Presidência do Governo Regional
Azores enhance strategic presence at BTL 2026 with redesigned stand and emphasis on destination promotion
Azores enhance strategic presence at BTL 2026 with redesigned stand and emphasis on destination promotion
Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Governo dos Açores vai formalizar protocolo com a Universidade dos Açores para impulsionar setor aeroespacial
Governo dos Açores vai formalizar protocolo com a Universidade dos Açores para impulsionar setor aeroespacial
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Governo dos Açores renova programa “Novos Idosos” para 2026 com investimento regional de 5,53 milhões de euros
Governo dos Açores renova programa “Novos Idosos” para 2026 com investimento regional de 5,53 milhões de euros
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Maria João Carreiro launches works contract to service 36 plots for transfer in Capelas, São Miguel
Maria João Carreiro launches works contract to service 36 plots for transfer in Capelas, São Miguel
Nota de Imprensa
February 20, 2026 Azores enhance strategic presence at BTL 2026 with redesigned stand and emphasis on destination promotion The Azores are once again participating in the Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market (BTL), whose 36th edition will take place from February 25 to March 1 at the Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre - FIL in Parque das Nações. The Region's presence, promoted by the Azorean Government through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, falls within the strategy to enhance, promote and consolidate the destination's visibility in the national and international markets — a priority taken by the Azorean Government at an event considered the largest tourism fair in the country. This year, the Azores stand, located under no. 1A03, features changes and innovations compared to previous years, with a redesigned interior layout to bring a fresh look and improved functionality. Based on the core values of the destination — Nature, Authenticity, Sustainability and Innovation — the space was designed to effectively respond to the two dynamics of BTL: a professional component, focused on meetings, business and networking, and another component open to the public, dedicated to direct communication with visitors and potential tourists. On the days dedicated to professionals (February 25, 26 and 27), the Azores will significantly strengthen their business area, with 40 business contact modules available, 10 more than in previous editions. This increase intends to enhance networking among operators, agents, and partners, as well as generate more business opportunities and consolidate the positioning of the Azores as a destination in the national and international tourism scene. The modules are exclusively for professionals in the sector, ensuring a focused, dynamic, and results-oriented working environment. In the late afternoon of February 27, and on February 28 and March 1, the stand will be reorganised to welcome the general public, with six direct sales counters available to promote immediate contact with potential travellers. During BTL 2026, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures will present the updated version of the MIOSOTIS AZORES award for distinguishing good sustainability practices in the tourism sector. For the five-day event, Azorean municipalities will have an active presence at the stand, promoting the territorial, cultural and tourist diversity of each municipality. This joint participation highlights differentiated tourist products, local initiatives and identities, contributing to territorial cohesion and the integrated promotion of the archipelago as a unique and diverse destination. Meanwhile, Visit Azores challenged its members to develop exclusive tourist packages to be launched during BTL 2026, with a view to stimulating demand, attracting new visitors and bringing the public even closer to the Azores destination. Organised by the AIP Foundation, BTL 2026 is set to be the biggest edition ever, bringing together more than 1,500 exhibitors and 600 events over five days, including conferences, workshops, cultural presentations and immersive experiences. After changing its name to Better Tourism Lisbon in 2025, the event now strengthens its ambition to establish Lisbon as a global hub for tourism. The 2026 edition also focuses on increasing the number of international trade visitors and investing in training and skills development, bringing together the needs of businesses and existing job opportunities. BTL maintains as its strategic priorities the consolidation and diversification of the tourism offer, focusing on segments such as wine tourism, culture, religious tourism, health and wellness, among others, reinforcing its role as a space for reflection on the future of tourism and an essential platform for business and networking.
