Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro destaca crescimento e ambição futura na conferência ECO Açores
José Manuel Bolieiro destaca crescimento e ambição futura na conferência ECO Açores
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro assinala posse da nova Representante da República com foco na "autonomia e estabilidade"
José Manuel Bolieiro assinala posse da nova Representante da República com foco na "autonomia e estabilidade"
Presidência do Governo Regional
Speech by the President of the Government
Speech by the President of the Government
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Regional Government provides technical support for creation of energy communities
Regional Government provides technical support for creation of energy communities
Nota de Imprensa
April 24, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro destaca crescimento e ambição futura na conferência ECO Açores O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, participou hoje na abertura da conferência ECO Açores, que decorreu no Teatro Micaelense, em Ponta Delgada, onde traçou uma "visão estratégica" para o futuro da Região, sustentada em dados concretos de crescimento económico e social. O líder do executivo açoriano destacou a importância do evento, referindo tratar-se de “uma iniciativa relevante” que afirma os Açores “como espaço de reflexão e de debate sobre os grandes temas da atualidade económica”. Perante um contexto internacional desafiante, marcado por instabilidade e incerteza, defendeu que “saber responder a esse desafio, com eficácia maior, impõe estabilidade política, estabilidade governativa e consistência na estratégia”. O governante sublinhou que os Açores estão a viver um processo de transformação estrutural, afirmando que “os Açores tinham de mudar e estão a mudar”, com o objetivo de passarem "de uma mera Região de necessidades para uma Região de oportunidades”. Nesse sentido, destacou o reforço do investimento e os resultados já alcançados. Segundo indicou, o investimento público aumentou cerca de 50% face a 2019, enquanto o Produto Interno Bruto regional cresceu 36,6% entre 2019 e 2025. No mercado de trabalho, há mais 12.700 açorianos empregados e menos 2.700 desempregados, com a taxa de desemprego abaixo da média nacional. O Presidente do Governo dos Açores evidenciou também o peso crescente do turismo, que representa cerca de 17% do PIB regional, 16% do emprego e 20% do Valor Acrescentado Bruto, bem como a valorização da agricultura, cuja produção atingiu 445 milhões de euros em 2025, o valor mais elevado da última década. No plano social, destacou progressos na educação, com alunos açorianos a superarem a média nacional em várias disciplinas, a redução do abandono escolar e o reforço do corpo docente. Na saúde, referiu o aumento de 581 profissionais desde 2019 e a cobertura de médico de família a atingir 92% da população. A mobilidade e coesão territorial foram igualmente destacadas, com a “Tarifa Açores” a permitir já mais de 1,5 milhões de viagens interilhas, reforçando o mercado interno e a ligação entre ilhas. O líder do executivo açoriano salientou ainda o potencial das novas áreas estratégicas, afirmando que “os Açores têm nessas novas economias dimensão superior”, com destaque para a economia azul, verde e espacial, suportadas pelo posicionamento geoestratégico da Região no Atlântico. Numa perspetiva de futuro, deixou uma mensagem de confiança e ambição: “Os Açores não podem olhar para o futuro com medo. Devem olhá-lo com confiança e com sentido estratégico”, reforçando que “os Açores não serão apenas uma região distante e de necessidades. Os Açores serão uma região central e de oportunidades”. No evento também presentes o diretor do ECO, António Costa, o Secretário de Estado da Economia, João Rui Ferreira, bem como diversas entidades regionais e nacionais, entre as quais membros do Governo Regional, deputados, autarcas e representantes de instituições económicas e sociais.
