Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro praises Martim Melo's achievements and value of sport in youth development
José Manuel Bolieiro praises Martim Melo's achievements and value of sport in youth development
Communiqué from the Council of the Government
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Regional Government available to support housing cooperatives in increasing supply of affordable housing
Regional Government available to support housing cooperatives in increasing supply of affordable housing
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "centrality" of the Azores in "transatlantic cooperation" at Sister Cities Summit
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "centrality" of the Azores in "transatlantic cooperation" at Sister Cities Summit
Nota de Imprensa
June 26, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro praises Martim Melo's achievements and value of sport in youth development The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, received today in audience Martim Melo, a young athlete from the Karate Club of Ponta Delgada, who recently became European Team Champion at the JKA European Championships 2025, held in the Czech Republic. Martim Melo was part of the Portuguese national team alongside athletes João Capelo and Gonçalo Henriques, decisively contributing to the European title win. Individually, he also won the bronze medal in the junior men's kumite (combat) category, consolidating his status as an Azorean athlete of excellence on the international stage. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the importance of sport as a lever for the comprehensive growth of young Azoreans. "Sport is a powerful tool for personal development, promoting health, discipline and team spirit. Martim's career is a source of pride for the Azores and Portugal," he said. The President of the Government also emphasised the role of support structures for youth sport. "This is also a clear sign that investment in regional talent, through programmes such as the Young Talent programme run by the Regional Directorate for Sport, is bearing fruit and inspiring others," he pointed out. Martim Melo is followed by the Regional Sports Directorate as part of the programme to support young talent. He has already racked up some impressive results abroad, bringing honour to the Azores and their sports community.
June 26, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro praises Martim Melo's achievements and value of sport in youth development The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, received today in audience Martim Melo, a young athlete from the Karate Club of Ponta Delgada, who recently became European Team Champion at the JKA European Championships 2025, held in the Czech Republic. Martim Melo was part of the Portuguese national team alongside athletes João Capelo and Gonçalo Henriques, decisively contributing to the European title win. Individually, he also won the bronze medal in the junior men's kumite (combat) category, consolidating his status as an Azorean athlete of excellence on the international stage. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the importance of sport as a lever for the comprehensive growth of young Azoreans. "Sport is a powerful tool for personal development, promoting health, discipline and team spirit. Martim's career is a source of pride for the Azores and Portugal," he said. The President of the Government also emphasised the role of support structures for youth sport. "This is also a clear sign that investment in regional talent, through programmes such as the Young Talent programme run by the Regional Directorate for Sport, is bearing fruit and inspiring others," he pointed out. Martim Melo is followed by the Regional Sports Directorate as part of the programme to support young talent. He has already racked up some impressive results abroad, bringing honour to the Azores and their sports community.
Comunicado
June 27, 2025 Communiqué from the Council of the Government The Council of the Government, which met on June 26, 2025, in Ponta Delgada, decided to adopt the following measures: 1. Approve the Resolution determining, for the year 2025, the amounts to be allocated to each type of support provided for in the Azores Private Media Incentive System (SIM), with an overall financial impact of €1,800,000.00. The Azores Private Media Incentive Scheme aims to consolidate the sustainability and pluralism of the private media in the Azores, acknowledging its essential role in promoting democracy, territorial cohesion and access to local information. With this measure, the Regional Government reiterates its commitment to valuing the media sector and preserving press freedom and information diversity in the archipelago, especially relevant in a context of geographical dispersion and remoteness. The amount of support now approved will be distributed among the various types of support provided for in the SIM, namely: • Support for the regular operation of the media; • Support for technological modernisation; • Support