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
Vice-Presidência coorganiza evento dedicado à inovação e à divulgação do Instrumento I3
Vice-Presidência coorganiza evento dedicado à inovação e à divulgação do Instrumento I3
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Complemento ao Abono de Família referente ao primeiro semestre de 2026 já começou a ser pago
Complemento ao Abono de Família referente ao primeiro semestre de 2026 já começou a ser pago
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Azorean wine sector sets new records for brands and wine certification, says António Ventura
Azorean wine sector sets new records for brands and wine certification, says António Ventura
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 14, 2026 Vice-Presidência coorganiza evento dedicado à inovação e à divulgação do Instrumento I3 A Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional, através da Direção Regional da Ciência, Inovação e Desenvolvimento (DRCID), organiza, em parceria com a I3 Support Facility, um evento de divulgação do Instrumento I3 na Região Autónoma dos Açores, no Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia da Ilha Terceira, no próximo dia 16 de julho. Este evento procura divulgar o Instrumento de Investimentos Inter-regionais em Inovação (I3), um programa da Comissão Europeia financiado pelo FEDER, junto dos membros da Comunidade Regional de Investigação e aumentar a participação de entidades públicas e privadas da Região neste tipo de financiamento. A iniciativa incluirá uma mesa-redonda com parceiros regionais de projetos aprovados no âmbito do Instrumento I3, nomeadamente o i3-4-BlueGrowth, que promove a inovação e o investimento na economia azul, o i3-4-Biofertilizers, que apoia o desenvolvimento de soluções de biofertilizantes e bioeconomia circular, e o EVEN-CLOSER,que promove a criação de uma cadeia de valor europeia para a recuperação e reutilização de matérias-primas críticas. Segue-se uma sessão dedicada aos avisos abertos do Instrumento I3, assim como apresentações sobre boas práticas para a preparação de candidaturas de sucesso e sobre o reforço da capacidade de investimento das PME em contexto inter-regional. A sessão de abertura é presidida pelo Vice-Presidente do Governo Regional dos Açores, Artur Lima. O evento enquadra-se na estratégia do Governo Regional para reforçar o ecossistema regional de inovação, permitindo que os intervenientes da Comunidade Regional de Investigação e Inovação reforcem a sua participação em programas de cooperação inter-regional e integrem cadeias de valor europeias. Para o Vice-Presidente do Governo, este evento “demonstra que os Açores apresentam já uma experiência consolidada em matéria de inovação europeia”. Da mesma forma, “demonstra que existe um potencial de crescimento que deve ser aproveitado e apoiado”, salientou. Nesse contexto, “importa valorizar a iniciativa desenvolvida na Região e promover o seu potencial de crescimento. Este evento surge precisamente com esse propósito”, sublinha Artur Lima. A I3 Support Facility visa apoiar a colaboração entre regiões europeias, reforçando os seus ecossistemas de inovação e promovendo investimentos inter-regionais.
July 14, 2026 Vice-Presidência coorganiza evento dedicado à inovação e à divulgação do Instrumento I3 A Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional, através da Direção Regional da Ciência, Inovação e Desenvolvimento (DRCID), organiza, em parceria com a I3 Support Facility, um evento de divulgação do Instrumento I3 na Região Autónoma dos Açores, no Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia da Ilha Terceira, no próximo dia 16 de julho. Este evento procura divulgar o Instrumento de Investimentos Inter-regionais em Inovação (I3), um programa da Comissão Europeia financiado pelo FEDER, junto dos membros da Comunidade Regional de Investigação e aumentar a participação de entidades públicas e privadas da Região neste tipo de financiamento. A iniciativa incluirá uma mesa-redonda com parceiros regionais de projetos aprovados no âmbito do Instrumento I3, nomeadamente o i3-4-BlueGrowth, que promove a inovação e o investimento na economia azul, o i3-4-Biofertilizers, que apoia o desenvolvimento de soluções de biofertilizantes e bioeconomia circular, e o EVEN-CLOSER,que promove a criação de uma cadeia de valor europeia para a recuperação e reutilização de matérias-primas críticas. Segue-se uma sessão dedicada aos avisos abertos do Instrumento I3, assim como apresentações sobre boas práticas para a preparação de candidaturas de sucesso e sobre o reforço da capacidade de investimento das PME em contexto inter-regional. A sessão de abertura é presidida pelo Vice-Presidente do Governo Regional dos Açores, Artur Lima. O evento enquadra-se na estratégia do Governo Regional para reforçar o ecossistema regional de inovação, permitindo que os intervenientes da Comunidade Regional de Investigação e Inovação reforcem a sua participação em programas de cooperação inter-regional e integrem cadeias de valor europeias. Para o Vice-Presidente do Governo, este evento “demonstra que os Açores apresentam já uma experiência consolidada em matéria de inovação europeia”. Da mesma forma, “demonstra que existe um potencial de crescimento que deve ser aproveitado e apoiado”, salientou. Nesse contexto, “importa valorizar a iniciativa desenvolvida na Região e promover o seu potencial de crescimento. Este evento surge precisamente com esse propósito”, sublinha Artur Lima. A I3 Support Facility visa apoiar a colaboração entre regiões europeias, reforçando os seus ecossistemas de inovação e promovendo investimentos inter-regionais.
