Berta Cabral prioritises implementation of RRP in 2026 at Regional Council for Public Works meeting - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, chaired the meeting of the Regional Council for Public Works (CROP) on Friday. This advisory body aims to promote dialogue and cooperation between the Regional Government and entities involved in the construction and public works sector.

At the meeting, which was attended by representatives from various institutions and professional associations, the current and future challenges facing the sector were analysed, particularly in the context of the simultaneous implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) and the Azores 2030 European funds programme.

The Regional Secretary emphasised that “2026 will be a very demanding year, with the parallel implementation of two EU funding plans, the RRP and the Azores 2030 Operational Programme, which will require a coordinated and responsible effort from all stakeholders.”

Acknowledging the difficulties facing the sector, Berta Cabral noted that labour shortages are one of the main current challenges. Still, she reiterated her confidence in Azorean companies, as they "have responded competently and responsibly to the growing demands of ongoing public and private construction projects."

Between 2021 and 2025, 789 public works contracts were signed in the Azores, amounting to €585.4 million. They include works contracts, projects and inspections, with a focus on maritime and port works. According to the data presented, the average variation between the contract award price and the final price of the works stands only at 4.31%, reflecting a significant improvement in the preparation and management of procedures.

The government official also emphasised that "priority has been given to transparency, through a preference for public tenders, with direct awards only being used in specific and exceptional situations." Additionally, "the concentration of public works in a single government department has led to efficiency gains and standardisation of procedures."

The meeting also discussed the future of public investment after the end of the RRP. In this regard, the Regional Secretary passed on a message of confidence, emphasising that "there is a solid pipeline of works for the coming years on several islands, including structural projects such as the new Lajes das Flores Port, the expansion of the Praia da Vitória Port and the protection of the São Roque do Pico coastline."

Berta Cabral ended the session by praising the importance of the CROP meeting as "an essential space for sharing and collaboration to ensure the proper implementation of public investments and the sustainable progress of the Region." She challenged all the organisations and entities represented to "help improve processes and ensure the proper implementation of ongoing projects."