Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Governo dos Açores promove VII Encontro Regional das Comissões de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens
Governo dos Açores promove VII Encontro Regional das Comissões de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Alonso Miguel delivers firefighting vehicle to Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters
Alonso Miguel delivers firefighting vehicle to Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Azorean Government certifies "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" with craft Geographical Indication seal
Azorean Government certifies "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" with craft Geographical Indication seal
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Artur Lima highlights role of Artificial Intelligence as "catalyst for economic, social and environmental progress"
Artur Lima highlights role of Artificial Intelligence as "catalyst for economic, social and environmental progress"
Nota de Imprensa
December 9, 2025 Governo dos Açores promove VII Encontro Regional das Comissões de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens A Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, através do Comissariado dos Açores para a Infância (CAI), promove nos dias 11 e 12 de dezembro, no Auditório da Escola Secundária Domingos Rebelo, em Ponta Delgada, o VII Encontro Regional das Comissões de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens (CPCJ), subordinado ao tema “Valorizar as CPCJ para melhor proteger as crianças”. A sessão de abertura, no dia 11, às 14h30, contará com uma mensagem de Emanuel Areias, Presidente do CAI, com a presença da Câmara Municipal de Ponta Delgada e da Chefe de Divisão de Apoio às Respostas Sociais do ISSA, Marta Gonçalves, em representação da Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi. Segue-se a conferência de Ana Mesquita, investigadora da Universidade do Minho e do ProChild CoLAB, subordinada ao tema “Infância, adversidade e desenvolvimento: Da ciência à ação pública e coletiva” e um painel de boas práticas na garantia dos direitos das crianças nos Açores com representantes da CNPDPCJ, da Associação Olhar Poente, do Colégio São Francisco Xavier, da Escola Secundária Vitorino Nemésio e da Escola Secundária Manuel de Arriaga. No dia 12, pelas 09h30, Carmen Ventura, Coordenadora da Equipa Técnica Operativa do CAI, apresenta o “Retrato das CPCJ nos Açores”. Às 10h30 intervém Paulo Macedo, jurista da CNPDPCJ, sobre as “Virtudes e Desafios das CPCJ”, seguindo-se um debate moderado por Conceição Lopes, Conselheira do Comissariado e representante da Procuradoria-Geral da República. À tarde, Nuno Pavão Nunes, psicólogo da UpMind Academy, apresenta a sessão dedicada ao bem-estar e prevenção do ‘burnout’ dos profissionais das CPCJ. As conclusões do Encontro serão apresentadas por Cláudia Rodrigues, Presidente da CPCJ de Ponta Delgada, e contarão com a presença da Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, estando o seu término previsto para as 16h45. Tal como nas edições anteriores, o Encontro Regional das CPCJ constitui um momento privilegiado de formação, reflexão e partilha entre profissionais, reforçando a articulação interinstitucional e a qualidade das respostas no âmbito da prevenção e intervenção junto de crianças e jovens em perigo. A realização desta VII edição sublinha a prioridade assumida pelo Governo dos Açores em valorizar as CPCJ e em promover políticas sustentadas que garantam a proteção integral dos direitos das crianças e jovens no arquipélago.
