Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro enaltece “50 anos de dedicação” da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel
José Manuel Bolieiro enaltece “50 anos de dedicação” da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Incentivos a novas rotas para a Aerogare Civil das Lajes “é da mais elementar justiça”, afirma Artur Lima
Incentivos a novas rotas para a Aerogare Civil das Lajes “é da mais elementar justiça”, afirma Artur Lima
Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Public service desk of Regional Directorate for the Communities moves to new premises in São Miguel
Public service desk of Regional Directorate for the Communities moves to new premises in São Miguel
Communiqué from the Council of the Government
Latest News
Nota de Imprensa
September 5, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro enaltece “50 anos de dedicação” da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel
O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, participou hoje na cerimónia que assinalou o 50.º aniversário da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel, sublinhando a “relevância” histórica e o papel “determinante” da instituição no desenvolvimento do setor agrícola açoriano. Ao longo de meio século, a Associação consolidou-se como uma referência de apoio, valorização e representação dos agricultores, contribuindo para o progresso económico e social da ilha e da Região. O governante destacou a visão dos fundadores e o trabalho contínuo de dirigentes, colaboradores e associados. “Cinquenta anos de história são, sobretudo, cinquenta anos de dedicação e de resiliência em defesa da agricultura e dos agricultores de São Miguel. É justo reconhecer a todos os que ajudaram a construir este caminho”, lembrou. O líder do executivo açoriano enalteceu ainda o papel do Presidente da Direção, Jorge Rita, e de todos os que, ao longo das décadas, serviram a instituição, afirmando que “o prestígio da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel resulta da missão de quem a fundou, mas também da liderança e do trabalho consistente que hoje a projetam a nível regional e nacional". Perante a presença do Ministro da Agricultura e Mar, José Manuel Fernandes, José Manuel Bolieiro reafirmou a importância de políticas nacionais que tenham em conta a especificidade das Regiões Ultraperiféricas e o contributo açoriano para a segurança alimentar do país. Sublinhando os desafios do setor, como o aumento da produção alimentar, a sustentabilidade ambiental e a inovação tecnológica, o Presidente do Governo dos Açores assegurou empenho contínuo na defesa dos agricultores açorianos. “A Associação Agrícola de São Miguel é amiga da dignidade e do rendimento dos nossos agricultores, e com ela partilhamos a responsabilidade de preparar o futuro com confiança e determinação”, afirmou José Manuel Bolieiro. No âmbito das comemorações, foram igualmente prestadas várias homenagens. Destacaram-se os sete sócios fundadores que, desde 1975, mantêm vínculo ininterrupto à Associação: António Manuel Cabral da Ponte, Armando Botelho Henrique, Armando Soares Cordeiro Jr., Gilberto Jacinto dos Santos, João do Rego Pavão, José Tavares Casaca e Maximino Sousa Galvão. Foram ainda atribuídas homenagens de Mérito Empresarial e Profissional, a título póstumo, a Dionísio Raposo Leite, Francisco Amâncio de Oliveira Macedo, Humberto Silva, Manuel Joaquim da Costa Leite, Mário da Silva Almeida e Miguel Alves Medeiros Diogo. O Prémio Carreira distinguiu Luís Nuno Ponte Neto de Viveiros, pelo percurso notável em prol da agricultura micaelense. A Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal (CAP) recebeu também uma homenagem institucional pela longa colaboração mantida. Foram igualmente lembrados os antigos Presidentes da Direção da Associação, António Maria Correia do Carmo (a título póstumo), Paulo Alberto Moniz Teves, António de Oliveira Cymbron, José Francisco Almeida Barbosa e Manuel António Oliveira Martins e os antigos Presidentes do Governo dos Açores, João Bosco Mota Amaral, Alberto Madruga da Costa (a título póstumo), Carlos César e Vasco Cordeiro. Por fim, a própria Associação Agrícola de São Miguel prestou uma homenagem especial ao atual Presidente do Governo, José Manuel Bolieiro, reconhecendo a colaboração próxima, a visão estratégica e o compromisso com o fortalecimento da agricultura açoriana. A cerimónia contou ainda com a presença do Ministro da Agricultura e Mar, José Manuel Fernandes; do Presidente da Assembleia Legislativa da Região Autónoma dos Açores, Luís Garcia; do Presidente da Direção da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel, Jorge Rita; do Presidente da Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal, Álvaro Mendonça e Moura; do Presidente da Assembleia Geral da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel, Eugénio Câmara; bem como dos Vogais da Direção da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel, Jorge Sousa e Valter Melo.