April 24, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro destaca crescimento e ambição futura na conferência ECO Açores O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, participou hoje na abertura da conferência ECO Açores, que decorreu no Teatro Micaelense, em Ponta Delgada, onde traçou uma "visão estratégica" para o futuro da Região, sustentada em dados concretos de crescimento económico e social. O líder do executivo açoriano destacou a importância do evento, referindo tratar-se de “uma iniciativa relevante” que afirma os Açores “como espaço de reflexão e de debate sobre os grandes temas da atualidade económica”. Perante um contexto internacional desafiante, marcado por instabilidade e incerteza, defendeu que “saber responder a esse desafio, com eficácia maior, impõe estabilidade política, estabilidade governativa e consistência na estratégia”. O governante sublinhou que os Açores estão a viver um processo de transformação estrutural, afirmando que “os Açores tinham de mudar e estão a mudar”, com o objetivo de passarem "de uma mera Região de necessidades para uma Região de oportunidades”. Nesse sentido, destacou o reforço do investimento e os resultados já alcançados. Segundo indicou, o investimento público aumentou cerca de 50% face a 2019, enquanto o Produto Interno Bruto regional cresceu 36,6% entre 2019 e 2025. No mercado de trabalho, há mais 12.700 açorianos empregados e menos 2.700 desempregados, com a taxa de desemprego abaixo da média nacional. O Presidente do Governo dos Açores evidenciou também o peso crescente do turismo, que representa cerca de 17% do PIB regional, 16% do emprego e 20% do Valor Acrescentado Bruto, bem como a valorização da agricultura, cuja produção atingiu 445 milhões de euros em 2025, o valor mais elevado da última década. No plano social, destacou progressos na educação, com alunos açorianos a superarem a média nacional em várias disciplinas, a redução do abandono escolar e o reforço do corpo docente. Na saúde, referiu o aumento de 581 profissionais desde 2019 e a cobertura de médico de família a atingir 92% da população. A mobilidade e coesão territorial foram igualmente destacadas, com a “Tarifa Açores” a permitir já mais de 1,5 milhões de viagens interilhas, reforçando o mercado interno e a ligação entre ilhas. O líder do executivo açoriano salientou ainda o potencial das novas áreas estratégicas, afirmando que “os Açores têm nessas novas economias dimensão superior”, com destaque para a economia azul, verde e espacial, suportadas pelo posicionamento geoestratégico da Região no Atlântico. Numa perspetiva de futuro, deixou uma mensagem de confiança e ambição: “Os Açores não podem olhar para o futuro com medo. Devem olhá-lo com confiança e com sentido estratégico”, reforçando que “os Açores não serão apenas uma região distante e de necessidades. Os Açores serão uma região central e de oportunidades”. No evento também presentes o diretor do ECO, António Costa, o Secretário de Estado da Economia, João Rui Ferreira, bem como diversas entidades regionais e nacionais, entre as quais membros do Governo Regional, deputados, autarcas e representantes de instituições económicas e sociais.
Nota de Imprensa
April 24, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro assinala posse da nova Representante da República com foco na "autonomia e estabilidade" O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, participou hoje na cerimónia de tomada de posse de Susana Goulart Costa como Representante da República para a Região Autónoma dos Açores, realizada no Palácio de Belém, em Lisboa, sob a presidência do Presidente da República, António José Seguro. O líder do executivo açoriano destaca a nomeação de "uma personalidade nascida e formada na Região", citando o Chefe de Estado, considerando tratar-se de um sinal de mudança geracional. José Manuel Bolieiro reconhece à nova Representante da República um perfil de "independência, competência e compromisso", entendendo que reúne as condições para se afirmar num quadro de estabilidade política, governativa e regular funcionamento das instituições. O governante açoriano expressa confiança no desempenho de Susana Goulart Costa, sublinhando a importância de uma atuação pautada pela proximidade institucional, diálogo e sentido de responsabilidade, em benefício dos Açores e dos açorianos. Neste contexto, José Manuel Bolieiro manifesta a expectativa de que o exercício destas funções possa afirmar-se mais como uma "representação da autonomia na República do que como uma representação da República na autonomia", no respeito pelo quadro constitucional e pelo espírito da Autonomia. José Manuel Bolieiro assinala ainda que o ano em curso convida também à reflexão sobre cinco décadas do processo autonómico, entendido como “uma conquista de liberdade, uma afirmação de identidade e uma obra de responsabilidade democrática”, reforçando a importância de uma Autonomia viva, progressiva e exigente. Na cerimónia marcaram também presença o Presidente da Assembleia Legislativa da Região Autónoma dos Açores, Luís Garcia, e o anterior Representante da República para os Açores, Embaixador Pedro Catarino.