December 9, 2025 Governo dos Açores promove VII Encontro Regional das Comissões de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens A Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, através do Comissariado dos Açores para a Infância (CAI), promove nos dias 11 e 12 de dezembro, no Auditório da Escola Secundária Domingos Rebelo, em Ponta Delgada, o VII Encontro Regional das Comissões de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens (CPCJ), subordinado ao tema “Valorizar as CPCJ para melhor proteger as crianças”. A sessão de abertura, no dia 11, às 14h30, contará com uma mensagem de Emanuel Areias, Presidente do CAI, com a presença da Câmara Municipal de Ponta Delgada e da Chefe de Divisão de Apoio às Respostas Sociais do ISSA, Marta Gonçalves, em representação da Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi. Segue-se a conferência de Ana Mesquita, investigadora da Universidade do Minho e do ProChild CoLAB, subordinada ao tema “Infância, adversidade e desenvolvimento: Da ciência à ação pública e coletiva” e um painel de boas práticas na garantia dos direitos das crianças nos Açores com representantes da CNPDPCJ, da Associação Olhar Poente, do Colégio São Francisco Xavier, da Escola Secundária Vitorino Nemésio e da Escola Secundária Manuel de Arriaga. No dia 12, pelas 09h30, Carmen Ventura, Coordenadora da Equipa Técnica Operativa do CAI, apresenta o “Retrato das CPCJ nos Açores”. Às 10h30 intervém Paulo Macedo, jurista da CNPDPCJ, sobre as “Virtudes e Desafios das CPCJ”, seguindo-se um debate moderado por Conceição Lopes, Conselheira do Comissariado e representante da Procuradoria-Geral da República. À tarde, Nuno Pavão Nunes, psicólogo da UpMind Academy, apresenta a sessão dedicada ao bem-estar e prevenção do ‘burnout’ dos profissionais das CPCJ. As conclusões do Encontro serão apresentadas por Cláudia Rodrigues, Presidente da CPCJ de Ponta Delgada, e contarão com a presença da Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, estando o seu término previsto para as 16h45. Tal como nas edições anteriores, o Encontro Regional das CPCJ constitui um momento privilegiado de formação, reflexão e partilha entre profissionais, reforçando a articulação interinstitucional e a qualidade das respostas no âmbito da prevenção e intervenção junto de crianças e jovens em perigo. A realização desta VII edição sublinha a prioridade assumida pelo Governo dos Açores em valorizar as CPCJ e em promover políticas sustentadas que garantam a proteção integral dos direitos das crianças e jovens no arquipélago.
Nota de Imprensa
December 9, 2025 Alonso Miguel delivers firefighting vehicle to Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters On Monday, the Regional Government increased protection and rescue resources in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo and on the island of Terceira, with the delivery of a new fire truck tanker to the Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, representing an investment of about €350,000. The ceremony was part of the celebrations for the Patron Saint's Day of this institution. It also marked the 103rd anniversary of this association, which has been serving the Angra community for over a century. On this occasion, Alonso Miguel recalled that the Angra do Heroísmo corporation had already received, at the end of June, an emergency ambulance amounting to €90,000, emphasising that the delivery of the fire truck tanker is a continuation of the Government's efforts to renew and enhance resources throughout the Region. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, who oversees Civil Protection, stated that this new vehicle represented "a qualitative leap in water transport capacity, self-sufficiency and durability in firefighting scenarios, significantly strengthening the operational capacity of the fire brigade." The government official also highlighted the high volume of activity recorded by the corporation, which recorded more than 8,600 incidents between January 1, 2024, and this Sunday. According to him, it reflects "the strength of the operational product, but also the quality of leadership, the commitment of the teams and the sense of duty of this institution." In the context of the 103rd anniversary celebrations, Alonso Miguel highlighted the "long history and vitality" of the association, built "by generations of dedicated, courageous men and women with a deep sense of public service." He emphasised that the journey of these firefighters represents "a legacy of service honouring the association and the Azores, and continues to be an example of resilience and spirit of mission." During the ceremony, the Regional Secretary reiterated the Government's commitment to modernising and enhancing the firefighting sector. He highlighted measures already implemented, such as career promotion and pay rises for firefighters, the renewal of the red and yellow fleet, the upgrading of the pre-hospital emergency medical service, the acquisition of Personal Protective Equipment and the updating of social benefits granted to firefighters. In this context, the Regional Secretary emphasised that "the Government will continue to implement a wide range of structural investments, namely with the delivery of two new fire engines to the Associations of Vila Franca do Campo and São Roque do Pico, the provision of 17 tactical self-command vehicles, one for each fire brigade in the Region, the delivery of 70 defibrillator monitors for emergency ambulances, the distribution of Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) purchased at a cost of over €300,000, and the continuation of work on the SRPCBA Training Centre, including the construction of a new high-rise training tower." For 2026, the Regional Secretary also highlighted the 50% increase in funds allocated to the financing model of the Firefighters' Associations, from €500,000 to €750,000, and the planned delivery of 12 new emergency ambulances, including one for the Angra do Heroísmo fire brigade. Alonso Miguel concluded his speech by emphasising that "the truth has no answer" and that "the recognition of firefighters is not just empty rhetoric, it is a tangible and visible reality." He reiterated that "the Government will continue to strengthen resources, value careers and work side by side with associations and municipalities to ensure predictability, stability and sustainability in the firefighting sector."
