Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro destaca “centralidade estratégica” dos Açores no 33.º aniversário do COA
José Manuel Bolieiro destaca “centralidade estratégica” dos Açores no 33.º aniversário do COA
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Indicadores do RSI registam nova descida nos Açores em março
Indicadores do RSI registam nova descida nos Açores em março
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Alonso Miguel visits LIFE project intervention areas on World Earth Day
Alonso Miguel visits LIFE project intervention areas on World Earth Day
Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Paulo Estêvão emphasises "remarkable progress" of House of the Azores of Minas Gerais in opening representative office in Mainland Portugal
Paulo Estêvão emphasises "remarkable progress" of House of the Azores of Minas Gerais in opening representative office in Mainland Portugal
Nota de Imprensa
April 22, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro destaca “centralidade estratégica” dos Açores no 33.º aniversário do COA O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, marcou presença nas comemorações do 33.º aniversário do Comando Operacional dos Açores (COA), onde destacou o papel estratégico da Região e o contributo das Forças Armadas para a segurança e coesão nacional. “Os Açores são hoje uma plataforma geoestratégica central de Portugal e da Europa”, afirmou, defendendo que esta realidade deve ser acompanhada por “visão, investimento e uma presença consistente do Estado”. O líder do executivo açoriano deixou uma palavra de reconhecimento ao Comando Operacional dos Açores, liderado pelo Tenente-General César Paulo da Silva Rodrigues, sublinhando “o profissionalismo, a dedicação e o sentido de missão dos militares e civis que ali desempenham funções”. José Manuel Bolieiro destacou ainda a ligação histórica e de confiança entre a Região e as Forças Armadas. "São parceiras naturais dos Açores, com um papel fundamental na segurança, na proteção do território e no apoio às populações”, afirmou, acrescentando: “num território disperso e insular como o nosso, a sua atuação ganha uma importância ainda maior”. Nesse sentido, defendeu que esta cooperação deve continuar a ser reforçada, “como um fator de coesão nacional e de segurança partilhada”. No mesmo contexto, José Manuel Bolieiro recebeu, em audiência, no Palácio de Santana, o Chefe de Estado-Maior-General das Forças Armadas, General João Cartaxo Alves, encontro que serviu para reforçar a articulação institucional e a valorização do papel dos Açores no contexto nacional e atlântico. O governante açoriano deixou ainda uma palavra de apreço ao General João Cartaxo Alves, destacando a sua liderança e o conhecimento da realidade açoriana. “O posicionamento dos Açores no Atlântico é um ativo estratégico para Portugal que deve ser valorizado e trabalhado em conjunto”, concluiu.
April 22, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro destaca “centralidade estratégica” dos Açores no 33.º aniversário do COA O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, marcou presença nas comemorações do 33.º aniversário do Comando Operacional dos Açores (COA), onde destacou o papel estratégico da Região e o contributo das Forças Armadas para a segurança e coesão nacional. “Os Açores são hoje uma plataforma geoestratégica central de Portugal e da Europa”, afirmou, defendendo que esta realidade deve ser acompanhada por “visão, investimento e uma presença consistente do Estado”. O líder do executivo açoriano deixou uma palavra de reconhecimento ao Comando Operacional dos Açores, liderado pelo Tenente-General César Paulo da Silva Rodrigues, sublinhando “o profissionalismo, a dedicação e o sentido de missão dos militares e civis que ali desempenham funções”. José Manuel Bolieiro destacou ainda a ligação histórica e de confiança entre a Região e as Forças Armadas. "São parceiras naturais dos Açores, com um papel fundamental na segurança, na proteção do território e no apoio às populações”, afirmou, acrescentando: “num território disperso e insular como o nosso, a sua atuação ganha uma importância ainda maior”. Nesse sentido, defendeu que esta cooperação deve continuar a ser reforçada, “como um fator de coesão nacional e de segurança partilhada”. No mesmo contexto, José Manuel Bolieiro recebeu, em audiência, no Palácio de Santana, o Chefe de Estado-Maior-General das Forças Armadas, General João Cartaxo Alves, encontro que serviu para reforçar a articulação institucional e a valorização do papel dos Açores no contexto nacional e atlântico. O governante açoriano deixou ainda uma palavra de apreço ao General João Cartaxo Alves, destacando a sua liderança e o conhecimento da realidade açoriana. “O posicionamento dos Açores no Atlântico é um ativo estratégico para Portugal que deve ser valorizado e trabalhado em conjunto”, concluiu.
