Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “Azorean pride” at opening of Ponta Delgada 2026 – Portuguese Capital of Culture
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “Azorean pride” at opening of Ponta Delgada 2026 – Portuguese Capital of Culture
Presidência do Governo Regional
International award recognises José Manuel Bolieiro for excellence in ocean protection
International award recognises José Manuel Bolieiro for excellence in ocean protection
Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública
Propostas orientadoras para a requalificação das Fábricas do Álcool e do Açúcar apresentadas a 4 e 5 de fevereiro
Propostas orientadoras para a requalificação das Fábricas do Álcool e do Açúcar apresentadas a 4 e 5 de fevereiro
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Estatuto da Agricultura Familiar atinge recorde de 1.500 candidaturas e 3.700 hectares reconhecidos, adianta António Ventura
Estatuto da Agricultura Familiar atinge recorde de 1.500 candidaturas e 3.700 hectares reconhecidos, adianta António Ventura
Nota de Imprensa
January 29, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “Azorean pride” at opening of Ponta Delgada 2026 – Portuguese Capital of Culture The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in the opening ceremony of Ponta Delgada 2026 – Portuguese Capital of Culture, which took place at the Coliseu Micaelense, emphasising culture as an "expression of identity" and as an "affirmation of the Azores" in the country and the world. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the progress made in recent years and the momentum created by Ponta Delgada's bid to become European Capital of Culture. "It is a source of pride to reach 2026 and feel that the bold decision taken a few years ago to bid for Ponta Delgada to become European Capital of Culture has led to a successful and engaging journey," he said, stressing that this journey "does not diminish the strength and potential of Ponta Delgada and the Azores to establish themselves culturally at both a European and global level." The President of the Azorean Government also praised the model launched by the National Government to annually distinguish Portuguese cities with structured cultural programming. "It was a good initiative by the National Government to consider, in addition to the application process for European Capital of Culture, that it could promote Portuguese identity by generating Portuguese cultural capital," he said, adding: "Ponta Delgada and the Azores are proud to be the Portuguese Capital of Culture in 2026, expressing this pride in the name of Azorean identity." José Manuel Bolieiro also addressed the younger generation, linking youth involvement to the vitality of cultural projects. "It is a great joy to see the future manifesting itself," he said, addressing them. The head of the Azorean Government described 2026 as an "auspicious year," noting that it marks 50 years since the first democratic Portuguese Constitution, 50 years since the establishment of the political autonomy of the Azores, and the celebration of the governing bodies of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. In this context, he emphasised that what is at stake is "the cultural identity of an island people, as a nation, an autonomous region and the Azores," built "on the history of Portugal and the Atlantic," with the skill and talent of art and artists. Emphasising the collective work involved in the programme, the President of the Government considered it "a joy" to have a motivated team with civic drive to make this celebration a reality, reiterating that the cultural year is not limited to the municipality. "This achievement will not only be for Ponta Delgada, but for the entire Azores, for our talent and ability," he concluded. After Aveiro in 2024 and Braga in 2025, Ponta Delgada will take on the title of Portuguese Capital of Culture in 2026, one year before Évora becomes European Capital of Culture. The ceremony was also attended by the Commissioner for Ponta Delgada 2026 – Portuguese Capital of Culture, Kátia Guerreiro, the Regional Secretary for Education, Culture and Sport, Sofia Ribeiro, the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, the Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro do Nascimento Cabral, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, and the President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Luís Garcia.
