Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Paulo Estêvão anuncia criação de documento estratégico integrado para as migrações e políticas humanísticas
Paulo Estêvão anuncia criação de documento estratégico integrado para as migrações e políticas humanísticas
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Berta Cabral diz que Açores reforçam liderança na inovação energética com projeto europeu EV4EU
Berta Cabral diz que Açores reforçam liderança na inovação energética com projeto europeu EV4EU
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government refutes unfounded criticism from CCIAH regarding Drought and Water Scarcity Plan
Regional Government refutes unfounded criticism from CCIAH regarding Drought and Water Scarcity Plan
Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Paulo Estêvão welcomes Azores’ inclusion as full member of Interministerial Working Group on Space
Paulo Estêvão welcomes Azores’ inclusion as full member of Interministerial Working Group on Space
Nota de Imprensa
April 11, 2026 Paulo Estêvão anuncia criação de documento estratégico integrado para as migrações e políticas humanísticas A Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades vai preparar, já no próximo mês, um documento integrado de estratégias para a integração de migrantes, assentes em políticas humanísticas e na concretização de decisões práticas. O anúncio foi feito pelo Secretário Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades, Paulo Estêvão, durante a sua intervenção na sessão de encerramento do IV Fórum das Migrações, que culminou na sexta-feira na ilha das Flores, após três dias de trabalhos que envolveram também a ilha do Corvo. “Quero corresponder aos apelos que foram feitos neste âmbito”, afirmou o governante, revelando que a nova estratégia do executivo será trabalhada em estreita articulação com várias entidades do setor para garantir uma resposta transversal, digna e eficaz aos desafios da mobilidade humana na região. Na sua intervenção, Paulo Estêvão lembrou que “os Açores são terra de emigração” e que “os fenómenos migratórios estão no ADN dos açorianos”. Remontando ao povoamento do arquipélago no século XV, o Secretário Regional frisou a “experiência secular” de um povo que sempre soube procurar novas oportunidades além-fronteiras. “Hoje a maior parte da nossa diáspora, é uma diáspora que tem sucesso económico”, enalteceu o titular da pasta, garantindo que o Governo Regional tem feito um “esforço significativo” na valorização destas comunidades, o que se traduz, por exemplo, no aumento contínuo da rede mundial de Casas dos Açores. O Secretário Regional aproveitou o palco do Fórum para destacar os avanços e reivindicações da Região junto da República em prol das suas comunidades. Como exemplo, apontou a iniciativa apresentada à Assembleia da República para garantir o reconhecimento das cartas de condução emitidas nas Bermuda - “para resolver um problema que tem décadas” - e a correção de injustiças nos apoios ao regresso de emigrantes. “Também temos uma iniciativa que estende esse conjunto de regalias, esse conjunto de incentivos, do Programa Regressar, a todo o território nacional”, reforçando que no Programa Voltar, que irá substituir o Regressar, "já estará contemplada esta oportunidade de os Açores poderem usufruir, assim como os madeirenses”, dos vários apoios concedidos a quem regresse às regiões autónomas.. O governante defendeu ainda que “Portugal é constituído por território continental, mas também pelos Açores e pela Madeira”, acrescentando ainda que “ o que é legislação nacional, depois, na projeção deste conjunto de benefícios, não pode diferenciar o território açoriano do território nacional”. O encerramento do IV Fórum das Migrações ficou ainda marcado por uma melhoria prática e imediata no serviço prestado aos imigrantes que residem na ilha das Flores. O governante definiu ainda o presidente do Conselho Diretivo da AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo), Pedro Portugal Gaspar, como um “grande amigo dos Açores”, enaltecendo a formalização do protocolo que permite descentralizar serviços. Na sequência deste acordo de cooperação, foi hoje inaugurado o novo serviço de atendimento da AIMA diretamente na loja da Rede Integrada de Apoio ao Cidadão (RIAC) de Santa Cruz das Flores, garantindo proximidade e superando os constrangimentos do isolamento ultraperiférico.
