Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro strengthens Azores' commitment to joint position of Outermost Regions
José Manuel Bolieiro strengthens Azores' commitment to joint position of Outermost Regions
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Works contract for Santa Iria Harbour redevelopment and maritime protection awarded for about five million Euros
Works contract for Santa Iria Harbour redevelopment and maritime protection awarded for about five million Euros
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood promotes webinar “Between clicks and threats: sexual crimes against children” on November 20
Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood promotes webinar “Between clicks and threats: sexual crimes against children” on November 20
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Azorean youth associations receive over €816,000 in public funding
Azorean youth associations receive over €816,000 in public funding
Nota de Imprensa
November 17, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro strengthens Azores' commitment to joint position of Outermost Regions The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in the official event marking the 30th anniversary of the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions (ORs) in Brussels. This was a particularly significant moment at a time when the groundwork for the European Union's future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 is under discussion. This is a meeting between the Presidents of the Outermost Regions focused on preparing for European negotiations, defending Article 349 of the Treaty and the need to secure specific instruments and adequate funding for the most remote EU regions. The proceedings also included two round tables: one dedicated to the evolution of European policies for the Outermost Regions since 1995 and another focused on the risks and challenges posed by the proposed MFF 2028-2034. The debate provided an opportunity to share common concerns about cohesion, agriculture, transport, structural funds and the impact of geopolitical, economic and climate change on the outermost regions. The signing of the Declaration of the Presidents of the Outermost Regions on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 was the highlight of the day. This document warns of the risk of setbacks and calls on the European Union to adopt a more balanced approach in line with the responsibilities and specific characteristics of these territories. José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that the joint work of the day strengthened the political position of the Outermost Regions in the current European context. "We have shown, once again, that the Outermost Regions are not a minor detail of the European Union. We are part of the solution, and we want this to be clearly stated in the next financial framework," he said. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the importance of maintaining compliance with the legal framework that protects these territories. "We reminded the European institutions that Article 349 is not a privilege, but a tool for ensuring territorial justice. Our regions need policies tailored to the challenges they face every day," stated the President of the Government. In this regard, he pointed out their distance from markets, remoteness, transport costs, environmental vulnerability and increased responsibility for external border surveillance. The President of the Government also highlighted the decisive role of the Outermost Regions in areas of strategic importance for Europe, from biodiversity to energy independence and the maritime economy. “What we are asking for is consistency. If Europe acknowledges that we have unique responsibilities, then those responsibilities must be accompanied by the appropriate resources. The sustainability of the Outermost Regions is inseparable from European sustainability,” he said. The joint declaration will now be officially submitted to the European Commission, the European Parliament and Member States, at a time when the European Union's financial priorities for the next decade are being defined. With this participation, the Azores have reiterated their commitment to a united Europe that treats those facing specific challenges fairly and acknowledges the role of the Outermost Regions in building solutions for the future of Europe. The Declaration signed by the nine Outermost Regions brings together a series of common concerns about the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, warning of the impact that some of the European Commission's guidelines may have on cohesion, agriculture, transport and structural funds. The document insists on the need to secure specific instruments, adequate funding and co-financing rates that reflect the structural costs and permanent constraints recognised in Article 349 of the Treaty. It also defends that any change to European policies must respect the differentiation that gives the Outermost Regions the chance to compete on a more equal footing within the European space. The document also points out the strategic importance of these regions for the European Union: the management of external borders, the vast maritime areas under European responsibility, unique biodiversity and increasing vulnerability to extreme weather events. Therefore, the Outermost Regions call for the next financial cycle to ensure stability, predictability and a realistic approach to their needs, recalling that the contribution of these territories to Europe requires a reciprocal commitment from European institutions. The declaration now signed will be submitted to the European Commission, the European Parliament and Member States as the formal position of the Outermost Regions regarding the ongoing negotiations.
