Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Government bolsters support for self-build projects on private land or land granted by the Region to reduce burden on Azoreans seeking their first home
Government bolsters support for self-build projects on private land or land granted by the Region to reduce burden on Azoreans seeking their first home
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Regional Government opens public tender for allocation of 12 new apartments in São Pedro Neighbourhood, Ribeira Grande, on March 2
Regional Government opens public tender for allocation of 12 new apartments in São Pedro Neighbourhood, Ribeira Grande, on March 2
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Regional Government promotes scientific risk assessment to combat Ghestnut Gall Wasp
Regional Government promotes scientific risk assessment to combat Ghestnut Gall Wasp
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Regional Government welcomes second rescheduling of PSO charges for air transport to Mainland Portugal and Madeira
Regional Government welcomes second rescheduling of PSO charges for air transport to Mainland Portugal and Madeira
Nota de Imprensa
February 18, 2026 Government bolsters support for self-build projects on private land or land granted by the Region to reduce burden on Azoreans seeking their first home The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, signed today the acceptance certificate for the servicing of nine plots in the Galega housing development in Ribeira das Tainhas, Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island, an investment of over half a million Euros financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). The new plots will be awarded through a public tender to be launched in the first quarter of this year and are intended for the construction of private permanent housing. During the ceremony, the government official emphasised that the completion of this public investment "represents not only the efficient implementation of the RRP but also, above all, the fulfilment of the political commitment to promote decent housing at prices compatible with household income." With this in mind, the Regional Government is promoting an integrated investment that combines increased public supply with stronger support programmes, namely through the lease with purchase option scheme, expanding the range of eligible applicants for land allocation and increasing support for self-build projects for first homes. "The aim is to reduce the burden on families, including middle-class families and young people, because owning a house cannot be a dream – it must once again become a plan," stated Maria João Carreiro. According to the Regional Secretary, “no other Regional Government has put as much public effort into public housing as the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition Government.” In the case of the serviced plots provided by the Region for the construction of private permanent housing, the maximum income coefficients for applicants have been revised for 2026. The new criteria now include, for example, a young couple with two children and a gross monthly income of €3,100 or a young couple with one child and a gross monthly income of €2,850. Also for 2026, the Regional Government has created a support scheme in the form of non-repayable financial aid for the acquisition of architectural and specialist projects up to a maximum amount of €5,000 per beneficiary for the construction of permanent housing on private or serviced plots granted by the Region. Regarding the programme to support self-build projects on private land or land provided by the Region, the Azorean Government has also introduced changes not only to reduce the burden on Azoreans in accessing their first home, but also to mobilise complementary solutions to promote public and private housing. Support for self-build projects has increased by 25%. This change, which took effect on January 1 of this year, means that the support granted could reach €75,000, up from the previous maximum of €60,000 that was available until December 31, 2025. The amount of support provided will depend on the household size and income, as well as the type of dwelling being built. "We are working to ensure that the largest ever investment in public housing in the Region, with EU and regional funding, makes a difference in people's lives," Maria João Carreiro reiterated, pointing out that in Vila Franca do Campo, alone, more than €3.6 million is being invested in housing, including 38 new housing solutions. Among these new solutions, in addition to the Galega housing development, is the Foros Sol Mar housing development in the parish of São Pedro, which will provide 23 new apartments (four one-bedroom, nine two-bedroom and ten three-bedroom apartments) on a lease with purchase option scheme. The ceremony was attended by, among other guests, the President of the Vila Franca do Campo Municipal Assembly, Flávio Pacheco; the Councillor of the Vila Franca do Campo Town Council, José Eduardo Costa; the Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, Eugénia Leal; the President of the Parish Council of Ribeira das Tainhas, Carla Vieira; the Regional Director for Housing, Daniel Pavão, and representatives of the companies Norma Açores, Gabinete 118 and Albano Vieira.