Nota de Imprensa
April 22, 2026 Indicadores do RSI registam nova descida nos Açores em março A Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, destaca os dados mais recentes relativos ao Rendimento Social de Inserção (RSI) na Região Autónoma dos Açores, referentes a março de 2026. No final do mês de março, a Região contabilizava 2.284 titulares/agregados familiares e 5.173 beneficiários desta prestação social. Face a fevereiro de 2026, verifica-se uma redução de 45 titulares/agregados familiares e uma diminuição de 125 beneficiários, evidenciando uma evolução favorável deste indicador. A comparação com o período homólogo evidencia igualmente uma variação significativa, com menos 1.171 beneficiários face a março de 2025, o que corresponde a uma quebra de 18,5%. Mónica Seidi sublinha que “a evolução registada confirma a melhoria gradual dos indicadores associados ao RSI na Região, resultado de um trabalho contínuo de proximidade junto das famílias e de reforço das respostas sociais disponíveis”. A governante refere ainda que "estes dados continuam a evidenciar também o reforço dos procedimentos de controlo e monitorização, garantindo que o RSI é atribuído de forma rigorosa e dirigida efetivamente a quem dele necessita". O Governo dos Açores mantém o compromisso de reforçar as políticas públicas de inclusão e coesão social, assegurando respostas adequadas às necessidades da população açoriana.
April 22, 2026 Indicadores do RSI registam nova descida nos Açores em março A Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, destaca os dados mais recentes relativos ao Rendimento Social de Inserção (RSI) na Região Autónoma dos Açores, referentes a março de 2026. No final do mês de março, a Região contabilizava 2.284 titulares/agregados familiares e 5.173 beneficiários desta prestação social. Face a fevereiro de 2026, verifica-se uma redução de 45 titulares/agregados familiares e uma diminuição de 125 beneficiários, evidenciando uma evolução favorável deste indicador. A comparação com o período homólogo evidencia igualmente uma variação significativa, com menos 1.171 beneficiários face a março de 2025, o que corresponde a uma quebra de 18,5%. Mónica Seidi sublinha que “a evolução registada confirma a melhoria gradual dos indicadores associados ao RSI na Região, resultado de um trabalho contínuo de proximidade junto das famílias e de reforço das respostas sociais disponíveis”. A governante refere ainda que "estes dados continuam a evidenciar também o reforço dos procedimentos de controlo e monitorização, garantindo que o RSI é atribuído de forma rigorosa e dirigida efetivamente a quem dele necessita". O Governo dos Açores mantém o compromisso de reforçar as políticas públicas de inclusão e coesão social, assegurando respostas adequadas às necessidades da população açoriana.
Nota de Imprensa
April 22, 2026 Alonso Miguel visits LIFE project intervention areas on World Earth Day The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, visited several areas covered by LIFE projects on Terceira Island to mark World Earth Day, celebrated on April 22. During this visit, Alonso Miguel inspected the work currently underway on the ground, specifically at Ribeira das Doze stream in Doze Ribeiras and Ribeira do Testo stream in Porto Judeu, as well as Rocha do Chambre and Turfeira do Sanguinhal, areas belonging to the Natura 2000 network, within the Terceira Island Nature Park. They are covered by the LIFE projects LIFE IP CLIMAZ and LIFE IP AZORES NATURA, which aim to contribute, respectively, to the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change in the Region, and to the ecological restoration, conservation and recovery of habitats and the protection of protected species. Under the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project, field activities were observed regarding the monitoring of climate variables and the adaptation of ecosystems to this phenomenon, as well as the implementation of mitigation measures in particularly sensitive areas, such as streams, through the use of natural engineering techniques. In turn, within the context of LIFE IP AZORES NATURA, interventions were observed involving the restoration of natural habitats, the control of invasive species, the planting of endemic species, and the strengthening of ecological resilience in areas within the Terceira Island Nature Park. The government official emphasised that “these projects represent a strategic commitment by the Region to the protection and restoration of its natural resources, combining scientific knowledge, operational interventions and the involvement of local communities.” He added that “the work carried out under the LIFE projects demonstrates the possibility to reconcile nature conservation with sustainable development, creating value for the Region and its people.” He emphasised: “Our natural heritage is extremely valuable, first and foremost from the standpoint of economic and tourism development, but, above all, for the invaluable contribution it makes to the safety and well-being of the population. It provides essential ecosystem services, such as air quality, soil health, aquifer recharge, and the availability and purification of our water resources, whilst also playing a decisive role in mitigating various natural hazards, such as floods, landslides, erosion, droughts, fires, pests and the pollution of natural resources.” The Regional Secretary added that, “nevertheless, all this natural heritage is highly sensitive and fragile, so