Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
September 17, 2025
VI Jornadas de Direito do Trabalho-Açores a 10 de outubro em Ponta Delgada
A Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego, através da Direção Regional de Qualificação Profissional e Emprego (DRQPE), promove e organiza as VI Jornadas de Direito do Trabalho-Açores no dia 10 de outubro de 2025, no Salão Nobre do Teatro Micaelense, em Ponta Delgada. "Novos modelos de organização dos tempos de trabalho - Semana de 4 dias: Implicações" é o tema desta iniciativa de reflexão jurídica organizada em três painéis, nos quais serão apresentadas e debatidas as temáticas “Administração Pública e Organização do Trabalho”, “Modelos Comparados e Perspetivas Futuras” e “Tempo, Direitos Laborais e Representação dos Trabalhadores”. Entre os oradores estão reputados especialistas do universo jurídico-laboral nacional e internacional e conceituados professores universitários, designadamente: José João Abrantes, Presidente do Tribunal Constitucional; Ana Celeste Carvalho, Juíza Conselheira do Supremo Tribunal Administrativo; Pedro Gomes, Professor Catedrático da Birkbeck Business School, Birkbeck University of London; Miguel Lucas Pires, Professor Auxiliar da Universidade de Aveiro; Luís Gonçalves da Silva, Professor Associado da Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Lisboa; Rita Fontinha, Professora Associada da Henley Business School, University of Reading; Maria Regina Redinha, Professora Associada da Faculdade de Direito da Universidade do Porto; João Carlos Simões Reis, Professor Associado da Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Coimbra; João Zenha Martins, Professor Associado da Nova School of Law, Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Integram a comissão científica das VI Jornadas de Direito de Trabalho-Açores os professores universitários José Noronha Rodrigues, da Universidade dos Açores; João Zenha Martins, da Nova School of Law; Maria Regina Redinha, da Universidade do Porto; João Carlos Reis, da Universidade de Coimbra; Luis Gonçalves da Silva, da Universidade de Lisboa; e Miguel Lucas Pires, da Universidade de Aveiro. O evento tem início pelas 9h00. O programa está disponível para consulta no portal emprego.azores.gov.pt e na página do Facebook “Qualificação Profissional e Emprego Açores”, da DRQPE. A participação é gratuita e aberta ao público em geral. Os interessados devem formalizar a sua inscrição até ao dia 8 de outubro, através do formulário eletrónico disponível para o efeito em https://forms.office.com/e/B2Y50YBrjT. O evento será ainda transmitido em direto via streaming na plataforma online da Justiça TV, disponível em https://www.justicatv.com/site/directo.php?id=1855, e no Facebook da DRQPE. Para informações e esclarecimentos adicionais contactar a Direção de Serviços de Trabalho da DRQPE, através do email [email protected].

Nota de Imprensa
September 17, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro sublinha importância do “diálogo” e defende “estabilidade” para viabilização do Orçamento de 2026
O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, terminou esta terça-feira, no Palácio de Sant’Ana, a ronda de audições aos partidos políticos e parceiros sociais sobre a preparação da Anteproposta de Plano e Orçamento Regional para 2026. Durante dois dias de reuniões, acompanhado pelo Secretário Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública, Duarte Freitas, o líder do executivo açoriano ouviu todas as forças políticas com assento parlamentar e um vasto conjunto de entidades representativas da sociedade civil, entre sindicatos, associações económicas e instituições de solidariedade social. O governante mostrou-se satisfeito com o contributo recebido e destacou o ambiente de responsabilidade que marcou os encontros. “Estas audições revelaram maturidade democrática e demonstraram que, acima das diferenças políticas e institucionais, existe um compromisso partilhado com o futuro dos Açores”, afirmou. O Presidente do Governo sublinhou que o Plano e Orçamento Regional para 2026 terá uma dimensão estratégica, assente na execução do Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência, cujo prazo termina a 31 de agosto de 2026, e na plena utilização dos fundos do programa Açores 2030. Em conjunto, estes instrumentos representam mais de 600 milhões de euros de investimento, destinados a dinamizar a economia e a criar melhores condições de vida para os açorianos. Sem perder de vista o rigor orçamental, José Manuel Bolieiro garantiu que a Região continuará a cumprir os critérios de Maastricht, assegurando um défice inferior a 3% e uma dívida pública abaixo de 60% do Produto Interno Bruto. “Não faremos deste Orçamento um documento de austeridade. Será antes um momento de consolidação dos direitos sociais já adquiridos e de reforço da confiança nas finanças públicas da Região”, sublinhou. José Manuel Bolieiro deixou ainda um apelo à responsabilidade política. E concluiu: “A estabilidade é indispensável para que os Açores não desperdicem esta oportunidade única. Precisamos de um Orçamento que permita executar os investimentos previstos e responder aos desafios da nossa sociedade”. A Anteproposta de Plano e Orçamento Regional para 2026 será apreciada em Conselho do Governo no próximo dia 29 de setembro, antes de ser submetida aos parceiros sociais e aos conselhos de ilha.

