Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
September 15, 2025
Nota à imprensa
A Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas informa que esta tarde a Direção Regional das Obras Públicas recebeu uma notificação da existência de uma derrocada no caminho de acesso à Ferraria, com uma solicitação de apoio para desobstrução da via. Tomando conhecimento da ocorrência, a Direção Regional das Obras Públicas acionou, de pronto, meios de apoio e intervenção, no sentido de avaliar o sucedido, desenvolver os necessários trabalhos de desobstrução da via e maximizar as condições de circulação, de modo a permitir a saída dos veículos retidos no parque de estacionamento. Foram mobilizadas diferentes máquinas e equipamentos, incluindo um camião, uma retroescavadora e uma giratória, garantindo a remoção de blocos de rocha e terra, a criação de uma via paralela para circulação e a reposicionamento de blocos "new jersey" para suster eventuais detritos que se possam desprender no local afetado. Face à atual instabilidade do talude e às condições identificadas no terreno, a Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas desaconselha a circulação e a permanência na via, até que sejam repostos os devidos parâmetros de segurança.

Nota de Imprensa
September 15, 2025
Vice-Presidency opens call for five doctoral grants in strategic areas
The Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government, through the Regional Fund for Science and Technology, has launched a call for five doctoral grants in academia, under the PRO-SCIENTIA programme. Announced by Vice-President Artur Lima, this measure represents an investment of over 413,000 Euros. It is aligned with RIS3 Azores – Smart Specialisation Strategy, thereby strengthening the Region's commitment to knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development. “We acknowledge that scientific research is crucial to creating a more resilient and cohesive society that is better prepared for the challenges of the future,” Artur Lima stated, emphasising the importance of this support for young scientists. Among the five grants available, three are for Social Sciences, with a view to deepening the geopolitical and geostrategic understanding of the Autonomous Region of the Azores through the analysis of the social, political and economic dynamics that shape the territory. The remaining two grants are for Medical and Health Sciences, areas deemed essential for improving public health and positioning the Azores as a medical biotechnology innovation hub. "We are investing in areas that have a direct impact on people's lives and the future of the Region: health, to ensure better care for our population, and social sciences, especially geostrategy, to leverage our knowledge about the importance and relevance of our Region for Portugal, Europe and the world," stated the Vice-President. Artur Lima emphasised that the aim is to attract and maintain scientific talent in the Azores. As he noted, "in supporting our researchers, we are valuing knowledge, encouraging innovation and consolidating the Azores as a smart and innovative region in the national and European context." The application period runs from September 15 to October 31, 2025. Interested parties should consult all information on these calls at https://frct.azores.gov.pt/concursos/#abertos and on the submission platform at https://idia.azores.gov.pt/.

