Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "strategic importance" of new air terminal in Graciosa
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "strategic importance" of new air terminal in Graciosa
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Application period for allocation of 144 serviced plots extended until April 24
Application period for allocation of 144 serviced plots extended until April 24
Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública
Investment plans by Azorean companies exceed €1 billion
Investment plans by Azorean companies exceed €1 billion
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
António Ventura highlights historic milestone in Azorean wine production, with production exceeding 1,000 tonnes
António Ventura highlights historic milestone in Azorean wine production, with production exceeding 1,000 tonnes
Nota de Imprensa
April 13, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "strategic importance" of new air terminal in Graciosa The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, presided over the opening of the new air terminal at Graciosa Island Aerodrome on Sunday, a ceremony also attended by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the significance of the project for the island and the Region. He pointed out that “justice has finally been done to Graciosa,” adding that “the Azores are more prosperous with Graciosa, and happy Graciosa residents mean happy Azoreans.” José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that this project goes beyond a physical component, also representing a strategic vision for the future of the archipelago. “We have not only completed a physical project, but have also addressed the strategic and intellectual aspects of developing the Azores with infrastructures to revitalise the present and shape the future of each of our islands,” he said. The new infrastructure replaces a terminal built before 2001, which no longer meets current requirements, particularly in terms of security and operational capacity. Among the existing limitations were a departure lounge with direct access to the public area, manual processes for handling hold luggage, and cramped spaces for the operation of aircraft such as the Dash Q400. Designed in accordance with contemporary airport safety and operational requirements, the new terminal incorporates a modern baggage handling system, a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, specific areas for the Public Security Police and private security, which were previously non-existent, as well as retail and passenger support facilities. The departure lounge now has 100 seats, and the infrastructure has been designed to handle a capacity of 120 passengers per hour. From an operational standpoint, the new terminal provides the facilities required for the simultaneous operation of two Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, ensuring greater efficiency in boarding, disembarking and baggage handling processes. The building is a ground-floor structure with over 2,000 square metres of floor space, organised to be functional and intuitive, with a clear separation between public areas, security zones and operational spaces. It includes reception and waiting areas, check-in desks, a passenger lounge, boarding and disembarking areas, a bar, retail spaces, as well as operational facilities such as a flight operations room, cargo and mail areas, and technical support. The solution adopted prioritises universal accessibility, smooth passenger flow and efficient control of passengers and baggage, whilst also improving parking facilities, access routes and support for passengers with reduced mobility. Once the new infrastructure becomes operational, the demolition of the old terminal will commence, bringing new value to this revitalised gateway to the island. In a year marking the 50th anniversary of the Azores’ autonomy, José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the Region’s journey towards transformation. “We have moved from isolation and neglect to a sense of closeness and the ambition of the Azoreans,” he said, adding: “Autonomy has enabled us to build a capacity for self-government capable of meeting our needs and achieving our ambitions.” The President of the Regional Government also emphasised the efforts made to strengthen the regional economy and counter demographic decline. “We want to create the conditions so that every Azorean can stay in their homeland and build a life and a future of happiness on any island,” he said, advocating for consistent public policies geared towards wealth creation. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted other ongoing investments on the island of Graciosa, such as the bypass to Santa Cruz, the works at the Health Centre and the redevelopment of the Carapacho Thermal Baths, assuring those present that these projects are being implemented. Acknowledging the existing challenges, the President of the Government stated that the government is taking action with “realism and ambition,” seeking effective solutions for the Region’s progress. In the tourism sector, he highlighted Graciosa’s potential, advocating a commitment to a sustainable, high-quality model rather than mass tourism. Also present at the ceremony were the President of the Board of Directors of the SATA Group, Tiago Santos, and the Deputy Mayor of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Bruno Silveira, alongside other civil and institutional representatives.