it is important to ensure its preservation. The Azores Islands’ Nature Parks play a decisive role in this regard, representing a cornerstone in the implementation of nature conservation and restoration measures.” Alonso Miguel acknowledged that LIFE projects, with a strong EU co-financing component, are essential financial and operational tools for the Region’s capacity-building, bringing with them scientific knowledge, technical expertise and financial resources that are indispensable for environmental protection, nature conservation, and mitigation of and adaptation to climate change effects. “The Azores have been a benchmark at a national and European level in the implementation of LIFE projects, not only due to the high implementation rates achieved, but also due to the quality of the work carried out and the positive impact of the actions implemented, a clear demonstration of the Region’s commitment to climate action and the protection of natural heritage,” he said. In addition to visiting the areas where work is being carried out under the LIFE Projects to mark World Earth Day, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action has organised a wide range of initiatives across all the islands of the Azores, with a particular focus on highlighting the importance of raising environmental awareness and mobilising society to address global challenges. “The celebration of World Earth Day provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the role each of us plays in protecting the planet, but also to highlight the work that has been carried out in the Azores in the areas of sustainability and climate action,” he said. Alonso Miguel revealed that “a very comprehensive programme has been prepared, which includes activities in schools, events open to the community, interpretative trails and field experiences, as well as the promotion of digital content, aimed at bringing the population closer to their territories and raising environmental awareness.” Among the activities organised, there will be educational games sessions aimed at elementary school students, focusing on the geological formation of the Azores and volcanic phenomena, including the use of educational games, such as “The Volcanoes of the Azores,” which are intended to share knowledge in an interactive and accessible manner. “The programme also includes hands-on workshops, such as the "Earth Laboratory," which allow young people to explore geological processes through practical activities, sparking curiosity about geodiversity and promoting its appreciation and conservation,” stated the government official. Alonso Miguel added that “outdoor activities will focus on interpretative walks and trails, which showcase volcanic landscapes, water resources, biodiversity and protected habitats, whilst promoting healthy lifestyles and direct contact with nature. These include, for example, interpretive trails in areas of high environmental value, featuring information on natural phenomena and the historical interactions between communities and the territory." “Guided tours to environmental interpretation centres and natural areas are also planned, where participants can deepen their knowledge of biodiversity, geology and nature conservation, as well as activities that combine learning and artistic expression, encouraging creativity as a way of absorbing environmental content,” he added. The programme also includes innovative awareness-raising initiatives, such as large-scale games dedicated to the Azores’ protected areas, visits to geosites within the Azores Geopark, treasure hunts at iconic locations, and activities tailored to specific audiences, including social institutions, ensuring an inclusive and comprehensive approach. Alonso Miguel emphasised that “the variety of activities reflects a clear commitment to environmental education as an essential tool for changing behaviour,” adding that “it is vital to involve not only younger generations but also the entire community in a collective commitment to protecting the environment.” The Regional Secretary also highlighted “the involvement of numerous organisations in the implementation of this programme, including services of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment, environmental interpretation centres, schools, local authorities and local partners, demonstrating a collaborative and decentralised approach.” “This is a joint effort evidencing the Region’s ability to mobilise different stakeholders towards a common goal: protecting our natural heritage and ensuring its sustainability for future generations,” he said. Alonso Miguel highlighted “the efforts of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action staff as crucial to the success of initiatives such as LIFE projects, which depend, to a large extent, on the commitment, dedication and competence of the teams in the field. These are professionals who, every day, dedicate themselves to preserving our ecosystems and raising public awareness, an effort that has been fundamental to the sustainable development of our islands and one that deserves full recognition and appreciation.” Alonso Miguel concluded by reiterated the Azores Regional Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, stating that “the Region will continue to develop public policies and promote solid and knowledge-based investments geared towards tangible results, with a view to meeting the goals set out for the preservation of natural heritage and climate action.”