December 9, 2025 Alonso Miguel delivers firefighting vehicle to Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters On Monday, the Regional Government increased protection and rescue resources in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo and on the island of Terceira, with the delivery of a new fire truck tanker to the Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, representing an investment of about €350,000. The ceremony was part of the celebrations for the Patron Saint's Day of this institution. It also marked the 103rd anniversary of this association, which has been serving the Angra community for over a century. On this occasion, Alonso Miguel recalled that the Angra do Heroísmo corporation had already received, at the end of June, an emergency ambulance amounting to €90,000, emphasising that the delivery of the fire truck tanker is a continuation of the Government's efforts to renew and enhance resources throughout the Region. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, who oversees Civil Protection, stated that this new vehicle represented "a qualitative leap in water transport capacity, self-sufficiency and durability in firefighting scenarios, significantly strengthening the operational capacity of the fire brigade." The government official also highlighted the high volume of activity recorded by the corporation, which recorded more than 8,600 incidents between January 1, 2024, and this Sunday. According to him, it reflects "the strength of the operational product, but also the quality of leadership, the commitment of the teams and the sense of duty of this institution." In the context of the 103rd anniversary celebrations, Alonso Miguel highlighted the "long history and vitality" of the association, built "by generations of dedicated, courageous men and women with a deep sense of public service." He emphasised that the journey of these firefighters represents "a legacy of service honouring the association and the Azores, and continues to be an example of resilience and spirit of mission." During the ceremony, the Regional Secretary reiterated the Government's commitment to modernising and enhancing the firefighting sector. He highlighted measures already implemented, such as career promotion and pay rises for firefighters, the renewal of the red and yellow fleet, the upgrading of the pre-hospital emergency medical service, the acquisition of Personal Protective Equipment and the updating of social benefits granted to firefighters. In this context, the Regional Secretary emphasised that "the Government will continue to implement a wide range of structural investments, namely with the delivery of two new fire engines to the Associations of Vila Franca do Campo and São Roque do Pico, the provision of 17 tactical self-command vehicles, one for each fire brigade in the Region, the delivery of 70 defibrillator monitors for emergency ambulances, the distribution of Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) purchased at a cost of over €300,000, and the continuation of work on the SRPCBA Training Centre, including the construction of a new high-rise training tower." For 2026, the Regional Secretary also highlighted the 50% increase in funds allocated to the financing model of the Firefighters' Associations, from €500,000 to €750,000, and the planned delivery of 12 new emergency ambulances, including one for the Angra do Heroísmo fire brigade. Alonso Miguel concluded his speech by emphasising that "the truth has no answer" and that "the recognition of firefighters is not just empty rhetoric, it is a tangible and visible reality." He reiterated that "the Government will continue to strengthen resources, value careers and work side by side with associations and municipalities to ensure predictability, stability and sustainability in the firefighting sector."