for the digital transition; • Support for the professional qualification of human resources; • Support for the promotion of media literacy and the fight against disinformation. The Regional Government reiterates that it will continue to monitor and evaluate the implementation of SIM, ensuring transparency, fairness and efficiency in the use of public resources allocated to the media sector. As it should be noted, SIM is one of the pillars of the Regional Government's plan for private media outlets. This system is complemented by a training programme for journalists, a programme for purchasing subscriptions to regional newspapers, an institutional advertising component and the full implementation of the National Plan to support the sector in the Region. 2. Approve the Resolution establishing the Regional Plan for Social Inclusion and Citizenship 2025-2028 (PRISC 2025-2028). The Regional Plan for Social Inclusion and Citizenship, 2025-2028, is guided by the United Nations' first sustainable development goal, which sets the target of "ending extreme poverty everywhere" by 2030. It also draws on the European Commission's Action Plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights, which prioritises a significant reduction in the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion by 2030. PRISC aims to continue the effective response to poverty and social exclusion developed by the coalition governments, enhancing the response capacity of policies aimed at tackling poverty and social exclusion, continuing to improve conditions for economic development and promoting social inclusion, breaking the cycle of poverty. In this regard, PRISC emerges as a focused plan with measures aimed directly at individuals and households in situations of or at risk of poverty and social exclusion, with a view to fully assuming rights, with five strategic components: Income, Education and Training, Work, Housing and Health. The overall objective of PRISC is to reduce monetary poverty by 40% in the Autonomous Region of the Azores from 2025 to 2028, with an annual reduction of 10%. 3. Approve the Resolution authorising the procurement of the design/construction of the São Roque and Livramento Health Unit and the Maia Health Unit on the island of São Miguel. With the approval of this Resolution, the Regional Government is continuing its goal of providing local health services, meeting the needs of citizens and, thus, improving their quality of life. The future São Roque and Livramento Health Unit in Ponta Delgada will serve the residents of these parishes. This new centre will reduce pressure on the Ponta Delgada Health Centre and improve access to and quality of health care. The project will have a base price of €4,900,000.00 and should be completed in eight months. The Maia Health Unit in Ribeira Grande will replace the current facilities with a modern and functional environment for users and professionals. The construction has a base price of €2,900,000 and a completion period of eight months. 4. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree amending the Regional Implementing Decree approving the organisational structure and management staff of the Azores Oncology Centre (COA). 5. Approve the Resolution amending the "Regulations Supporting the Certification of Organic Production Methods." 6. Approve the Resolution declaring the public utility, as a matter of urgency, for the compulsory purchase of the plot of land necessary for the implementation of the Pico Vermelho Geothermal Power Plant Expansion Project, whose investment is included in the Recovery and Resilience Plan. 7. Approve the Resolution recognising the public interest of the construction of a water reservoir for public supply, to be installed in the parish of Achadinha, municipality of Nordeste, promoted by the company Nordeste Ativo, E. M., S.A., which is located within the Regional Agricultural Reserve, given the lack of a technically or economically acceptable alternative to the proposed location. 8. Adopt the Resolution approving the Report on the Accounts of the Autonomous Region of the Azores for the financial year 2024. 9. Approve the Resolution approving applications for the legal and financial support scheme for climate emergencies, covering damage caused by extreme weather events in the parish of S. Roque in the municipality of Ponta Delgada and in the parishes of Faial da Terra and Ribeira Quente, both in the municipality of Povoação. 10. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree that partially suspends the Ribeira Grande Municipal Master Plan, with the sole and exclusive purpose of enabling the legal procedures to be observed for the various uses of the exhibition park, located within the premises of the São Miguel Agricultural Association/Agricultural Union Cooperative. 11. Approve the Resolution authorising the list of approved, unselected and rejected applications for 2025 under the legal framework for technical and financial cooperation between the Regional Administration, parishes and parish associations of the Region.
