Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
February 9, 2026
Governo dos Açores cumpre com pagamentos às empresas
O Governo dos Açores, conforme compromisso assumido, procedeu, até 31 de janeiro, aos pagamentos às empresas no âmbito das medidas de apoio ao investimento e ao funcionamento do setor privado na Região, com destaque para os apoios ao Programa de Manutenção do Emprego (PME), à exportação e à promoção do consumo de produtos regionais no setor da restauração, instrumentos considerados estratégicos para a competitividade e sustentabilidade da economia regional. Este esforço financeiro, que se junta aos incentivos do PRR-Açores e do Construir 2030 traduz uma opção política firme que o Governo Regional quer manter: garantir previsibilidade, confiança e estabilidade às empresas açorianas, reconhecendo o seu papel central na criação de emprego, na coesão social e no desenvolvimento económico dos Açores. À semelhança do que já havia acontecido com a calendarização e pagamentos dos compromissos com o setor agrícola, o Governo dos Açores voltou a cumprir a palavra dada, demonstrando coerência na ação governativa e respeito pelos agentes económicos da Região. O Governo dos Açores reafirma, assim, a sua determinação em prosseguir uma política de rigor orçamental, responsabilidade financeira, transparência e proximidade, colocando a boa gestão dos recursos públicos ao serviço do desenvolvimento económico e social da Região.

Nota de Imprensa
February 7, 2026
Mónica Seidi destaca aumento do investimento e expansão da capacidade das respostas sociais
A Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, marcou hoje presença no I Encontro Nacional das Casas do Povo, que se realizou na Ribeira Grande, destacando o papel determinante destas instituições na coesão social e no apoio às comunidades. Na sua intervenção, a governante deixou uma mensagem de reconhecimento pelo trabalho desenvolvido diariamente pelas instituições do setor social, sublinhando o compromisso do Governo Regional dos Açores em continuar a apoiar projetos inovadores que façam a diferença na vida dos açorianos, em especial dos mais vulneráveis. Mónica Seidi apresentou indicadores que demonstram o crescimento e a consolidação da rede social na Região. O número de respostas sociais mantém-se globalmente estável, contando atualmente com 715. Contudo, registou-se um aumento significativo da capacidade instalada e da frequência de beneficiários: em 2024 existiam 34.881 lugares disponíveis, mais 556 do que em 2020, e 25.848 beneficiários a frequentar respostas sociais, o que representa um acréscimo de 1.474 pessoas. Na área da infância e juventude, que representa 45% das respostas sociais, verificou-se igualmente um reforço expressivo: mais oito respostas sociais, mais 946 lugares disponíveis e mais 1.792 crianças a beneficiar destes serviços face a 2020. “Estes números comprovam que estamos a chegar a mais açorianos e a apoiar quem mais precisa”, sublinhou a responsável pela tutela. Para a Secretária Regional, este crescimento está associado também a um aumento significativo do investimento público, uma vez que o valor aplicado em contratos de cooperação para o funcionamento das respostas sociais passou de 96,3 milhões de euros, em 2020, para 130,7 milhões de euros, em 2024, o que representa um crescimento de 48,2%. A governante destacou ainda o peso das Casas do Povo no setor social regional, presentes em seis das nove ilhas dos Açores, representando 131 respostas sociais e abrangendo, em 2025, 4.170 beneficiários. No ano de 2025, o investimento destinado às Casas do Povo, no âmbito dos CCVC e dos acordos de cooperação na área da inclusão, ultrapassou os 10 milhões de euros. “É tempo de refletir, valorizar o que correu bem e corrigir o que pode ser melhorado. O trabalho em rede, com o Instituto da Segurança Social dos Açores como motor estruturante, deverá evoluir numa lógica de otimização de recursos, sustentabilidade e reforço da qualidade dos serviços prestados”, afirmou Mónica Seidi, apelando, por fim, à corresponsabilização coletiva de todos os parceiros e defendendo que só com empenho conjunto será possível melhorar a resposta individual aos beneficiários do setor social na Região.

Nota de Imprensa
February 7, 2026
Raminho Road exceptionally reopened to traffic, with restrictions, from February 14 to 17
The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures informs that, exceptionally, the Raminho Regional Road on Terceira Island will be reopened to traffic from February 14 to 17, due to the Carnival festivities and the importance of various cultural events typically held during this period.  Road traffic will be subject to a speed limit of 20 km/hour, solely to ensure the safety of all motorists, as work on the road surface has not yet been completed.  Following an inspection by technicians from the Regional Directorate for Public Works, the opportunity for this exceptional opening was identified, as the slope has been stabilised and safety conditions have been met to ensure safe traffic flow during the festive period.  The work along the road between the parishes of Serreta and Raminho, municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, represents an investment of over €2.3 million (including VAT) and is expected to be completed in March. Covering about 500 metres, it aims to definitively address slope instability with a new drainage system, increasing road safety. 

