Comunicado do Conselho do Governo
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Lajes Air Base "must also serve the development of the Azores and the future of Portugal,” stresses Artur Lima
Lajes Air Base "must also serve the development of the Azores and the future of Portugal,” stresses Artur Lima
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Applications now open for latest Protective Seal edition
Applications now open for latest Protective Seal edition
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Applications now open for allocation of 144 plots for housing development
Applications now open for allocation of 144 plots for housing development
Comunicado
March 18, 2026 Comunicado do Conselho do Governo O Conselho do Governo, reunido no dia 18 de março de 2026, decidiu adotar as seguintes medidas: 1. Aprovar uma Resolução a dar orientações ao Conselho de Administração da SATA Holding, S.A., para dar início a um novo procedimento de negociação direta com vista à alienação da maioria do capital social da SATA Internacional – Azores Airlines, S.A., nos termos legalmente previstos e em cumprimento das obrigações assumidas no âmbito do Plano de Reestruturação do Grupo SATA. O procedimento de alienação iniciado em 2023, ao abrigo da Resolução do Conselho do Governo n.º 5/2023, veio a concluir-se sem adjudicação, em resultado das conclusões constantes do relatório final do júri do concurso público, o qual identificou fragilidades relevantes à luz dos critérios definidos e dos objetivos estratégicos estabelecidos, não tendo sido possível assegurar, naquele contexto, uma decisão compatível com o interesse público regional. No decurso desse procedimento, a Comissão Especial de Acompanhamento da alienação elaborou e apresentou o respetivo relatório final de atividade, o qual conclui que o procedimento concursal foi conduzido em conformidade com o caderno de encargos e com integral observância dos princípios da legalidade, da transparência, do rigor, da isenção e da imparcialidade. O novo procedimento agora determinado mantém, de forma inequívoca, a obrigatoriedade de inclusão, no respetivo caderno de encargos, a ser submetido a aprovação do Conselho do Governo, de cláusulas destinadas a: - Salvaguardar os interesses estratégicos da Região Autónoma dos Açores; - Assegurar os direitos dos trabalhadores e os compromissos laborais existentes; - Garantir a continuidade das ligações aéreas essenciais e o serviço à Região e à diáspora açoriana. Com vista ao reforço dos mecanismos de controlo e acompanhamento, o procedimento de alienação dirigido Conselho de Administração da Holding da SATA, será acompanhado por um supervisor independente. Podemos aqui informar que o Professor Augusto Mateus foi convidado e aceitou ser este Supervisor. Será também nomeada uma Comissão Especial de Acompanhamento, que será constituída pelo Professor João Carlos Teixeira, que presidirá, pela Professora Teresa Tiago e pelo Doutor António Maio. Paralelamente, será promovida a elaboração e aplicação do plano de prevenção de riscos de corrupção, nos termos legalmente exigidos, cuja observância é obrigatória para todos os intervenientes no procedimento, reforçando-se, deste modo, os princípios da integridade, da transparência e da boa governação. A adoção da modalidade de negociação direta visa assegurar maior eficiência e agilidade na condução do processo, tendo em consideração a necessidade de cumprir o prazo fixado pela Comissão Europeia para a implementação das medidas do Plano de Reestruturação da SATA, atualmente prorrogado até 31 de dezembro de 2026. O Conselho do Governo reafirma que a decisão agora tomada resulta de uma avaliação responsável da experiência adquirida no procedimento anterior e traduz um ajustamento do modelo adotado, com o objetivo de garantir a concretização do processo dentro dos prazos estabelecidos, salvaguardando o interesse público regional e assegurando a sustentabilidade futura da companhia aérea de forma transparente. 2. Proposta de Resolução que autoriza a celebração de um contrato-programa entre a Região Autónoma dos Açores e o Teatro Micaelense – Centro Cultural e de Congressos, S.A., tendo em vista o desenvolvimento da oferta cultural, através da concretização do programa de espetáculos aprovado, até ao montante máximo de 850.000,00 €, para o ano de 2026. A Resolução delega no Secretário Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública e na Secretária Regional da Educação, Cultura e Desporto, os poderes necessários para, e em nome e representação da Região Autónoma dos Açores, outorgarem o contrato-programa entre a Região Autónoma dos Açores e o Teatro Micaelense – Centro Cultural e de Congressos, S.A., tendo em vista o desenvolvimento da oferta cultural, através da concretização do programa de espetáculos aprovado.