September 5, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro enaltece “50 anos de dedicação” da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel
O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, participou hoje na cerimónia que assinalou o 50.º aniversário da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel, sublinhando a “relevância” histórica e o papel “determinante” da instituição no desenvolvimento do setor agrícola açoriano. Ao longo de meio século, a Associação consolidou-se como uma referência de apoio, valorização e representação dos agricultores, contribuindo para o progresso económico e social da ilha e da Região. O governante destacou a visão dos fundadores e o trabalho contínuo de dirigentes, colaboradores e associados. “Cinquenta anos de história são, sobretudo, cinquenta anos de dedicação e de resiliência em defesa da agricultura e dos agricultores de São Miguel. É justo reconhecer a todos os que ajudaram a construir este caminho”, lembrou. O líder do executivo açoriano enalteceu ainda o papel do Presidente da Direção, Jorge Rita, e de todos os que, ao longo das décadas, serviram a instituição, afirmando que “o prestígio da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel resulta da missão de quem a fundou, mas também da liderança e do trabalho consistente que hoje a projetam a nível regional e nacional". Perante a presença do Ministro da Agricultura e Mar, José Manuel Fernandes, José Manuel Bolieiro reafirmou a importância de políticas nacionais que tenham em conta a especificidade das Regiões Ultraperiféricas e o contributo açoriano para a segurança alimentar do país. Sublinhando os desafios do setor, como o aumento da produção alimentar, a sustentabilidade ambiental e a inovação tecnológica, o Presidente do Governo dos Açores assegurou empenho contínuo na defesa dos agricultores açorianos. “A Associação Agrícola de São Miguel é amiga da dignidade e do rendimento dos nossos agricultores, e com ela partilhamos a responsabilidade de preparar o futuro com confiança e determinação”, afirmou José Manuel Bolieiro. No âmbito das comemorações, foram igualmente prestadas várias homenagens. Destacaram-se os sete sócios fundadores que, desde 1975, mantêm vínculo ininterrupto à Associação: António Manuel Cabral da Ponte, Armando Botelho Henrique, Armando Soares Cordeiro Jr., Gilberto Jacinto dos Santos, João do Rego Pavão, José Tavares Casaca e Maximino Sousa Galvão. Foram ainda atribuídas homenagens de Mérito Empresarial e Profissional, a título póstumo, a Dionísio Raposo Leite, Francisco Amâncio de Oliveira Macedo, Humberto Silva, Manuel Joaquim da Costa Leite, Mário da Silva Almeida e Miguel Alves Medeiros Diogo. O Prémio Carreira distinguiu Luís Nuno Ponte Neto de Viveiros, pelo percurso notável em prol da agricultura micaelense. A Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal (CAP) recebeu também uma homenagem institucional pela longa colaboração mantida. Foram igualmente lembrados os antigos Presidentes da Direção da Associação, António Maria Correia do Carmo (a título póstumo), Paulo Alberto Moniz Teves, António de Oliveira Cymbron, José Francisco Almeida Barbosa e Manuel António Oliveira Martins e os antigos Presidentes do Governo dos Açores, João Bosco Mota Amaral, Alberto Madruga da Costa (a título póstumo), Carlos César e Vasco Cordeiro. Por fim, a própria Associação Agrícola de São Miguel prestou uma homenagem especial ao atual Presidente do Governo, José Manuel Bolieiro, reconhecendo a colaboração próxima, a visão estratégica e o compromisso com o fortalecimento da agricultura açoriana. A cerimónia contou ainda com a presença do Ministro da Agricultura e Mar, José Manuel Fernandes; do Presidente da Assembleia Legislativa da Região Autónoma dos Açores, Luís Garcia; do Presidente da Direção da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel, Jorge Rita; do Presidente da Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal, Álvaro Mendonça e Moura; do Presidente da Assembleia Geral da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel, Eugénio Câmara; bem como dos Vogais da Direção da Associação Agrícola de São Miguel, Jorge Sousa e Valter Melo.
Nota de Imprensa
September 5, 2025
Incentivos a novas rotas para a Aerogare Civil das Lajes “é da mais elementar justiça”, afirma Artur Lima
O Governo Regional dos Açores aprovou, na quinta-feira, a criação de um Programa de Incentivos à Captação de Novas Rotas Aéreas para a Aerogare Civil das Lajes, com o objetivo de estabelecer condições equivalentes às existentes em outros aeroportos da Região. Os incentivos aplicam-se a novas rotas regulares de transporte aéreo comercial na Aerogare Civil das Lajes, para determinadas tipologias de voos, e serão implementados de forma faseada, através de isenções ou reduções percentuais das taxas de serviço a passageiros. As isenções concedidas atingem os 100% no primeiro ano de operação, 75% no segundo ano, e 50% no terceiro ano, visando promover a implementação e consolidação de novas ligações aéreas durante este período. Para o Vice-Presidente do Governo dos Açores, Artur Lima, “é essencial que a Aerogare Civil das Lajes possa beneficiar destes incentivos”. “É da mais elementar justiça, porque cria condições idênticas às aplicáveis a outros aeroportos dos Açores. Queremos estimular a procura turística e a atividade económica a nível local e regional. A expectativa é a de que se verifiquem ganhos de competitividade não só na ilha Terceira, mas em toda a Região”, afirmou ainda. “Este é também um programa que procura reforçar a conectividade aérea da Terceira. É justamente através deste tipo de medidas que se assegura a materialização da coesão económica e territorial no arquipélago”, salientou Artur Lima. O Programa de Incentivos à Captação de Novas Rotas Aéreas para a Aerogare Civil das Lajes insere-se na estratégia do Governo Regional dos Açores de captação de investimento e promoção e desenvolvimento das acessibilidades por via aérea à Região.
September 5, 2025
Incentivos a novas rotas para a Aerogare Civil das Lajes “é da mais elementar justiça”, afirma Artur Lima
O Governo Regional dos Açores aprovou, na quinta-feira, a criação de um Programa de Incentivos à Captação de Novas Rotas Aéreas para a Aerogare Civil das Lajes, com o objetivo de estabelecer condições equivalentes às existentes em outros aeroportos da Região. Os incentivos aplicam-se a novas rotas regulares de transporte aéreo comercial na Aerogare Civil das Lajes, para determinadas tipologias de voos, e serão implementados de forma faseada, através de isenções ou reduções percentuais das taxas de serviço a passageiros. As isenções concedidas atingem os 100% no primeiro ano de operação, 75% no segundo ano, e 50% no terceiro ano, visando promover a implementação e consolidação de novas ligações aéreas durante este período. Para o Vice-Presidente do Governo dos Açores, Artur Lima, “é essencial que a Aerogare Civil das Lajes possa beneficiar destes incentivos”. “É da mais elementar justiça, porque cria condições idênticas às aplicáveis a outros aeroportos dos Açores. Queremos estimular a procura turística e a atividade económica a nível local e regional. A expectativa é a de que se verifiquem ganhos de competitividade não só na ilha Terceira, mas em toda a Região”, afirmou ainda. “Este é também um programa que procura reforçar a conectividade aérea da Terceira. É justamente através deste tipo de medidas que se assegura a materialização da coesão económica e territorial no arquipélago”, salientou Artur Lima. O Programa de Incentivos à Captação de Novas Rotas Aéreas para a Aerogare Civil das Lajes insere-se na estratégia do Governo Regional dos Açores de captação de investimento e promoção e desenvolvimento das acessibilidades por via aérea à Região.