February 20, 2026 Azores enhance strategic presence at BTL 2026 with redesigned stand and emphasis on destination promotion The Azores are once again participating in the Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market (BTL), whose 36th edition will take place from February 25 to March 1 at the Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre - FIL in Parque das Nações. The Region's presence, promoted by the Azorean Government through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, falls within the strategy to enhance, promote and consolidate the destination's visibility in the national and international markets — a priority taken by the Azorean Government at an event considered the largest tourism fair in the country. This year, the Azores stand, located under no. 1A03, features changes and innovations compared to previous years, with a redesigned interior layout to bring a fresh look and improved functionality. Based on the core values of the destination — Nature, Authenticity, Sustainability and Innovation — the space was designed to effectively respond to the two dynamics of BTL: a professional component, focused on meetings, business and networking, and another component open to the public, dedicated to direct communication with visitors and potential tourists. On the days dedicated to professionals (February 25, 26 and 27), the Azores will significantly strengthen their business area, with 40 business contact modules available, 10 more than in previous editions. This increase intends to enhance networking among operators, agents, and partners, as well as generate more business opportunities and consolidate the positioning of the Azores as a destination in the national and international tourism scene. The modules are exclusively for professionals in the sector, ensuring a focused, dynamic, and results-oriented working environment. In the late afternoon of February 27, and on February 28 and March 1, the stand will be reorganised to welcome the general public, with six direct sales counters available to promote immediate contact with potential travellers. During BTL 2026, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures will present the updated version of the MIOSOTIS AZORES award for distinguishing good sustainability practices in the tourism sector. For the five-day event, Azorean municipalities will have an active presence at the stand, promoting the territorial, cultural and tourist diversity of each municipality. This joint participation highlights differentiated tourist products, local initiatives and identities, contributing to territorial cohesion and the integrated promotion of the archipelago as a unique and diverse destination. Meanwhile, Visit Azores challenged its members to develop exclusive tourist packages to be launched during BTL 2026, with a view to stimulating demand, attracting new visitors and bringing the public even closer to the Azores destination. Organised by the AIP Foundation, BTL 2026 is set to be the biggest edition ever, bringing together more than 1,500 exhibitors and 600 events over five days, including conferences, workshops, cultural presentations and immersive experiences. After changing its name to Better Tourism Lisbon in 2025, the event now strengthens its ambition to establish Lisbon as a global hub for tourism. The 2026 edition also focuses on increasing the number of international trade visitors and investing in training and skills development, bringing together the needs of businesses and existing job opportunities. BTL maintains as its strategic priorities the consolidation and diversification of the tourism offer, focusing on segments such as wine tourism, culture, religious tourism, health and wellness, among others, reinforcing its role as a space for reflection on the future of tourism and an essential platform for business and networking.
Nota de Imprensa
February 20, 2026 Governo dos Açores vai formalizar protocolo com a Universidade dos Açores para impulsionar setor aeroespacial O Governo dos Açores, através da Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades, vai formalizar um protocolo de cooperação alargada com a Universidade dos Açores sobre matérias referentes ao setor aeroespacial, que tem na ilha de Santa Maria particular relevo. A parceria estratégica terá por objetivo apoiar a formação de recursos humanos qualificados para o setor aeroespacial, foi hoje acordado em reunião tida no polo de Ponta Delgada da Universidade dos Açores – no encontro com a Reitora, Susana Mira Leal, esteve presente o Secretário Regional da tutela, Paulo Estêvão, bem como o coordenador da Estrutura de Missão dos Açores para o Espaço (EMA-Espaço), André Craveiro. No âmbito do “desenvolvimento acelerado do ecossistema espacial regional”, o Secretário Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades enaltece Agência Espacial Europeia (ESA) o futuro Centro Tecnológico Espacial a implementar em Santa Maria. “Este projeto estruturante representa um investimento global de 15 milhões de euros, contando com uma aposta de três milhões de euros por parte do executivo açoriano”, vinca. Para sustentar o crescimento no setor e dar resposta ao interesse crescente de empresas e consórcios nacionais e internacionais, o Governo Regional vai apoiar os esforços da Universidade dos Açores na captação de especialistas nas áreas de tecnologia e investigação espacial. “Precisamos de quadros e recursos humanos qualificados. Não conseguimos desenvolver o setor espacial só com infraestruturas”, sublinha Paulo Estêvão. Assumindo um compromisso de total transparência em todas as etapas do processo de afirmação do setor espacial, o Governo dos Açores garante que a segurança da população de Santa Maria é a prioridade absoluta em todo esse processo, valorizando a parceria com amplas entidades, designadamente com a autarquia de Vila do Porto. O executivo açoriano assegura que “todas as fases do projeto serão rigorosamente fiscalizadas pelas entidades competentes e que não ocorrerá qualquer lançamento sem a devida autorização do Estado”, declarou o governante. Para detalhar a dimensão do projeto e explicar os seus mecanismos de segurança, o Governo dos Açores vai promover reuniões públicas de esclarecimento “nos próximos meses” junto dos marienses. “Nada será feito sem o apoio da população, será feito com as pessoas para criar mais riqueza nos Açores”, garante o governante. No encontro tido com a Reitora da Universidade dos Açores abordou-se também a preparação das comemorações dos 600 anos da descoberta dos Açores, que se assinalam em 2027. A Universidade dos Açores será uma peça fundamental no êxito deste projeto, contribuindo com a sua investigação e profundo conhecimento histórico, entre amplas outras matérias a abordar nos próximos meses.