March 18, 2026 Comunicado do Conselho do Governo O Conselho do Governo, reunido no dia 18 de março de 2026, decidiu adotar as seguintes medidas: 1. Aprovar uma Resolução a dar orientações ao Conselho de Administração da SATA Holding, S.A., para dar início a um novo procedimento de negociação direta com vista à alienação da maioria do capital social da SATA Internacional – Azores Airlines, S.A., nos termos legalmente previstos e em cumprimento das obrigações assumidas no âmbito do Plano de Reestruturação do Grupo SATA. O procedimento de alienação iniciado em 2023, ao abrigo da Resolução do Conselho do Governo n.º 5/2023, veio a concluir-se sem adjudicação, em resultado das conclusões constantes do relatório final do júri do concurso público, o qual identificou fragilidades relevantes à luz dos critérios definidos e dos objetivos estratégicos estabelecidos, não tendo sido possível assegurar, naquele contexto, uma decisão compatível com o interesse público regional. No decurso desse procedimento, a Comissão Especial de Acompanhamento da alienação elaborou e apresentou o respetivo relatório final de atividade, o qual conclui que o procedimento concursal foi conduzido em conformidade com o caderno de encargos e com integral observância dos princípios da legalidade, da transparência, do rigor, da isenção e da imparcialidade. O novo procedimento agora determinado mantém, de forma inequívoca, a obrigatoriedade de inclusão, no respetivo caderno de encargos, a ser submetido a aprovação do Conselho do Governo, de cláusulas destinadas a: - Salvaguardar os interesses estratégicos da Região Autónoma dos Açores; - Assegurar os direitos dos trabalhadores e os compromissos laborais existentes; - Garantir a continuidade das ligações aéreas essenciais e o serviço à Região e à diáspora açoriana. Com vista ao reforço dos mecanismos de controlo e acompanhamento, o procedimento de alienação dirigido Conselho de Administração da Holding da SATA, será acompanhado por um supervisor independente. Podemos aqui informar que o Professor Augusto Mateus foi convidado e aceitou ser este Supervisor. Será também nomeada uma Comissão Especial de Acompanhamento, que será constituída pelo Professor João Carlos Teixeira, que presidirá, pela Professora Teresa Tiago e pelo Doutor António Maio. Paralelamente, será promovida a elaboração e aplicação do plano de prevenção de riscos de corrupção, nos termos legalmente exigidos, cuja observância é obrigatória para todos os intervenientes no procedimento, reforçando-se, deste modo, os princípios da integridade, da transparência e da boa governação. A adoção da modalidade de negociação direta visa assegurar maior eficiência e agilidade na condução do processo, tendo em consideração a necessidade de cumprir o prazo fixado pela Comissão Europeia para a implementação das medidas do Plano de Reestruturação da SATA, atualmente prorrogado até 31 de dezembro de 2026. O Conselho do Governo reafirma que a decisão agora tomada resulta de uma avaliação responsável da experiência adquirida no procedimento anterior e traduz um ajustamento do modelo adotado, com o objetivo de garantir a concretização do processo dentro dos prazos estabelecidos, salvaguardando o interesse público regional e assegurando a sustentabilidade futura da companhia aérea de forma transparente. 2. Proposta de Resolução que autoriza a celebração de um contrato-programa entre a Região Autónoma dos Açores e o Teatro Micaelense – Centro Cultural e de Congressos, S.A., tendo em vista o desenvolvimento da oferta cultural, através da concretização do programa de espetáculos aprovado, até ao montante máximo de 850.000,00 €, para o ano de 2026. A Resolução delega no Secretário Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública e na Secretária Regional da Educação, Cultura e Desporto, os poderes necessários para, e em nome e representação da Região Autónoma dos Açores, outorgarem o contrato-programa entre a Região Autónoma dos Açores e o Teatro Micaelense – Centro Cultural e de Congressos, S.A., tendo em vista o desenvolvimento da oferta cultural, através da concretização do programa de espetáculos aprovado.
