Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Paulo Estêvão congratula escola da Madalena por vitória no CanSat Portugal e destaca sucesso da aposta regional no setor espacial
Paulo Estêvão congratula escola da Madalena por vitória no CanSat Portugal e destaca sucesso da aposta regional no setor espacial
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Payments to Azorean farmers continue without cuts
Payments to Azorean farmers continue without cuts
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Regional Government launches €1.8 million call for proposals to support investment in wine sector
Regional Government launches €1.8 million call for proposals to support investment in wine sector
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Public tender for allocation of three houses on Graciosa Island from May 6 to 27
Public tender for allocation of three houses on Graciosa Island from May 6 to 27
Nota de Imprensa
May 4, 2026 Paulo Estêvão congratula escola da Madalena por vitória no CanSat Portugal e destaca sucesso da aposta regional no setor espacial O Secretário Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades, Paulo Estêvão, congratula publicamente a equipa de alunos e professores da Escola Básica e Secundária da Madalena, na ilha do Pico, pela brilhante e inequívoca conquista do primeiro lugar na 13.ª edição do CanSat Portugal. A equipa vencedora, designada “Astros Nó Atlântico”, é composta pelos alunos Sara Oliveira (porta-voz da equipa), Rui Batista, Paulo Gabriel Medeiros, Martim da Costa, Maria Medeiros e Gil Gaspar e pelos professores do Clube de Robótica António Medeiros e Marta Oliveira. Importa reforçar que esta era a única equipa dos Açores a concurso neste evento de âmbito nacional, que reuniu 80 estudantes e 20 docentes oriundos de 14 escolas de todo o país. A qualificação da escola açoriana para representar Portugal no campeonato europeu do CanSat, que se realizará nos Países Baixos, atesta a excelência do trabalho desenvolvido. "Importa sublinhar que esta distinção e este grau de excelência não acontecem por acaso, sendo resultado direto de uma estratégia estruturada na região, alicerçada no trabalho desenvolvido em articulação com a Estrutura de Missão dos Açores para o Espaço (EMA-Espaço)", vinca o governante. E prossegue: "Foi a nossa aposta em projetos-base, como o CanSat Junior Açores - atualmente na sua 4.ª edição -, e a nossa robusta capacidade de organização e preparação técnica que permitiram aos nossos estudantes adquirir as competências necessárias para agora brilharem, competirem e vencerem a nível nacional". A Secretaria Regional reafirma o imenso orgulho na juventude açoriana e no trabalho de excelência promovido pelo corpo docente da EBS da Madalena, garantindo que a literacia aeroespacial e o investimento na educação científica continuarão a ser matrizes do futuro da Região.
May 4, 2026 Paulo Estêvão congratula escola da Madalena por vitória no CanSat Portugal e destaca sucesso da aposta regional no setor espacial O Secretário Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades, Paulo Estêvão, congratula publicamente a equipa de alunos e professores da Escola Básica e Secundária da Madalena, na ilha do Pico, pela brilhante e inequívoca conquista do primeiro lugar na 13.ª edição do CanSat Portugal. A equipa vencedora, designada “Astros Nó Atlântico”, é composta pelos alunos Sara Oliveira (porta-voz da equipa), Rui Batista, Paulo Gabriel Medeiros, Martim da Costa, Maria Medeiros e Gil Gaspar e pelos professores do Clube de Robótica António Medeiros e Marta Oliveira. Importa reforçar que esta era a única equipa dos Açores a concurso neste evento de âmbito nacional, que reuniu 80 estudantes e 20 docentes oriundos de 14 escolas de todo o país. A qualificação da escola açoriana para representar Portugal no campeonato europeu do CanSat, que se realizará nos Países Baixos, atesta a excelência do trabalho desenvolvido. "Importa sublinhar que esta distinção e este grau de excelência não acontecem por acaso, sendo resultado direto de uma estratégia estruturada na região, alicerçada no trabalho desenvolvido em articulação com a Estrutura de Missão dos Açores para o Espaço (EMA-Espaço)", vinca o governante. E prossegue: "Foi a nossa aposta em projetos-base, como o CanSat Junior Açores - atualmente na sua 4.ª edição -, e a nossa robusta capacidade de organização e preparação técnica que permitiram aos nossos estudantes adquirir as competências necessárias para agora brilharem, competirem e vencerem a nível nacional". A Secretaria Regional reafirma o imenso orgulho na juventude açoriana e no trabalho de excelência promovido pelo corpo docente da EBS da Madalena, garantindo que a literacia aeroespacial e o investimento na educação científica continuarão a ser matrizes do futuro da Região.