February 20, 2026 Governo dos Açores vai formalizar protocolo com a Universidade dos Açores para impulsionar setor aeroespacial O Governo dos Açores, através da Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades, vai formalizar um protocolo de cooperação alargada com a Universidade dos Açores sobre matérias referentes ao setor aeroespacial, que tem na ilha de Santa Maria particular relevo. A parceria estratégica terá por objetivo apoiar a formação de recursos humanos qualificados para o setor aeroespacial, foi hoje acordado em reunião tida no polo de Ponta Delgada da Universidade dos Açores – no encontro com a Reitora, Susana Mira Leal, esteve presente o Secretário Regional da tutela, Paulo Estêvão, bem como o coordenador da Estrutura de Missão dos Açores para o Espaço (EMA-Espaço), André Craveiro. No âmbito do “desenvolvimento acelerado do ecossistema espacial regional”, o Secretário Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades enaltece Agência Espacial Europeia (ESA) o futuro Centro Tecnológico Espacial a implementar em Santa Maria. “Este projeto estruturante representa um investimento global de 15 milhões de euros, contando com uma aposta de três milhões de euros por parte do executivo açoriano”, vinca. Para sustentar o crescimento no setor e dar resposta ao interesse crescente de empresas e consórcios nacionais e internacionais, o Governo Regional vai apoiar os esforços da Universidade dos Açores na captação de especialistas nas áreas de tecnologia e investigação espacial. “Precisamos de quadros e recursos humanos qualificados. Não conseguimos desenvolver o setor espacial só com infraestruturas”, sublinha Paulo Estêvão. Assumindo um compromisso de total transparência em todas as etapas do processo de afirmação do setor espacial, o Governo dos Açores garante que a segurança da população de Santa Maria é a prioridade absoluta em todo esse processo, valorizando a parceria com amplas entidades, designadamente com a autarquia de Vila do Porto. O executivo açoriano assegura que “todas as fases do projeto serão rigorosamente fiscalizadas pelas entidades competentes e que não ocorrerá qualquer lançamento sem a devida autorização do Estado”, declarou o governante. Para detalhar a dimensão do projeto e explicar os seus mecanismos de segurança, o Governo dos Açores vai promover reuniões públicas de esclarecimento “nos próximos meses” junto dos marienses. “Nada será feito sem o apoio da população, será feito com as pessoas para criar mais riqueza nos Açores”, garante o governante. No encontro tido com a Reitora da Universidade dos Açores abordou-se também a preparação das comemorações dos 600 anos da descoberta dos Açores, que se assinalam em 2027. A Universidade dos Açores será uma peça fundamental no êxito deste projeto, contribuindo com a sua investigação e profundo conhecimento histórico, entre amplas outras matérias a abordar nos próximos meses.
