"Outermost Regions are key to security and sustainability of European Union," says José Manuel Bolieiro - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, took part today in the public hearing promoted by the European Parliament's Regional Development Committee (REGI) in Brussels. It focused on "Enhancing Cohesion Policy for Outermost Regions and Islands: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities Post-2027."

The head of the Azorean Government reiterated the Region's commitment to the European project and emphasised the positive contribution of Cohesion Policy to the Azores' integration into the European Union, while also stressing the importance of safeguarding the future of this policy as an instrument of solidarity, development and territorial cohesion.

"The Azores cherish their membership of the European Union, a union of values, peace, cohesion and prosperity," he said, emphasising the fundamental role played by European investment in the Region's development.

José Manuel Bolieiro drew attention to the geostrategic role of the Azores, stressing that the archipelago's position in the centre of the Atlantic represents a tangible "asset" for the European Union's projection in the world. Meanwhile, he warned of the risks of devaluing the Outermost Regions in a Europe that cannot afford to move forward at different speeds.

"Modernising cannot mean dismantling Cohesion Policy," he said, pointing out that the Azores and other Outermost Regions cannot be at a disadvantage for structural limitations arising from their geographical condition.

Among the various topics discussed, the President of the Regional Government emphasised the need to strengthen European investment in strategic areas such as security, ocean protection, scientific research and innovation, pointing to specific examples of the Azores' action in environmental protection and the development of the blue economy.

"We have to turn regions of need into regions of opportunity. We receive a lot from the European Union, but we contribute even more to the future of Europe," he said, pointing out the example of the Azorean Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which represents more than half of Portugal's EEZ and is one of the largest in the European Union.

He concluded by calling for the European Parliament's continued support in the process of building the next Multiannual Financial Framework, reaffirming the Azores' willingness to continue to actively collaborate with the European institutions.

"We cannot lose the original dimension of territorial cohesion, as this is the cornerstone of the European project," he highlighted. 

The event was attended by several representatives of European institutions and regions, including Dragoş Benea, Chair of the REGI Commission, Nanette Maupertuis, President of the Corsican Assembly, and Emmanouil Koutoulakis, Secretary General of Island Policy in Greece.

Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government