April 24, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro assinala posse da nova Representante da República com foco na "autonomia e estabilidade" O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, participou hoje na cerimónia de tomada de posse de Susana Goulart Costa como Representante da República para a Região Autónoma dos Açores, realizada no Palácio de Belém, em Lisboa, sob a presidência do Presidente da República, António José Seguro. O líder do executivo açoriano destaca a nomeação de "uma personalidade nascida e formada na Região", citando o Chefe de Estado, considerando tratar-se de um sinal de mudança geracional. José Manuel Bolieiro reconhece à nova Representante da República um perfil de "independência, competência e compromisso", entendendo que reúne as condições para se afirmar num quadro de estabilidade política, governativa e regular funcionamento das instituições. O governante açoriano expressa confiança no desempenho de Susana Goulart Costa, sublinhando a importância de uma atuação pautada pela proximidade institucional, diálogo e sentido de responsabilidade, em benefício dos Açores e dos açorianos. Neste contexto, José Manuel Bolieiro manifesta a expectativa de que o exercício destas funções possa afirmar-se mais como uma "representação da autonomia na República do que como uma representação da República na autonomia", no respeito pelo quadro constitucional e pelo espírito da Autonomia. José Manuel Bolieiro assinala ainda que o ano em curso convida também à reflexão sobre cinco décadas do processo autonómico, entendido como “uma conquista de liberdade, uma afirmação de identidade e uma obra de responsabilidade democrática”, reforçando a importância de uma Autonomia viva, progressiva e exigente. Na cerimónia marcaram também presença o Presidente da Assembleia Legislativa da Região Autónoma dos Açores, Luís Garcia, e o anterior Representante da República para os Açores, Embaixador Pedro Catarino.
Nota de Imprensa
April 24, 2026 Speech by the President of the Government Full text of the speech delivered today by the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, in Ponta Delgada at the opening ceremony of the Eco Açores conference: “Allow me to begin, as befits the occasion, on a note of gratitude. I would like to thank the ECO newspaper for inviting me to take part in this conference, a significant initiative taking place today in the Azores, which the Government of the Azores supports with a sense of responsibility and appreciation of its importance. A conference that confirms the Azores as a forum for reflection and debate on the major issues of current economic affairs in the country and around the world. And allow me also to express my appreciation. Appreciation for the stance taken by the ECO newspaper, as a media outlet that is demanding, rigorous and committed to the integrity of information. In these volatile times, when information plays a decisive role, it is important to highlight the value of initiatives such as this one, which promote knowledge, stimulate debate and, thus, contribute to a more informed and engaged citizenship. The debate will focus on issues of paramount importance: Regional economic development. Sustainability. Tourism. Mobility. These are not abstract concepts. They encompass underlying assumptions and strategies that influence decision-making. They give rise to assertive public policies that shape our collective future. This confirms the timeliness and importance of this initiative, which brings together a wide range of perspectives. Our times, perhaps, have but one certainty associated with them. The certainty that uncertainties prevail in our present day. A time marked by conflicts, geopolitical instability and economic pressure on a global scale. The Azores have not been, are not, and will not be immune to this protracted reality. We all feel these impacts. We all face this challenge. Responding to this challenge more effectively requires: - Political stability; - Governmental stability; - Consistent strategy. This will be the way to overcome challenges. I believe in these principles and feel confident in this steadfast course. We must remain resilient in the face of daily fluctuations, so that we can place our trust in what is fundamental. The Azores had to change, and they are changing. Changing structurally. Promoting structural transformations to keep pace with the global transitions that the economies of the future are already bringing into our daily lives. Climate transition. Energy transition. Digital transition. Transition towards economic competitiveness and growth. Transition towards Security and Defence. All this calls for more and better strategic investment. We have stepped up our investment. We have invested in skills development. We are trying to give the private sector more scope. The most ambitious transformation is, undoubtedly, turning the Azores from a region defined by its needs into a region of opportunities. Needs will continue to exist and will continue to require various forms of support, from the State and the European Union. Nevertheless, opportunities can and have been multiplying and proving their worth – for us, for the country, for the European Union, for NATO and for the transatlantic relations. In the blue economy, where the sea is a source of knowledge, innovation and wealth, we have a huge opportunity, and we are harnessing it. In the green economy, sustainability, as well as being a defining value, is, and must be, a competitive asset, as we have excellent