Nota de Imprensa
February 20, 2026 Governo dos Açores renova programa “Novos Idosos” para 2026 com investimento regional de 5,53 milhões de euros Foi aprovada na quinta-feira, em reunião do Conselho do Governo, a renovação do programa “Novos Idosos” para o ano de 2026, assegurando a continuidade desta resposta social inovadora com um investimento de 5,53 milhões de euros do Orçamento da Região Autónoma dos Açores (ORAA). A Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, afirma que esta renovação “garante a continuidade de uma resposta que tem transformado a vida de centenas de idosos açorianos, permitindo-lhes um envelhecimento ativo e saudável no seu lar, com o apoio especializado de que necessitam”. Criado em 2022, no primeiro governo de coligação PSD/CDS-PP/PPM, no âmbito do Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR), o programa “Novos Idosos” tem permitido desenvolver um modelo de cuidados domiciliários personalizado, assente no conceito de ‘ageing in place’, que já demonstrou resultados altamente positivos e cientificamente validados. Desde o início do projeto-piloto, 545 idosos já beneficiaram desta resposta, estando atualmente integrados 404 Novos Idosos, apoiados por cerca de 526 cuidadores domiciliários e 40 técnicos superiores especializados. A avaliação externa realizada pela APLIXAR confirmou, entre outras questões, que 73,8% dos cuidadores reduziram o nível de sobrecarga, 60,3% dos idosos melhoraram funções cognitivas, 57,7% aumentaram a qualidade de vida, 82,5% sentem-se menos tristes, 80,6% menos sozinhos e 41,2% afirmam que, sem o Programa, seria provável estarem institucionalizados. Segundo Mónica Seidi, “os resultados alcançados são inequívocos: melhoria da qualidade de vida, maior autonomia, redução da solidão e da ansiedade, diminuição da sobrecarga dos cuidadores informais e prevenção da institucionalização”. O programa, que atualmente abrange 16 concelhos e disponibiliza 465 vagas, tem também um impacto significativo na empregabilidade regional, com mais de 400 postos de trabalho criados, contribuindo para a fixação de profissionais qualificados, sobretudo em ilhas de menor dimensão. A Secretária Regional destaca ainda o papel essencial das Equipas Técnicas Locais e das instituições parceiras do setor social: “Este é um programa que se faz em proximidade, com equipas multidisciplinares altamente qualificadas e com o envolvimento das comunidades. É uma resposta que transforma vidas e reforça a coesão social”. A implementação do programa até outubro de 2026 é financiada pelo PRR, no montante global de 14,6 milhões de euros. A renovação agora aprovada assegura a continuidade até dezembro de 2026, com o financiamento do último trimestre do ano a ser assegurado pelo ORAA, num total de 5,53 milhões de euros. “Os Açores estão a afirmar-se como referência nacional na promoção do envelhecimento digno e seguro no domicílio. A renovação do Programa ‘Novos Idosos’ é um passo decisivo para consolidar esta resposta como política pública estruturada e sustentável”, conclui Mónica Seidi.
February 20, 2026 Governo dos Açores renova programa “Novos Idosos” para 2026 com investimento regional de 5,53 milhões de euros Foi aprovada na quinta-feira, em reunião do Conselho do Governo, a renovação do programa “Novos Idosos” para o ano de 2026, assegurando a continuidade desta resposta social inovadora com um investimento de 5,53 milhões de euros do Orçamento da Região Autónoma dos Açores (ORAA). A Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, afirma que esta renovação “garante a continuidade de uma resposta que tem transformado a vida de centenas de idosos açorianos, permitindo-lhes um envelhecimento ativo e saudável no seu lar, com o apoio especializado de que necessitam”. Criado em 2022, no primeiro governo de coligação PSD/CDS-PP/PPM, no âmbito do Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR), o programa “Novos Idosos” tem permitido desenvolver um modelo de cuidados domiciliários personalizado, assente no conceito de ‘ageing in place’, que já demonstrou resultados altamente positivos e cientificamente validados. Desde o início do projeto-piloto, 545 idosos já beneficiaram desta resposta, estando atualmente integrados 404 Novos Idosos, apoiados por cerca de 526 cuidadores domiciliários e 40 técnicos superiores especializados. A avaliação externa realizada pela APLIXAR confirmou, entre outras questões, que 73,8% dos cuidadores reduziram o nível de sobrecarga, 60,3% dos idosos melhoraram funções cognitivas, 57,7% aumentaram a qualidade de vida, 82,5% sentem-se menos tristes, 80,6% menos sozinhos e 41,2% afirmam que, sem o Programa, seria provável estarem institucionalizados. Segundo Mónica Seidi, “os resultados alcançados são inequívocos: melhoria da qualidade de vida, maior autonomia, redução da solidão e da ansiedade, diminuição da sobrecarga dos cuidadores informais e prevenção da institucionalização”. O programa, que atualmente abrange 16 concelhos e disponibiliza 465 vagas, tem também um impacto significativo na empregabilidade regional, com mais de 400 postos de trabalho criados, contribuindo para a fixação de profissionais qualificados, sobretudo em ilhas de menor dimensão. A Secretária Regional destaca ainda o papel essencial das Equipas Técnicas Locais e das instituições parceiras do setor social: “Este é um programa que se faz em proximidade, com equipas multidisciplinares altamente qualificadas e com o envolvimento das comunidades. É uma resposta que transforma vidas e reforça a coesão social”. A implementação do programa até outubro de 2026 é financiada pelo PRR, no montante global de 14,6 milhões de euros. A renovação agora aprovada assegura a continuidade até dezembro de 2026, com o financiamento do último trimestre do ano a ser assegurado pelo ORAA, num total de 5,53 milhões de euros. “Os Açores estão a afirmar-se como referência nacional na promoção do envelhecimento digno e seguro no domicílio. A renovação do Programa ‘Novos Idosos’ é um passo decisivo para consolidar esta resposta como política pública estruturada e sustentável”, conclui Mónica Seidi.
