Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Number of young people placed in ESTAGIAR U programme rises to 976
Number of young people placed in ESTAGIAR U programme rises to 976
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Press release
Press release
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Graciosa welcomes new doctor to bolster local healthcare provision
Graciosa welcomes new doctor to bolster local healthcare provision
Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Regional Government took part in 11th “Our Ocean” conference in Kenya
Regional Government took part in 11th “Our Ocean” conference in Kenya
Nota de Imprensa
June 24, 2026 Number of young people placed in ESTAGIAR U programme rises to 976 A total of 976 young students enrolled in graduate, master’s or postgraduate programmes will begin their professional traineeships in real-world workplace contexts in July, August or September under the ESTAGIAR U programme. This initiative is annually promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment. Compared with 2025, there has been an increase of 117 young people placed and a 40% rise in placements under this programme as compared with 2023. This year’s placements have reached their highest level in the last six years, i.e., since 2021 [635 young people]. According to Maria João Carreiro, Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, the “significant growth in the number of applicants and those accepted into ESTAGIAR U confirms the programme’s sustained growth, the scope of its impact and its consolidation as a key tool in young people’s academic journey to promote youth employability.” “This programme confirms that public policies make a difference when they are designed to meet the needs and interests of young people. In promoting this summer traineeship programme, we are enriching the academic journey of young higher education students and helping to bring them closer to the regional business community and employers,” he emphasised. Regarding training months, 59% of young people have chosen to carry out their traineeships in July, with about 40% in August and 1.7% in September. This year, there has been a significant response from trainees to the training component, with 88.4% opting to undergo certified training with a minimum workload of 20 hours. These training sessions are conducted via e-learning after working hours, covering areas such as Entrepreneurship, Personal Development, Artificial Intelligence, Media Literacy and Cybersecurity. The traineeships run for one month, starting and ending within the same month, with a maximum weekly schedule of 25 hours, matching the schedule of the training provider, which can be private companies, cooperatives, public companies or non-profit organisations. Young people are entitled to a financial allowance equivalent to the Minimum Monthly Wage in the Region.
June 24, 2026 Number of young people placed in ESTAGIAR U programme rises to 976 A total of 976 young students enrolled in graduate, master’s or postgraduate programmes will begin their professional traineeships in real-world workplace contexts in July, August or September under the ESTAGIAR U programme. This initiative is annually promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment. Compared with 2025, there has been an increase of 117 young people placed and a 40% rise in placements under this programme as compared with 2023. This year’s placements have reached their highest level in the last six years, i.e., since 2021 [635 young people]. According to Maria João Carreiro, Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, the “significant growth in the number of applicants and those accepted into ESTAGIAR U confirms the programme’s sustained growth, the scope of its impact and its consolidation as a key tool in young people’s academic journey to promote youth employability.” “This programme confirms that public policies make a difference when they are designed to meet the needs and interests of young people. In promoting this summer traineeship programme, we are enriching the academic journey of young higher education students and helping to bring them closer to the regional business community and employers,” he emphasised. Regarding training months, 59% of young people have chosen to carry out their traineeships in July, with about 40% in August and 1.7% in September. This year, there has been a significant response from trainees to the training component, with 88.4% opting to undergo certified training with a minimum workload of 20 hours. These training sessions are conducted via e-learning after working hours, covering areas such as Entrepreneurship, Personal Development, Artificial Intelligence, Media Literacy and Cybersecurity. The traineeships run for one month, starting and ending within the same month, with a maximum weekly schedule of 25 hours, matching the schedule of the training provider, which can be private companies, cooperatives, public companies or non-profit organisations. Young people are entitled to a financial allowance equivalent to the Minimum Monthly Wage in the Region.