Nota de Imprensa
September 5, 2025
Public service desk of Regional Directorate for the Communities moves to new premises in São Miguel
The public service desk of the Regional Directorate for the Communities on the island of São Miguel will operate from new premises starting next Tuesday, September 9. The service will be available at the headquarters of the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, located at Rua Margarida de Chaves no. 103, in Ponta Delgada. For this reason, the public service desk will close on Monday, September 8, at the current premises in the Boavista Building, resuming normal operations the following day at the new address. Office hours remain the same, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information or questions, those who are interested should call 296 204 700 or 91 618 0625 or email [email protected]. The Regional Directorate for the Communities, under the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, provides permanent public services at its facilities located on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira (Rua do Salinas, 62, in Angra do Heroísmo), and Faial (Edifício do Relógio – German Colony, in Horta). In addition, it provides daily support through telephone assistance, ensuring a continuous response to citizens' needs. Furthermore, technicians from the Regional Directorate for the Communities regularly travel to the islands of Santa Maria, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Flores and Corvo to provide support and information to emigrants, emigration candidates, returning citizens and resident immigrants. This service falls under the remit of this Regional Directorate in the areas of emigration, immigration and Azorean communities abroad, contributing to closer ties between the Azorean Government and the citizens it serves.
September 5, 2025
Public service desk of Regional Directorate for the Communities moves to new premises in São Miguel
The public service desk of the Regional Directorate for the Communities on the island of São Miguel will operate from new premises starting next Tuesday, September 9. The service will be available at the headquarters of the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, located at Rua Margarida de Chaves no. 103, in Ponta Delgada. For this reason, the public service desk will close on Monday, September 8, at the current premises in the Boavista Building, resuming normal operations the following day at the new address. Office hours remain the same, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information or questions, those who are interested should call 296 204 700 or 91 618 0625 or email [email protected]. The Regional Directorate for the Communities, under the Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, provides permanent public services at its facilities located on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira (Rua do Salinas, 62, in Angra do Heroísmo), and Faial (Edifício do Relógio – German Colony, in Horta). In addition, it provides daily support through telephone assistance, ensuring a continuous response to citizens' needs. Furthermore, technicians from the Regional Directorate for the Communities regularly travel to the islands of Santa Maria, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Flores and Corvo to provide support and information to emigrants, emigration candidates, returning citizens and resident immigrants. This service falls under the remit of this Regional Directorate in the areas of emigration, immigration and Azorean communities abroad, contributing to closer ties between the Azorean Government and the citizens it serves.
Comunicado
September 4, 2025
Communiqué from the Council of the Government
The Council of the Government, which met on September 4, 2025, in Ponta Delgada, decided to adopt the following measures: 1. Express sorrow and offer solidarity for the tragic Glória funicular derailment in Lisbon, which resulted in 16 fatalities. The Government of the Azores extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident. 2. Approve the Resolution establishing an analysis committee, with the legal status of a temporary mission structure. It will have as its mission to proceed with the discussion and consideration of the Functional Programme presented by the Board of Directors of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) in Ponta Delgada, intended to provide the basis for the repair, resizing and reorganisation works carried out at the HDES, thereby supporting the Regional Government's decision. The fire that struck the HDES on May 4, 2024, led to the declaration of the state of regional public disaster. The terms for resuming HDES operations required the identification and adoption of a series of deferred response measures aimed at immediately addressing operational disruptions caused by the fire at that hospital unit and the Regional Health Service, as well as measures to repair the existing material damage, which involve promoting the restoration of the building where the HDES is installed. As part of the repair measures, the resizing works and the reorganisation of the resumption of differentiated healthcare provision at the HDES were an immediate priority, as the current building has been in use for 25 years, which, added to the time since the architectural design and corresponding specialities were drawn up (1989), reveals an obsolete structure. The reorganisation and expansion of the HDES have been repeatedly postponed over time, largely due to the difficulty of carrying out works in a fully functioning hospital unit. The experience of other health units has led to the permanent postponement of improvement works, despite bottlenecks in certain services, namely the emergency department, operating rooms and the intensive care unit. In this scenario, the Regional Government has decided to request the development of two functional programmes covering the repair, reorganisation and resizing works of the HDES, based on the Guide for the Development of Functional Programmes of the Health System Central Administration, whose mission, among others, is the optimisation of health facilities and equipment, given the lack of a similar service at a regional level. Both functional programmes have been completed. One was designed by ARIPA – Ilídio Pelicano, Arquitetos, Lda., the company entrusted with the initial architectural design of the HDES, by the winning consortium awarded with the works contract (Engil / Marques, ACE), which was completed in 1998. The development of the second functional programme was entrusted to Antares Consulting - Consultoria de Gestão, Lda., a company with over 20 years of experience specialising in the health sector, following a direct award procedure in consultation with three entities. Both functional programmes have been completed. One was designed by ARIPA – Ilídio Pelicano, Arquitetos, Lda., the firm entrusted with the initial architectural design of the HDES by the winning consortium to which the respective works contract was awarded (Engil / Marques, ACE), completed in 1998. The preparation of the second functional programme was entrusted to Antares Consulting - Consultoria de Gestão, Lda., a company with over 20 years of experience specialising in the health sector, following a direct award procedure in consultation with three entities. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an analysis committee to discuss and consider the Functional Programme presented by the Board of Directors of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in Ponta Delgada, which is intended to provide the basis for the repair, resizing and reorganisation of the HDES, supporting the Government's decision. 3. Approve the Resolution authorising the transfer of the sum of €2,401,035.94 (two million, four hundred one thousand, thirty-five Euros and ninety-four cents) to IFAP, I.P.- Financing Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries, intended to cover the costs incurred in implementing Community regulations under the EAFRD (Measure 13 – Payments for areas subject to natural or other specific constraints). 4. Approve the Proposed Regional Legislative Decree amending the Regulations for the Recruitment of Teaching Staff in Preschool, Basic Education and Secondary Education. Following the amendment to the Teaching Career Statute for the Region, as well as the legislative amendments introduced by the National Government regarding the working conditions and recruitment of teaching staff in Mainland Portugal, and motivated by the growing shortage of teaching resources at a national level, it is important to not only introduce the necessary legislative adjustments but also mechanisms that promote educational stability in Azorean schools, ensuring that teachers in the Azores have stable work, social, and family lives. Alongside the regulation of incentives for the establishment of teachers, stipulated by the Regional Government, it is important to ensure that professionals who apply for teaching positions on islands and in schools or in teaching area groups with severe shortages, and who are interested in benefiting from these incentives, are given priority for placement. This procedure, now applicable to any new employment situation, introduces a competitive ranking mechanism that aims to positively differentiate the process of placing teachers on islands where there is a shortage of these resources. A mechanism is also introduced to prioritise permanent positions and fixed-term contracts for teachers with three successive annual full-time contracts, safeguarding the number of permanent positions on the island and in the teaching area group for the same number of teachers who meet this condition. This will be a strong incentive to maximise annual applications and provide fixed-term teachers with an additional specific mechanism to combat job insecurity. Moreover, the mechanisms for annual mobility due to illness or disability of teachers or a first-degree relative and in parental situations will be introduced, which will reflect the actual proximity of the new workplace to the one where family support must be provided, ensuring greater control and focus on the work-life balance. 5. Approve the Resolution establishing the Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality in the Azores by 2050. This Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality aims to outline a clear strategic vision and the various possible cost-effective, technologically feasible and economically viable routes in different coherent scenarios for the Region's economic and demographic development. The goal is for the Region to achieve carbon neutrality in its economy by 2050, resulting in a neutral balance between greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration through land use and forests. 6. Approve the Resolution determining the necessary steps for the separation of the economic unit responsible for ground handling services and its transfer to SATA Holding, S.A., created as part of the SATA Group's corporate reorganisation process. This measure falls within the scope of the SATA Restructuring Plan approved by the European Commission Decision on June 7, 2022, which determines the need to separate the aforementioned economic unit to make it eligible for divestment. 7. Pass the Resolution approving the classification of the fluids and geological formations traversed by wells PV12, PV13, and PV14, located in the Pico Vermelho sector of the Ribeira Grande geothermal field, as a geothermal resource, as well as their formal recognition as production wells. This decision is based on a technical report that confirmed the suitability of these wells in terms of temperature, permeability and productivity, ensuring the necessary conditions for the sustainable exploitation of geothermal resources. It should be noted that the sustainable use of these resources is a strategic vector of the regional energy policy, contributing to the energy transition, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing the value of regional endogenous resources. This decision reinforces the Region's commitment to sustainable development and autonomy in the management of its natural resources, while also aligning with European energy transition and environmental sustainability goals. The exploitation of Ribeira Grande's geothermal resources is licensed to the company EDA Renováveis, S.A. 8. Approve the Resolution authorising the signing of a cooperation-investment agreement between the Regional Government and the Soares de Sousa Home, providing for a contribution of up to a maximum amount of €1,680,654.40 (one million, six hundred eighty thousand, six hundred fifty-four Euros and forty cents), intended to secure the necessary funding for the Renovation Works to convert Solar da Glória into a Residential Structure for Elderly People (ERPI), run by the Luís Soares de Sousa Home, on the island of São Miguel. 9. Approve the Resolution creating the Mission Structure for Monitoring the Implementation of the Azores RRP. The creation of this structure aims to fulfil the Regional Government's goals of leveraging and optimising the funds allocated under the RRP-Azores, ensuring its success and positive impacts on the Azorean society and economy. 10. Approve the Resolution approving the Incentive Programme for Attracting New Air Routes, applicable to the implementation of new regular commercial air transport routes at Lajes Civil Airport. The exemption or reduction of traffic fees (passenger fees) can be a relevant stimulus for the implementation and consolidation of new air routes, strengthening the external connectivity of Terceira Island, promoting mobility, regional cohesion and the economic competitiveness of the territory. In this context, and with a view to attracting and maintaining new regular passenger air transport routes to and from Lajes Civil Airport, it is important to establish a specific incentive programme based on the phased application of percentage reductions in passenger fees, in accordance with objective eligibility and operating conditions. 11. Approve the Resolution approving the Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan, a non-sectoral planning instrument, and establish the Azores Regional Commission for Drought and Water Scarcity Management. The Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan covers the entire archipelago and analyses the different sectors that use water — domestic, agricultural/livestock, trade/services, industrial, social, public/administrative, tourism, and energy. The management unit corresponds to the entities that manage public water supply and agricultural water supply services.
