Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights 36.6% growth and advocates Azores as region of opportunity
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights 36.6% growth and advocates Azores as region of opportunity
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social esclarece constrangimentos temporários na Linha de Saúde Açores
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social esclarece constrangimentos temporários na Linha de Saúde Açores
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Governo dos Açores assinala Dia Mundial da Sanidade Vegetal com modernização da rede de avisos agrícolas
Governo dos Açores assinala Dia Mundial da Sanidade Vegetal com modernização da rede de avisos agrícolas
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Public tender launched for allocation of new houses in São Jorge
Public tender launched for allocation of new houses in São Jorge
Nota de Imprensa
May 12, 2026 Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social esclarece constrangimentos temporários na Linha de Saúde Açores Na sequência dos constrangimentos técnicos temporários registados no funcionamento da Linha de Saúde Açores, no passado dia 10 de maio de 2026, a Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social vem prestar os seguintes esclarecimentos à população e aos órgãos de comunicação social. No dia 10 de maio ocorreu uma falha técnica infraestrutural no edifício onde funciona a Linha de Saúde Açores, situação que afetou temporariamente os sistemas de comunicações. Importa esclarecer que esta ocorrência não resultou de qualquer falha operacional imputável à Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social ou ao Serviço Regional de Saúde. O edifício onde opera a Linha de Saúde Açores não integra a esfera de gestão da tutela da saúde do Governo Regional dos Açores, encontrando-se sob responsabilidade de uma entidade privada, no âmbito de um contrato de prestação de serviços. Assim que o problema foi identificado, foram desencadeados contactos imediatos com a entidade responsável e com os parceiros técnicos envolvidos, incluindo a área das comunicações, com o objetivo de mitigar rapidamente os constrangimentos verificados. Em simultâneo, foi articulado com o Serviço Regional de Proteção Civil e Bombeiros dos Açores (SRPCBA) o reforço preventivo da capacidade da linha de emergência médica, acautelando a eventualidade de desvio de chamadas para o 112. A este propósito, a Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social considera importante clarificar que: • Não houve qualquer colapso da Linha de Saúde Açores; • Não existiu interrupção total do serviço; • O acesso aos cuidados de saúde não esteve comprometido em momento algum; • A Linha de Saúde Açores é um serviço de aconselhamento e orientação clínica não urgente, não se tratando de uma linha de emergência médica; • Em situações de emergência, os cidadãos devem contactar diretamente o 112; • Durante o período em que a atividade esteve condicionada, não foi registada qualquer chamada para o 112 relacionada com situações associadas à Linha de Saúde Açores; • A situação ficou integralmente resolvida pelas 16h00 do dia 10 de maio. A Linha de Saúde Açores privilegia uma comunicação responsável, articulada e rigorosa com todas as entidades parceiras envolvidas. A prioridade é assegurar que toda a informação transmitida à população seja clara, credível e geradora de tranquilidade e confiança.
