Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Paulo Estêvão highlights record levels of private media funding and praises global reach of Azorean identity
Paulo Estêvão highlights record levels of private media funding and praises global reach of Azorean identity
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Regional Government reiterates commitment to healthcare users, professionals and partners at National Health Council meeting
Regional Government reiterates commitment to healthcare users, professionals and partners at National Health Council meeting
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Applications now open for Azorean companies to participate in Web Summit 2026
Applications now open for Azorean companies to participate in Web Summit 2026
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Alonso Miguel highlights waste recovery growth in the Azores and record reduction in landfill disposal
Alonso Miguel highlights waste recovery growth in the Azores and record reduction in landfill disposal
Nota de Imprensa
July 16, 2026 Paulo Estêvão highlights record levels of private media funding and praises global reach of Azorean identity The Regional Government organised a session on Wednesday at the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Regional Archive, focusing on media sustainability and reflection on island identity. The event began with the conference “Incentives and Sustainability: Public Support for the Media,” which brought together several regional media owners, journalists and academics on the discussion panel. The opening session also featured a speech by Anselmo Crespo, a journalist with TVI and CNN Portugal. On this occasion, the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, highlighted the Government's considerable financial effort in supporting regional private media organisations, revealing that funding for the sector had risen from a historical average of half a million euros to €1.7 million by 2026. For the government official, ensuring the viability and modernisation of these projects “is essential for accurate and credible information to reach the public, because only in this way can democracy be practised.” He also announced to industry partners that the Government will review and extend the current incentive scheme (the SIM programme) to address some already identified shortcomings. The panel discussion addressed the current situation regarding public support for private media organisations, analysing the aspects that have yielded positive results and identifying the constraints that continue to hamper the management of these companies and their ability to attract and retain talent. The discussion also addressed the economic challenges facing the sector, marked by rising fixed production costs, namely paper, distribution and energy, amidst declining traditional advertising revenue and a profound transformation in information consumption habits. The global dimension of the Region was another key topic addressed by the Government, with Paulo Estêvão emphasising the importance of connecting the Azorean media with a potential audience of five million Azoreans and Portuguese descendants scattered across the world. In this regard, he announced the signing of the protocol for the ADMAA platform as early as September. The vision of an Azorean identity without borders was a prominent theme in the second part of the event, dedicated to celebrating the 40th anniversary of Lusa News Agency. The celebrations included a debate on “50 years of autonomy – what defines Azorean identity?”, featuring writers João de Melo and Nuno Costa Santos, which culminated in the opening of the agency’s photography exhibition. At the closing session, Paulo Estêvão, speaking on behalf of the President of the Regional Government, recalled the rich historical journey of the archipelago as an embodiment of the Portuguese people. He emphatically stressed that Azorean identity is “much more than the 244,000 inhabitants” living on the nine islands, but rather a reality shared and deeply felt by millions of descendants in the diaspora. The Regional Secretary considered all these initiatives to promote information and culture as part of the preparations for the major celebrations marking the 600th anniversary of the discovery of the Azores. The event programme will be launched with a major advertising campaign in the Azorean media towards the end of the year.
July 16, 2026 Paulo Estêvão highlights record levels of private media funding and praises global reach of Azorean identity The Regional Government organised a session on Wednesday at the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Regional Archive, focusing on media sustainability and reflection on island identity. The event began with the conference “Incentives and Sustainability: Public Support for the Media,” which brought together several regional media owners, journalists and academics on the discussion panel. The opening session also featured a speech by Anselmo Crespo, a journalist with TVI and CNN Portugal. On this occasion, the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, highlighted the Government's considerable financial effort in supporting regional private media organisations, revealing that funding for the sector had risen from a historical average of half a million euros to €1.7 million by 2026. For the government official, ensuring the viability and modernisation of these projects “is essential for accurate and credible information to reach the public, because only in this way can democracy be practised.” He also announced to industry partners that the Government will review and extend the current incentive scheme (the SIM programme) to address some already identified shortcomings. The panel discussion addressed the current situation regarding public support for private media organisations, analysing the aspects that have yielded positive results and identifying the constraints that continue to hamper the management of these companies and their ability to attract and retain talent. The discussion also addressed the economic challenges facing the sector, marked by rising fixed production costs, namely paper, distribution and energy, amidst declining traditional advertising revenue and a profound transformation in information consumption habits. The global dimension of the Region was another key topic addressed by the Government, with Paulo Estêvão emphasising the importance of connecting the Azorean media with a potential audience of five million Azoreans and Portuguese descendants scattered across the world. In this regard, he announced the signing of the protocol for the ADMAA platform as early as September. The vision of an Azorean identity without borders was a prominent theme in the second part of the event, dedicated to celebrating the 40th anniversary of Lusa News Agency. The celebrations included a debate on “50 years of autonomy – what defines Azorean identity?”, featuring writers João de Melo and Nuno Costa Santos, which culminated in the opening of the agency’s photography exhibition. At the closing session, Paulo Estêvão, speaking on behalf of the President of the Regional Government, recalled the rich historical journey of the archipelago as an embodiment of the Portuguese people. He emphatically stressed that Azorean identity is “much more than the 244,000 inhabitants” living on the nine islands, but rather a reality shared and deeply felt by millions of descendants in the diaspora. The Regional Secretary considered all these initiatives to promote information and culture as part of the preparations for the major celebrations marking the 600th anniversary of the discovery of the Azores. The event programme will be launched with a major advertising campaign in the Azorean media towards the end of the year.