November 17, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro strengthens Azores' commitment to joint position of Outermost Regions The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in the official event marking the 30th anniversary of the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions (ORs) in Brussels. This was a particularly significant moment at a time when the groundwork for the European Union's future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 is under discussion. This is a meeting between the Presidents of the Outermost Regions focused on preparing for European negotiations, defending Article 349 of the Treaty and the need to secure specific instruments and adequate funding for the most remote EU regions. The proceedings also included two round tables: one dedicated to the evolution of European policies for the Outermost Regions since 1995 and another focused on the risks and challenges posed by the proposed MFF 2028-2034. The debate provided an opportunity to share common concerns about cohesion, agriculture, transport, structural funds and the impact of geopolitical, economic and climate change on the outermost regions. The signing of the Declaration of the Presidents of the Outermost Regions on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 was the highlight of the day. This document warns of the risk of setbacks and calls on the European Union to adopt a more balanced approach in line with the responsibilities and specific characteristics of these territories. José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that the joint work of the day strengthened the political position of the Outermost Regions in the current European context. "We have shown, once again, that the Outermost Regions are not a minor detail of the European Union. We are part of the solution, and we want this to be clearly stated in the next financial framework," he said. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the importance of maintaining compliance with the legal framework that protects these territories. "We reminded the European institutions that Article 349 is not a privilege, but a tool for ensuring territorial justice. Our regions need policies tailored to the challenges they face every day," stated the President of the Government. In this regard, he pointed out their distance from markets, remoteness, transport costs, environmental vulnerability and increased responsibility for external border surveillance. The President of the Government also highlighted the decisive role of the Outermost Regions in areas of strategic importance for Europe, from biodiversity to energy independence and the maritime economy. “What we are asking for is consistency. If Europe acknowledges that we have unique responsibilities, then those responsibilities must be accompanied by the appropriate resources. The sustainability of the Outermost Regions is inseparable from European sustainability,” he said. The joint declaration will now be officially submitted to the European Commission, the European Parliament and Member States, at a time when the European Union's financial priorities for the next decade are being defined. With this participation, the Azores have reiterated their commitment to a united Europe that treats those facing specific challenges fairly and acknowledges the role of the Outermost Regions in building solutions for the future of Europe. The Declaration signed by the nine Outermost Regions brings together a series of common concerns about the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, warning of the impact that some of the European Commission's guidelines may have on cohesion, agriculture, transport and structural funds. The document insists on the need to secure specific instruments, adequate funding and co-financing rates that reflect the structural costs and permanent constraints recognised in Article 349 of the Treaty. It also defends that any change to European policies must respect the differentiation that gives the Outermost Regions the chance to compete on a more equal footing within the European space. The document also points out the strategic importance of these regions for the European Union: the management of external borders, the vast maritime areas under European responsibility, unique biodiversity and increasing vulnerability to extreme weather events. Therefore, the Outermost Regions call for the next financial cycle to ensure stability, predictability and a realistic approach to their needs, recalling that the contribution of these territories to Europe requires a reciprocal commitment from European institutions. The declaration now signed will be submitted to the European Commission, the European Parliament and Member States as the formal position of the Outermost Regions regarding the ongoing negotiations.
Nota de Imprensa
November 17, 2025 Works contract for Santa Iria Harbour redevelopment and maritime protection awarded for about five million Euros The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, has just signed the order awarding the works contract for the "Redevelopment and Maritime Protection of the Santa Iria Harbour - São Miguel Island’ to the proposal submitted by the consortium AFAVIAS- Engenharia e Construções – Açores, S.A. and AFAVIAS – Engenharia e Construções, S.A., for approximately five million Euros, more precisely €4,589,999.99. "With this project, we aim to promote safety conditions in the Santa Iria Harbour area by stabilising the cliffs adjacent to the regional access road to the harbour, mitigating the geotechnical risk to people and property, both on the access road to the harbour and in the sunbathing area, through the installation of support elements adapted to the local environmental exposure and with low visual impact," stressed the government official. Simultaneously, this project also intends to ensure coastal protection against the direct action of sea turbulence, both in the northern and southern sectors of the harbour infrastructure, as well as to safeguard and preserve the built heritage in the Santa Iria Harbour. The intervention planned for the harbour consists of clearing and blasting the cliffs to implement a stabilisation solution based on nailing and metal mesh, covering an area of about 27,000m2, as well as the construction of rainwater drainage systems. There are also plans to upgrade the access road to the harbour, namely paving works, the construction of walls and placement of signs, and the redevelopment of the harbour, including the preservation of the built heritage. Ensuring coastal protection against the direct action of sea waves, both in the northern and southern sectors of the infrastructure, and safeguarding and preserving the heritage built in the Santa Iria Harbour are essential aspects in this large-scale project.