Nota de Imprensa
September 17, 2025
Abertas candidaturas para empresas açorianas integrarem a Web Summit 2025
A Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional dos Açores deu início ao período de candidaturas para a participação de empresas açorianas na edição de 2025 da Web Summit, evento internacional de referência no setor das tecnologias digitais e da inovação. O objetivo é reforçar a presença de empresas açorianas de base tecnológica em mercados internacionais e dar visibilidade a projetos nas áreas da programação, Internet of Things (IoT), videojogos, realidade aumentada, e-commerce, software industrial e Big Data, entre outras. Serão atribuídos aos 15 primeiros classificados no concurso ingressos para a edição de 2025 da Web Summit, sendo que as empresas vencedoras terão assim a oportunidade de estabelecer contactos estratégicos com investidores, parceiros e clientes internacionais. As candidaturas deverão ser submetidas até 26 de setembro de 2025, através de formulário eletrónico disponível em https://forms.office.com/e/M1gutCvShG. Para mais informações, poderá ser consultado o Despacho n.º 1996/2025 de 15 de setembro de 2025, que aprova o Regulamento do concurso para participação da Região Autónoma dos Açores na Web Summit 2025, ou contactada a Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional, entidade gestora do concurso, sita no Palácio dos Capitães-Generais, Largo Prior do Crato, 9700-157 Angra do Heroísmo, com o contato telefónico 295 402 300 e endereço de correio eletrónico [email protected].

Nota de Imprensa
September 17, 2025
LIFE BEETLES project highlighted as success story by International Union for Conservation of Nature
The LIFE BEETLES nature conservation project, coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, has been recognised as a success story by the Atlantic Islands Invertebrate Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN SSC). This recognition was highlighted in a recently published communication. The announcement came during the Final Conference of the LIFE BEETLES project, which took place on Tuesday at the Angra do Heroísmo Interpretation Centre on Terceira Island. The opening session was chaired by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel. Alonso Miguel recalled that “LIFE BEETLES is one of four LIFE projects coordinated by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action currently underway in the Region, dedicated to nature conservation and mitigation and adaptation to the effects of climate change, which together represent an investment of over €40 million.” “This is a nature conservation project, which began in 2020 and will end in late 2025, involving an investment of around €1.8 million, with 55% co-financed by the European Union. It is aimed at improving the size of populations, the distribution area and the conservation status of three endemic species of endangered beetles in the Azores: the ironclad beetle, on Flores Island, the ground beetle, on Pico Island, and the ground beetle, on Teceira Island," stressed the Regional Secretary. Alonso Miguel explained that "the project has covered an area of 345 hectares, spread across the islands of Terceira, Flores and Pico, over the last six years, leading to a remarkable work to preserve and rehabilitate habitats of high ecological importance. This has been achieved through the implementation of natural engineering solutions, the control of invasive flora and the planting of about 25 thousand endemic plants." According to the government official, LIFE BEETLES also made an important contribution to promoting environmental education and awareness in the Azores, through the organisation of more than 50 volunteering activities and more than 300 environmental awareness activities, which reached more than 6,000 people. Additionally, these activities included an educational game dedicated to nature conservation, distributed to all schools across the Azores, and a travelling macro photography exhibition, which toured the three islands. The latter intended to showcase the richness of biodiversity in a creative and innovative manner, highlighting the importance of the work carried out for its conservation. Alonso Miguel emphasised that the "project not only created 10 direct jobs but also facilitated the training of operational staff. Moreover, it provided capacity building and fitted the environmental and climate action services on these three islands with essential tools and equipment for biodiversity preservation and nature conservation efforts." The Regional Secretary acknowledged that “the LIFE BEETLES project achieved excellent results, successfully fulfilling its targets and giving the Region a great wealth of knowledge, technical skills and improved natural ecosystems.” “The measures implemented resulted in a significant increase in the populations of the three target species, exceeding 50% in the case of the ground beetle of Terceira Island, 60% in the case of the ground beetle of Pico Island, and, impressively, more than 200% in the case of the ironclad beetle in Flores. The outcome demonstrates the success of the implementation of this project over the last six years," he revealed. Alonso Miguel considered that "this project is an extraordinary example of how cooperation among regional, national and European institutions, with the involvement of the community and based on scientific rigour, can produce tangible and inspiring results for biodiversity protection and nature conservation." The Secretary for the Environment concluded by acknowledging that "LIFE projects, with a strong Community co-financing component, are essential financial and operational instruments for capacity building in the Region. They bring with them scientific knowledge, technical capacity and financial resources that are indispensable for environmental protection, nature conservation and biodiversity preservation, which are important assets for the well-being of populations, sustainability, as well as the social and economic development of our islands." He concluded: "Its implementation will continue to be a priority for the Regional Government of the Azores."

