Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
November 14, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro strengthens dialogue with European Union at high-level meetings
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, will be in Brussels next week to participate in two decisive meetings for the future of the Outermost Regions (ORs), at a time marked by strong concerns about the European Commission's proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). This visit follows several recent statements by the head of the Azorean Government, who has publicly reiterated the need for a European policy tailored to the specific characteristics of island regions, firmly advocating the maintenance and strengthening of instruments that guarantee territorial cohesion. The President of the Government will first participate in the High-Level Outermost Regions Forum, which brings together European commissioners, institutional leaders and the presidents of the Outermost Regions. The forum will open with speeches by senior Commission representatives, followed by a plenary debate where regional leaders, including the President of the Azores, will present their positions on the future "Package for the Outermost Regions." The President of the Azorean Government will insist on the need for the next MFF to incorporate measures that protect POSEI, cohesion funds and support for agriculture and fisheries, areas he considers vital for the economic and social balance of the outermost regions. The Azorean presence in Brussels takes on particular significance after José Manuel Bolieiro warned, on several public occasions, that the European Commission's proposal represents "a worrying step backwards" for the Outermost Regions. At a recent conference organised by EURODOM, and in other speeches delivered in recent weeks, the President of the Regional Government stressed that the financing model cannot ignore Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enshrines the adaptation of European policies to the specific characteristics of the outermost regions. Along these lines, he also sent a letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa, advocating specific mechanisms such as POSEI-Fisheries and POSEI-Transport, with a view to remedying the structural costs associated with remoteness and distance. The working agenda also includes the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions (CPRUP), also in the Belgian capital. The session will feature moments of assessment and political reflection on three decades of affirmation of the Outermost Regions in the European space. The President of the Regional Government will take part in a round table discussion on concerns surrounding the future MFF, a debate that will bring together other regional presidents and representatives from Portugal, France and Spain.  This meeting is expected to confirm that cohesion cannot be merely a principle; it must be translated into tangible measures that ensure competitiveness, territorial continuity, protection of productive sectors, and equal opportunities for citizens living in remote areas. With these contributions, the President of the Azorean Government is stepping up the strategy to make the Region a strong and influential voice in European talks. As he emphasised, outermost regions are not just forgotten corners, but rather "strategic assets for the European Union" with unique environmental, maritime, and geopolitical responsibilities. Next week in Brussels will, thus, be another step in defending a European framework that recognises the uniqueness of the Azores and guarantees the necessary instruments for the sustainable development of the archipelago.

Nota de Imprensa
November 14, 2025
Interjovem Card holders with inter-island air travel for €21 during December
By Order of the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, holders of the Interjovem Card can benefit from inter-island air travel for €21 round trip or €15 one way, operated by SATA Air Açores. These prices are valid for travel between December 1 and 31, as part of the Interjovem Card's special Christmas campaign, a month when "there is an increase in travel by young students returning to their home islands," noted the government official.  “During this period, there is also a proliferation of initiatives related to the Christmas season on the different islands. In this regard, the improvement of the benefits offered by the Interjovem Card during this festive season contributes to greater mobility among young people between islands,” she added. Maria João Carreiro explained that ‘the Interjovem Card gives young people more mobility," following the contract programme entered into between the Region, Atlânticoline S.A. and SATA Air Açores, which, among other advantages throughout the year, provides for the creation of specific and more advantageous commercial campaigns for young people. The Interjovem Card is an initiative of the Regional Government to promote youth mobility in the archipelago, associated with commercial advantages and discounts. It is intended for young people who are natives or residents of the Azores, as well as young people of Azorean descent registered on the “Azoreans in the World” platform, aged between 13 and 30. Since 2021, several improvements and benefits have been implemented to add value to the use and ownership of the Interjovem Card, such as a 20% discount on the Azores Fare. This means that young people pay a maximum of €48 for an inter-island flight ( round trip), with the same booking conditions as the Azores Fare being guaranteed for the Interjovem Fare. The Interjovem Card can be purchased at https://www.cartaointerjovem.com or on the new mobile app, with payment made via MBWay or credit card via the RIAC payment platform. Promoted by the Regional Directorate for Youth, the Interjovem Card has more than 100 partnerships across all islands of the archipelago, guaranteeing a minimum 10% discount on services provided by partners to cardholders.