June 27, 2025 Communiqué from the Council of the Government The Council of the Government, which met on June 26, 2025, in Ponta Delgada, decided to adopt the following measures: 1. Approve the Resolution determining, for the year 2025, the amounts to be allocated to each type of support provided for in the Azores Private Media Incentive System (SIM), with an overall financial impact of €1,800,000.00. The Azores Private Media Incentive Scheme aims to consolidate the sustainability and pluralism of the private media in the Azores, acknowledging its essential role in promoting democracy, territorial cohesion and access to local information. With this measure, the Regional Government reiterates its commitment to valuing the media sector and preserving press freedom and information diversity in the archipelago, especially relevant in a context of geographical dispersion and remoteness. The amount of support now approved will be distributed among the various types of support provided for in the SIM, namely: • Support for the regular operation of the media; • Support for technological modernisation; • Support for the digital transition; • Support for the professional qualification of human resources; • Support for the promotion of media literacy and the fight against disinformation. The Regional Government reiterates that it will continue to monitor and evaluate the implementation of SIM, ensuring transparency, fairness and efficiency in the use of public resources allocated to the media sector. As it should be noted, SIM is one of the pillars of the Regional Government's plan for private media outlets. This system is complemented by a training programme for journalists, a programme for purchasing subscriptions to regional newspapers, an institutional advertising component and the full implementation of the National Plan to support the sector in the Region. 2. Approve the Resolution establishing the Regional Plan for Social Inclusion and Citizenship 2025-2028 (PRISC 2025-2028). The Regional Plan for Social Inclusion and Citizenship, 2025-2028, is guided by the United Nations' first sustainable development goal, which sets the target of "ending extreme poverty everywhere" by 2030. It also draws on the European Commission's Action Plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights, which prioritises a significant reduction in the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion by 2030. PRISC aims to continue the effective response to poverty and social exclusion developed by the coalition governments, enhancing the response capacity of policies aimed at tackling poverty and social exclusion, continuing to improve conditions for economic development and promoting social inclusion, breaking the cycle of poverty. In this regard, PRISC emerges as a focused plan with measures aimed directly at individuals and households in situations of or at risk of poverty and social exclusion, with a view to fully assuming rights, with five strategic components: Income, Education and Training, Work, Housing and Health. The overall objective of PRISC is to reduce monetary poverty by 40% in the Autonomous Region of the Azores from 2025 to 2028, with an annual reduction of 10%. 3. Approve the Resolution authorising the procurement of the design/construction of the São Roque and Livramento Health Unit and the Maia Health Unit on the island of São Miguel. With the approval of this Resolution, the Regional Government is continuing its goal of providing local health services, meeting the needs of citizens and, thus, improving their quality of life. The future São Roque and Livramento Health Unit in Ponta Delgada will serve the residents of these parishes. This new centre will reduce pressure on the Ponta Delgada Health Centre and improve access to and quality of health care. The project will have a base price of €4,900,000.00 and should be completed in eight months. The Maia Health Unit in Ribeira Grande will replace the current facilities with a modern and functional environment for users and professionals. The construction has a base price of €2,900,000 and a completion period of eight months. 4. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree amending the Regional Implementing Decree approving the organisational structure and management staff of the Azores Oncology Centre (COA). 5. Approve the Resolution amending the "Regulations Supporting the Certification of Organic Production Methods." 6. Approve the Resolution declaring the public utility, as a matter of urgency, for the compulsory purchase of the plot of land necessary for the implementation of the Pico Vermelho Geothermal Power Plant Expansion Project, whose investment is included in the Recovery and Resilience Plan. 7. Approve the Resolution recognising the public interest of the construction of a water reservoir for public supply, to be installed in the parish of Achadinha, municipality of Nordeste, promoted by the company Nordeste Ativo, E. M., S.A., which is located within the Regional Agricultural Reserve, given the lack of a technically or economically acceptable alternative to the proposed location. 8. Adopt the Resolution approving the Report on the Accounts of the Autonomous Region of the Azores for the financial year 2024. 9. Approve the Resolution approving applications for the legal and financial support scheme for climate emergencies, covering damage caused by extreme weather events in the parish of S. Roque in the municipality of Ponta Delgada and in the parishes of Faial da Terra and Ribeira Quente, both in the municipality of Povoação. 10. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree that partially suspends the Ribeira Grande Municipal Master Plan, with the sole and exclusive purpose of enabling the legal procedures to be observed for the various uses of the exhibition park, located within the premises of the São Miguel Agricultural Association/Agricultural Union Cooperative. 11. Approve the Resolution authorising the list of approved, unselected and rejected applications for 2025 under the legal framework for technical and financial cooperation between the Regional Administration, parishes and parish associations of the Region.
