Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
February 16, 2026
Regional Government opens public tender for allocation of 12 new apartments in São Pedro Neighbourhood, Ribeira Grande, on March 2
The public tender for the allocation of 12 new apartments in São Pedro Neighbourhood, parish of Maia, municipality of Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island, will take place from March 2 to 27, pursuant to the order of the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published today in the Official Journal.  The new apartments, including six two-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments, were built as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, with an investment of over €2.2 million. They are intended for the permanent residence of applicants and their respective households, and are allocated under the lease with purchase option scheme.  Applications must be submitted by completing the appropriate form, available on the Regional Housing Directorate (DRH) website at https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drh/concursos, accompanied by the documents listed in Article 7 of the Regulations on the Lease with Purchase Option Scheme, and delivered in one of the following formats: DRH Services, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, no. 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; RIAC - Integrated Citizen Support Network Offices; Registered post with acknowledgement of receipt to the Regional Housing Directorate, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, n.º 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; DRH email address - [email protected]. The Regulations, which contain all the information about the procedures and conditions for accessing and allocating housing, are available for consultation on the DRH website. Any requests for clarification on the understanding and interpretation of the Regulations should be addressed to the president of the jury and submitted by the interested parties in writing to the DRH Services in Ponta Delgada. Alternatively, they should be sent to the email address [email protected] no later than March 13, 2026. Requests will be answered within a maximum of three working days from the date on which they are received.

Nota de Imprensa
February 16, 2026
Regional Government promotes scientific risk assessment to combat Ghestnut Gall Wasp
The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, has commissioned the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation to conduct a risk assessment study on the possible introduction of the biological control agent Torymus sinensis in the archipelago. The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, emphasised that this decision is part of the regional strategy to strengthen plant health and promote sustainable solutions for pests with economic and environmental impact, such as those affecting chestnut trees. Torymus sinensis is used internationally to control the chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus), a pest that compromises the productivity and vitality of this species. However, given the unique ecological features of the Azores, António Ventura defended that any intervention requires rigorous and independent technical analysis before a final decision is made. The government official maintained that the Government is committed to ensuring that the fight against this pest is carried out with the utmost rigour and respect for ecosystems. "The risk assessment study now commissioned represents a key step in ensuring that all options are analysed in a responsible, balanced and transparent manner," stated António Ventura. The technical and scientific analysis will assess the potential impact on native species, the associated ecological risks, the suitability of the species to the Region's soil and climate conditions, and the effectiveness of the intervention compared to other available alternatives. Conducting this assessment is an essential preliminary step, ensuring that the Region's actions are based on the precautionary principle and solid evidence. For António Ventura, this procedure underlines the commitment to technically informed agriculture that balances productivity with environmental safety. “Protecting our crops and biodiversity in the Azores requires prudence, knowledge and sustainable solutions. This is what we are doing: working based on evidence, listening to the scientific community and safeguarding the public interest,” summed up the Regional Secretary. António Ventura reiterated that all future decisions on this matter will be guided by technical, legal and scientific criteria, ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

Nota de Imprensa
February 13, 2026
Regional Government welcomes second rescheduling of PSO charges for air transport to Mainland Portugal and Madeira
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, conveyed today the Regional Government's satisfaction with the National Government's approval of the second reprogramming of Public Service Obligations (PSO) charges for air transport between the Azores, Mainland Portugal and Madeira. Berta Cabral welcomed "the accomplishment of another decisive step in a process that has been awaited since 2015, one in which the National Government has shown great commitment to achieving a definitive solution." The reprogramming now approved ensures the financing of scheduled air services under concession on the Lisbon–Faial, Lisbon–Santa Maria and Lisbon–Pico routes, as well as on the routes connecting Funchal to the islands of São Miguel and Terceira. The public tender launched to secure these non-liberalised air links received only one proposal — submitted by the consortium SATA Internacional – Azores Airlines, S.A. and TAP – Transportes Aéreos Portugueses, S.A. This circumstance required reprogramming the expenditure for the 2026-2031 period, thereby allowing the respective award to proceed. Berta Cabral also emphasised "that the remuneration of these Public Service Obligations creates indispensable financial conditions to contribute to the balance of the SATA Group's accounts," strengthening the sustainability of the public interest air service provided to the Region.

