Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Azores’ new geostrategic importance in Atlantic security and defence
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Azores’ new geostrategic importance in Atlantic security and defence
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Abertas candidaturas para empresas açorianas integrarem a Web Summit 2026
Abertas candidaturas para empresas açorianas integrarem a 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
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Vice-Presidency co-organises event dedicated to innovation and raising awareness of I3 Instrument
Vice-Presidency co-organises event dedicated to innovation and raising awareness of I3 Instrument
Nota de Imprensa
July 14, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Azores’ new geostrategic importance in Atlantic security and defence The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, defended today in Lisbon that the current international situation reinforces the archipelago’s geostrategic importance and creates an “opportunity to establish the Azores” as a “strategic platform for Portugal, the European Union and NATO,” where security, defence, innovation and development go hand in hand. The head of the Azorean Government participated in the seminar "The New Centrality of the Azores: A Strategic-Military Perspective," an initiative organised by the Military University Institute, delivering a presentation on "Relations with security and defence systems in the Autonomous Region of the Azores." José Manuel Bolieiro addressed the growing importance of the North Atlantic against the backdrop of the reshaping of the international security architecture, marked by ongoing conflicts and the need to protect critical infrastructure, logistics chains, maritime routes, energy flows and digital communications. “The Azores are no longer perceived as a peripheral region but are now recognised as a key hub in the Atlantic, essential to the security and resilience of Europe and the transatlantic community,” he stated. The President of the Regional Government emphasised that the archipelago’s geographical position – located at the crossroads of the main maritime and air routes between Europe, America and Africa – combined with its vast maritime area and growing role in the space sector, confers on the Azores a “strategic importance” that is unrivalled within Portugal. In this context, he highlighted the Region’s increased responsibility for monitoring a sub-area within the Exclusive Economic Zone covering approximately one million square kilometres, for protecting the submarine cables that carry a significant proportion of transatlantic communications, and for safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure. Accordingly, José Manuel Bolieiro advocated a strategy based on the development of dual-use capabilities, channelling investment in security and defence towards the protection of the territory, the blue economy, technological innovation and the creation of skilled jobs. "We want to position the Azores as a strategic platform for Portugal, bringing together defence, innovation, resilience and economic development, and turning our geographical location into a competitive asset for the Region and the country," he maintained. The President of the Government also highlighted the role of infrastructure such as the Lajes Air Base on Terceira Island, the NATO pier in Ponta Delgada, the future Horta Technology Free Zone and the Santa Maria spaceport, noting that these capabilities bolster the Azores’ capacity to support security and defence operations, develop cutting-edge technology and consolidate the Region’s position in the maritime and space sectors. José Manuel Bolieiro also called for the tightening of maritime surveillance, the protection of critical infrastructure and situational awareness of the maritime domain. He also advocated closer cooperation among the Region, the National Government, NATO and the European Union, striking a balance that reconciles sovereignty, security, sustainability and development. "Our geographical position should lead to greater security, greater resilience and a brighter future. We want the Azores to be recognised as a leading hub for dual-use capabilities and a benchmark for policies bringing together maritime security, technological innovation, a sustainable blue economy and territorial cohesion," he concluded.
July 14, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Azores’ new geostrategic importance in Atlantic security and defence The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, defended today in Lisbon that the current international situation reinforces the archipelago’s geostrategic importance and creates an “opportunity to establish the Azores” as a “strategic platform for Portugal, the European Union and NATO,” where security, defence, innovation and development go hand in hand. The head of the Azorean Government participated in the seminar "The New Centrality of the Azores: A Strategic-Military Perspective," an initiative organised by the Military University Institute, delivering a presentation on "Relations with security and defence systems in the Autonomous Region of the Azores." José Manuel Bolieiro addressed the growing importance of the North Atlantic against the backdrop of the reshaping of the international security architecture, marked by ongoing conflicts and the need to protect critical infrastructure, logistics chains, maritime routes, energy flows and digital communications. “The Azores are no longer perceived as a peripheral region but are now recognised as a key hub in the Atlantic, essential to the security and resilience of Europe and the transatlantic community,” he stated. The President of the Regional Government emphasised that the archipelago’s geographical position – located at the crossroads of the main maritime and air routes between Europe, America and Africa – combined with its vast maritime area and growing role in the space sector, confers on the Azores a “strategic importance” that is unrivalled within Portugal. In this context, he highlighted the Region’s increased responsibility for monitoring a sub-area within the Exclusive Economic Zone covering approximately one million square kilometres, for protecting the submarine cables that carry a significant proportion of transatlantic communications, and for safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure. Accordingly, José Manuel Bolieiro advocated a strategy based on the development of dual-use capabilities, channelling investment in security and defence towards the protection of the territory, the blue economy, technological innovation and the creation of skilled jobs. "We want to position the Azores as a strategic platform for Portugal, bringing together defence, innovation, resilience and economic development, and turning our geographical location into a competitive asset for the Region and the country," he maintained. The President of the Government also highlighted the role of infrastructure such as the Lajes Air Base on Terceira Island, the NATO pier in Ponta Delgada, the future Horta Technology Free Zone and the Santa Maria spaceport, noting that these capabilities bolster the Azores’ capacity to support security and defence operations, develop cutting-edge technology and consolidate the Region’s position in the maritime and space sectors. José Manuel Bolieiro also called for the tightening of maritime surveillance, the protection of critical infrastructure and situational awareness of the maritime domain. He also advocated closer cooperation among the Region, the National Government, NATO and the European Union, striking a balance that reconciles sovereignty, security, sustainability and development. "Our geographical position should lead to greater security, greater resilience and a brighter future. We want the Azores to be recognised as a leading hub for dual-use capabilities and a benchmark for policies bringing together maritime security, technological innovation, a sustainable blue economy and territorial cohesion," he concluded.
