Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Governo dos Açores congratula‑se com segunda reprogramação dos encargos das OSP no transporte aéreo com o continente e a Madeira
Governo dos Açores congratula‑se com segunda reprogramação dos encargos das OSP no transporte aéreo com o continente e a Madeira
Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
Bluefin tuna quota increases by 21% in 2026, announces Regional Government
Bluefin tuna quota increases by 21% in 2026, announces Regional Government
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Tender launched foracquisition of first orthopaedic surgery robots in the Azores
Tender launched foracquisition of first orthopaedic surgery robots in the Azores
Secretaria Regional da Educação, Cultura e Desporto
List of recommended books by Regional Reading Plan updated
List of recommended books by Regional Reading Plan updated
Nota de Imprensa
February 13, 2026 Governo dos Açores congratula‑se com segunda reprogramação dos encargos das OSP no transporte aéreo com o continente e a Madeira A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, manifestou hoje a satisfação do Governo dos Açores pela aprovação, por parte do Governo da República, da segunda reprogramação dos encargos das Obrigações de Serviço Público (OSP) no transporte aéreo entre os Açores, o continente e a Madeira. Berta Cabral saudou “a concretização de mais uma etapa determinante num processo aguardado desde 2015 e no qual o Governo da República tem demonstrado grande empenho para alcançar uma solução definitiva”. A reprogramação agora aprovada assegura o financiamento dos serviços aéreos regulares, em regime de concessão, nas ligações Lisboa–Faial, Lisboa–Santa Maria e Lisboa–Pico, assim como nas rotas que ligam o Funchal às ilhas de São Miguel e Terceira. O concurso público lançado para garantir estas ligações aéreas não liberalizadas recebeu apenas uma proposta — apresentada pelo consórcio SATA Internacional – Azores Airlines, S.A. e TAP – Transportes Aéreos Portugueses, S.A. Esta circunstância tornou necessária a reprogramação da despesa para o período 2026‑2031, permitindo avançar com a respetiva adjudicação. Berta Cabral sublinha, ainda, que a remuneração destas OSP “cria uma condição financeira essencial para contribuir para o equilíbrio das contas do Grupo SATA”, reforçando a sustentabilidade do serviço aéreo de interesse público prestado à Região.
February 13, 2026 Governo dos Açores congratula‑se com segunda reprogramação dos encargos das OSP no transporte aéreo com o continente e a Madeira A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, manifestou hoje a satisfação do Governo dos Açores pela aprovação, por parte do Governo da República, da segunda reprogramação dos encargos das Obrigações de Serviço Público (OSP) no transporte aéreo entre os Açores, o continente e a Madeira. Berta Cabral saudou “a concretização de mais uma etapa determinante num processo aguardado desde 2015 e no qual o Governo da República tem demonstrado grande empenho para alcançar uma solução definitiva”. A reprogramação agora aprovada assegura o financiamento dos serviços aéreos regulares, em regime de concessão, nas ligações Lisboa–Faial, Lisboa–Santa Maria e Lisboa–Pico, assim como nas rotas que ligam o Funchal às ilhas de São Miguel e Terceira. O concurso público lançado para garantir estas ligações aéreas não liberalizadas recebeu apenas uma proposta — apresentada pelo consórcio SATA Internacional – Azores Airlines, S.A. e TAP – Transportes Aéreos Portugueses, S.A. Esta circunstância tornou necessária a reprogramação da despesa para o período 2026‑2031, permitindo avançar com a respetiva adjudicação. Berta Cabral sublinha, ainda, que a remuneração destas OSP “cria uma condição financeira essencial para contribuir para o equilíbrio das contas do Grupo SATA”, reforçando a sustentabilidade do serviço aéreo de interesse público prestado à Região.