Nota de Imprensa
March 18, 2026 Lajes Air Base "must also serve the development of the Azores and the future of Portugal,” stresses Artur Lima The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, spoke today at the Regional Legislative Assembly of the Azores, where he emphasised that “Lajes Air Base must continue to serve international security, but it must also serve the development of the Azores and the future of Portugal.” For the Vice-President, Lajes Air Base “has been one of the fundamental pillars of the Euro-Atlantic security framework and the maintenance of peace in Europe and around the world.” The location of the Azores, “at the crossroads of air and maritime routes between Europe and America, has made Lajes a key logistics hub for military operations, maritime surveillance, communications, strategic transport and support for NATO forces,” he noted. “There is an undeniable geographical reality. The Azores, whilst being Europe’s westernmost border, are the heart of the Atlantic,” emphasised Artur Lima. The Vice-President of the Government recalled that “the Region shares centuries-old relations with the USA, a past and present shaped not only by the diaspora, but also by shared values and perspectives on many of the major global issues.” Lajes Air Base, “a key element in successive negotiations between Portugal and the USA, has taken on and continues to take on particular significance in this context, leaving an enduring mark on the history of the Azores in general and Terceira in particular,” he noted. Artur Lima maintained that “in each of these negotiations, the Region has lost out on fair and due compensation, perhaps unnoticed by the National Government,” adding that “it is undeniable that successive governments have systematically failed to defend the interests of the Azores.” “The downsizing of the U.S. presence did not mean a downsizing of its geostrategic importance,” he declared. However, “staff cuts cannot be reduced merely to an operational decision,” as they have had “profound economic, social and strategic consequences” for “a regional economy that has been part of an Atlantic strategic framework for decades,” he pointed out. In this regard, “the National Government could not, and cannot, simply stand by and watch,” he said. During the debate, which he considered to reveal “a complete lack of strategic sense and timeliness” on the part of its proponents, the Vice-President of the Government dismissed the revision of the Cooperation and Defence Agreement in the current international context as “imprudent.” Regarding the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), he recalled that, in 2008, following a proposal by the CDS party, the Ad Hoc Committee for the Evaluation of the Real Impact of the Cooperation and Defence Agreement between the Portuguese Republic and the United States of America on the Autonomous Region of the Azores recommended the establishment of a branch office in the Azores, preferably on the island of Terceira. Artur Lima also reiterated that “FLAD, arising from the 1983 bilateral agreement, exists because of the Azores and Lajes Air Base; this is a historical fact.” Therefore, he called for FLAD “to collaborate genuinely with the Azores, and with its research and innovation ecosystem, just as it has done in the past.” Portugal “is an Atlantic nation with strategic depth, and the Azores are the cornerstone of this geopolitical positioning,” he emphasised. In this context, “the Lajes Air Base, located in the Azores, must continue to serve international security, but it must also serve the development of the Azores and the future of Portugal,” he pointed out. The Vice-President concluded by stressing that “Autonomy is not an abstract concept; it is exercised here, at the heart of the Atlantic. May the future of Lajes be written in the spirit of progress for our Autonomous Region and with the guarantee that the well-being of our people takes precedence over any national convenience.”