May 12, 2026 Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social esclarece constrangimentos temporários na Linha de Saúde Açores Na sequência dos constrangimentos técnicos temporários registados no funcionamento da Linha de Saúde Açores, no passado dia 10 de maio de 2026, a Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social vem prestar os seguintes esclarecimentos à população e aos órgãos de comunicação social. No dia 10 de maio ocorreu uma falha técnica infraestrutural no edifício onde funciona a Linha de Saúde Açores, situação que afetou temporariamente os sistemas de comunicações. Importa esclarecer que esta ocorrência não resultou de qualquer falha operacional imputável à Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social ou ao Serviço Regional de Saúde. O edifício onde opera a Linha de Saúde Açores não integra a esfera de gestão da tutela da saúde do Governo Regional dos Açores, encontrando-se sob responsabilidade de uma entidade privada, no âmbito de um contrato de prestação de serviços. Assim que o problema foi identificado, foram desencadeados contactos imediatos com a entidade responsável e com os parceiros técnicos envolvidos, incluindo a área das comunicações, com o objetivo de mitigar rapidamente os constrangimentos verificados. Em simultâneo, foi articulado com o Serviço Regional de Proteção Civil e Bombeiros dos Açores (SRPCBA) o reforço preventivo da capacidade da linha de emergência médica, acautelando a eventualidade de desvio de chamadas para o 112. A este propósito, a Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social considera importante clarificar que: • Não houve qualquer colapso da Linha de Saúde Açores; • Não existiu interrupção total do serviço; • O acesso aos cuidados de saúde não esteve comprometido em momento algum; • A Linha de Saúde Açores é um serviço de aconselhamento e orientação clínica não urgente, não se tratando de uma linha de emergência médica; • Em situações de emergência, os cidadãos devem contactar diretamente o 112; • Durante o período em que a atividade esteve condicionada, não foi registada qualquer chamada para o 112 relacionada com situações associadas à Linha de Saúde Açores; • A situação ficou integralmente resolvida pelas 16h00 do dia 10 de maio. A Linha de Saúde Açores privilegia uma comunicação responsável, articulada e rigorosa com todas as entidades parceiras envolvidas. A prioridade é assegurar que toda a informação transmitida à população seja clara, credível e geradora de tranquilidade e confiança.
Nota de Imprensa
May 12, 2026 Governo dos Açores assinala Dia Mundial da Sanidade Vegetal com modernização da rede de avisos agrícolas No Dia Mundial da Sanidade Vegetal, que hoje se assinala, o Governo dos Açores, através da Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação, reforça o seu compromisso com a segurança alimentar e a sustentabilidade do setor primário através da modernização da Rede de Monitorização e Avisos Agrícolas dos Açores (RMAAA). Numa região insular caracterizada pela sua elevada biodiversidade, esta infraestrutura assume um papel crítico na prevenção de pragas e doenças, preservando os ecossistemas e garantindo a competitividade da produção regional. Para o Secretário Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação, António Ventura, “proteger a sanidade vegetal é proteger a produção agrícola, o rendimento dos agricultores e o equilíbrio dos ecossistemas”. O governante sublinha que o reforço da RMAAA permite “dar mais capacidade de prevenção e melhores ferramentas ao setor para responder aos desafios atuais, com mais informação, mais rigor e mais sustentabilidade”. Operacionalizada pela Direção Regional da Agricultura, Veterinária e Alimentação (DRAVA), a rede afirma-se hoje como uma infraestrutura estruturante para a proteção integrada das culturas. No terreno, o sistema integra atualmente 105 Postos de Observação Biológica (POB) e 55 Estações Meteorológicas Automáticas (EMA) distribuídas por todo o arquipélago. Esta malha tecnológica garante uma cobertura territorial contínua, permitindo recolher dados climáticos vitais para alimentar modelos de previsão, antecipar riscos e ajustar as recomendações técnicas aos microclimas específicos de cada ilha. Toda a informação biológica e meteorológica recolhida converge em tempo real para a plataforma digital da RMAAA, que processa os dados, gera alertas e emite avisos com recomendações concretas. Desta forma, a rede assegura que o conhecimento técnico chega ao agricultor de forma rápida e clara, viabilizando uma atuação cada vez mais preventiva e eficiente. O funcionamento de todo este sistema assenta num modelo colaborativo com os Serviços de Desenvolvimento Agrário de Ilha, associações, cooperativas e em estreita articulação com a Federação Agrícola dos Açores. Para além do apoio direto e diário às explorações, a RMAAA desempenha um papel central como primeira linha de defesa na vigilância de pragas emergentes e quarentenárias, assegurando a articulação com as redes nacionais e europeias. “Com este reforço, consolidamos a RMAAA como uma ferramenta estratégica de conhecimento, prevenção e inovação, essencial para enfrentar os desafios das alterações climáticas e da globalização”, vinca António Ventura. O titular da pasta da Agricultura reafirma, assim, a aposta do executivo numa resposta que permite “aumentar a produtividade, reduzir riscos e salvaguardar o inestimável património agrícola e ambiental do arquipélago”. Os agricultores e técnicos interessados em aceder à informação diária produzida pela RMAAA podem consultar os alertas e avisos agrícolas, bem como efetuar o seu registo gratuito, na plataforma oficial em https://avisos.agricultura.azores.gov.pt/.
