Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
July 15, 2026
Applications now open for Azorean companies to participate in Web Summit 2026
The Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government has launched the application period for Azorean companies to participate in the 2026 edition of Web Summit, one of the world’s largest events dedicated to technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to promote the internationalisation of Azorean companies and secure business opportunities in foreign markets by participating in an event that brings together companies, investors, strategic partners and leaders from the technology sector worldwide. Eligible applicants include companies with head offices or permanent establishments in the Autonomous Region of the Azores operating in technology sectors, namely computer programming, the Internet of Things (IoT), games development, augmented reality, e-commerce, industrial software, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Human-to-Machine (H2M) technologies, and Big Data, or in other relevant areas. 15 companies will be selected to represent the Azores at Web Summit 2026, receiving tickets to the event and the opportunity to present their products, services or solutions to potential international clients, partners and investors. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on August 14, 2026, using the online form available at: https://forms.office.com/e/JPjG8qp18F.  For further information, those who are interested may consult Order no.1648/2026 of July 15, 2026, which approves the Rules of the Application for Participation in Web Summit 2026, or contact the Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government of the Azores, the entity managing the application process, via email at [email protected] or by telephone on 295 402 300.

Nota de Imprensa
July 15, 2026
Alonso Miguel highlights waste recovery growth in the Azores and record reduction in landfill disposal
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, highlighted the results achieved by the Autonomous Region of the Azores in urban waste management in 2025, emphasising that the figures now released confirm the consolidation of a strategy based on the principles of the circular economy and resource recovery. According to the 2025 Annual Urban Waste Report, drawn up by the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Climate Action, the Azores produced 153,969 tonnes of urban waste, a marginal increase of just 0.4% compared with the previous year, continuing the trend towards stabilisation in waste production observed in recent years. For Alonso Miguel, these results demonstrate that “the Region has been consolidating a more efficient and sustainable waste management model, which prioritises recovery over disposal, progressively reducing dependence on landfill sites and bringing the Azores closer to European best environmental practices.” The report reveals that 82% of the urban waste produced in 2025 was processed for recovery, specifically 28% for material recovery, 29% for organic recovery and 25% for energy recovery. Conversely, landfill disposal once again saw a significant reduction, accounting for just 18% of the total urban waste produced – a figure well below the interim target of 30% set for 2025 in the Strategic Waste Prevention and Management Programme for the Azores (PEPGRA 20+).  According to the government official, “although most of the islands, including São Miguel, have met the targets set for 2025, and even though we are clear leaders in this indicator at national level, the Region’s overall result nevertheless remains below the 55% target set by European directives and the PEPGRA 20+.” He added that “this result was significantly affected by the rate of preparation for reuse and recycling achieved on Terceira Island, which, despite showing a slight improvement in 2025, rising to 22%, remains far from the established target.” “However, the results achieved on Terceira Island show a positive trend, something that had not been seen in recent years. Given the ongoing efforts to implement projects aimed at improving waste management on the island, through coordinated action among the Regional Government, the Municipal Councils of Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória, and TERAMB, it will certainly be possible to accelerate the growth in the preparation rate for reuse and recycling on the island of Terceira, towards meeting the targets set for 2030,” he stated. The Regional Secretary acknowledged that “significant challenges remain, particularly in terms of waste prevention and the selective collection of bio-waste.” In this regard, he noted that “the report shows that urban waste generation increased by 6% compared with 2019, exceeding the regional prevention target, and the selective collection of bio-waste continues to fall short of the defined targets.” “We are aware that the coming years will be crucial for consolidating the results achieved, and that the selective collection of bio-waste is a strategic priority, as, from 2027 onwards, only bio-waste collected separately will count towards meeting European recycling targets,” he emphasised. Alonso Miguel also reiterated “the Azorean Government’s commitment to continuing to invest in promoting more sustainable behaviour amongst the population, as well as in modernising waste treatment and management infrastructure, following an investment of about €10 million over the last three years in the refurbishment, modernisation and outfitting of regional Waste Processing Centres.” “The 2025 results show that the Azores are on the right track. We will continue to work to stabilise waste production, increase recycling and the recovery of materials, and accelerate the transition to a truly circular economy – one that is more efficient in the use of resources and more sustainable for future generations,” he concluded. The 2025 Annual Report on Municipal Waste is available for consultation on the Regional Government’s website via the following link: https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/draac/residuos-srir-relatorios.