January 29, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “Azorean pride” at opening of Ponta Delgada 2026 – Portuguese Capital of Culture The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in the opening ceremony of Ponta Delgada 2026 – Portuguese Capital of Culture, which took place at the Coliseu Micaelense, emphasising culture as an "expression of identity" and as an "affirmation of the Azores" in the country and the world. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the progress made in recent years and the momentum created by Ponta Delgada's bid to become European Capital of Culture. "It is a source of pride to reach 2026 and feel that the bold decision taken a few years ago to bid for Ponta Delgada to become European Capital of Culture has led to a successful and engaging journey," he said, stressing that this journey "does not diminish the strength and potential of Ponta Delgada and the Azores to establish themselves culturally at both a European and global level." The President of the Azorean Government also praised the model launched by the National Government to annually distinguish Portuguese cities with structured cultural programming. "It was a good initiative by the National Government to consider, in addition to the application process for European Capital of Culture, that it could promote Portuguese identity by generating Portuguese cultural capital," he said, adding: "Ponta Delgada and the Azores are proud to be the Portuguese Capital of Culture in 2026, expressing this pride in the name of Azorean identity." José Manuel Bolieiro also addressed the younger generation, linking youth involvement to the vitality of cultural projects. "It is a great joy to see the future manifesting itself," he said, addressing them. The head of the Azorean Government described 2026 as an "auspicious year," noting that it marks 50 years since the first democratic Portuguese Constitution, 50 years since the establishment of the political autonomy of the Azores, and the celebration of the governing bodies of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. In this context, he emphasised that what is at stake is "the cultural identity of an island people, as a nation, an autonomous region and the Azores," built "on the history of Portugal and the Atlantic," with the skill and talent of art and artists. Emphasising the collective work involved in the programme, the President of the Government considered it "a joy" to have a motivated team with civic drive to make this celebration a reality, reiterating that the cultural year is not limited to the municipality. "This achievement will not only be for Ponta Delgada, but for the entire Azores, for our talent and ability," he concluded. After Aveiro in 2024 and Braga in 2025, Ponta Delgada will take on the title of Portuguese Capital of Culture in 2026, one year before Évora becomes European Capital of Culture. The ceremony was also attended by the Commissioner for Ponta Delgada 2026 – Portuguese Capital of Culture, Kátia Guerreiro, the Regional Secretary for Education, Culture and Sport, Sofia Ribeiro, the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, the Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro do Nascimento Cabral, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, and the President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Luís Garcia.
Nota de Imprensa
January 28, 2026 International award recognises José Manuel Bolieiro for excellence in ocean protection The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, has been honoured with the international Peter Benchley Ocean Award in the Excellence in National Leadership category, one of the most prestigious global distinctions in the field of ocean conservation. The award delivery ceremony will take place on May 7, 2026, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, reinforcing the global projection of ocean leadership led from the Azores and Portugal. Created by Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg, the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards are widely recognised as the “Oscars of the Ocean,” honouring individuals and institutions that make outstanding contributions to the protection and restoration of the marine environment each year. The “Excellence in National Leadership” category recognises representatives of states that stand out for their ambitious policies on ocean protection and sustainable management, with an impact at a national and international level. In previous editions, recognition in the national leadership and ocean policy categories has been awarded to leading figures such as the then U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Prince Albert II of Monaco, underlining the high standards and prestige of this distinction. The panel of judges includes some of the most respected names in science and marine conservation, including oceanographer Sylvia Earle, a world leader in deep-sea exploration and ocean conservation. The distinction now awarded to the President of the Azorean Government comes at a time when the Region, supported by the Blue Azores programme, is internationally recognised for creating the largest Network of Marine Protected Areas in the North Atlantic. It covers around 30% of the Azores sea, with total and high protection zones, complying with international conservation criteria, and as part of an innovative framework of co-governance with scientists, fishers and local communities. Accordingly, this award represents not only personal recognition but, above all, the confirmation of the Azores and Portugal as leaders in ocean conservation, contributing in a meaningful way to the global goals of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.
January 28, 2026 International award recognises José Manuel Bolieiro for excellence in ocean protection The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, has been honoured with the international Peter Benchley Ocean Award in the Excellence in National Leadership category, one of the most prestigious global distinctions in the field of ocean conservation. The award delivery ceremony will take place on May 7, 2026, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, reinforcing the global projection of ocean leadership led from the Azores and Portugal. Created by Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg, the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards are widely recognised as the “Oscars of the Ocean,” honouring individuals and institutions that make outstanding contributions to the protection and restoration of the marine environment each year. The “Excellence in National Leadership” category recognises representatives of states that stand out for their ambitious policies on ocean protection and sustainable management, with an impact at a national and international level. In previous editions, recognition in the national leadership and ocean policy categories has been awarded to leading figures such as the then U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Prince Albert II of Monaco, underlining the high standards and prestige of this distinction. The panel of judges includes some of the most respected names in science and marine conservation, including oceanographer Sylvia Earle, a world leader in deep-sea exploration and ocean conservation. The distinction now awarded to the President of the Azorean Government comes at a time when the Region, supported by the Blue Azores programme, is internationally recognised for creating the largest Network of Marine Protected Areas in the North Atlantic. It covers around 30% of the Azores sea, with total and high protection zones, complying with international conservation criteria, and as part of an innovative framework of co-governance with scientists, fishers and local communities. Accordingly, this award represents not only personal recognition but, above all, the confirmation of the Azores and Portugal as leaders in ocean conservation, contributing in a meaningful way to the global goals of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.
