Speech by the President of the Government - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

Full text of the speech delivered today in Horta by the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, during the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores:

“The year 2026 marks half a century of democratic Portugal.

Fifty years since the Portuguese Constitution came into force, giving rise to its democratic institutions of representation and governance.

This year, the President of the Republic has, quite rightly, chosen the Azores, specifically Terceira Island, for this celebration, linking the celebration of Portugal, Camões, and Portuguese Communities Day to the celebration of the Azores’ political autonomy, as enshrined in the Constitution.

And more than that: when choosing the Azores, he was also, in a sense, looking to the future of Portugal.

A greater Portugal, which recognises within its territory the value of its magnificent sea, a value bestowed upon it by the Azores as Europe’s western frontier.

The Azores reinforce Portuguese sovereignty over the Atlantic.

Portugal must begin to recognise, more clearly and objectively, the geopolitical and geo-economic importance of the Azores.

There is a recognition of the geostrategic value of the capabilities based in our archipelago.

And this value must be felt by everyone in their daily lives.

The promotion of the Azores, through words alone, must not be in vain.

It can and must be translated into practical action through cooperation with the Azores’ self-government bodies and have a tangible impact on the lives of every Azorean.

We are a strategic Region, despite being an Outermost Region.

The Azores are experiencing a particularly significant moment in their collective history.

As we celebrate 50 years of political autonomy, we reaffirm our pride in the path we have taken and renew our ambition to continue to establish the Azores as a leading Region in the Atlantic, in Europe and in the world.

I extend my greetings to His Excellency, the President of the Republic, and express my appreciation for his decision to celebrate Portugal in the Azores, with a focus on the future.

I commend the political and symbolic significance of the institutional messages from the President of the Republic and the Chair of the Organising Committee for Portugal, Camões, and Portuguese Communities Day.

These messages justified the selection of the Azores and enhanced Portugal’s strategic capabilities for its future role within the European Union, NATO and transatlantic relations in the areas of security and defence, competitiveness and economic growth – all of which are linked to knowledge and technology.

The speeches by His Excellency the President of the Republic and Dr Miguel Monjardino at the ceremony marking June 10 identified the Azores as a prime expression of Portugal’s Atlantic vocation and a strategic platform for national projection on the international stage.

A fundamental idea emerged from these speeches: the Azores represent an opportunity for Portugal to strengthen its geopolitical, scientific, technological and economic presence in an oceanic space whose importance is growing on a global scale.

When acknowledging the value of the Azores for collective security, ocean and atmospheric observation, scientific research, space policies, the blue economy and environmental sustainability, these speeches set out a national vision that aligns with the vision they have outlined for the Azores.

A vision that must engage Portugal as a whole.

However, alongside this well-deserved recognition and congratulations, I would like to voice a concern.

We urge the country to act on these words, which reveal a strategic vision.

We must commit to investing in the Azores in critical dual-use infrastructure.

The Portuguese State must take responsibility for public investment in the common interest – regional, national and EU-wide – in this infrastructure, which is essential for asserting sovereignty.

I emphasise this, particularly in the fields of security, defence, competitiveness and economic growth.

At a time of various transitions – in the climate, digital, energy and scientific spheres – the Azores are a true laboratory for the future.

We have exceptional geographical advantages and natural resources.

Beyond our regional needs in terms of social and economic cohesion, we can also position ourselves as a Region of opportunities for new economies arising from the maritime and space sectors of the Azores – opportunities for the Region itself, the country and the European Union.

When I say we must be a Region of opportunities, I am reiterating a vision that looks to the future of the Azores. Not the same as always, but one of greatness, with autonomy in knowledge and innovation.

In the space sector, Santa Maria is beginning to establish itself as an emerging hub. The development of infrastructure linked to Earth observation, the collection and processing of satellite data, and new space-related activities places the Azores in a privileged position to participate in the value chains of the knowledge economy.

This capacity for observation and monitoring is also reflected in the investment made in the three weather radars installed in the Azores.

The Azores are, thus, establishing themselves as an advanced centre for Earth and Atlantic observation, putting science and technology at the service of sustainability and resilience.

We are also building the future at sea.

With one of the largest maritime areas in Europe, the Azores bear greater responsibilities for protecting the oceans, but also regard this natural heritage as one of the greatest opportunities for sustainable development in the coming decades.

The blue economy is a strategic priority for the Region.

Investments in a new scientific research vessel and MARTEC — Technology and Innovation Centre for the Blue Economy — will create the conditions to advance scientific research, bringing it closer to the economy and, thereby, unlocking new opportunities.

We want the Azores to be recognised internationally as an Atlantic laboratory of excellence, where science, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.

The same ambition underlies the energy transition we are promoting.

Space, the sea, climate and energy are not isolated areas. They are complementary dimensions of a single strategy: establishing the Azores as an innovative and sustainable region, recognised on a global scale.

Today, the strategic value of the Azores is measured not only by its geographical position, but also by its capacity to generate knowledge, protect vital resources, develop technology and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The strategic value of the Azores, as a regional asset, is a Portuguese and European matter, and will increasingly become an Atlantic one.

The Azorean cultural community is also one of the most important assets of the Azores and Portugal.

The ability to organise, mobilise and strengthen the cohesion of the Azorean cultural community will be one of the strategic challenges of this century.

Just as our geographical position in the Atlantic, the size of our EEZ and the geopolitical significance of our strategic infrastructure are fundamental assets for the future, the Azorean cultural community must be regarded as a resource of exceptional value.

As Fernando Pessoa wrote: "For I am the size of what I see. And not the size of my height."

We are greater, given our geographic diversity and widespread demographic presence across the globe.

Portugal and Europe are greater with the Azores.”