Nota de Imprensa
July 16, 2026 Regional Government reiterates commitment to healthcare users, professionals and partners at National Health Council meeting The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, participated on Wednesday in the conference and debate organised by the National Health Council, held in Angra do Heroísmo, on the theme “Pathways to Consensus and Commitment for Health in Portugal." At the opening session, the government official welcomed the holding of this event in the Azores, noting that selecting the Region to host the meeting offers an opportunity to bring the national debate closer to the reality of the outermost regions. It is also an opportunity to improve dialogue between the different levels of decision-making in the definition of public health policies. Speaking before representatives from various national, regional and local institutions, Mónica Seidi emphasised that the current challenges facing the health sector require jointly developed responses involving health professionals, local authorities, academia, the social sector and other organisations active in the Region. In this regard, the government official pointed out that the Regional Health Plan 2030 (PRS 2030) identifies stronger intersectoral and interdepartmental partnerships as one of the pillars for achieving health improvements. She advocated for cooperation among various sectors of society as well as greater coordination among public, private and social organisations. The Regional Secretary also defended that this collaborative governance must be accompanied by results-oriented management, noting that the Regional Government is promoting the implementation of a Value-Based healthcare model within the Regional Health Service. This model places the patient at the centre of decision-making, prioritising improved health outcomes based on the resources invested, whilst simultaneously enhancing the quality, efficiency and sustainability of the system. Mónica Seidi also highlighted the Regional Government’s commitment to ensuring ever-faster responses to service users, supporting its partner organisations and maximising the Region’s existing capacity. In this context, she pointed out that the Azorean Government had updated the prices set out in the agreements – which had remained unchanged since 2014 – bringing them into line with the current situation and creating better conditions for partner organisations to increase their response capacity, particularly by allocating more staff to areas with the greatest demand. As an example, she pointed out Imaging, an area where agreements with private providers have helped meet the increased demand for complementary diagnostic services. Investment in 2025 amounted to around €4.5 million, i.e.,€1.2 million more than in 2024, reflecting an increase of around 1,300 tests compared with the previous year. The Regional Secretary acknowledged that challenges remain and that there is still some way to go. Nevertheless, she reiterated the Azorean Government's commitment to boosting the Regional Health Service’s response capacity, working closely with healthcare professionals and partners, to ensure that Azoreans receive increasingly accessible, timely and high-quality healthcare.