Nota de Imprensa
February 6, 2026
Regional Government includes artisans in support measure for short-term artistic residencies aimed at young people
The application period for REART – Short-Term Artistic Residencies, implemented by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth (DRJ), under AECT – Support Programme for Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Young Talent, is open until February 28.  Applications must be submitted on the Youth Portal at juventude.azores.gov.pt. Private non-profit organisations and artisans certified by the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA) are eligible to apply, as announced on Thursday at a session for artisans promoted by DRJ in partnership with CADA, which took place at the "Azores in a Box" space in Portas do Mar, Ponta Delgada. The event was broadcast online to all the islands.  The projects, to be carried out between April 1 and November 30, 2026, must have a minimum duration of three days and a maximum of five days. They should also involve up to three young people, aged 18 to 30, for each approved and supported residency project. Under the terms of the Order issued by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published in the Official Journal, a maximum of 10 projects will be approved this year. Each project can receive funding of up to €1,500 (€100/day per participant). The REART measure aims to promote and stimulate opportunities for young people residing in the Azores to develop skills in different creative areas, exchange and assimilate cultural and artistic experiences, particularly with Azorean artisans and their craftsmanship, and publicly present the results of the creative process to the local community. Created in March 2023 by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition government, the AECT – Support Programme for Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Young Talent seeks to promote creative areas among young people by fostering favourable conditions for the artistic and cultural promotion of young people, as well as encouraging their cultural participation, entrepreneurship and initiative. The programme also includes the START measures, with applications open until February 28, and IMPACT, with applications open until March 31, both at juventude.azores.gov.pt.

Nota de Imprensa
February 6, 2026
Innovative solutions for Sugar Plant arise from exemplary participatory planning process
The Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration and the Azores Regional Section of the Portuguese Architects' Association presented this Thursday the guiding proposal for the intervention and redevelopment of the former sugar factory at the Teatro Micaelense in Ponta Delgada. This proposal is part of a participatory planning process involving the community, the working committee set up for this purpose, and various researchers and experts. During the session, the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, emphasised that "the significance of SINAGA and the Sugar Plant goes far beyond the physical aspects of their material heritage," as they are "a historical and identity landmark for the Azores." The government official also highlighted the unprecedented nature of the process, governed by the Cooperation Protocol signed with the Azores Regional Section of the Portuguese Architects' Association, noting that it was "an example of participation and citizenship in public heritage redevelopment," marked by a "participatory, professional and transparent" approach. Duarte Freitas thanked the Azores Regional Section of the Portuguese Architects' Association and the Working Committee responsible for the report now presented, as well as the experts, researchers and participants in the various public events. He emphasised that the mobilisation seen during the visit and public debate on March 22, 2025, as well as in the public consultation, "are clear signs that we have taken the right path," he stressed. With the presentation of this guiding document, the Regional Government will move forward in the coming months with the necessary work to launch an innovative tender procedure for the intervention and redevelopment of the Sugar Plant, maintaining coordination with the municipality of Ponta Delgada. The Regional Secretary stated that a single procedure is planned to promote the design, construction and concession of the spaces, without excluding, given the size of the area, other solutions for specific plots. The aim is to "renovate spaces, livable spaces, useful spaces and true levers of development’ on more than five hectares located in the centre of Ponta Delgada, which will benefit the municipality, the island of São Miguel and the Region. The report can be consulted at Documents | Sinaga - Architectural Intervention.