Comunicado
November 14, 2025
Communiqué from the Council of the Government
The Council of the Government, which met on November 13, 2025, in Ponta Delgada, decided to adopt the following measures: 1. Approve the Resolution authorising EDA and EDA Renováveis to begin the procedure for the sale of their shareholdings in SEGMA – Serviços de Engenharia, Gestão e Manutenção, Lda., and for EDA to begin the procedure for the sale of its shareholdings in GLOBALEDA – Telecomunicações e Gestão de Sistemas de Informação, S.A.. The Board of Directors of EDA requested authorisation from the Regional Government to begin the procedures for the sale of all the shares held in SEGMA – Serviços de Engenharia, Gestão e Manutenção, Lda. and GLOBALEDA – Telecomunicações e Gestão de Sistemas de Informação, S.A.. For this purpose, a study was previously conducted to assess the interest and feasibility of the sale of the said shareholdings, with a view to maximising value for EDA and safeguarding the future of these companies and their employees. The study concluded and demonstrated that the sale of these shareholdings is the most appropriate and advantageous option, and is also feasible. Aware of the complexity and lengthiness associated with the process of selling these shares, the Regional Government authorises the launch of the necessary sale procedures, expecting that this sale will contribute to boosting EDA's results, which will result in benefits for the Azoreans. The tender specifications for the procedures must contain a specific clause imposing an obligation on the purchaser not to carry out collective redundancies or job cuts during a predefined period, as well as an obligation to maintain the location of the company's headquarters in the Region, also during a predefined period. 2. Approve the Resolution authorising Ilhas de Valor, S.A. to begin the procedure for the sale of the properties corresponding to the Batalha and Furnas Golf Courses on São Miguel Island and the Terceira Golf Course on Terceira Island, with the aforementioned appraisal of the aforementioned properties. Given the need to boost the financial sustainability of the Region's public accounts and optimise the management of regional real estate assets, the sale of assets, whilst significant, can be more efficiently managed by specialised private entities. This is a really important step towards boosting the economy and creating jobs on these islands. In this context, the Region, with the intention of optimising the management of its real estate assets, intends to dispose of the aforementioned properties, thereby attracting private investment that is essential for the development of high-quality tourist and recreational infrastructures, with greater efficiency and innovation. This is aligned with strategies to promote sustainable tourism and enhance the Region's natural and cultural resources, which will make the Azores more attractive as a tourist destination in the domestic and international markets. Accordingly, the Regional Government intends to launch a public procedure with a view to selling the aforementioned properties by public auction. 3. Approve the Resolution authorising the definitive and free transfer of four properties located in Rua do Cantinho in the parish of Flamengos, municipality of Horta, to the Parish Council of Flamengos.  The transfer of these four buildings is intended to serve a useful purpose to the parish through the development of a project aimed at redeveloping that area, which will include the correction of a road bend, landscaping, and the creation of parking spaces for vehicles. 4. Approve the Resolution authorising the transfer of use of the second floor of the property located at Rua Teófilo Braga, parish and municipality of Vila do Porto, to the RAEGE Açores Association - Atlantic Network of Geodynamic and Space Stations, on a temporary and free basis. The use of the property by the RAEGE Açores Association will provide it with a space to accommodate, for short periods, technicians and researchers travelling to the island of Santa Maria to conduct studies and research and advanced training activities. 5. Approve the Resolution authorising the permanent and free transfer of a rustic property located in the parish of Rabo de Peixe, municipality of Ribeira Grande, to Casermel – Cooperativa de Apicultores e Sericicultores da Ilha de São Miguel.  The transfer of the said property intends to promote and support beekeeping in São Miguel and the Azores, ensuring the development of bee products, food quality and safety, as well as the technical training of the cooperative's beekeepers. 6. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree approving the organisational structure of the São Jorge Island Health Unit. It is necessary to introduce changes and improvements both in the organisational structure of the aforementioned island health unit and its staffing, bringing its structure closer to that of other island health units. The amendment and improvements mainly concern the organisational bodies, services and their respective competences. 7. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree approving the structure of the Management Authority of the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network. The Network of Marine Protected Areas of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (RAMPA) is part of the Azores Marine Park. It comprises the marine protected areas located in the maritime space adjacent to the archipelago, covering coastal and oceanic marine protected areas, as well as the relevant areas of the fundamental nature conservation network. RAMPA shall have a management body, designated the Management Authority, which will be an external service of the Regional Government department responsible for maritime and fisheries matters, with administrative autonomy, created by this law. 8. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree approving the structure and operating rules of the Advisory Council of the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network. 9. Approve the Resolution authorising the opening of a public procurement procedure for the formation of a contract for the supply of complementary equipment to be installed at Technopole – MARTEC. Once operational, the “Technopole – MARTEC” will set a new standard for technological research in marine sciences and the sustainable use of the oceans in the Region, positioning the Azores as an international benchmark in marine research, as well as supporting and interconnecting all segments directly or indirectly related to the Azores Marine Economy. The expenditure and procurement for the supply of additional equipment to be installed at the "Technopole – MARTEC" has a base price of €3,035,000.00 (three million and thirty-five thousand euros), plus VAT at the legal rate in force, with a maximum completion period of 180 days.

Nota de Imprensa
November 14, 2025
Regional Government launches Invest In Azores platform to boost foreign investment
The Regional Government of the Azores, through the Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government, has just launched the Invest In Azores digital platform to boost foreign investment and promote the Region internationally. Invest In Azores will congregate all institutional communication on business opportunities, available incentives and competitive advantages of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, serving as an operational platform for attracting foreign investment. The new platform will integrate all activities for prospecting and monitoring potential investors into a single channel, projecting the international visibility of the Azores through a strategy of proximity, credibility, and continuity. For the Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, the launch of Invest In Azores "is clearly a demonstration of the Government's action to strengthen the presence of the Azores on the national and international scene, in an increasingly competitive global context." The government official emphasised that the Azorean Government has been creating competitive conditions to attract investment, "including a highly advantageous tax system, modern infrastructures and a strong commitment to research, innovation and entrepreneurship." The Region "has been following a path of economic and technological transformation, Artur Lima stated, adding, however, that "the Government continues to take action to boost foreign investment, promoting diversification, modernisation and competitiveness in the Azorean economy." "Our privileged position, at the crossroads between Europe, America and Africa, makes the Azores a natural hub for global business and investment," he said. This location “is now strategic for global digital connectivity and sectors such as research and data science,” pointed out the Vice-President. In this regard, "the Azorean Government has been working to promote the Region as the ideal destination for investment in these and other sectors," he said.  “It is this same spirit that was present when the Region joined DETA, the International Alliance for Disruptive and Emerging Technologies, this year,” noted Artur Lima. “These are firm steps in a broader strategy that seeks to integrate the Azores into global innovation and investment networks,” he concluded.

Nota de Imprensa
November 14, 2025
Launch of proceedings to amend regulations governing fish auctions, warehouses, collection points and collection vehicles in the Azores
The Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries has approved the commencement of the procedures leading to the drafting of the ordinance introducing the second amendment to the General Regulations governing the operation of fish auctions, warehouses, collection points and collection vehicles in the Autonomous Region of the Azores (available at Procedural Participation - Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries - Portal). The preparation of the aforementioned draft ordinance is intended to revise Ordinance No. 24/2018 of March 19, as amended by Ordinance No. 42/2019 of June 18, opting for the approval of a new instrument. Within 30 consecutive days from the publication of this notice, published today, interested parties may constitute themselves as such and submit contributions or suggestions within the scope of the aforementioned procedure. Registration as an interested party in this procedure depends on a written declaration to this effect. It should be addressed to the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, as the entity responsible for conducting the procedure, and sent, preferably, to the following email address: [email protected]. It may also be sent by post to the following address: Rua Cônsul Dabney – Colónia Alemã, Apartado 9, 9900-014 Horta, Faial, or by fax to +351 292 240 890. Contributions for the drafting of the Ordinance should be sent to the same address. The request to be constituted as an interested party must expressly indicate the procedure to which it refers, as well as the name, tax identification number, and email address of the interested party, if any, accompanied by written consent for the latter to be used for the purposes provided for in Article 112(1)(c) of the Administrative Procedure Code (CPA). If there are interested parties, a hearing will be held at a later date in accordance with Article 100 of the CPA. The Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries will assess the contributions and suggestions submitted by interested parties. Upon approval of the ordinance, it will publish a report containing references to all responses received, as well as an overall assessment reflecting this entity's understanding of them and the reasons for the choices made.