Nota de Imprensa
January 29, 2026 Propostas orientadoras para a requalificação das Fábricas do Álcool e do Açúcar apresentadas a 4 e 5 de fevereiro A Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública e a Secção Regional dos Açores da Ordem dos Arquitetos promovem, a 4 e 5 de fevereiro, respetivamente na Lagoa e em Ponta Delgada, sessões públicas de apresentação dos Relatórios das Propostas Orientadoras para a Intervenção e Requalificação das Fábricas do Álcool e do Açúcar. Estes relatórios surgem na sequência do Protocolo de Cooperação estabelecido, a 11 de novembro de 2024, entre o Governo Regional dos Açores, através da Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública, e a Seção Regional dos Açores da Ordem dos Arquitetos, visando a definição de uma solução conciliadora e exequível sobre o futuro destes dois espaços industriais. Para além da promoção de visitas às duas fábricas e da realização de debates a 22 de fevereiro (Lagoa) e 22 de março de 2025 (Ponta Delgada) foi promovida a auscultação pública dos interessados. Este processo culmina agora com a apresentação e publicação dos relatórios elaborados pelas duas Comissões de Trabalho constituídas no âmbito do referido protocolo. A sessão relativa à Fábrica do Álcool terá lugar a 4 de fevereiro, pelas 20h30 no Auditório do Nonagon, na Lagoa. No dia seguinte, pelas 17h30, terá lugar, no Salão Nobre do Teatro Micaelense, a sessão sobre a Fábrica do Açúcar. Esta iniciativa enquadra-se na estratégia do Governo Regional dos Açores de valorização do património regional através de processos públicos e transparentes, particularmente neste caso em que estão em causa testemunhos emblemáticos do património industrial dos Açores. Recorde-se que estas duas instalações passaram a património da Região como resultado da extinção, no final de 2021, da SINAGA - Sociedade de Indústrias Agrícolas Açorianas, S. A..
January 29, 2026 Propostas orientadoras para a requalificação das Fábricas do Álcool e do Açúcar apresentadas a 4 e 5 de fevereiro A Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública e a Secção Regional dos Açores da Ordem dos Arquitetos promovem, a 4 e 5 de fevereiro, respetivamente na Lagoa e em Ponta Delgada, sessões públicas de apresentação dos Relatórios das Propostas Orientadoras para a Intervenção e Requalificação das Fábricas do Álcool e do Açúcar. Estes relatórios surgem na sequência do Protocolo de Cooperação estabelecido, a 11 de novembro de 2024, entre o Governo Regional dos Açores, através da Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública, e a Seção Regional dos Açores da Ordem dos Arquitetos, visando a definição de uma solução conciliadora e exequível sobre o futuro destes dois espaços industriais. Para além da promoção de visitas às duas fábricas e da realização de debates a 22 de fevereiro (Lagoa) e 22 de março de 2025 (Ponta Delgada) foi promovida a auscultação pública dos interessados. Este processo culmina agora com a apresentação e publicação dos relatórios elaborados pelas duas Comissões de Trabalho constituídas no âmbito do referido protocolo. A sessão relativa à Fábrica do Álcool terá lugar a 4 de fevereiro, pelas 20h30 no Auditório do Nonagon, na Lagoa. No dia seguinte, pelas 17h30, terá lugar, no Salão Nobre do Teatro Micaelense, a sessão sobre a Fábrica do Açúcar. Esta iniciativa enquadra-se na estratégia do Governo Regional dos Açores de valorização do património regional através de processos públicos e transparentes, particularmente neste caso em que estão em causa testemunhos emblemáticos do património industrial dos Açores. Recorde-se que estas duas instalações passaram a património da Região como resultado da extinção, no final de 2021, da SINAGA - Sociedade de Indústrias Agrícolas Açorianas, S. A..
