Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
June 19, 2026
Empreitada de remodelação da envolvente/cobertura do aeródromo da ilha de São Jorge já foi adjudicada
A Secretária Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas, Berta Cabral, acaba de assinar o despacho que adjudica a empreitada de remodelação da envolvente/cobertura em chapa metálica da aerogare do aeródromo da ilha de São Jorge à empresa TREPA - CONSTRUÇÃO CIVIL, LDA., no valor de 924.373,26 €. A adjudicação surge após a realização de um concurso público sem publicidade internacional. A empreitada incide essencialmente na requalificação da envolvente exterior e cobertura metálica, com destaque para substituição e/ou reabilitação da cobertura em chapa metálica, correção de anomalias construtivas, eliminação de infiltrações e patologias e reforço da durabilidade face a ambiente marítimo (corrosão), melhoria do isolamento térmico e acústico. Está ainda prevista a intervenção nas fachadas com sistemas de isolamento exterior e a aplicação de soluções de impermeabilização. Esta intervenção foi considerada urgente devido à corrosão acentuada da chapa metálica da cobertura, infiltrações de água e degradação do edifício e desconforto térmico provocado por soluções construtivas, visando também colmatar a ineficiência energética, com aumento de consumos, e o potencial risco para utilizadores e equipamentos. A obra em questão é considerada de grande relevância, uma vez que vai contribuir para a melhoria das infraestruturas aeroportuárias dos Açores, apoiar a coesão territorial entre ilhas e responder ao crescimento da procura aérea. Desta forma, promove-se a melhoria das condições de conforto dos passageiros, da operação aeroportuária e da eficiência energética. A remodelação da aerogare da ilha de São Jorge não é isolada. Insere-se num conjunto mais amplo de intervenções, como possíveis melhorias de instalações sanitárias, espaços comerciais e equipamentos e serviços ao público. Recorde-se que os investimentos anteriores realizados naquela infraestrutura aeroportuária visaram a climatização/AVAC) para melhorar conforto e qualidade do ar. Trata-se de uma intervenção essencial de reabilitação estrutural e funcional, focada sobretudo na cobertura metálica e na envolvente do edifício, com impacto direto na segurança, conforto e eficiência da aerogare.

Nota de Imprensa
June 18, 2026
Secretaria Regional da Saúde disponível para adicionar novos indicadores de monitorização do Serviço Regional de Saúde
A Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social assume disponibilidade para analisar contributos e sugestões que possam contribuir para o reforço da transparência e da informação disponibilizada aos cidadãos no que concerne ao Serviço Regional de Saúde (SRS). Nesse sentido, Mónica Seidi manifesta abertura para conhecer as propostas concretas da Câmara do Comércio e Indústria de Ponta Delgada relativamente a eventuais indicadores ou conteúdos adicionais que considerem relevantes, no âmbito de um processo de melhoria contínua dos instrumentos já existentes. Na sequência do ofício enviado pela Câmara do Comércio e Indústria de Ponta Delgada relativo à proposta de criação de um "Portal da Transparência da Saúde dos Açores", a Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social considera, no entanto, oportuno prestar os seguintes esclarecimentos: O Governo dos Açores disponibilizou no ano passado o Portal dos Indicadores do SRS, uma plataforma pública de monitorização desenvolvida através de um investimento de cerca de 30 mil euros, financiado pelo Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR). Apresentado publicamente pela Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social a 31 de março de 2025, este portal disponibiliza informação objetiva, acessível e regularmente atualizada sobre a atividade das unidades de saúde da Região, permitindo aos cidadãos acompanhar diversos indicadores de desempenho do SRS. Entre a informação disponível encontram-se indicadores relativos a internamentos hospitalares, cirurgias, consultas externas, urgências, acesso aos cuidados de saúde, desempenho assistencial, eficiência, custo de medicamentos e meios complementares de diagnóstico e terapêutica. Neste contexto, importa assinalar que a proposta agora divulgada não faz referência à existência deste instrumento de monitorização e transparência, já disponível para consulta pública e acessível a todos os cidadãos. Importa igualmente referir que o ofício remetido à Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social não identifica de forma concreta quais os indicadores que não se encontram disponíveis e cuja divulgação justificaria a criação de uma nova plataforma. O Governo dos Açores continuará a reforçar os instrumentos de informação e monitorização pública do SRS, promovendo uma cultura de transparência, responsabilização e melhoria contínua, em benefício dos açorianos.