May 12, 2026 Governo dos Açores assinala Dia Mundial da Sanidade Vegetal com modernização da rede de avisos agrícolas No Dia Mundial da Sanidade Vegetal, que hoje se assinala, o Governo dos Açores, através da Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação, reforça o seu compromisso com a segurança alimentar e a sustentabilidade do setor primário através da modernização da Rede de Monitorização e Avisos Agrícolas dos Açores (RMAAA). Numa região insular caracterizada pela sua elevada biodiversidade, esta infraestrutura assume um papel crítico na prevenção de pragas e doenças, preservando os ecossistemas e garantindo a competitividade da produção regional. Para o Secretário Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação, António Ventura, “proteger a sanidade vegetal é proteger a produção agrícola, o rendimento dos agricultores e o equilíbrio dos ecossistemas”. O governante sublinha que o reforço da RMAAA permite “dar mais capacidade de prevenção e melhores ferramentas ao setor para responder aos desafios atuais, com mais informação, mais rigor e mais sustentabilidade”. Operacionalizada pela Direção Regional da Agricultura, Veterinária e Alimentação (DRAVA), a rede afirma-se hoje como uma infraestrutura estruturante para a proteção integrada das culturas. No terreno, o sistema integra atualmente 105 Postos de Observação Biológica (POB) e 55 Estações Meteorológicas Automáticas (EMA) distribuídas por todo o arquipélago. Esta malha tecnológica garante uma cobertura territorial contínua, permitindo recolher dados climáticos vitais para alimentar modelos de previsão, antecipar riscos e ajustar as recomendações técnicas aos microclimas específicos de cada ilha. Toda a informação biológica e meteorológica recolhida converge em tempo real para a plataforma digital da RMAAA, que processa os dados, gera alertas e emite avisos com recomendações concretas. Desta forma, a rede assegura que o conhecimento técnico chega ao agricultor de forma rápida e clara, viabilizando uma atuação cada vez mais preventiva e eficiente. O funcionamento de todo este sistema assenta num modelo colaborativo com os Serviços de Desenvolvimento Agrário de Ilha, associações, cooperativas e em estreita articulação com a Federação Agrícola dos Açores. Para além do apoio direto e diário às explorações, a RMAAA desempenha um papel central como primeira linha de defesa na vigilância de pragas emergentes e quarentenárias, assegurando a articulação com as redes nacionais e europeias. “Com este reforço, consolidamos a RMAAA como uma ferramenta estratégica de conhecimento, prevenção e inovação, essencial para enfrentar os desafios das alterações climáticas e da globalização”, vinca António Ventura. O titular da pasta da Agricultura reafirma, assim, a aposta do executivo numa resposta que permite “aumentar a produtividade, reduzir riscos e salvaguardar o inestimável património agrícola e ambiental do arquipélago”. Os agricultores e técnicos interessados em aceder à informação diária produzida pela RMAAA podem consultar os alertas e avisos agrícolas, bem como efetuar o seu registo gratuito, na plataforma oficial em https://avisos.agricultura.azores.gov.pt/.