April 13, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "strategic importance" of new air terminal in Graciosa The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, presided over the opening of the new air terminal at Graciosa Island Aerodrome on Sunday, a ceremony also attended by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the significance of the project for the island and the Region. He pointed out that “justice has finally been done to Graciosa,” adding that “the Azores are more prosperous with Graciosa, and happy Graciosa residents mean happy Azoreans.” José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that this project goes beyond a physical component, also representing a strategic vision for the future of the archipelago. “We have not only completed a physical project, but have also addressed the strategic and intellectual aspects of developing the Azores with infrastructures to revitalise the present and shape the future of each of our islands,” he said. The new infrastructure replaces a terminal built before 2001, which no longer meets current requirements, particularly in terms of security and operational capacity. Among the existing limitations were a departure lounge with direct access to the public area, manual processes for handling hold luggage, and cramped spaces for the operation of aircraft such as the Dash Q400. Designed in accordance with contemporary airport safety and operational requirements, the new terminal incorporates a modern baggage handling system, a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, specific areas for the Public Security Police and private security, which were previously non-existent, as well as retail and passenger support facilities. The departure lounge now has 100 seats, and the infrastructure has been designed to handle a capacity of 120 passengers per hour. From an operational standpoint, the new terminal provides the facilities required for the simultaneous operation of two Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, ensuring greater efficiency in boarding, disembarking and baggage handling processes. The building is a ground-floor structure with over 2,000 square metres of floor space, organised to be functional and intuitive, with a clear separation between public areas, security zones and operational spaces. It includes reception and waiting areas, check-in desks, a passenger lounge, boarding and disembarking areas, a bar, retail spaces, as well as operational facilities such as a flight operations room, cargo and mail areas, and technical support. The solution adopted prioritises universal accessibility, smooth passenger flow and efficient control of passengers and baggage, whilst also improving parking facilities, access routes and support for passengers with reduced mobility. Once the new infrastructure becomes operational, the demolition of the old terminal will commence, bringing new value to this revitalised gateway to the island. In a year marking the 50th anniversary of the Azores’ autonomy, José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the Region’s journey towards transformation. “We have moved from isolation and neglect to a sense of closeness and the ambition of the Azoreans,” he said, adding: “Autonomy has enabled us to build a capacity for self-government capable of meeting our needs and achieving our ambitions.” The President of the Regional Government also emphasised the efforts made to strengthen the regional economy and counter demographic decline. “We want to create the conditions so that every Azorean can stay in their homeland and build a life and a future of happiness on any island,” he said, advocating for consistent public policies geared towards wealth creation. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted other ongoing investments on the island of Graciosa, such as the bypass to Santa Cruz, the works at the Health Centre and the redevelopment of the Carapacho Thermal Baths, assuring those present that these projects are being implemented. Acknowledging the existing challenges, the President of the Government stated that the government is taking action with “realism and ambition,” seeking effective solutions for the Region’s progress. In the tourism sector, he highlighted Graciosa’s potential, advocating a commitment to a sustainable, high-quality model rather than mass tourism. Also present at the ceremony were the President of the Board of Directors of the SATA Group, Tiago Santos, and the Deputy Mayor of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Bruno Silveira, alongside other civil and institutional representatives.
Nota de Imprensa
April 13, 2026 Application period for allocation of 144 serviced plots extended until April 24 The Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Housing, announced that the period for submitting applications for the allocation, via public tender, of 144 serviced plots for housing construction has been extended until April 24. Applications must be submitted 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. Interested parties may submit their duly completed application until April 24, inclusive, and deliver them in one of the following formats: 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]. 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. 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. 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.