Nota de Imprensa
February 20, 2026 Maria João Carreiro launches works contract to service 36 plots for transfer in Capelas, São Miguel The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, laid today the first stone for the servicing of 36 plots in the Nossa Senhora do Rosário housing development in Vila das Capelas, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island. The works contract has a completion period of 240 days and was awarded to the company Albano Vieira, S.A., representing an investment of over €2.2 million financed under the RRP. Once the plots have been developed, they will be granted by the Region through a public tender to 36 families and their respective households for the construction of permanent housing, thereby increasing the supply of affordable housing in Ponta Delgada. During the ceremony, held this morning, Maria João Carreiro praised the start of construction of this new housing solution, not only for what it represents for the "efficient implementation of the RRP" but also for what it means for the "future of dignity and stability" of families. “A serviced plot is the basis for construction to proceed quickly, safely and at lower cost. With this public investment, we are removing obstacles, making investments more predictable and building confidence for those who want to build their own homes,” she said. The Regional Secretary also pointed out that this is the last project launched under the RRP planned investment in servicing 145 plots in the Region, including 84 in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, with more than 60 currently in progress. "Developing land means creating real conditions for increasing supply and ensuring that the dream of home ownership is no longer postponed," she said, pointing out that €10.7 million is being invested in housing in the municipality of Ponta Delgada alone, via the RRP. Maria João Carreiro emphasised that the land allocation programme, whose eligibility criteria have been revised to include, for example, young people who were previously excluded, is compatible with other public support measures to reduce the financial burden on Azorean families seeking affordable housing. As such, beneficiaries of plots granted by the Region may also receive financial assistance of up to €5,000 for architectural designs and support for self-build projects of up to €75,000, depending on the household size and income, as well as the type of dwelling being built. Owners of private plots who decide to build their first permanent home can also benefit from support for the acquisition of architectural and specialised designs, as well as support for self-build projects, which has been increased by 25% in 2026. "No other government has put so much public effort into public housing," stressed the Regional Secretary. In this regard, she recalled that socialist governments spent two decades postponing the implementation of the Nossa Senhora do Rosário housing development, which is now beginning, failing to issue permits and causing deadlines to pass. The ceremony was attended by members of the Regional Legislative Assembly, José Leal, Márcia Goulart and José Pacheco; the President of Capelas Parish Council, Silvia Rainha; the Regional Director for Housing, Daniel Pavão, as well as representatives of the companies Albano Vieira, S.A. and Tavares Vieira.
February 20, 2026 Maria João Carreiro launches works contract to service 36 plots for transfer in Capelas, São Miguel The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, laid today the first stone for the servicing of 36 plots in the Nossa Senhora do Rosário housing development in Vila das Capelas, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island. The works contract has a completion period of 240 days and was awarded to the company Albano Vieira, S.A., representing an investment of over €2.2 million financed under the RRP. Once the plots have been developed, they will be granted by the Region through a public tender to 36 families and their respective households for the construction of permanent housing, thereby increasing the supply of affordable housing in Ponta Delgada. During the ceremony, held this morning, Maria João Carreiro praised the start of construction of this new housing solution, not only for what it represents for the "efficient implementation of the RRP" but also for what it means for the "future of dignity and stability" of families. “A serviced plot is the basis for construction to proceed quickly, safely and at lower cost. With this public investment, we are removing obstacles, making investments more predictable and building confidence for those who want to build their own homes,” she said. The Regional Secretary also pointed out that this is the last project launched under the RRP planned investment in servicing 145 plots in the Region, including 84 in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, with more than 60 currently in progress. "Developing land means creating real conditions for increasing supply and ensuring that the dream of home ownership is no longer postponed," she said, pointing out that €10.7 million is being invested in housing in the municipality of Ponta Delgada alone, via the RRP. Maria João Carreiro emphasised that the land allocation programme, whose eligibility criteria have been revised to include, for example, young people who were previously excluded, is compatible with other public support measures to reduce the financial burden on Azorean families seeking affordable housing. As such, beneficiaries of plots granted by the Region may also receive financial assistance of up to €5,000 for architectural designs and support for self-build projects of up to €75,000, depending on the household size and income, as well as the type of dwelling being built. Owners of private plots who decide to build their first permanent home can also benefit from support for the acquisition of architectural and specialised designs, as well as support for self-build projects, which has been increased by 25% in 2026. "No other government has put so much public effort into public housing," stressed the Regional Secretary. In this regard, she recalled that socialist governments spent two decades postponing the implementation of the Nossa Senhora do Rosário housing development, which is now beginning, failing to issue permits and causing deadlines to pass. The ceremony was attended by members of the Regional Legislative Assembly, José Leal, Márcia Goulart and José Pacheco; the President of Capelas Parish Council, Silvia Rainha; the Regional Director for Housing, Daniel Pavão, as well as representatives of the companies Albano Vieira, S.A. and Tavares Vieira.