March 18, 2026 Lajes Air Base "must also serve the development of the Azores and the future of Portugal,” stresses Artur Lima The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, spoke today at the Regional Legislative Assembly of the Azores, where he emphasised that “Lajes Air Base must continue to serve international security, but it must also serve the development of the Azores and the future of Portugal.” For the Vice-President, Lajes Air Base “has been one of the fundamental pillars of the Euro-Atlantic security framework and the maintenance of peace in Europe and around the world.” The location of the Azores, “at the crossroads of air and maritime routes between Europe and America, has made Lajes a key logistics hub for military operations, maritime surveillance, communications, strategic transport and support for NATO forces,” he noted. “There is an undeniable geographical reality. The Azores, whilst being Europe’s westernmost border, are the heart of the Atlantic,” emphasised Artur Lima. The Vice-President of the Government recalled that “the Region shares centuries-old relations with the USA, a past and present shaped not only by the diaspora, but also by shared values and perspectives on many of the major global issues.” Lajes Air Base, “a key element in successive negotiations between Portugal and the USA, has taken on and continues to take on particular significance in this context, leaving an enduring mark on the history of the Azores in general and Terceira in particular,” he noted. Artur Lima maintained that “in each of these negotiations, the Region has lost out on fair and due compensation, perhaps unnoticed by the National Government,” adding that “it is undeniable that successive governments have systematically failed to defend the interests of the Azores.” “The downsizing of the U.S. presence did not mean a downsizing of its geostrategic importance,” he declared. However, “staff cuts cannot be reduced merely to an operational decision,” as they have had “profound economic, social and strategic consequences” for “a regional economy that has been part of an Atlantic strategic framework for decades,” he pointed out. In this regard, “the National Government could not, and cannot, simply stand by and watch,” he said. During the debate, which he considered to reveal “a complete lack of strategic sense and timeliness” on the part of its proponents, the Vice-President of the Government dismissed the revision of the Cooperation and Defence Agreement in the current international context as “imprudent.” Regarding the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), he recalled that, in 2008, following a proposal by the CDS party, the Ad Hoc Committee for the Evaluation of the Real Impact of the Cooperation and Defence Agreement between the Portuguese Republic and the United States of America on the Autonomous Region of the Azores recommended the establishment of a branch office in the Azores, preferably on the island of Terceira. Artur Lima also reiterated that “FLAD, arising from the 1983 bilateral agreement, exists because of the Azores and Lajes Air Base; this is a historical fact.” Therefore, he called for FLAD “to collaborate genuinely with the Azores, and with its research and innovation ecosystem, just as it has done in the past.” Portugal “is an Atlantic nation with strategic depth, and the Azores are the cornerstone of this geopolitical positioning,” he emphasised. In this context, “the Lajes Air Base, located in the Azores, must continue to serve international security, but it must also serve the development of the Azores and the future of Portugal,” he pointed out. The Vice-President concluded by stressing that “Autonomy is not an abstract concept; it is exercised here, at the heart of the Atlantic. May the future of Lajes be written in the spirit of progress for our Autonomous Region and with the guarantee that the well-being of our people takes precedence over any national convenience.”
Nota de Imprensa
March 18, 2026 Applications now open for latest Protective Seal edition The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Azores Commissioner's for Childhood (CAI), announced that applications are now open for the ninth edition of the Protective Seal, which runs from March 15 to May 31, 2026. Given their closer ties, CAI is once again joining the initiative promoted by the National Commission for the Promotion of the Rights and Protection of Children and Young People (CNPDPCJ), which is an integrated risk and hazard management system focused on self-assessment and capacity-building for Entities with Competence in Matters of Childhood and Youth within the education sector. In the eight editions held to date, the Protective Seal has certified 287 organisations, benefiting more than 282,000 children and young people. There are already four organisations in the Azores distinguished with the Protective Seal: Vitorino Nemésio Secondary School and Manuel de Arriaga Secondary School, recognised in January 2026, which joined the organisations certified in 2023 — Colégio de São Francisco Xavier - Província Portuguesa das Irmãs de São José de Cluny school, on the island of São Miguel, and the Olhar Poente Association, on the island of Terceira. As such, CAI has been promoting the Protective Seal in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, raising awareness amongst organisations of the importance of joining this national initiative and encouraging them to submit applications. In the first quarter of 2026, the CAI President visited the four distinguished Azorean organisations with the aim of giving visibility to the work they have carried out, raising awareness of this certification and encouraging other regional organisations to join the initiative. It should be noted that the Protective Seal is awarded annually, with certification valid for a period of four years, which is non-renewable. Once this period has expired, organisations wishing to retain their accreditation must submit a new application in accordance with the terms set out for each edition. Regulations and additional information are available at: https://www.cnpdpcj.gov.pt/selo-protetor.