Nota de Imprensa
July 14, 2026 Complemento ao Abono de Família referente ao primeiro semestre de 2026 já começou a ser pago A Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, através do Instituto de Segurança Social dos Açores (ISSA), iniciou hoje o pagamento do Complemento Açoriano ao Abono de Família para Crianças e Jovens (CAAF), referente ao primeiro semestre de 2026. Já foram efetuadas as transferências bancárias, estando os pagamentos por vale postal disponíveis nos CTT no dia 17 de julho, o que representa uma antecipação de uma semana face ao calendário habitual. Este pagamento abrange 29.317 beneficiários, correspondendo a um montante global de 1.602.921,21 euros, reforçando o apoio às famílias açorianas com crianças e jovens a cargo. Importa salientar que, desde 2021, o valor investido no CAAF aumentou 47% e que, desde 2021, com os governos da coligação PSD/CDS-PP/PPM, foram investidos cerca de 15,3 milhões de euros neste apoio. O CAAF é atribuído com periodicidade semestral, sendo processado duas vezes por ano. Constitui um importante instrumento de política social, traduzindo-se num acréscimo pecuniário atribuído aos titulares do Abono de Família residentes na Região Autónoma dos Açores. Embora os titulares sejam as crianças e os jovens, o respetivo pagamento é efetuado aos pais, tutores legais ou instituições responsáveis.
July 14, 2026 Complemento ao Abono de Família referente ao primeiro semestre de 2026 já começou a ser pago A Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, através do Instituto de Segurança Social dos Açores (ISSA), iniciou hoje o pagamento do Complemento Açoriano ao Abono de Família para Crianças e Jovens (CAAF), referente ao primeiro semestre de 2026. Já foram efetuadas as transferências bancárias, estando os pagamentos por vale postal disponíveis nos CTT no dia 17 de julho, o que representa uma antecipação de uma semana face ao calendário habitual. Este pagamento abrange 29.317 beneficiários, correspondendo a um montante global de 1.602.921,21 euros, reforçando o apoio às famílias açorianas com crianças e jovens a cargo. Importa salientar que, desde 2021, o valor investido no CAAF aumentou 47% e que, desde 2021, com os governos da coligação PSD/CDS-PP/PPM, foram investidos cerca de 15,3 milhões de euros neste apoio. O CAAF é atribuído com periodicidade semestral, sendo processado duas vezes por ano. Constitui um importante instrumento de política social, traduzindo-se num acréscimo pecuniário atribuído aos titulares do Abono de Família residentes na Região Autónoma dos Açores. Embora os titulares sejam as crianças e os jovens, o respetivo pagamento é efetuado aos pais, tutores legais ou instituições responsáveis.