Nota de Imprensa
December 6, 2025 Azorean Government certifies "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" with craft Geographical Indication seal The Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres received the artisanal Geographical Indication (GI) seal, valid throughout Europe, following a process promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA). The certification of this craft production was awarded by A.Certifica and acknowledged by the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, explained Maria João Carreiro at the certification ceremony held this Friday in the Lower Choir of the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada. “We moved forward with this certification in the belief that it offers the possibility of protecting and recognising a know-how that embodies the cultural, historical and social wealth of a people and a territory,” stated the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment. The "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" (representations) are the second Azorean craft product from the "Azorean Handicraft" collective brand with national and European Geographical Indication certification, after the "Violas da Terra dos Açores" (traditional Azorean guitar), in 2024. "The GI is a seal of quality and origin that certifies the unique link between craft production and the territory where it is produced, in this case the island of São Miguel, with all that this entails in terms of protecting and promoting technique, authenticity, quality and heritage identity within Europe," she said. The GI certificates were awarded to artisans Maria Luísa Benevides, Fátima Rodrigues, Maria da Graça Bastos, Clementina Vieira Botelho, Lurdes Pereira, Gabriela Correia, Maria da Paixão Resendes, Maria da Saudade Riley, Manuela Linhares, and the Nossa Senhora da Paz Cooperative, from Vila Franca do Campo, to whom the government official thanked for their "work in safeguarding centuries-old craft production." The Regional Secretary expressed her hope that these artisans "may make the most of this certification, which brings pride and renews their commitment to quality and respect for the unique characteristics" of a craft creation where art merges with faith and takes on both a sacred and decorative significance. GI certification is an opportunity for artisans and consumers in terms of raising awareness of authentic products, protecting production methods and techniques rooted in cultural and social heritage, strengthening the competitiveness of craft businesses, and providing legal protection within the European Union. "Bringing crafts closer to new market segments or stimulating dialogue between craft production and other sectors of activity, such as tourism, is now gaining new momentum with the access of Azorean Handicrafts to GI certification," she said. In her speech, Maria João Carreiro assured that the Regional Government will continue to work to "put craftsmanship where it should be: with the people, in dialogue with innovation and with the territory." The craft sector in the Azores, she continued, "is experiencing one of its best phases." In this regard, she highlighted the number of new artisans and craft production units under the "Azorean Handicrafts" collective brand, the expansion of the network of local fairs ("Azores Crafts Fair"), and the adaptation of SIDART to investment in innovation and promotion. The Regional Secretary also announced the opening of the Azores Craft Lab - Innovation, Arts and Crafts in 2026, a new public facility that will operate at the Azores Training Centre in Ponta Delgada, with a view to promoting and facilitating training, experimentation and innovation activities for the local public and visitors. Also participating in this GI certification ceremony for the "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" was the Director of External Relations and Legal Affairs of the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property, João Amaral, who presented the new European GI regulation, and the Executive Director of A. Certifica, who identified the place of the Azores in the national mapping of craft products with GI potential. The session ended with a performance by the Johann Sebastian Bach Group, featuring J. Van Berchem's "O Jesu Christe" (16th century) and the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Hymn.