Nota de Imprensa
November 14, 2025
Azores at COP 30 in Brazil with innovative climate action instruments
The Azores were represented by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, at COP 30, the world's largest conference on climate change, promoted by the United Nations Framework Convention, which is taking place in Belém do Pará, Brazil. “It is very important that the Azores be represented at COP 30. First and foremost, it is an opportunity to raise international awareness of the work that has been done in terms of climate action in the Azores, a Region that is a living laboratory for the implementation of innovative solutions that can be replicated in other territories facing similar challenges,” emphasised the government official. "But above all, this participation is important as it gives us a unique opportunity to be at the centre of discussions, in the presence of leaders, scientists and experts, from whom we can learn. Moreover, it allows us to establish partnerships and gain insight into the solutions being implemented around the world, and with the respective sources of funding, which, with the necessary adaptations, can be implemented in the Region, contributing to strengthening our adaptation and resilience to climate change," he added. The Regional Secretary recalled that "the Azores are much more victims of climate change than responsible for this phenomenon." He continued: "Our contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions and global warming is negligible. However, this does not mean that we cannot be severely affected by the effects of climate change." “As a result of climate change, the Azores have been increasingly affected by extreme weather events, which jeopardise the safety of people and property and cause enormous material and financial damage, and other threats such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion, saline intrusion into aquifers, loss of marine and terrestrial biodiversity, and ocean acidification. They directly impact sectors that are crucial for the social and economic development of the Azores, such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism," he added. Alonso Miguel stressed that it is important to contribute, in a supportive and responsible manner, to mitigating climate change. But above all, it is important to define specific strategies and measures to ensure that the Region is suitably adapted to the effects of this phenomenon and this new reality. "Several climate action instruments have been developed in the Region for this purpose, including some that we had the opportunity to present and share here at COP30 in Brazil," he said. Alonso Miguel highlighted that projects of great relevance to the Region were presented at the Portugal Pavilion, "namely the Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality in the Azores,  the Life IP Climaz Project, a fundamental instrument for the implementation of the Azores Regional Climate Change Programme, and the Agenda for the Regional Circular Economy." Furthermore, other innovative projects were also presented, such as Implacost and Planclimac2, developed under the INTERREG MAC Programme, which together decisively contribute to strengthening our resilience and adaptability for climate adaptation." The Regional Secretary also pointed out that, at the invitation of the Brazilian Pavilion at COP 30, he had the opportunity to represent the Regional Government of the Azores at the opening of a session on the importance of marine protected areas for ocean planning and sustainability strategies. During the session, he highlighted “the importance of creating the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network, the largest network of marine protected areas in the North Atlantic, which protects 30% of the Azores sea.” Alonso Miguel also emphasised that “all these projects and policies reflect the Azores’ firm commitment to climate action, intending to ensure the Region’s mitigation and adaptation to climate change effects. They contribute to the safety and well-being of the population, the protection of infrastructures and property, and the preservation of natural ecosystems.” Alonso Miguel revealed his expectation that "COP 30 will be a conference of achievements, enabling the acceleration of decarbonisation and the energy and ecological transition, with the appropriate scheduling and financing, aspects that are increasingly fundamental in the face of the global climate emergency." "Climate change represents a global challenge that requires effective international cooperation as well as a united and responsible commitment from everyone, but, above all, from the countries and regions that contribute the most to global warming," he said. The government official stated that "if solid agreements are not reached that truly make a difference in accelerating the energy and ecological transition, it will not be possible to comply with the Paris Agreement and mitigate the effects of global warming, with the most impacted regions being the most vulnerable, as is the case with the Azores."