April 22, 2026 Alonso Miguel visits LIFE project intervention areas on World Earth Day The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, visited several areas covered by LIFE projects on Terceira Island to mark World Earth Day, celebrated on April 22. During this visit, Alonso Miguel inspected the work currently underway on the ground, specifically at Ribeira das Doze stream in Doze Ribeiras and Ribeira do Testo stream in Porto Judeu, as well as Rocha do Chambre and Turfeira do Sanguinhal, areas belonging to the Natura 2000 network, within the Terceira Island Nature Park. They are covered by the LIFE projects LIFE IP CLIMAZ and LIFE IP AZORES NATURA, which aim to contribute, respectively, to the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change in the Region, and to the ecological restoration, conservation and recovery of habitats and the protection of protected species. Under the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project, field activities were observed regarding the monitoring of climate variables and the adaptation of ecosystems to this phenomenon, as well as the implementation of mitigation measures in particularly sensitive areas, such as streams, through the use of natural engineering techniques. In turn, within the context of LIFE IP AZORES NATURA, interventions were observed involving the restoration of natural habitats, the control of invasive species, the planting of endemic species, and the strengthening of ecological resilience in areas within the Terceira Island Nature Park. The government official emphasised that “these projects represent a strategic commitment by the Region to the protection and restoration of its natural resources, combining scientific knowledge, operational interventions and the involvement of local communities.” He added that “the work carried out under the LIFE projects demonstrates the possibility to reconcile nature conservation with sustainable development, creating value for the Region and its people.” He emphasised: “Our natural heritage is extremely valuable, first and foremost from the standpoint of economic and tourism development, but, above all, for the invaluable contribution it makes to the safety and well-being of the population. It provides essential ecosystem services, such as air quality, soil health, aquifer recharge, and the availability and purification of our water resources, whilst also playing a decisive role in mitigating various natural hazards, such as floods, landslides, erosion, droughts, fires, pests and the pollution of natural resources.” The Regional Secretary added that, “nevertheless, all this natural heritage is highly sensitive and fragile, so it is important to ensure its preservation. The Azores Islands’ Nature Parks play a decisive role in this regard, representing a cornerstone in the implementation of nature conservation and restoration measures.” Alonso Miguel acknowledged that LIFE projects, with a strong EU co-financing component, are essential financial and operational tools for the Region’s capacity-building, bringing with them scientific knowledge, technical expertise and financial resources that are indispensable for environmental protection, nature conservation, and mitigation of and adaptation to climate change effects. “The Azores have been a benchmark at a national and European level in the implementation of LIFE projects, not only due to the high implementation rates achieved, but also due to the quality of the work carried out and the positive impact of the actions implemented, a clear demonstration of the Region’s commitment to climate action and the protection of natural heritage,” he said. In addition to visiting the areas where work is being carried out under the LIFE Projects to mark World Earth Day, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action has organised a wide range of initiatives across all the islands of the Azores, with a particular focus on highlighting the importance of raising environmental awareness and mobilising society to address global challenges. “The celebration of World Earth Day provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the role each of us plays in protecting the planet, but also to highlight the work that has been carried out in the Azores in the areas of sustainability and climate action,” he said. Alonso Miguel revealed that “a very comprehensive programme has been prepared, which includes activities in schools, events open to the community, interpretative trails and field experiences, as well as the promotion of digital content, aimed at bringing the population closer to their territories and raising environmental awareness.” Among the activities organised, there will be educational games sessions aimed at elementary school students, focusing on the geological formation of the Azores and volcanic phenomena, including the use of educational games, such as “The Volcanoes of the Azores,” which are intended to share knowledge in an interactive and accessible manner. “The programme also includes hands-on workshops, such as the "Earth Laboratory," which allow young people to explore geological processes through practical activities, sparking curiosity about geodiversity and promoting its appreciation and conservation,” stated the government official. Alonso Miguel added that “outdoor activities will focus on interpretative walks and trails, which showcase volcanic landscapes, water resources, biodiversity and protected habitats, whilst promoting healthy lifestyles and direct contact with nature. These include, for example, interpretive trails in areas of high environmental value, featuring information on natural phenomena and the historical interactions between communities and