April 11, 2026 Paulo Estêvão anuncia criação de documento estratégico integrado para as migrações e políticas humanísticas A Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades vai preparar, já no próximo mês, um documento integrado de estratégias para a integração de migrantes, assentes em políticas humanísticas e na concretização de decisões práticas. O anúncio foi feito pelo Secretário Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades, Paulo Estêvão, durante a sua intervenção na sessão de encerramento do IV Fórum das Migrações, que culminou na sexta-feira na ilha das Flores, após três dias de trabalhos que envolveram também a ilha do Corvo. “Quero corresponder aos apelos que foram feitos neste âmbito”, afirmou o governante, revelando que a nova estratégia do executivo será trabalhada em estreita articulação com várias entidades do setor para garantir uma resposta transversal, digna e eficaz aos desafios da mobilidade humana na região. Na sua intervenção, Paulo Estêvão lembrou que “os Açores são terra de emigração” e que “os fenómenos migratórios estão no ADN dos açorianos”. Remontando ao povoamento do arquipélago no século XV, o Secretário Regional frisou a “experiência secular” de um povo que sempre soube procurar novas oportunidades além-fronteiras. “Hoje a maior parte da nossa diáspora, é uma diáspora que tem sucesso económico”, enalteceu o titular da pasta, garantindo que o Governo Regional tem feito um “esforço significativo” na valorização destas comunidades, o que se traduz, por exemplo, no aumento contínuo da rede mundial de Casas dos Açores. O Secretário Regional aproveitou o palco do Fórum para destacar os avanços e reivindicações da Região junto da República em prol das suas comunidades. Como exemplo, apontou a iniciativa apresentada à Assembleia da República para garantir o reconhecimento das cartas de condução emitidas nas Bermuda - “para resolver um problema que tem décadas” - e a correção de injustiças nos apoios ao regresso de emigrantes. “Também temos uma iniciativa que estende esse conjunto de regalias, esse conjunto de incentivos, do Programa Regressar, a todo o território nacional”, reforçando que no Programa Voltar, que irá substituir o Regressar, "já estará contemplada esta oportunidade de os Açores poderem usufruir, assim como os madeirenses”, dos vários apoios concedidos a quem regresse às regiões autónomas.. O governante defendeu ainda que “Portugal é constituído por território continental, mas também pelos Açores e pela Madeira”, acrescentando ainda que “ o que é legislação nacional, depois, na projeção deste conjunto de benefícios, não pode diferenciar o território açoriano do território nacional”. O encerramento do IV Fórum das Migrações ficou ainda marcado por uma melhoria prática e imediata no serviço prestado aos imigrantes que residem na ilha das Flores. O governante definiu ainda o presidente do Conselho Diretivo da AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo), Pedro Portugal Gaspar, como um “grande amigo dos Açores”, enaltecendo a formalização do protocolo que permite descentralizar serviços. Na sequência deste acordo de cooperação, foi hoje inaugurado o novo serviço de atendimento da AIMA diretamente na loja da Rede Integrada de Apoio ao Cidadão (RIAC) de Santa Cruz das Flores, garantindo proximidade e superando os constrangimentos do isolamento ultraperiférico.
Nota de Imprensa
April 10, 2026 Berta Cabral diz que Açores reforçam liderança na inovação energética com projeto europeu EV4EU A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, destacou hoje, em Ponta Delgada, a relevância estratégica do projeto europeu EV4EU – Electric Vehicles Management for Carbon Neutrality in Europe - para o futuro energético da Região Autónoma dos Açores. A governante falava no auditório do Laboratório Regional de Engenharia Civil (LREC), na sessão dedicada à apresentação dos resultados do demonstrador português do projeto, localizado na ilha de São Miguel. Financiado pelo programa Horizonte Europa, o EV4EU “colocou os Açores no centro da reflexão europeia sobre soluções inovadoras para a integração da mobilidade elétrica nos sistemas energéticos”, afirmou. Berta Cabral elogiou o papel da Direção Regional da Energia e do LREC, sublinhando que a integração de entidades açorianas num consórcio internacional “demonstra a elevada capacidade técnica existente na Região e o valor de iniciativas que trazem conhecimento, inovação e experiência prática para os Açores”. Estes projetos, acrescentou, “não são meros exercícios académicos ou laboratoriais, mas instrumentos concretos de capacitação regional, essenciais para aproximar os Açores das melhores práticas europeias”, reforçando que “a inovação é um pilar incontornável da transição energética”. Segundo Berta Cabral, “não haverá futuro sustentável sem soluções tecnológicas inteligentes, sem novos modelos de gestão da energia e sem a integração coerente de setores como a energia e a mobilidade”. A governante salientou que a mobilidade elétrica representa “uma oportunidade única para acelerar a descarbonização, aumentar a eficiência do sistema elétrico e reforçar a integração das energias renováveis”, destacando o percurso de referência dos Açores nesta área. Berta Cabral recordou ainda o investimento consistente da Região em fontes renováveis, com especial enfoque na energia geotérmica, um exemplo claro da aposta em recursos endógenos que reduzem a dependência de combustíveis fósseis, diminuem emissões e reforçam a segurança energética. Neste quadro, a responsável da tutela afirmou que a mobilidade elétrica assume um papel central na estratégia regional, destacando o Plano para a Mobilidade Elétrica dos Açores (PMEA) como instrumento estruturante da visão governamental para uma economia mais limpa, eficiente e sustentável. O projeto