Nota de Imprensa
May 4, 2026 Payments to Azorean farmers continue without cuts The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food noted that payments of EU aid in the agricultural sector are published annually in an indicative payment schedule issued by the Financing Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries (IFAP). From October 1 to April 30, POSEI EU aid was paid out within the existing EU financial allocation, i.e., EU financial funds ended on April 30. With a view to avoiding the cuts that occurred before 2021 under socialist governments, the necessary financial supplements, amounting to about €19 million, will be paid from this month onwards, so that farmers can receive support without any apportionments. It is important to note that, if there were a socialist government, farmers would only receive the amounts allocated for April, at a rate of 44% for the Cattle Slaughter Premium, 55% for Support for the Production of PDO and PGI Wines, and 90% for support for the Private Storage of "Island Cheese" and "São Jorge Cheese." With a view to avoiding the usual apportioning of aid to farmers’ income, between 2021 and 2024, the regional budget allocated an average amount of €16 million per year as a financial supplement to the POSEI programme, while in 2025, the State Budget allocated €16 million. The payment details are published on the IFAP website, alongside all payments under the POSEI, PECP and PRORURAL+ schemes. Therefore, the claims made by the Socialist Party in a public statement released today are not true, and it is regrettable how much their administrations have undermined farmers’ income through these apportionments.
May 4, 2026 Payments to Azorean farmers continue without cuts The Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food noted that payments of EU aid in the agricultural sector are published annually in an indicative payment schedule issued by the Financing Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries (IFAP). From October 1 to April 30, POSEI EU aid was paid out within the existing EU financial allocation, i.e., EU financial funds ended on April 30. With a view to avoiding the cuts that occurred before 2021 under socialist governments, the necessary financial supplements, amounting to about €19 million, will be paid from this month onwards, so that farmers can receive support without any apportionments. It is important to note that, if there were a socialist government, farmers would only receive the amounts allocated for April, at a rate of 44% for the Cattle Slaughter Premium, 55% for Support for the Production of PDO and PGI Wines, and 90% for support for the Private Storage of "Island Cheese" and "São Jorge Cheese." With a view to avoiding the usual apportioning of aid to farmers’ income, between 2021 and 2024, the regional budget allocated an average amount of €16 million per year as a financial supplement to the POSEI programme, while in 2025, the State Budget allocated €16 million. The payment details are published on the IFAP website, alongside all payments under the POSEI, PECP and PRORURAL+ schemes. Therefore, the claims made by the Socialist Party in a public statement released today are not true, and it is regrettable how much their administrations have undermined farmers’ income through these apportionments.
Nota de Imprensa
May 4, 2026 Regional Government launches €1.8 million call for proposals to support investment in wine sector The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, will open a new call for applications for the VITIS programme – Vineyard Restructuring and Conversion, with a budget of €1.8 million. The application period runs from May 18 to June 19, 2026, under the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC) 2023–2027. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, the launch of this call “reiterates the Regional Government’s commitment to supporting the wine sector, enhancing the value of regional production, preserving traditional vineyard landscapes and boosting the competitiveness of Azorean producers in an increasingly demanding market.” The government official emphasised that the Government's strategy is based on a clear vision of higher-quality production and modern farms, capable of establishing themselves both within and outside the Region. Under Ordinance no. 40/2025 of April 23, this financial instrument supports the planting of new vineyards and the restructuring and conversion of vineyard plots, with a strong focus on organic production methods. Support for producers takes the form of direct financial contributions towards investment and compensation for income loss associated with the transition period for vineyards, thereby ensuring the necessary stability and predictability for investors. This will be the second call for applications launched under the current PEPAC framework, following the first call opened in December 2025. It has already included 6.46 hectares of vineyards undergoing conversion, with a balanced distribution across different islands. The historical impact of this programme has been truly transformative in the region: between 2014 and 2023, VITIS led to the approval of 644 applications, transforming approximately 955 hectares of vineyards, corresponding to an overall investment of over €24.9 million in the archipelago. “The results achieved in recent years show that VITIS is a decisive tool for transforming Azorean viticulture,” emphasised António Ventura. According to the government official, “every restructured hectare and every producer deciding to invest represents a firm step towards building a sector.” “This new Notice is a clear invitation to producers to continue investing, innovating and believing, seeing that competitiveness is built on vision, hard work and consistent support,” concluded the Secretary for Agriculture.