March 18, 2026 Applications now open for latest Protective Seal edition The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Azores Commissioner's for Childhood (CAI), announced that applications are now open for the ninth edition of the Protective Seal, which runs from March 15 to May 31, 2026. Given their closer ties, CAI is once again joining the initiative promoted by the National Commission for the Promotion of the Rights and Protection of Children and Young People (CNPDPCJ), which is an integrated risk and hazard management system focused on self-assessment and capacity-building for Entities with Competence in Matters of Childhood and Youth within the education sector. In the eight editions held to date, the Protective Seal has certified 287 organisations, benefiting more than 282,000 children and young people. There are already four organisations in the Azores distinguished with the Protective Seal: Vitorino Nemésio Secondary School and Manuel de Arriaga Secondary School, recognised in January 2026, which joined the organisations certified in 2023 — Colégio de São Francisco Xavier - Província Portuguesa das Irmãs de São José de Cluny school, on the island of São Miguel, and the Olhar Poente Association, on the island of Terceira. As such, CAI has been promoting the Protective Seal in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, raising awareness amongst organisations of the importance of joining this national initiative and encouraging them to submit applications. In the first quarter of 2026, the CAI President visited the four distinguished Azorean organisations with the aim of giving visibility to the work they have carried out, raising awareness of this certification and encouraging other regional organisations to join the initiative. It should be noted that the Protective Seal is awarded annually, with certification valid for a period of four years, which is non-renewable. Once this period has expired, organisations wishing to retain their accreditation must submit a new application in accordance with the terms set out for each edition. Regulations and additional information are available at: https://www.cnpdpcj.gov.pt/selo-protetor.
Nota de Imprensa
March 18, 2026 Applications now open for allocation of 144 plots for housing development The public tender for the allocation of 144 serviced plots on the islands of São Miguel, Flores, São Jorge and Santa Maria is now open, being “a practical, solid and clear response from the Azorean Government to one of the greatest concerns of Azorean families and young people,” stated Maria João Carreiro. These 144 plots, including 114 on the island of São Miguel, 14 on the island of Flores, 10 on the island of São Jorge and six on the island of Santa Maria, are intended for the construction of permanent housing. According to the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, this is taking place ‘on an unprecedented scale in the Region and to a sufficient extent to allow about 150 families to build their own homes with stability, dignity and a future." Applications must be submitted from today, March 18, until April 10, pursuant to the terms specified in the Notice published in the Official Journal and available for consultation on the Regional Directorate for Housing (DRH) website at https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drh/concursos-cedencia-lotes-habitacao, where the application form is also available. DRH Services, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, no. 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada, on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; RIAC - Integrated Citizen Support Network Offices; Registered post with acknowledgement of receipt to the Regional Housing Directorate, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, n.º 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; DRH email address - [email protected]. Any requests for clarification regarding the understanding and interpretation of the Regulations should be addressed to the president of the jury and submitted in writing to [email protected] no later than March 25, 2026. Out of the 144 plots now put out to tender by the Regional Government to be granted to Azorean families, 114 have been serviced under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, corresponding to an investment of €5.5 million. The remaining plots result from an investment of about €1 million under the Regional Budget, with some already identified two decades ago but never allocated to families. Beneficiaries of the plots will pay between 5% and 45% of the plot price, depending on their income. They may also benefit, cumulatively, from a non-repayable grant of up to €5,000 towards the cost of architectural designs and specialist services, as well as support for self-build projects of up to €75,000, depending on the household composition and income, and the type of housing. “At a time when families most need support to cope with the increased difficulties in accessing housing, the Azorean Government is making a clear choice: it is implementing a policy that moves beyond mere words and becomes a reality. The Regional Government is taking firm and transformative steps,” stated Maria João Carreiro. Plots available on the island of São Miguel 6 plots in the Topo housing development, town of Nordeste, municipality of Nordeste; 4 plots in the Santana housing development, parish of Santana, municipality of Nordeste; 3 plots in the Milagres housing development, parish of Arrifes, municipality of Ponta Delgada; 36 plots in the Rosário housing development, town of Capelas, municipality of Ponta Delgada; 31 plots in the Biscoito housing development, parish of Feteiras, municipality of Ponta Delgada; 17 plots in the São Vicente Ferreira II housing development, parish of São Vicente Ferreira, municipality of Ponta Delgada; 2 plots in the Rua do Jogo housing development, parish of Ribeirinha, municipality of Ribeira Grande; 6 plots in the Lomba da Igreja housing development, parish of Ponta Garça, municipality of Vila Franca do Campo; 9 plots in the Galega housing development, parish of Ribeira das Tainhas, municipality of Vila Franca do Campo. Plots available on the island of Flores 14 plots in the Terça housing development, parish of Santa Cruz, municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores. Plots for sale on the island of Santa Maria 2 plots in the Outeiro housing development, parish of São Pedro, municipality of Vila do Porto; 4 plots in the Cruz Teixeira housing development, Vila do Porto, municipality of Vila do Porto. Plots available on the island of São Jorge 10 plots in the Casteletes housing development, parish of Urzelina, municipality of Velas.