Nota de Imprensa
June 23, 2026 Press release As regards the news reports concerning the opening of the new Training Centre for Inclusion (CACI) and the Residential Care Home run by Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Santo António da Lagoa, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security wishes to clarify the following: Firstly, the building’s energy certification process is yet to be completed, which is a mandatory requirement for the subsequent stages of the procedure. This procedure depends on the involvement of a qualified expert appointed for this purpose and, therefore, does not fall within the remit of the Government of the Azores or its departments. Consequently, the claim that the facility has not opened due to a lack of a cooperation agreement or staff recruitment is untrue. Until all the necessary legal and technical requirements have been met, it is not possible to proceed to the next stages of the process. It is also important to note that the Regional Directorate for Social Solidarity and the Institute for Social Security of the Azores have been closely and continuously monitoring this process, in coordination with the institution, providing the necessary support to ensure that all procedures are completed as quickly as possible. The works have now been completed. However, the operation of these social services requires full compliance with the applicable legal obligations, with a view to safeguarding safety, service quality and the interests of future users. Accordingly, the claim that the facility remains closed solely due to a lack of a cooperation agreement does not reflect the facts. At present, there is a prior legal impediment preventing the facility from becoming operational. The Regional Government of the Azores remains committed to monitoring this process, ensuring that the new CACI and Residential Care Home of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Santo António da Lagoa become operational as soon as all the necessary legal and technical conditions have been met.
June 23, 2026 Press release As regards the news reports concerning the opening of the new Training Centre for Inclusion (CACI) and the Residential Care Home run by Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Santo António da Lagoa, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security wishes to clarify the following: Firstly, the building’s energy certification process is yet to be completed, which is a mandatory requirement for the subsequent stages of the procedure. This procedure depends on the involvement of a qualified expert appointed for this purpose and, therefore, does not fall within the remit of the Government of the Azores or its departments. Consequently, the claim that the facility has not opened due to a lack of a cooperation agreement or staff recruitment is untrue. Until all the necessary legal and technical requirements have been met, it is not possible to proceed to the next stages of the process. It is also important to note that the Regional Directorate for Social Solidarity and the Institute for Social Security of the Azores have been closely and continuously monitoring this process, in coordination with the institution, providing the necessary support to ensure that all procedures are completed as quickly as possible. The works have now been completed. However, the operation of these social services requires full compliance with the applicable legal obligations, with a view to safeguarding safety, service quality and the interests of future users. Accordingly, the claim that the facility remains closed solely due to a lack of a cooperation agreement does not reflect the facts. At present, there is a prior legal impediment preventing the facility from becoming operational. The Regional Government of the Azores remains committed to monitoring this process, ensuring that the new CACI and Residential Care Home of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Santo António da Lagoa become operational as soon as all the necessary legal and technical conditions have been met.
Nota de Imprensa
June 22, 2026 Graciosa welcomes new doctor to bolster local healthcare provision The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, highlighted the reinforcement of the clinical team at the Graciosa Island Health Unit (USIG) with another GP, thereby ensuring a response for all patients seeking to be assigned a GP. With this hiring, USIG now has the capacity to ensure that all patients who wish to do so are assigned a GP. The remaining gap between the registered population and those patients assigned a GP stems exclusively from individual choices by some citizens, who nevertheless retain full access to healthcare and may request a consultation with USIG whenever necessary. Alongside the reinforcement of the clinical staff, significant investments are currently underway to modernise and upgrade USIG facilities. In this context, the new Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scanner, funded under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), has now been installed, representing an investment of around €360,000. The equipment is now awaiting the completion of training by the staff responsible for its operation, a necessary step before it can become operational. It will bolster the diagnostic capacity available on the island. Regarding infrastructure, a public tender for the repair of the USIG air-conditioning system was published last Friday on the AcinGov platform, corresponding to an estimated investment of € 162,000. This work will significantly improve the comfort, safety and operational conditions at that healthcare facility, benefiting both patients and staff. According to the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, these developments demonstrate the consistent work carried out to strengthen the Regional Health Service's response on the island of Graciosa. “The hiring of this new GP ensures that we can meet the needs of all patients seeking to be assigned one, marking a very significant milestone for the island. Meanwhile, we are making structural investments, both in terms of equipment and infrastructure, thereby strengthening the response capacity of the Graciosa Island Health Unit and improving the standard of care provided to the population,” concluded Mónica Seidi.