November 17, 2025 Works contract for Santa Iria Harbour redevelopment and maritime protection awarded for about five million Euros The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, has just signed the order awarding the works contract for the "Redevelopment and Maritime Protection of the Santa Iria Harbour - São Miguel Island’ to the proposal submitted by the consortium AFAVIAS- Engenharia e Construções – Açores, S.A. and AFAVIAS – Engenharia e Construções, S.A., for approximately five million Euros, more precisely €4,589,999.99. "With this project, we aim to promote safety conditions in the Santa Iria Harbour area by stabilising the cliffs adjacent to the regional access road to the harbour, mitigating the geotechnical risk to people and property, both on the access road to the harbour and in the sunbathing area, through the installation of support elements adapted to the local environmental exposure and with low visual impact," stressed the government official. Simultaneously, this project also intends to ensure coastal protection against the direct action of sea turbulence, both in the northern and southern sectors of the harbour infrastructure, as well as to safeguard and preserve the built heritage in the Santa Iria Harbour. The intervention planned for the harbour consists of clearing and blasting the cliffs to implement a stabilisation solution based on nailing and metal mesh, covering an area of about 27,000m2, as well as the construction of rainwater drainage systems. There are also plans to upgrade the access road to the harbour, namely paving works, the construction of walls and placement of signs, and the redevelopment of the harbour, including the preservation of the built heritage. Ensuring coastal protection against the direct action of sea waves, both in the northern and southern sectors of the infrastructure, and safeguarding and preserving the heritage built in the Santa Iria Harbour are essential aspects in this large-scale project.
Nota de Imprensa
November 17, 2025 Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood promotes webinar “Between clicks and threats: sexual crimes against children” on November 20 The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Azores Commissioner's Office for Children (CAI), is promoting a webinar titled "Between clicks and threats: sexual crimes against children" on Thursday, November 20, at 2 p.m. Registration is open until November 19. The initiative marks two dates of particular importance for the defence of children's rights: European Day for the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (November 18) and the 36th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (November 20). This strengthens the Autonomous Region of the Azores' commitment to public policies on prevention, protection and intervention. The webinar opens with a speech by Emanuel Areias, President of the Azores Commissioner's Office for Children, followed by Gerson Duarte, Inspector of the Criminal Investigation Police in the Azores, who will present an analysis of regional data on sexual crimes against children. This presentation will provide an up-to-date overview of the situation and the main challenges identified in the archipelago. In turn, Carolina Soares, Manager of the Safe Internet Line and Coordinator of the Cybercrime Unit at APAV-Portuguese Association for Victim Support, will address the new risks associated with the use of technologies by children and young people in this area. The session will end with a debate, moderated by Carmen Ventura, Coordinator of CAI's Technical Operations Team, providing a space for joint reflection and sharing of contributions between experts and participants. In a context where children spend much of their time in digital environments, exposed to increasingly sophisticated forms of contact, manipulation and grooming, it is imperative to intensify public reflection and deepen understanding of emerging risks. This webinar aims to contribute to this strategic reinforcement by promoting the training of professionals and families, consolidating up-to-date technical knowledge and stimulating cooperation between partner entities in the protection system of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Registration can be completed using the form available at https://forms.gle/4ezh482Res9NK5pK8, which can also be accessed via the QR Code on the promotional poster.
November 17, 2025 Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood promotes webinar “Between clicks and threats: sexual crimes against children” on November 20 The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Azores Commissioner's Office for Children (CAI), is promoting a webinar titled "Between clicks and threats: sexual crimes against children" on Thursday, November 20, at 2 p.m. Registration is open until November 19. The initiative marks two dates of particular importance for the defence of children's rights: European Day for the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (November 18) and the 36th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (November 20). This strengthens the Autonomous Region of the Azores' commitment to public policies on prevention, protection and intervention. The webinar opens with a speech by Emanuel Areias, President of the Azores Commissioner's Office for Children, followed by Gerson Duarte, Inspector of the Criminal Investigation Police in the Azores, who will present an analysis of regional data on sexual crimes against children. This presentation will provide an up-to-date overview of the situation and the main challenges identified in the archipelago. In turn, Carolina Soares, Manager of the Safe Internet Line and Coordinator of the Cybercrime Unit at APAV-Portuguese Association for Victim Support, will address the new risks associated with the use of technologies by children and young people in this area. The session will end with a debate, moderated by Carmen Ventura, Coordinator of CAI's Technical Operations Team, providing a space for joint reflection and sharing of contributions between experts and participants. In a context where children spend much of their time in digital environments, exposed to increasingly sophisticated forms of contact, manipulation and grooming, it is imperative to intensify public reflection and deepen understanding of emerging risks. This webinar aims to contribute to this strategic reinforcement by promoting the training of professionals and families, consolidating up-to-date technical knowledge and stimulating cooperation between partner entities in the protection system of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Registration can be completed using the form available at https://forms.gle/4ezh482Res9NK5pK8, which can also be accessed via the QR Code on the promotional poster.