Nota de Imprensa
July 14, 2026
Vice-Presidency co-organises event dedicated to innovation and raising awareness of I3 Instrument
The Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government, through the Regional Directorate for Science, Innovation and Development (DRCID), is organising, in partnership with the I3 Support Facility, an event to raise awareness of the I3 Instrument in the Autonomous Region of the Azores at the Terceira Island Science and Technology Park on July 16. This event aims to raise awareness of the Interregional Innovation Investment Instrument (I3) – a European Commission programme funded through ERDF – amongst members of the Regional Research Community, as well as to increase the participation of regional public and private entities in this type of funding. The initiative will include a round-table discussion with regional partners from projects approved under the i3 Instrument: i3-4-BlueGrowth, promoting innovation and investment in the blue economy; i3-4-Biofertilizers, which supports the development of biofertiliser solutions and the circular bioeconomy; and EVEN-CLOSER, promoting the creation of a European value chain for the recovery and reuse of critical raw materials. This will be followed by a session dedicated to the open calls under the I3 Instrument, as well as presentations on best practices for preparing successful applications and boosting the investment capacity of SMEs in an inter-regional context.  The opening session will be chaired by the Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima. The event falls within the Regional Government’s strategy to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem, enabling stakeholders within the Regional Research and Innovation Community to enhance their participation in inter-regional cooperation programmes and join European value chains. For the Vice-President of the Regional Government, this event “demonstrates that the Azores already have a proven track record in the field of European innovation.” Similarly, “it demonstrates that there is growth potential that must be harnessed and supported,” he emphasised. In this context, “it is important to build on the initiative developed in the Region and promote its growth potential. This event has been organised precisely for that purpose,” emphasised Artur Lima. The I3 Support Facility aims to foster collaboration among European regions by strengthening their innovation ecosystems and promoting inter-regional investment.

Nota de Imprensa
July 14, 2026
Family Allowance Supplement for first half of 2026 already paid
The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Institute for Social Security of the Azores (ISSA), began today the payment of the Azorean Family Allowance Supplement for Children and Young People (CAAF) for the first half of 2026. Bank transfers have already been processed, whilst payments by postal order will be available at CTT Post Offices on 17 July, one week earlier than the usual schedule. This payment covers 29,317 beneficiaries and amounts to €1,602,921.21, thereby boosting support for Azorean families with children and young people in their care. It is important to note that, since 2021, the amount invested in CAAF has increased by 47%, and that, also since 2021, around €15.3 million has been invested in this support measure under PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition governments. CAAF is granted every six months and processed twice a year. It is an important social policy measure that takes the form of a financial supplement paid to Family Allowance recipients residing in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Although children and young people are the beneficiaries, the payment is made to their parents, legal guardians or institutional guardians. 

Nota de Imprensa
July 14, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Azores’ new geostrategic importance in Atlantic security and defence
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, defended today in Lisbon that the current international situation reinforces the archipelago’s geostrategic importance and creates an “opportunity to establish the Azores” as a “strategic platform for Portugal, the European Union and NATO,” where security, defence, innovation and development go hand in hand. The head of the Azorean Government participated in the seminar "The New Centrality of the Azores: A Strategic-Military Perspective," an initiative organised by the Military University Institute, delivering a presentation on "Relations with security and defence systems in the Autonomous Region of the Azores." José Manuel Bolieiro addressed the growing importance of the North Atlantic against the backdrop of the reshaping of the international security architecture, marked by ongoing conflicts and the need to protect critical infrastructure, logistics chains, maritime routes, energy flows and digital communications. “The Azores are no longer perceived as a peripheral region but are now recognised as a key hub in the Atlantic, essential to the security and resilience of Europe and the transatlantic community,” he stated. The President of the Regional Government emphasised that the archipelago’s geographical position – located at the crossroads of the main maritime and air routes between Europe, America and Africa – combined with its vast maritime area and growing role in the space sector, confers on the Azores a “strategic importance” that is unrivalled within Portugal. In this context, he highlighted the Region’s increased responsibility for monitoring a sub-area within the Exclusive Economic Zone covering approximately one million square kilometres, for protecting the submarine cables that carry a significant proportion of transatlantic communications, and for safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure. Accordingly, José Manuel Bolieiro advocated a strategy based on the development of dual-use capabilities, channelling investment in security and defence towards the protection of the territory, the blue economy, technological innovation and the creation of skilled jobs. "We want to position the Azores as a strategic platform for Portugal, bringing together defence, innovation, resilience and economic development, and turning our geographical location into a competitive asset for the Region and the country," he maintained. The President of the Government also highlighted the role of infrastructure such as the Lajes Air Base on Terceira Island, the NATO pier in Ponta Delgada, the future Horta Technology Free Zone and the Santa Maria spaceport, noting that these capabilities bolster the Azores’ capacity to support security and defence operations, develop cutting-edge technology and consolidate the Region’s position in the maritime and space sectors. José Manuel Bolieiro also called for the tightening of maritime surveillance, the protection of critical infrastructure and situational awareness of the maritime domain. He also advocated closer cooperation among the Region, the National Government, NATO and the European Union, striking a balance that reconciles sovereignty, security, sustainability and development. "Our geographical position should lead to greater security, greater resilience and a brighter future. We want the Azores to be recognised as a leading hub for dual-use capabilities and a benchmark for policies bringing together maritime security, technological innovation, a sustainable blue economy and territorial cohesion," he concluded.