Nota de Imprensa
February 13, 2026 Bluefin tuna quota increases by 21% in 2026, announces Regional Government The bluefin tuna fishing quota will increase by 21% in 2026, allowing Azorean fishers to catch 115 tonnes of this highly commercial species. This increase stems from negotiations between the Governments of the Azores and Madeira, through their regional fisheries services, and the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services, leading to an increase in the available quota by 20 tonnes, from 95 tonnes in 2025 to 115 tonnes in 2026. This measure represents a significant boost to economic opportunities for the fishing sector and coastal communities dependent on this activity. According to the order issued by the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services, the distribution of the national bluefin tuna quota in the Atlantic Ocean, east of 45º W, and in the Mediterranean Sea has been defined within the framework of the fishing plan submitted to the European Commission. For 2026, Portugal has a total quota of 746.51 tonnes. The increase in the quota for targeted fishing in the Azores and Madeira is aligned with the growing value of bluefin tuna on international markets, where the species has high commercial value and demand, especially in the food export industry. Increased catches could translate into higher income for Azorean shipowners and fishers, boosting the local economy and associated logistics chains, such as processing, transport and trade. In addition to targeted fishing, the Order also establishes the allocation of 106.01 tonnes for bycatch to vessels with ports of reference in Mainland Portugal, the Azores and Madeira, ensuring greater operational flexibility for the sector. The Regional Government defends that the contribution of bluefin tuna to the economic sustainability of fishing communities must be accompanied by responsible fisheries management on the part of shipowners, focusing on maximising the price of this species on the first-sale fish market.
February 13, 2026 Bluefin tuna quota increases by 21% in 2026, announces Regional Government The bluefin tuna fishing quota will increase by 21% in 2026, allowing Azorean fishers to catch 115 tonnes of this highly commercial species. This increase stems from negotiations between the Governments of the Azores and Madeira, through their regional fisheries services, and the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services, leading to an increase in the available quota by 20 tonnes, from 95 tonnes in 2025 to 115 tonnes in 2026. This measure represents a significant boost to economic opportunities for the fishing sector and coastal communities dependent on this activity. According to the order issued by the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services, the distribution of the national bluefin tuna quota in the Atlantic Ocean, east of 45º W, and in the Mediterranean Sea has been defined within the framework of the fishing plan submitted to the European Commission. For 2026, Portugal has a total quota of 746.51 tonnes. The increase in the quota for targeted fishing in the Azores and Madeira is aligned with the growing value of bluefin tuna on international markets, where the species has high commercial value and demand, especially in the food export industry. Increased catches could translate into higher income for Azorean shipowners and fishers, boosting the local economy and associated logistics chains, such as processing, transport and trade. In addition to targeted fishing, the Order also establishes the allocation of 106.01 tonnes for bycatch to vessels with ports of reference in Mainland Portugal, the Azores and Madeira, ensuring greater operational flexibility for the sector. The Regional Government defends that the contribution of bluefin tuna to the economic sustainability of fishing communities must be accompanied by responsible fisheries management on the part of shipowners, focusing on maximising the price of this species on the first-sale fish market.
Nota de Imprensa
February 13, 2026 Tender launched foracquisition of first orthopaedic surgery robots in the Azores The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, announced today the opening of an international tender for the acquisition of two robotic surgery systems specialising in orthopaedics, intended for the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) and the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island (HSEIT). This procedure provides for the acquisition of robotic surgery equipment under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), Resilience Dimension, Component 1, Investment RE-C01-i011-RAA - Modernisation and Requalification of the Regional Health Service. This investment represents a historic milestone for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, introducing, for the first time, robotic technology applied to orthopaedic surgery in the Regional Health Service hospital. According to Mónica Seidi, “the Regional Health Service must differentiate itself and become increasingly attractive to attract and retain more highly qualified professionals. Investing in technological innovation is crucial to achieving this goal.” Robotic surgery is currently considered state-of-the-art in several surgical areas, including general surgery and orthopaedics, allowing for greater precision, better surgical planning, less invasive procedures, and faster and more effective post-operative recovery for patients. “Orthopaedic services in the Azores must be in line with the best national services. There was a need to fit the Regional Health Service with a network of modern equipment that keeps pace with scientific and technological developments, always for the benefit of our patients,” emphasised the government official. The investment has a base price of €1,100,000.00 for equipment intended for HDES and €1,250,000.00 for equipment intended for HSEIT, totalling €2,350,000.00, plus VAT at the legal rate in force. Proposals should be submitted by March 14. With this strategic investment, the Regional Government reiterates its commitment to modernising and upgrading the Regional Health Service, placing the Region at the forefront of technological innovation in the field of health.