Nota de Imprensa
May 12, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights 36.6% growth and advocates Azores as region of opportunity The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, advocated today a strategic vision for the Region’s future, based on capitalising on the Azores’ Atlantic location, economic diversification and a focus on new economic sectors. He spoke during the opening session of the “Conference of Regions – Ponta Delgada,” organised by the "Diário de Notícias" and "Açoriano Oriental" newspapers at the Vila Galé Collection Hotel in Ponta Delgada. The initiative brought together political leaders, experts and representatives from various sectors to discuss the present and future of the Azores, with a programme focusing on the challenges of competitiveness, sustainability, Atlantic security and the use of European funds. The head of the Azorean Government considered that current international challenges, marked by geopolitical instability, technological transformations, the climate and energy transition, and the reorganisation of global priorities, require governance with a strategic vision and the capacity for medium- and long-term planning. “The future prosperity of the Azores will depend on its economic diversification, sustainability and the development of our strategic position in the Atlantic,” he said. The President of the Regional Government emphasised that the Azores are today “establishing themselves as an Atlantic platform of opportunities.” In this regard, he advocated for a Region with “growing centrality” in the areas of security, defence, digital connectivity, scientific research, energy, the blue economy, the green economy and the space economy. “The Atlantic has returned to the centre of international priorities,” he declared, adding that the Azores, despite their outermost region status in the context of continental Europe, are central to the North Atlantic and transatlantic relations. For José Manuel Bolieiro, this reality represents both a responsibility and an opportunity for the Region, Portugal, the European Union and NATO. “We do not want the Azores to be merely regarded as a region of needs. We want to promote the Azores as a region of opportunities,” he stated. The government official also highlighted the role of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) as a decisive instrument for the Region’s structural transformation, noting that the programme represents a global allocation of €725 million. He pointed out that, by the end of 2025, 9,455 applications had already been approved, 49 tenders had been launched, and 60 construction projects had been implemented or completed, corresponding to an investment of over €266 million. José Manuel Bolieiro also mentioned the acquisition of over 57,000 pieces of equipment and 144 vehicles, including 123 electric models, defending that the RRP is having a tangible impact on people’s lives and bolstering regional capacity. “More important than the figures is what these investments represent in people’s everyday lives,” he emphasised. Among the examples mentioned, the President of the Regional Government highlighted investments in housing, with houses already built and renovated, free childcare vacancies benefiting over 14,500 children, the continued modernisation of the Regional Health Service and the delivery of over 37,000 digital devices to Azorean schools. Furthermore, he underlined the significant progress made in energy transition, through the SOLENERGE and PROENERGIA programmes, and the expansion of the Region’s geothermal capacity. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the economic and social indicators achieved in recent years, noting that the regional Gross Domestic Product grew by around 36.6% between 2019 and 2025, whilst the number of people in employment increased and the unemployment rate fell to levels below the national average. Regarding tourism, he highlighted the sector’s consolidation as one of the driving forces of the Azorean economy, currently accounting for around 17% of regional GDP, 16% of employment and 20% of Gross Value Added. The conference continued with the panel “RRP and the Azores 2030 – The potential for transformation,” featuring Teresa Borges Tiago and Bruno Belo, moderated by Filipe Alves. This was followed by a discussion on the theme “The Azores as a pillar of security in the North Atlantic,” led by Ana Miguel dos Santos and Admiral António Silva Ribeiro, focusing on the Region’s geostrategic importance in the current international context. The final panel of the initiative addressed “The Azores on the path to competitiveness, diversification and sustainability,” bringing together Luís Rebelo de Sousa, Miguel Netto de Viveiros and Pedro Machado, once again moderated by Filipe Alves. At the end of his speech, José Manuel Bolieiro expressed his confidence in the future of the Region. “The Azores must not look to the future with fear. They must look to it with strategic ambition, confidence and a sense of community. Because we have value,” he declared.
