Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
May 8, 2026
Vice-Presidência do Governo atribui Bolsa do programa “Estagiar Europa” a Joana Gomes
A Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional dos Açores, através da Direção Regional dos Assuntos Europeus e Cooperação Externa, atribuiu a bolsa de estágio do programa “Estagiar Europa” à jovem Joana Gomes, natural da ilha do Faial. O estágio, que decorrerá no Gabinete de Representação da Região Autónoma dos Açores em Bruxelas, terá a duração de 12 meses, com início a 1 de junho deste ano. Este contempla a atribuição de uma bolsa mensal no valor de dois mil euros, destinada a compensar as despesas de alojamento e de alimentação durante o período de estágio, sendo também assegurado o pagamento de seguros, bem como uma passagem aérea de ida e volta entre o seu local de residência na Região e o local do estágio, em Bruxelas. Este programa visa proporcionar a jovens licenciados, mestres ou doutorados a oportunidade de realizar um estágio em organismos europeus, fora do território nacional, criando condições para a aquisição de conhecimentos práticos em contexto real de trabalho, nomeadamente em instituições europeias, usufruindo, em particular, de estruturas regionais, inter-regionais ou da União Europeia, bem como em departamentos ou serviços do Governo Regional dos Açores na União Europeia, fora do território nacional. O “Estagiar Europa” tem ainda como objetivo aprofundar o conhecimento dos jovens sobre a organização e o funcionamento da União Europeia, reforçar as suas competências sócio profissionais e potenciar o recrutamento e a integração de quadros superiores nas instituições e órgãos europeus, valorizando profissionais com conhecimento relevante da Região ou representar a Região através de serviços de cooperação europeia e internacional, defendendo os interesses regionais em diversos domínios da Política Externa. Para o Vice-Presidente do Governo, “investir no programa “Estagiar Europa” é acreditar que os jovens açorianos têm competência para estar na linha da frente das decisões que moldam o futuro da Região e da Europa". "Com este programa, estamos a reforçar a ligação entre o talento das nossas nove ilhas e as instituições europeias. Ao apoiar jovens como a Joana, estamos a garantir que a voz dos Açores, dita por quem conhece profundamente a nossa realidade, seja ouvida onde as políticas nascem", salientou Artur Lima.  

Nota de Imprensa
May 8, 2026
Paulo Estêvão welcomes decision to grant Corvo municipality access to Parish Financing Fund as approved by Regional Assembly
The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, welcomes today's approval of the draft law amending the financial scheme for local authorities by the National Assembly, ensuring the direct allocation of funds from the Parish Financing Fund (FFF) to the municipality of Corvo. The draft law, stemming from an initiative by the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (ALRAA), received broad consensus at the national parliament. It was passed with the votes in favour of PSD, PS, Livre, PCP, CDS-PP, BE, PAN and JPP. For the government official, the significant result of this vote represents the culmination of a long-standing demand and the definitive resolution of a “historic injustice” in light of the island’s political and administrative reality. "The Political and Administrative Statute of the Autonomous Region of the Azores clearly states that the general powers of a parish are exercised by the municipality of the island of Corvo. As such, it is neither fair nor acceptable that the only local authority in the country entrusted with these powers and responsibilities should not have access to the national financial resources available to all other parishes," stressed Paulo Estêvão. With this amendment to the Financial Scheme for Local Authorities and Intermunicipal Entities (Law no. 73/2013), the Portuguese State recognises and rectifies a legal loophole, ensuring that the municipality of Corvo is entitled to an annual allocation from the FFF, calculated based on the same criteria that would apply if there were a parish council within the municipality.  “It is important to remember that the municipality of Corvo is the only one in the country without parishes,” pointed out the government official. The government official pointed out that the coalition Government had already implemented this amendment at a regional level, under Regional Legislative Decree no. 6/2024/ A, which establishes the legal framework for technical and financial cooperation between the autonomous regional administration, parishes and parish associations of the Azores. It recognises the municipality of Corvo Island as a beneficiary of the Fund for the Development of Azorean Parishes, ensuring the inclusion of the municipality of Corvo in accessing a very significant regional financial package for local government. The approval of this Draft Law in Lisbon ensures that funds from the Parish Financing Fund, transferred by the Central Administration, will now be entered as revenue for the municipality of Corvo and will be directly allocated to the provision of local services to the population. The regional and national amendments, now enshrined in law, allow the municipality of Corvo to secure regional and national funding to carry out the duties assigned to it by the Political-Administrative Statute, which, until now, had not been granted to it. The Government of the Azores thus reiterates its commitment to building a more autonomous and capable local government, demonstrating that its unwavering defence of the Azorean people yields tangible results at a national level.

