Artur Lima stresses that “a Europe that does not value its regions will always be an incomplete Europe” - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

As part of the Europe Day celebrations on the island of Flores on May 9, Artur Lima highlighted the geostrategic and geopolitical importance of the archipelago of the Azores to the world and Europe.

“We are celebrating Europe Day and marking the 40th anniversary of Portugal’s accession to the European Union,” stated Artur Lima, who explained that it would make no sense to celebrate this date anywhere else, given that Flores is home to “the westernmost point of Europe.”

On the occasion, the Vice-President of the Regional Government emphasised that “within the European Union, the Azores are far from the decision-making centres.” As such, it is “essential to build on this unique feature of Flores to continue projecting the Azores’ distinctiveness across the Atlantic, within the European Union and throughout the world.”

Artur Lima pointed out the urgent need for Europe to acknowledge the value of Outermost Regions, not as peripheral areas but as indispensable strategic assets.

The Vice-President emphasised that European competitiveness cannot exist without territorial cohesion, mentioning the concept of “mobility poverty” and noting that, in the Azores, “the railway is the air and the sea.”

"Here, in Flores, where Europe ends on the map but looms large on the horizon, we reiterate that this is not a peripheral region but a key one. For there is no European competitiveness without cohesion, and there is no cohesion without the regions," he stated.

During his speech, the Vice-President highlighted the progress made in the region since Portugal joined the then EEC.

“Over the last four decades, the Region has built essential infrastructure such as ports and airports; it has prioritised the skills and education of the population and developed environmental protection programmes; the Region has invested in its endogenous potential, through agriculture, the maritime sector and the production of renewable energy,” he noted.

The government official also highlighted current achievements and preparations for future challenges, noting that “the Region’s future is now anchored in the Smart Specialisation Strategy, which identifies Health, Space and Data Science as priority areas. The installation of new submarine cables and the focus on cybersecurity position the islands as a vital hub in Europe’s digital transition.”

The celebrations were attended by Rui Reis, the representative of the Government of Catalonia in Portugal. Both regions share a historical connection, but their ties have grown significantly closer since 2025, the year when the Azores joined DETA (Disruptive & Emerging Technology Alliance), an alliance promoted by the Government of Catalonia.

“This partnership in cutting-edge fields, such as Artificial Intelligence and the New Space Economy, demonstrates that innovation in 21st-century Europe does not have a single geographical centre, but rather stems from the union of regions exercising their autonomy as a democratic pillar,” stressed Artur Lima.

During the celebrations, the Vice-President paid tribute to Pedro da Silveira, Europe’s most westerly poet: “Islander from rind to heart — and away I go, with no ambition beyond the open space."

The celebrations, which were broadcast live, included official ceremonies and speeches, cultural events featuring a tribute to poet Pedro da Silveira, a conference, two exhibitions showcasing works created by children and senior citizens, the launch of a postcard, stamp and postmark by CTT (Portuguese Postal Services), as well as the unveiling of a mural celebrating 40 years of European integration.