Nota de Imprensa
June 26, 2025 Regional Government available to support housing cooperatives in increasing supply of affordable housing The Regional Government is available to support housing cooperatives in the construction of new housing solutions that will not only increase the supply of properties in the Region but also make them available on the market at affordable prices. This assurance was provided today by Maria João Carreiro, Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, at the laying of the foundation stone for infrastructure works on a plot located in the village of Rabo de Peixe, belonging to the "Nossa Vila, Nossa Casa" cooperative, where 16 new three-bedroom houses will be built at affordable prices. With the support scheme for the construction of housing at affordable prices, the "Nossa Vila, Nossa Casa" cooperative benefited from a non-refundable financial grant of over 313 thousand Euros, plus VAT at the legal rate in force. This amount ensures full funding for architectural and specialist projects as well as the construction and supervision work that is now beginning. It has a completion period of three months. "At a time when access to housing is not easy, the contribution made by this cooperative is something that should be valued and replicated. We all benefit if more examples like this emerge in other municipalities and on other islands," she said. Given this situation, the Azorean Government is promoting an integrated response that involves not only the Region but also the municipalities and housing cooperatives. It is allocating financial resources from the Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Region to increase supply, ensure quality housing and prices compatible with the income of Azorean families and young people. "Housing cooperatives can and should increasingly partner with the Region in the proper implementation and effective response required in terms of housing," she said. According to Maria João Carreiro, the joint work of the various agents in the sector ‘multiplies results’ and the Government's support for initiatives launched by citizens and organised citizenship, such as cooperatives, "further projects the responses that need to be provided" to overcome difficulties in accessing housing. Support available to housing cooperatives includes the provision of standard housing, land subdivision and infrastructure projects, the provision of serviced plots and unserviced land, and non-repayable financial contributions towards investments already made or to be made in the acquisition of land, its servicing, and corresponding studies and projects. Other participants in the ceremony included Jaime Vieira, Mayor of the Rabo de Peixe Parish Council; Rui Tavares, President of “Nossa Vila, Nossa Casa” cooperative; André Pontes, representative of the Ribeira Grande Municipal Council; Daniel Pavão, Regional Director for Housing; and representatives of the cooperative's partner entities.
June 26, 2025 Regional Government available to support housing cooperatives in increasing supply of affordable housing The Regional Government is available to support housing cooperatives in the construction of new housing solutions that will not only increase the supply of properties in the Region but also make them available on the market at affordable prices. This assurance was provided today by Maria João Carreiro, Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, at the laying of the foundation stone for infrastructure works on a plot located in the village of Rabo de Peixe, belonging to the "Nossa Vila, Nossa Casa" cooperative, where 16 new three-bedroom houses will be built at affordable prices. With the support scheme for the construction of housing at affordable prices, the "Nossa Vila, Nossa Casa" cooperative benefited from a non-refundable financial grant of over 313 thousand Euros, plus VAT at the legal rate in force. This amount ensures full funding for architectural and specialist projects as well as the construction and supervision work that is now beginning. It has a completion period of three months. "At a time when access to housing is not easy, the contribution made by this cooperative is something that should be valued and replicated. We all benefit if more examples like this emerge in other municipalities and on other islands," she said. Given this situation, the Azorean Government is promoting an integrated response that involves not only the Region but also the municipalities and housing cooperatives. It is allocating financial resources from the Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Region to increase supply, ensure quality housing and prices compatible with the income of Azorean families and young people. "Housing cooperatives can and should increasingly partner with the Region in the proper implementation and effective response required in terms of housing," she said. According to Maria João Carreiro, the joint work of the various agents in the sector ‘multiplies results’ and the Government's support for initiatives launched by citizens and organised citizenship, such as cooperatives, "further projects the responses that need to be provided" to overcome difficulties in accessing housing. Support available to housing cooperatives includes the provision of standard housing, land subdivision and infrastructure projects, the provision of serviced plots and unserviced land, and non-repayable financial contributions towards investments already made or to be made in the acquisition of land, its servicing, and corresponding studies and projects. Other participants in the ceremony included Jaime Vieira, Mayor of the Rabo de Peixe Parish Council; Rui Tavares, President of “Nossa Vila, Nossa Casa” cooperative; André Pontes, representative of the Ribeira Grande Municipal Council; Daniel Pavão, Regional Director for Housing; and representatives of the cooperative's partner entities.