Nota de Imprensa
June 18, 2026
Expo Açores Artesanato – Sanjoaninas de 19 a 28 de junho no Alto das Covas
A Expo Açores Artesanato – Sanjoaninas vai decorrer de 19 a 28 de junho no Alto das Covas, no concelho de Angra do Heroísmo, na ilha Terceira, informa a Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego, através do Centro de Artesanato e Design dos Açores – CADA. Vão estar em exposição e comercialização produtos de 29 Unidades Produtivas Artesanais (UPA’s), entre as quais 14 UPA’s com produtos certificados pela marca coletiva “Artesanato dos Açores”. Entre as áreas artesanais que estarão representadas no certame estão tecelagem, artigos têxteis para o lar, cerâmica, folha de milho, brinquedos e miniaturas etnográficas em madeira, arte de embutir, bordados, rendas, vidro, bijuteria, arte de trabalhar materiais sintéticos são, entre outras. A Expo Açores Artesanato – Sanjoaninas, promovida anualmente pelo CADA, pode ser visitada diariamente entre 19h00 e as 00h00. A entrada é gratuita. Nesta edição será apresentada a primeira fase de requalificação dos módulos expositivos do conceito “Expo Açores Artesanato”, no que significa a continuidade do investimento do Governo dos Açores, através da Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego, no setor do artesanato, designadamente por via de apoios públicos financeiros, materiais e logísticos à sua produção, divulgação e comercialização. A renovação dos expositores representa, por isso, novas possibilidades expositivas e, consequentemente, uma reforçada valorização dos produtos artesanais expostos e comercializados na feira. A Expo Açores Artesanato percorre, anualmente, as principais festividades de verão da Região. A temporada destas feiras locais de artesanato tem início durante o mês de maio, associada às Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, em Ponta Delgada. Depois das Sanjoaninas, o ciclo de feiras segue para a Semana Cultural das Velas, em São Jorge, de 1 a 6 de julho; para as Festas da Calheta, também em São Jorge, de 10 a 14 de julho; para as Festas da Praia, na ilha Terceira, de 1 a 11 de agosto; e para a Semana do Mar, na ilha do Faial, de 1 a 10 de agosto. Ainda no mês de agosto, a Expo Açores Artesanato vai estar na festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, na Graciosa, de 7 a 12 de agosto, e na Semana dos Baleeiros, no Pico, de 25 a 31 de agosto, fechando com a Feira de Natal de 27 de novembro a 1 de dezembro em São Miguel.