Nota de Imprensa
May 8, 2026
“Azores are at the forefront of ocean conservation,” says José Manuel Bolieiro
The President of the Azores Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, received the international “Peter Benchley Ocean Awards” in the “Excellence in National Leadership” category, one of the world’s most prestigious awards in the field of ocean conservation. At the award ceremony, held at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, United States, the President of the Government expressed his pride at receiving the award, emphasising, however, that it was a collective achievement on behalf of the Azores. According to him, this award represents the “recognition of the Azores’ leadership in ocean conservation,” based on the promotion of science-based public policies, with a view to building a “legacy of sustainability, knowledge and prosperity for forthcoming generations.” “This is the path that will consolidate the Azores’ role as an international benchmark in ocean governance and the recognition of the sea as a common good of humanity," continued the President of the Government. In this regard, he praised the work carried out in the establishment and implementation of the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA): the largest in the North Atlantic. Used as a case study at an international level, this network, which protects 30% of the Azores’ waters with areas under total and high protection, was established through dialogue and co-creation with fishers, scientists, young people and civil society. On the occasion, the President of the Government praised the key role played by the Blue Azores programme, which stems from an innovative partnership between the Government, the Oceano Azul Foundation and the Waitt Institute. "Together, we have aligned political will, philanthropy, science and community involvement towards a common vision: protecting, promoting and enhancing the Azores’ marine natural capital,” he emphasised. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the work carried out by the University of the Azores, whose research “provided the scientific basis that made it possible to designate new protected areas with credibility and precision, serving as a powerful example of how knowledge can guide public policy.” Created by Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg, the “Peter Benchley Ocean Awards” are widely recognised as the “Oscars of the Ocean.” Each year, they honour individuals and organisations that make an exemplary contribution to the protection and restoration of the marine environment. The “Excellence in National Leadership” category recognises representatives of states that have distinguished themselves through ambitious policies for the protection and sustainable management of the ocean, with an impact at both national and international levels.

Nota de Imprensa
May 8, 2026
Europe Day on Flores Island streamed online
This Saturday, May 9, the island of Flores will host the Europe Day celebrations organised by the Vice-Presidency of the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for European Affairs and External Cooperation.  The ceremonies, which will take place in both municipalities of the island, can be followed online and in real time, so those interested can watch them via the following links:   9:50 a.m. | Ceremonies at Lajes das Flores Town Hall:   https://youtube.com/live/0Re80kGxPTk?feature=share   5 p.m. | Ceremonies at Santa Cruz das Flores Town Hall:   https://youtube.com/live/eQzfB9bts8Q?feature=share    In addition to the YouTube channel, those who are interested can also follow them on the Facebook page "European Affairs and External Cooperation – Azores," at https://www.facebook.com/AssuntosEuropeuseCooperacaoExternaAcores/. The celebrations include official ceremonies and speeches, cultural events featuring a tribute to poet Pedro da Silveira, a conference, two exhibitions of works created by children and senior citizens, the launch of a postcard, stamp and postmark by CTT (Portuguese Postal Services), as well as the unveiling of a mural celebrating 40 years of European integration. They will be open to the general public and involve the school community, senior citizens, and various local and regional organisations.  These celebrations at the westernmost point of Europe, simultaneously marking Europe Day and the 40th anniversary of Portugal and Spain’s accession to the European Union, highlight the geopolitical and identity-defining role of Outermost Regions within the European project.  The programme of events celebrating Europe Day on the island of Flores is part of the calendar of events marking 40 years of Portugal’s membership of the European Union.  This initiative stems from a partnership between the Vice-Presidency of the Government of the Azores and the Municipal Councils of Santa Cruz das Flores and Lajes das Flores. It has the support of the Flores Basic Education and Secondary School, Santa Casa da Misericórdia das Lajes das Flores, Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Santa Cruz das Flores, “A Jangada” Theatre Group, CTT, and the Angra do Heroísmo Philatelic Society. 