Nota de Imprensa
February 5, 2026
Seabird strandings closely monitored by Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries
The occurrence of stranded seabirds observed on several islands in the Azores due to adverse weather conditions is being closely monitored by the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, through the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies (DRPM), the environmental authority for the marine environment in the Region. To date, more than 80 little auk (Alle alle) strandings have been recorded. Despite wintering in Azorean waters, this species is rarely observed on land under normal conditions. These episodes are usually associated with periods of bad weather and have also been documented in other North Atlantic regions. The recording of these occurrences is due to the coordinated work of nature rangers from the Environmental and Climate Action Services, birdwatchers, non-governmental organisations and island delegations of the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, who have played a key role in detecting, reporting and monitoring these situations. So far, seven specimens have been registered on the island of Flores, nine on the island of Graciosa, 55 on the island of Faial, 16 on the island of Pico and two on the island of Terceira. Most birds were already dead or near death, showing signs of extreme exhaustion and disorientation, unable to return to the sea. Among the incidents recorded, five birds were assessed and given veterinary care, with the intervention of CERAS (Wild Bird Recovery Centre) in Pico, the veterinarian from the Lajes das Flores Municipal Council and the local Agrarian Development Service. One bird was successfully recovered and released on the island of Flores. The DRPM calls on the population to cooperate in the following manner whenever a stranded seabird is found: Do not touch or collect it; If found alive, avoid handling it and causing additional stress; The incident should be promptly reported to the environmental authorities or the competent services of the respective island, via the SOS Environment hotline (+351 800 292 800). The systematic monitoring and tracking of episodes such as these by the authorities is essential for assessing the impact of extreme weather events on marine biodiversity, thereby contributing to better management and conservation of the Azores' ecosystems.

Nota de Imprensa
February 5, 2026
Maritime operations restricted due to absence of navigation and safety conditions for docking
Maritime operations in the Autonomous Region of the Azores have been restricted for more than two weeks due to the absence of minimum safety conditions for navigation and docking of vessels in several ports across the archipelago. This situation arises from successive periods of weather instability, as widely reported, which have affected not only Mainland Portugal but also the Azores islands. The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures informs that the Regional Government is constantly monitoring developments and maintaining continuous contact with shipowners, intending to restore regular maritime freight transport between the various islands as soon as possible. However, full resumption of maritime operations can only take place when effective safety conditions are in place, which is not currently the case due to the passage of the Leonardo depression, causing a sharp increase in wind intensity and rough sea conditions affecting the entire country. Several ports are closed to navigation in Mainland Portugal and in the two autonomous regions. Nonetheless, the situation is particularly critical in the Azores, given the territorial fragmentation and the distances between islands — in some cases exceeding several hours or even days of travel — which make it impossible to ensure regular maritime transport in the current adverse sea conditions. The extreme weather events that have affected the entire country, including the Azores, show a growing trend each year. According to the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, this situation requires everyone – the Government, businesses and the general population – to adjust their behaviour and implement new measures in terms of public supply and provision. The Regional Government will continue to monitor the situation closely, reiterating that regular freight transport will only be resumed once safe navigation conditions are in place.

Nota de Imprensa
February 5, 2026
Regional Government welcomes scheduling of Draft Law on Social Mobility Aid at Regional Assembly
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, welcomed the general discussion ofDraft Law No. 51/XVII/1st, presented by the Azorean Government and voted unanimously in the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, at the plenary session of the National Assembly, scheduled for February 18. The initiative aims to eliminate the requirement to prove the absence of debts to the Tax Authorities and Social Security by amending Decree-Law no. 37 A/2025 of March 24, which establishes the new model for the Social Mobility Aid for air travel between Mainland Portugal and the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira. According to the government official, the main goal of the proposal presented by the Azorean Government is to "adjust the mechanisms supporting air mobility" and ensure that the scheme fulfils its essential purpose without negatively discriminating against the Azoreans. Berta Cabral stressed that the Social Mobility Aid "is not an ancillary benefit, but rather a structural instrument for territorial continuity, equal opportunities and full citizenship in the Autonomous Regions." The Regional Secretary criticised the rule that conditions the payment of benefits on the absence of debts to the Tax Authority and Social Security, noting that such a criterion transforms a right into a privilege: "In making the payment of a social subsidy conditional on the absence of debts, the State has started to regard mobility as a privilege when it is a structural right for those who have no other alternative but to leave their island to travel to Mainland Portugal. This does not respect the principle of equality among Portuguese citizens or proportionality as it limits freedom of movement, a fundamental right of all citizens,’ she defended. The Regional Government's Draft Law, currently under discussion, is "clear, simple and legally sound," Berta Cabral stated, reiterating that the aid "should be paid to all beneficiaries, regardless of their contribution status." "No regulatory standard can contradict the principle of proportionality. We are talking about a mechanism that exists precisely to ensure freedom of movement and mitigate inequalities, not to aggravate them," she added. Berta Cabral acknowledged improvements in the process, such as the anticipation of reimbursement before travelling and the reduction from €134 to €119 in the maximum price to be paid by each citizen residing in the Azores. However, this "does not prevent the Regional Government from seeking to guarantee fair treatment for Azoreans." On January 23, the National Assembly refused to urgently consider the document submitted by the Azorean Parliament - and approved by all parties - concerning the new model for the Social Mobility Aid, which is now following the planned schedule.