Nota de Imprensa
June 18, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro boosts investment in Povoação fire brigade and announces new emergency resources
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the handover ceremony of a medium-sized emergency response vehicle to the Povoação Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, an investment of around €386,900.00 that will boost the operational capacity of that organisation and enhance public safety. The ceremony also featured the unveiling of a plaque on the monument honouring all firefighters and leaders, a symbol of gratitude and recognition for the service rendered to the population over the years and for their contribution to protecting people and property in the municipality of Povoação. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the efforts undertaken by the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service towards the modernisation of available resources and strengthening response capacity across all the islands. This is being achieved through a strategy developed in “ongoing dialogue” with humanitarian associations of volunteer firefighters and municipal civil protection services. “We have sought to make the most of every opportunity to strengthen the Civil Protection’s response capacity, ensuring the effective use of available EU funds and working in close coordination with all partners within the system,” he said. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the role of the Povoação Volunteer Fire Brigade, noting that the brigade responded to 978 emergency calls in 2025, mostly regarding pre-hospital medical emergencies, as well as accidents, fires and other emergencies.  “These figures clearly demonstrate the operational importance of this organisation and fully justify the investment we have been making to provide it with the best resources to serve the population,” he emphasised. The new vehicle is equipped with advanced technology. It is ready to respond to a wide range of incidents, from urban and rural fires to road accidents and more complex rescue operations. The President of the Regional Government also highlighted the symbolic significance of this event, as it marks the end of an unprecedented cycle of renewal of the Azorean fire service’s operational fleet. “This is the last of a total of 28 fire engines acquired by the Regional Government, as part of the largest renewal programme for operational resources ever undertaken by the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service,” he stressed. José Manuel Bolieiro also announced that this effort will continue, with another five fire engines already awarded under contract, representing an investment of nearly €2 million, and due for handover in 2027. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that this investment falls within a “structured” and long-term policy for the sector, recognising the importance of firefighters, ensuring the financial stability of associations, and renewing equipment and vehicles. “When we took office, we found associations facing financial difficulties, ageing vehicles and legitimate demands from firefighters. Since then, we have been developing a policy based on recognising the importance of firefighters, ensuring the financial stability and predictability of associations, and modernising operational resources,” he said. In this context, he highlighted the creation of the current funding model for voluntary fire brigades, which provides annual support of around €750,000, as well as the investment of over €8 million in the renewal of equipment and vehicles. As for the municipality of Povoação, José Manuel Bolieiro stressed that the Regional Government’s investment in civil protection has been consistent and comprehensive. “The new fire station in Povoação, although previously launched, was fully implemented and completed by the current Government, providing better working conditions for firefighters and enhancing public safety,” he recalled. The President of the Government also highlighted the handover of a Tactical Self-command Vehicle, estimated to cost around €46,000, and announced that a new emergency ambulance, already awarded under a contract estimated at around €78,000, is due to be handed over by August this year. With the vehicle handed over today, the Regional Government’s recent investment in the Povoação Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters far exceeds half a million euros in operational equipment alone. José Manuel Bolieiro also positioned this effort as part of the challenges currently facing Europe, defending that economic competitiveness must go hand in hand with territorial and social cohesion. “There can be no development without a commitment to territorial and social cohesion that fosters solidarity between those who have more and those who have less. For this reason, the Regional Government has sought to support the most remote regions and promote smaller communities and economies,” he stated. The President of the Regional Government also noted that new international challenges require increased investment in security and defence, noting that Civil Protection must be an essential part of this strategic European priority. “When we talk about investment in security and defence, Civil Protection must also be included in this effort, as it represents a direct response to the protection of people, communities and territories,” he concluded. Also present at the ceremony were the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, the Mayor of Povoação, Pedro Melo, the President of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, Rui Andrade, the President of the Povoação Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, Aurélio Bento, and the Commander of the Povoação Fire Brigade, Rúben Franco.

Nota de Imprensa
June 18, 2026
Berta Cabral announces payment of Social Mobility Aid at CTT until June 2027
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, announced today that payments for the Social Mobility Aid – now designated as Territorial Continuity Mechanism – will be made by the CTT- Portuguese Postal  Services, alongside the electronic platform that has already been implemented. “The Government of the Azores has already received information from the National Government that the CTT service will be extended until June 2027, until the platform provides the functionalities required by the new Law 23/2026 of June 1, approved by the National Assembly,” noted the government official.  Berta Cabral emphasised that the online platform may continue to be used in situations where it does not conflict with current functions. From July 1 onwards, and for a further year, CTT will continue to process refund payments whilst the online system is adapted to the new rules approved by the National Assembly. “The Social Mobility Aid, now designated as the Territorial Continuity Mechanism, is not a supplementary benefit; rather, it is a key tool for ensuring territorial continuity, equal opportunities and full citizenship in the Autonomous Regions,” stressed Berta Cabral.

