Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro emphasises joint action by Outermost Regions in “Canary Islands Declaration”
José Manuel Bolieiro emphasises joint action by Outermost Regions in “Canary Islands Declaration”
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government launches mobile app for self-guided visits to regional Environmental Centres and Nature Parks
Regional Government launches mobile app for self-guided visits to regional Environmental Centres and Nature Parks
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Regional Government acquired electric lifting platform for geomorphological risk mitigation
Regional Government acquired electric lifting platform for geomorphological risk mitigation
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Mónica Seidi welcomed President of the National Commission for the Promotion of the Rights and Protection of Children and Young People
Mónica Seidi welcomed President of the National Commission for the Promotion of the Rights and Protection of Children and Young People
Nota de Imprensa
March 17, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro emphasises joint action by Outermost Regions in “Canary Islands Declaration” The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, has signed the “Canary Islands Declaration,” a joint document drawn up by the European Union’s Outermost Regions, which sets out a common position with a view to the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. The declaration was signed in Tenerife on Monday. It sets as its main goal the development of a coordinated response by these regions to the European institutions, with a view to ensuring that the European Union's future budget and the accompanying policies clearly take into account their specific characteristics and needs. In the document, the Outermost Regions emphasise their strategic value to the European Union, highlighting their geopolitical, economic, environmental and scientific roles, as well as their contribution to Europe’s presence in the Atlantic, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and South America. Meanwhile, they highlight the permanent constraints they face, such as distance, remoteness, the small size of their markets and dependence on a limited number of sectors. José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of a strong common position at a decisive moment for setting European priorities, defending that “Outermost Regions must be heard and respected in the decisions that shape the future of the Union.” “It is essential to ensure that the next European financial framework responds appropriately to the specific challenges we face, safeguarding cohesion, competitiveness and opportunities for our people,” the President of the Government further emphasised. The President of the Regional Government added that “there cannot be a one-size-fits-all European policy for such diverse realities,” advocating for solutions tailored to the specificities of the Outermost Regions. In this regard, he noted: “We need stability, predictability and our own instruments to ensure sustainable development in our territories.” The statement highlights that the next financial framework will be decisive for areas such as territorial cohesion, food security, climate resilience, connectivity and employment, defending that these aspects must be addressed with an approach adapted to the realities of the Outermost Regions. Outermost regions also advocate that the full implementation of Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be reflected in all European policies, including cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, transport, energy, trade, migration and the digital transition, ensuring specific measures to offset their structural constraints. Against a backdrop of concern regarding the initial guidelines for the next European budget, the document warns of the risks of one-size-fits-all solutions that fail to consider the specific characteristics of these territories. As such, it calls for concerted action between Portugal, Spain and France as a means of increasing the Outermost Regions' influence with the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament. Therefore, the signatory regions commit to maintaining a joint, consistent and visible approach to ensure that the European Union's future financial framework and policies effectively reflect their needs, potential and strategic contribution to the European project. The statement was signed by Fernando Clavijo Batlle, President of the Government of the Canary Islands, José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of the Azores, and Gabriel Serville, President of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana.
March 17, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro emphasises joint action by Outermost Regions in “Canary Islands Declaration” The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, has signed the “Canary Islands Declaration,” a joint document drawn up by the European Union’s Outermost Regions, which sets out a common position with a view to the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. The declaration was signed in Tenerife on Monday. It sets as its main goal the development of a coordinated response by these regions to the European institutions, with a view to ensuring that the European Union's future budget and the accompanying policies clearly take into account their specific characteristics and needs. In the document, the Outermost Regions emphasise their strategic value to the European Union, highlighting their geopolitical, economic, environmental and scientific roles, as well as their contribution to Europe’s presence in the Atlantic, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and South America. Meanwhile, they highlight the permanent constraints they face, such as distance, remoteness, the small size of their markets and dependence on a limited number of sectors. José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of a strong common position at a decisive moment for setting European priorities, defending that “Outermost Regions must be heard and respected in the decisions that shape the future of the Union.” “It is essential to ensure that the next European financial framework responds appropriately to the specific challenges we face, safeguarding cohesion, competitiveness and opportunities for our people,” the President of the Government further emphasised. The President of the Regional Government added that “there cannot be a one-size-fits-all European policy for such diverse realities,” advocating for solutions tailored to the specificities of the Outermost Regions. In this regard, he noted: “We need stability, predictability and our own instruments to ensure sustainable development in our territories.” The statement highlights that the next financial framework will be decisive for areas such as territorial cohesion, food security, climate resilience, connectivity and employment, defending that these aspects must be addressed with an approach adapted to the realities of the Outermost Regions. Outermost regions also advocate that the full implementation of Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be reflected in all European policies, including cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, transport, energy, trade, migration and the digital transition, ensuring specific measures to offset their structural constraints. Against a backdrop of concern regarding the initial guidelines for the next European budget, the document warns of the risks of one-size-fits-all solutions that fail to consider the specific characteristics of these territories. As such, it calls for concerted action between Portugal, Spain and France as a means of increasing the Outermost Regions' influence with the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament. Therefore, the signatory regions commit to maintaining a joint, consistent and visible approach to ensure that the European Union's future financial framework and policies effectively reflect their needs, potential and strategic contribution to the European project. The statement was signed by Fernando Clavijo Batlle, President of the Government of the Canary Islands, José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of the Azores, and Gabriel Serville, President of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana.