May 12, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights 36.6% growth and advocates Azores as region of opportunity The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, advocated today a strategic vision for the Region’s future, based on capitalising on the Azores’ Atlantic location, economic diversification and a focus on new economic sectors. He spoke during the opening session of the “Conference of Regions – Ponta Delgada,” organised by the "Diário de Notícias" and "Açoriano Oriental" newspapers at the Vila Galé Collection Hotel in Ponta Delgada. The initiative brought together political leaders, experts and representatives from various sectors to discuss the present and future of the Azores, with a programme focusing on the challenges of competitiveness, sustainability, Atlantic security and the use of European funds. The head of the Azorean Government considered that current international challenges, marked by geopolitical instability, technological transformations, the climate and energy transition, and the reorganisation of global priorities, require governance with a strategic vision and the capacity for medium- and long-term planning. “The future prosperity of the Azores will depend on its economic diversification, sustainability and the development of our strategic position in the Atlantic,” he said. The President of the Regional Government emphasised that the Azores are today “establishing themselves as an Atlantic platform of opportunities.” In this regard, he advocated for a Region with “growing centrality” in the areas of security, defence, digital connectivity, scientific research, energy, the blue economy, the green economy and the space economy. “The Atlantic has returned to the centre of international priorities,” he declared, adding that the Azores, despite their outermost region status in the context of continental Europe, are central to the North Atlantic and transatlantic relations. For José Manuel Bolieiro, this reality represents both a responsibility and an opportunity for the Region, Portugal, the European Union and NATO. “We do not want the Azores to be merely regarded as a region of needs. We want to promote the Azores as a region of opportunities,” he stated. The government official also highlighted the role of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) as a decisive instrument for the Region’s structural transformation, noting that the programme represents a global allocation of €725 million. He pointed out that, by the end of 2025, 9,455 applications had already been approved, 49 tenders had been launched, and 60 construction projects had been implemented or completed, corresponding to an investment of over €266 million. José Manuel Bolieiro also mentioned the acquisition of over 57,000 pieces of equipment and 144 vehicles, including 123 electric models, defending that the RRP is having a tangible impact on people’s lives and bolstering regional capacity. “More important than the figures is what these investments represent in people’s everyday lives,” he emphasised. Among the examples mentioned, the President of the Regional Government highlighted investments in housing, with houses already built and renovated, free childcare vacancies benefiting over 14,500 children, the continued modernisation of the Regional Health Service and the delivery of over 37,000 digital devices to Azorean schools. Furthermore, he underlined the significant progress made in energy transition, through the SOLENERGE and PROENERGIA programmes, and the expansion of the Region’s geothermal capacity. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the economic and social indicators achieved in recent years, noting that the regional Gross Domestic Product grew by around 36.6% between 2019 and 2025, whilst the number of people in employment increased and the unemployment rate fell to levels below the national average. Regarding tourism, he highlighted the sector’s consolidation as one of the driving forces of the Azorean economy, currently accounting for around 17% of regional GDP, 16% of employment and 20% of Gross Value Added. The conference continued with the panel “RRP and the Azores 2030 – The potential for transformation,” featuring Teresa Borges Tiago and Bruno Belo, moderated by Filipe Alves. This was followed by a discussion on the theme “The Azores as a pillar of security in the North Atlantic,” led by Ana Miguel dos Santos and Admiral António Silva Ribeiro, focusing on the Region’s geostrategic importance in the current international context. The final panel of the initiative addressed “The Azores on the path to competitiveness, diversification and sustainability,” bringing together Luís Rebelo de Sousa, Miguel Netto de Viveiros and Pedro Machado, once again moderated by Filipe Alves. At the end of his speech, José Manuel Bolieiro expressed his confidence in the future of the Region. “The Azores must not look to the future with fear. They must look to it with strategic ambition, confidence and a sense of community. Because we have value,” he declared.
Nota de Imprensa
May 12, 2026 Public tender launched for allocation of new houses in São Jorge The public tender for the allocation of four three-bedroom houses in the Casteletes housing development in the parish of Urzelina, municipality of Velas, São Jorge Island, is open until May 22. The project represents an investment of over €789,000, funded under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). According to the Order issued by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published in the Official Journal, these new houses are intended for the permanent residence of applicants and their respective households. They will be allocated under the lease with purchase option scheme, with the purchase option available to tenants one year after signing the lease agreement. Applications must be submitted by completing the appropriate form, available on the Regional Directorate for Housing (DRH) website at https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drh/concursos, and delivered in one of the following formats: Regional Directorate for Housing, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, no. 30, 9500-187, Ponta Delgada; Regional Directorate for Housing office on the island of São Jorge, located at Avenida do Livramento, no. 7, 9800-522, Velas; RIAC (Integrated Citizen Support Network) offices; Online via https://habitacao.azores.gov.pt. The regulations of this public tender, available for consultation on the DRH website and at the Regional Directorate for Housing office on São Jorge Island, contain all the information regarding the eligibility criteria and application procedures, as well as information on the allocation of housing. The Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, has recently launched a public tender for the allocation of 10 serviced plots for housing construction in the Casteletes housing development, whose application period ended on April 24.