April 13, 2026 Application period for allocation of 144 serviced plots extended until April 24 The Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Housing, announced that the period for submitting applications for the allocation, via public tender, of 144 serviced plots for housing construction has been extended until April 24. Applications must be submitted 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. Interested parties may submit their duly completed application until April 24, inclusive, and deliver them in one of the following formats: 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]. 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. 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. 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
April 13, 2026 Investment plans by Azorean companies exceed €1 billion The Azores’ economy is showing clear signs of vitality, resilience and confidence. The strong uptake of various incentive schemes by regional companies demonstrates that the Azorean business community is active, investing, innovating and believing in the Region’s future. Figures speak for themselves. Under the Construir 2030 programme, applications were submitted representing €748.3 million in investment. Under the IFIC programme, the volume of investment applied for exceeds €252 million. In addition to this is the digital transition component, amounting to €33 million, bringing the total intended investment by Azorean companies to over €1 billion. These results confirm that the regional economy is growing and that Azorean entrepreneurs have been able to reinvent themselves, adapt and make the most of the tools made available to them. This is also a clear sign that the Regional Government of the Azores has successfully designed and implemented effective incentive schemes. With a strategy and measures tailored to the Region’s specific circumstances, companies are responding, investment is growing, and the Azores are firmly following a path of growth and confidence.
April 13, 2026 Investment plans by Azorean companies exceed €1 billion The Azores’ economy is showing clear signs of vitality, resilience and confidence. The strong uptake of various incentive schemes by regional companies demonstrates that the Azorean business community is active, investing, innovating and believing in the Region’s future. Figures speak for themselves. Under the Construir 2030 programme, applications were submitted representing €748.3 million in investment. Under the IFIC programme, the volume of investment applied for exceeds €252 million. In addition to this is the digital transition component, amounting to €33 million, bringing the total intended investment by Azorean companies to over €1 billion. These results confirm that the regional economy is growing and that Azorean entrepreneurs have been able to reinvent themselves, adapt and make the most of the tools made available to them. This is also a clear sign that the Regional Government of the Azores has successfully designed and implemented effective incentive schemes. With a strategy and measures tailored to the Region’s specific circumstances, companies are responding, investment is growing, and the Azores are firmly following a path of growth and confidence.
Nota de Imprensa
April 13, 2026 António Ventura highlights historic milestone in Azorean wine production, with production exceeding 1,000 tonnes The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, noted that the Azorean wine sector is currently experiencing a period of “strong dynamics and regenerative entrepreneurship.” The remarks were made during the opening session of the Atlantic Terroir Expo 2026, which took place this weekend at the Multisectoral Park on Terceira Island. For the government official, the sector has established itself as one of the most important in regional agricultural production: “Azorean wine production now plays a decisive role in the economic and social regeneration of the islands, supported by historic results and an increasingly entrepreneurial ecosystem,” he emphasised. 2025 set a record for the last two decades, with grape production reaching 1,048 tonnes in the Region. The island of Pico consolidated its leading position, accounting for 92% of regional production (956 tonnes), followed by the island of Terceira (36 tonnes), which continues its growth trend. This vigour in the sector is also reflected in the number of economic operators and commercial references in the market. In 2025, the Azores Vine and Wine Institute (IVV Açores) reached a record of 35 registered producers, a figure that remains solid in 2026, with a new high expected by the end of the year. In terms of consumption and visibility, the market currently stands, based on data up to April 1, 2026, at 115 brands and 179 commercial references, far exceeding the all-time high recorded in the previous year. In the context of plant health innovation and technical production support, the Regional Secretary announced that the first 3,700 grapevine plants of the Verdelho, Terrantês do Pico and Arinto dos Açores varieties are now available for immediate distribution to wine producers, following a project developed in partnership with the Azores Biotechnology Centre. At the same time, António Ventura revealed the launch of a new line of research focused on the certification of rootstocks for traditional grape varieties, a measure aimed at reinforcing the Government’s commitment to sustainability and the protection of the archipelago’s unique wine production heritage. As regards investment and the expansion of the cultivation area, the government official noted that applications for new planting rights are open until April 15, for a quota of 17 hectares allocated to the Region. Financial support for the sector will be bolstered with the reopening of the VITIS programme in June, which has already received 19 applications in the first phase of this year, covering more than six hectares across several islands. In addition, producers can apply to PEPAC until the end of June, with support rates of up to 80% for investments in modernising the sector. António Ventura concluded by reiterating that the vitality of the figures presented, combined with the ongoing commitment to science and innovation, confirms that Azorean viticulture is on the right track towards an increasingly competitive future. In his view, this investment cycle demonstrates that the sector is prepared for the challenges of external markets, whilst always maintaining the quality and authenticity that define Azorean wines.
