Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro mobiliza instituições em torno do futuro HDES
José Manuel Bolieiro mobiliza instituições em torno do futuro HDES
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro presents plan to transform HDES
José Manuel Bolieiro presents plan to transform HDES
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Artur Lima advocates for greater knowledge transfer between researchers and entrepreneurs
Artur Lima advocates for greater knowledge transfer between researchers and entrepreneurs
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Press release
Press release
Nota de Imprensa
July 17, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro mobiliza instituições em torno do futuro HDES O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, apresentou hoje, no Palácio da Conceição, o Programa Funcional para a Reparação, Reorganização e Redimensionamento do Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo (HDES) à Mesa do Conselho de Ilha de São Miguel e aos presidentes das câmaras municipais da ilha, dando continuidade ao processo de apresentação e esclarecimento em torno de um dos mais importantes projetos estruturantes para o futuro do Serviço Regional de Saúde. A sessão realizou-se na sequência da apresentação efetuada durante a manhã aos partidos com representação parlamentar na Assembleia Legislativa da Região Autónoma dos Açores, prosseguindo uma estratégia de partilha de informação e diálogo institucional que o Governo dos Açores pretende desenvolver com total transparência e envolvendo os principais agentes políticos, institucionais e profissionais ligados ao projeto. O líder do executivo açoriano sublinhou que a transformação do HDES deve ser acompanhada por todas as entidades representativas da Região, assente numa lógica de proximidade, participação e confiança. "Sempre defendemos que um projeto desta dimensão deve ser conduzido com transparência, diálogo e participação. É esse compromisso que estamos a cumprir, apresentando o Programa Funcional às diferentes entidades e promovendo um processo de informação e esclarecimento junto de todos aqueles que têm responsabilidades na nossa Região", declarou. O Presidente do Governo dos Açores destacou que o Programa Funcional resulta de um amplo processo de trabalho multidisciplinar, desenvolvido com o envolvimento do Conselho de Administração do HDES, dos diretores dos serviços clínicos e não clínicos e de dezenas de profissionais de saúde, assegurando que o documento reflete as necessidades reais da unidade hospitalar e responde aos desafios futuros da prestação de cuidados de saúde nos Açores. O enquadramento técnico do Programa Funcional foi assegurado pela Antares Consulting, empresa internacional especializada em planeamento hospitalar e consultoria em saúde, responsável pela análise funcional da atividade assistencial, pelo dimensionamento das necessidades futuras e pela definição das soluções organizacionais que servirão de base ao desenvolvimento do projeto. O documento assenta em critérios clínicos, funcionais e técnicos, alinhados com as melhores práticas internacionais e preparados para responder à evolução das necessidades do Serviço Regional de Saúde nas próximas décadas. Entre os princípios orientadores do Programa Funcional destacam-se a reorganização da atividade por processos assistenciais, a otimização e partilha de recursos, a humanização dos espaços, a sustentabilidade ambiental, a flexibilidade para futuras adaptações e o reforço da articulação entre a prestação de cuidados, a formação e a investigação. O reforço da capacidade instalada constitui outro dos pilares da proposta. O Programa Funcional prevê o aumento da capacidade de internamento de 437 para 500 camas, com possibilidade de expansão até 641 camas, o reforço do bloco operatório para 10 salas de cirurgia programada, a duplicação das salas de parto, o aumento da consulta externa de 60 para 139 gabinetes e o crescimento da capacidade da hemodiálise de 23 para 35 postos, reforçando igualmente áreas como o Serviço de Urgência, a Cirurgia de Ambulatório e os Hospitais de Dia, permitindo preparar o HDES para responder às necessidades assistenciais da população até 2050. "Estamos a planear um hospital para as próximas décadas, preparado para responder às necessidades dos açorianos, valorizando os profissionais de saúde e garantindo melhores condições de assistência, com uma visão estratégica sustentada no rigor técnico e na participação de todos", prosseguiu. Antes desta reunião, no início da tarde, José Manuel Bolieiro esteve igualmente presente na sessão técnica de apresentação do Programa Funcional promovida pela Antares Consulting nas instalações do HDES, dirigida aos profissionais e à comunidade hospitalar, num momento de enquadramento técnico e de esclarecimento sobre as soluções previstas para a futura reorganização da unidade hospitalar. Com estas apresentações, que ao longo do dia envolveram partidos políticos, profissionais de saúde, representantes da ilha de São Miguel e autarquias, o Governo dos Açores reforça um processo de governação assente na transparência, no diálogo institucional e na participação, garantindo que um projeto estruturante para o futuro da saúde na Região é desenvolvido com o conhecimento, o escrutínio e o contributo dos principais intervenientes.