September 4, 2025
Communiqué from the Council of the Government
The Council of the Government, which met on September 4, 2025, in Ponta Delgada, decided to adopt the following measures: 1. Express sorrow and offer solidarity for the tragic Glória funicular derailment in Lisbon, which resulted in 16 fatalities. The Government of the Azores extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident. 2. Approve the Resolution establishing an analysis committee, with the legal status of a temporary mission structure. It will have as its mission to proceed with the discussion and consideration of the Functional Programme presented by the Board of Directors of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) in Ponta Delgada, intended to provide the basis for the repair, resizing and reorganisation works carried out at the HDES, thereby supporting the Regional Government's decision. The fire that struck the HDES on May 4, 2024, led to the declaration of the state of regional public disaster. The terms for resuming HDES operations required the identification and adoption of a series of deferred response measures aimed at immediately addressing operational disruptions caused by the fire at that hospital unit and the Regional Health Service, as well as measures to repair the existing material damage, which involve promoting the restoration of the building where the HDES is installed. As part of the repair measures, the resizing works and the reorganisation of the resumption of differentiated healthcare provision at the HDES were an immediate priority, as the current building has been in use for 25 years, which, added to the time since the architectural design and corresponding specialities were drawn up (1989), reveals an obsolete structure. The reorganisation and expansion of the HDES have been repeatedly postponed over time, largely due to the difficulty of carrying out works in a fully functioning hospital unit. The experience of other health units has led to the permanent postponement of improvement works, despite bottlenecks in certain services, namely the emergency department, operating rooms and the intensive care unit. In this scenario, the Regional Government has decided to request the development of two functional programmes covering the repair, reorganisation and resizing works of the HDES, based on the Guide for the Development of Functional Programmes of the Health System Central Administration, whose mission, among others, is the optimisation of health facilities and equipment, given the lack of a similar service at a regional level. Both functional programmes have been completed. One was designed by ARIPA – Ilídio Pelicano, Arquitetos, Lda., the company entrusted with the initial architectural design of the HDES, by the winning consortium awarded with the works contract (Engil / Marques, ACE), which was completed in 1998. The development of the second functional programme was entrusted to Antares Consulting - Consultoria de Gestão, Lda., a company with over 20 years of experience specialising in the health sector, following a direct award procedure in consultation with three entities. Both functional programmes have been completed. One was designed by ARIPA – Ilídio Pelicano, Arquitetos, Lda., the firm entrusted with the initial architectural design of the HDES by the winning consortium to which the respective works contract was awarded (Engil / Marques, ACE), completed in 1998. The preparation of the second functional programme was entrusted to Antares Consulting - Consultoria de Gestão, Lda., a company with over 20 years of experience specialising in the health sector, following a direct award procedure in consultation with three entities. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an analysis committee to discuss and consider the Functional Programme presented by the Board of Directors of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in Ponta Delgada, which is intended to provide the basis for the repair, resizing and reorganisation of the HDES, supporting the Government's decision. 3. Approve the Resolution authorising the transfer of the sum of €2,401,035.94 (two million, four hundred one thousand, thirty-five Euros and ninety-four cents) to IFAP, I.P.- Financing Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries, intended to cover the costs incurred in implementing Community regulations under the EAFRD (Measure 13 – Payments for areas subject to natural or other specific constraints). 4. Approve the Proposed Regional Legislative Decree amending the Regulations for the Recruitment of Teaching Staff in Preschool, Basic Education and Secondary Education. Following the amendment to the Teaching Career Statute for the Region, as well as the legislative amendments introduced by the National Government regarding the working conditions and recruitment of teaching staff in Mainland Portugal, and motivated by the growing shortage of teaching resources at a national level, it is important to not only introduce the necessary legislative adjustments but also mechanisms that promote educational stability in Azorean schools, ensuring that teachers in the Azores have stable work, social, and family lives. Alongside the regulation of incentives for the establishment of teachers, stipulated by the Regional Government, it is important to ensure that professionals who apply for teaching positions on islands and in schools or in teaching area groups with severe shortages, and who are interested in benefiting from these incentives, are given priority for placement. This procedure, now applicable to any new employment situation, introduces a competitive ranking mechanism that aims to positively differentiate the process of placing teachers on islands where there is a shortage of these resources. A mechanism is also introduced to prioritise permanent positions and fixed-term contracts for teachers with three successive annual full-time contracts, safeguarding the number of permanent positions on the island and in the teaching area group for the same number of teachers who meet this condition. This will be a strong incentive to maximise annual applications and provide fixed-term teachers with an additional specific mechanism to combat job insecurity. Moreover, the mechanisms for annual mobility due to illness or disability of teachers or a first-degree relative and in parental situations will be introduced, which will reflect the actual proximity of the new workplace to the one where family support must be provided, ensuring greater control and focus on the work-life balance. 5. Approve the Resolution establishing the Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality in the Azores by 2050. This Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality aims to outline a clear strategic vision and the various possible cost-effective, technologically feasible and economically viable routes in different coherent scenarios for the Region's economic and demographic development. The goal is for the Region to achieve carbon neutrality in its economy by 2050, resulting in a neutral balance between greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration through land use and forests. 6. Approve the Resolution determining the necessary steps for the separation of the economic unit responsible for ground handling services and its transfer to SATA Holding, S.A., created as part of the SATA Group's corporate reorganisation process. This measure falls within the scope of the SATA Restructuring Plan approved by the European Commission Decision on June 7, 2022, which determines the need to separate the aforementioned economic unit to make it eligible for divestment. 7. Pass the Resolution approving the classification of the fluids and geological formations traversed by wells PV12, PV13, and PV14, located in the Pico Vermelho sector of the Ribeira Grande geothermal field, as a geothermal resource, as well as their formal recognition as production wells. This decision is based on a technical report that confirmed the suitability of these wells in terms of temperature, permeability and productivity, ensuring the necessary conditions for the sustainable exploitation of geothermal resources. It should be noted that the sustainable use of these resources is a strategic vector of the regional energy policy, contributing to the energy transition, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing the value of regional endogenous resources. This decision reinforces the Region's commitment to sustainable development and autonomy in the management of its natural resources, while also aligning with European energy transition and environmental sustainability goals. The exploitation of Ribeira Grande's geothermal resources is licensed to the company EDA Renováveis, S.A. 8. Approve the Resolution authorising the signing of a cooperation-investment agreement between the Regional Government and the Soares de Sousa Home, providing for a contribution of up to a maximum amount of €1,680,654.40 (one million, six hundred eighty thousand, six hundred fifty-four Euros and forty cents), intended to secure the necessary funding for the Renovation Works to convert Solar da Glória into a Residential Structure for Elderly People (ERPI), run by the Luís Soares de Sousa Home, on the island of São Miguel. 9. Approve the Resolution creating the Mission Structure for Monitoring the Implementation of the Azores RRP. The creation of this structure aims to fulfil the Regional Government's goals of leveraging and optimising the funds allocated under the RRP-Azores, ensuring its success and positive impacts on the Azorean society and economy. 10. Approve the Resolution approving the Incentive Programme for Attracting New Air Routes, applicable to the implementation of new regular commercial air transport routes at Lajes Civil Airport. The exemption or reduction of traffic fees (passenger fees) can be a relevant stimulus for the implementation and consolidation of new air routes, strengthening the external connectivity of Terceira Island, promoting mobility, regional cohesion and the economic competitiveness of the territory. In this context, and with a view to attracting and maintaining new regular passenger air transport routes to and from Lajes Civil Airport, it is important to establish a specific incentive programme based on the phased application of percentage reductions in passenger fees, in accordance with objective eligibility and operating conditions. 11. Approve the Resolution approving the Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan, a non-sectoral planning instrument, and establish the Azores Regional Commission for Drought and Water Scarcity Management. The Azores Drought and Water Scarcity Management Plan covers the entire archipelago and analyses the different sectors that use water — domestic, agricultural/livestock, trade/services, industrial, social, public/administrative, tourism, and energy. The management unit corresponds to the entities that manage public water supply and agricultural water supply services.