April 13, 2026 António Ventura highlights historic milestone in Azorean wine production, with production exceeding 1,000 tonnes The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, noted that the Azorean wine sector is currently experiencing a period of “strong dynamics and regenerative entrepreneurship.” The remarks were made during the opening session of the Atlantic Terroir Expo 2026, which took place this weekend at the Multisectoral Park on Terceira Island. For the government official, the sector has established itself as one of the most important in regional agricultural production: “Azorean wine production now plays a decisive role in the economic and social regeneration of the islands, supported by historic results and an increasingly entrepreneurial ecosystem,” he emphasised. 2025 set a record for the last two decades, with grape production reaching 1,048 tonnes in the Region. The island of Pico consolidated its leading position, accounting for 92% of regional production (956 tonnes), followed by the island of Terceira (36 tonnes), which continues its growth trend. This vigour in the sector is also reflected in the number of economic operators and commercial references in the market. In 2025, the Azores Vine and Wine Institute (IVV Açores) reached a record of 35 registered producers, a figure that remains solid in 2026, with a new high expected by the end of the year. In terms of consumption and visibility, the market currently stands, based on data up to April 1, 2026, at 115 brands and 179 commercial references, far exceeding the all-time high recorded in the previous year. In the context of plant health innovation and technical production support, the Regional Secretary announced that the first 3,700 grapevine plants of the Verdelho, Terrantês do Pico and Arinto dos Açores varieties are now available for immediate distribution to wine producers, following a project developed in partnership with the Azores Biotechnology Centre. At the same time, António Ventura revealed the launch of a new line of research focused on the certification of rootstocks for traditional grape varieties, a measure aimed at reinforcing the Government’s commitment to sustainability and the protection of the archipelago’s unique wine production heritage. As regards investment and the expansion of the cultivation area, the government official noted that applications for new planting rights are open until April 15, for a quota of 17 hectares allocated to the Region. Financial support for the sector will be bolstered with the reopening of the VITIS programme in June, which has already received 19 applications in the first phase of this year, covering more than six hectares across several islands. In addition, producers can apply to PEPAC until the end of June, with support rates of up to 80% for investments in modernising the sector. António Ventura concluded by reiterating that the vitality of the figures presented, combined with the ongoing commitment to science and innovation, confirms that Azorean viticulture is on the right track towards an increasingly competitive future. In his view, this investment cycle demonstrates that the sector is prepared for the challenges of external markets, whilst always maintaining the quality and authenticity that define Azorean wines.