the territory." “Guided tours to environmental interpretation centres and natural areas are also planned, where participants can deepen their knowledge of biodiversity, geology and nature conservation, as well as activities that combine learning and artistic expression, encouraging creativity as a way of absorbing environmental content,” he added. The programme also includes innovative awareness-raising initiatives, such as large-scale games dedicated to the Azores’ protected areas, visits to geosites within the Azores Geopark, treasure hunts at iconic locations, and activities tailored to specific audiences, including social institutions, ensuring an inclusive and comprehensive approach. Alonso Miguel emphasised that “the variety of activities reflects a clear commitment to environmental education as an essential tool for changing behaviour,” adding that “it is vital to involve not only younger generations but also the entire community in a collective commitment to protecting the environment.” The Regional Secretary also highlighted “the involvement of numerous organisations in the implementation of this programme, including services of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment, environmental interpretation centres, schools, local authorities and local partners, demonstrating a collaborative and decentralised approach.” “This is a joint effort evidencing the Region’s ability to mobilise different stakeholders towards a common goal: protecting our natural heritage and ensuring its sustainability for future generations,” he said. Alonso Miguel highlighted “the efforts of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action staff as crucial to the success of initiatives such as LIFE projects, which depend, to a large extent, on the commitment, dedication and competence of the teams in the field. These are professionals who, every day, dedicate themselves to preserving our ecosystems and raising public awareness, an effort that has been fundamental to the sustainable development of our islands and one that deserves full recognition and appreciation.” Alonso Miguel concluded by reiterated the Azores Regional Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, stating that “the Region will continue to develop public policies and promote solid and knowledge-based investments geared towards tangible results, with a view to meeting the goals set out for the preservation of natural heritage and climate action.”
Nota de Imprensa
April 22, 2026 Paulo Estêvão emphasises "remarkable progress" of House of the Azores of Minas Gerais in opening representative office in Mainland Portugal The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, welcomed the signing of the cooperation agreement formalising the establishment of the Representative Office of the House of the Azores of Minas Gerais (CAMG) in Mainland Portugal. The document was signed in Ponta Delgada by the President of the House of the Azores of Minas Gerais, Claudio Luciano Valença Motta, and representatives of the partner organisation (NEW-New Economy World), Alexandre Brodheim and Pedro Gouveia. This agreement establishes a representative structure to promote and develop the activities of the Minas Gerais-based institution in Mainland Portugal. According to the Regional Secretary for Communities, this step reflects the vitality of the network of diaspora institutions. Paulo Estêvão pointed out the House of the Azores as a “newly established organisation, yet one that displays a high degree of creativity and competence, as well as extraordinary dynamics." The Regional Secretary emphasised the strategic importance of this partnership with Minas Gerais. In this regard, he noted that it is “a state with more than twice the population of Portugal,” which makes it vital “to foster increasingly close cultural and institutional ties,” as has been the case with the historic work already carried out with other Azorean cultural centres in Brazil. The creation of this new representative office was presented by the government official as part of a broader effort to promote Azorean identity on a global scale. The Government of the Azores currently supports a network of 20 Houses of the Azores located around the world, covering the entire Atlantic coast – from Uruguay to Canada – and consolidating its presence in the Pacific, namely in California and, more recently, in Hawaii. "The Azoreans are not limited to the 244,000 inhabitants of these nine islands; on the contrary, we are a vast cultural region with over four million Azoreans and their descendants," stated Paulo Estêvão. The Regional Secretary emphasised that the forging of intercontinental links, which today go far beyond traditional "nostalgic tourism," attracts a range of interests and joint projects that "complement the efforts of the Autonomous Region of the Azores." The signing of this memorandum of understanding took place on the sidelines of the official visit of a large delegation from the House of the Azores of Minas Gerais to the archipelago, which will continue until Friday. The extensive programme of institutional cooperation includes visits to the islands of São Miguel and Faial, where the delegation has been meeting with various members of the Regional Government and local municipal authorities. The cultural and identity-focused programme for this visit also includes moments of great symbolic significance, namely the launch of the book “Somos Açores –Um arquipélago vivo pela ação das Casas dos Açores” by Portuguese-Brazilian journalist Igor Lopes. There will also be tastings of regional products and the theatrical performance of the play “Quando o Mar Galgou a Terra,” directed by Brazilian actress Eleonora Marino Duarte.