practices that are already recognised today. Not only are we a low-carbon economy, but we are also a vast territory and a real carbon sink. Here, we can build an economic base for carbon credits. In the space economy, the Azores are establishing themselves as a central Atlantic hub for scientific and technological development. The Azores play a major role in these new economies. With them, we can overcome our limited land area and small population. Our strategic position in the Atlantic ensures our centrality, which counterbalances our inevitable socio-economic remoteness and our geographical fragmentation. It is in this context that, with the involvement of the country, the European Union, NATO and global private initiatives, we will be able to leverage the Azores as a region of opportunities within the European and Atlantic context. The transformations we have already undertaken in various fields are beginning to yield results. The Azores have grown at a rate above the national average, even if only marginally so for now, but with a converging trend. Public investment has increased by around 50% compared to 2019. GDP growth has accelerated. Between 2019 and 2025, it increased by €1.634 billion. Around 36.6%. We have more jobs. There are 12,700 more Azoreans in employment than in 2019. And lower unemployment. 2,700 fewer unemployed people. With a rate below the national average. Tourism has established itself as one of the driving forces of the economy, accounting for about 17% of regional GDP, 16% of employment and 20% of Gross Value Added. This transformation is also evident in traditional sectors. In agriculture, production reached €445 million in 2025, the highest figure of the last decade. Investment in the sector exceeded €76 million. There is more income. More stability. More predictability. And there is a generational renewal. Since 2021, 181 new farmers have entered the sector. Social mobility is gradually working. In education: In contrast to previous years, Azorean students achieved an average score higher than the national average in eight subjects in the 2025 national exams. This demonstrates the convergence that the Autonomous Region of the Azores is achieving with the results of the rest of the country, a goal set out in the Azores 2030 Education Strategy. The notorious early dropout rate from education and training has been falling in the Azores. Since 2020, the early dropout rate from education and training has fallen by 5.2 percentage points. Strengthening and stabilising the teaching staff were strategic choices for educational success. Since 2020, we have had 900 more teachers in schools, even with a decrease of about 4,500 students in those same schools. In healthcare: we have 581 more healthcare professionals than in 2019. More doctors. More nurses. GP coverage has reached 92% of the population. In housing. We are already investing in more than 760 housing solutions. In transport. The "Azores Fare" scheme we have introduced has played a key role in consolidating the Region’s identity, despite being an archipelago. Since its creation, it has facilitated over 1.5 million inter-island journeys. Compared to 2019, inter-island connections have increased by up to 40%. The "Azores Fare" has created a truly internal market. It has brought the islands closer. It has bolstered territorial cohesion. It has reinforced the concept of territorial continuity. And it has deepened the concept of Autonomy. With these public policies, underpinned by our Political Autonomy, which do not undermine the unity of the State; on the contrary, they only enhance it, as they deal differently with what is different. We had a lot of ground to make up, and we are gradually making up for it, but we also have a long way to go, and we are moving forward. Ladies and gentlemen, This year, we are marking 50 years of political autonomy, enshrined in our Republic’s constitution. Five decades of institutional development. Political affirmation. Development. Autonomy was an achievement. But above all, it is a responsibility. The quality of autonomy is measured by the quality of its practice. The Azores cannot look to the future with fear. They must look to it with confidence. And with a strategic vision. Our history has taught us resilience. Our geography has taught us to be cosmopolitan. Our political autonomy has taught us the responsibility to pursue strategic education with creative and fruitful boldness, so that we may seize the opportunity for ourselves, for the country and for the European Union. We have grounds for ambition in institutional innovation and skilled human capital, retaining and attracting talent for the future, and in fostering a collective awareness of our geopolitical, geo-economic and geostrategic value. If we are overcoming the challenges that were and remain the difficulties of the past, we will also be able to build the capacity necessary for our collective ambition of convergent progress, alongside the country and the European Union, within the context of these new economies. Building a future with more opportunities. A better quality of life. Allow me to conclude with a simple idea. The Azores will not merely be a remote region in need of assistance. The Azores will be a key region full of opportunities. A region that matters within the country and for the country, and one that matters within the European Union and for Europe. A region that elevates the ocean to a strategic asset in the Atlantic, linking three continents and a significant global economy.