May 12, 2026 Public tender launched for allocation of new houses in São Jorge The public tender for the allocation of four three-bedroom houses in the Casteletes housing development in the parish of Urzelina, municipality of Velas, São Jorge Island, is open until May 22. The project represents an investment of over €789,000, funded under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). According to the Order issued by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published in the Official Journal, these new houses are intended for the permanent residence of applicants and their respective households. They will be allocated under the lease with purchase option scheme, with the purchase option available to tenants one year after signing the lease agreement. Applications must be submitted by completing the appropriate form, available on the Regional Directorate for Housing (DRH) website at https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drh/concursos, and delivered in one of the following formats: Regional Directorate for Housing, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, no. 30, 9500-187, Ponta Delgada; Regional Directorate for Housing office on the island of São Jorge, located at Avenida do Livramento, no. 7, 9800-522, Velas; RIAC (Integrated Citizen Support Network) offices; Online via https://habitacao.azores.gov.pt. The regulations of this public tender, available for consultation on the DRH website and at the Regional Directorate for Housing office on São Jorge Island, contain all the information regarding the eligibility criteria and application procedures, as well as information on the allocation of housing. The Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, has recently launched a public tender for the allocation of 10 serviced plots for housing construction in the Casteletes housing development, whose application period ended on April 24.
Nota de Imprensa
May 11, 2026 Artur Lima stresses that “a Europe that does not value its regions will always be an incomplete Europe” As part of the Europe Day celebrations on the island of Flores on May 9, Artur Lima highlighted the geostrategic and geopolitical importance of the archipelago of the Azores to the world and Europe. “We are celebrating Europe Day and marking the 40th anniversary of Portugal’s accession to the European Union,” stated Artur Lima, who explained that it would make no sense to celebrate this date anywhere else, given that Flores is home to “the westernmost point of Europe.” On the occasion, the Vice-President of the Regional Government emphasised that “within the European Union, the Azores are far from the decision-making centres.” As such, it is “essential to build on this unique feature of Flores to continue projecting the Azores’ distinctiveness across the Atlantic, within the European Union and throughout the world.” Artur Lima pointed out the urgent need for Europe to acknowledge the value of Outermost Regions, not as peripheral areas but as indispensable strategic assets. The Vice-President emphasised that European competitiveness cannot exist without territorial cohesion, mentioning the concept of “mobility poverty” and noting that, in the Azores, “the railway is the air and the sea.” "Here, in Flores, where Europe ends on the map but looms large on the horizon, we reiterate that this is not a peripheral region but a key one. For there is no European competitiveness without cohesion, and there is no cohesion without the regions," he stated. During his speech, the Vice-President highlighted the progress made in the region since Portugal joined the then EEC. “Over the last four decades, the Region has built essential infrastructure such as ports and airports; it has prioritised the skills and education of the population and developed environmental protection programmes; the Region has invested in its endogenous potential, through agriculture, the maritime sector and the production of renewable energy,” he noted. The government official also highlighted current achievements and preparations for future challenges, noting that “the Region’s future is now anchored in the Smart Specialisation Strategy, which identifies Health, Space and Data Science as priority areas. The installation of new submarine cables and the focus on cybersecurity position the islands as a vital hub in Europe’s digital transition.” The celebrations were attended by Rui Reis, the representative of the Government of Catalonia in Portugal. Both regions share a historical connection, but their ties have grown significantly closer since 2025, the year when the Azores joined DETA (Disruptive & Emerging Technology Alliance), an alliance promoted by the Government of Catalonia. “This partnership in cutting-edge fields, such as Artificial Intelligence and the New Space Economy, demonstrates that innovation in 21st-century Europe does not have a single geographical centre, but rather stems from the union of regions exercising their autonomy as a democratic pillar,” stressed Artur Lima. During the celebrations, the Vice-President paid tribute to Pedro da Silveira, Europe’s most westerly poet: “Islander from rind to heart — and away I go, with no ambition beyond the open space." The celebrations, which were broadcast live, included official ceremonies and speeches, cultural events featuring a tribute to poet Pedro da Silveira, a conference, two exhibitions showcasing works created by children and senior citizens, the launch of a postcard, stamp and postmark by CTT (Portuguese Postal Services), as well as the unveiling of a mural celebrating 40 years of European integration.