Nota de Imprensa
May 7, 2026
Regional Government calls for applications from agricultural sector and guarantees full payment of aid without apportionments
The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, reminds regional producers that the deadline for submitting applications for POSEI and PEPAC funding is drawing near. The application period, which began on March 20, closes on May 15.  As such, the Secretariat for Agriculture urges that applications be prepared as soon as possible to avoid last-minute complications. These applications, regulated under Notice no. 2/2026 - SIGC, cover crucial measures for the agricultural and livestock sectors, including production aid, vineyard maintenance, horticulture, traditional crops, livestock production and agri-environmental measures. For the government official, the current campaign is based on a structural guarantee, long claimed by the Azores Agricultural Federation and fully endorsed by this Government: approved applications will be paid in full, without any apportionment. This political stance reflects an ongoing commitment to rigour since 2021, which stands in stark contrast to the systematic cuts made to farmers’ income in previous socialist administrations. The decision to safeguard the full amount of funds due to farmers represents a financial effort estimated at around €16 million per year, a sum that has been secured through the Regional Budget or, as was the case last year, via the State Budget. The Government of the Azores thus reiterates its unwavering commitment to stability, predictability and confidence in the agricultural sector. The elimination of apportionments is regarded as an essential tool for safeguarding the local economy and ensuring the financial conditions necessary for Azorean farmers to continue their work safely and sustainably.

Nota de Imprensa
May 7, 2026
Press release
The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, following public statements made by Pedro Ferreira, an MP for the Liberal Initiative party, regarding the works at the Jerónimo Emiliano de Andrade School, clarifies the following: 1. The project for the works in question was drawn up in 2020 by the then government, and the coalition Government launched the tender for the works as soon as the opportunity presented itself, given the urgent need for intervention. 2. The works contract in question is just the first phase, as the state of disrepair of the school requires a much more extensive intervention than that provided for in the project. 3. This first phase consists of repairing building roofs to address leaks and upgrading the electrical panels, specifically to improve them and bring them into line with current legislation, both within the panels themselves and between them. 4. During this phase, other problems were identified, with the necessary repairs included in the works and guaranteed by the applicable legal mechanisms. 5. The Regional Directorate for Public Works is currently in the process of launching tenders for projects involving the follow-up interventions at the school, including a complete overhaul of the electrical system, the sanitary facilities (covering the sewerage and water supply networks), the sports hall, and other previously identified issues. The Government of the Azores regrets the manner in which the Liberal Initiative MP raised this issue and offers its full cooperation in providing the necessary clarifications. 

Nota de Imprensa
May 7, 2026
Regional Government steps up support for Alternativa Association and highlights progress in fight against new synthetic drugs
The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, visited Alternativa – Association Against Addictions, in Ponta Delgada, where she highlighted the vital role played by civil society organisations in the integrated response to addictive behaviours and dependencies in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. During the visit, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security and the association signed a financial cooperation agreement amounting to €30,000, with a view to establishing the Centre for Health and Wellbeing Promotion. As of 2025, the Alternativa Association supported about 300 service users, mainly in the area of treatment monitoring following discharge from the detox programme, reinforcing its role in ensuring ongoing care and supporting the reintegration process. Mónica Seidi emphasised that “this investment reflects the Azorean Government’s commitment to a personalised, accessible and effective response, which prioritises not only treatment but also social reintegration and human dignity." The government official also highlighted recent legislative progress nationwide, with the enactment of the legislation updating the Drugs Act, paving the way for the criminalisation of new psychoactive substances. Among these is NEP, one of the most widely consumed synthetic substances in the Azores, whose inclusion in the legal charts represents a significant step in protecting public health and strengthening the tools to combat emerging drugs. The Regional Secretary commended the work carried out by the Azores Task Force, highlighting the crucial role of this body in timely reporting. Mónica Seidi concluded by reiterating the Regional Government’s commitment to further strengthening its collaboration with local institutions and promoting responses that are increasingly tailored to the needs of the population.