EV4EU, disse, “acrescentou valor significativo a este percurso”. O EV4EU desenvolveu e testou estratégias inovadoras de gestão inteligente de veículos elétricos, com destaque para soluções Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), que demonstram como os veículos podem evoluir de simples consumidores de energia para unidades de armazenamento distribuído, capazes de apoiar a rede elétrica, absorver excedentes de produção renovável e reforçar a resiliência do sistema — especialmente relevante em territórios insulares como os Açores. Segundo a Secretária Regional, o demonstrador instalado em São Miguel “permitiu identificar limitações, consolidar conhecimento e retirar ensinamentos essenciais para futuros desenvolvimentos”, sublinhando que mesmo quando a implementação não é imediata, “o conhecimento adquirido é de valor inegável e constitui base sólida para novas abordagens e projetos”. Num mundo marcado por mudanças constantes, Berta Cabral reforçou a urgência de investir na inovação, na transição energética e na diversificação de fontes, para construir “um futuro mais resiliente, seguro e próspero”. A Secretária Regional recordou ainda o contributo dos projetos desenvolvidos ao abrigo do PRR, através dos quais a EDA reforçou a produção elétrica para fornecimento público, enquanto os privados, com o SOLENERGE, investiram no autoconsumo. Foi neste quadro que destacou que projetos como o EV4EU “provam que os Açores têm condições para participar ativamente na construção das soluções energéticas do futuro, contribuindo para os objetivos regionais, nacionais e europeus de neutralidade carbónica”. “Este é um caminho que estamos a trilhar com sucesso, reconhecido internacionalmente e que nos posiciona nos melhores ‘benchmarks’ de desenvolvimento sustentável”, afirmou, concluindo que a transição energética na Região “é um desígnio estratégico construído de forma estruturada e coerente”. Berta Cabral rematou defendendo que “é vital que entidades públicas, privadas e cada cidadão assumam o seu papel de forma autónoma, consciente e responsável neste processo transformador”.
April 10, 2026 Berta Cabral diz que Açores reforçam liderança na inovação energética com projeto europeu EV4EU A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, destacou hoje, em Ponta Delgada, a relevância estratégica do projeto europeu EV4EU – Electric Vehicles Management for Carbon Neutrality in Europe - para o futuro energético da Região Autónoma dos Açores. A governante falava no auditório do Laboratório Regional de Engenharia Civil (LREC), na sessão dedicada à apresentação dos resultados do demonstrador português do projeto, localizado na ilha de São Miguel. Financiado pelo programa Horizonte Europa, o EV4EU “colocou os Açores no centro da reflexão europeia sobre soluções inovadoras para a integração da mobilidade elétrica nos sistemas energéticos”, afirmou. Berta Cabral elogiou o papel da Direção Regional da Energia e do LREC, sublinhando que a integração de entidades açorianas num consórcio internacional “demonstra a elevada capacidade técnica existente na Região e o valor de iniciativas que trazem conhecimento, inovação e experiência prática para os Açores”. Estes projetos, acrescentou, “não são meros exercícios académicos ou laboratoriais, mas instrumentos concretos de capacitação regional, essenciais para aproximar os Açores das melhores práticas europeias”, reforçando que “a inovação é um pilar incontornável da transição energética”. Segundo Berta Cabral, “não haverá futuro sustentável sem soluções tecnológicas inteligentes, sem novos modelos de gestão da energia e sem a integração coerente de setores como a energia e a mobilidade”. A governante salientou que a mobilidade elétrica representa “uma oportunidade única para acelerar a descarbonização, aumentar a eficiência do sistema elétrico e reforçar a integração das energias renováveis”, destacando o percurso de referência dos Açores nesta área. Berta Cabral recordou ainda o investimento consistente da Região em fontes renováveis, com especial enfoque na energia geotérmica, um exemplo claro da aposta em recursos endógenos que reduzem a dependência de combustíveis fósseis, diminuem emissões e reforçam a segurança energética. Neste quadro, a responsável da tutela afirmou que a mobilidade elétrica assume um papel central na estratégia regional, destacando o Plano para a Mobilidade Elétrica dos Açores (PMEA) como instrumento estruturante da visão governamental para uma economia mais limpa, eficiente e sustentável. O projeto EV4EU, disse, “acrescentou valor significativo a este percurso”. O EV4EU desenvolveu e testou estratégias inovadoras de gestão inteligente de veículos elétricos, com destaque para soluções Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), que demonstram como os veículos podem evoluir de simples consumidores de energia para unidades de armazenamento distribuído, capazes de apoiar a rede elétrica, absorver excedentes de produção renovável e reforçar a resiliência do sistema — especialmente relevante em territórios insulares como os Açores. Segundo a Secretária Regional, o demonstrador instalado em São Miguel “permitiu identificar limitações, consolidar conhecimento e retirar ensinamentos essenciais para futuros desenvolvimentos”, sublinhando que mesmo quando a implementação não é imediata, “o conhecimento adquirido é de valor inegável e constitui base sólida para novas abordagens e projetos”. Num mundo marcado por mudanças constantes, Berta Cabral reforçou a urgência de investir na inovação, na transição energética e na diversificação de fontes, para construir “um futuro mais resiliente, seguro e próspero”. A Secretária Regional recordou ainda o contributo dos projetos desenvolvidos ao abrigo do PRR, através dos quais a EDA reforçou a produção elétrica para fornecimento público, enquanto os privados, com o SOLENERGE, investiram no autoconsumo. Foi neste quadro que destacou que projetos como o EV4EU “provam que os Açores têm condições para participar ativamente na construção das soluções energéticas do futuro, contribuindo para os objetivos regionais, nacionais e europeus de neutralidade carbónica”. “Este é um caminho que estamos a trilhar com sucesso, reconhecido internacionalmente e que nos posiciona nos melhores ‘benchmarks’ de desenvolvimento sustentável”, afirmou, concluindo que a transição energética na Região “é um desígnio estratégico construído de forma estruturada e coerente”. Berta Cabral rematou defendendo que “é vital que entidades públicas, privadas e cada cidadão assumam o seu papel de forma autónoma, consciente e responsável neste processo transformador”.