May 4, 2026 Regional Government launches €1.8 million call for proposals to support investment in wine sector The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, will open a new call for applications for the VITIS programme – Vineyard Restructuring and Conversion, with a budget of €1.8 million. The application period runs from May 18 to June 19, 2026, under the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC) 2023–2027. For the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, the launch of this call “reiterates the Regional Government’s commitment to supporting the wine sector, enhancing the value of regional production, preserving traditional vineyard landscapes and boosting the competitiveness of Azorean producers in an increasingly demanding market.” The government official emphasised that the Government's strategy is based on a clear vision of higher-quality production and modern farms, capable of establishing themselves both within and outside the Region. Under Ordinance no. 40/2025 of April 23, this financial instrument supports the planting of new vineyards and the restructuring and conversion of vineyard plots, with a strong focus on organic production methods. Support for producers takes the form of direct financial contributions towards investment and compensation for income loss associated with the transition period for vineyards, thereby ensuring the necessary stability and predictability for investors. This will be the second call for applications launched under the current PEPAC framework, following the first call opened in December 2025. It has already included 6.46 hectares of vineyards undergoing conversion, with a balanced distribution across different islands. The historical impact of this programme has been truly transformative in the region: between 2014 and 2023, VITIS led to the approval of 644 applications, transforming approximately 955 hectares of vineyards, corresponding to an overall investment of over €24.9 million in the archipelago. “The results achieved in recent years show that VITIS is a decisive tool for transforming Azorean viticulture,” emphasised António Ventura. According to the government official, “every restructured hectare and every producer deciding to invest represents a firm step towards building a sector.” “This new Notice is a clear invitation to producers to continue investing, innovating and believing, seeing that competitiveness is built on vision, hard work and consistent support,” concluded the Secretary for Agriculture.
Nota de Imprensa
May 4, 2026 Public tender for allocation of three houses on Graciosa Island from May 6 to 27 The public tender for the allocation of three houses built under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) on the island of Graciosa will run from May 6 to 27 inclusive, according to the Order issued by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published today in the Official Journal. The three three-bedroom houses include two located in the Barão da Fonte do Mato I housing development, Regional Road no.3, parish of São Mateus, whilst the third house to be allocated under this tender is located in the Dores II housing development, rua Manuel Machado Ávila, parish of Santa Cruz da Graciosa. These new houses are intended for the permanent residence of applicants and their households. They will be allocated on a lease with a purchase option scheme, with tenants having the option to purchase one year after signing the contract. Applications must be submitted by filling in the appropriate form, available on the Regional Directorate for Housing website at https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drh/concursos, and delivered in one of the following formats: Regional Directorate for Housing, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, no. 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; Regional Directorate for Housing office on the island of Graciosa, located at Avenida Mouzinho de Albuquerque, no. 30, 9980-320 Santa Cruz; RIAC (Integrated Citizen Support Network) offices; online, via the website https://habitacao.azores.gov.pt. The regulations of this public tender, available for consultation on the DRH website and at the Regional Directorate for Housing office on Graciosa Island, contain all the information regarding the eligibility criteria and application procedures, as well as information on the allocation of housing. Any requests for clarification should be addressed to the president of the jury and submitted by the interested parties in writing to the DRH Services in Ponta Delgada or the DRH office on the island of Graciosa. Alternatively, they may be sent to the email address [email protected] until May 14. Requests will be answered within a maximum of three working days from the date on which they are received. The contract for the construction of these three new houses was awarded to the company Vila Jardim, representing an investment of €710,000 funded under the RRP. The ceremony marking the laying of the first stone for this project took place in September 2025 and was presided over by Maria João Carreiro. Also under the RRP, five houses on the island of Graciosa have already been renovated, corresponding to an investment of over €259,000.