February 18, 2026 Government bolsters support for self-build projects on private land or land granted by the Region to reduce burden on Azoreans seeking their first home The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, signed today the acceptance certificate for the servicing of nine plots in the Galega housing development in Ribeira das Tainhas, Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island, an investment of over half a million Euros financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). The new plots will be awarded through a public tender to be launched in the first quarter of this year and are intended for the construction of private permanent housing. During the ceremony, the government official emphasised that the completion of this public investment "represents not only the efficient implementation of the RRP but also, above all, the fulfilment of the political commitment to promote decent housing at prices compatible with household income." With this in mind, the Regional Government is promoting an integrated investment that combines increased public supply with stronger support programmes, namely through the lease with purchase option scheme, expanding the range of eligible applicants for land allocation and increasing support for self-build projects for first homes. "The aim is to reduce the burden on families, including middle-class families and young people, because owning a house cannot be a dream – it must once again become a plan," stated Maria João Carreiro. According to the Regional Secretary, “no other Regional Government has put as much public effort into public housing as the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition Government.” In the case of the serviced plots provided by the Region for the construction of private permanent housing, the maximum income coefficients for applicants have been revised for 2026. The new criteria now include, for example, a young couple with two children and a gross monthly income of €3,100 or a young couple with one child and a gross monthly income of €2,850. Also for 2026, the Regional Government has created a support scheme in the form of non-repayable financial aid for the acquisition of architectural and specialist projects up to a maximum amount of €5,000 per beneficiary for the construction of permanent housing on private or serviced plots granted by the Region. Regarding the programme to support self-build projects on private land or land provided by the Region, the Azorean Government has also introduced changes not only to reduce the burden on Azoreans in accessing their first home, but also to mobilise complementary solutions to promote public and private housing. Support for self-build projects has increased by 25%. This change, which took effect on January 1 of this year, means that the support granted could reach €75,000, up from the previous maximum of €60,000 that was available until December 31, 2025. The amount of support provided will depend on the household size and income, as well as the type of dwelling being built. "We are working to ensure that the largest ever investment in public housing in the Region, with EU and regional funding, makes a difference in people's lives," Maria João Carreiro reiterated, pointing out that in Vila Franca do Campo, alone, more than €3.6 million is being invested in housing, including 38 new housing solutions. Among these new solutions, in addition to the Galega housing development, is the Foros Sol Mar housing development in the parish of São Pedro, which will provide 23 new apartments (four one-bedroom, nine two-bedroom and ten three-bedroom apartments) on a lease with purchase option scheme. The ceremony was attended by, among other guests, the President of the Vila Franca do Campo Municipal Assembly, Flávio Pacheco; the Councillor of the Vila Franca do Campo Town Council, José Eduardo Costa; the Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, Eugénia Leal; the President of the Parish Council of Ribeira das Tainhas, Carla Vieira; the Regional Director for Housing, Daniel Pavão, and representatives of the companies Norma Açores, Gabinete 118 and Albano Vieira.
Nota de Imprensa
February 16, 2026 Regional Government opens public tender for allocation of 12 new apartments in São Pedro Neighbourhood, Ribeira Grande, on March 2 The public tender for the allocation of 12 new apartments in São Pedro Neighbourhood, parish of Maia, municipality of Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island, will take place from March 2 to 27, pursuant to the order of the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published today in the Official Journal. The new apartments, including six two-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments, were built as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, with an investment of over €2.2 million. They are intended for the permanent residence of applicants and their respective households, and are allocated under the lease with purchase option scheme. Applications must be submitted by completing the appropriate form, available on the Regional Housing Directorate (DRH) website at https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drh/concursos, accompanied by the documents listed in Article 7 of the Regulations on the Lease with Purchase Option Scheme, and delivered in one of the following formats: DRH Services, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, no. 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; RIAC - Integrated Citizen Support Network Offices; Registered post with acknowledgement of receipt to the Regional Housing Directorate, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, n.º 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; DRH email address - [email protected]. The Regulations, which contain all the information about the procedures and conditions for accessing and allocating housing, are available for consultation on the DRH website. Any requests for clarification on the understanding and interpretation of the Regulations should be addressed to the president of the jury and submitted by the interested parties in writing to the DRH Services in Ponta Delgada. Alternatively, they should be sent to the email address [email protected] no later than March 13, 2026. Requests will be answered within a maximum of three working days from the date on which they are received.
February 16, 2026 Regional Government opens public tender for allocation of 12 new apartments in São Pedro Neighbourhood, Ribeira Grande, on March 2 The public tender for the allocation of 12 new apartments in São Pedro Neighbourhood, parish of Maia, municipality of Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island, will take place from March 2 to 27, pursuant to the order of the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published today in the Official Journal. The new apartments, including six two-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments, were built as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, with an investment of over €2.2 million. They are intended for the permanent residence of applicants and their respective households, and are allocated under the lease with purchase option scheme. Applications must be submitted by completing the appropriate form, available on the Regional Housing Directorate (DRH) website at https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drh/concursos, accompanied by the documents listed in Article 7 of the Regulations on the Lease with Purchase Option Scheme, and delivered in one of the following formats: DRH Services, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, no. 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; RIAC - Integrated Citizen Support Network Offices; Registered post with acknowledgement of receipt to the Regional Housing Directorate, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, n.º 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; DRH email address - [email protected]. The Regulations, which contain all the information about the procedures and conditions for accessing and allocating housing, are available for consultation on the DRH website. Any requests for clarification on the understanding and interpretation of the Regulations should be addressed to the president of the jury and submitted by the interested parties in writing to the DRH Services in Ponta Delgada. Alternatively, they should be sent to the email address [email protected] no later than March 13, 2026. Requests will be answered within a maximum of three working days from the date on which they are received.