Nota de Imprensa
February 20, 2026 Regional realities must be valued in European Union policies, advocates Artur Lima The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, spoke at the Political Bureau of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR), defending that "regional realities must be reinforced in future European Union policies." "The European energy transition is already underway, but we must remember one thing: implementation is territorial," stressed the Vice-President. "For the transition to be successful, it will have to be implemented in all regions and all peripheral areas, including the outermost regions," he stressed, adding: "regional realities must be taken into account, or we run the risk of an uneven transition." Artur Lima addressed the Political Bureau as Vice-President of the CPMR, overseeing energy. "The European Union is in a phase of intense legislative activity that will define our future for decades to come. The choices we make in the coming months will have an impact on competitiveness, cohesion and, above all, social justice in our regions," he stressed. "The purpose is simple: regional realities must be reinforced in future European Union policies," he defended. The Vice-President of the Government addressed European legislative initiatives in the field of energy, namely the Clean Industry Pact, the industrial decarbonisation accelerator and the European Networks Package. In this context, he detailed the initiatives developed by the CRPM to ensure that a regional perspective is included in European Union policies, which are being pursued through four priorities: industrial decarbonisation, regional electricity networks, including those in the outermost regions, the necessary level of funding, and a socially sustainable transition. "European energy transition must protect local and skilled jobs as well as ensure that electricity networks do not have regional gaps, particularly in island and outermost regions," stated Artur Lima. "Similarly, it must be ensured that the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank is accessible to regions," he added. The CPMR Political Bureau met on February 19 and 20 in Nicosia, Cyprus, to discuss European policy for island regions, energy, connectivity and maritime affairs.
February 20, 2026 Regional realities must be valued in European Union policies, advocates Artur Lima The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, spoke at the Political Bureau of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR), defending that "regional realities must be reinforced in future European Union policies." "The European energy transition is already underway, but we must remember one thing: implementation is territorial," stressed the Vice-President. "For the transition to be successful, it will have to be implemented in all regions and all peripheral areas, including the outermost regions," he stressed, adding: "regional realities must be taken into account, or we run the risk of an uneven transition." Artur Lima addressed the Political Bureau as Vice-President of the CPMR, overseeing energy. "The European Union is in a phase of intense legislative activity that will define our future for decades to come. The choices we make in the coming months will have an impact on competitiveness, cohesion and, above all, social justice in our regions," he stressed. "The purpose is simple: regional realities must be reinforced in future European Union policies," he defended. The Vice-President of the Government addressed European legislative initiatives in the field of energy, namely the Clean Industry Pact, the industrial decarbonisation accelerator and the European Networks Package. In this context, he detailed the initiatives developed by the CRPM to ensure that a regional perspective is included in European Union policies, which are being pursued through four priorities: industrial decarbonisation, regional electricity networks, including those in the outermost regions, the necessary level of funding, and a socially sustainable transition. "European energy transition must protect local and skilled jobs as well as ensure that electricity networks do not have regional gaps, particularly in island and outermost regions," stated Artur Lima. "Similarly, it must be ensured that the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank is accessible to regions," he added. The CPMR Political Bureau met on February 19 and 20 in Nicosia, Cyprus, to discuss European policy for island regions, energy, connectivity and maritime affairs.