Nota de Imprensa
September 16, 2025
Inclusion Desks provided two thousand services so far, highlights Mónica Seidi
Since the opening of the Region's Inclusion Desks, located in Angra do Heroísmo, Ponta Delgada, Horta and Ribeira Grande, around two thousand services have been provided so far, stated the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi. The Social Security services in Praia da Vitória, Terceira Island, now also have an Inclusion Desk, a service dedicated to providing support, information and guidance to people with disabilities and impairments, as well as their families and organisations. The new Inclusion Desk is part of the Regional Strategy for People with Disabilities in the Azores (ERIPDA) 2023-2030, which aims to tackle social exclusion and promote a fairer and more inclusive society. Mónica Seidi considered this to be one of several positive measures included in the ERIPDA, with a view to ensuring balanced geographical coverage and qualified technical support in the Region. It also aims to reach a coverage rate that is closer to the population's actual needs, which has now been achieved. "The Inclusion Desks are more than mere services: they evidence a public policy that respects and promotes human dignity," stated the government official. The professionals working at these service desks have received specific training from the National Institute for Rehabilitation, through the Regional Directorate for the Promotion of Equality and Social Inclusion. It ensures that the information provided is accurate and updated and that services are delivered with quality, care, and respect. This training also acknowledges the complexity of issues surrounding disability and the importance of responding with knowledge, empathy, and commitment.

Nota de Imprensa
September 16, 2025
Regional Government reinforces pre-hospital emergency care in Faial with SIV vehicle operating 24/7
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, announced that Faial Immediate Life Support Service (SIV) will now operate 24 hours a day, reinforcing the island's response capacity in pre-hospital medical emergencies and rescue conditions. For Alonso Miguel, this is "a historic step," noting that "until now, the SIV vehicle was only available 16 hours a day, a limitation that no longer exists to ensure a closer, more effective and permanent response." "From now on, it will be available 24/7 with an SIV AMBULANCE model, already successfully tested by the Praia da Vitória Fire Department," Alonso Miguel emphasised during the delivery ceremony of an ambulance to the Faial Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters. The government official explained that the permanent operation of SIV services represents a government investment of around €360,000, including €100,000 for a new ambulance and about €260,000 to staff the two crews assigned to pre-hospital emergency medical services. The ambulance now delivered to Faial is one of nine vehicles acquired under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), representing an overall investment of about one million Euros. All ambulances have now been delivered to their respective associations. “Therefore, the population of Faial will now have another ambulance, more days of ambulance crews and the SIV vehicle operating 24 hours a day. This clearly demonstrates the importance we attach to the response capacity of our fire brigade in the area of pre-hospital emergency medical care,” he added. On that occasion, Alonso Miguel also thanked the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security and the Horta Hospital "for increasing nursing resources and the joint work that proved essential for the implementation of this new project in Faial." The Regional Secretary, who oversees Civil Protection, also pointed out that "the Regional Government's investment in pre-hospital medical emergencies has been growing significantly," noting that there was an increase from €4.9 million in 2020 to €7.9 million in 2025. He continued: "This is a 61% increase in investment, which reflects the Regional Government's firm commitment and clear focus on responding immediately to emergencies and supporting the professionals working in this field. This is reflected not only in the renewal of the red and yellow fleet, but also in the expansion of the SIV vehicle fleet and the increase of pre-hospital emergency medical crews." The government official concluded by reiterating the Regional Government's commitment to the Azorean fire brigades, assuring that it will continue to invest, support and jointly work "to safeguard the most precious asset: human life."