Nota de Imprensa
June 25, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "centrality" of the Azores in "transatlantic cooperation" at Sister Cities Summit The President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening ceremony of the "Sister Cities Summit," which runs until Friday in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, as part of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD). Promoted by FLAD in partnership with the Azorean Government, the event brings together more than 30 cities and municipalities on both sides of the Atlantic linked by twinning agreements. Over three days, institutional representatives and members of civil society from Portugal and the United States will work together to identify new opportunities for collaboration and strengthen existing networks. "It is with great satisfaction that the Azores are hosting this historical meeting," the President of the Government stated, highlighting the symbolism of the Region as a point of convergence between continents, cultures and communities. The summit aims to strengthen ties between Portuguese and North American cities through cooperation in areas such as culture, education, economics, science and innovation. Currently, there are around 60 twinning agreements between the two countries, reflecting a shared history fuelled by centuries of migration and exchange. "Summit meetings such as this are indispensable platforms for strengthening relations between our cities and towns, through cooperation and friendship promoted by institutional twinning," emphasised the President of the Government. The initiative also aims to revitalise historical ties and, simultaneously, build bridges for the future, based on a partnership between communities that share common values and challenges. The head of the Regional Government praised the contribution of Azorean communities in the United States, highlighting how they keep traditions alive while establishing themselves in their host societies. “American society has found a source of wealth in its diversity. The contribution of many Azoreans in a wide range of areas, from politics to science, deserves to be highlighted,” recalled José Manuel Bolieiro. Quoting writer Onésimo Teotónio Almeida, José Manuel Bolieiro recalled that "the diaspora has shown that it is possible to be a community without territory," adding that the Azoreans, even far away, continue to be “neighbours and brothers,” as Vitorino Nemésio wrote. In his speech, the President of the Government reiterated the geostrategic and cultural importance of the Azores in the relations between Portugal and the United States. He pointed out the Region's role as an "Atlantic connection platform" with growing potential in the fields of science, marine technologies, innovation and the blue economy. "We want to highlight the opportunities available to us in sustainable exports, scientific cooperation in the Atlantic, renewable energy sources, sustainable tourism and digital technology," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. The President of the Government concluded his speech with a call for cooperation and the promotion of relations between peoples and territories: "Let us all continue to believe in good relations between peoples, regions and nations as the most valuable tool for building peace and, hence, progress." The opening ceremony marked the official start of the "Sister Cities Summit," which continues with thematic sessions and bilateral meetings between participants. For the President of the Government, "the meeting in the Azores, between America and Europe, proved to be assertive," a space for meeting and strategic projection. "I trust that we will welcome you with the splendour of our natural beauty and the courtesy of our close ties, which are also expressed in every event and every moment," he said. Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government
June 25, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "centrality" of the Azores in "transatlantic cooperation" at Sister Cities Summit The President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening ceremony of the "Sister Cities Summit," which runs until Friday in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, as part of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD). Promoted by FLAD in partnership with the Azorean Government, the event brings together more than 30 cities and municipalities on both sides of the Atlantic linked by twinning agreements. Over three days, institutional representatives and members of civil society from Portugal and the United States will work together to identify new opportunities for collaboration and strengthen existing networks. "It is with great satisfaction that the Azores are hosting this historical meeting," the President of the Government stated, highlighting the symbolism of the Region as a point of convergence between continents, cultures and communities. The summit aims to strengthen ties between Portuguese and North American cities through cooperation in areas such as culture, education, economics, science and innovation. Currently, there are around 60 twinning agreements between the two countries, reflecting a shared history fuelled by centuries of migration and exchange. "Summit meetings such as this are indispensable platforms for strengthening relations between our cities and towns, through cooperation and friendship promoted by institutional twinning," emphasised the President of the Government. The initiative also aims to revitalise historical ties and, simultaneously, build bridges for the future, based on a partnership between communities