July 17, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro mobiliza instituições em torno do futuro HDES O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, apresentou hoje, no Palácio da Conceição, o Programa Funcional para a Reparação, Reorganização e Redimensionamento do Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo (HDES) à Mesa do Conselho de Ilha de São Miguel e aos presidentes das câmaras municipais da ilha, dando continuidade ao processo de apresentação e esclarecimento em torno de um dos mais importantes projetos estruturantes para o futuro do Serviço Regional de Saúde. A sessão realizou-se na sequência da apresentação efetuada durante a manhã aos partidos com representação parlamentar na Assembleia Legislativa da Região Autónoma dos Açores, prosseguindo uma estratégia de partilha de informação e diálogo institucional que o Governo dos Açores pretende desenvolver com total transparência e envolvendo os principais agentes políticos, institucionais e profissionais ligados ao projeto. O líder do executivo açoriano sublinhou que a transformação do HDES deve ser acompanhada por todas as entidades representativas da Região, assente numa lógica de proximidade, participação e confiança. "Sempre defendemos que um projeto desta dimensão deve ser conduzido com transparência, diálogo e participação. É esse compromisso que estamos a cumprir, apresentando o Programa Funcional às diferentes entidades e promovendo um processo de informação e esclarecimento junto de todos aqueles que têm responsabilidades na nossa Região", declarou. O Presidente do Governo dos Açores destacou que o Programa Funcional resulta de um amplo processo de trabalho multidisciplinar, desenvolvido com o envolvimento do Conselho de Administração do HDES, dos diretores dos serviços clínicos e não clínicos e de dezenas de profissionais de saúde, assegurando que o documento reflete as necessidades reais da unidade hospitalar e responde aos desafios futuros da prestação de cuidados de saúde nos Açores. O enquadramento técnico do Programa Funcional foi assegurado pela Antares Consulting, empresa internacional especializada em planeamento hospitalar e consultoria em saúde, responsável pela análise funcional da atividade assistencial, pelo dimensionamento das necessidades futuras e pela definição das soluções organizacionais que servirão de base ao desenvolvimento do projeto. O documento assenta em critérios clínicos, funcionais e técnicos, alinhados com as melhores práticas internacionais e preparados para responder à evolução das necessidades do Serviço Regional de Saúde nas próximas décadas. Entre os princípios orientadores do Programa Funcional destacam-se a reorganização da atividade por processos assistenciais, a otimização e partilha de recursos, a humanização dos espaços, a sustentabilidade ambiental, a flexibilidade para futuras adaptações e o reforço da articulação entre a prestação de cuidados, a formação e a investigação. O reforço da capacidade instalada constitui outro dos pilares da proposta. O Programa Funcional prevê o aumento da capacidade de internamento de 437 para 500 camas, com possibilidade de expansão até 641 camas, o reforço do bloco operatório para 10 salas de cirurgia programada, a duplicação das salas de parto, o aumento da consulta externa de 60 para 139 gabinetes e o crescimento da capacidade da hemodiálise de 23 para 35 postos, reforçando igualmente áreas como o Serviço de Urgência, a Cirurgia de Ambulatório e os Hospitais de Dia, permitindo preparar o HDES para responder às necessidades assistenciais da população até 2050. "Estamos a planear um hospital para as próximas décadas, preparado para responder às necessidades dos açorianos, valorizando os profissionais de saúde e garantindo melhores condições de assistência, com uma visão estratégica sustentada no rigor técnico e na participação de todos", prosseguiu. Antes desta reunião, no início da tarde, José Manuel Bolieiro esteve igualmente presente na sessão técnica de apresentação do Programa Funcional promovida pela Antares Consulting nas instalações do HDES, dirigida aos profissionais e à comunidade hospitalar, num momento de enquadramento técnico e de esclarecimento sobre as soluções previstas para a futura reorganização da unidade hospitalar. Com estas apresentações, que ao longo do dia envolveram partidos políticos, profissionais de saúde, representantes da ilha de São Miguel e autarquias, o Governo dos Açores reforça um processo de governação assente na transparência, no diálogo institucional e na participação, garantindo que um projeto estruturante para o futuro da saúde na Região é desenvolvido com o conhecimento, o escrutínio e o contributo dos principais intervenientes.