March 18, 2026 Applications now open for allocation of 144 plots for housing development The public tender for the allocation of 144 serviced plots on the islands of São Miguel, Flores, São Jorge and Santa Maria is now open, being “a practical, solid and clear response from the Azorean Government to one of the greatest concerns of Azorean families and young people,” stated Maria João Carreiro. These 144 plots, including 114 on the island of São Miguel, 14 on the island of Flores, 10 on the island of São Jorge and six on the island of Santa Maria, are intended for the construction of permanent housing. According to the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, this is taking place ‘on an unprecedented scale in the Region and to a sufficient extent to allow about 150 families to build their own homes with stability, dignity and a future." Applications must be submitted from today, March 18, until April 10, pursuant to the terms specified in the Notice published in the Official Journal and available for consultation on the Regional Directorate for Housing (DRH) website at https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drh/concursos-cedencia-lotes-habitacao, where the application form is also available. DRH Services, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, no. 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada, on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; RIAC - Integrated Citizen Support Network Offices; Registered post with acknowledgement of receipt to the Regional Housing Directorate, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, n.º 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; DRH email address - [email protected]. Any requests for clarification regarding the understanding and interpretation of the Regulations should be addressed to the president of the jury and submitted in writing to [email protected] no later than March 25, 2026. Out of the 144 plots now put out to tender by the Regional Government to be granted to Azorean families, 114 have been serviced under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, corresponding to an investment of €5.5 million. The remaining plots result from an investment of about €1 million under the Regional Budget, with some already identified two decades ago but never allocated to families. Beneficiaries of the plots will pay between 5% and 45% of the plot price, depending on their income. They may also benefit, cumulatively, from a non-repayable grant of up to €5,000 towards the cost of architectural designs and specialist services, as well as support for self-build projects of up to €75,000, depending on the household composition and income, and the type of housing. “At a time when families most need support to cope with the increased difficulties in accessing housing, the Azorean Government is making a clear choice: it is implementing a policy that moves beyond mere words and becomes a reality. The Regional Government is taking firm and transformative steps,” stated Maria João Carreiro. Plots available on the island of São Miguel 6 plots in the Topo housing development, town of Nordeste, municipality of Nordeste; 4 plots in the Santana housing development, parish of Santana, municipality of Nordeste; 3 plots in the Milagres housing development, parish of Arrifes, municipality of Ponta Delgada; 36 plots in the Rosário housing development, town of Capelas, municipality of Ponta Delgada; 31 plots in the Biscoito housing development, parish of Feteiras, municipality of Ponta Delgada; 17 plots in the São Vicente Ferreira II housing development, parish of São Vicente Ferreira, municipality of Ponta Delgada; 2 plots in the Rua do Jogo housing development, parish of Ribeirinha, municipality of Ribeira Grande; 6 plots in the Lomba da Igreja housing development, parish of Ponta Garça, municipality of Vila Franca do Campo; 9 plots in the Galega housing development, parish of Ribeira das Tainhas, municipality of Vila Franca do Campo. Plots available on the island of Flores 14 plots in the Terça housing development, parish of Santa Cruz, municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores. Plots for sale on the island of Santa Maria 2 plots in the Outeiro housing development, parish of São Pedro, municipality of Vila do Porto; 4 plots in the Cruz Teixeira housing development, Vila do Porto, municipality of Vila do Porto. Plots available on the island of São Jorge 10 plots in the Casteletes housing development, parish of Urzelina, municipality of Velas.