Nota de Imprensa
September 3, 2025
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action launches INTERREG MAC project aimed at promoting circular economy in textile sector
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, informed that the Regional Government, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, has begun participating in the European INTERREG VI D Madeira-Azores-Canary Islands (MAC 2021-2027) project – “TEXTIL: Weaving a Sustainable Future.” This is an initiative aimed at promoting the circular economy in the textile sector. According to the government official, "the main goal is to reduce dependence on unsustainable textiles and strengthen the local economy by promoting reuse, recycling and more efficient management of textile waste in the Macaronesia regions – the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde – as well as in partner African countries." “The project aims to promote the transition to a more sustainable production and consumption model, thereby reducing the proportion of textile waste incinerated or deposited in landfills. It also intends to encourage its reuse and recycling through technological, management and cooperation solutions adapted to the regional context. The project represents an investment of more than 230 thousand Euros, co-financed by the INTERREG MAC programme," explained Alonso Miguel. The Secretary for the Environment also revealed that "this project, which is of paramount importance to the Region, involves the participation of regional and local governments, academic institutions, including the University of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, the University of La Laguna, Tenerife, the University of the Azores, the University of Cape Verde and the University of São Tomé and Príncipe, among other technological hubs. The initiative also involves civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations, such as AJITER – Terceira Island Youth Association and the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation." “The business sector is also represented by the Funchal Commercial and Industrial Association – Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Madeira,” he added. Alonso Miguel pointed out that "the implementation of this project corresponds to one of the measures set out in the recently published Agenda for the Circular Economy of the Azores, responding to the different challenges in an archipelago region" such as the Azores. “With the development of the circular economy, it will be possible to recover value from the waste generated and, consequently, reduce the consumption of raw materials and the production of waste that is not recovered or reused,” he added. The Regional Secretary highlighted the efforts made by the Regional Government to improve waste management and promote the circular economy. In this regard, he recalled that, in addition to creating the Agenda for the Circular Economy of the Azores and approving specific regional legislation aimed at reducing the consumption of single-use products, a new Strategic Waste Prevention and Management Programme for the Azores - PEPGRA 20+ was also created, having been approved in 2023. Moreover, the process for the revision of the general scheme on waste prevention and management and the scheme on specific waste streams in the Region, which will shortly be discussed at the Azorean Parliament. Alonso Miguel also highlighted "the restructuring works carried out at the Waste Processing Centres on six islands of the archipelago, representing an investment of about 6.1 million Euros." He reiterated the commitment to continuing the interventions to upgrade and strengthen the capacity of these infrastructures, with the recent "launch of a new procedure aimed at modernising recycling processes at the Waste Processing Centres on the islands of Pico, Graciosa, São Jorge, Santa Maria and Faial, an estimated investment of three million Euros." At the beginning of this European project, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action calls on all Azoreans to participate in the analysis of the textile sector by completing surveys, thus enabling an assessment of the current situation regarding the use and destination of used textiles (post-consumer) on all the islands of the archipelago. Consumers, companies, and entities using or managing textiles can participate by filling out the forms available on the communication channels and social media of the various project partners. Alonso Miguel added that this project aims to promote the potential of the 9 Circular Islands platform and redefine public policies for used textiles, which currently represent a significant challenge in urban waste management. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness among the population about the prevention and recovery of this type of waste. “The ultimate goal is to move towards a ‘zero waste generation’ in the Azores, aligned with the circular economy and environmental sustainability principles,” he concluded.