February 13, 2026 Tender launched foracquisition of first orthopaedic surgery robots in the Azores The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, announced today the opening of an international tender for the acquisition of two robotic surgery systems specialising in orthopaedics, intended for the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) and the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island (HSEIT). This procedure provides for the acquisition of robotic surgery equipment under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), Resilience Dimension, Component 1, Investment RE-C01-i011-RAA - Modernisation and Requalification of the Regional Health Service. This investment represents a historic milestone for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, introducing, for the first time, robotic technology applied to orthopaedic surgery in the Regional Health Service hospital. According to Mónica Seidi, “the Regional Health Service must differentiate itself and become increasingly attractive to attract and retain more highly qualified professionals. Investing in technological innovation is crucial to achieving this goal.” Robotic surgery is currently considered state-of-the-art in several surgical areas, including general surgery and orthopaedics, allowing for greater precision, better surgical planning, less invasive procedures, and faster and more effective post-operative recovery for patients. “Orthopaedic services in the Azores must be in line with the best national services. There was a need to fit the Regional Health Service with a network of modern equipment that keeps pace with scientific and technological developments, always for the benefit of our patients,” emphasised the government official. The investment has a base price of €1,100,000.00 for equipment intended for HDES and €1,250,000.00 for equipment intended for HSEIT, totalling €2,350,000.00, plus VAT at the legal rate in force. Proposals should be submitted by March 14. With this strategic investment, the Regional Government reiterates its commitment to modernising and upgrading the Regional Health Service, placing the Region at the forefront of technological innovation in the field of health.
Nota de Imprensa
February 13, 2026 List of recommended books by Regional Reading Plan updated The Regional Secretariat for Education, Culture and Sport, through the Regional Directorate for Education and Educational Administration, has updated the list of books recommended by the Regional Reading Plan for the 2025/2026 school year, following a recent meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Regional Reading Plan. This list includes 103 new titles, with seven recommended for more than one target audience, making a total of 110 new entries on the lists. For the school audience, 43 new entries were introduced, with six books intended for preschool education, 10 for elementary school, one for middle school, four for junior high school and 22 for secondary education. In addition to school audiences, books aimed at other audiences, namely university education and the general public, were also approved, totalling 67 books. The updated list will soon be available on the Education Portal at edu.azores.gov.pt/lista-de-livros-recomendados-prl. The Regional Reading Plan, implemented in the Region since 2011, aims to promote initiatives to encourage reading, especially among basic and secondary school students, including the publication of a list of recommended books. This list consists of works by Azorean authors or works addressing themes directly related to the Azores, which meet specific quality criteria, namely: albums whose aesthetic quality allows pre-readers and early readers to harmoniously develop their sensitivity, imagination, and intelligence; narrative, lyrical and dramatic works of progressive complexity offering a literary reading experience; classic works for children and young people, as well as traditional heritage narratives; informative books distinguished by their accuracy and suitability for children and young people; activity books promoting functional reading and books whose content is suitable for projects defined in a school or similar environment. The list is updated each school year with books reviewed and approved by the Scientific Committee of the Regional Reading Plan, which have been proposed by publishers, authors, or other entities. With a view to supporting the dissemination of books written by Azorean authors or with Azorean content, the Regional Directorate for Education and Educational Administration annually purchases books from the list recommended by the Regional Reading Plan for public school libraries, with a special focus on new titles, corresponding to an investment of about €65,000 since the 2020/2021 school year.
February 13, 2026 List of recommended books by Regional Reading Plan updated The Regional Secretariat for Education, Culture and Sport, through the Regional Directorate for Education and Educational Administration, has updated the list of books recommended by the Regional Reading Plan for the 2025/2026 school year, following a recent meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Regional Reading Plan. This list includes 103 new titles, with seven recommended for more than one target audience, making a total of 110 new entries on the lists. For the school audience, 43 new entries were introduced, with six books intended for preschool education, 10 for elementary school, one for middle school, four for junior high school and 22 for secondary education. In addition to school audiences, books aimed at other audiences, namely university education and the general public, were also approved, totalling 67 books. The updated list will soon be available on the Education Portal at edu.azores.gov.pt/lista-de-livros-recomendados-prl. The Regional Reading Plan, implemented in the Region since 2011, aims to promote initiatives to encourage reading, especially among basic and secondary school students, including the publication of a list of recommended books. This list consists of works by Azorean authors or works addressing themes directly related to the Azores, which meet specific quality criteria, namely: albums whose aesthetic quality allows pre-readers and early readers to harmoniously develop their sensitivity, imagination, and intelligence; narrative, lyrical and dramatic works of progressive complexity offering a literary reading experience; classic works for children and young people, as well as traditional heritage narratives; informative books distinguished by their accuracy and suitability for children and young people; activity books promoting functional reading and books whose content is suitable for projects defined in a school or similar environment. The list is updated each school year with books reviewed and approved by the Scientific Committee of the Regional Reading Plan, which have been proposed by publishers, authors, or other entities. With a view to supporting the dissemination of books written by Azorean authors or with Azorean content, the Regional Directorate for Education and Educational Administration annually purchases books from the list recommended by the Regional Reading Plan for public school libraries, with a special focus on new titles, corresponding to an investment of about €65,000 since the 2020/2021 school year.