April 24, 2026 Speech by the President of the Government Full text of the speech delivered today by the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, in Ponta Delgada at the opening ceremony of the Eco Açores conference: “Allow me to begin, as befits the occasion, on a note of gratitude. I would like to thank the ECO newspaper for inviting me to take part in this conference, a significant initiative taking place today in the Azores, which the Government of the Azores supports with a sense of responsibility and appreciation of its importance. A conference that confirms the Azores as a forum for reflection and debate on the major issues of current economic affairs in the country and around the world. And allow me also to express my appreciation. Appreciation for the stance taken by the ECO newspaper, as a media outlet that is demanding, rigorous and committed to the integrity of information. In these volatile times, when information plays a decisive role, it is important to highlight the value of initiatives such as this one, which promote knowledge, stimulate debate and, thus, contribute to a more informed and engaged citizenship. The debate will focus on issues of paramount importance: Regional economic development. Sustainability. Tourism. Mobility. These are not abstract concepts. They encompass underlying assumptions and strategies that influence decision-making. They give rise to assertive public policies that shape our collective future. This confirms the timeliness and importance of this initiative, which brings together a wide range of perspectives. Our times, perhaps, have but one certainty associated with them. The certainty that uncertainties prevail in our present day. A time marked by conflicts, geopolitical instability and economic pressure on a global scale. The Azores have not been, are not, and will not be immune to this protracted reality. We all feel these impacts. We all face this challenge. Responding to this challenge more effectively requires: - Political stability; - Governmental stability; - Consistent strategy. This will be the way to overcome challenges. I believe in these principles and feel confident in this steadfast course. We must remain resilient in the face of daily fluctuations, so that we can place our trust in what is fundamental. The Azores had to change, and they are changing. Changing structurally. Promoting structural transformations to keep pace with the global transitions that the economies of the future are already bringing into our daily lives. Climate transition. Energy transition. Digital transition. Transition towards economic competitiveness and growth. Transition towards Security and Defence. All this calls for more and better strategic investment. We have stepped up our investment. We have invested in skills development. We are trying to give the private sector more scope. The most ambitious transformation is, undoubtedly, turning the Azores from a region defined by its needs into a region of opportunities. Needs will continue to exist and will continue to require various forms of support, from the State and the European Union. Nevertheless, opportunities can and have been multiplying and proving their worth – for us, for the country, for the European Union, for NATO and for the transatlantic relations. In the blue economy, where the sea is a source of knowledge, innovation and wealth, we have a huge opportunity, and we are harnessing it. In the green economy, sustainability, as well as being a defining value, is, and must be, a competitive asset, as we have excellent practices that are already recognised today. Not only are we a low-carbon economy, but we are also a vast territory and a real carbon sink. Here, we can build an economic base for carbon credits. In the space economy, the Azores are establishing themselves as a central Atlantic hub for scientific and technological development. The Azores play a major role in these new economies. With them, we can overcome our limited land area and small population. Our strategic position in the Atlantic ensures our centrality, which counterbalances our inevitable socio-economic remoteness and our geographical fragmentation. It is in this context that, with the involvement of the country, the European Union, NATO and global private initiatives, we will be able to leverage the Azores as a region of opportunities within the European and Atlantic context. The transformations we have already undertaken in various fields are beginning to yield results. The Azores have grown at a rate above the national average, even if only marginally so for now, but with a converging trend. Public investment has increased by around 50% compared to 2019. GDP growth has accelerated. Between 2019 and 2025, it increased by €1.634 billion. Around 36.6%. We have more jobs. There are 12,700 more Azoreans in employment than in 2019. And lower unemployment. 