Nota de Imprensa
September 15, 2025
Regional Government reinforces commitment to Azores Geopark at 11th International Geoparks Conference
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, attended the 11th UNESCO Global Geoparks Conference (UGGp) last week. This event took place from September 8 to 12 at the Kutralkura UGGp in Temuco, Chile. This biennial meeting is the most important global forum dedicated to UNESCO-recognised Geoparks, bringing together more than 700 participants from 50 countries, including representatives from more than 200 geoparks across five continents. Alonso Miguel pointed out that "the theme of this edition – 'From ancestral knowledge to the Geoparks of the Future: technologies and digital innovation for sustainable development" – brought to the fore the importance of integrating traditional knowledge into new digital tools. It highlighted the role of geoparks as drivers of sustainable development, social innovation and the enhancement of natural and cultural heritage, with emphasis on geological heritage." According to the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, "the unprecedented participation of an Azorean government official in this conference reinforces the commitment and institutional involvement of the Regional Government of the Azores in maintaining this UNESCO recognition for the territory." “It should be noted that, as part of a UNESCO assessment covering the 2017 – 2021 period, the Azores Geopark was awarded a yellow card. This required the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action to take over the presidency of the Azores Geopark Association and strengthen its commitment to obtaining a green card and maintaining this important international status, which was achieved in July 2024. As such, this presence is yet another firm demonstration of the political commitment to consolidating the Azores Geopark as a strategic tool for territorial development, environmental education and community resilience," he said. During the conference, the Azores Geopark was represented in eight presentations, which addressed crucial topics for the sustainable development of the archipelago, with special emphasis on the presentation made by the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, on the theme "Commitment to Resilience: the Strategic Support of the Regional Government of the Azores to the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark." Alonso Miguel highlighted the investments made by the Regional Government in geological risk monitoring and management systems, as well as in instruments and plans for the Region's adaptation to climate change, aligning science, public policies and innovation to improve the resilience of the territory and communities. He also emphasised the importance of the work carried out by the Azores Geopark in building bridges between science and communities. The government official ended his speech by saying that "science, public policy and the community can work together to build a more resilient future." Presentations were also given on stakeholder training, including teachers, nature guides and tourism professionals, highlighting courses, workshops and international cooperation projects that have contributed to the training of local agents, developed by the Azores Geopark. Education on seismic and volcanic risk was also highlighted as a priority for a Region with active geological systems. Geoconservation was another prominent topic. The Azores Geopark presented the results of its inventory, monitoring and management work on the 122 geosites identified in the archipelago. This was accomplished using geographic information systems and digital tools to align usage with the conservation of natural resources. In addition to the technical sessions, the Azores Geopark participated in several cultural and promotional initiatives. The film ‘The Energy of the Earth at the Azores UGGp,’ produced as part of the TerraAzores project, was entered into the Global Geopark Film Festival competition. The Azores also participated in the international initiative "Weaving the Future" with "Pummice," a piece crafted at the Casa de Trabalho do Nordeste (craft production unit) by artisans Fátima Cabral and Maria da Conceição Menezes, symbolising the link between local identity and the geological heritage of the territory. The book "Local Stories of Our Volcanoes," published by the Volcanic Geoparks Working Group of the European UGGp Network, coordinated by João Carlos Nunes, was also presented at the event. This work brings together legends and traditional tales associated with volcanism in various geoparks, including the Legend of Sete Cidades. It is an innovative resource designed to promote scientific knowledge among children and young people. The Azores also took part in the Global Geopark Fair, an international Geoparks fair held in parallel with the conference, sharing a stand with the Portuguese Geoparks Network. This space was an opportunity for the public to learn about the richness of national geodiversity and the good geoconservation practices developed in Portugal, promoting international cooperation and the exchange of experiences. During the meeting, the General Assembly of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) was also held, a moment of paramount importance for defining the strategic lines of action of this organisation. Among the deliberations, the election of Portuguese geologist Artur Sá, the Scientific Coordinator of the Arouca Geopark, as President of the GGN Executive Council was a highlight, putting Portugal at the forefront of the international geoparks scene. The entry of the Algarvensis Geopark into the Global Geoparks Network was also made official, bringing the number of Portuguese geoparks belonging to this organisation to seven. The Azores' involvement in this global conference was crucial in establishing our archipelago as a hub of science, culture, and innovation. It highlighted our role as a living laboratory of geodiversity and showcased the positive impact of the Azores Geopark on the conservation of geological heritage, environmental education, and the resilience of our communities," emphasised Alonso Miguel. “The Regional Government is deeply committed to supporting these and other initiatives aimed at promoting scientific literacy, territorial development and sustainability, and preparing the population for the challenges of climate change and natural hazards,” he added. Alonso Miguel pointed out that this participation reaffirms the Regional Government's ongoing commitment to the excellence of the Azores Geopark. It highlights the relevance of the work carried out in conservation, environmental education, and sustainable development, while emphasising the archipelago's role as a benchmark in the responsible management of natural heritage and the promotion of community resilience.