Nota de Imprensa
February 16, 2026 Regional Government promotes scientific risk assessment to combat Ghestnut Gall Wasp The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, has commissioned the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation to conduct a risk assessment study on the possible introduction of the biological control agent Torymus sinensis in the archipelago. The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, emphasised that this decision is part of the regional strategy to strengthen plant health and promote sustainable solutions for pests with economic and environmental impact, such as those affecting chestnut trees. Torymus sinensis is used internationally to control the chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus), a pest that compromises the productivity and vitality of this species. However, given the unique ecological features of the Azores, António Ventura defended that any intervention requires rigorous and independent technical analysis before a final decision is made. The government official maintained that the Government is committed to ensuring that the fight against this pest is carried out with the utmost rigour and respect for ecosystems. "The risk assessment study now commissioned represents a key step in ensuring that all options are analysed in a responsible, balanced and transparent manner," stated António Ventura. The technical and scientific analysis will assess the potential impact on native species, the associated ecological risks, the suitability of the species to the Region's soil and climate conditions, and the effectiveness of the intervention compared to other available alternatives. Conducting this assessment is an essential preliminary step, ensuring that the Region's actions are based on the precautionary principle and solid evidence. For António Ventura, this procedure underlines the commitment to technically informed agriculture that balances productivity with environmental safety. “Protecting our crops and biodiversity in the Azores requires prudence, knowledge and sustainable solutions. This is what we are doing: working based on evidence, listening to the scientific community and safeguarding the public interest,” summed up the Regional Secretary. António Ventura reiterated that all future decisions on this matter will be guided by technical, legal and scientific criteria, ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.
February 16, 2026 Regional Government promotes scientific risk assessment to combat Ghestnut Gall Wasp The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, has commissioned the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation to conduct a risk assessment study on the possible introduction of the biological control agent Torymus sinensis in the archipelago. The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, emphasised that this decision is part of the regional strategy to strengthen plant health and promote sustainable solutions for pests with economic and environmental impact, such as those affecting chestnut trees. Torymus sinensis is used internationally to control the chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus), a pest that compromises the productivity and vitality of this species. However, given the unique ecological features of the Azores, António Ventura defended that any intervention requires rigorous and independent technical analysis before a final decision is made. The government official maintained that the Government is committed to ensuring that the fight against this pest is carried out with the utmost rigour and respect for ecosystems. "The risk assessment study now commissioned represents a key step in ensuring that all options are analysed in a responsible, balanced and transparent manner," stated António Ventura. The technical and scientific analysis will assess the potential impact on native species, the associated ecological risks, the suitability of the species to the Region's soil and climate conditions, and the effectiveness of the intervention compared to other available alternatives. Conducting this assessment is an essential preliminary step, ensuring that the Region's actions are based on the precautionary principle and solid evidence. For António Ventura, this procedure underlines the commitment to technically informed agriculture that balances productivity with environmental safety. “Protecting our crops and biodiversity in the Azores requires prudence, knowledge and sustainable solutions. This is what we are doing: working based on evidence, listening to the scientific community and safeguarding the public interest,” summed up the Regional Secretary. António Ventura reiterated that all future decisions on this matter will be guided by technical, legal and scientific criteria, ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.
Nota de Imprensa
February 13, 2026 Regional Government welcomes second rescheduling of PSO charges for air transport to Mainland Portugal and Madeira The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, conveyed today the Regional Government's satisfaction with the National Government's approval of the second reprogramming of Public Service Obligations (PSO) charges for air transport between the Azores, Mainland Portugal and Madeira. Berta Cabral welcomed "the accomplishment of another decisive step in a process that has been awaited since 2015, one in which the National Government has shown great commitment to achieving a definitive solution." The reprogramming now approved ensures the financing of scheduled air services under concession on the Lisbon–Faial, Lisbon–Santa Maria and Lisbon–Pico routes, as well as on the routes connecting Funchal to the islands of São Miguel and Terceira. The public tender launched to secure these non-liberalised air links received only one proposal — submitted by the consortium SATA Internacional – Azores Airlines, S.A. and TAP – Transportes Aéreos Portugueses, S.A. This circumstance required reprogramming the expenditure for the 2026-2031 period, thereby allowing the respective award to proceed. Berta Cabral also emphasised "that the remuneration of these Public Service Obligations creates indispensable financial conditions to contribute to the balance of the SATA Group's accounts," strengthening the sustainability of the public interest air service provided to the Region.