Nota de Imprensa
March 17, 2026 Regional Government launches mobile app for self-guided visits to regional Environmental Centres and Nature Parks The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, presented the Azores Nature Parks Mobile App and the Self-Guided Tour Project for the Region’s Environmental Centres, as part of an event held at the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre – Living Science Centre, Faial Island. According to Alonso Miguel, “this initiative represents another firm step towards the Region’s strategy for preserving and enhancing its natural heritage, promoting environmental education, and improving the experience of all those visiting environmental centres and protected areas” in the Azores. The Regional Secretary for the Environment noted that it is “essential to develop knowledge and invest in environmental literacy, an aspect that is one of the strategic pillars of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action’s policy.” In this context, he highlighted the particular relevance of the Azores Network of Environmental Centres “as a strategic tool for disseminating and interpreting the knowledge produced.” “Spread across the nine islands of the archipelago, these centres are much more than just exhibition spaces; they are true gateways to the Azorean natural world. They are also places where environmental education is promoted in a very practical way, with a view to informing, raising awareness and educating our visitors, but, above all, our local communities. Special emphasis is given to the involvement of schools, as essential vehicles for creating a society that is more aware of environmental challenges,” he emphasised. “The statistics clearly demonstrate the growing importance of the Azores’ Environmental Interpretation Centres, with a very significant and sustained increase in visitor numbers to these sites,” he added. Alonso Miguel emphasised that the centres received around 229,000 visitors in 2021, with the most recent figures for 2025 pointing to over 422,000 visitors, stressing that "the demand for these spaces has doubled in just four years." “This is a very significant increase, which clearly demonstrates the growing interest in the Azores’ natural heritage, but also the vital role that environmental centres play as venues for interpretation, awareness-raising and environmental education,” he noted. The government official explained that “the Region has been consistently investing in the modernisation of these spaces and improving the tools used for interpreting and communicating the natural heritage.” He announced: “It was against this backdrop that the Autonomous Visitation Project for the Azores Environmental Centres was launched, using the Azores Nature Parks Mobile App as its main tool, designed to allow any visitor to explore the environmental centres independently, fully informed and in an accessible manner.” The government official explained that, “through the app, visitors now have access to audio guides and video content explaining the various exhibitions and interpreting the content at each environmental centre. As such, a guided tour is now possible through interpretation stations corresponding to different points of interest, linked to information panels, display cases, exhibits or natural features.” According to the Regional Secretary, “these stations also extend to outdoor areas in some centres, as is the case with the magnificent Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre, providing an integrated understanding of the surrounding landscape and the natural features that characterise each area.” “This allows visitors to explore the space at their own pace, gaining a deeper understanding of each topic and engaging with the content in a more dynamic and immersive way,” he said. Alonso Miguel also pointed out that “the app was developed to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the experience, regardless of their physical, sensory or linguistic abilities.”