July 16, 2026 Regional Government reiterates commitment to healthcare users, professionals and partners at National Health Council meeting The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, participated on Wednesday in the conference and debate organised by the National Health Council, held in Angra do Heroísmo, on the theme “Pathways to Consensus and Commitment for Health in Portugal." At the opening session, the government official welcomed the holding of this event in the Azores, noting that selecting the Region to host the meeting offers an opportunity to bring the national debate closer to the reality of the outermost regions. It is also an opportunity to improve dialogue between the different levels of decision-making in the definition of public health policies. Speaking before representatives from various national, regional and local institutions, Mónica Seidi emphasised that the current challenges facing the health sector require jointly developed responses involving health professionals, local authorities, academia, the social sector and other organisations active in the Region. In this regard, the government official pointed out that the Regional Health Plan 2030 (PRS 2030) identifies stronger intersectoral and interdepartmental partnerships as one of the pillars for achieving health improvements. She advocated for cooperation among various sectors of society as well as greater coordination among public, private and social organisations. The Regional Secretary also defended that this collaborative governance must be accompanied by results-oriented management, noting that the Regional Government is promoting the implementation of a Value-Based healthcare model within the Regional Health Service. This model places the patient at the centre of decision-making, prioritising improved health outcomes based on the resources invested, whilst simultaneously enhancing the quality, efficiency and sustainability of the system. Mónica Seidi also highlighted the Regional Government’s commitment to ensuring ever-faster responses to service users, supporting its partner organisations and maximising the Region’s existing capacity. In this context, she pointed out that the Azorean Government had updated the prices set out in the agreements – which had remained unchanged since 2014 – bringing them into line with the current situation and creating better conditions for partner organisations to increase their response capacity, particularly by allocating more staff to areas with the greatest demand. As an example, she pointed out Imaging, an area where agreements with private providers have helped meet the increased demand for complementary diagnostic services. Investment in 2025 amounted to around €4.5 million, i.e.,€1.2 million more than in 2024, reflecting an increase of around 1,300 tests compared with the previous year. The Regional Secretary acknowledged that challenges remain and that there is still some way to go. Nevertheless, she reiterated the Azorean Government's commitment to boosting the Regional Health Service’s response capacity, working closely with healthcare professionals and partners, to ensure that Azoreans receive increasingly accessible, timely and high-quality healthcare.
Nota de Imprensa
July 15, 2026 Applications now open for Azorean companies to participate in Web Summit 2026 The Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government has launched the application period for Azorean companies to participate in the 2026 edition of Web Summit, one of the world’s largest events dedicated to technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to promote the internationalisation of Azorean companies and secure business opportunities in foreign markets by participating in an event that brings together companies, investors, strategic partners and leaders from the technology sector worldwide. Eligible applicants include companies with head offices or permanent establishments in the Autonomous Region of the Azores operating in technology sectors, namely computer programming, the Internet of Things (IoT), games development, augmented reality, e-commerce, industrial software, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Human-to-Machine (H2M) technologies, and Big Data, or in other relevant areas. 15 companies will be selected to represent the Azores at Web Summit 2026, receiving tickets to the event and the opportunity to present their products, services or solutions to potential international clients, partners and investors. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on August 14, 2026, using the online form available at: https://forms.office.com/e/JPjG8qp18F. For further information, those who are interested may consult Order no.1648/2026 of July 15, 2026, which approves the Rules of the Application for Participation in Web Summit 2026, or contact the Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government of the Azores, the entity managing the application process, via email at [email protected] or by telephone on 295 402 300.
July 15, 2026 Applications now open for Azorean companies to participate in Web Summit 2026 The Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government has launched the application period for Azorean companies to participate in the 2026 edition of Web Summit, one of the world’s largest events dedicated to technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to promote the internationalisation of Azorean companies and secure business opportunities in foreign markets by participating in an event that brings together companies, investors, strategic partners and leaders from the technology sector worldwide. Eligible applicants include companies with head offices or permanent establishments in the Autonomous Region of the Azores operating in technology sectors, namely computer programming, the Internet of Things (IoT), games development, augmented reality, e-commerce, industrial software, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Human-to-Machine (H2M) technologies, and Big Data, or in other relevant areas. 15 companies will be selected to represent the Azores at Web Summit 2026, receiving tickets to the event and the opportunity to present their products, services or solutions to potential international clients, partners and investors. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on August 14, 2026, using the online form available at: https://forms.office.com/e/JPjG8qp18F. For further information, those who are interested may consult Order no.1648/2026 of July 15, 2026, which approves the Rules of the Application for Participation in Web Summit 2026, or contact the Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government of the Azores, the entity managing the application process, via email at [email protected] or by telephone on 295 402 300.