Nota de Imprensa
July 15, 2026 Abertas candidaturas para empresas açorianas integrarem a Web Summit 2026 A Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional dos Açores deu início ao período de candidaturas para a participação de empresas açorianas na edição de 2026 da Web Summit, um dos maiores eventos mundiais dedicados à tecnologia, inovação e empreendedorismo. A iniciativa tem como objetivo promover a internacionalização das empresas açorianas e a captação de oportunidades de negócio em mercados externos, através da participação num evento que reúne empresas, investidores, parceiros estratégicos e líderes do setor tecnológico de todo o mundo. Podem candidatar-se empresas com sede ou estabelecimento estável na Região Autónoma dos Açores que desenvolvam atividade em setores tecnológicos, nomeadamente programação informática, Internet of Things (IoT), desenvolvimento de jogos, realidade aumentada, e-commerce, software industrial, tecnologias Machine-to-Machine (M2M), Human-to-Machine (H2M) e Big Data, ou noutras áreas com relevância para os objetivos do concurso. Serão selecionadas 15 empresas para integrar a representação dos Açores na Web Summit 2026, beneficiando de ingressos para o evento e da oportunidade de apresentar os seus produtos, serviços ou soluções a potenciais clientes, parceiros e investidores internacionais. As candidaturas deverão ser submetidas até às 23h59 do dia 14 de agosto de 2026, através do formulário eletrónico disponível em: https://forms.office.com/e/JPjG8qp18F. Para mais informações, poderá ser consultado o Despachon.º 1648/2026 de 15 de julho de 2026, que aprova o Regulamento do Concurso para Participação na Web Summit 2026, ou contactada a Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional dos Açores, entidade gestora do concurso, através do endereço de correio eletrónico [email protected] ou do contacto telefónico 295 402 300.
July 15, 2026 Abertas candidaturas para empresas açorianas integrarem a Web Summit 2026 A Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional dos Açores deu início ao período de candidaturas para a participação de empresas açorianas na edição de 2026 da Web Summit, um dos maiores eventos mundiais dedicados à tecnologia, inovação e empreendedorismo. A iniciativa tem como objetivo promover a internacionalização das empresas açorianas e a captação de oportunidades de negócio em mercados externos, através da participação num evento que reúne empresas, investidores, parceiros estratégicos e líderes do setor tecnológico de todo o mundo. Podem candidatar-se empresas com sede ou estabelecimento estável na Região Autónoma dos Açores que desenvolvam atividade em setores tecnológicos, nomeadamente programação informática, Internet of Things (IoT), desenvolvimento de jogos, realidade aumentada, e-commerce, software industrial, tecnologias Machine-to-Machine (M2M), Human-to-Machine (H2M) e Big Data, ou noutras áreas com relevância para os objetivos do concurso. Serão selecionadas 15 empresas para integrar a representação dos Açores na Web Summit 2026, beneficiando de ingressos para o evento e da oportunidade de apresentar os seus produtos, serviços ou soluções a potenciais clientes, parceiros e investidores internacionais. As candidaturas deverão ser submetidas até às 23h59 do dia 14 de agosto de 2026, através do formulário eletrónico disponível em: https://forms.office.com/e/JPjG8qp18F. Para mais informações, poderá ser consultado o Despachon.º 1648/2026 de 15 de julho de 2026, que aprova o Regulamento do Concurso para Participação na Web Summit 2026, ou contactada a Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional dos Açores, entidade gestora do concurso, através do endereço de correio eletrónico [email protected] ou do contacto telefónico 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.
Nota de Imprensa
July 14, 2026 Family Allowance Supplement for first half of 2026 already paid The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Institute for Social Security of the Azores (ISSA), began today the payment of the Azorean Family Allowance Supplement for Children and Young People (CAAF) for the first half of 2026. Bank transfers have already been processed, whilst payments by postal order will be available at CTT Post Offices on 17 July, one week earlier than the usual schedule. This payment covers 29,317 beneficiaries and amounts to €1,602,921.21, thereby boosting support for Azorean families with children and young people in their care. It is important to note that, since 2021, the amount invested in CAAF has increased by 47%, and that, also since 2021, around €15.3 million has been invested in this support measure under PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition governments. CAAF is granted every six months and processed twice a year. It is an important social policy measure that takes the form of a financial supplement paid to Family Allowance recipients residing in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Although children and young people are the beneficiaries, the payment is made to their parents, legal guardians or institutional guardians.
July 14, 2026 Family Allowance Supplement for first half of 2026 already paid The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Institute for Social Security of the Azores (ISSA), began today the payment of the Azorean Family Allowance Supplement for Children and Young People (CAAF) for the first half of 2026. Bank transfers have already been processed, whilst payments by postal order will be available at CTT Post Offices on 17 July, one week earlier than the usual schedule. This payment covers 29,317 beneficiaries and amounts to €1,602,921.21, thereby boosting support for Azorean families with children and young people in their care. It is important to note that, since 2021, the amount invested in CAAF has increased by 47%, and that, also since 2021, around €15.3 million has been invested in this support measure under PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition governments. CAAF is granted every six months and processed twice a year. It is an important social policy measure that takes the form of a financial supplement paid to Family Allowance recipients residing in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Although children and young people are the beneficiaries, the payment is made to their parents, legal guardians or institutional guardians.