June 22, 2026 Graciosa welcomes new doctor to bolster local healthcare provision The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, highlighted the reinforcement of the clinical team at the Graciosa Island Health Unit (USIG) with another GP, thereby ensuring a response for all patients seeking to be assigned a GP. With this hiring, USIG now has the capacity to ensure that all patients who wish to do so are assigned a GP. The remaining gap between the registered population and those patients assigned a GP stems exclusively from individual choices by some citizens, who nevertheless retain full access to healthcare and may request a consultation with USIG whenever necessary. Alongside the reinforcement of the clinical staff, significant investments are currently underway to modernise and upgrade USIG facilities. In this context, the new Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scanner, funded under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), has now been installed, representing an investment of around €360,000. The equipment is now awaiting the completion of training by the staff responsible for its operation, a necessary step before it can become operational. It will bolster the diagnostic capacity available on the island. Regarding infrastructure, a public tender for the repair of the USIG air-conditioning system was published last Friday on the AcinGov platform, corresponding to an estimated investment of € 162,000. This work will significantly improve the comfort, safety and operational conditions at that healthcare facility, benefiting both patients and staff. According to the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, these developments demonstrate the consistent work carried out to strengthen the Regional Health Service's response on the island of Graciosa. “The hiring of this new GP ensures that we can meet the needs of all patients seeking to be assigned one, marking a very significant milestone for the island. Meanwhile, we are making structural investments, both in terms of equipment and infrastructure, thereby strengthening the response capacity of the Graciosa Island Health Unit and improving the standard of care provided to the population,” concluded Mónica Seidi.
Nota de Imprensa
June 22, 2026 Regional Government took part in 11th “Our Ocean” conference in Kenya The Regional Government attended the 11th “Our Ocean” conference, held between June 16 and 18 June in Mombasa, Kenya. The Regional Director for Maritime Policies, Rui Martins, and the Coordinator of the Blue Azores Programme, Bernardo Brito e Abreu, were part of the national delegation. Their presence reflects the importance and leading role of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in the efforts undertaken within the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA) to promote the protection and governance of oceans. At the conference’s first plenary session, the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, Salvador Malheiro, who led the national delegation, stated: “Earlier this year, Portugal achieved 19% coverage of marine protected areas due to the outstanding work carried out by the Autonomous Region of the Azores, which is responsible for classifying the largest marine park in the North Atlantic. This is not an announcement; it has already been done.” “The creation of our network of marine protected areas, with its size and protection levels, positions the Azores as leaders in the protection and sustainable use of the ocean. What is being done in the Region, based on science, community participation and the co-creation of solutions, demonstrates that it is possible to reconcile conservation and sustainable development. It is an example for other regions of the world,” stated Rui Martins, who also heads the new Azores Marine Park. During a plenary session, the Azores announced the completion of the RAMPA initiative, as declared in 2024 by the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, at the 9th edition of this conference held in Athens. The Region also reiterated its commitment to fully implementing and effectively managing its network of marine protected areas by 2028. The international conference focused on six areas of action: Marine Protected Areas, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution, the Blue Economy, Climate Action and Maritime Safety. Under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” the conference brought together governments, intergovernmental organisations, universities, the private sector and non-governmental organisations that share a common vision to protect the oceans and are committed to making this a reality. In addition to Regional Government members, the national delegation included representatives from the Oceano Azul Foundation and partners of the Blue Azores programme, which aims to protect, promote and enhance the natural capital of the Azores’ sea. The event provided an opportunity for leaders and stakeholders to discuss and identify the challenges facing the oceans. Furthermore, it demonstrated leadership in conservation by undertaking political, scientific, financial, partnership and collaborative commitments that will set us on the path towards a sustainable future.
June 22, 2026 Regional Government took part in 11th “Our Ocean” conference in Kenya The Regional Government attended the 11th “Our Ocean” conference, held between June 16 and 18 June in Mombasa, Kenya. The Regional Director for Maritime Policies, Rui Martins, and the Coordinator of the Blue Azores Programme, Bernardo Brito e Abreu, were part of the national delegation. Their presence reflects the importance and leading role of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in the efforts undertaken within the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA) to promote the protection and governance of oceans. At the conference’s first plenary session, the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, Salvador Malheiro, who led the national delegation, stated: “Earlier this year, Portugal achieved 19% coverage of marine protected areas due to the outstanding work carried out by the Autonomous Region of the Azores, which is responsible for classifying the largest marine park in the North Atlantic. This is not an announcement; it has already been done.” “The creation of our network of marine protected areas, with its size and protection levels, positions the Azores as leaders in the protection and sustainable use of the ocean. What is being done in the Region, based on science, community participation and the co-creation of solutions, demonstrates that it is possible to reconcile conservation and sustainable development. It is an example for other regions of the world,” stated Rui Martins, who also heads the new Azores Marine Park. During a plenary session, the Azores announced the completion of the RAMPA initiative, as declared in 2024 by the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, at the 9th edition of this conference held in Athens. The Region also reiterated its commitment to fully implementing and effectively managing its network of marine protected areas by 2028. The international conference focused on six areas of action: Marine Protected Areas, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution, the Blue Economy, Climate Action and Maritime Safety. Under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” the conference brought together governments, intergovernmental organisations, universities, the private sector and non-governmental organisations that share a common vision to protect the oceans and are committed to making this a reality. In addition to Regional Government members, the national delegation included representatives from the Oceano Azul Foundation and partners of the Blue Azores programme, which aims to protect, promote and enhance the natural capital of the Azores’ sea. The event provided an opportunity for leaders and stakeholders to discuss and identify the challenges facing the oceans. Furthermore, it demonstrated leadership in conservation by undertaking political, scientific, financial, partnership and collaborative commitments that will set us on the path towards a sustainable future.