September 3, 2025
Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action launches INTERREG MAC project aimed at promoting circular economy in textile sector
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, informed that the Regional Government, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, has begun participating in the European INTERREG VI D Madeira-Azores-Canary Islands (MAC 2021-2027) project – “TEXTIL: Weaving a Sustainable Future.” This is an initiative aimed at promoting the circular economy in the textile sector. According to the government official, "the main goal is to reduce dependence on unsustainable textiles and strengthen the local economy by promoting reuse, recycling and more efficient management of textile waste in the Macaronesia regions – the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde – as well as in partner African countries." “The project aims to promote the transition to a more sustainable production and consumption model, thereby reducing the proportion of textile waste incinerated or deposited in landfills. It also intends to encourage its reuse and recycling through technological, management and cooperation solutions adapted to the regional context. The project represents an investment of more than 230 thousand Euros, co-financed by the INTERREG MAC programme," explained Alonso Miguel. The Secretary for the Environment also revealed that "this project, which is of paramount importance to the Region, involves the participation of regional and local governments, academic institutions, including the University of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, the University of La Laguna, Tenerife, the University of the Azores, the University of Cape Verde and the University of São Tomé and Príncipe, among other technological hubs. The initiative also involves civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations, such as AJITER – Terceira Island Youth Association and the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation." “The business sector is also represented by the Funchal Commercial and Industrial Association – Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Madeira,” he added. Alonso Miguel pointed out that "the implementation of this project corresponds to one of the measures set out in the recently published Agenda for the Circular Economy of the Azores, responding to the different challenges in an archipelago region" such as the Azores. “With the development of the circular economy, it will be possible to recover value from the waste generated and, consequently, reduce the consumption of raw materials and the production of waste that is not recovered or reused,” he added. The Regional Secretary highlighted the efforts made by the Regional Government to improve waste management and promote the circular economy. In this regard, he recalled that, in addition to creating the Agenda for the Circular Economy of the Azores and approving specific regional legislation aimed at reducing the consumption of single-use products, a new Strategic Waste Prevention and Management Programme for the Azores - PEPGRA 20+ was also created, having been approved in 2023. Moreover, the process for the revision of the general scheme on waste prevention and management and the scheme on specific waste streams in the Region, which will shortly be discussed at the Azorean Parliament. Alonso Miguel also highlighted "the restructuring works carried out at the Waste Processing Centres on six islands of the archipelago, representing an investment of about 6.1 million Euros." He reiterated the commitment to continuing the interventions to upgrade and strengthen the capacity of these infrastructures, with the recent "launch of a new procedure aimed at modernising recycling processes at the Waste Processing Centres on the islands of Pico, Graciosa, São Jorge, Santa Maria and Faial, an estimated investment of three million Euros." At the beginning of this European project, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action calls on all Azoreans to participate in the analysis of the textile sector by completing surveys, thus enabling an assessment of the current situation regarding the use and destination of used textiles (post-consumer) on all the islands of the archipelago. Consumers, companies, and entities using or managing textiles can participate by filling out the forms available on the communication channels and social media of the various project partners. Alonso Miguel added that this project aims to promote the potential of the 9 Circular Islands platform and redefine public policies for used textiles, which currently represent a significant challenge in urban waste management. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness among the population about the prevention and recovery of this type of waste. “The ultimate goal is to move towards a ‘zero waste generation’ in the Azores, aligned with the circular economy and environmental sustainability principles,” he concluded.
Nota de Imprensa
September 2, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro welcomed World Bank administrators at Sant’Ana Palace
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, welcomed today a delegation of World Bank administrators on an official visit to the Region at the Sant’Ana Palace. The meeting was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, and the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral. The World Bank officials spent two days on the island of São Miguel. Their visit focused on the theme of "Energy transition and sustainable use of marine resources to promote growth in coastal areas." The main goal was to become acquainted with the best practices already implemented by the Azorean Government in the areas of sustainability, the blue economy, tourism, and energy transition. José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the "importance" of this international cooperation, stating that "the Azores are committed to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals, aware of their importance for the economic and social development of the Region." The head of the Azorean Government also pointed out that this effort contributes to the archipelago's external projection. “We are fulfilling these goals not only for the benefit of the Azores, but also to raise the Region’s prestige in the context of the major global challenges facing the planet,” he stressed. In turn, World Bank administrators Miguel Coelho and Zarau Kibwe acknowledged the importance of the initiatives underway in the Azores, expressing the institution's willingness to share knowledge and experiences. Both stressed that the exchange of good practices is an essential tool for strengthening cooperation between different regions of the world.
September 2, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro welcomed World Bank administrators at Sant’Ana Palace
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, welcomed today a delegation of World Bank administrators on an official visit to the Region at the Sant’Ana Palace. The meeting was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, and the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral. The World Bank officials spent two days on the island of São Miguel. Their visit focused on the theme of "Energy transition and sustainable use of marine resources to promote growth in coastal areas." The main goal was to become acquainted with the best practices already implemented by the Azorean Government in the areas of sustainability, the blue economy, tourism, and energy transition. José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the "importance" of this international cooperation, stating that "the Azores are committed to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals, aware of their importance for the economic and social development of the Region." The head of the Azorean Government also pointed out that this effort contributes to the archipelago's external projection. “We are fulfilling these goals not only for the benefit of the Azores, but also to raise the Region’s prestige in the context of the major global challenges facing the planet,” he stressed. In turn, World Bank administrators Miguel Coelho and Zarau Kibwe acknowledged the importance of the initiatives underway in the Azores, expressing the institution's willingness to share knowledge and experiences. Both stressed that the exchange of good practices is an essential tool for strengthening cooperation between different regions of the world.
Nota de Imprensa
September 2, 2025
More than 1,200 young people already received OTLJ Summer 2025 grants
The 1,217 young people placed in the OTLJ Summer sub-programmes "Holiday Occupation" and "Active Youth" who completed their occupation project at the end of July have already received their grants. This amounts to a total of approximately 252 thousand Euros paid by the Regional Government. These grants are processed after the completion of projects. The next payment phase will cover projects that began in July and ended in August, as well as those that began in August. This year, approximately two thousand young people had their applications approved for OTLJ Summer 2025, an initiative promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing, and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth. More than 760 projects submitted by entities from the nine islands of the Region were approved, with 86% under the "Holiday Occupation" sub-programme, placing 93% of young people whose applications were approved under OTLJ 2025. Overall, 95% of young people were placed in one of the three sub-programmes of their interest - "Holiday Occupation," "Active Youth" and "Summer in Occupation" - as specified in their applications, which ran from March 1 to April 30. Since 2023, more than six thousand young people have been placed in the OTLJ programme, which confirms young people's interest in employment projects during the school holidays. The new OTLJ regulations were published last January. The OTLJ regulations had not been revised in the Azores for seven years. In addition to creating the "Summer in Occupation" sub-programme, the new regulations increase the number of grants awarded to young people by 20% and extend the application period from one to two months. Young people aged between 14 and 24, residing in the Azores, who are currently enrolled in the 9th grade, or equivalent, or Secondary Education, are eligible to apply for the "Holiday Occupation" sub-programme. In turn, "Active Youth" is open to young people aged between 15 and 24 involved in projects promoted by IPSS (Private Social Solidarity Institutions). The projects included in these two sub-programmes run for 20 working days in July and August and cannot exceed five hours daily. Young people will receive a grant of three Euros per hour, up to a maximum of 207 Euros per month. The new sub-programme, "Summer in Occupation," is aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 residing in the Azores, who are enrolled in Secondary Education, including General and Vocational Education, or Higher Education. The projects run from July to August, for 35 working days, starting no later than the 5th working day of July, for a maximum of 20 hours a week, without exceeding 5 hours a day. Young people will receive a grant of four Euros per hour, which could total 560 Euros for those who complete their programme.