Nota de Imprensa
November 16, 2025 Azorean youth associations receive over €816,000 in public funding Youth associations registered in the Azorean Register of Youth Associations benefited from regional public support totalling more than €816,000 between 2024 and 2025, as reported by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment at the opening of the administrative building of the Scout House complex, run by the National Scout Corps, in Ponta Delgada. This support, awarded under the Incentive System for the Development of Youth Associations (SIDAAJ), made it possible to invest in the implementation of youth associations' activity plans, as well as in equipment and headquarters or in supplementary activities, such as the organisation of and participation in training activities, explained Maria João Carreiro. "Rather than just preaching and talking about the importance of associations, this Regional Government is working to encourage and stimulate action by youth associations," she said. The Regional Secretary highlighted the "good example" of the National Scout Corps. Between 2024 and 2025, it submitted 84 projects to be developed with children and young scouts, whose implementation the Region contributed to with an investment of over €50,000. This amount is supplemented by €82,000 in public funding over the same period for investment in equipment, headquarters and supplementary activities, as well as by €50,000 allocated through the Regional Directorate for Youth to the Scout House. The latter is "an infrastructure symbolising the commitment to training children and young people to exercise responsible citizenship committed to collective well-being," stated the government official. Currently, there are 28 youth associations or similar organisations registered in the Azorean Register of Youth Associations, which is 14 more than those registered in 2019. "In the Azores, youth associations are alive and well and highly recommended," praised the Regional Secretary. More than just a figure, "this growth clearly demonstrates the interest and commitment of young people as well as their confidence in a policy that encourages youth to organise themselves to meet their interests and needs, and to participate in building a pluralistic, inclusive and sustainable society," she said. The Regional Government has increased the global amount of funding available for youth associations to implement and execute their activity plans for 2026. Overall, this amounts to €170,000, representing an increase of about €90,000 compared to public funding in 2019. In the proposed Plan and Budget for 2026, which will be analysed and voted on at the end of this month by the Regional Legislative Assembly, the Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, proposes to invest two million Euros next year "in programmes fostering a culture of personal investment by young people in their civic and professional training."
November 16, 2025 Azorean youth associations receive over €816,000 in public funding Youth associations registered in the Azorean Register of Youth Associations benefited from regional public support totalling more than €816,000 between 2024 and 2025, as reported by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment at the opening of the administrative building of the Scout House complex, run by the National Scout Corps, in Ponta Delgada. This support, awarded under the Incentive System for the Development of Youth Associations (SIDAAJ), made it possible to invest in the implementation of youth associations' activity plans, as well as in equipment and headquarters or in supplementary activities, such as the organisation of and participation in training activities, explained Maria João Carreiro. "Rather than just preaching and talking about the importance of associations, this Regional Government is working to encourage and stimulate action by youth associations," she said. The Regional Secretary highlighted the "good example" of the National Scout Corps. Between 2024 and 2025, it submitted 84 projects to be developed with children and young scouts, whose implementation the Region contributed to with an investment of over €50,000. This amount is supplemented by €82,000 in public funding over the same period for investment in equipment, headquarters and supplementary activities, as well as by €50,000 allocated through the Regional Directorate for Youth to the Scout House. The latter is "an infrastructure symbolising the commitment to training children and young people to exercise responsible citizenship committed to collective well-being," stated the government official. Currently, there are 28 youth associations or similar organisations registered in the Azorean Register of Youth Associations, which is 14 more than those registered in 2019. "In the Azores, youth associations are alive and well and highly recommended," praised the Regional Secretary. More than just a figure, "this growth clearly demonstrates the interest and commitment of young people as well as their confidence in a policy that encourages youth to organise themselves to meet their interests and needs, and to participate in building a pluralistic, inclusive and sustainable society," she said. The Regional Government has increased the global amount of funding available for youth associations to implement and execute their activity plans for 2026. Overall, this amounts to €170,000, representing an increase of about €90,000 compared to public funding in 2019. In the proposed Plan and Budget for 2026, which will be analysed and voted on at the end of this month by the Regional Legislative Assembly, the Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, proposes to invest two million Euros next year "in programmes fostering a culture of personal investment by young people in their civic and professional training."