Nota de Imprensa
January 29, 2026 Estatuto da Agricultura Familiar atinge recorde de 1.500 candidaturas e 3.700 hectares reconhecidos, adianta António Ventura A Região Autónoma dos Açores registou, entre agosto de 2020 e agosto de 2025, a receção de 1.536 candidaturas ao Estatuto da Agricultura Familiar, com uma expressiva taxa de aprovação de 97%. O Secretário Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação, António Ventura, sublinhou que estes resultados demonstram uma “forte adesão deste regime no tecido agrícola açoriano”, que conta atualmente com 3.739 hectares reconhecidos em todo o arquipélago. “Estes resultados mostram claramente que a Agricultura Familiar é hoje um pilar essencial da sustentabilidade agrícola dos Açores”, sustenta o governante. Para António Ventura, “a consolidação deste regime reforça o compromisso da Região com um modelo agrícola sustentável, próximo das comunidades e alinhado com os desafios climáticos, económicos e sociais atuais”. A distribuição das candidaturas revela uma forte concentração nas ilhas Terceira (28%), Graciosa (22%) e São Jorge (22%), que em conjunto representam 72% do total regional. Em termos de área afeta ao regime, a ilha de São Jorge destaca-se com 1.753 hectares, seguida de Santa Maria (642 ha) e da Graciosa (507 ha). Os dados revelam ainda que a agricultura familiar nos Açores é caracterizada por pequenas e médias explorações, com cerca de 60% das unidades a apresentarem uma área inferior a 10 hectares. Outro indicador relevante é a dedicação laboral: em média, a mão de obra familiar apresenta 109% da necessidade estimada da exploração, evidenciando o envolvimento direto e a resiliência das famílias agricultoras açorianas. O perfil dos titulares mostra uma presença significativa de novas gerações, com os agricultores até aos 40 anos a representarem 24,5% do total de candidaturas. A idade dos titulares compreende um intervalo entre os 21 e os 82 anos, estando a maioria concentrada na faixa etária dos 41 aos 60 anos. António Ventura destaca também o impacto positivo da evolução legislativa: “O atual regime jurídico, suportado pelo Decreto Legislativo Regional n.º 22/2022/A, introduziu melhorias significativas ao focar o estatuto exclusivamente em pessoas singulares”. Esta alteração permitiu afunilar os apoios e garantir que o regime cumpre a sua missão de valorizar quem vive e trabalha diretamente a terra. O Governo Regional reafirma assim a Agricultura Familiar como um modelo de proximidade indispensável para a coesão territorial, garantindo a manutenção da paisagem e o fortalecimento das economias locais em todas as ilhas da Região.
January 29, 2026 Estatuto da Agricultura Familiar atinge recorde de 1.500 candidaturas e 3.700 hectares reconhecidos, adianta António Ventura A Região Autónoma dos Açores registou, entre agosto de 2020 e agosto de 2025, a receção de 1.536 candidaturas ao Estatuto da Agricultura Familiar, com uma expressiva taxa de aprovação de 97%. O Secretário Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação, António Ventura, sublinhou que estes resultados demonstram uma “forte adesão deste regime no tecido agrícola açoriano”, que conta atualmente com 3.739 hectares reconhecidos em todo o arquipélago. “Estes resultados mostram claramente que a Agricultura Familiar é hoje um pilar essencial da sustentabilidade agrícola dos Açores”, sustenta o governante. Para António Ventura, “a consolidação deste regime reforça o compromisso da Região com um modelo agrícola sustentável, próximo das comunidades e alinhado com os desafios climáticos, económicos e sociais atuais”. A distribuição das candidaturas revela uma forte concentração nas ilhas Terceira (28%), Graciosa (22%) e São Jorge (22%), que em conjunto representam 72% do total regional. Em termos de área afeta ao regime, a ilha de São Jorge destaca-se com 1.753 hectares, seguida de Santa Maria (642 ha) e da Graciosa (507 ha). Os dados revelam ainda que a agricultura familiar nos Açores é caracterizada por pequenas e médias explorações, com cerca de 60% das unidades a apresentarem uma área inferior a 10 hectares. Outro indicador relevante é a dedicação laboral: em média, a mão de obra familiar apresenta 109% da necessidade estimada da exploração, evidenciando o envolvimento direto e a resiliência das famílias agricultoras açorianas. O perfil dos titulares mostra uma presença significativa de novas gerações, com os agricultores até aos 40 anos a representarem 24,5% do total de candidaturas. A idade dos titulares compreende um intervalo entre os 21 e os 82 anos, estando a maioria concentrada na faixa etária dos 41 aos 60 anos. António Ventura destaca também o impacto positivo da evolução legislativa: “O atual regime jurídico, suportado pelo Decreto Legislativo Regional n.º 22/2022/A, introduziu melhorias significativas ao focar o estatuto exclusivamente em pessoas singulares”. Esta alteração permitiu afunilar os apoios e garantir que o regime cumpre a sua missão de valorizar quem vive e trabalha diretamente a terra. O Governo Regional reafirma assim a Agricultura Familiar como um modelo de proximidade indispensável para a coesão territorial, garantindo a manutenção da paisagem e o fortalecimento das economias locais em todas as ilhas da Região.