April 22, 2026 Paulo Estêvão emphasises "remarkable progress" of House of the Azores of Minas Gerais in opening representative office in Mainland Portugal The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, welcomed the signing of the cooperation agreement formalising the establishment of the Representative Office of the House of the Azores of Minas Gerais (CAMG) in Mainland Portugal. The document was signed in Ponta Delgada by the President of the House of the Azores of Minas Gerais, Claudio Luciano Valença Motta, and representatives of the partner organisation (NEW-New Economy World), Alexandre Brodheim and Pedro Gouveia. This agreement establishes a representative structure to promote and develop the activities of the Minas Gerais-based institution in Mainland Portugal. According to the Regional Secretary for Communities, this step reflects the vitality of the network of diaspora institutions. Paulo Estêvão pointed out the House of the Azores as a “newly established organisation, yet one that displays a high degree of creativity and competence, as well as extraordinary dynamics." The Regional Secretary emphasised the strategic importance of this partnership with Minas Gerais. In this regard, he noted that it is “a state with more than twice the population of Portugal,” which makes it vital “to foster increasingly close cultural and institutional ties,” as has been the case with the historic work already carried out with other Azorean cultural centres in Brazil. The creation of this new representative office was presented by the government official as part of a broader effort to promote Azorean identity on a global scale. The Government of the Azores currently supports a network of 20 Houses of the Azores located around the world, covering the entire Atlantic coast – from Uruguay to Canada – and consolidating its presence in the Pacific, namely in California and, more recently, in Hawaii. "The Azoreans are not limited to the 244,000 inhabitants of these nine islands; on the contrary, we are a vast cultural region with over four million Azoreans and their descendants," stated Paulo Estêvão. The Regional Secretary emphasised that the forging of intercontinental links, which today go far beyond traditional "nostalgic tourism," attracts a range of interests and joint projects that "complement the efforts of the Autonomous Region of the Azores." The signing of this memorandum of understanding took place on the sidelines of the official visit of a large delegation from the House of the Azores of Minas Gerais to the archipelago, which will continue until Friday. The extensive programme of institutional cooperation includes visits to the islands of São Miguel and Faial, where the delegation has been meeting with various members of the Regional Government and local municipal authorities. The cultural and identity-focused programme for this visit also includes moments of great symbolic significance, namely the launch of the book “Somos Açores –Um arquipélago vivo pela ação das Casas dos Açores” by Portuguese-Brazilian journalist Igor Lopes. There will also be tastings of regional products and the theatrical performance of the play “Quando o Mar Galgou a Terra,” directed by Brazilian actress Eleonora Marino Duarte.