Nota de Imprensa
February 13, 2026
Bluefin tuna quota increases by 21% in 2026, announces Regional Government
The bluefin tuna fishing quota will increase by 21% in 2026, allowing Azorean fishers to catch 115 tonnes of this highly commercial species. This increase stems from negotiations between the Governments of the Azores and Madeira, through their regional fisheries services, and the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services, leading to an increase in the available quota by 20 tonnes, from 95 tonnes in 2025 to 115 tonnes in 2026. This measure represents a significant boost to economic opportunities for the fishing sector and coastal communities dependent on this activity. According to the order issued by the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services, the distribution of the national bluefin tuna quota in the Atlantic Ocean, east of 45º W, and in the Mediterranean Sea has been defined within the framework of the fishing plan submitted to the European Commission. For 2026, Portugal has a total quota of 746.51 tonnes. The increase in the quota for targeted fishing in the Azores and Madeira is aligned with the growing value of bluefin tuna on international markets, where the species has high commercial value and demand, especially in the food export industry. Increased catches could translate into higher income for Azorean shipowners and fishers, boosting the local economy and associated logistics chains, such as processing, transport and trade. In addition to targeted fishing, the Order also establishes the allocation of 106.01 tonnes for bycatch to vessels with ports of reference in Mainland Portugal, the Azores and Madeira, ensuring greater operational flexibility for the sector. The Regional Government defends that the contribution of bluefin tuna to the economic sustainability of fishing communities must be accompanied by responsible fisheries management on the part of shipowners, focusing on maximising the price of this species on the first-sale fish market.

Nota de Imprensa
February 13, 2026
Tender launched foracquisition of first orthopaedic surgery robots in the Azores
The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, announced today the opening of an international tender for the acquisition of two robotic surgery systems specialising in orthopaedics, intended for the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) and the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island (HSEIT). This procedure provides for the acquisition of robotic surgery equipment under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), Resilience Dimension, Component 1, Investment RE-C01-i011-RAA - Modernisation and Requalification of the Regional Health Service. This investment represents a historic milestone for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, introducing, for the first time, robotic technology applied to orthopaedic surgery in the Regional Health Service hospital. According to Mónica Seidi, “the Regional Health Service must differentiate itself and become increasingly attractive to attract and retain more highly qualified professionals. Investing in technological innovation is crucial to achieving this goal.” Robotic surgery is currently considered state-of-the-art in several surgical areas, including general surgery and orthopaedics, allowing for greater precision, better surgical planning, less invasive procedures, and faster and more effective post-operative recovery for patients. “Orthopaedic services in the Azores must be in line with the best national services. There was a need to fit the Regional Health Service with a network of modern equipment that keeps pace with scientific and technological developments, always for the benefit of our patients,” emphasised the government official.  The investment has a base price of €1,100,000.00 for equipment intended for HDES and €1,250,000.00 for equipment intended for HSEIT, totalling €2,350,000.00, plus VAT at the legal rate in force. Proposals should be submitted by March 14. With this strategic investment, the Regional Government reiterates its commitment to modernising and upgrading the Regional Health Service, placing the Region at the forefront of technological innovation in the field of health.

Nota de Imprensa
February 13, 2026
List of recommended books by Regional Reading Plan updated
The Regional Secretariat for Education, Culture and Sport, through the Regional Directorate for Education and Educational Administration, has updated the list of books recommended by the Regional Reading Plan for the 2025/2026 school year, following a recent meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Regional Reading Plan. This list includes 103 new titles, with seven recommended for more than one target audience, making a total of 110 new entries on the lists. For the school audience, 43 new entries were introduced, with six books intended for preschool education, 10 for elementary school, one for middle school, four for junior high school and 22 for secondary education. In addition to school audiences, books aimed at other audiences, namely university education and the general public, were also approved, totalling 67 books. The updated list will soon be available on the Education Portal at edu.azores.gov.pt/lista-de-livros-recomendados-prl. The Regional Reading Plan, implemented in the Region since 2011, aims to promote initiatives to encourage reading, especially among basic and secondary school students, including the publication of a list of recommended books. This list consists of works by Azorean authors or works addressing themes directly related to the Azores, which meet specific quality criteria, namely: albums whose aesthetic quality allows pre-readers and early readers to harmoniously develop their sensitivity, imagination, and intelligence; narrative, lyrical and dramatic works of progressive complexity offering a literary reading experience; classic works for children and young people, as well as traditional heritage narratives; informative books distinguished by their accuracy and suitability for children and young people; activity books promoting functional reading and books whose content is suitable for projects defined in a school or similar environment. The list is updated each school year with books reviewed and approved by the Scientific Committee of the Regional Reading Plan, which have been proposed by publishers, authors, or other entities. With a view to supporting the dissemination of books written by Azorean authors or with Azorean content, the Regional Directorate for Education and Educational Administration annually purchases books from the list recommended by the Regional Reading Plan for public school libraries, with a special focus on new titles, corresponding to an investment of about €65,000 since the 2020/2021 school year.

