Macaronesia can play "an important role in the European Union's external cooperation," defended Artur Lima - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, met with the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Digital Economy of the Republic of Cape Verde to discuss political cooperation between the archipelagos that comprise the Macaronesia region.

For the Deputy Prime Minister, "this dimension of convergence" contributes to the acquisition of "skills for true multilateral cooperation" to "specifically address challenges faced by islands" in areas such as the sea, science and technology, cybersecurity, and geostrategy.

"It is essential that the archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde work together with European institutions," he said, emphasising the "geostrategic role we play as a Macaronesia region."

The Vice-President of the Government stressed that "Europe needs Macaronesia for its relations with Africa, North America and South America, as it lends an extraordinary Atlantic dimension," which is relevant to areas such as "maritime and air security, defence and space."

In this regard, Macaronesia "can play an important role in the European Union's external cooperation," he said.

In the future, it is in this "geostrategic dimension that we must work with Cape Verde," stressed Artur Lima.

On that occasion, the topic of increased mobility and the possibility of establishing a new air link between Cape Verde and Boston, via Terceira, where a large Cape Verdean community resides, was also addressed.

The Vice-President's visit to Cape Verde followed the presentation of the projects approved in the first call for proposals for the Interreg MAC (Madeira, Azores, Canary Islands) Programme 2021-2027, as part of the ATLANTE strategic project.

The ATLANTE project has the strategic goal of strengthening institutional cooperation between European and African regions and countries within the geographical area covered by the InterregMAC Programme. Simultaneously, it aims to establish a platform for dialogue and collaboration in sectors of common interest.

During the opening session, the Vice-President recalled the "cross-contexts" between the Azores and Cape Verde, both consisting of "nine inhabited islands, each distinct from the other, and each with its own characteristics, weaknesses, potentialities and challenges."

The historical experience of the diasporas from both archipelagos, particularly in the United States of America, and the presence of the Cape Verdean community established in the Azores, were also highlighted by the government official as evidence of the shared experience and existing ties between both sides.

Artur Lima also highlighted that the Azores were "the venue for the celebrations of the 50 years of independence of the Republic of Cape Verde," in 1975, which took place in Angra do Heroísmo. These celebrations "were sponsored by the Government of the Azores" and aimed to strengthen "the historical and emotional ties between both archipelagos," he pointed out.

Regarding the proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, the Vice-President warned of "a major setback for the Outermost Regions" if it were to be implemented.

"It is unacceptable to sacrifice Outermost Regions. We will not accept this position," he stressed.

In the first call for proposals under the INTERREG MAC 2021-2027 Programme, the Azores are involved in 22 projects among a total of 135 applications submitted. In 21 of these projects, the Azores are participating in direct partnership with Cape Verdean institutions.