Nota de Imprensa
September 12, 2025
Macaronesia can play "an important role in the European Union's external cooperation," defended Artur Lima
The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, met with the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Digital Economy of the Republic of Cape Verde to discuss political cooperation between the archipelagos that comprise the Macaronesia region. For the Deputy Prime Minister, "this dimension of convergence" contributes to the acquisition of "skills for true multilateral cooperation" to "specifically address challenges faced by islands" in areas such as the sea, science and technology, cybersecurity, and geostrategy. "It is essential that the archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde work together with European institutions," he said, emphasising the "geostrategic role we play as a Macaronesia region." The Vice-President of the Government stressed that "Europe needs Macaronesia for its relations with Africa, North America and South America, as it lends an extraordinary Atlantic dimension," which is relevant to areas such as "maritime and air security, defence and space." In this regard, Macaronesia "can play an important role in the European Union's external cooperation," he said. In the future, it is in this "geostrategic dimension that we must work with Cape Verde," stressed Artur Lima. On that occasion, the topic of increased mobility and the possibility of establishing a new air link between Cape Verde and Boston, via Terceira, where a large Cape Verdean community resides, was also addressed. The Vice-President's visit to Cape Verde followed the presentation of the projects approved in the first call for proposals for the Interreg MAC (Madeira, Azores, Canary Islands) Programme 2021-2027, as part of the ATLANTE strategic project. The ATLANTE project has the strategic goal of strengthening institutional cooperation between European and African regions and countries within the geographical area covered by the InterregMAC Programme. Simultaneously, it aims to establish a platform for dialogue and collaboration in sectors of common interest. During the opening session, the Vice-President recalled the "cross-contexts" between the Azores and Cape Verde, both consisting of "nine inhabited islands, each distinct from the other, and each with its own characteristics, weaknesses, potentialities and challenges." The historical experience of the diasporas from both archipelagos, particularly in the United States of America, and the presence of the Cape Verdean community established in the Azores, were also highlighted by the government official as evidence of the shared experience and existing ties between both sides. Artur Lima also highlighted that the Azores were "the venue for the celebrations of the 50 years of independence of the Republic of Cape Verde," in 1975, which took place in Angra do Heroísmo. These celebrations "were sponsored by the Government of the Azores" and aimed to strengthen "the historical and emotional ties between both archipelagos," he pointed out. Regarding the proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, the Vice-President warned of "a major setback for the Outermost Regions" if it were to be implemented. "It is unacceptable to sacrifice Outermost Regions. We will not accept this position," he stressed. In the first call for proposals under the INTERREG MAC 2021-2027 Programme, the Azores are involved in 22 projects among a total of 135 applications submitted. In 21 of these projects, the Azores are participating in direct partnership with Cape Verdean institutions.

Nota de Imprensa
September 11, 2025
Azores with 362 new housing solutions under implementation
362 new housing solutions are currently being implemented in the Azores, representing an investment of over 43.6 million Euros financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) for the Region. This investment will increase the supply of public housing for different situations and age groups, including young people, middle-class and single-parent families, not forgetting the most disadvantaged households facing serious housing shortages. Faced with the national and European challenge that is also being experienced in the regional housing market, namely in the acquisition and construction of housing or rental properties, the Government is implementing with determination, rigour and responsibility what is the largest investment ever made in public housing in the Azores. Between 2012 and 2020, only 71 houses were built, which is less than one house per year and per island. The continuous underinvestment in housing during those years has led to a supply deficit in the Region. It will now be remedied by the investment being made in new housing solutions, such as construction, renovation, and plot servicing. This is the case of the São Pedro neighbourhood, in the parish of Maia, municipality of Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island, where the construction of six two-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments is progressing, as confirmed this week by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, "in an example that is multiplying in different municipalities and islands." The works contract for the São Pedro neighbourhood was awarded in October 2024 to the company Marques, S.A. for 2.3 million Euros, financed under the RRP, and is expected to be completed in early 2026. In addition to the construction, renovation and servicing of plots for transfer, the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Housing, is investing in adapting support measures for construction, renovation and rental to the current context, namely the increase in lease and construction material costs. A 20% increase in lease incentives, as well as changes to the calculation formulas and income brackets for eligibility for self-build support on serviced plots provided by the Region, are some of the measures promoted by the PSD/CDS/PPM coalition to reduce the financial burden on families seeking access to housing. This year, the Azorean Government regulated the new lease with purchase option scheme so that Azoreans can benefit from new, modern and efficient housing solutions at prices compatible with their incomes. The purchase option can only be exercised by the tenant one year after signing the lease agreement.

