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Nota de Imprensa
September 18, 2025
Lajes International Conference kicks off with José Manuel Bolieiro defending the Azores as "laboratory for the future"
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening session of the Lajes International Conference – “Azores, from the Ocean to Space” in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, as part of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD). The ceremony featured speeches by the Mayor of Praia da Vitória, Vânia Ferreira, the President of FLAD, Nuno Morais Sarmento, and the President of the Regional Government, before an audience comprising institutional representatives, diplomats, academics, and national and international guests. The President of the Government took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of FLAD in bringing Portugal and the United States closer, congratulating the institution on its various initiatives and its “ability to creatively materialise the friendship between two peoples destined to share the Atlantic.” José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the geostrategic role of the Azores, recalling that the creation of FLAD stemmed from an “understanding of universal geopolitics and geostrategy,” in which the archipelago has always played a key role. "The sea and space connect us; they are our safe passage to the world, to America, to development, to the future. There is more and more of America in the Azores, and we want there to be more and more of the Azores and Portugal in America," he stressed. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the "opportunities" arising from scientific and technological cooperation, energy and digital transition, and sustainable mobility, mentioning, in particular, the strengthening of Atlantic digital connections with the installation of new submarine cables, such as those from Google (“Cloud” and "Sun") and the new CAM Ring system. He added: “The Azores are crucial for digital connections in the North Atlantic. We account for 56% of Portugal's sea and are, therefore, a decisive territory in terms of the competitiveness and growth of the European Union.” Pointing to the current international context of instability, José Manuel Bolieiro advocated strengthening Euro-Atlantic cooperation and reiterated the Azores’ ambition to become a “laboratory of the future” for global transitions. “In the Azores, we are committed to leading by example, with environmental, cultural, social and economic sustainability. We want to contribute to peace, security and prosperity in Western liberal democracies,” he stressed. The president of the Government also set the challenge for the Lajes International Conference to become a regular event, as a forum for debate and international projection of the Azores. The session continued with the inaugural conference, delivered by Paulo Portas, former Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister of National Defence and Foreign Affairs. The guest speaker presented a strategic reflection on the evolution of Euro-Atlantic security structure from the post-Cold War period to contemporary challenges, highlighting the role of the Atlantic Alliance, of which Portugal is a founding member, and the importance of the relations between the United States and Europe in preserving international peace and stability. The opening session and inaugural conference marked the beginning of a two-day event bringing together academics, experts and policy makers to reflect on the role of the Azores in transatlantic cooperation, science, defence, economic development and the international projection of the Region. Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government

Intervenção
September 18, 2025
Speech by the President of the Government
Full text of the speech delivered today, in Praia da Vitória, by the President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, at the opening session of the International Conference "Azores, from the Ocean to Space." “The first remark that should be made at the beginning of this international conference, to be held in the city of Paria da Vitória, Terceira Island, in the Azores, and part of the various events celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), is to congratulate the President of FLAD, Dr. Nuno Morais Sarmento, on the achievements of his administration. Congratulations on the diversity of events and locations where they are promoted. FLAD creatively embodies the friendship between two people destined to share the Atlantic Ocean. A sea that brings together the Azores, Portugal, and the United States of America. Mr President of FLAD, I would like to state that the Government of the Azores recognises the vision you demonstrate in managing the Luso-American Development Foundation, promoting the Azores. We look forward to the continuation and even strengthening of this path. The creation of this Foundation stems from the deepening of diplomatic relations between Portugal and the United States, based on an understanding of universal geopolitics and geostrategy. At the heart of these deepening relations, as it has always been throughout history, lies the archipelago of the Azores. Established under the Cooperation and Defence Agreement between Portugal and the United States, which has always had and continues to have as its main purpose the use of infrastructure and equipment in the Azores by the American Armed Forces, FLAD has been playing an important role in the relations between Portugal and the United States, also with a focus on the Azores. This is evidenced by the various initiatives and programmes that the Foundation has promoted in cultural, academic and scientific exchange, strengthening the ties between the two countries. There is room for deepening the relations between Portugal and the United States and improving the instruments of these relations, such as the Cooperation and Defence Agreement. The Azores are instrumental in achieving the best results. FLAD is also one of those instruments. I see in its President, Dr Nuno Morais Sarmento, a creative drive that has found the most receptive audience in the Government of the Azores. I reiterate my determination: this momentum must continue! Working with our emigrant communities in the United States and with any American institutions willing to share knowledge with the Azores is a priority.   