodent control measures to protect farms The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, is stepping up integrated rodent control measures across the archipelago, ensuring direct support to producers through the free provision of rodenticides, specialist training and ongoing technical advice. According to the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, “protecting agriculture is about protecting the Azorean identity.” The government emphasised that controlling these pests “is not merely a technical measure; it is essential to safeguard farms, ensure the quality of produce and protect the daily efforts of farmers.” Managed by the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary and Food (DRAVA), the current strategy involved the purchase of 42.1 tonnes of rodenticide, representing an overall investment of €191,619.86 (plus VAT). Approximately 21.1 tonnes are currently being distributed across all islands, continuing the first phase of deliveries (20.9 tonnes) that began in September 2025. The distribution of these products is carried out in a decentralised manner by the Agrarian Development Services – in some cases in partnership with local councils – to ensure maximum logistical efficiency. The quantity of product allocated to each producer is based on the declared agricultural areas, covering arable crops, fruit crops, horticultural crops and POSEI areas. From a scientific and technical standpoint, field operations make use of active substances such as brodifacoum and difethialone (second-generation anticoagulants). The effectiveness of these products is closely monitored by the Integrated Pest Management Committee – Rodents, which met on February 25, 2026, and confirmed that no resistance to these substances has been identified in the Region. Alongside material support, the Regional Secretariat has been investing in training human resources, promoting several training initiatives aimed at authorised operators and responsible technicians on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Faial and Flores. This effort is complemented by wide-ranging public awareness campaigns through the media (RTP Açores and Antena 1 Açores - television and radio stations), social media and the distribution of posters. “In an archipelago with such diverse circumstances, this strategy requires knowledge, coordination and a hands-on approach,” António Ventura stated, explaining the simultaneous focus on training, on-site monitoring and awareness raising. “Acting early and acting effectively makes all the difference. It is this shared commitment – between government departments, experts and farmers – that enables us to protect Azorean agriculture and ensure a more secure and sustainable future for all islands,” concluded the government official.
March 31, 2026 Regional Government is investing over €190,000 in stepping up rodent control measures to protect farms The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, is stepping up integrated rodent control measures across the archipelago, ensuring direct support to producers through the free provision of rodenticides, specialist training and ongoing technical advice. According to the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, “protecting agriculture is about protecting the Azorean identity.” The government emphasised that controlling these pests “is not merely a technical measure; it is essential to safeguard farms, ensure the quality of produce and protect the daily efforts of farmers.” Managed by the Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Veterinary and Food (DRAVA), the current strategy involved the purchase of 42.1 tonnes of rodenticide, representing an overall investment of €191,619.86 (plus VAT). Approximately 21.1 tonnes are currently being distributed across all islands, continuing the first phase of deliveries (20.9 tonnes) that began in September 2025. The distribution of these products is carried out in a decentralised manner by the Agrarian Development Services – in some cases in partnership with local councils – to ensure maximum logistical efficiency. The quantity of product allocated to each producer is based on the declared agricultural areas, covering arable crops, fruit crops, horticultural crops and POSEI areas. From a scientific and technical standpoint, field operations make use of active substances such as brodifacoum and difethialone (second-generation anticoagulants). The effectiveness of these products is closely monitored by the Integrated Pest Management Committee – Rodents, which met on February 25, 2026, and confirmed that no resistance to these substances has been identified in the Region. Alongside material support, the Regional Secretariat has been investing in training human resources, promoting several training initiatives aimed at authorised operators and responsible technicians on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Faial and Flores. This effort is complemented by wide-ranging public awareness campaigns through the media (RTP Açores and Antena 1 Açores - television and radio stations), social media and the distribution of posters. “In an archipelago with such diverse circumstances, this strategy requires knowledge, coordination and a hands-on approach,” António Ventura stated, explaining the simultaneous focus on training, on-site monitoring and awareness raising. “Acting early and acting effectively makes all the difference. It is this shared commitment – between government departments, experts and farmers – that enables us to protect Azorean agriculture and ensure a more secure and sustainable future for all islands,” concluded the government official.