March 17, 2026 Regional Government launches mobile app for self-guided visits to regional Environmental Centres and Nature Parks The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, presented the Azores Nature Parks Mobile App and the Self-Guided Tour Project for the Region’s Environmental Centres, as part of an event held at the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre – Living Science Centre, Faial Island. According to Alonso Miguel, “this initiative represents another firm step towards the Region’s strategy for preserving and enhancing its natural heritage, promoting environmental education, and improving the experience of all those visiting environmental centres and protected areas” in the Azores. The Regional Secretary for the Environment noted that it is “essential to develop knowledge and invest in environmental literacy, an aspect that is one of the strategic pillars of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action’s policy.” In this context, he highlighted the particular relevance of the Azores Network of Environmental Centres “as a strategic tool for disseminating and interpreting the knowledge produced.” “Spread across the nine islands of the archipelago, these centres are much more than just exhibition spaces; they are true gateways to the Azorean natural world. They are also places where environmental education is promoted in a very practical way, with a view to informing, raising awareness and educating our visitors, but, above all, our local communities. Special emphasis is given to the involvement of schools, as essential vehicles for creating a society that is more aware of environmental challenges,” he emphasised. “The statistics clearly demonstrate the growing importance of the Azores’ Environmental Interpretation Centres, with a very significant and sustained increase in visitor numbers to these sites,” he added. Alonso Miguel emphasised that the centres received around 229,000 visitors in 2021, with the most recent figures for 2025 pointing to over 422,000 visitors, stressing that "the demand for these spaces has doubled in just four years." “This is a very significant increase, which clearly demonstrates the growing interest in the Azores’ natural heritage, but also the vital role that environmental centres play as venues for interpretation, awareness-raising and environmental education,” he noted. The government official explained that “the Region has been consistently investing in the modernisation of these spaces and improving the tools used for interpreting and communicating the natural heritage.” He announced: “It was against this backdrop that the Autonomous Visitation Project for the Azores Environmental Centres was launched, using the Azores Nature Parks Mobile App as its main tool, designed to allow any visitor to explore the environmental centres independently, fully informed and in an accessible manner.” The government official explained that, “through the app, visitors now have access to audio guides and video content explaining the various exhibitions and interpreting the content at each environmental centre. As such, a guided tour is now possible through interpretation stations corresponding to different points of interest, linked to information panels, display cases, exhibits or natural features.” According to the Regional Secretary, “these stations also extend to outdoor areas in some centres, as is the case with the magnificent Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre, providing an integrated understanding of the surrounding landscape and the natural features that characterise each area.” “This allows visitors to explore the space at their own pace, gaining a deeper understanding of each topic and engaging with the content in a more dynamic and immersive way,” he said. Alonso Miguel also pointed out that “the app was developed to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the experience, regardless of their physical, sensory or linguistic abilities.”
Nota de Imprensa
March 16, 2026 Regional Government acquired electric lifting platform for geomorphological risk mitigation The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, attended the delivery of a new electric lifting platform in São Miguel last Friday, which was acquired under the PRISMAC project. The equipment will significantly enhance the Azores’ capacity to mitigate geomorphological risks. PRISMAC is based on three key pillars and involves three regions of Macaronesia sharing challenges associated with slope instability. With an expected duration of four years, the project includes the development and harmonisation of susceptibility analysis methodologies, the implementation of monitoring programmes, warning and alarm systems, and the creation of a network for collaboration, capacity building and public engagement. In the Azores, the consortium comprises the Regional Directorate for Public Works (lead partner), the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory (LREC), under the administration of the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, the University of the Azores and the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation. Among the planned strategic investments, a new electric lifting platform was purchased at a total cost of €123,540. According to Berta Cabral, this equipment “plays a crucial role in the survey, inspection and clearance of slopes located within the Ribeira Quente basin, an area known for its high geomorphological risk, covering the Ribeira Quente Regional Road and Povoação.” The Regional Secretary also highlighted that the new platform “directly integrates the component of the project dedicated to identifying areas at high risk of landslides, significantly improving the operational safety of the Road Services teams at the Regional Directorate for Public Works, as well as the effectiveness, speed and accuracy of maintenance work.” The new equipment will also strengthen collaboration among the Regional Directorate for Public Works, the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory and the University of the Azores, facilitating the collection and analysis of geological, geotechnical and slope monitoring data. This will be essential for scientific research and the development of new risk mitigation methodologies within the PRISMAC framework. In addition, the platform will boost the operational capacity of the Road Services Maintenance Division, equipping them with modern and suitable resources for regular maintenance and inspection work. This will help maintain the regional road network and carry out interventions in adjacent areas with more demanding technical requirements. Berta Cabral concluded that, with this purchase, the Regional Government “is reinforcing its commitment to road safety, natural hazard management and territorial resilience, thereby consolidating the Azores as a leading region in scientific and technical cooperation within the Macaronesia region.”