Nota de Imprensa
July 13, 2026
Azorean wine sector sets new records for brands and wine certification, says António Ventura
During a visit to the Oenology Laboratory, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, accompanied by the President of the Azores Vine and Wine Institute (IVVA), Cláudio Lopes, emphasised that “the Azorean wine sector continues to establish itself as one of the most dynamic agrifood sectors in the Region. It has shown sustained growth underpinned by the enhancement of production, the technical skills of industry stakeholders and investment in innovation and research.” The latest figures from the Azores Vine and Wine Institute (IVVA), dated July 6, 2026, reveal a very significant improvement in the sector’s key indicators. As of today, 104 trade marks and 192 commercial references have been registered – the highest figures ever recorded – reflecting the growing confidence of producers and businesses in the potential of the Azorean wine industry. At the same time, there are 35 certified economic operators, spread across five islands of the Region. There has also been a very positive trend in wine certification. In just five certification tastings held this year, 125 candidate wines have already been submitted, amounting to around 471,000 litres, with approximately 432,000 litres achieving certification, showcasing the growing quality of wines produced in the Azores. The area of vineyard approved for the production of PDO- and PGI-certified wines is another indicator of the sector’s strong expansion. Between 2016 and 2026, it increased from around 216 hectares to over 1,200 hectares, highlighting ongoing investment in the recovery and planting of new vineyards, as well as in the promotion of traditional Azorean grape varieties. This growth has been accompanied by strengthened technical and scientific capacity at the Regional Oenology Laboratory, whose activities have seen a significant growth over the last decade. The number of physico-chemical tests conducted has risen from around 2,180 in 2016 to over 5,200 in 2025, keeping pace with the development of regional production and ensuring an increasingly high-quality technical support service for winegrowers and producers. At the same time, the Laboratory continues to play a key role in applied research. As part of the partnership with the Azores Biotechnology Centre, aimed at the phytosanitary improvement of traditional grape varieties such as Verdelho, Terrantez do Pico and Arinto dos Açores, around 3,700 certified plants are now available and will be delivered to the IVVA for subsequent distribution to winegrowers. There are also plans to launch a new line of research dedicated to the certification of rootstocks for traditional Azorean grape varieties, thus strengthening the sustainability and competitiveness of the regional wine industry. Training and knowledge transfer also continue to play a central role in the sector’s development strategy. Between 2015 and 2024, dozens of awareness-raising activities, specialised training courses, workshops and technical and scientific dissemination initiatives were organised for producers, technical staff, students and the general public, contributing to the ongoing improvement of winemaking practices and the promotion of Azorean wines. These initiatives involved more than 700 participants, serving as an important tool for capacity-building within the sector. The progress made over recent years confirms that the Azorean wine industry is experiencing a period of consistent growth, underpinned by the promotion of certified wines, technological innovation, scientific research and the strengthening of the skills of its economic stakeholders, thereby creating the conditions to boost the competitiveness and recognition of Azorean wines in national and international markets. According to the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, “the Regional Oenology Laboratory is now a leading scientific facility for the development of the Azorean wine industry.” He continued: “The significant increase in its activity demonstrates the confidence of producers and the importance of this public service in ensuring the quality, safety and promotion of Azores wines.” "Scientific knowledge, innovation and technology transfer will continue to be fundamental pillars of the Azorean Government’s strategy for this sector, bringing research closer to the practical needs of regional winegrowers and wineries,” concluded António Ventura.