2,700 fewer unemployed people. With a rate below the national average. Tourism has established itself as one of the driving forces of the economy, accounting for about 17% of regional GDP, 16% of employment and 20% of Gross Value Added. This transformation is also evident in traditional sectors. In agriculture, production reached €445 million in 2025, the highest figure of the last decade. Investment in the sector exceeded €76 million. There is more income. More stability. More predictability. And there is a generational renewal. Since 2021, 181 new farmers have entered the sector. Social mobility is gradually working. In education: In contrast to previous years, Azorean students achieved an average score higher than the national average in eight subjects in the 2025 national exams. This demonstrates the convergence that the Autonomous Region of the Azores is achieving with the results of the rest of the country, a goal set out in the Azores 2030 Education Strategy. The notorious early dropout rate from education and training has been falling in the Azores. Since 2020, the early dropout rate from education and training has fallen by 5.2 percentage points. Strengthening and stabilising the teaching staff were strategic choices for educational success. Since 2020, we have had 900 more teachers in schools, even with a decrease of about 4,500 students in those same schools. In healthcare: we have 581 more healthcare professionals than in 2019. More doctors. More nurses. GP coverage has reached 92% of the population. In housing. We are already investing in more than 760 housing solutions. In transport. The "Azores Fare" scheme we have introduced has played a key role in consolidating the Region’s identity, despite being an archipelago. Since its creation, it has facilitated over 1.5 million inter-island journeys. Compared to 2019, inter-island connections have increased by up to 40%. The "Azores Fare" has created a truly internal market. It has brought the islands closer. It has bolstered territorial cohesion. It has reinforced the concept of territorial continuity. And it has deepened the concept of Autonomy. With these public policies, underpinned by our Political Autonomy, which do not undermine the unity of the State; on the contrary, they only enhance it, as they deal differently with what is different. We had a lot of ground to make up, and we are gradually making up for it, but we also have a long way to go, and we are moving forward. Ladies and gentlemen, This year, we are marking 50 years of political autonomy, enshrined in our Republic’s constitution. Five decades of institutional development. Political affirmation. Development. Autonomy was an achievement. But above all, it is a responsibility. The quality of autonomy is measured by the quality of its practice. The Azores cannot look to the future with fear. They must look to it with confidence. And with a strategic vision. Our history has taught us resilience. Our geography has taught us to be cosmopolitan. Our political autonomy has taught us the responsibility to pursue strategic education with creative and fruitful boldness, so that we may seize the opportunity for ourselves, for the country and for the European Union. We have grounds for ambition in institutional innovation and skilled human capital, retaining and attracting talent for the future, and in fostering a collective awareness of our geopolitical, geo-economic and geostrategic value. If we are overcoming the challenges that were and remain the difficulties of the past, we will also be able to build the capacity necessary for our collective ambition of convergent progress, alongside the country and the European Union, within the context of these new economies. Building a future with more opportunities. A better quality of life. Allow me to conclude with a simple idea. The Azores will not merely be a remote region in need of assistance. The Azores will be a key region full of opportunities. A region that matters within the country and for the country, and one that matters within the European Union and for Europe. A region that elevates the ocean to a strategic asset in the Atlantic, linking three continents and a significant global economy.
Nota de Imprensa
April 24, 2026 Regional Government provides technical support for creation of energy communities The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, through the Regional Directorate for Energy, will provide, as part of the European NESOIPlus project, technical support for the development of sustainable energy projects in the Azores, with a particular focus on the creation and implementation of renewable energy communities. This is the first call for proposals under the NESOIPlus project with the partnership of the Azorean Government. This project aims to support public and private entities in the Azores, the Canary Islands and Martinique. The call for proposals, which is currently open, runs until June 26, 2026. Selected projects will benefit from specialised technical and strategic support, covering the structuring, identification of funding sources and implementation phases of the initiatives. Focusing on the specific challenges and opportunities facing island regions, NESOIPlus aims to support Outermost Regions in overcoming the constraints associated with geographical isolation, while strengthening their capacity to lead the way in more sustainable, resilient and inclusive energy solutions. This project has as one of its main goals to promote the creation and development of renewable energy communities, giving local authorities an active role in modernising the energy sector. Co-funded under the LIFE programme, through the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), the project will run for 36 months, until August 2028. Under this initiative, the Autonomous Region of the Azores has been allocated funding of approximately €117,000 to implement the planned actions. Applications for technical support must be submitted via the official NESOIPlus project platform (https://nesoi.eu/apply/), where detailed information is available on eligibility criteria, the application process and the support available to project promoters.