Nota de Imprensa
July 13, 2026 Azorean wine sector sets new records for brands and wine certification, says António Ventura During a visit to the Oenology Laboratory, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, accompanied by the President of the Azores Vine and Wine Institute (IVVA), Cláudio Lopes, emphasised that “the Azorean wine sector continues to establish itself as one of the most dynamic agrifood sectors in the Region. It has shown sustained growth underpinned by the enhancement of production, the technical skills of industry stakeholders and investment in innovation and research.” The latest figures from the Azores Vine and Wine Institute (IVVA), dated July 6, 2026, reveal a very significant improvement in the sector’s key indicators. As of today, 104 trade marks and 192 commercial references have been registered – the highest figures ever recorded – reflecting the growing confidence of producers and businesses in the potential of the Azorean wine industry. At the same time, there are 35 certified economic operators, spread across five islands of the Region. There has also been a very positive trend in wine certification. In just five certification tastings held this year, 125 candidate wines have already been submitted, amounting to around 471,000 litres, with approximately 432,000 litres achieving certification, showcasing the growing quality of wines produced in the Azores. The area of vineyard approved for the production of PDO- and PGI-certified wines is another indicator of the sector’s strong expansion. Between 2016 and 2026, it increased from around 216 hectares to over 1,200 hectares, highlighting ongoing investment in the recovery and planting of new vineyards, as well as in the promotion of traditional Azorean grape varieties. This growth has been accompanied by strengthened technical and scientific capacity at the Regional Oenology Laboratory, whose activities have seen a significant growth over the last decade. The number of physico-chemical tests conducted has risen from around 2,180 in 2016 to over 5,200 in 2025, keeping pace with the development of regional production and ensuring an increasingly high-quality technical support service for winegrowers and producers. At the same time, the Laboratory continues to play a key role in applied research. As part of the partnership with the Azores Biotechnology Centre, aimed at the phytosanitary improvement of traditional grape varieties such as Verdelho, Terrantez do Pico and Arinto dos Açores, around 3,700 certified plants are now available and will be delivered to the IVVA for subsequent distribution to winegrowers. There are also plans to launch a new line of research dedicated to the certification of rootstocks for traditional Azorean grape varieties, thus strengthening the sustainability and competitiveness of the regional wine industry. Training and knowledge transfer also continue to play a central role in the sector’s development strategy. Between 2015 and 2024, dozens of awareness-raising activities, specialised training courses, workshops and technical and scientific dissemination initiatives were organised for producers, technical staff, students and the general public, contributing to the ongoing improvement of winemaking practices and the promotion of Azorean wines. These initiatives involved more than 700 participants, serving as an important tool for capacity-building within the sector. The progress made over recent years confirms that the Azorean wine industry is experiencing a period of consistent growth, underpinned by the promotion of certified wines, technological innovation, scientific research and the strengthening of the skills of its economic stakeholders, thereby creating the conditions to boost the competitiveness and recognition of Azorean wines in national and international markets. According to the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, “the Regional Oenology Laboratory is now a leading scientific facility for the development of the Azorean wine industry.” He continued: “The significant increase in its activity demonstrates the confidence of producers and the importance of this public service in ensuring the quality, safety and promotion of Azores wines.” "Scientific knowledge, innovation and technology transfer will continue to be fundamental pillars of the Azorean Government’s strategy for this sector, bringing research closer to the practical needs of regional winegrowers and wineries,” concluded António Ventura.
July 13, 2026 Azorean wine sector sets new records for brands and wine certification, says António Ventura During a visit to the Oenology Laboratory, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, accompanied by the President of the Azores Vine and Wine Institute (IVVA), Cláudio Lopes, emphasised that “the Azorean wine sector continues to establish itself as one of the most dynamic agrifood sectors in the Region. It has shown sustained growth underpinned by the enhancement of production, the technical skills of industry stakeholders and investment in innovation and research.” The latest figures from the Azores Vine and Wine Institute (IVVA), dated July 6, 2026, reveal a very significant improvement in the sector’s key indicators. As of today, 104 trade marks and 192 commercial references have been registered – the highest figures ever recorded – reflecting the growing confidence of producers and businesses in the potential of the Azorean wine industry. At the same time, there are 35 certified economic operators, spread across five islands of the Region. There has also been a very positive trend in wine certification. In just five certification tastings held this year, 125 candidate wines have already been submitted, amounting to around 471,000 litres, with approximately 432,000 litres achieving certification, showcasing the growing quality of wines produced in the Azores. The area of vineyard approved for the production of PDO- and PGI-certified wines is another indicator of the sector’s strong expansion. Between 2016 and 2026, it increased