Nota de Imprensa
September 16, 2025
Maria João Carreiro launches first phase of construction project for 22 new houses in Graciosa
The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, presided over the laying of the first stone for the construction of three three-bedroom houses on the island of Graciosa, an investment of €710,000 financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) for the Region. The new dwellings, including two located in the Barão Fonte do Mato housing development in the parish of São Mateus and one in the Dores housing development in the parish of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, are intended for permanent residence. They will be allocated on a lease with purchase option scheme, through a public tender to be launched after completion of the construction work. The works contract was awarded to the company Vila Jardim with a completion period of 300 days. "Commitment to the decision and pride in the action," declared Maria João Carreiro. She pointed out that the construction of these three new houses is only the first phase of a larger housing project for the Barão Fonte do Mato development, which also includes servicing 19 plots. "The second phase of this development comprises the servicing of 19 plots that will lead to the construction of 19 houses, thereby ensuring decent housing, increasing the housing supply and stabilising the population on Graciosa Island," he said. According to the Regional Secretary, the project for servicing 19 plots is nearing completion, followed by the launch of a public tender for the construction work. In addition to these 22 new housing responses, the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Housing, has already renovated five houses under the RRP, with an investment of over €259,000. "With RRP, we are expanding the range of housing solutions available, improving families' living conditions and providing housing opportunities, particularly for young people at prices compatible with their income," she stressed. 362 new housing solutions financed under the RRP are currently being implemented in the Azores, representing an investment of over €43.6 million. This is the most significant investment ever made in housing in the Azores. It will enable the expansion of public housing adapted to different circumstances and age groups, including young people, middle-class families, single-parent families, and disadvantaged households. “All of us – the Regional Government, local authorities, construction companies, housing cooperatives already established or in the process of being set up – have a civic duty to work together to promote a fair, equitable and inclusive housing policy,” stressed Maria João Carreiro.

Nota de Imprensa
September 16, 2025
Europe "does not always acknowledge the outermost region status," stresses Artur Lima
The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, received today the Ambassador of Denmark, Lars Steen Nielsen, as part of an official visit paid by a delegation of Ambassadors of European Union Member States to Angra do Heroísmo. During the meeting, which took place following the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Vice-President of the Government began by highlighting the importance of the Azores' status as an outermost and archipelago region. "Santa Maria is 600 kilometres away from Corvo," he stressed. "We must, for example, tackle issues such as maritime transport conditions, as well as education and health care on the nine Azorean islands," stated Artur Lima. The region's infrastructures "must also be expanded across the archipelago." According to the Vice-President, "Europe does not always acknowledge the outermost region status." The Azores are one of the greatest examples in Europe concerning "biodiversity conservation, especially with the creation of Marine Protected Areas," he said. However, "Europe disregards this relevance, particularly the geopolitical and geostrategic dimension" of the Region, even though the Azores have the largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the European Union and are "Europe’s western frontier," he pointed out. Therefore, "the Azores do not see the benefit of their position" at a time "when it is essential to leverage their geostrategic dimension in this context of instability," emphasised Artur Lima. During the meeting, the Vice-President of the Government conveyed the Region's concern about the new Multiannual Financial Framework. "We lead by example in environmental protection, biodiversity and renewable energy," he said. Nevertheless, the proposal for the new European budget "disregards the outermost regions," he warned. It is essential to get "the support from the European Union in the air and maritime transport sectors." "The location of the Azores archipelago entails additional costs, for example, in the price of goods, and I have been trying to raise awareness of these issues among European institutions," noted Artur Lima. "It is the Azores and Madeira that truly give the country its dimension," but "Portugal does not value this Atlantic dimension,’" added the Vice-President of the Government. The official visit of the delegation of Ambassadors of European Union Member States accredited to Portugal began in São Miguel on Monday and continued today in Angra do Heroísmo. Alongside the audience with the Danish Ambassador, there was a presentation on the European Union's Cohesion Policy in the Azores delivered by the Regional Director for Planning and Structural Funds, Nuno Melo Alves.