Nota de Imprensa
September 10, 2025
Adaptation of taxi transport scheme to make activity more attractive and sustainable, stresses Berta Cabral
The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, stressed today that adapting the legal scheme for public passenger transport by taxi, unanimously approved by the Azorean Parliament, to the Region will make the activity "more attractive, sustainable and fairer." "What we propose in this adaptation of the national law governing the legal scheme for public passenger transport service by taxi is the exemption from the application and use of taximeters and, additionally, the possibility of transferring the taxi operator licence, which consists of a permit, to a forced heir or executor," she stressed during the presentation of the document. “We are, therefore, firmly confident that this legislative proposal will guarantee the resolution of specific problems faced by taxi drivers in the Azores. It will also make the entire activity more attractive, more sustainable and fairer,” he continued, speaking in the city of Horta during a debate at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The government official pointed out that the proposal approved today aims to "solve specific problems and create better conditions" for taxi activity, while "taking into account the specificities" of the various Azorean islands. She explained: “This is an essential public transport service that ensures mobility for the Azorean population, especially outside urban centres, with the particular advantage of proximity and solutions for the most vulnerable members of society, such as the elderly and the sick. Similarly, the taxi service has taken on a critical role in the development of our tourism industry, often being the first and last point of contact with those visiting us.” Compared to national legislation, the Azorean scheme has two specific features: firstly, it ensures that taxis are exempt from the obligation to be fitted with a taximeter, a decision that "considers the characteristics of the regional market," which is small and geographically dispersed, with short distances travelled and waiting times, without prejudice to an annual review. Another specific feature concerns the non-applicability of licence expiry for taxi operators, which are issued as a permit, in the event of the death of a sole proprietor, as provided for in Decree-Law No. 101/2023 of October 31, given the characteristics of the regional market.

Nota de Imprensa
September 10, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro exchanged farewell greetings with Commander of the Azores Air Zone
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, met with Major General António Moldão, the Commander of the Azores Air Zone, during a farewell audience held on Tuesday at the German Colony in Horta. The head of the Azorean Government conveyed the Regional Government's gratitude for Major General António Moldão's "excellent performance." In this regard, he emphasised that his leadership contributed "to raising awareness and understanding of the importance and significance of the Azores within Portugal's maritime geography and the country's Atlantic centrality." The President of the Government highlighted the significance of Air Base No. 4 on Terceira Island in providing services to the Azorean population, particularly in search and rescue operations. He acknowledged the "enormous operational effort made by the Air Force for the benefit of the population." The audience was also an opportunity for joint reflection on the geostrategic and geopolitical value of Air Base No. 4, in the national context, within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance and the bilateral agreement between Portugal and the United States of America. José Manuel Bolieiro extended his best wishes for success to Major General António Moldão in his new professional endeavours, expressing hope that he "will continue to be a friend and advocate for the interests of the Azores and Portugal in the Atlantic." António Moldão expressed his gratitude for the honour and emphasised his pride in commanding the Azores Air Zone. He highlighted the crucial role of the Air Force in supporting the population and strengthening the strategic position of the Region.

Nota de Imprensa
September 10, 2025
Azores' GDP grows by more than two billion Euros under coalition governments, highlights Paulo Estêvão
The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, praised today the current economic situation in the Azores, pointing out that the regional economy has "never" experienced such significant growth. “At the end of this year, the Azores' GDP will exceed 6 billion Euros. In 2012, at the beginning of Vasco Cordeiro's two administrations, the GDP stood at 3.546 billion Euros. In the last eight years of socialist Governments, led by Vasco Cordeiro, the Azores' GDP grew by a meagre 450 million Euros. This was in the course of eight years. If we consider the growth forecast for this year, the Azores will have recorded a GDP growth of more than 2 billion Euros in just five years," stated the government official. The Regional Secretary spoke at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in the city of Horta. He pointed out that the current economic growth "is only happening" due to the "policies that have been implemented" by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition. "Taxes were reduced, and even so, social support was substantially increased, and several careers were upgraded. All this led to an increase in consumption and contributed to further boosting the Azorean economy. As a result, within two legislative terms, the Azores' GDP, i.e. the wealth produced by the Region, will have doubled," he stated. Acknowledging that the Government had put "all its eggs in one basket," Paulo Estêvão stressed that the commitment to economic growth had been successful, even though there were still challenges to overcome. He stated: "Are there arrears in payments in the Region? Yes, there are. It is a problem that we have to solve, and we are already doing so. In health, for example. However, in all other areas, it is vital to bring payments up to date. This is our focus and our commitment. And we will succeed. We will maintain economic growth. Low taxes. Maintain and even increase social support. Continue to value careers. We will focus on revenue growth through economic growth, and we will fine-tune our budget efforts." The government official also defended the need to create "more cash flow," reiterating the idea that "it is necessary to cut all expenses that do not jeopardise the Region's economic growth, social support and increased household income." “We will do this, and we will be successful again. Anyone who is on the verge of doubling GDP in just two terms of office can commit to this. It is not impossible, and we have already achieved what almost everyone considered impossible,” he concluded.