Artur Lima advocates greater European concern for connectivity at regional level, and between the Azores and Europe - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, participated in the General Assembly of the Islands Commission of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR), which took place between Wednesday and today on the island of La Palma, Canary Islands.

The Vice-President of the Regional Government warned of the "adversities" facing the European Union's peripheral and outermost regions, "some of which are poorly understood, in addition to the current situation," during a round table discussion on the economic sustainability of European islands.

Faced with "a changing geopolitical framework" and at a time when amendments to the Cohesion Policy are expected, the next Multiannual Financial Framework is being prepared as well as a new Community strategy for the Outermost Regions, it is essential to ensure that "we continue to have a credible and active voice in the European Union's decision-making process," defended Artur Lima.

The Vice-President of the Government began by presenting the "model of sustainable economic, social, territorial and environmental development" applied in the Region.

This model is also based "on Science, whose structuring and funding have made the Azores an oceanographic research hub."

This "Atlantic potential is acknowledged by European institutions," he recalled, mentioning, as an example, the approval of the European Deep Sea Observatory in the Azores by the European Parliament.

"The sea also poses well-known challenges for the islands," stated Artur Lima during the session dedicated to current challenges in connectivity.

In the Azores, "it is necessary to consider external and internal transport, both for people and goods, and the most efficient way to develop it." This reality can have an impact on the Region's "attractiveness and competitiveness," while also entailing "considerable investments," he continued.

As such, the transport sector in the Azores "must be given due consideration at national and European level," defended the Vice-President of the Government.

"I am talking about very specific measures of distance and time. I am talking about costs that weigh. This is a question of European cohesion, justice and fairness," he concluded.

Regarding digital connectivity, Artur Lima stated that "this is a priority area," as it will allow "access to the global digital services market." It will also "attract high technological value investments and innovation to the centre of the Atlantic." However, the strategy underway in the Region requires "an up-to-date and resilient submarine cable network," he warned.

The Vice-President of the Government pointed out that "the Azores are Europe's western border" and this is an issue that now also arises "from a security standpoint." For this reason, "they want to be digitally cohesive, along with the entire European Union."

The General Assembly marked the end of the Azores' term of office as the chair of the CPMR Islands Commission. The region of Corsica will take over the new term.

The Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions congregates more than 150 regions that are part of Europe's maritime basin or peripheral maritime areas, representing more than 200 million people.