March 16, 2026 Regional Government acquired electric lifting platform for geomorphological risk mitigation The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, attended the delivery of a new electric lifting platform in São Miguel last Friday, which was acquired under the PRISMAC project. The equipment will significantly enhance the Azores’ capacity to mitigate geomorphological risks. PRISMAC is based on three key pillars and involves three regions of Macaronesia sharing challenges associated with slope instability. With an expected duration of four years, the project includes the development and harmonisation of susceptibility analysis methodologies, the implementation of monitoring programmes, warning and alarm systems, and the creation of a network for collaboration, capacity building and public engagement. In the Azores, the consortium comprises the Regional Directorate for Public Works (lead partner), the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory (LREC), under the administration of the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, the University of the Azores and the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation. Among the planned strategic investments, a new electric lifting platform was purchased at a total cost of €123,540. According to Berta Cabral, this equipment “plays a crucial role in the survey, inspection and clearance of slopes located within the Ribeira Quente basin, an area known for its high geomorphological risk, covering the Ribeira Quente Regional Road and Povoação.” The Regional Secretary also highlighted that the new platform “directly integrates the component of the project dedicated to identifying areas at high risk of landslides, significantly improving the operational safety of the Road Services teams at the Regional Directorate for Public Works, as well as the effectiveness, speed and accuracy of maintenance work.” The new equipment will also strengthen collaboration among the Regional Directorate for Public Works, the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory and the University of the Azores, facilitating the collection and analysis of geological, geotechnical and slope monitoring data. This will be essential for scientific research and the development of new risk mitigation methodologies within the PRISMAC framework. In addition, the platform will boost the operational capacity of the Road Services Maintenance Division, equipping them with modern and suitable resources for regular maintenance and inspection work. This will help maintain the regional road network and carry out interventions in adjacent areas with more demanding technical requirements. Berta Cabral concluded that, with this purchase, the Regional Government “is reinforcing its commitment to road safety, natural hazard management and territorial resilience, thereby consolidating the Azores as a leading region in scientific and technical cooperation within the Macaronesia region.”
Nota de Imprensa
March 16, 2026 Mónica Seidi welcomed President of the National Commission for the Promotion of the Rights and Protection of Children and Young People The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, received today the President of the National Commission for the Promotion of the Rights and Protection of Children and Young People (CNPDPCJ), Ana Isabel Valente, at a meeting in Angra do Heroísmo, with a view to strengthening institutional cooperation between the national body and the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood (CAI). At the end of the meeting, Mónica Seidi highlighted the importance of this opportunity for institutional dialogue, emphasising that the meeting allowed them to address matters relevant to the Autonomous Region of the Azores in the context of promoting and protecting the rights of children and young people. “This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss issues of regional interest regarding the protection of children’s rights and also to share the Region’s position on matters currently being discussed and addressed at a national level,” the government official stated, mentioning as an example the revision of the Law on the Protection of Children and Young People at Risk. The need to raise the status of members of the Commissions for the Protection of Children and Young People (CPCJ) was also highlighted, noting that the archipelago’s specific circumstances must be duly taken into account. Mónica Seidi also took the opportunity to acknowledge the work done by CPCJ commissions in the Azores, particularly the commitment and dedication of their staff. “I would like to take this opportunity to praise their work in the Region, playing a fundamental role in protecting our children and young people, often with a strong sense of mission and closeness to the communities,” she emphasised. The President of the CNPDPCJ, Ana Isabel Valente, is currently visiting Terceira Island, having met today with the President of the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood, Emanuel Areias. As part of this visit, institutional visits to the CPCJ commissions in Praia da Vitória and Angra do Heroísmo are also planned.
