José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates message from Outermost Regions in joint statement delivered to European Commission Vice-President Raffaele Fitto - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government participated today in the opening session of the High-Level Outermost Regions Forum in Brussels, a meeting promoted by the European Commission that brought together European institutions, Member States and the nine Outermost Regions (ORs). The initiative marked the 30th anniversary of the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions and stepped up the dialogue on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of these territories.

The highlight of this event was the presentation of the joint declaration of the Outermost Regions on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 to the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto. The declaration was signed the day before by the presidents of the nine regions. It will now be submitted to the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Member States at a time when the EU financial priorities for the next decade are beginning to be defined.

The statement brings together the main concerns of the Outermost Regions regarding the proposal presented by the Commission, warning of the impact that some of the guidelines could have on cohesion, agriculture, transport and structural funds. The Outermost Regions call for the next Financial Framework to ensure stability, predictability and a realistic approach to their specific characteristics. It reminds us that the contribution of these territories to the European Union, from the management of external borders to the vast maritime areas under European jurisdiction to the protection of biodiversity and increasing exposure to extreme weather events, requires a reciprocal commitment on the part of European institutions.

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the forum as "an excellent initiative" by Raffaele Fitto, emphasising that the meeting demonstrates "the close relations between the Outermost Regions, Member States and European institutions.

For the President of the Azorean Government, there is now "an identity and understanding of the regions and the potential they represent."

José Manuel Bolieiro insisted on the need to redress aspects of the Commission's proposal for the future Multiannual Financial Framework.

“We want commissioners to be aware of what has been presented and what is not right and needs to be addressed,” he said.

The President of the Government stated that he has noted, in several speeches, “awareness and concern” regarding the demands of the Outermost Regions, but advocated that “this awareness must be reflected in the final documents.”