Nota de Imprensa
April 21, 2026 Berta Cabral calls on National Government to safeguard fuel supplies in the Azores The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, has sent a letter to the Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, highlighting the severity of the international situation, currently marked by highly unstable energy markets, significant geopolitical tensions and growing constraints on fuel availability and prices. In light of this situation, which the Regional Government considers particularly worrying, Berta Cabral called on the National Government to take on a clear and consistent approach to the specific characteristics of the autonomous regions, particularly the Azores, whose status as an archipelago and outermost region significantly heightens their vulnerability to energy supply disruptions. “The Azores rely exclusively on maritime transport for their fuel supplies, leaving them particularly vulnerable to disruptions in international supply chains. This structural reality calls for tailored solutions, independent planning and reinforced national mechanisms for preventing and responding to energy crises,” emphasised the government official. Berta Cabral also highlighted that the mobility of Azorean citizens, as well as the Region’s links to the outside world and between the islands, depends crucially on air transport, whether for passengers, essential goods, medical evacuations, emergency operations or the functioning of vital public services. “Therefore, a regular supply of jet fuel is absolutely critical for territorial cohesion, the continuity of public air transport services and the safety of the population. Any failure in this area would have immediate and extremely serious consequences for the Region,” she warned. The Regional Secretary also points out that electricity supply in the Azores continues to depend significantly on fossil fuel-run power plants, despite ongoing efforts towards energy transition and the increased use of renewable sources. “Any disruption to the fuel supply directly jeopardises the electricity supply, with profound impacts on households, essential services, business activity, industry, commerce, tourism and agriculture,” she stated. The government official noted that, in the event of a disruption to fuel supplies, the combined effects on maritime and air transport, power generation and regional logistics would be immediate and severe, jeopardising transport between islands and the mainland, access to specialised healthcare, energy security and the regular functioning of the Azorean economy. Despite the existence of national strategic reserves, under the management of the National Energy Sector Authority (ENSE), Berta Cabral pointed out that “their effective mobilisation for the Azores depends on timely decisions, specific logistical planning as well as close and ongoing institutional coordination between the National Government and the Azorean Government." In this context, the Regional Secretary considered it essential that national energy contingency plans explicitly include the autonomous regions. In this regard, she defended that it is crucial to “ensure adequate and safe levels of operational fuel stocks in the Region and to define clear, swift and fully operational mechanisms for the mobilisation of national strategic reserves for the Azores, as well as to strengthen institutional coordination and information sharing between ENSE, the National Government and the Regional Government.” “Safeguarding fuel supply in the Autonomous Region of the Azores is not merely an operational matter. It is an essential condition for territorial cohesion, national energy security and the protection of the fundamental rights of the Azorean people,” concluded Berta Cabral.
April 21, 2026 Berta Cabral calls on National Government to safeguard fuel supplies in the Azores The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, has sent a letter to the Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, highlighting the severity of the international situation, currently marked by highly unstable energy markets, significant geopolitical tensions and growing constraints on fuel availability and prices. In light of this situation, which the Regional Government considers particularly worrying, Berta Cabral called on the National Government to take on a clear and consistent approach to the specific characteristics of the autonomous regions, particularly the Azores, whose status as an archipelago and outermost region significantly heightens their vulnerability to energy supply disruptions. “The Azores rely exclusively on maritime transport for their fuel supplies, leaving them particularly vulnerable to disruptions in international supply chains. This structural reality calls for tailored solutions, independent planning and reinforced national mechanisms for preventing and responding to energy crises,” emphasised the government official. Berta Cabral also highlighted that the mobility of Azorean citizens, as well as the Region’s links to the outside world and between the islands, depends crucially on air transport, whether for passengers, essential goods, medical evacuations, emergency operations or the functioning of vital public services. “Therefore, a regular supply of jet fuel is absolutely critical for territorial cohesion, the continuity of public air transport services and the safety of the population. Any failure in this area would have immediate and extremely serious consequences for the Region,” she warned. The Regional Secretary also points out that electricity supply in the Azores continues to depend significantly on fossil fuel-run power plants, despite ongoing efforts towards energy transition and the increased use of renewable sources. “Any disruption to the fuel supply directly jeopardises the electricity supply, with profound impacts on households, essential services, business activity, industry, commerce, tourism and agriculture,” she stated. The government official noted that, in the event of a disruption to fuel supplies, the combined effects on maritime and air transport, power generation and regional logistics would be immediate and severe, jeopardising transport between islands and the mainland, access to specialised healthcare, energy security and the regular functioning of the Azorean economy. Despite the existence of national strategic reserves, under the management of the National Energy Sector Authority (ENSE), Berta Cabral pointed out that “their effective mobilisation for the Azores depends on timely decisions, specific logistical planning as well as close and ongoing institutional coordination between the National Government and the Azorean Government." In this context, the Regional Secretary considered it essential that national energy contingency plans explicitly include the autonomous regions. In this regard, she defended that it is crucial to “ensure adequate and safe levels of operational fuel stocks in the Region and to define clear, swift and fully operational mechanisms for the mobilisation of national strategic reserves for the Azores, as well as to strengthen institutional coordination and information sharing between ENSE, the National Government and the Regional Government.” “Safeguarding fuel supply in the Autonomous Region of the Azores is not merely an operational matter. It is an essential condition for territorial cohesion, national energy security and the protection of the fundamental rights of the Azorean people,” concluded Berta Cabral.