Nota de Imprensa
April 11, 2026 Paulo Estêvão announces creation of integrated strategic document on migration and humanistic policies The Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities will draw up, as early as next month, a comprehensive strategy document for the integration of migrants, based on humanistic policies and the implementation of practical measures. The announcement was made by the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, during his speech at the closing session of the 4th Migration Forum, which ended on Friday on the island of Flores, following three days of proceedings that also involved the island of Corvo. “I wish to respond to the calls that have been made in this regard,” the government official stated, revealing that the Government’s new strategy will be developed in close collaboration with various sectoral entities to ensure a comprehensive, respectful and effective response to the challenges of human mobility in the Region. In his speech, Paulo Estêvão noted that “the Azores are a land of emigration” and “migration is in the DNA of the Azorean people.” Tracing the history back to the archipelago’s settlement in the 15th century, the Regional Secretary highlighted the “centuries-old tradition” of a people who have always sought new opportunities beyond their borders. “Today, the majority of our diaspora is an economically successful one,” the Regional Secretary praised, assuring that the Regional Government has made a “significant effort” to support these communities, which is reflected, for example, in the continuous expansion of the worldwide network of Houses of the Azores. The Regional Secretary took the opportunity at the Forum to highlight the progress made and the issues raised by the Region to the National Government on behalf of its communities. As an example, he mentioned the initiative presented to the Portuguese Parliament to ensure the recognition of driving licences issued in Bermuda, so as “to resolve a problem that has persisted for decades” and correct injustices in the support provided for returning emigrants. “We also have an initiative that extends this package of benefits and incentives from the Return Programme to the entire country.” In this regard, he emphasised that the Returning Home Programme, which will replace the Return Programme, “will already include the opportunity for the Azores to benefit, just like the population of Madeira,” from the various forms of support granted to those returning to the autonomous regions. The government official also defended that “Portugal consists of Mainland Portugal, but also of the Azores and Madeira,” adding that “national legislation, when applying this range of benefits, cannot make distinctions between the Azores and Mainland Portugal." The closing of the 4th Migration Forum was also marked by a practical and immediate improvement in the services delivered to immigrants residing on the island of Flores. The government official also considered the President of the Board of Directors of AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), Pedro Portugal Gaspar, a “great friend of the Azores,” praising the signing of the protocol providing for the decentralisation of services. Following this cooperation agreement, AIMA’s new service desk was opened today within the Integrated Citizen Support Network (RIAC) office in Santa Cruz das Flores, ensuring accessibility and overcoming the constraints of remoteness.
April 11, 2026 Paulo Estêvão announces creation of integrated strategic document on migration and humanistic policies The Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities will draw up, as early as next month, a comprehensive strategy document for the integration of migrants, based on humanistic policies and the implementation of practical measures. The announcement was made by the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, during his speech at the closing session of the 4th Migration Forum, which ended on Friday on the island of Flores, following three days of proceedings that also involved the island of Corvo. “I wish to respond to the calls that have been made in this regard,” the government official stated, revealing that the Government’s new strategy will be developed in close collaboration with various sectoral entities to ensure a comprehensive, respectful and effective response to the challenges of human mobility in the Region. In his speech, Paulo Estêvão noted that “the Azores are a land of emigration” and “migration is in the DNA of the Azorean people.” Tracing the history back to the archipelago’s settlement in the 15th century, the Regional Secretary highlighted the “centuries-old tradition” of a people who have always sought new opportunities beyond their borders. “Today, the majority of our diaspora is an economically successful one,” the Regional Secretary praised, assuring that the Regional Government has made a “significant effort” to support these communities, which is reflected, for example, in the continuous expansion of the worldwide network of Houses of the Azores. The Regional Secretary took the opportunity at the Forum to highlight the progress made and the issues raised by the Region to the National Government on behalf of its communities. As an example, he mentioned the initiative presented to the Portuguese Parliament to ensure the recognition of driving licences issued in Bermuda, so as “to resolve a problem that has persisted for decades” and correct injustices in the support provided for returning emigrants. “We also have an initiative that extends this package of benefits and incentives from the Return Programme to the entire country.” In this regard, he emphasised that the Returning Home Programme, which will replace the Return Programme, “will already include the opportunity for the Azores to benefit, just like the population of Madeira,” from the various forms of support granted to those returning to the autonomous regions. The government official also defended that “Portugal consists of Mainland Portugal, but also of the Azores and Madeira,” adding that “national legislation, when applying this range of benefits, cannot make distinctions between the Azores and Mainland Portugal." The closing of the 4th Migration Forum was also marked by a practical and immediate improvement in the services delivered to immigrants residing on the island of Flores. The government official also considered the President of the Board of Directors of AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), Pedro Portugal Gaspar, a “great friend of the Azores,” praising the signing of the protocol providing for the decentralisation of services. Following this cooperation agreement, AIMA’s new service desk was opened today within the Integrated Citizen Support Network (RIAC) office in Santa Cruz das Flores, ensuring accessibility and overcoming the constraints of remoteness.