Nota de Imprensa
April 10, 2026 Regional Government refutes unfounded criticism from CCIAH regarding Drought and Water Scarcity Plan Following the statements made by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Angra do Heroísmo (CCIAH) regarding the Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan (PSE-Açores), the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, hereby provides the following information to clarify the technical details and refute several claims that are not supported by the approved document: PSE-Açores is a non-sectoral strategic planning tool designed to establish technical criteria, monitoring mechanisms, contingency levels and an integrated framework of measures to prevent, prepare for and respond to situations of drought and water scarcity. This includes actions to manage water supply and demand, strengthen infrastructures, improve the efficiency of water supply systems, reduce losses and promote the efficient use of this resource. With a view to implementing these goals, PSE-Açores carries out a detailed assessment and analysis of water availability, consumption, pressures on water resources and the structural vulnerabilities of the territory. This is based on data collected and validated by official sources, such as the Regional Water Programme and the Azores River Basin Management Plan (PGRH-Açores), as well as data collected from the official entites responsible for this area, namely the Entity for the Regulation of Water and Waste Services of the Azores (ERSARA), the water supply system operators, and the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), through surveys and technical meetings held for this purpose. In other words, PSE-Açores was based on actual registered and reported figures, rather than on isolated figures or generic estimates that were not methodologically aligned. Nevertheless, it is inevitably dated, and its underlying data should be reviewed and updated whenever more recent or disaggregated data become available. Contrary to what CCIAH claims, PSE-Açores does not ignore developments in the tourism sector in the Azores, which are duly identified in the technical assessment, explicitly recognising its economic significance, seasonality and potential pressure on water resources. As with other relevant sectors, it is covered by monitoring mechanisms and measures for adaptation, prevention and contingency. It is also important to clarify that the figures for water consumption per tourist, as reported by CCIAH, do not reflect the reality in the Azores, given that the figure presented by PSE-Açores is a regional sectoral average, taking into account all tourist accommodation units. The prospective scenarios developed under the PGRH-Açores consider an average per capita consumption of 300 litres of water per day for each tourist, more than double the estimated figure for a resident. In PSE-Açores, the reference figure used is 320 litres of water per day for each tourist, which already anticipates a margin for growth in water consumption associated with tourism. This figure is substantially lower than the 600 to 800 litres of water per day, for each tourist, as publicly stated by CCIAH. Nevertheless, PSE-Açores acknowledges that part of tourism-related consumption may be diluted within broader urban categories, meaning that this estimate of 320 litres per day may be underestimated for certain segments or specific types of tourism. Consequently, there is a need to further disaggregate tourism-related consumption and step up its monitoring, something that PSE-Açores has already identified as a priority. The proposals put forward by CCIAH may, in time, address needs identified in other parts of the country or the world, where climatic conditions are more demanding in terms of water requirements than those found in the Azores. They may also address types of tourist accommodation that are non-existent or uncommon in the Azores, such as resorts, where the maintenance of extensive landscaped areas, golf courses, large swimming pool complexes or other infrastructures places substantially greater demands on water resources. The situation in the Azores is profoundly different, both in terms of climatic conditions and the model of tourism development adopted, which is based on sustainability principles and prioritises the establishment of tourist facilities with efficient water usage and consumption systems. Therefore, it is incorrect to claim that PSE-Açores overlooks tourism or downplays its importance. On the contrary, it takes due account of its relevance, even assessing the influence of the floating population and tourism seasonality on the pressure on water resources, whilst also providing for measures that directly address uses and activities associated with the sector, including progressive restrictions in contingency contexts during water shortage periods. PSE-Açores also includes prevention and adaptation measures relevant to the sector, such as enhanced monitoring, the