Nota de Imprensa
July 15, 2026 Alonso Miguel highlights waste recovery growth in the Azores and record reduction in landfill disposal The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, highlighted the results achieved by the Autonomous Region of the Azores in urban waste management in 2025, emphasising that the figures now released confirm the consolidation of a strategy based on the principles of the circular economy and resource recovery. According to the 2025 Annual Urban Waste Report, drawn up by the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, the Azores produced 153,969 tonnes of urban waste, a marginal increase of just 0.4% compared with the previous year, continuing the trend towards stabilisation in waste production observed in recent years. For Alonso Miguel, these results demonstrate that “the Region has been consolidating a more efficient and sustainable waste management model, which prioritises recovery over disposal, progressively reducing dependence on landfill sites and bringing the Azores closer to European best environmental practices.” The report reveals that 82% of the urban waste produced in 2025 was processed for recovery, specifically 28% for material recovery, 29% for organic recovery and 25% for energy recovery. Conversely, landfill disposal once again saw a significant reduction, accounting for just 18% of the total urban waste produced – a figure well below the interim target of 30% set for 2025 in the Strategic Waste Prevention and Management Programme for the Azores (PEPGRA 20+). According to the government official, “although most of the islands, including São Miguel, have met the targets set for 2025, and even though we are clear leaders in this indicator at national level, the Region’s overall result nevertheless remains below the 55% target set by European directives and the PEPGRA 20+.” He added that “this result was significantly affected by the rate of preparation for reuse and recycling achieved on Terceira Island, which, despite showing a slight improvement in 2025, rising to 22%, remains far from the established target.” “However, the results achieved on Terceira Island show a positive trend, something that had not been seen in recent years. Given the ongoing efforts to implement projects aimed at improving waste management on the island, through coordinated action among the Regional Government, the Municipal Councils of Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória, and TERAMB, it will certainly be possible to accelerate the growth in the preparation rate for reuse and recycling on the island of Terceira, towards meeting the targets set for 2030,” he stated. The Regional Secretary acknowledged that “significant challenges remain, particularly in terms of waste prevention and the selective collection of bio-waste.” In this regard, he noted that “the report shows that urban waste generation increased by 6% compared with 2019, exceeding the regional prevention target, and the selective collection of bio-waste continues to fall short of the defined targets.” “We are aware that the coming years will be crucial for consolidating the results achieved, and that the selective collection of bio-waste is a strategic priority, as, from 2027 onwards, only bio-waste collected separately will count towards meeting European recycling targets,” he emphasised. Alonso Miguel also reiterated “the Azorean Government’s commitment to continuing to invest in promoting more sustainable behaviour amongst the population, as well as in modernising waste treatment and management infrastructure, following an investment of about €10 million over the last three years in the refurbishment, modernisation and outfitting of regional Waste Processing Centres.” “The 2025 results show that the Azores are on the right track. We will continue to work to stabilise waste production, increase recycling and the recovery of materials, and accelerate the transition to a truly circular economy – one that is more efficient in the use of resources and more sustainable for future generations,” he concluded. The 2025 Annual Report on Municipal Waste is available for consultation on the Regional Government’s website via the following link: https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/draac/residuos-srir-relatorios.
July 15, 2026 Alonso Miguel highlights waste recovery growth in the Azores and record reduction in landfill disposal The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, highlighted the results achieved by the Autonomous Region of the Azores in urban waste management in 2025, emphasising that the figures now released confirm the consolidation of a strategy based on the principles of the circular economy and resource recovery. According to the 2025 Annual Urban Waste Report, drawn up by the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, the Azores produced 153,969 tonnes of urban waste, a marginal increase of just 0.4% compared with the previous year, continuing the trend towards stabilisation in waste production observed in recent years. For Alonso Miguel, these results demonstrate that “the Region has been consolidating a more efficient and sustainable waste management model, which prioritises recovery over disposal, progressively reducing dependence on landfill sites and bringing the Azores closer to European best environmental practices.” The report reveals that 82% of the urban waste produced in 2025 was processed for recovery, specifically 28% for material recovery, 29% for organic recovery and 25% for energy recovery. Conversely, landfill disposal once again saw a significant reduction, accounting for just 18% of the total urban waste produced – a figure well below the interim target of 30% set for 2025 in the Strategic Waste Prevention and Management Programme for the Azores (PEPGRA 20+). According to the government official, “although most of the islands, including São Miguel, have met the targets set for 2025, and even though we are clear leaders in this indicator at national level, the Region’s overall result nevertheless remains below the 55% target set by European directives and the PEPGRA 20+.” He added that “this result was significantly affected by the rate of preparation for reuse and recycling achieved on Terceira Island, which, despite showing a slight improvement in 2025, rising to 22%, remains far from the established target.” “However, the results achieved on Terceira Island show a positive trend, something that had not been seen in recent years. Given the ongoing efforts to implement projects aimed at improving waste management on the island, through coordinated action among the Regional Government, the Municipal Councils of Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória, and TERAMB, it will certainly be possible to accelerate the growth in the preparation rate for reuse and recycling on the island of Terceira, towards meeting the targets set for 2030,” he stated. The Regional Secretary acknowledged that “significant challenges remain, particularly in terms of waste prevention and the selective collection of bio-waste.” In this regard, he noted that “the report shows that urban waste generation increased by 6% compared with 2019, exceeding the regional prevention target, and the selective collection of bio-waste continues to fall short of the defined targets.” “We are aware that the coming years will be crucial for consolidating the results achieved, and that the selective collection of bio-waste is a strategic priority, as, from 2027 onwards, only bio-waste collected separately will count towards meeting European recycling targets,” he emphasised. Alonso Miguel also reiterated “the Azorean Government’s commitment to continuing to invest in promoting more sustainable behaviour amongst the population, as well as in modernising waste treatment and management infrastructure, following an investment of about €10 million over the last three years in the refurbishment, modernisation and outfitting of regional Waste Processing Centres.” “The 2025 results show that the Azores are on the right track. We will continue to work to stabilise waste production, increase recycling and the recovery of materials, and accelerate the transition to a truly circular economy – one that is more efficient in the use of resources and more sustainable for future generations,” he concluded. The 2025 Annual Report on Municipal Waste is available for consultation on the Regional Government’s website via the following link: https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/draac/residuos-srir-relatorios.