Nota de Imprensa
June 22, 2026 "Return Home" measure with over 4,000 approved applications More than 4,000 young Azorean students who have left their home island to attend an educational institution have already had their applications approved under the “Return Home” measure, as part of the “Youth+” package. More than 97% of the young students whose applications were approved for this unprecedented measure in the Azores, launched by the Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, have already received their grant payments, corresponding to an investment of over €350,000. “This measure is one of the clearest examples of what we want for Azorean youth: removing obstacles, creating opportunities and strengthening our young people’s connection to their islands and to our Region,” stated the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment. Maria João Carreiro also emphasised that this measure, in addition to reducing the financial burden on families, helps ensure that “distance does not become a factor driving young people away from their islands” and their communities. Under the “Return Home” measure, displaced young students living can benefit from two round-trip flights per academic year between their home island and the location of the educational establishment where they are enrolled. Travel by young people from an island other than their place of residence to their educational establishment is eligible for support where direct flights are unavailable or when one of their parents resides on that island. Support for each trip, up to a maximum of €99, includes expenses for purchasing hold luggage and penalties for changing travel dates, when not included in the ticket. Young students aged 26 or under, who are tax residents in the Azores and are attending level 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 courses within the National Qualifications Framework at a school establishment outside their island of residence, including another island in the Azores, Mainland Portugal or Madeira, are eligible for this measure. The mobility grant is awarded per academic year for trips taking place between September 1 and July 31. Applications must be submitted on the Youth Portal, at juventude.azores.gov.pt, from September 1 to August 15, according to the relevant regulations, which are also available for consultation on the Youth Portal. The "Return Home – Support for the Mobility of Displaced Young Students" measure is part of the "+ Youth" package, which includes, among others, the "Salary Promotion Measure."
June 22, 2026 "Return Home" measure with over 4,000 approved applications More than 4,000 young Azorean students who have left their home island to attend an educational institution have already had their applications approved under the “Return Home” measure, as part of the “Youth+” package. More than 97% of the young students whose applications were approved for this unprecedented measure in the Azores, launched by the Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, have already received their grant payments, corresponding to an investment of over €350,000. “This measure is one of the clearest examples of what we want for Azorean youth: removing obstacles, creating opportunities and strengthening our young people’s connection to their islands and to our Region,” stated the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment. Maria João Carreiro also emphasised that this measure, in addition to reducing the financial burden on families, helps ensure that “distance does not become a factor driving young people away from their islands” and their communities. Under the “Return Home” measure, displaced young students living can benefit from two round-trip flights per academic year between their home island and the location of the educational establishment where they are enrolled. Travel by young people from an island other than their place of residence to their educational establishment is eligible for support where direct flights are unavailable or when one of their parents resides on that island. Support for each trip, up to a maximum of €99, includes expenses for purchasing hold luggage and penalties for changing travel dates, when not included in the ticket. Young students aged 26 or under, who are tax residents in the Azores and are attending level 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 courses within the National Qualifications Framework at a school establishment outside their island of residence, including another island in the Azores, Mainland Portugal or Madeira, are eligible for this measure. The mobility grant is awarded per academic year for trips taking place between September 1 and July 31. Applications must be submitted on the Youth Portal, at juventude.azores.gov.pt, from September 1 to August 15, according to the relevant regulations, which are also available for consultation on the Youth Portal. The "Return Home – Support for the Mobility of Displaced Young Students" measure is part of the "+ Youth" package, which includes, among others, the "Salary Promotion Measure."