establishment of measurement and control zones, improvements to measurement and remote management systems, the analysis of specific consumption patterns, and incentives for water efficiency and reuse solutions. Regarding the criticism concerning the “lack of a clear funding model for the identified investments," it is important to clarify that PSE-Açores is a strategic planning tool, whose financial implementation of the planned measures is supported by public policy funding instruments available at a regional, national and EU level for the various sectors of activity. PSE-Açores was designed as a tool for continuous improvement, with a monitoring, evaluation and review model. Before its approval, it was submitted to 32 entities external to the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, relevant stakeholders with expertise in the field, to be involved in the implementation of this plan, for review, feedback and validation. It was also submitted for consideration to the Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development of the Azores (CRADS) at a meeting held on July 26, 2024, which the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Azores attended and was represented at. In this regard, CCIAH had the opportunity to raise the legitimate concerns it has now made public. Nevertheless, PSE-Açores has established a Regional Commission for the Management of Droughts and Water Scarcity, with an interdisciplinary and participatory component. It comprises representatives from various sectors, including tourism, ensuring a model of collaborative governance open to the participation and contributions of all relevant entities, with the possibility of introducing improvements, new information and operational proposals. A technical working group has also been set up to monitor climatic and hydrological variables, produce periodic reports and formulate proposals for prevention, preparedness, contingency and adaptation measures. Within this institutional framework, all sectoral contributions can be discussed with rigour and practical utility. The Government of the Azores reiterates its commitment to the sustainable management of the region’s water resources and the active involvement of all socio-economic sectors in this collective effort, through the monitoring and governance mechanisms set out in PSE-Açores itself, thereby strengthening responsible inter-institutional dialogue on an area of significant public importance. The management of drought and water scarcity is a collective and ongoing challenge. All constructive contributions are welcome. However, their usefulness depends on their integration into the appropriate technical and institutional channels, supported by verifiable and contextualised data. Public criticism made out of context, without first seeking further clarification, is not the most useful way to contribute to an issue that demands cooperation, rigour and a sense of responsibility. The Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan, a pioneering initiative in Portugal, represents a decisive step in preparing the Region for climate change challenges by strengthening its water resilience and reinforcing its commitment to the sustainable management of a strategic resource that is essential for present and forthcoming generations.
April 10, 2026 Regional Government refutes unfounded criticism from CCIAH regarding Drought and Water Scarcity Plan Following the statements made by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Angra do Heroísmo (CCIAH) regarding the Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan (PSE-Açores), the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, hereby provides the following information to clarify the technical details and refute several claims that are not supported by the approved document: PSE-Açores is a non-sectoral strategic planning tool designed to establish technical criteria, monitoring mechanisms, contingency levels and an integrated framework of measures to prevent, prepare for and respond to situations of drought and water scarcity. This includes actions to manage water supply and demand, strengthen infrastructures, improve the efficiency of water supply systems, reduce losses and promote the efficient use of this resource. With a view to implementing these goals, PSE-Açores carries out a detailed assessment and analysis of water availability, consumption, pressures on water resources and the structural vulnerabilities of the territory. This is based on data collected and validated by official sources, such as the Regional Water Programme and the Azores River Basin Management Plan (PGRH-Açores), as well as data collected from the official entites responsible for this area, namely the Entity for the Regulation of Water and Waste Services of the Azores (ERSARA), the water supply system operators, and the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), through surveys and technical meetings held for this purpose. In other words, PSE-Açores was based on actual registered and reported figures, rather than on isolated figures or generic estimates that were not methodologically aligned. Nevertheless, it is inevitably dated, and its underlying data should be reviewed and updated whenever more recent or disaggregated data become available. Contrary to what CCIAH claims, PSE-Açores does not ignore developments in the tourism sector in the Azores, which are duly identified in the technical assessment, explicitly recognising its economic significance, seasonality and potential pressure on water resources. As with other relevant sectors, it is covered by monitoring mechanisms and measures for adaptation, prevention and contingency. It is also important to clarify that the figures for water consumption per tourist, as reported by