321 million-Euro investments for the Azores are "fair recognition," says José Manuel Boleiro
Ponta Delgada
Presidência do Governo Regional
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Boleiro, chaired the presentation session of the Sustainable 2030 Programme in Ponta Delgada on Monday, accompanied by the Minister of the Environment and Energy, Graça Carvalho.
The session included the presentation of the Thematic Programme for Climate Action and Sustainability - Sustainable 2030 (PACS), financed by the Cohesion Fund. It covers demanding challenges such as adaptation to climate change, risk prevention and disaster resilience, transition to a circular economy and sustainable urban mobility. This programme is a key tool for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
As part of the Programme, investments of 321 million Euros are planned for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, including 185 million Euros for the reconstruction of the Lajes das Flores Port.
José Manuel Bolieiro took the opportunity to point out that "there are specific examples of understanding" on the part of the current National Government "regarding its national responsibility in measures that, under the guise of being national, encompass the Azores."
He gave the example of the amount concerning the allocation of financial support to the Autonomous Region of the Azores to cover the damage caused by Hurricane Lorenzo, which had been outstanding since 2021. The current National Government has already ensured the transfer of more than 45 million Euros.
José Manuel Bolieiro pointed out that the signing of this Order followed several requests from the Regional Government, through its leadership and dialogue with the current National Government, confirming that "this amount is already in the Region's account as of today [Monday]."
"National measures and national commitments to the Azores are to be fulfilled and not just, in a constant procrastinatory attitude, postponed ‘sine die’. And what we are doing is not an exercise of gratitude. It is a recognition that justice has been done," he emphasised.
The head of the Azorean Government praised the work carried out by the Minister of the Environment and Energy, who ensured that the maximum support limit for the damage caused by Hurricane Lorenzo in the Azores could be increased to 270 million Euros.
At the same ceremony, Maria da Graça Carvalho announced financial support for the Regional Government's decision to create new marine protected areas in the Azores. It will safeguard 30% of the Azores Sea and significantly increase the area protected at a national level.
"This is another step towards strengthening nature conservation and marine biodiversity, contributing to the sustainable use of our sea, aligned with European and international targets. We are moving forward with a study to identify compensation needs for fishers, which will be covered by the Environmental Fund, as has already happened with the Pedra do Valado Marine Protected Area in Algarve," said the Minister.
During the Ponta Delgada session, other transport investments amounting to 136 million Euros for the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Faial, Flores, São Jorge, Corvo and Pico were also presented.