September 2, 2025
More than 1,200 young people already received OTLJ Summer 2025 grants
The 1,217 young people placed in the OTLJ Summer sub-programmes "Holiday Occupation" and "Active Youth" who completed their occupation project at the end of July have already received their grants. This amounts to a total of approximately 252 thousand Euros paid by the Regional Government. These grants are processed after the completion of projects. The next payment phase will cover projects that began in July and ended in August, as well as those that began in August. This year, approximately two thousand young people had their applications approved for OTLJ Summer 2025, an initiative promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing, and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth. More than 760 projects submitted by entities from the nine islands of the Region were approved, with 86% under the "Holiday Occupation" sub-programme, placing 93% of young people whose applications were approved under OTLJ 2025. Overall, 95% of young people were placed in one of the three sub-programmes of their interest - "Holiday Occupation," "Active Youth" and "Summer in Occupation" - as specified in their applications, which ran from March 1 to April 30. Since 2023, more than six thousand young people have been placed in the OTLJ programme, which confirms young people's interest in employment projects during the school holidays. The new OTLJ regulations were published last January. The OTLJ regulations had not been revised in the Azores for seven years. In addition to creating the "Summer in Occupation" sub-programme, the new regulations increase the number of grants awarded to young people by 20% and extend the application period from one to two months. Young people aged between 14 and 24, residing in the Azores, who are currently enrolled in the 9th grade, or equivalent, or Secondary Education, are eligible to apply for the "Holiday Occupation" sub-programme. In turn, "Active Youth" is open to young people aged between 15 and 24 involved in projects promoted by IPSS (Private Social Solidarity Institutions). The projects included in these two sub-programmes run for 20 working days in July and August and cannot exceed five hours daily. Young people will receive a grant of three Euros per hour, up to a maximum of 207 Euros per month. The new sub-programme, "Summer in Occupation," is aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 residing in the Azores, who are enrolled in Secondary Education, including General and Vocational Education, or Higher Education. The projects run from July to August, for 35 working days, starting no later than the 5th working day of July, for a maximum of 20 hours a week, without exceeding 5 hours a day. Young people will receive a grant of four Euros per hour, which could total 560 Euros for those who complete their programme.
Nota de Imprensa
September 1, 2025
Unemployment registered in July at its lowest in the last 17 years in the Azores
At the end of July, there were 3,968 unemployed people registered at the Azores Training and Employment Centre, reflecting a reduction of 3.9% compared to the previous month (June) and 9.1% compared to the same month last year (July 2025), according to the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP). The decline in unemployment in the Azores was more pronounced than in the country as a whole, which did not exceed 0.2% compared to the previous month and 4% compared to the same month last year, according to monthly information from the IEFP on the "Labour Market." Last July, the Azores registered the second-largest reduction in unemployment compared to the previous month, behind the Algarve, where the reduction stood at 5.8%, and compared to the same month last year, behind Madeira, with a drop of 19.4%. There were 5,419 people registered as unemployed at the public employment service in that Autonomous Region. In the same month, 1,570 unemployed people were enrolled in social and professional integration programmes. Such low unemployment figures had not been recorded in the Azores since November 2008 (3,863 unemployed), confirming the consolidation of a downward trend in unemployment in the Region that began with the PSD/CDS/PPM coalition government in November 2020. As of January 2021, 7,032 workers looking for their first or a new job remained registered at the public training and employment service of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, and 3,811 unemployed people were enrolled in social and professional integration programmes (occupational programmes). In July of this year, there were 149 job advertisements, corresponding to 183 positions, with 111 positions filled. This effort resulted in placing 130 unemployed individuals registered at the Training and Employment Centre.
September 1, 2025
Unemployment registered in July at its lowest in the last 17 years in the Azores
At the end of July, there were 3,968 unemployed people registered at the Azores Training and Employment Centre, reflecting a reduction of 3.9% compared to the previous month (June) and 9.1% compared to the same month last year (July 2025), according to the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP). The decline in unemployment in the Azores was more pronounced than in the country as a whole, which did not exceed 0.2% compared to the previous month and 4% compared to the same month last year, according to monthly information from the IEFP on the "Labour Market." Last July, the Azores registered the second-largest reduction in unemployment compared to the previous month, behind the Algarve, where the reduction stood at 5.8%, and compared to the same month last year, behind Madeira, with a drop of 19.4%. There were 5,419 people registered as unemployed at the public employment service in that Autonomous Region. In the same month, 1,570 unemployed people were enrolled in social and professional integration programmes. Such low unemployment figures had not been recorded in the Azores since November 2008 (3,863 unemployed), confirming the consolidation of a downward trend in unemployment in the Region that began with the PSD/CDS/PPM coalition government in November 2020. As of January 2021, 7,032 workers looking for their first or a new job remained registered at the public training and employment service of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, and 3,811 unemployed people were enrolled in social and professional integration programmes (occupational programmes). In July of this year, there were 149 job advertisements, corresponding to 183 positions, with 111 positions filled. This effort resulted in placing 130 unemployed individuals registered at the Training and Employment Centre.