that share common values and challenges. The head of the Regional Government praised the contribution of Azorean communities in the United States, highlighting how they keep traditions alive while establishing themselves in their host societies. “American society has found a source of wealth in its diversity. The contribution of many Azoreans in a wide range of areas, from politics to science, deserves to be highlighted,” recalled José Manuel Bolieiro. Quoting writer Onésimo Teotónio Almeida, José Manuel Bolieiro recalled that "the diaspora has shown that it is possible to be a community without territory," adding that the Azoreans, even far away, continue to be “neighbours and brothers,” as Vitorino Nemésio wrote. In his speech, the President of the Government reiterated the geostrategic and cultural importance of the Azores in the relations between Portugal and the United States. He pointed out the Region's role as an "Atlantic connection platform" with growing potential in the fields of science, marine technologies, innovation and the blue economy. "We want to highlight the opportunities available to us in sustainable exports, scientific cooperation in the Atlantic, renewable energy sources, sustainable tourism and digital technology," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. The President of the Government concluded his speech with a call for cooperation and the promotion of relations between peoples and territories: "Let us all continue to believe in good relations between peoples, regions and nations as the most valuable tool for building peace and, hence, progress." The opening ceremony marked the official start of the "Sister Cities Summit," which continues with thematic sessions and bilateral meetings between participants. For the President of the Government, "the meeting in the Azores, between America and Europe, proved to be assertive," a space for meeting and strategic projection. "I trust that we will welcome you with the splendour of our natural beauty and the courtesy of our close ties, which are also expressed in every event and every moment," he said. Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government
Intervenção
June 25, 2025 Speech by the President of the Government Full text of the speech delivered today by the President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, in Ponta Delgada, at the opening session of the Sister Cities Summit: It is with great satisfaction that the Azores are hosting this historic meeting, and it is an honour for me to address you on this significant occasion. The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) has decided to mark its 40th anniversary with a series of events, including this Sister Cities Summit, which is now beginning. I congratulate FLAD, represented by its President, Dr. Nuno Morais Sarmento, on its anniversary and for raising its profile in the Azores, with which we are collaborating. Established under the Cooperation and Defence Agreement between Portugal and the United States, which has always had and continues to have as its main purpose the use of infrastructures and equipment in the Azores by the American Armed Forces, FLAD has been playing an important role in the relations between Portugal and the United States, also with a focus on the Azores. This is evidenced by the various initiatives and programmes promoted by the Foundation in cultural, academic and scientific exchange, strengthening the ties between the two countries. We want and always aspire to more, more in the Azores. I would like to point out that holding the Sister Cities Summit here embodies the natural calling of the Azores as a meeting point and place of exchange for people and cultures, recognising their histories, but seeking to enhance them even further through the sharing of new legacies, knowledge, expertise, and also dreams and ambitions. Summit meetings such as this, whose importance must be emphasised, are indispensable platforms for strengthening relations between our cities and towns, which is achieved through cooperation and friendship promoted by institutional twinning. In the words of Azorean writer Daniel de Sá, "the community is not just a neighbourhood: it is building a future together." In a constantly changing world, where the global order is undergoing upheaval, the best and safest path to progress and development for peoples is dialogue and cooperation between communities. Our culture fosters this cosmopolitan mindset. Located in the middle of the Atlantic, the Azores have been a crucial link between Europe and America. Our strategic location has supported the establishment of important partnerships in the areas of defence and economics, strengthening the security and prosperity of both continents. The oldest American Consulate in the world is found in the Azores and is now celebrating 230 years of continuous operation. What a source of collective and shared pride this is for us. A historical fact that reveals our connection, which I hope will continue uninterrupted and long-lasting. The historical presence of the U.S. armed forces at Lajes Air Base acknowledges and leverages the Azores in the context of the relations between Portugal and the United States. The Azores are not just a remote territory, but a strategic asset for Portugal and the European Union. The location of the Azores in the middle of the Atlantic allows the Region to significantly contribute to security and defence, as well as to competitiveness and innovation through high-performance technological infrastructure. New emerging economies, such as the blue economy and the space economy, will consolidate the importance of the archipelago in the Atlantic projection of Portugal and Europe. The geostrategic position of the Azores is, on the Portuguese side, I am sure, the main asset in the relations between Portugal and the United States of America. Throughout their history, the Azoreans, living with adversity, learned, in the footsteps of Vitorino Nemésio, ‘to be neighbours, to be brothers.’ This is what we are and want to be with the United States of America. It is this sense of community, felt by the Azoreans, that they carried with them when they left our islands for America. The Azorean communities in the United States today play a fundamental role in the relations between Portugal and the United States. With their dedication and hard work, the Azoreans have significantly contributed to the development of their host communities, especially in California and the various states of New England, while keeping their traditions and culture alive. These communities are a vital link that unites both countries, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation. The American multi-ethnic society has found in its diversity a source of human wealth that has greatly contributed to its progress. And to its own identity. The contribution of many Azoreans, in various fields and in various states of the United States of America, deserves to be highlighted. Quoting Onésimo Almeida, "the diaspora has shown that it is possible to be a community without territory," thriving far from home, establishing ties that endure over time. Enriching their lives and the communities they have joined. It is a source of pride for us, for me, as President of the Government of the Azores, to be able to look at American society and see the success achieved by politicians, entrepreneurs, scientists and artists who are now Americans of Azorean origin. It is on them that much of the social, political, economic and cultural relations between our two countries are based today. There are challenges to overcome in our relations with the United States of America. We want to deepen these relations. We want to overcome the geographical distance and our small size. The sea and space connect us; they are our fast track to the world, to America, to development. We want to highlight the opportunities available to us. In exports of sustainable, high-quality products. In scientific cooperation in the Atlantic. In renewable energy sources. In marine technologies. In sustainable tourism. In technological niches. And in digital. Today, increasingly more Americans are investing in the Azores. Tourist demand for our islands from U.S. citizens is growing stronger with each passing year. I would like to conclude by reiterating the importance of this Sister Cities Summit and expressing, on behalf of the Azores and the Azoreans, my gratitude to all those present for the contribution they are making to strengthening relations between our nations. Let us all continue to believe in good relations between peoples, regions and nations as the most valuable tool for building peace and, hence, progress. The Azores will be here, in the middle of the North Atlantic, between the European Union and the United States of America, united in the common defence of Democracy and Freedom, always ready to make their contribution. Now, after this opening session, the work of the Summit begins. The excellence of the participants, the cause they have embraced, and FLAD's organisational skills assure me that this first Sister Cities Summit will be a success. The event in the Azores, halfway between America and Europe, proved to be the most appropriate place for this meeting of nostalgia and strategic projection, which are our islands. This time in São Miguel. I trust that we will welcome you with the splendour of our natural beauty and the courtesy of our close ties, which are also expressed in every event and every moment. I wish you fruitful work. Thank you very much!"
June 25, 2025 Speech by the President of the Government Full text of the speech delivered today by the President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, in Ponta Delgada, at the opening session of the Sister Cities Summit: It is with great satisfaction that the Azores are hosting this historic meeting, and it is an honour for me to address you on this significant occasion. The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) has decided to mark its 40th anniversary with a series of events, including this Sister Cities Summit, which is now beginning. I congratulate FLAD, represented by its President, Dr. Nuno Morais Sarmento, on its anniversary and for raising its profile in the Azores, with which we are collaborating. Established under the Cooperation and Defence Agreement between Portugal and the United States, which has always had and continues to have as its main purpose the use of infrastructures and equipment in the Azores by the American Armed Forces, FLAD has been playing an important role in the relations between Portugal and the United States, also with a focus on the Azores. This is evidenced by the various initiatives and programmes promoted by the Foundation in cultural, academic and scientific exchange, strengthening the ties between the two countries. We want and always aspire to more, more in the Azores. I would like to point out that holding the Sister Cities Summit here embodies the natural calling of the Azores as a meeting point and place of exchange for people and cultures, recognising their histories, but seeking to enhance them even further through the sharing of new legacies, knowledge, expertise, and also dreams and ambitions. Summit meetings such as this, whose importance must