CCIAH, do not reflect the reality in the Azores, given that the figure presented by PSE-Açores is a regional sectoral average, taking into account all tourist accommodation units. The prospective scenarios developed under the PGRH-Açores consider an average per capita consumption of 300 litres of water per day for each tourist, more than double the estimated figure for a resident. In PSE-Açores, the reference figure used is 320 litres of water per day for each tourist, which already anticipates a margin for growth in water consumption associated with tourism. This figure is substantially lower than the 600 to 800 litres of water per day, for each tourist, as publicly stated by CCIAH. Nevertheless, PSE-Açores acknowledges that part of tourism-related consumption may be diluted within broader urban categories, meaning that this estimate of 320 litres per day may be underestimated for certain segments or specific types of tourism. Consequently, there is a need to further disaggregate tourism-related consumption and step up its monitoring, something that PSE-Açores has already identified as a priority. The proposals put forward by CCIAH may, in time, address needs identified in other parts of the country or the world, where climatic conditions are more demanding in terms of water requirements than those found in the Azores. They may also address types of tourist accommodation that are non-existent or uncommon in the Azores, such as resorts, where the maintenance of extensive landscaped areas, golf courses, large swimming pool complexes or other infrastructures places substantially greater demands on water resources. The situation in the Azores is profoundly different, both in terms of climatic conditions and the model of tourism development adopted, which is based on sustainability principles and prioritises the establishment of tourist facilities with efficient water usage and consumption systems. Therefore, it is incorrect to claim that PSE-Açores overlooks tourism or downplays its importance. On the contrary, it takes due account of its relevance, even assessing the influence of the floating population and tourism seasonality on the pressure on water resources, whilst also providing for measures that directly address uses and activities associated with the sector, including progressive restrictions in contingency contexts during water shortage periods. PSE-Açores also includes prevention and adaptation measures relevant to the sector, such as enhanced monitoring, the establishment of measurement and control zones, improvements to measurement and remote management systems, the analysis of specific consumption patterns, and incentives for water efficiency and reuse solutions. Regarding the criticism concerning the “lack of a clear funding model for the identified investments," it is important to clarify that PSE-Açores is a strategic planning tool, whose financial implementation of the planned measures is supported by public policy funding instruments available at a regional, national and EU level for the various sectors of activity. PSE-Açores was designed as a tool for continuous improvement, with a monitoring, evaluation and review model. Before its approval, it was submitted to 32 entities external to the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, relevant stakeholders with expertise in the field, to be involved in the implementation of this plan, for review, feedback and validation. It was also submitted for consideration to the Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development of the Azores (CRADS) at a meeting held on July 26, 2024, which the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Azores attended and was represented at. In this regard, CCIAH had the opportunity to raise the legitimate concerns it has now made public. Nevertheless, PSE-Açores has established a Regional Commission for the Management of Droughts and Water Scarcity, with an interdisciplinary and participatory component. It comprises representatives from various sectors, including tourism, ensuring a model of collaborative governance open to the participation and contributions of all relevant entities, with the possibility of introducing improvements, new information and operational proposals. A technical working group has also been set up to monitor climatic and hydrological variables, produce periodic reports and formulate proposals for prevention, preparedness, contingency and adaptation measures. Within this institutional framework, all sectoral contributions can be discussed with rigour and practical utility. The Government of the Azores reiterates its commitment to the sustainable management of the region’s water resources and the active involvement of all socio-economic sectors in this collective effort, through the monitoring and governance mechanisms set out in PSE-Açores itself, thereby strengthening responsible inter-institutional dialogue on an area of significant public importance. The management of drought and water scarcity is a collective and ongoing challenge. All constructive contributions are welcome. However, their usefulness depends on their integration into the appropriate technical and institutional channels, supported by verifiable and contextualised data. Public criticism made out of context, without first seeking further clarification, is not the most useful way to contribute to an issue that demands cooperation, rigour and a sense of responsibility. The Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan, a pioneering initiative in Portugal, represents a decisive step in preparing the Region for climate change challenges by strengthening its water resilience and reinforcing its commitment to the sustainable management of a strategic resource that is essential for present and forthcoming generations.