May 11, 2026 Artur Lima stresses that “a Europe that does not value its regions will always be an incomplete Europe” As part of the Europe Day celebrations on the island of Flores on May 9, Artur Lima highlighted the geostrategic and geopolitical importance of the archipelago of the Azores to the world and Europe. “We are celebrating Europe Day and marking the 40th anniversary of Portugal’s accession to the European Union,” stated Artur Lima, who explained that it would make no sense to celebrate this date anywhere else, given that Flores is home to “the westernmost point of Europe.” On the occasion, the Vice-President of the Regional Government emphasised that “within the European Union, the Azores are far from the decision-making centres.” As such, it is “essential to build on this unique feature of Flores to continue projecting the Azores’ distinctiveness across the Atlantic, within the European Union and throughout the world.” Artur Lima pointed out the urgent need for Europe to acknowledge the value of Outermost Regions, not as peripheral areas but as indispensable strategic assets. The Vice-President emphasised that European competitiveness cannot exist without territorial cohesion, mentioning the concept of “mobility poverty” and noting that, in the Azores, “the railway is the air and the sea.” "Here, in Flores, where Europe ends on the map but looms large on the horizon, we reiterate that this is not a peripheral region but a key one. For there is no European competitiveness without cohesion, and there is no cohesion without the regions," he stated. During his speech, the Vice-President highlighted the progress made in the region since Portugal joined the then EEC. “Over the last four decades, the Region has built essential infrastructure such as ports and airports; it has prioritised the skills and education of the population and developed environmental protection programmes; the Region has invested in its endogenous potential, through agriculture, the maritime sector and the production of renewable energy,” he noted. The government official also highlighted current achievements and preparations for future challenges, noting that “the Region’s future is now anchored in the Smart Specialisation Strategy, which identifies Health, Space and Data Science as priority areas. The installation of new submarine cables and the focus on cybersecurity position the islands as a vital hub in Europe’s digital transition.” The celebrations were attended by Rui Reis, the representative of the Government of Catalonia in Portugal. Both regions share a historical connection, but their ties have grown significantly closer since 2025, the year when the Azores joined DETA (Disruptive & Emerging Technology Alliance), an alliance promoted by the Government of Catalonia. “This partnership in cutting-edge fields, such as Artificial Intelligence and the New Space Economy, demonstrates that innovation in 21st-century Europe does not have a single geographical centre, but rather stems from the union of regions exercising their autonomy as a democratic pillar,” stressed Artur Lima. During the celebrations, the Vice-President paid tribute to Pedro da Silveira, Europe’s most westerly poet: “Islander from rind to heart — and away I go, with no ambition beyond the open space." The celebrations, which were broadcast live, included official ceremonies and speeches, cultural events featuring a tribute to poet Pedro da Silveira, a conference, two exhibitions showcasing works created by children and senior citizens, the launch of a postcard, stamp and postmark by CTT (Portuguese Postal Services), as well as the unveiling of a mural celebrating 40 years of European integration.