Nota de Imprensa
May 7, 2026
47 Azorean parishes awarded Eco-Parish Programme Award for Excellence
On Wednesday, the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, distinguished 47 Azorean parish councils that have stood out for their performance and contribution to environmental conservation, at an award-delivery ceremony held in Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel. According to the government official, “the Eco-Parish Programme plays a fundamental role as a strategic tool for cooperation between the Regional Government and the parish councils in the cleaning and maintenance of public spaces, including watercourses and the coastline, involving local communities in environmental awareness and education initiatives.” Alonso Miguel emphasised that “this contribution extends beyond the cleaning, sanitation and improvement of our public spaces, helping to consolidate the Region’s image of sustainability and, above all, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Azorean population." “In fact, clean public spaces and unobstructed watercourses, combined with good environmental practices among the local population, are key factors in reducing the risks associated with various natural hazards, such as floods, flooding or landslides, to which the Azores are increasingly exposed and vulnerable as a result of climate change,”  stated the government official. In this regard, he added that “preventive and effective action is crucial to avoiding significant material and financial losses, but above all, to strengthening safety and protection for the Azorean people." The Regional Secretary noted that “the Regional Government has been increasing the funds allocated to the Eco-Parish Programme over the years, intending to decisively empower and strengthen Parish Councils so that they can firmly embrace this important and demanding mission.” The Regional Secretary noted that, “in just five years, between 2021 and 2025, the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action has allocated about €4.4 million to parish councils under this Programme. This is a substantially higher figure than that seen in the previous nine years, since 2012, when the programme was launched." Alonso Miguel emphasised that “this very significant financial investment, combined with commitment, dedication and sense of purpose of parish councils in effectively addressing these challenges, has led to the success of the Eco-Parish Programme, as demonstrated by the results achieved over recent years.” Alonso Miguel revealed that “in 2025, specifically, 126 parishes participated in the Eco-Parish programme, whose joint efforts enabled the monitoring and intervention along 240 km of watercourses and approximately 175 km of coastline across the nine islands of the archipelago.” According to the Regional Secretary, “as a result of these efforts, it was possible to ensure the removal and disposal of over a thousand tonnes of waste dumped in public spaces to appropriate final destinations, as well as to carry out 487 environmental awareness and education initiatives.” “These are, in fact, extraordinary figures, which clearly demonstrate the importance of this programme,” he stated. The government official highlighted that “47 parish councils from eight of the nine islands of the Azores were awarded a prize for excellence for their outstanding work in 2025 in the areas of cleaning, maintenance and environmental awareness, as well as for organising clean-up initiatives in public spaces involving the local community.” Alonso Miguel noted that “in addition to the award for excellence, an additional prize amounting to €1,000 was also awarded to each winning parish council, doubling the amount previously awarded, representing a total investment of €47,000. This will undoubtedly provide an additional incentive for parishes to strive for this level  of excellence.” Alonso Miguel concluded by emphasising that “the delivery of these awards for excellence is, therefore, a fitting recognition of the efforts undertaken by each of the winning parish councils, as well as the dedication shown to this cause by their respective communities. It also reflects our gratitude and respect for the collective work—based on community engagement and shared responsibility—that has been carried out.” The following parish councils have been awarded the Eco-Parish Programme Award for Excellence for 2025: Ponta Delgada, Flores Island; Praia do Norte, Ribeirinha, Capelo, Salão, Praia de Almoxarife, and Pedro Miguel, Faial Island; São Mateus, Candelária, Madalena, Prainha, Piedade, and Calheta de Nesquim, Pico Island; Rosais, Norte Pequeno, and  Santo Antão, São Jorge Island; Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Graciosa Island; Relva, Fajã de Cima, Conceição, Ribeirinha, Maia, Santa Cruz, Ribeira Seca, Calhetas, Matriz, São Brás, and Santana, São Miguel Island; Altares, Doze Ribeiras, Feteira, Vila do  Porto Judeu, Raminho, Ribeirinha, São Bartolomeu de Regatos, São Bento, Vila de São Mateus da Calheta, Terra Chã, Vila de São Sebastião, Agualva, Fonte do Bastardo, Fontinhas, Porto Martins, São Brás, Vila das Lajes, and Vila Nova, Terceira Island; and also Santo Espírito, Santa Maria Island.