be emphasised, are indispensable platforms for strengthening relations between our cities and towns, which is achieved through cooperation and friendship promoted by institutional twinning. In the words of Azorean writer Daniel de Sá, "the community is not just a neighbourhood: it is building a future together." In a constantly changing world, where the global order is undergoing upheaval, the best and safest path to progress and development for peoples is dialogue and cooperation between communities. Our culture fosters this cosmopolitan mindset. Located in the middle of the Atlantic, the Azores have been a crucial link between Europe and America. Our strategic location has supported the establishment of important partnerships in the areas of defence and economics, strengthening the security and prosperity of both continents. The oldest American Consulate in the world is found in the Azores and is now celebrating 230 years of continuous operation. What a source of collective and shared pride this is for us. A historical fact that reveals our connection, which I hope will continue uninterrupted and long-lasting. The historical presence of the U.S. armed forces at Lajes Air Base acknowledges and leverages the Azores in the context of the relations between Portugal and the United States. The Azores are not just a remote territory, but a strategic asset for Portugal and the European Union. The location of the Azores in the middle of the Atlantic allows the Region to significantly contribute to security and defence, as well as to competitiveness and innovation through high-performance technological infrastructure. New emerging economies, such as the blue economy and the space economy, will consolidate the importance of the archipelago in the Atlantic projection of Portugal and Europe. The geostrategic position of the Azores is, on the Portuguese side, I am sure, the main asset in the relations between Portugal and the United States of America. Throughout their history, the Azoreans, living with adversity, learned, in the footsteps of Vitorino Nemésio, ‘to be neighbours, to be brothers.’ This is what we are and want to be with the United States of America. It is this sense of community, felt by the Azoreans, that they carried with them when they left our islands for America. The Azorean communities in the United States today play a fundamental role in the relations between Portugal and the United States. With their dedication and hard work, the Azoreans have significantly contributed to the development of their host communities, especially in California and the various states of New England, while keeping their traditions and culture alive. These communities are a vital link that unites both countries, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation. The American multi-ethnic society has found in its diversity a source of human wealth that has greatly contributed to its progress. And to its own identity. The contribution of many Azoreans, in various fields and in various states of the United States of America, deserves to be highlighted. Quoting Onésimo Almeida, "the diaspora has shown that it is possible to be a community without territory," thriving far from home, establishing ties that endure over time. Enriching their lives and the communities they have joined. It is a source of pride for us, for me, as President of the Government of the Azores, to be able to look at American society and see the success achieved by politicians, entrepreneurs, scientists and artists who are now Americans of Azorean origin. It is on them that much of the social, political, economic and cultural relations between our two countries are based today. There are challenges to overcome in our relations with the United States of America. We want to deepen these relations. We want to overcome the geographical distance and our small size. The sea and space connect us; they are our fast track to the world, to America, to development. We want to highlight the opportunities available to us. In exports of sustainable, high-quality products. In scientific cooperation in the Atlantic. In renewable energy sources. In marine technologies. In sustainable tourism. In technological niches. And in digital. Today, increasingly more Americans are investing in the Azores. Tourist demand for our islands from U.S. citizens is growing stronger with each passing year. I would like to conclude by reiterating the importance of this Sister Cities Summit and expressing, on behalf of the Azores and the Azoreans, my gratitude to all those present for the contribution they are making to strengthening relations between our nations. Let us all continue to believe in good relations between peoples, regions and nations as the most valuable tool for building peace and, hence, progress. The Azores will be here, in the middle of the North Atlantic, between the European Union and the United States of America, united in the common defence of Democracy and Freedom, always ready to make their contribution. Now, after this opening session, the work of the Summit begins. The excellence of the participants, the cause they have embraced, and FLAD's organisational skills assure me that this first Sister Cities Summit will be a success. The event in the Azores, halfway between America and Europe, proved to be the most appropriate place for this meeting of nostalgia and strategic projection, which are our islands. This time in São Miguel. I trust that we will welcome you with the splendour of our natural beauty and the courtesy of our close ties, which are also expressed in every event and every moment. I wish you fruitful work. Thank you very much!"