Nota de Imprensa
February 13, 2026
Driving schools now provide training for young moped riders
From now on, driving schools in the Azores will provide training for young people aged between 14 and 16 to obtain an AM category driving licence. Decree no. 14/2026 of February 12, which establishes the rules applicable to this training, has just been published in the Official Journal of the Region. This scheme is defined under the Legal Qualification for Driving Regulation (RHLC), approved by Decree-Law no. 138/2012 of July 5, and the Legal Scheme for Driving Instruction, approved by Law no. 14/2014 of March 18, both in their current wording. It applies to the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Training and instruction for AM category driving licences, provided by licensed driving schools in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, must be delivered by instructors who meet the requirements set out in Article 42(1) of Law no. 14/2014 of March 18. Training programmes must have a minimum duration of 15 hours, distributed as follows: seven hours of theoretical training; eight hours of practical driving instruction. The training must ensure mechanisms for the ongoing assessment of trainees throughout the course. The Regional Assistant Directorate for Land Transport is responsible for supervising the training and assessment carried out by driving schools and certified entities; organising and conducting AM category driving tests, consisting of a theoretical test and a practical test, under the supervision of examiners from this entity. The vehicle used in the practical test by young people aged 14 to 16 may be a moped licensed by a driving school or a moped belonging to the trainee, provided that it is properly insured, in which case it is considered equivalent to a driving school vehicle for legal purposes. The moped must meet the following requirements: two wheels; engine capacity not exceeding 50 cm³; maximum design speed between 25 km/h and 45 km/h; at least two speeds or a continuously variable transmission; two rear-view mirrors, one on each side. Young people aged between 14 and 16 may obtain an AM category driving licence, subject to restriction 790, provided they present authorisation from a parent or guardian, in accordance with the model approved by the Regional Assistant Director for Land Transport. They are also required to hold a medical certificate confirming their physical and mental fitness to drive, a school certificate proving attendance at least up to the 7th grade, with passing grades in the previous school year, and pass a driving test after attending a special training provided by an authorised entity in the Region.

Nota de Imprensa
February 13, 2026
Azores Commissioner’s Office for Childhood hosts webinar on right to play and screen impact on childhood
The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood (CAI), is promoting a webinar "Between parks and screens: the right to play" on February 23, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. Registration is open until February 20. This initiative aims to raise awareness among families, carers and professionals working with children and young people about the importance of play in a child's overall development, fostering reflection on the challenges posed by the growing presence of screens in the lives of children and young people. The webinar will feature Ana Lourenço, Psychologist and Coordinator of the Humanisation and Right to Play Sector at the Child Support Institute (IAC), and Mafalda Sampaio, Neuropaediatrician at the São João University Hospital Centre. The session will begin with an opening speech by Emanuel Areias, President of the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood. It will be followed by a presentation by Ana Lourenço, who will address the right to play today, the differences compared to previous generations, and the importance of play, especially outdoors, for children's physical, emotional, and social development. Afterwards, Mafalda Sampaio, co-author of the Portuguese Society of Neuropaediatrics' Recommendations for the use of screens and digital technology in paediatrics, will address the effects of screen exposure on children's health, highlighting risks, challenges, and guidelines for a balanced use to promote the well-being of children and young people. The initiative ends with a discussion, moderated by the Technical Coordinator of the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood, Carmen Ventura, promoting the sharing of perspectives and clarifying questions among participants. Registration is free and can be done using the QR Code available on the event poster or via the link https://shre.ink/5ndg.  The webinar falls within the strategy pursued by the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood to promote children's rights, parental empowerment and community awareness of practices favouring child welfare and development, namely the right to play as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.