February 13, 2026 Regional Government welcomes second rescheduling of PSO charges for air transport to Mainland Portugal and Madeira The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, conveyed today the Regional Government's satisfaction with the National Government's approval of the second reprogramming of Public Service Obligations (PSO) charges for air transport between the Azores, Mainland Portugal and Madeira. Berta Cabral welcomed "the accomplishment of another decisive step in a process that has been awaited since 2015, one in which the National Government has shown great commitment to achieving a definitive solution." The reprogramming now approved ensures the financing of scheduled air services under concession on the Lisbon–Faial, Lisbon–Santa Maria and Lisbon–Pico routes, as well as on the routes connecting Funchal to the islands of São Miguel and Terceira. The public tender launched to secure these non-liberalised air links received only one proposal — submitted by the consortium SATA Internacional – Azores Airlines, S.A. and TAP – Transportes Aéreos Portugueses, S.A. This circumstance required reprogramming the expenditure for the 2026-2031 period, thereby allowing the respective award to proceed. Berta Cabral also emphasised "that the remuneration of these Public Service Obligations creates indispensable financial conditions to contribute to the balance of the SATA Group's accounts," strengthening the sustainability of the public interest air service provided to the Region.
Nota de Imprensa
February 13, 2026 Bluefin tuna quota increases by 21% in 2026, announces Regional Government The bluefin tuna fishing quota will increase by 21% in 2026, allowing Azorean fishers to catch 115 tonnes of this highly commercial species. This increase stems from negotiations between the Governments of the Azores and Madeira, through their regional fisheries services, and the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services, leading to an increase in the available quota by 20 tonnes, from 95 tonnes in 2025 to 115 tonnes in 2026. This measure represents a significant boost to economic opportunities for the fishing sector and coastal communities dependent on this activity. According to the order issued by the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services, the distribution of the national bluefin tuna quota in the Atlantic Ocean, east of 45º W, and in the Mediterranean Sea has been defined within the framework of the fishing plan submitted to the European Commission. For 2026, Portugal has a total quota of 746.51 tonnes. The increase in the quota for targeted fishing in the Azores and Madeira is aligned with the growing value of bluefin tuna on international markets, where the species has high commercial value and demand, especially in the food export industry. Increased catches could translate into higher income for Azorean shipowners and fishers, boosting the local economy and associated logistics chains, such as processing, transport and trade. In addition to targeted fishing, the Order also establishes the allocation of 106.01 tonnes for bycatch to vessels with ports of reference in Mainland Portugal, the Azores and Madeira, ensuring greater operational flexibility for the sector. The Regional Government defends that the contribution of bluefin tuna to the economic sustainability of fishing communities must be accompanied by responsible fisheries management on the part of shipowners, focusing on maximising the price of this species on the first-sale fish market.
February 13, 2026 Bluefin tuna quota increases by 21% in 2026, announces Regional Government The bluefin tuna fishing quota will increase by 21% in 2026, allowing Azorean fishers to catch 115 tonnes of this highly commercial species. This increase stems from negotiations between the Governments of the Azores and Madeira, through their regional fisheries services, and the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services, leading to an increase in the available quota by 20 tonnes, from 95 tonnes in 2025 to 115 tonnes in 2026. This measure represents a significant boost to economic opportunities for the fishing sector and coastal communities dependent on this activity. According to the order issued by the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services, the distribution of the national bluefin tuna quota in the Atlantic Ocean, east of 45º W, and in the Mediterranean Sea has been defined within the framework of the fishing plan submitted to the European Commission. For 2026, Portugal has a total quota of 746.51 tonnes. The increase in the quota for targeted fishing in the Azores and Madeira is aligned with the growing value of bluefin tuna on international markets, where the species has high commercial value and demand, especially in the food export industry. Increased catches could translate into higher income for Azorean shipowners and fishers, boosting the local economy and associated logistics chains, such as processing, transport and trade. In addition to targeted fishing, the Order also establishes the allocation of 106.01 tonnes for bycatch to vessels with ports of reference in Mainland Portugal, the Azores and Madeira, ensuring greater operational flexibility for the sector. The Regional Government defends that the contribution of bluefin tuna to the economic sustainability of fishing communities must be accompanied by responsible fisheries management on the part of shipowners, focusing on maximising the price of this species on the first-sale fish market.