Nota de Imprensa
February 13, 2026 Driving schools now provide training for young moped riders From now on, driving schools in the Azores will provide training for young people aged between 14 and 16 to obtain an AM category driving licence. Decree no. 14/2026 of February 12, which establishes the rules applicable to this training, has just been published in the Official Journal of the Region. This scheme is defined under the Legal Qualification for Driving Regulation (RHLC), approved by Decree-Law no. 138/2012 of July 5, and the Legal Scheme for Driving Instruction, approved by Law no. 14/2014 of March 18, both in their current wording. It applies to the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Training and instruction for AM category driving licences, provided by licensed driving schools in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, must be delivered by instructors who meet the requirements set out in Article 42(1) of Law no. 14/2014 of March 18. Training programmes must have a minimum duration of 15 hours, distributed as follows: seven hours of theoretical training; eight hours of practical driving instruction. The training must ensure mechanisms for the ongoing assessment of trainees throughout the course. The Regional Assistant Directorate for Land Transport is responsible for supervising the training and assessment carried out by driving schools and certified entities; organising and conducting AM category driving tests, consisting of a theoretical test and a practical test, under the supervision of examiners from this entity. The vehicle used in the practical test by young people aged 14 to 16 may be a moped licensed by a driving school or a moped belonging to the trainee, provided that it is properly insured, in which case it is considered equivalent to a driving school vehicle for legal purposes. The moped must meet the following requirements: two wheels; engine capacity not exceeding 50 cm³; maximum design speed between 25 km/h and 45 km/h; at least two speeds or a continuously variable transmission; two rear-view mirrors, one on each side. Young people aged between 14 and 16 may obtain an AM category driving licence, subject to restriction 790, provided they present authorisation from a parent or guardian, in accordance with the model approved by the Regional Assistant Director for Land Transport. They are also required to hold a medical certificate confirming their physical and mental fitness to drive, a school certificate proving attendance at least up to the 7th grade, with passing grades in the previous school year, and pass a driving test after attending a special training provided by an authorised entity in the Region.
February 13, 2026 Driving schools now provide training for young moped riders From now on, driving schools in the Azores will provide training for young people aged between 14 and 16 to obtain an AM category driving licence. Decree no. 14/2026 of February 12, which establishes the rules applicable to this training, has just been published in the Official Journal of the Region. This scheme is defined under the Legal Qualification for Driving Regulation (RHLC), approved by Decree-Law no. 138/2012 of July 5, and the Legal Scheme for Driving Instruction, approved by Law no. 14/2014 of March 18, both in their current wording. It applies to the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Training and instruction for AM category driving licences, provided by licensed driving schools in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, must be delivered by instructors who meet the requirements set out in Article 42(1) of Law no. 14/2014 of March 18. Training programmes must have a minimum duration of 15 hours, distributed as follows: seven hours of theoretical training; eight hours of practical driving instruction. The training must ensure mechanisms for the ongoing assessment of trainees throughout the course. The Regional Assistant Directorate for Land Transport is responsible for supervising the training and assessment carried out by driving schools and certified entities; organising and conducting AM category driving tests, consisting of a theoretical test and a practical test, under the supervision of examiners from this entity. The vehicle used in the practical test by young people aged 14 to 16 may be a moped licensed by a driving school or a moped belonging to the trainee, provided that it is properly insured, in which case it is considered equivalent to a driving school vehicle for legal purposes. The moped must meet the following requirements: two wheels; engine capacity not exceeding 50 cm³; maximum design speed between 25 km/h and 45 km/h; at least two speeds or a continuously variable transmission; two rear-view mirrors, one on each side. Young people aged between 14 and 16 may obtain an AM category driving licence, subject to restriction 790, provided they present authorisation from a parent or guardian, in accordance with the model approved by the Regional Assistant Director for Land Transport. They are also required to hold a medical certificate confirming their physical and mental fitness to drive, a school certificate proving attendance at least up to the 7th grade, with passing grades in the previous school year, and pass a driving test after attending a special training provided by an authorised entity in the Region.