Nota de Imprensa
July 17, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro presents plan to transform HDES The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired a meeting today at the Conceição Palace, in Ponta Delgada, for the presentation of the Operational Programme for the Renovation, Reorganisation and Restructuring of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) to the parties represented in the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. He was accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi. The session was part of the Azorean Government’s commitment to promoting a participatory, transparent process based on technical criteria, involving healthcare professionals, specialist entities, institutional partners and political groups in defining a solution for the future of the Region’s largest hospital. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that this meeting represents a further stage in a broad dialogue process that the Government has been pursuing since the Functional Programme was first drawn up. “This was another occasion for transparency and participation, involving healthcare professionals, the HDES Board of Directors, civil society and now also political parties, so that everyone can learn about and follow this project, which is of paramount importance for the Azores,” he said. The President of the Government emphasised that the document now presented is the result of in-depth technical work carried out with the input of hospital staff and Antares Consulting, an international consultancy firm specialising in hospital planning. "We are not simply building a new hospital. In fact, we have the opportunity to create a virtually new hospital, geared to meet the needs of the coming decades, designed by professionals and underpinned by clinical and technical criteria," he added. The Functional Programme envisages a major transformation of HDES, combining the construction of new buildings – accounting for around 60% of the area involved – with the refurbishment of the remaining 40%. Key improvements include an increase in inpatient capacity from 437 to 500 beds, with the possibility of expanding to 641 beds if necessary, the creation of 10 scheduled operating rooms, the doubling of delivery rooms, the expansion of the outpatient department from 60 to 139 consultation rooms, as well as the upgrading of the Emergency Department, day surgery, day hospital and haemodialysis units. José Manuel Bolieiro also explained that the current estimate indicates an investment of around €300 million, a figure to be confirmed in the next phase, which involves drawing up the Preliminary Programme. This document precedes the project development and the launch of the international public tender for the works contract. According to Government Council Resolution no. 71/2024, the National Government has agreed to cover 85% of the project costs, following the commitment made after the fire that hit HDES in May 2024. With the Functional Programme phase now complete, the HDES Board of Directors has been instructed to begin drawing up the Preliminary Programme and the relevant technical and documentary documents. The aim is to ensure that, by the end of 2027, the conditions are in place to launch an international public tender for the renovation, reorganisation and restructuring of the hospital. José Manuel Bolieiro assured that this entire process will be carried out without compromising the hospital’s healthcare response. He emphasised: “We are working to bring about a profound transformation of HDES without disrupting its mission. The hospital must continue to care for the Azorean people whilst we create better conditions for healthcare professionals and for future generations of patients.” The Functional Programme is the result of a participatory and multidisciplinary process, underpinned by specialist studies, projections of healthcare needs up to 2050, comparative analyses with leading national hospitals, and the input from more than 75 HDES professionals in about 50 meetings. The document provides the technical basis for an initiative to provide the Regional Health Service with a more modern, resilient infrastructure that is better prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades.
July 17, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro presents plan to transform HDES The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired a meeting today at the Conceição Palace, in Ponta Delgada, for the presentation of the Operational Programme for the Renovation, Reorganisation and Restructuring of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) to the parties represented in the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. He was accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi. The session was part of the Azorean Government’s commitment to promoting a participatory, transparent process based on technical criteria, involving healthcare professionals, specialist entities, institutional partners and political groups in defining a solution for the future of the Region’s largest hospital. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that this meeting represents a further stage in a broad dialogue process that the Government has been pursuing since the Functional Programme was first drawn up. “This was another occasion for transparency and participation, involving healthcare professionals, the HDES Board of Directors, civil society and now also political parties, so that everyone can learn about and follow this project, which is of paramount importance for the Azores,” he said. The President of the Government emphasised that the document now presented is the result of in-depth technical work carried out with the input of hospital staff and Antares Consulting, an international consultancy firm specialising in hospital planning. "We are not simply building a new hospital. In fact, we have the opportunity to create a virtually new hospital, geared to meet the needs of the coming decades, designed by professionals and underpinned by clinical and technical criteria," he added. The Functional Programme envisages a major transformation of HDES, combining the construction of new buildings – accounting for around 60% of the area involved – with the refurbishment of the remaining 40%. Key improvements include an increase in inpatient capacity from 437 to 500 beds, with the possibility of expanding to 641 beds if necessary, the creation of 10 scheduled operating rooms, the doubling of delivery rooms, the expansion of the outpatient department from 60 to 139 consultation rooms, as well as the upgrading of the Emergency Department, day surgery, day hospital and haemodialysis units. José Manuel Bolieiro also explained that the current estimate indicates an investment of around €300 million, a figure to be confirmed in the next phase, which involves drawing up the Preliminary Programme. This document precedes the project development and the launch of the international public tender for the works contract. According to Government Council Resolution no. 71/2024, the National Government has agreed to cover 85% of the project costs, following the commitment made after the fire that hit HDES in May 2024. With the Functional Programme phase now complete, the HDES Board of Directors has been instructed to begin drawing up the Preliminary Programme and the relevant technical and documentary documents. The aim is to ensure that, by the end of 2027, the conditions are in place to launch an international public tender for the renovation, reorganisation and restructuring of the hospital. José Manuel Bolieiro assured that this entire process will be carried out without compromising the hospital’s healthcare response. He emphasised: “We are working to bring about a profound transformation of HDES without disrupting its mission. The hospital must continue to care for the Azorean people whilst we create better conditions for healthcare professionals and for future generations of patients.” The Functional Programme is the result of a participatory and multidisciplinary process, underpinned by specialist studies, projections of healthcare needs up to 2050, comparative analyses with leading national hospitals, and the input from more than 75 HDES professionals in about 50 meetings. The document provides the technical basis for an initiative to provide the Regional Health Service with a more modern, resilient infrastructure that is better prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades.
Nota de Imprensa
July 17, 2026 Artur Lima advocates for greater knowledge transfer between researchers and entrepreneurs The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, emphasised the need to foster knowledge transfer between the research and private sectors at an event dedicated to the European Union’s I3 Instrument. The event, held at the Terceira Island Science and Technology Park (TERINOV), aimed to raise awareness of the Interregional Innovation Investment Instrument (I3), funded by ERDF, amongst members of the Regional Research Community, with a view to increasing the Region’s participation in this type of funding. The Vice-President of the Government emphasised the importance of “preparing the future by harnessing and transferring knowledge between researchers and entrepreneurs,” thus creating a “genuine symbiosis where innovative ideas address the specific challenges facing the Azores and the Azoreans.” Artur Lima called on the entrepreneurs, researchers and partners present to submit “bold applications” to this European funding scheme, which “paves the way to growth and internationalisation.” "The Azores are not starting from scratch. We have talent, vision and a track record. There is a solid experience and potential that our companies should and must capitalise on," he emphasised. In 2024, the Azores were designated a Regional Innovation Valley by the European Commission. Speaking about this designation, the government official considered it a “well-deserved recognition of the work and progress we have all achieved together,” whilst emphasising that “we cannot rest on our laurels” if we are to continue “on this path towards success.” In this regard, the Vice-President of the Government recalled the adaptation of the Smart Specialisation Strategy, which now incorporates areas such as Health, Space and Data Science, as well as incentives for PhD grants in a business context. “We want to encourage the growth and innovation of our business sector based on scientific knowledge,” he said. Artur Lima also discussed the ongoing overhaul of the Azores’ scientific system, which will be designated as CoRe. According to him, it will “provide a more integrated and innovation-oriented framework for the sector, bringing together research, intermediary entities, business innovation and scientific literacy within a single legal framework.” Finally, the Vice-President referred to INOVAR2030, the incentive scheme for the business sector, which aims to develop and strengthen regional research and innovation capacities, as well as the adoption of advanced technologies in the Azores.