Nota de Imprensa
July 14, 2026 Vice-Presidency co-organises event dedicated to innovation and raising awareness of I3 Instrument The Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government, through the Regional Directorate for Science, Innovation and Development (DRCID), is organising, in partnership with the I3 Support Facility, an event to raise awareness of the I3 Instrument in the Autonomous Region of the Azores at the Terceira Island Science and Technology Park on July 16. This event aims to raise awareness of the Interregional Innovation Investment Instrument (I3) – a European Commission programme funded through ERDF – amongst members of the Regional Research Community, as well as to increase the participation of regional public and private entities in this type of funding. The initiative will include a round-table discussion with regional partners from projects approved under the i3 Instrument: i3-4-BlueGrowth, promoting innovation and investment in the blue economy; i3-4-Biofertilizers, which supports the development of biofertiliser solutions and the circular bioeconomy; and EVEN-CLOSER, promoting the creation of a European value chain for the recovery and reuse of critical raw materials. This will be followed by a session dedicated to the open calls under the I3 Instrument, as well as presentations on best practices for preparing successful applications and boosting the investment capacity of SMEs in an inter-regional context. The opening session will be chaired by the Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima. The event falls within the Regional Government’s strategy to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem, enabling stakeholders within the Regional Research and Innovation Community to enhance their participation in inter-regional cooperation programmes and join European value chains. For the Vice-President of the Regional Government, this event “demonstrates that the Azores already have a proven track record in the field of European innovation.” Similarly, “it demonstrates that there is growth potential that must be harnessed and supported,” he emphasised. In this context, “it is important to build on the initiative developed in the Region and promote its growth potential. This event has been organised precisely for that purpose,” emphasised Artur Lima. The I3 Support Facility aims to foster collaboration among European regions by strengthening their innovation ecosystems and promoting inter-regional investment.
July 14, 2026 Vice-Presidency co-organises event dedicated to innovation and raising awareness of I3 Instrument The Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government, through the Regional Directorate for Science, Innovation and Development (DRCID), is organising, in partnership with the I3 Support Facility, an event to raise awareness of the I3 Instrument in the Autonomous Region of the Azores at the Terceira Island Science and Technology Park on July 16. This event aims to raise awareness of the Interregional Innovation Investment Instrument (I3) – a European Commission programme funded through ERDF – amongst members of the Regional Research Community, as well as to increase the participation of regional public and private entities in this type of funding. The initiative will include a round-table discussion with regional partners from projects approved under the i3 Instrument: i3-4-BlueGrowth, promoting innovation and investment in the blue economy; i3-4-Biofertilizers, which supports the development of biofertiliser solutions and the circular bioeconomy; and EVEN-CLOSER, promoting the creation of a European value chain for the recovery and reuse of critical raw materials. This will be followed by a session dedicated to the open calls under the I3 Instrument, as well as presentations on best practices for preparing successful applications and boosting the investment capacity of SMEs in an inter-regional context. The opening session will be chaired by the Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima. The event falls within the Regional Government’s strategy to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem, enabling stakeholders within the Regional Research and Innovation Community to enhance their participation in inter-regional cooperation programmes and join European value chains. For the Vice-President of the Regional Government, this event “demonstrates that the Azores already have a proven track record in the field of European innovation.” Similarly, “it demonstrates that there is growth potential that must be harnessed and supported,” he emphasised. In this context, “it is important to build on the initiative developed in the Region and promote its growth potential. This event has been organised precisely for that purpose,” emphasised Artur Lima. The I3 Support Facility aims to foster collaboration among European regions by strengthening their innovation ecosystems and promoting inter-regional investment.