May 4, 2026 Public tender for allocation of three houses on Graciosa Island from May 6 to 27 The public tender for the allocation of three houses built under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) on the island of Graciosa will run from May 6 to 27 inclusive, according to the Order issued by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published today in the Official Journal. The three three-bedroom houses include two located in the Barão da Fonte do Mato I housing development, Regional Road no.3, parish of São Mateus, whilst the third house to be allocated under this tender is located in the Dores II housing development, rua Manuel Machado Ávila, parish of Santa Cruz da Graciosa. These new houses are intended for the permanent residence of applicants and their households. They will be allocated on a lease with a purchase option scheme, with tenants having the option to purchase one year after signing the contract. Applications must be submitted by filling in the appropriate form, available on the Regional Directorate for Housing website at https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drh/concursos, and delivered in one of the following formats: Regional Directorate for Housing, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, no. 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; Regional Directorate for Housing office on the island of Graciosa, located at Avenida Mouzinho de Albuquerque, no. 30, 9980-320 Santa Cruz; RIAC (Integrated Citizen Support Network) offices; online, via the website https://habitacao.azores.gov.pt. The regulations of this public tender, available for consultation on the DRH website and at the Regional Directorate for Housing office on Graciosa Island, contain all the information regarding the eligibility criteria and application procedures, as well as information on the allocation of housing. Any requests for clarification should be addressed to the president of the jury and submitted by the interested parties in writing to the DRH Services in Ponta Delgada or the DRH office on the island of Graciosa. Alternatively, they may be sent to the email address [email protected] until May 14. Requests will be answered within a maximum of three working days from the date on which they are received. The contract for the construction of these three new houses was awarded to the company Vila Jardim, representing an investment of €710,000 funded under the RRP. The ceremony marking the laying of the first stone for this project took place in September 2025 and was presided over by Maria João Carreiro. Also under the RRP, five houses on the island of Graciosa have already been renovated, corresponding to an investment of over €259,000.
Nota de Imprensa
May 4, 2026 Regional Government promotes training in health literacy for Regional Health Service professionals The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Regional Programme for the Promotion of Health Literacy, as part of the Regional Health Plan 2030, will organise a training course on health literacy promotion skills. The event is aimed at Regional Health Service professionals in the health and social care areas. Under the slogan “Health Literacy: a regional commitment,” this initiative aims to strengthen the role of professionals as key agents in the dissemination of health information, promoting more effective communication, the development of healthy behaviours and support for informed decision-making by the population. The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, stressed that “promoting health literacy is essential for empowering citizens, improving health outcomes and bolstering the sustainability of the health system.” In this regard, she added that “investing in the training of professionals is a decisive step towards ensuring more informed, autonomous and healthy communities.” The training programme will begin with two in-person sessions on May 6 and 7, 2026 (Wednesday and Thursday) at the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Archives, and will be conducted in a hybrid format (in-person and online). It will continue online until November 2026. Over the course of nine training sessions, a range of relevant topics will be covered, including health communication, healthy ageing, motivational interviewing, healthy eating, diabetes prevention and positive psychology, all integrated into an approach focused on promoting health literacy. The training will be conducted by the Portuguese Society for Health Literacy, an organisation with recognised expertise in the field, contributing to the strengthening of the technical and communication skills of professionals in the sector.
May 4, 2026 Regional Government promotes training in health literacy for Regional Health Service professionals The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Regional Programme for the Promotion of Health Literacy, as part of the Regional Health Plan 2030, will organise a training course on health literacy promotion skills. The event is aimed at Regional Health Service professionals in the health and social care areas. Under the slogan “Health Literacy: a regional commitment,” this initiative aims to strengthen the role of professionals as key agents in the dissemination of health information, promoting more effective communication, the development of healthy behaviours and support for informed decision-making by the population. The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, stressed that “promoting health literacy is essential for empowering citizens, improving health outcomes and bolstering the sustainability of the health system.” In this regard, she added that “investing in the training of professionals is a decisive step towards ensuring more informed, autonomous and healthy communities.” The training programme will begin with two in-person sessions on May 6 and 7, 2026 (Wednesday and Thursday) at the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Archives, and will be conducted in a hybrid format (in-person and online). It will continue online until November 2026. Over the course of nine training sessions, a range of relevant topics will be covered, including health communication, healthy ageing, motivational interviewing, healthy eating, diabetes prevention and positive psychology, all integrated into an approach focused on promoting health literacy. The training will be conducted by the Portuguese Society for Health Literacy, an organisation with recognised expertise in the field, contributing to the strengthening of the technical and communication skills of professionals in the sector.