Nota de Imprensa
March 17, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro emphasises joint action by Outermost Regions in “Canary Islands Declaration” The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, has signed the “Canary Islands Declaration,” a joint document drawn up by the European Union’s Outermost Regions, which sets out a common position with a view to the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. The declaration was signed in Tenerife on Monday. It sets as its main goal the development of a coordinated response by these regions to the European institutions, with a view to ensuring that the European Union's future budget and the accompanying policies clearly take into account their specific characteristics and needs. In the document, the Outermost Regions emphasise their strategic value to the European Union, highlighting their geopolitical, economic, environmental and scientific roles, as well as their contribution to Europe’s presence in the Atlantic, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and South America. Meanwhile, they highlight the permanent constraints they face, such as distance, remoteness, the small size of their markets and dependence on a limited number of sectors. José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of a strong common position at a decisive moment for setting European priorities, defending that “Outermost Regions must be heard and respected in the decisions that shape the future of the Union.” “It is essential to ensure that the next European financial framework responds appropriately to the specific challenges we face, safeguarding cohesion, competitiveness and opportunities for our people,” the President of the Government further emphasised. The President of the Regional Government added that “there cannot be a one-size-fits-all European policy for such diverse realities,” advocating for solutions tailored to the specificities of the Outermost Regions. In this regard, he noted: “We need stability, predictability and our own instruments to ensure sustainable development in our territories.” The statement highlights that the next financial framework will be decisive for areas such as territorial cohesion, food security, climate resilience, connectivity and employment, defending that these aspects must be addressed with an approach adapted to the realities of the Outermost Regions. Outermost regions also advocate that the full implementation of Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be reflected in all European policies, including cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, transport, energy, trade, migration and the digital transition, ensuring specific measures to offset their structural constraints. Against a backdrop of concern regarding the initial guidelines for the next European budget, the document warns of the risks of one-size-fits-all solutions that fail to consider the specific characteristics of these territories. As such, it calls for concerted action between Portugal, Spain and France as a means of increasing the Outermost Regions' influence with the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament. Therefore, the signatory regions commit to maintaining a joint, consistent and visible approach to ensure that the European Union's future financial framework and policies effectively reflect their needs, potential and strategic contribution to the European project. The statement was signed by Fernando Clavijo Batlle, President of the Government of the Canary Islands, José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of the Azores, and Gabriel Serville, President of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana.
March 17, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro emphasises joint action by Outermost Regions in “Canary Islands Declaration” The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, has signed the “Canary Islands Declaration,” a joint document drawn up by the European Union’s Outermost Regions, which sets out a common position with a view to the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. The declaration was signed in Tenerife on Monday. It sets as its main goal the development of a coordinated response by these regions to the European institutions, with a view to ensuring that the European Union's future budget and the accompanying policies clearly take into account their specific characteristics and needs. In the document, the Outermost Regions emphasise their strategic value to the European Union, highlighting their geopolitical, economic, environmental and scientific roles, as well as their contribution to Europe’s presence in the Atlantic, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and South America. Meanwhile, they highlight the permanent constraints they face, such as distance, remoteness, the small size of their markets and dependence on a limited number of sectors. José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of a strong common position at a decisive moment for setting European priorities, defending that “Outermost Regions must be heard and respected in the decisions that shape the future of the Union.” “It is essential to ensure that the next European financial framework responds appropriately to the specific challenges we face, safeguarding cohesion, competitiveness and opportunities for our people,” the President of the Government further emphasised. The President of the Regional Government added that “there cannot be a one-size-fits-all European policy for such diverse realities,” advocating for solutions tailored to the specificities of the Outermost Regions. In this regard, he noted: “We need stability, predictability and our own instruments to ensure sustainable development in our territories.” The statement highlights that the next financial framework will be decisive for areas such as territorial cohesion, food security, climate resilience, connectivity and employment, defending that these aspects must be addressed with an approach adapted to the realities of the Outermost Regions. Outermost regions also advocate that the full implementation of Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be reflected in all European policies, including cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, transport, energy, trade, migration and the digital transition, ensuring specific measures to offset their structural constraints. Against a backdrop of concern regarding the initial guidelines for the next European budget, the document warns of the risks of one-size-fits-all solutions that fail to consider the specific characteristics of these territories. As such, it calls for concerted action between Portugal, Spain and France as a means of increasing the Outermost Regions' influence with the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament. Therefore, the signatory regions commit to maintaining a joint, consistent and visible approach to ensure that the European Union's future financial framework and policies effectively reflect their needs, potential and strategic contribution to the European project. The statement was signed by Fernando Clavijo Batlle, President of the Government of the Canary Islands, José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of the Azores, and Gabriel Serville, President of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana.