However, we can and must also take advantage of the fact that we are a region of the European Union and, as such, assert our commitment to contributing to the strengthening of relations within the large regional bloc that borders the North Atlantic. The moment we are experiencing in the international system, with the inevitable reorganisation of its order, which is now disorder, recommends that we take action with unparalleled foresight in defence of the values established in current international law.    The political culture shared by Europe and North America in this regard confers responsibilities on both. There are challenges to overcome in our relations with the United States of America. We want to value it always and, even, deepen it all the time. We want to counteract the geographical distance while recognising our proximity. We intend to counteract our small land area by recognising our territorial size, including our maritime and spatial dimensions. The sea and space connect us; they are our safe route to the world, to America, to development, to the future. We want to highlight the opportunities that are available to us there. In scientific and technological cooperation in the Atlantic. In cooperation for efficient and effective mastery of the emerging climate, energy and digital transitions. In mobility and sustainable tourism. An ever-growing number of American entrepreneurs are investing in the Azores. Tourist demand for our islands from U.S. citizens has been growing stronger with each passing year. There is more and more America in the Azores. It is no longer just the Azores and Portugal in America. There is also more America in the Azores and Portugal. The Cooperation and Defence Agreement between Portugal and the United States had and has its historical context. We have no doubts in our conclusions. It served and serves the interests of the United States. It served and serves the interests of Portugal. It served and serves the interests of NATO. It must continue to serve, as it has done in the past, the interests of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the Azoreans.    We are currently experiencing a particularly unstable period in the post-World War II international system.   Therefore, we are in a period conducive to reflecting on the reconstruction of the idea of security and defence in the Atlantic. We are well aware that the Luso-American Agreement is one of its main elements. This is a matter that must first be the subject of political understanding in the Azores and Portugal, and between us and the United States of America, our ally. The XIV Government of the Azores, the second regional government I have presided over, has focused on economic and social development in the Region as a key factor in improving national, European and global recognition of the Azores. The Azores, with their nine islands, their vast sea and their vast area, are increasingly valuable as an opportunity for fruitful Euro-American understanding on the major issues that affect peace, security and defence in the West, and on opportunities for competitive prosperity in the world for Western liberal democracies and market economies around the globe. In the Azores, we value the sea as a key factor in our economic competitiveness and growth, as well as in other areas such as the environment, health, security and defence, research and innovation. The sea is our greatest treasure. We are a significant presence here, accounting for 56% of Portugal's maritime territory, which is substantial within the European Union. In the Azores, we recognise that this is a time of transition, causes, and goals. Everyone can contribute to future peace, security and defence, as well as to the prosperity of future economies. We understand that we can even serve as a laboratory for the future in these emerging transitions. We are strongly committed to leading by example in possible and useful anticipations of the future for local and global sustainability at the environmental, cultural, social and economic levels. With competitiveness and growth, security and defence, but also with social and territorial cohesion. In fact, all areas are interconnected and serve as logical causes and effects of one another. In this regard, I would like to reiterate my appreciation for the programme and agenda of this conference. They were so well chosen and featured such brilliant and prestigious speakers, who honoured and dignified the Azores with their presence. I am very grateful for their participation, which significantly enhanced the quality of this international conference compared to any forum organised elsewhere. Events of this kind and magnitude bring prestige and ensure global recognition for the Azores. This makes us proud.   The Azores have proven to be a geographical, political and regional market with special and growing attractiveness for general investment, particularly in high technology. The Azores are crucial for digital connections in the North Atlantic and are strengthening their infrastructure with the arrival of new submarine cables such as Google's "Nuvem" and "Sol," which will connect North America to Europe via the Azores. Simultaneously, a new CAM ring cable will replace the current system, increasing the capacity and resilience of the network connecting Mainland Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira. All in “smart cable” mode with sensors for various data collection purposes. “Azores, from the Ocean to Space” summarises the identity of the archipelago, which, despite its rich history, still looks to the future with hope. We aspire to recognition that the economic and social development of the Azores is part of the goal of a stronger