Nota de Imprensa
November 14, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro strengthens dialogue with European Union at high-level meetings The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, will be in Brussels next week to participate in two decisive meetings for the future of the Outermost Regions (ORs), at a time marked by strong concerns about the European Commission's proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). This visit follows several recent statements by the head of the Azorean Government, who has publicly reiterated the need for a European policy tailored to the specific characteristics of island regions, firmly advocating the maintenance and strengthening of instruments that guarantee territorial cohesion. The President of the Government will first participate in the High-Level Outermost Regions Forum, which brings together European commissioners, institutional leaders and the presidents of the Outermost Regions. The forum will open with speeches by senior Commission representatives, followed by a plenary debate where regional leaders, including the President of the Azores, will present their positions on the future "Package for the Outermost Regions." The President of the Azorean Government will insist on the need for the next MFF to incorporate measures that protect POSEI, cohesion funds and support for agriculture and fisheries, areas he considers vital for the economic and social balance of the outermost regions. The Azorean presence in Brussels takes on particular significance after José Manuel Bolieiro warned, on several public occasions, that the European Commission's proposal represents "a worrying step backwards" for the Outermost Regions. At a recent conference organised by EURODOM, and in other speeches delivered in recent weeks, the President of the Regional Government stressed that the financing model cannot ignore Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enshrines the adaptation of European policies to the specific characteristics of the outermost regions. Along these lines, he also sent a letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa, advocating specific mechanisms such as POSEI-Fisheries and POSEI-Transport, with a view to remedying the structural costs associated with remoteness and distance. The working agenda also includes the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions (CPRUP), also in the Belgian capital. The session will feature moments of assessment and political reflection on three decades of affirmation of the Outermost Regions in the European space. The President of the Regional Government will take part in a round table discussion on concerns surrounding the future MFF, a debate that will bring together other regional presidents and representatives from Portugal, France and Spain. This meeting is expected to confirm that cohesion cannot be merely a principle; it must be translated into tangible measures that ensure competitiveness, territorial continuity, protection of productive sectors, and equal opportunities for citizens living in remote areas. With these contributions, the President of the Azorean Government is stepping up the strategy to make the Region a strong and influential voice in European talks. As he emphasised, outermost regions are not just forgotten corners, but rather "strategic assets for the European Union" with unique environmental, maritime, and geopolitical responsibilities. Next week in Brussels will, thus, be another step in defending a European framework that recognises the uniqueness of the Azores and guarantees the necessary instruments for the sustainable development of the archipelago.
November 14, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro strengthens dialogue with European Union at high-level meetings The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, will be in Brussels next week to participate in two decisive meetings for the future of the Outermost Regions (ORs), at a time marked by strong concerns about the European Commission's proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). This visit follows several recent statements by the head of the Azorean Government, who has publicly reiterated the need for a European policy tailored to the specific characteristics of island regions, firmly advocating the maintenance and strengthening of instruments that guarantee territorial cohesion. The President of the Government will first participate in the High-Level Outermost Regions Forum, which brings together European commissioners, institutional leaders and the presidents of the Outermost Regions. The forum will open with speeches by senior Commission representatives, followed by a plenary debate where regional leaders, including the President of the Azores, will present their positions on the future "Package for the Outermost Regions." The President of the Azorean Government will insist on the need for the next MFF to incorporate measures that protect POSEI, cohesion funds and support for agriculture and fisheries, areas he considers vital for the economic and social balance of the outermost regions. The Azorean presence in Brussels takes on particular significance after José Manuel Bolieiro warned, on several public occasions, that the European Commission's proposal represents "a worrying step backwards" for the Outermost Regions. At a recent conference organised by EURODOM, and in other speeches delivered in recent weeks, the President of the Regional Government stressed that the financing model cannot ignore Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enshrines the adaptation of European policies to the specific characteristics of the outermost regions. Along these lines, he also sent a letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa, advocating specific mechanisms such as POSEI-Fisheries and POSEI-Transport, with a view to remedying the structural costs associated with remoteness and distance. The working agenda also includes the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions (CPRUP), also in the Belgian capital. The session will feature moments of assessment and political reflection on three decades of affirmation of the Outermost Regions in the European space. The President of the Regional Government will take part in a round table discussion on concerns surrounding the future MFF, a debate that will bring together other regional presidents and representatives from Portugal, France and Spain. This meeting is expected to confirm that cohesion cannot be merely a principle; it must be translated into tangible measures that ensure competitiveness, territorial continuity, protection of productive sectors, and equal opportunities for citizens living in remote areas. With these contributions, the President of the Azorean Government is stepping up the strategy to make the Region a strong and influential voice in European talks. As he emphasised, outermost regions are not just forgotten corners, but rather "strategic assets for the European Union" with unique environmental, maritime, and geopolitical responsibilities. Next week in Brussels will, thus, be another step in defending a European framework that recognises the uniqueness of the Azores and guarantees the necessary instruments for the sustainable development of the archipelago.