April 24, 2026 Regional Government provides technical support for creation of energy communities The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, through the Regional Directorate for Energy, will provide, as part of the European NESOIPlus project, technical support for the development of sustainable energy projects in the Azores, with a particular focus on the creation and implementation of renewable energy communities. This is the first call for proposals under the NESOIPlus project with the partnership of the Azorean Government. This project aims to support public and private entities in the Azores, the Canary Islands and Martinique. The call for proposals, which is currently open, runs until June 26, 2026. Selected projects will benefit from specialised technical and strategic support, covering the structuring, identification of funding sources and implementation phases of the initiatives. Focusing on the specific challenges and opportunities facing island regions, NESOIPlus aims to support Outermost Regions in overcoming the constraints associated with geographical isolation, while strengthening their capacity to lead the way in more sustainable, resilient and inclusive energy solutions. This project has as one of its main goals to promote the creation and development of renewable energy communities, giving local authorities an active role in modernising the energy sector. Co-funded under the LIFE programme, through the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), the project will run for 36 months, until August 2028. Under this initiative, the Autonomous Region of the Azores has been allocated funding of approximately €117,000 to implement the planned actions. Applications for technical support must be submitted via the official NESOIPlus project platform (https://nesoi.eu/apply/), where detailed information is available on eligibility criteria, the application process and the support available to project promoters.
Nota de Imprensa
April 23, 2026 Azorean Government advocates reinstatement of preferential vacancies to bolster Regional Health Service The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, attended the meeting of the National Council for Medical Internships, held today at Quinta da Nasce Água in Angra do Heroísmo, where she reiterated the Regional Government’s strategic goal to reinstate preferential vacancies for access to medical specialities. The government official emphasised that the Autonomous Region of the Azores intends to ensure that the possibility of allocating these vacancies is restored as early as the next medical speciality selection process, usually held at the end of November. Mónica Seidi pointed out that the elimination of these vacancies, about a decade ago, represented a significant setback in the Region’s ability to attract and retain doctors, particularly in specialities which, whilst already attractive nationwide, become more difficult to secure in an outermost region. The Regional Secretary also highlighted the work being carried out by the Regional Medical Internship Commission, in conjunction with the National Medical Internship Commission, to support this endeavour. Also, in the context of attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, the government official highlighted that the order approving the regulations governing the allocation of a rent allowance for medical staff working outside the Region or on an island other than the one where they are based was published today in the Official Journal. The Regional Government of the Azores confirmed that it will urge the Minister of Health to reinstate preferential vacancies, considering this to be “a pressing need for the sustainability and quality of the Regional Health Service,” concluded Mónica Seidi.
April 23, 2026 Azorean Government advocates reinstatement of preferential vacancies to bolster Regional Health Service The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, attended the meeting of the National Council for Medical Internships, held today at Quinta da Nasce Água in Angra do Heroísmo, where she reiterated the Regional Government’s strategic goal to reinstate preferential vacancies for access to medical specialities. The government official emphasised that the Autonomous Region of the Azores intends to ensure that the possibility of allocating these vacancies is restored as early as the next medical speciality selection process, usually held at the end of November. Mónica Seidi pointed out that the elimination of these vacancies, about a decade ago, represented a significant setback in the Region’s ability to attract and retain doctors, particularly in specialities which, whilst already attractive nationwide, become more difficult to secure in an outermost region. The Regional Secretary also highlighted the work being carried out by the Regional Medical Internship Commission, in conjunction with the National Medical Internship Commission, to support this endeavour. Also, in the context of attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, the government official highlighted that the order approving the regulations governing the allocation of a rent allowance for medical staff working outside the Region or on an island other than the one where they are based was published today in the Official Journal. The Regional Government of the Azores confirmed that it will urge the Minister of Health to reinstate preferential vacancies, considering this to be “a pressing need for the sustainability and quality of the Regional Health Service,” concluded Mónica Seidi.