March 16, 2026 Mónica Seidi welcomed President of the National Commission for the Promotion of the Rights and Protection of Children and Young People The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, received today the President of the National Commission for the Promotion of the Rights and Protection of Children and Young People (CNPDPCJ), Ana Isabel Valente, at a meeting in Angra do Heroísmo, with a view to strengthening institutional cooperation between the national body and the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood (CAI). At the end of the meeting, Mónica Seidi highlighted the importance of this opportunity for institutional dialogue, emphasising that the meeting allowed them to address matters relevant to the Autonomous Region of the Azores in the context of promoting and protecting the rights of children and young people. “This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss issues of regional interest regarding the protection of children’s rights and also to share the Region’s position on matters currently being discussed and addressed at a national level,” the government official stated, mentioning as an example the revision of the Law on the Protection of Children and Young People at Risk. The need to raise the status of members of the Commissions for the Protection of Children and Young People (CPCJ) was also highlighted, noting that the archipelago’s specific circumstances must be duly taken into account. Mónica Seidi also took the opportunity to acknowledge the work done by CPCJ commissions in the Azores, particularly the commitment and dedication of their staff. “I would like to take this opportunity to praise their work in the Region, playing a fundamental role in protecting our children and young people, often with a strong sense of mission and closeness to the communities,” she emphasised. The President of the CNPDPCJ, Ana Isabel Valente, is currently visiting Terceira Island, having met today with the President of the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood, Emanuel Areias. As part of this visit, institutional visits to the CPCJ commissions in Praia da Vitória and Angra do Heroísmo are also planned.
Nota de Imprensa
March 16, 2026 Paulo Estêvão welcomes record number of young Azoreans participating in “Astronaut for a Day” programme The Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, which oversees the space sector, welcomes the significant participation of 40 Azorean students in the 5th edition of the “Astronauts for a Day” programme. Promoted by the Portuguese Space Agency (PT Space), the initiative set an all-time national record this year, with 762 applicants. This figure represents an increase of 217 applications compared to last year, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm of younger generations for the aerospace sector. The high level of participation in the Autonomous Region of the Azores (40 applicants) reflects the impact of policies to promote scientific literacy and young people’s interest in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, which are fundamental to the future of the archipelago. For the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, “these figures are a source of great pride for the Azores.” He added: “The data shows that our young people are ambitious, attuned to new horizons of knowledge, and keen to play an active role in the development of the space sector – an area where our Region has competitive advantages that are unique in the world.” The government official also emphasised that the Regional Government remains committed to creating the conditions for local talent to find genuine training and career opportunities within the Azorean space sector. The selection process, which is notable for its near-total gender parity at a national level (380 girls and 382 boys), will now move on to the stages of video assessment, cognitive tests and physical tests. The culmination of this competition will hold particular symbolic significance for the Region: the 20 selected finalists will take part in a parabolic flight scheduled for September 20, departing from Santa Maria. This will be the second edition of the event to take place on the island, which hosted the event last year. The Government of the Azores wishes every success to all the Azorean participants who remain in the race to "touch space" from their own homeland.
March 16, 2026 Paulo Estêvão welcomes record number of young Azoreans participating in “Astronaut for a Day” programme The Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, which oversees the space sector, welcomes the significant participation of 40 Azorean students in the 5th edition of the “Astronauts for a Day” programme. Promoted by the Portuguese Space Agency (PT Space), the initiative set an all-time national record this year, with 762 applicants. This figure represents an increase of 217 applications compared to last year, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm of younger generations for the aerospace sector. The high level of participation in the Autonomous Region of the Azores (40 applicants) reflects the impact of policies to promote scientific literacy and young people’s interest in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, which are fundamental to the future of the archipelago. For the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, “these figures are a source of great pride for the Azores.” He added: “The data shows that our young people are ambitious, attuned to new horizons of knowledge, and keen to play an active role in the development of the space sector – an area where our Region has competitive advantages that are unique in the world.” The government official also emphasised that the Regional Government remains committed to creating the conditions for local talent to find genuine training and career opportunities within the Azorean space sector. The selection process, which is notable for its near-total gender parity at a national level (380 girls and 382 boys), will now move on to the stages of video assessment, cognitive tests and physical tests. The culmination of this competition will hold particular symbolic significance for the Region: the 20 selected finalists will take part in a parabolic flight scheduled for September 20, departing from Santa Maria. This will be the second edition of the event to take place on the island, which hosted the event last year. The Government of the Azores wishes every success to all the Azorean participants who remain in the race to "touch space" from their own homeland.