July 17, 2026 Artur Lima advocates for greater knowledge transfer between researchers and entrepreneurs The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, emphasised the need to foster knowledge transfer between the research and private sectors at an event dedicated to the European Union’s I3 Instrument. The event, held at the Terceira Island Science and Technology Park (TERINOV), aimed to raise awareness of the Interregional Innovation Investment Instrument (I3), funded by ERDF, amongst members of the Regional Research Community, with a view to increasing the Region’s participation in this type of funding. The Vice-President of the Government emphasised the importance of “preparing the future by harnessing and transferring knowledge between researchers and entrepreneurs,” thus creating a “genuine symbiosis where innovative ideas address the specific challenges facing the Azores and the Azoreans.” Artur Lima called on the entrepreneurs, researchers and partners present to submit “bold applications” to this European funding scheme, which “paves the way to growth and internationalisation.” "The Azores are not starting from scratch. We have talent, vision and a track record. There is a solid experience and potential that our companies should and must capitalise on," he emphasised. In 2024, the Azores were designated a Regional Innovation Valley by the European Commission. Speaking about this designation, the government official considered it a “well-deserved recognition of the work and progress we have all achieved together,” whilst emphasising that “we cannot rest on our laurels” if we are to continue “on this path towards success.” In this regard, the Vice-President of the Government recalled the adaptation of the Smart Specialisation Strategy, which now incorporates areas such as Health, Space and Data Science, as well as incentives for PhD grants in a business context. “We want to encourage the growth and innovation of our business sector based on scientific knowledge,” he said. Artur Lima also discussed the ongoing overhaul of the Azores’ scientific system, which will be designated as CoRe. According to him, it will “provide a more integrated and innovation-oriented framework for the sector, bringing together research, intermediary entities, business innovation and scientific literacy within a single legal framework.” Finally, the Vice-President referred to INOVAR2030, the incentive scheme for the business sector, which aims to develop and strengthen regional research and innovation capacities, as well as the adoption of advanced technologies in the Azores.
Nota de Imprensa
July 17, 2026 Press release Following reports regarding the compulsory purchase proceedings for the construction of the Capelas Bypass, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility, and Infrastructures clarifies that the project is neither stalled nor hindered by ongoing court proceedings. Work is proceeding normally in accordance with the project schedule, as the Autonomous Region of the Azores has long held administrative possession of the land necessary for the works, following the provisions of the Expropriation Code; therefore, there is no obstacle to the construction of this bypass. The lawsuits filed in court arose as the expropriating entity and the landowners were unable to reach an agreement on the amount of compensation. Therefore, this is a matter related to determining the amount to be paid, and not to access to the land or the continuation of works. Consequently, any interpretation suggesting that the existence of legal proceedings represents an impediment to the implementation of the Capelas Bypass is unfounded. The Regional Secretariat also pointed out that all compulsory purchase proceedings provided for in Government Council Resolution no.201/2023, dated December 5, have been initiated. This resolution urgently declared the public utility of the compulsory purchase of the land parcels and the rights thereto necessary for completing this important project. The aforementioned resolution also established administrative possession of these parcels, allowing the Region to proceed with the necessary procedures and the project implementation, regardless of subsequent discussions regarding compensation amounts. This project represents a strategic investment in improving mobility, road safety, and accessibility in the northern part of the municipality of Ponta Delgada. As such, the Regional Government remains committed to carrying it out in accordance with the legal framework and commitments made.
July 17, 2026 Press release Following reports regarding the compulsory purchase proceedings for the construction of the Capelas Bypass, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility, and Infrastructures clarifies that the project is neither stalled nor hindered by ongoing court proceedings. Work is proceeding normally in accordance with the project schedule, as the Autonomous Region of the Azores has long held administrative possession of the land necessary for the works, following the provisions of the Expropriation Code; therefore, there is no obstacle to the construction of this bypass. The lawsuits filed in court arose as the expropriating entity and the landowners were unable to reach an agreement on the amount of compensation. Therefore, this is a matter related to determining the amount to be paid, and not to access to the land or the continuation of works. Consequently, any interpretation suggesting that the existence of legal proceedings represents an impediment to the implementation of the Capelas Bypass is unfounded. The Regional Secretariat also pointed out that all compulsory purchase proceedings provided for in Government Council Resolution no.201/2023, dated December 5, have been initiated. This resolution urgently declared the public utility of the compulsory purchase of the land parcels and the rights thereto necessary for completing this important project. The aforementioned resolution also established administrative possession of these parcels, allowing the Region to proceed with the necessary procedures and the project implementation, regardless of subsequent discussions regarding compensation amounts. This project represents a strategic investment in improving mobility, road safety, and accessibility in the northern part of the municipality of Ponta Delgada. As such, the Regional Government remains committed to carrying it out in accordance with the legal framework and commitments made.