Nota de Imprensa
January 29, 2026 Applications for INCLUIR programme under Social Employment Market from February 1 The application period for the INCLUIR measure, included in the Social Employment Market (MSE), opens on February 1, under the terms set by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, in an Order published in the Official Journal. Applications will be accepted until December 31 of this year. They must be submitted by the entities promoting the traineeships – responsible for the process of placing unemployed people with other employers – at the MSE Desk, available at emprego.azores.gov.pt, where the MSE Implementation Guide can also be consulted. The INCLUIR measure gives unemployed people with low employability, problems, disabilities or impairments the opportunity to undertake a supported traineeship in a real work context. The traineeship projects are promoted by non-profit organisations, such as IPSS-Private Social Solidarity Institutions, which develop active employment policies or are actively involved in tackling the difficulties contributing to the low employability of unemployed people targeted by the INCLUIR measure, in conjunction with regional companies and other employers. According to Maria João Carreiro, the INCLUIR measure "embodies an innovative approach to unemployment associated with personal and/or social problems, calling on the public employment service, IPSS and companies to provide an individualised employment response that includes the acquisition of essential skills for the empowerment and hiring of the unemployed." Traineeships last for 24 months, including two months of rest, and can be full-time (maximum 35 hours per week) or part-time (15 to 20 hours per week). Trainees are awarded a traineeship grant corresponding to 100% of the Minimum Monthly Wage (RMMG) in the Regionin the case of full-time traineeships. For part-time internships, the grant is proportional to the weekly working hours, based on the RMMG in the Region. In addition to this support, they also receive a meal allowance. The promoting entities receive monthly support corresponding to 23.75% of the traineeship grant awarded per trainee for the duration of the traineeship. If the trainee is hired in the month following the end of the traineeship, the promoting entities receive support equivalent to 50% of the overall amount of support awarded to them during the traineeship. Employers who have taken part in the traineeship programme can benefit from the “Contratar Social” measure to hire trainees at the end of their traineeship period, through which they receive 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.
January 29, 2026 Applications for INCLUIR programme under Social Employment Market from February 1 The application period for the INCLUIR measure, included in the Social Employment Market (MSE), opens on February 1, under the terms set by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, in an Order published in the Official Journal. Applications will be accepted until December 31 of this year. They must be submitted by the entities promoting the traineeships – responsible for the process of placing unemployed people with other employers – at the MSE Desk, available at emprego.azores.gov.pt, where the MSE Implementation Guide can also be consulted. The INCLUIR measure gives unemployed people with low employability, problems, disabilities or impairments the opportunity to undertake a supported traineeship in a real work context. The traineeship projects are promoted by non-profit organisations, such as IPSS-Private Social Solidarity Institutions, which develop active employment policies or are actively involved in tackling the difficulties contributing to the low employability of unemployed people targeted by the INCLUIR measure, in conjunction with regional companies and other employers. According to Maria João Carreiro, the INCLUIR measure "embodies an innovative approach to unemployment associated with personal and/or social problems, calling on the public employment service, IPSS and companies to provide an individualised employment response that includes the acquisition of essential skills for the empowerment and hiring of the unemployed." Traineeships last for 24 months, including two months of rest, and can be full-time (maximum 35 hours per week) or part-time (15 to 20 hours per week). Trainees are awarded a traineeship grant corresponding to 100% of the Minimum Monthly Wage (RMMG) in the Regionin the case of full-time traineeships. For part-time internships, the grant is proportional to the weekly working hours, based on the RMMG in the Region. In addition to this support, they also receive a meal allowance. The promoting entities receive monthly support corresponding to 23.75% of the traineeship grant awarded per trainee for the duration of the traineeship. If the trainee is hired in the month following the end of the traineeship, the promoting entities receive support equivalent to 50% of the overall amount of support awarded to them during the traineeship. Employers who have taken part in the traineeship programme can benefit from the “Contratar Social” measure to hire trainees at the end of their traineeship period, through which they receive 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.