Nota de Imprensa
June 18, 2026
Regional Government brings together scientists and fisheries sector to present ICES scientific advice
The Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries held a meeting today with the scientists monitoring the assessment of regional fish stocks and the associations representing the Azores’ fisheries sector to present and discuss the latest scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) regarding the splendid alfonsino and alfonsino (Beryx) for 2027 and 2028. The meeting aimed to share the results of the scientific assessment conducted by ICES, as well as to clarify the technical framework underpinning the recommendation that has now been published. This approach aims to ensure direct, transparent and evidence-based communication between the regional administration and the sector, promoting a better understanding of public policies on fisheries management. The scientific advice for the 2027–2028 period represents a very positive development for the Region, contrary to the initial scenario. The initial assessment had estimated a 20% reduction in total allowable catches, following the application of the precautionary principle due to a lack of scientific information; however, the advice now issued by ICES points to an increase in catch possibilities. This result reflects the hard work carried out throughout the past year by regional scientists and the professionals involved in collecting scientific data, leading to a significant improvement in our understanding of the current status of the stock. Investment in the monitoring, sampling and scientific analysis of the stock was crucial in avoiding penalties associated with a lack of information and ensuring that the ICES assessment could be based on scientific evidence that was more reliable and representative of the situation in the Azores. During the meeting, an opportunity was also provided for dialogue with representatives of the sector, gathering contributions and analysing the implications of the scientific recommendation for fishing activities in the Region. The Government of the Azores commends the dedication of researchers and all the professionals who have contributed to this outcome, reiterating its commitment to the responsible and sustainable management of marine resources, based on the best available scientific knowledge and close coordination with the fisheries sector. The Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries will continue to monitor this process in close cooperation with the relevant national and European authorities, defending the Region’s interests whilst promoting the economic, social and environmental sustainability of Azorean fisheries.

Nota de Imprensa
June 18, 2026
Faial Botanical Garden celebrates 40 years of work to protect nature in the Azores
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired this week the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of Faial Botanical Garden, a leading facility in the conservation of Azorean flora, the preservation and restoration of natural habitats, scientific research and environmental education. As part of the ceremony, the Regional Secretary symbolically marked the occasion by planting a specimen of Azores juniper (Juniperus brevifolia), a species endemic to the Azores and one of the most emblematic of the Azorean Laurissilva forest. This gesture was intended to represent the Regional Government’s commitment to preserving the Region’s natural heritage and the future of biodiversity conservation. On the occasion, Alonso Miguel emphasised that “the Faial Botanical Garden is much more than just a visitor attraction. It is a centre of excellence in the conservation of Azorean flora, scientific research, environmental education, the production of plants for the ecological restoration of natural habitats, and the promotion of the Azores’ natural heritage.” "The journey undertaken over the 40 years of the Faial Botanical Garden – which is the oldest environmental centre in the Azores – demonstrates that investing in nature conservation is investing in the future of the Azores. Today, we celebrate a success story built by several generations of experts, researchers and staff who have made this Garden a regional and international benchmark," he said. Established in 1986, the Faial Botanical Garden began its work with a focus on preserving and promoting the flora of Macaronesia, and has since evolved into a key facility for protecting Azorean biodiversity. It currently comprises important facilities, such as the Azores Seed Bank, the Ilídio Botelho Gonçalves Herbarium, the Azores Orchid Garden, collections of endemic, native and Macaronesian flora, nurseries specialising in the production of endemic and native species, as well as the Pedro Miguel High-Altitude Centre; the latter is dedicated to the conservation of species characteristic of the archipelago’s higher altitude areas. According to the government official, “since its creation, the Botanical Garden has played a decisive role in the ex situ and in situ conservation of threatened species, the restoration of degraded ecosystems, and the provision of thousands of plants used in ecological restoration projects carried out on various islands of the Azores.” Alonso Miguel also emphasised that “the protection of biodiversity requires scientific knowledge, technical expertise and a long-term vision, and the Faial Botanical Garden brings together these three aspects, establishing itself as an indispensable partner in the implementation of the Region’s environmental policies”. The government official also pointed out that the Faial Botanical Garden is a major tourist attraction and a cornerstone of environmental education, having welcomed over 132,000 visitors since 2008, including over 40,000 in the last five years alone. This reflects the growing interest among both locals and tourists in the Azores’ natural heritage and the work carried out on the facilities. “The growing number of visitors demonstrates a greater environmental awareness and an increasingly significant recognition of our natural heritage. This is also a way of promoting the Azores as a destination that prioritises sustainability and nature conservation as distinctive features,” he emphasised. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action also highlighted the importance of environmental education as one of the pillars of civic education, emphasising its contribution to developing critical awareness of environmental issues, strengthening a sense of belonging and promoting appreciation of the Azores’ natural heritage. In this context, he pointed out that “the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action has been promoting the School Environmental Awareness Activities Programme (OASAE) since 2022. Aimed at all levels of education, from preschool to vocational education, it offers a wide range of initiatives in the areas of nature conservation, natural and cultural heritage, climate change, water resources, waste and the circular economy.” The programme includes interpretative trails, field activities in designated areas, games, exhibitions, educational and recreational sessions and guided tours to Environmental Centres. As for the Faial Botanical Garden, over a hundred environmental awareness activities have been organised since the implementation of OASAE, involving around 2,200 participants. This confirms the role of this facility in promoting environmental literacy and raising awareness among younger generations about nature conservation. As part of the 40th-anniversary celebrations, the Faial Botanical Garden also organised the "40 years – 40 photographs" activity, developed in partnership with APADIF service users. The initiative provided an inclusive experience of connection with nature, encouraging observation, teamwork and the discovery of the Botanical Garden in a dynamic and participatory way, whilst maintaining a symbolic link to the celebration of this facility’s four decades. The celebrations also extend to the wider community, with the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action inviting all interested parties to visit the Azores’ only Botanical Garden and join in the celebrations. Throughout the day, visitors will enjoy free admission. They will also have the possibility to celebrate the anniversary with a commemorative cake and herbal teas made from aromatic plants grown in the Botanical Garden itself. The planting of an Azores juniper tree was one of the most symbolic moments of the celebration, representing not only the 40-year history of Faial Botanical Garden but also the collective commitment to preserving the Azores’ flora and natural habitats in the decades to come. “The Azores juniper tree we have planted today symbolises the deep roots of the work carried out over all these years and the responsibility we have towards future generations. With the same resilience with which this tree will grow over the coming years, we also wish to continue bolstering nature conservation policies, ensuring that the Azores remain a benchmark in the protection of their unique biodiversity,” concluded the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action.

Nota de Imprensa
June 17, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates commitment to prioritising healthcare with technological upgrades at Horta Hospital
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, officially opened the new Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment at Horta Hospital last Tuesday. This investment strengthens the Regional Health Service’s response capacity and improves access to specialised healthcare. The Horta Hospital has already benefited from an investment of around €6.8 million in vehicles and equipment, with approximately €551,000  spent on the purchase of six vehicles, €1.5 million on the installation of the new MRI scanner and approximately €460,000 on the purchase of the new CT scanner. Between January 1, 2022, and March 31, 2026, more than 2,000 MRI scans were also performed through referral, at a cost of around €1 million. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that “healthcare professionals at Horta Hospital now have more and better resources to fulfil their mission of serving others,” highlighting the Government’s commitment to valuing these professionals and continuously improving the care provided to the population. The President of the Government also stressed that “health is a priority for this Government,” defending the investments made as they contribute to alleviating the concerns of Azorean families. They also ensure closer, faster and higher-quality access to healthcare services. José Manuel Bolieiro also emphasised that, despite the challenges posed by the Region’s geographical location, “human dignity and the opportunity to serve every person as best as possible, without exception, take precedence,” thereby justifying the commitment to modernising and upgrading the Horta Hospital. The results of clinical care also demonstrate an improvement in the hospital’s response capacity. In 2025, the Horta Hospital registered the highest number ever of surgical procedures, totalling 3,125 surgeries, the highest number of sessions at the Outpatient Unit, with 21,148 sessions, and the highest number of complementary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (MCDT), totalling 26,945 procedures. The ceremony was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, the President of the Board of Directors of Horta Hospital, Teresa Ribeiro, and the Mayor of Horta, Carlos Ferreira, amongst other entities and institutional representatives.