Nota de Imprensa
July 16, 2026 Paulo Estêvão highlights record levels of private media funding and praises global reach of Azorean identity The Regional Government organised a session on Wednesday at the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Regional Archive, focusing on media sustainability and reflection on island identity. The event began with the conference “Incentives and Sustainability: Public Support for the Media,” which brought together several regional media owners, journalists and academics on the discussion panel. The opening session also featured a speech by Anselmo Crespo, a journalist with TVI and CNN Portugal. On this occasion, the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, highlighted the Government's considerable financial effort in supporting regional private media organisations, revealing that funding for the sector had risen from a historical average of half a million euros to €1.7 million by 2026. For the government official, ensuring the viability and modernisation of these projects “is essential for accurate and credible information to reach the public, because only in this way can democracy be practised.” He also announced to industry partners that the Government will review and extend the current incentive scheme (the SIM programme) to address some already identified shortcomings. The panel discussion addressed the current situation regarding public support for private media organisations, analysing the aspects that have yielded positive results and identifying the constraints that continue to hamper the management of these companies and their ability to attract and retain talent. The discussion also addressed the economic challenges facing the sector, marked by rising fixed production costs, namely paper, distribution and energy, amidst declining traditional advertising revenue and a profound transformation in information consumption habits. The global dimension of the Region was another key topic addressed by the Government, with Paulo Estêvão emphasising the importance of connecting the Azorean media with a potential audience of five million Azoreans and Portuguese descendants scattered across the world. In this regard, he announced the signing of the protocol for the ADMAA platform as early as September. The vision of an Azorean identity without borders was a prominent theme in the second part of the event, dedicated to celebrating the 40th anniversary of Lusa News Agency. The celebrations included a debate on “50 years of autonomy – what defines Azorean identity?”, featuring writers João de Melo and Nuno Costa Santos, which culminated in the opening of the agency’s photography exhibition. At the closing session, Paulo Estêvão, speaking on behalf of the President of the Regional Government, recalled the rich historical journey of the archipelago as an embodiment of the Portuguese people. He emphatically stressed that Azorean identity is “much more than the 244,000 inhabitants” living on the nine islands, but rather a reality shared and deeply felt by millions of descendants in the diaspora. The Regional Secretary considered all these initiatives to promote information and culture as part of the preparations for the major celebrations marking the 600th anniversary of the discovery of the Azores. The event programme will be launched with a major advertising campaign in the Azorean media towards the end of the year.
July 16, 2026 Paulo Estêvão highlights record levels of private media funding and praises global reach of Azorean identity The Regional Government organised a session on Wednesday at the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Regional Archive, focusing on media sustainability and reflection on island identity. The event began with the conference “Incentives and Sustainability: Public Support for the Media,” which brought together several regional media owners, journalists and academics on the discussion panel. The opening session also featured a speech by Anselmo Crespo, a journalist with TVI and CNN Portugal. On this occasion, the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, highlighted the Government's considerable financial effort in supporting regional private media organisations, revealing that funding for the sector had risen from a historical average of half a million euros to €1.7 million by 2026. For the government official, ensuring the viability and modernisation of these projects “is essential for accurate and credible information to reach the public, because only in this way can democracy be practised.” He also announced to industry partners that the Government will review and extend the current incentive scheme (the SIM programme) to address some already identified shortcomings. The panel discussion addressed the current situation regarding public support for private media organisations, analysing the aspects that have yielded positive results and identifying the constraints that continue to hamper the management of these companies and their ability to attract and retain talent. The discussion also addressed the economic challenges facing the sector, marked by rising fixed production costs, namely paper, distribution and energy, amidst declining traditional advertising revenue and a profound transformation in information consumption habits. The global dimension of the Region was another key topic addressed by the Government, with Paulo Estêvão emphasising the importance of connecting the Azorean media with a potential audience of five million Azoreans and Portuguese descendants scattered across the world. In this regard, he announced the signing of the protocol for the ADMAA platform as early as September. The vision of an Azorean identity without borders was a prominent theme in the second part of the event, dedicated to celebrating the 40th anniversary of Lusa News Agency. The celebrations included a debate on “50 years of autonomy – what defines Azorean identity?”, featuring writers João de Melo and Nuno Costa Santos, which culminated in the opening of the agency’s photography exhibition. At the closing session, Paulo Estêvão, speaking on behalf of the President of the Regional Government, recalled the rich historical journey of the archipelago as an embodiment of the Portuguese people. He emphatically stressed that Azorean identity is “much more than the 244,000 inhabitants” living on the nine islands, but rather a reality shared and deeply felt by millions of descendants in the diaspora. The Regional Secretary considered all these initiatives to promote information and culture as part of the preparations for the major celebrations marking the 600th anniversary of the discovery of the Azores. The event programme will be launched with a major advertising campaign in the Azorean media towards the end of the year.