from around 216 hectares to over 1,200 hectares, highlighting ongoing investment in the recovery and planting of new vineyards, as well as in the promotion of traditional Azorean grape varieties. This growth has been accompanied by strengthened technical and scientific capacity at the Regional Oenology Laboratory, whose activities have seen a significant growth over the last decade. The number of physico-chemical tests conducted has risen from around 2,180 in 2016 to over 5,200 in 2025, keeping pace with the development of regional production and ensuring an increasingly high-quality technical support service for winegrowers and producers. At the same time, the Laboratory continues to play a key role in applied research. As part of the partnership with the Azores Biotechnology Centre, aimed at the phytosanitary improvement of traditional grape varieties such as Verdelho, Terrantez do Pico and Arinto dos Açores, around 3,700 certified plants are now available and will be delivered to the IVVA for subsequent distribution to winegrowers. There are also plans to launch a new line of research dedicated to the certification of rootstocks for traditional Azorean grape varieties, thus strengthening the sustainability and competitiveness of the regional wine industry. Training and knowledge transfer also continue to play a central role in the sector’s development strategy. Between 2015 and 2024, dozens of awareness-raising activities, specialised training courses, workshops and technical and scientific dissemination initiatives were organised for producers, technical staff, students and the general public, contributing to the ongoing improvement of winemaking practices and the promotion of Azorean wines. These initiatives involved more than 700 participants, serving as an important tool for capacity-building within the sector. The progress made over recent years confirms that the Azorean wine industry is experiencing a period of consistent growth, underpinned by the promotion of certified wines, technological innovation, scientific research and the strengthening of the skills of its economic stakeholders, thereby creating the conditions to boost the competitiveness and recognition of Azorean wines in national and international markets. According to the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, “the Regional Oenology Laboratory is now a leading scientific facility for the development of the Azorean wine industry.” He continued: “The significant increase in its activity demonstrates the confidence of producers and the importance of this public service in ensuring the quality, safety and promotion of Azores wines.” "Scientific knowledge, innovation and technology transfer will continue to be fundamental pillars of the Azorean Government’s strategy for this sector, bringing research closer to the practical needs of regional winegrowers and wineries,” concluded António Ventura.
Nota de Imprensa
July 13, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro welcomed Premier of Bermuda and strengthened ties with Azorean diaspora The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, welcomed the Premier of Bermuda, David Burt, in an audience held at the Sant’Ana Palace in Ponta Delgada, where institutional relations between the Azores and Bermuda were strengthened, and the role of the Azorean community in that territory was highlighted. José Manuel Bolieiro stressed the prestige of the Azorean diaspora in Bermuda, emphasising its contribution, over generations, to the economic, social and cultural development of that archipelago, whilst also serving as an important link between both territories. “The prestige of our diaspora is a source of pride for the Azores. The Azorean community in Bermuda has made its mark through hard work, dedication and the ability to preserve its identity, thereby strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between our peoples,” emphasised the President of the Government. The Bermuda delegation's visit is also part of a working program that includes a meeting focused on the Azorean community in Bermuda, a presentation of the Blue Azores Programme, as well as visits to the University of the Azores, the NONAGON Science and Technology Park and the Azorean Emigration Museum. José Manuel Bolieiro reiterated the importance of deepening institutional cooperation in areas of common interest, strengthening relations built on historical ties, promoting the diaspora, and sharing knowledge and best practices.
July 13, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro welcomed Premier of Bermuda and strengthened ties with Azorean diaspora The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, welcomed the Premier of Bermuda, David Burt, in an audience held at the Sant’Ana Palace in Ponta Delgada, where institutional relations between the Azores and Bermuda were strengthened, and the role of the Azorean community in that territory was highlighted. José Manuel Bolieiro stressed the prestige of the Azorean diaspora in Bermuda, emphasising its contribution, over generations, to the economic, social and cultural development of that archipelago, whilst also serving as an important link between both territories. “The prestige of our diaspora is a source of pride for the Azores. The Azorean community in Bermuda has made its mark through hard work, dedication and the ability to preserve its identity, thereby strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between our peoples,” emphasised the President of the Government. The Bermuda delegation's visit is also part of a working program that includes a meeting focused on the Azorean community in Bermuda, a presentation of the Blue Azores Programme, as well as visits to the University of the Azores, the NONAGON Science and Technology Park and the Azorean Emigration Museum. José Manuel Bolieiro reiterated the importance of deepening institutional cooperation in areas of common interest, strengthening relations built on historical ties, promoting the diaspora, and sharing knowledge and best practices.