Nota de Imprensa
November 14, 2025
Berta Cabral monitors Capelas bypass project on site
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, made a follow-up visit this week to the construction site of the Capelas Bypass, a key project within the “Azores Regional Road Network” – Regional Road Network of the Azores." This project is financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and was awarded to the consortium composed of the companies Marques S.A., Tecnovia Açores and Afavias. During the visit, members of the construction supervision team, the Regional Directorate for Public Works, and the RRP-Azores monitoring structure were present. This initiative is part of the monthly cycle of visits promoted by the Regional Secretary, in addition to the usual technical rounds, demonstrating the direct and systematic involvement of the Regional Government in the swift fulfilment of the targets agreed with the European Union. The government official recalled that the completion of this project is "a fundamental priority" in the Annual Regional Plan for 2026, which makes the use of EU funds a political and institutional obligation. The overall investment, including the design, construction and supervision, is estimated at over €46 million, with the RRP covering the vast majority, further strengthening the commitment to infrastructure development and territorial cohesion. The additional effort made by the consortium companies to reinforce human and material resources was recognised during the visit, with clear progress since the previous round. The Regional Secretary congratulated everyone involved on the streamlining of procedures and the promptness shown. However, Berta Cabral warned of the need to maintain "an intense and disciplined pace of work" to comply with the schedule set out in the RRP and avoid risks in the implementation of the work. This project will connect the northern and southern parts of São Miguel Island — between Ponta Delgada and the north-western area — with approximately 8.3 km of bypass and 1.4 km of connecting road to the village of Capelas, improving internal mobility, access to services and road safety. The Regional Secretary emphasised that the work is not only structural but also symbolic: it represents the implementation of an investment policy supported by EU funds aimed at strengthening the autonomy, cohesion and competitiveness of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. This visit reiterates the Regional Government's commitment to ensuring that the structural projects included in the RRP are completed accurately and on schedule, guaranteeing the expected social and economic return for the nine islands.

Nota de Imprensa
November 13, 2025
Results of final 9th-grade exams confirm convergence of the Azores with national average
The results of the final 9th-grade exams confirm a consistent trend of convergence between the regional average in the Azores and the national average in Portuguese and Math. In fact, the Azores achieved their best results in Math since 2012. In the case of Math, the Region has increased its regional average for the fourth consecutive year, from 35.7% in 2022 to 45.5% in 2025, and in the case of Portuguese, from 49.4% in 2022 to 55% in 2025, while the national average for Portuguese currently stands at 58% and for mathematics at 51.8%. These results reflect positive developments. They are the result of the investment in education in the Azores, which has already been mirrored in the results achieved by Azorean students in international studies, such as TIMMs. In the case of ModA tests, as this is the first time they have been implemented nationwide, the Region has no basis for comparison with previous years. Although the Azores show results below the national averages in Portuguese and Math, the latter stands out with a greater difference regarding the national average (five percentage points less in the 4th grade and 3.9 percentage points less in the 6th grade). In turn, English achieved a positive average in the 4th grade, with a score of 54.8%. Still, regarding the ModA tests, it is also important to emphasise the text comprehension and production components, with regional results very close to the national averages. In some Azorean municipalities, specifically Calheta, Lajes do Pico, Santa Cruz das Flores, and Corvo, the results aligned with the national averages. After the school reports on external learning assessments are delivered, the Regional Directorate for Education and Educational Administration will request each school to analyse these results and develop strategies. The latter will then be reviewed by the Coordinating Council of the Regional Education System. It should be noted that the Regional Secretariat for Education, Culture and Sport has promoted a series of projects for elementary school with a view to early intervention in promoting school success, namely the development of the "AaZ - Read Better, Know More" and "Computational Thinking" programmes.