Nota de Imprensa
July 13, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro welcomed Premier of Bermuda and strengthened ties with Azorean diaspora
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, welcomed the Premier of Bermuda, David Burt, in an audience held at the Sant’Ana Palace in Ponta Delgada, where institutional relations between the Azores and Bermuda were strengthened, and the role of the Azorean community in that territory was highlighted. José Manuel Bolieiro stressed the prestige of the Azorean diaspora in Bermuda, emphasising its contribution, over generations, to the economic, social and cultural development of that archipelago, whilst also serving as an important link between both territories. “The prestige of our diaspora is a source of pride for the Azores. The Azorean community in Bermuda has made its mark through hard work, dedication and the ability to preserve its identity, thereby strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between our peoples,” emphasised the President of the Government. The Bermuda delegation's visit is also part of a working program that includes a meeting focused on the Azorean community in Bermuda, a presentation of the Blue Azores Programme, as well as visits to the University of the Azores, the NONAGON Science and Technology Park and the Azorean Emigration Museum. José Manuel Bolieiro reiterated the importance of deepening institutional cooperation in areas of common interest, strengthening relations built on historical ties, promoting the diaspora, and sharing knowledge and best practices.

Nota de Imprensa
July 13, 2026
Regional Government boosts investment in Junior and Cadet Fire Schools with an unprecedented training programme for instructors in the Region
The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA), organised a Training Course for Instructors of Junior and Cadet Fire School (EIC) in partnership with the National Fire Service School (ENB), which is being held for the first time in the Azores. The training took place between 9 and 11 at the headquarters of the Ribeira Grande Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters on the island of São Miguel. It was conducted by ENB instructors and attended by 17 trainees, including a member of SRPCBA and members of various regional fire departments. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, who is responsible for Civil Protection in the Azores, Alonso Miguel, observed the proceedings this Friday, stating that “the course is intended to strengthen the educational, technical and civic skills of those responsible for supervising the children and young people attending these schools.” The government official emphasised that this training programme “marks an important milestone in the consolidation of Junior and Cadet Fire Schools in the Azores, boosting the fire services’ ability to carry out structured, safe and educationally appropriate work with younger generations.” During the visit, Alonso Miguel, who was accompanied by the President of SRPCBA, Rui Andrade, emphasised that this training represents “another significant contribution to the strategy for consolidating and expanding Junior and Cadet Fire Schools, at a time when the project is experiencing a strong growth.” “In 2023, there were seven active Junior and Cadet Schools and 167 children and young people enrolled. Currently, the Region has 11 active schools and 304 participants. This means that there has been a very significant increase in less than three years – over 57% in the number of schools and 82% in the number of enrolments,” he said. For the Regional Secretary, this development demonstrates that “the Azorean Government’s commitment to Junior and Cadet Schools is yielding tangible results, bringing children and young people closer to the fire service, civil protection and volunteering.” Alonso Miguel pointed out that the Regional Government had approved the Regulations on Support for the Establishment and Promotion of Junior and Cadet Fire Schools, “a pioneering and innovative instrument at a national level.” It provides, amongst other measures, for an annual allocation of €40 per Junior or Cadet, intended to cover the cost of uniforms, and an annual grant of €300 per school to support the implementation of its activities programme. “This support measure has created better conditions for the opening, operation and development of these schools. We intend to continue consolidating and expanding this project, ensuring greater participation, better training and an ever-stronger link between fire services and the communities they serve,” he said. According to the government official, “the support for these schools has been achieved in close collaboration with the Azores Fire Federation and regional humanitarian associations of volunteer firefighters, as part of a joint effort aimed at consolidating, revitalising and expanding the project throughout the Region.” The Regional Secretary added that “the Junior and Cadet Fire Schools play a key role in promoting the values of citizenship, civil protection and community service. They are strategic in bringing children and young people closer to the fire service and in contributing to the future renewal and sustainability of this activity.” “Investing in Junior and Cadet Fire Schools is investing in the future of firefighters and the future of the regional civil protection system, as well as in the dissemination of values such as discipline, responsibility, team spirit, solidarity and a desire to serve,” he emphasised. Junior and Cadet Fire Schools are aimed at two age groups: juniors, aged between 6 and 13, whose training focuses on civic values, first aid and the basics of civil protection; and cadets, aged between 14 and 16, who are taught more advanced content, including subjects related to firefighting, rescue and other operational activities.  There are currently 11 Junior and Cadet Fire Schools in the Azores, namely within the fire departments of Santa Maria, Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, Vila Franca do Campo, Povoação, Nordeste, Praia da Vitória, Calheta, São Roque do Pico, Faial and Santa Cruz das Flores. Alonso Miguel also thanked the National Fire Service School “for the willingness shown in providing this training, the SRPCBA for its initiative and commitment to driving the project forward, and trainees for their participation in the course and, above all, for the work carried out in operating the Junior and Cadet Fire Schools across the Region.” The government official concluded by calling on families “to encourage children and young people to learn about and join the Junior and Cadet Schools,” pointing out that “civil protection is also built through education, close ties and the involvement of younger generations.”