Nota de Imprensa
April 10, 2026 Paulo Estêvão welcomes Azores’ inclusion as full member of Interministerial Working Group on Space The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, welcomed the official inclusion of the Autonomous Region of the Azores as a full member of the new Interministerial Working Group on Space. The new structure of this national coordination body was made official through Order no. 4643/2026, published in the Official Gazette. It ensures the direct participation of the Regional Government of the Azores (and Madeira) in all meetings and strategic decision-making processes. The published decree justifies the inclusion of the autonomous regions due to the “geostrategic importance of the Atlantic islands in the national and European context.” The document clearly acknowledges that “the Azores’ position in the Atlantic provides a point of access and return for space activities of great geostrategic significance, something that is recognised internationally.” For the Regional Secretary, who oversees the space sector within the Regional Government, this active presence in European and national decision-making bodies – particularly in coordinating positions with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Union – is already yielding practical benefits of enormous significance for the archipelago. “Our involvement has already yielded a tangible result: progress towards the construction of the Santa Maria Space Technology Centre, which will be used to land unmanned spacecraft,” noted Paulo Estêvão. This flagship project for the island of Santa Maria, developed in collaboration with ESA, represents an overall investment of about €15 million (with €3 million from the Azorean Government). Full integration into this Working Group consolidates the comprehensive strategy pursued by the Regional Government for the development of the regional space ecosystem. The aim is not merely to create infrastructures, but to develop local talent. One example of this is the recent agreement reached with the University of the Azores to establish a cooperation agreement aimed at training qualified personnel in the aerospace technology and research fields. Alongside higher education, this department has been focusing on engaging young people in scientific literacy. This is reflected in the record number of 40 Azorean students selected this year for the 5th edition of the Portuguese Space Agency’s national programme “Astronaut for a Day," whose parabolic flight will be carried out again from Santa Maria Island next September. The Government of the Azores, therefore, reiterates its commitment to strengthening the regional space ecosystem. It will work in close collaboration with the Portuguese Government and international partners to attract investment, create highly skilled jobs and consolidate state-of-the-art technological infrastructures in the Region, ensuring that future generations of Azoreans have real career opportunities in the aerospace sector.
April 10, 2026 Paulo Estêvão welcomes Azores’ inclusion as full member of Interministerial Working Group on Space The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, welcomed the official inclusion of the Autonomous Region of the Azores as a full member of the new Interministerial Working Group on Space. The new structure of this national coordination body was made official through Order no. 4643/2026, published in the Official Gazette. It ensures the direct participation of the Regional Government of the Azores (and Madeira) in all meetings and strategic decision-making processes. The published decree justifies the inclusion of the autonomous regions due to the “geostrategic importance of the Atlantic islands in the national and European context.” The document clearly acknowledges that “the Azores’ position in the Atlantic provides a point of access and return for space activities of great geostrategic significance, something that is recognised internationally.” For the Regional Secretary, who oversees the space sector within the Regional Government, this active presence in European and national decision-making bodies – particularly in coordinating positions with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Union – is already yielding practical benefits of enormous significance for the archipelago. “Our involvement has already yielded a tangible result: progress towards the construction of the Santa Maria Space Technology Centre, which will be used to land unmanned spacecraft,” noted Paulo Estêvão. This flagship project for the island of Santa Maria, developed in collaboration with ESA, represents an overall investment of about €15 million (with €3 million from the Azorean Government). Full integration into this Working Group consolidates the comprehensive strategy pursued by the Regional Government for the development of the regional space ecosystem. The aim is not merely to create infrastructures, but to develop local talent. One example of this is the recent agreement reached with the University of the Azores to establish a cooperation agreement aimed at training qualified personnel in the aerospace technology and research fields. Alongside higher education, this department has been focusing on engaging young people in scientific literacy. This is reflected in the record number of 40 Azorean students selected this year for the 5th edition of the Portuguese Space Agency’s national programme “Astronaut for a Day," whose parabolic flight will be carried out again from Santa Maria Island next September. The Government of the Azores, therefore, reiterates its commitment to strengthening the regional space ecosystem. It will work in close collaboration with the Portuguese Government and international partners to attract investment, create highly skilled jobs and consolidate state-of-the-art technological infrastructures in the Region, ensuring that future generations of Azoreans have real career opportunities in the aerospace sector.