understanding of partnership in the Atlantic. For this, we first need to rely on the Portuguese Government. We are aware that the Portuguese Government upholds its constitutional powers concerning matters of state sovereignty across the entire national territory. However, the Region does not shirk its responsibilities, including those under the Constitution. One of these responsibilities is to ensure that the principle of subsidiarity is upheld in the relations between the State and the Portuguese Autonomous Regions. I would also add the principle of territorial continuity to this equation. Only this principle can ensure the full integration of citizens of a State, separated by an insurmountable geographical discontinuity, into structuring national policies. These policies stem from constitutional rights. This is the political interaction that must exist in the application of the principles of subsidiarity and territorial continuity that we value in our State's foreign policy options, which are the responsibility of sovereign bodies. Without understanding what Portugal's construction in the Autonomous Regions should actually be, and without respect for the actions of its own governing bodies, it is impossible to create the conditions for establishing a security policy in the most sensitive part of the national territory in this regard, which is the Azores. The European Union and NATO are naturally essential to the development and consolidation of a strategy for the Atlantic, as are the States that are members of these organisations. On our side, we aspire to make the transition from being a region that merely needs support for its development to converge with the European average, to a region that, in addition to its needs, is also a region of opportunities, progress and modernisation. This should be beneficial not only for its people and territory, but also for its country, for the European Union to which it belongs, and for the transatlantic relations it promotes with the United States, which recognises the potential it offers in these contexts.   The experience acquired by FLAD over its forty years of existence, and the associated institutional credibility, will enable us, together with the Azorean Government, to do more in building Euro-American relations, for the benefit of the States involved and, above all, their peoples. I am pleased with the involvement of the Azorean Government in the events celebrating FLAD's 40th anniversary. I assure the President of FLAD that he can continue to count on us for the celebratory events, but also for all other creative events that may be promoted. I wish FLAD every success, and I hope that this International Conference in Lajes will become a regular event, serving as a forum for discussion of the matters that concern the Foundation. Thank you."

Nota de Imprensa
September 18, 2025
Public tender launched for refurbishment of Solar da Glória into elderly care facility
The Soares de Sousa Home launched today the public tender for the Refurbishment of Solar da Glória into a Residential Structure for the Elderly (ERPI), in the parish of Livramento, municipality of Ponta Delgada. The tender was published in the Official Journal.  The base price is set at €994,000 plus VAT, with an overall investment of €1.6 million, financed by the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Regional Directorate for Social Solidarity, with funds from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). This investment aims to refurbish the Solar da Glória building to create a Residential Structure for the Elderly (ERPI) that meets the necessary standards for its effective operation. The project will enhance the well-being and quality of life for its residents, prioritising the principles of humanisation, respect for privacy, and individuality. The intervention will provide capacity for 20 users at this ERPI, and the works contract will have a completion period of 240 days. “With this initiative, the Regional Government intends to continue implementing high-quality social responses and support for all Azorean citizens,” stressed Mónica Seidi, Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security.

Nota de Imprensa
September 18, 2025
António Ventura presents agricultural reality of the Azores to the Canary Islands government official
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, received the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Government of the Canary Islands, Eduardo Cabello, in Horta on Wednesday. This is a strategic visit, during which the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Canary Islands has had the opportunity to learn about the regional agricultural reality. These working days are intended to establish protocols and technical training exchanges on various agricultural topics, namely diversified production in tropical and subtropical fruit growing, plant health, the control of new diseases arising from climate change, and the implementation of experimental fields for new food crops. "This is an opportunity for the Autonomous Region of the Azores to boost competitiveness and innovation in the agricultural sector and strengthen cooperation among the outermost regions," stressed António Ventura. It was agreed to tackle attempts to reduce CAP funding and to seek the maintenance of the POSEI programme on an individual basis, with a request for an increase in its budget, in accordance with Article 349 of the Treaty on European Union. “It is crucial to bring agricultural trade between the two regions closer, taking into account the complementary food products that each can provide. The Azorean economy is beginning to explore new areas, promoting its regional and global capacity with confidence, anticipating new fundamental and strategic opportunities,” continued António Ventura. The delegation from the Canary Islands began its visit on Wednesday. It will continue until Saturday, covering Faial, Pico and São Miguel, with a wide-ranging and intensive programme covering various aspects of the agricultural sector.

