José Manuel Bolieiro highlights “European recognition” of Azores’ “strategic vision” for blue economy - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, marked the end of an official two-day visit to the archipelago by the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis. He emphasised that the visit demonstrated the Azores’ on-the-ground capability to lead the sustainable development of the blue economy and strengthen its strategic role in the Atlantic.

​Following an itinerary that included meetings with the fisheries sector and visits to scientific, technological and marine innovation infrastructures across the islands of São Miguel and Faial, José Manuel Bolieiro noted that the visit showcased how the Azores transforms vision into practice.

“The Azores are the westernmost frontier of Portugal and the European Union. We have more sea than land, and we have a clear vision for turning this reality into an opportunity for development,” he said.

The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that the Region has consistently highlighted the importance of the Atlantic to European institutions, but that it was essential to demonstrate, on the ground, the investments and capabilities already in place to boost the blue economy.

According to José Manuel Bolieiro, the projects visited highlight the Region’s commitment to science, innovation, sustainability and marine resource management—an effort backed by EU support and a coordinated strategy between the Azores and the National Government.

​“We wanted to show the European Commissioner that we have moved from words to deeds. Today, we have the installed capacity, knowledge and tangible projects that reinforce our credibility and position the Azores as a benchmark hub for the ocean economy,” he added.

​José Manuel Bolieiro stated that the visit bolstered European institutions' trust in the region's work, consolidating the Azores as a reliable partner in shaping future European maritime policies.

Reiterating that the development of the blue economy presents a strategic opportunity for the Azores, Portugal and the EU as a whole, he defended that the archipelago must continue to be acknowledged for its contribution to "Europe’s projection in the Atlantic."

Rather than simply making demands, it is about demonstrating the capacity to deliver. It is this credibility that the Azores demonstrate today and that we wish to place at the service of Portugal and the European Union,” stressed the President of the Government.

​Throughout the visit, European Commissioner Costas Kadis engaged directly with several research, innovation, training and development projects, confirming the Azores' expanding role as a platform for marine knowledge and sustainability.

The Commissioner was accompanied by the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho; the Portuguese Minister of Agriculture and the Sea, José Manuel Fernandes; and the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, Salvador Malheiro. The visit strengthened the tripartite dialogue among the Azores, the National Government and European institutions on the future of fisheries, ocean governance and Atlantic development.