Nota de Imprensa
April 9, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Azores’ priorities and implementation of European funds during visit with European Commission The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, visited today several projects supported by European funds on the island of São Miguel, highlighting at first hand the impact of European Union policies on the Region. The visit included the Trás-os-Mosteiros housing development located in Largo das Freiras, in the parish of Matriz, municipality of Ribeira Grande, and the São Miguel Island Ecopark (MUSAMI), an investment under the Cohesion Programme and co-financed by the ERDF. The housing development comprises 52 new apartments: three one-bedroom apartments, 31 two-bedroom apartments and 18 three-bedroom apartments, resulting from a regional and EU public investment of over €7 million under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). The properties will be allocated on a lease with purchase option scheme, with tenants having the option to purchase one year after signing the contract. At the São Miguel Island Ecopark, the Energy Recovery Plant was highlighted as a key infrastructure that represents the Azores’ commitment to a more sustainable, circular and resilient development model. The investment received EU funding of €68 million, with €47 million from the PO-SEUR programme and €21 million under the Azores 2030 initiative. This event followed a working meeting held at the Santana Palace, after the audience for the exchange of greetings, during which the Government of the Azores presented its view on European Union policies and the financial instruments available to the Region. According to José Manuel Bolieiro, the meeting was an opportunity to “identify priorities and align expectations” regarding the current funding framework and the next multiannual financial programming period. “Cohesion is essential. We need to ensure infrastructures, create the conditions for the right to remain and strengthen the Azores’ attractiveness,” he said, emphasising the importance of areas such as territorial and social cohesion, mobility, the blue economy, agriculture, energy, and connectivity with the rest of the country and Europe. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted that these priorities are aligned with the European Commission’s guidance, while also praising the projects visited as tangible examples of investment in strategic areas such as housing and waste management, “in an archipelago committed to sustainability.” José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that the Azores are not merely a region with needs, but also “a region of opportunities,” with significant potential for the country and the European Union, particularly in the fields of security, defence, innovation and competitiveness in the Atlantic region. The President of the Government also highlighted the Region’s capacity to implement EU funds. “We have demonstrated our ability to make good use of the funds and have fostered genuine social and economic progress,” he said. Finally, José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the importance of the assurance given by the Vice-President of the European Commission regarding the future of the Cohesion Policy, reiterating the Azores’ position in favour of simplifying European instruments, whilst calling for stability in funding. “We are in favour of simplification, but we need the assurance that the funds essential for the growth and development of an outermost region will be maintained,” he concluded.
April 9, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Azores’ priorities and implementation of European funds during visit with European Commission The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, visited today several projects supported by European funds on the island of São Miguel, highlighting at first hand the impact of European Union policies on the Region. The visit included the Trás-os-Mosteiros housing development located in Largo das Freiras, in the parish of Matriz, municipality of Ribeira Grande, and the São Miguel Island Ecopark (MUSAMI), an investment under the Cohesion Programme and co-financed by the ERDF. The housing development comprises 52 new apartments: three one-bedroom apartments, 31 two-bedroom apartments and 18 three-bedroom apartments, resulting from a regional and EU public investment of over €7 million under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). The properties will be allocated on a lease with purchase option scheme, with tenants having the option to purchase one year after signing the contract. At the São Miguel Island Ecopark, the Energy Recovery Plant was highlighted as a key infrastructure that represents the Azores’ commitment to a more sustainable, circular and resilient development model. The investment received EU funding of €68 million, with €47 million from the PO-SEUR programme and €21 million under the Azores 2030 initiative. This event followed a working meeting held at the Santana Palace, after the audience for the exchange of greetings, during which the Government of the Azores presented its view on European Union policies and the financial instruments available to the Region. According to José Manuel Bolieiro, the meeting was an opportunity to “identify priorities and align expectations” regarding the current funding framework and the next multiannual financial programming period. “Cohesion is essential. We need to ensure infrastructures, create the conditions for the right to remain and strengthen the Azores’ attractiveness,” he said, emphasising the importance of areas such as territorial and social cohesion, mobility, the blue economy, agriculture, energy, and connectivity with the rest of the country and Europe. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted that these priorities are aligned with the European Commission’s guidance, while also praising the projects visited as tangible examples of investment in strategic areas such as housing and waste management, “in an archipelago committed to sustainability.” José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that the Azores are not merely a region with needs, but also “a region of opportunities,” with significant potential for the country and the European Union, particularly in the fields of security, defence, innovation and competitiveness in the Atlantic region. The President of the Government also highlighted the Region’s capacity to implement EU funds. “We have demonstrated our ability to make good use of the funds and have fostered genuine social and economic progress,” he said. Finally, José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the importance of the assurance given by the Vice-President of the European Commission regarding the future of the Cohesion Policy, reiterating the Azores’ position in favour of simplifying European instruments, whilst calling for stability in funding. “We are in favour of simplification, but we need the assurance that the funds essential for the growth and development of an outermost region will be maintained,” he concluded.