Comunicado
September 18, 2025
Communiqué from the Council of the Government
The Council of the Government, which met on September 17, 2025, in Ponta Delgada, decided to adopt the following measures: 1. Approve the Resolution granting support to private and cooperative educational establishments providing middle school, junior high school and secondary education for the purchase of digital textbooks. Under the RRP, the Regional Government considered investment in digital education to be strategic, with a view to ensuring access to the information society, promoting equal opportunities and bringing about significant improvements in learning resources, aligned with the European Union's Digital Education Action Plan. In this context, the process begun in 2023 to modernise technological resources in schools is still ongoing, through the acquisition of computer equipment, specialised equipment and laboratory equipment for use by students and teachers, as well as the creation of innovative teaching environments. This is linked to the essential installation or restructuring of Internet and wireless networks, increasing connectivity, as well as the acquisition and creation of digital educational resources aimed at the progressive dematerialisation of school textbooks. This justifies the continued granting of support to private and cooperative educational establishments that offer middle school, junior high school, and secondary education, specifically for the acquisition of digital textbooks through the establishment of an incentive system. For the above, the amount of €350,000.00 is set as the overall budget ceiling for the financial support to be granted. 2. Approve the Resolution amending the rules on the allocation of subsidies to passengers residing in the Autonomous Region of the Azores for inter-island air travel – “Azores Fare."   In 2025, the Azoreans are firmly committed to this measure, which is fulfilling its purpose of promoting greater movement of people and goods between the islands, giving rise to a renewed economic and social dynamics in the Region. The significant uptake of the “Azores Fare” by Azoreans entails increased expenditure on subsidies for passengers residing in the Region. The recently approved amendment to the regulation on the allocation of aid to passengers residing in the Region for inter-island air travel provides a framework for this increase in expenditure to guarantee the allocation of aid for the remaining months of 2025. With the approval of this Resolution, the amount of the so-called "Azores Fare" is increased by €4,500,000.00, totalling €13,500,000.00 in 2025. Furthermore, eligibility control mechanisms are being refined to ensure that the subsidy is granted exclusively to residents of the Region, in accordance with the “Azores Fare” Rules. 3. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree governing the Legal Framework for Support to the Social Welfare System in the Region.   The implementation of a fair and equitable social welfare system, respecting the principle of solidarity, requires complementarity between the various actors pursuing goals in this area. It is important to encourage private initiative in social welfare by granting financial support, in addition to that allocated within the framework of cooperation established with the solidarity and social sector, as well as expanding and harnessing the existing and potential resources to achieve these same goals, notwithstanding the implementation of support programmes aimed at individuals. Regional Legislative Decree No. 8/2025/A provides a framework for implementing this type of support, establishing a guiding basis for pursuing these goals. It is now necessary to create the mechanisms that enable its implementation, through the respective regulations, in compliance with the principles of transparency and the pursuit of the public interest, and with a view to ensuring greater effectiveness and control of the support granted. 4. Approve the Resolution authorising the transfer of the amount of €1,455,394.36 to IFAP, I.P., for the payment of expenses incurred with the application of Community regulations under the EAFRD (Intervention E.10 – Agri-environmental and Climate Measures), corresponding to the Region's contribution.

Nota de Imprensa
September 18, 2025
Berta Cabral highlights role of Azorean entrepreneurs and foreign investors in developing tourism sector
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures highlighted this week, on Terceira Island, the importance of new national and international chains and brands entering the Region, alongside Azorean entrepreneurs, in the development of the tourism sector.  Berta Cabral spoke in Angra do Heroísmo at the opening of Torel Terra Brava. This five-star boutique hotel is housed in the former Zenite Boutique Hotel & Spa building, which has been completely refurbished and reclassified as a five-star establishment. The new hotel has been installed in an 18th-century manor house and features 44 rooms and suites, named after natural elements such as "Volcano," "Lava," "Blackbird," "Seagull," "Bottlenose Dolphin," and "Atlantic." “Private initiative in the Azores is crucial for the development of tourism, because it holds value. Nevertheless, external investors are also essential for a sector that is increasingly consolidating itself as a driving force for the regional economy, given that they already have extensive distribution chains that project the Azores as a destination abroad,” she emphasised. Reaffirming that tourism in the Azores has grown sustainably and steadily, Berta Cabral recalled that "tourism revenue in the Azores is growing faster than the number of overnight stays, which is a positive sign of the destination's importance." In 2024, the Azores recorded more than 4.2 million overnight stays, a 27.6%increase compared to 2022, while hotel revenues exceeded €200 million, representing a 46% growth.  In 2023, overnight stays grew by 15.8%, while revenue increased by 24.8%, confirming the trend that the destination is generating more value per visitor. The Regional Secretary for Tourism highlighted that this performance reflects more sustainable and higher-quality tourism, with greater capacity to generate wealth, employment and investment for the Region. Berta Cabral also emphasised that “the Azores are a true international case study in terms of sustainable tourism growth due to the stable path pursued by the Azores Government.”    She added: “A tangible example is the fact that we are the first and only archipelago in the world certified with gold status.” In 2024, the Azores officially became a Gold Certified Sustainable Tourism Destination, according to EarthCheck criteria.    EarthCheck is one of the world's most prestigious certification bodies for sustainable tourism. The Gold level now achieved acknowledges the Region's ongoing commitment to environmental preservation, local community involvement, and the promotion of sustainable best practices in the tourism sector. This process involved public entities, companies, associations, and citizens in a collaborative effort that reinforces the image of the Azores as a destination of excellence and environmental responsibility.

Nota de Imprensa
September 17, 2025
6th Labour Law Days – Azores on October 10 in Ponta Delgada
The Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment (DRQPE), is promoting and organising the 6th Azores Labour Law Days on October 10, 2025, at the Main Hall of the Teatro Micaelense in Ponta Delgada. "New models for organising working hours - 4-day week: Implications" is the theme of this legal reflection initiative, divided into three panels, which will present and discuss topics such as "Public Administration and Work Organisation," "Comparative Models and Future Prospects," and "Hours, Labour Rights and Worker Representation." Speakers include renowned experts from the national and international legal and labour sectors, as well as well-known university professors, namely: José João Abrantes, President of the Constitutional Court; Ana Celeste Carvalho, Judge Counsellor of the Supreme Administrative Court; Pedro Gomes, Professor at the Birkbeck Business School, Birkbeck University of London; Miguel Lucas Pires, Assistant Professor at the University of Aveiro; Luís Gonçalves da Silva, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Lisbon; Rita Fontinha, Associate Professor at the Henley Business School, University of Reading; Maria Regina Redinha, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Porto; João Carlos Simões Reis, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Coimbra; João Zenha Martins, Associate Professor at Nova School of Law, Universidade Nova de Lisboa. The scientific committee of the 6th Labour Law Days - Azores includes university professors José Noronha Rodrigues, University of the Azores; João Zenha Martins, Nova School of Law; Maria Regina Redinha, University of Porto; João Carlos Reis, University of Coimbra; Luis Gonçalves da Silva, University of Lisbon; and Miguel Lucas Pires, University of Aveiro. The event begins at 9 a.m. The programme is available for consultation on the website emprego.azores.gov.pt and on the DRQPE's Facebook page "Vocational Training and Employment in the Azores." Participation is free and open to the general public. Those interested should register by October 8 using the electronic form available at https://forms.office.com/e/B2Y50YBrjT for this purpose.  The event will also be broadcast live via streaming on the Justiça TV online platform, available at https://www.justicatv.com/site/directo.php?id=1855, as well as on the DRQPE's Facebook page. For further information and clarification, interested parties should contact the DRQPE's Labour Services Department by email at [email protected].

Nota de Imprensa
September 17, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro stresses importance of "dialogue" and advocates "stability" to secure 2026 Budget
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, concluded this Tuesday the round of hearings with political parties and social partners at the Sant'Ana Palace on the preparation of the Draft Regional Plan and Budget for 2026. Over the course of two days, the head of the Azorean Government, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, conducted meetings with the political forces holding parliamentary seats as well as a wide range of entities representing civil society, including unions, economic associations and social solidarity institutions. The President of the Government expressed his satisfaction with the contributions received and highlighted the atmosphere of responsibility that marked the meetings. "These hearings revealed democratic maturity and demonstrated that, above political and institutional differences, there is a shared commitment to the future of the Azores," he said. The President of the Government emphasised that the Regional Plan and Budget for 2026 encompasses a strategic dimension, based on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, which ends on August 31, 2026, and the full use of funds from the Azores 2030 programme. Together, these instruments represent more than €600 million in investment, aimed at boosting the economy and creating better living conditions for the Azorean population. While keeping budgetary discipline in mind, José Manuel Bolieiro assured that the Region will continue to meet the Maastricht criteria, ensuring a deficit of less than 3% and public debt below 60% of Gross Domestic Product. "We will not make this budget a document of austerity. Rather, it will be a moment to consolidate the social rights already acquired and strengthen confidence in the Region's public finances," he stressed. José Manuel Bolieiro also called for political responsibility. He concluded: “Stability is essential if the Azores are not to waste this unique opportunity. We need a budget that allows us to carry out the planned investments and respond to the challenges facing our society.” The Draft Regional Plan and Budget for 2026 will be analysed by the Council of the Government on September 29, before being submitted to the social partners and island councils.