December 6, 2025 Azorean Government certifies "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" with craft Geographical Indication seal The Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres received the artisanal Geographical Indication (GI) seal, valid throughout Europe, following a process promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA). The certification of this craft production was awarded by A.Certifica and acknowledged by the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, explained Maria João Carreiro at the certification ceremony held this Friday in the Lower Choir of the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada. “We moved forward with this certification in the belief that it offers the possibility of protecting and recognising a know-how that embodies the cultural, historical and social wealth of a people and a territory,” stated the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment. The "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" (representations) are the second Azorean craft product from the "Azorean Handicraft" collective brand with national and European Geographical Indication certification, after the "Violas da Terra dos Açores" (traditional Azorean guitar), in 2024. "The GI is a seal of quality and origin that certifies the unique link between craft production and the territory where it is produced, in this case the island of São Miguel, with all that this entails in terms of protecting and promoting technique, authenticity, quality and heritage identity within Europe," she said. The GI certificates were awarded to artisans Maria Luísa Benevides, Fátima Rodrigues, Maria da Graça Bastos, Clementina Vieira Botelho, Lurdes Pereira, Gabriela Correia, Maria da Paixão Resendes, Maria da Saudade Riley, Manuela Linhares, and the Nossa Senhora da Paz Cooperative, from Vila Franca do Campo, to whom the government official thanked for their "work in safeguarding centuries-old craft production." The Regional Secretary expressed her hope that these artisans "may make the most of this certification, which brings pride and renews their commitment to quality and respect for the unique characteristics" of a craft creation where art merges with faith and takes on both a sacred and decorative significance. GI certification is an opportunity for artisans and consumers in terms of raising awareness of authentic products, protecting production methods and techniques rooted in cultural and social heritage, strengthening the competitiveness of craft businesses, and providing legal protection within the European Union. "Bringing crafts closer to new market segments or stimulating dialogue between craft production and other sectors of activity, such as tourism, is now gaining new momentum with the access of Azorean Handicrafts to GI certification," she said. In her speech, Maria João Carreiro assured that the Regional Government will continue to work to "put craftsmanship where it should be: with the people, in dialogue with innovation and with the territory." The craft sector in the Azores, she continued, "is experiencing one of its best phases." In this regard, she highlighted the number of new artisans and craft production units under the "Azorean Handicrafts" collective brand, the expansion of the network of local fairs ("Azores Crafts Fair"), and the adaptation of SIDART to investment in innovation and promotion. The Regional Secretary also announced the opening of the Azores Craft Lab - Innovation, Arts and Crafts in 2026, a new public facility that will operate at the Azores Training Centre in Ponta Delgada, with a view to promoting and facilitating training, experimentation and innovation activities for the local public and visitors. Also participating in this GI certification ceremony for the "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" was the Director of External Relations and Legal Affairs of the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property, João Amaral, who presented the new European GI regulation, and the Executive Director of A. Certifica, who identified the place of the Azores in the national mapping of craft products with GI potential. The session ended with a performance by the Johann Sebastian Bach Group, featuring J. Van Berchem's "O Jesu Christe" (16th century) and the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Hymn.
Nota de Imprensa
December 6, 2025 Artur Lima highlights role of Artificial Intelligence as "catalyst for economic, social and environmental progress" The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, presided over the opening session of the "AI & Business" event on Friday, which took place at NONAGON - São Miguel Science and Technology Park, in Lagoa. The event brought together companies, experts, researchers and decision-makers to discuss the progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for the business sector. "It is events like this that demonstrate that we are evolving at a dizzying speed, and that if we fail to keep up, we will miss the boat," stated the Vice-President of the Government. In this regard, Artur Lima stressed that the Regional Government is undertaking efforts to ensure that the entire Region keeps pace with the digital transition, through profound reforms in regional IT systems, as well as promoting increased connectivity between the Azores and the world. "Technology is no longer just a tool; it has become a strategic partner in the way we think, work and create value," stated the government official. He added that "Artificial Intelligence is at the heart of this transformation, changing the way companies understand and interact with their customers, optimise processes and make decisions." However, the Vice-President stressed that Artificial Intelligence "does not replace, nor should it ever replace, human vision." This technology "intends to enhance human strategy, creativity and ethics, freeing up time and resources to innovate, solve complex problems and create value," he emphasised. Considering the current context marked by growing technological disruption, Artur Lima also noted that the companies of the future will be those capable of combining the power of data, AI technology and human sensitivity, achieving efficiency gains and flexibility to adapt to constantly changing markets. "Today, we have the opportunity and responsibility to use this technology as a catalyst for economic, social and environmental progress," he noted. During his speech, the Vice-President of the Government also expressed his confidence that the event will strengthen the relations of those present with the new AI methods and techniques. "Let us seize this moment to build smarter, more humane and better prepared companies for the future, as it is important to anticipate, provide training and empower, so that we can take action and converge," concluded Artur Lima. Organised by Nonagon - São Miguel Science and Technology Park, "AI & Business" is part of the "Training and Digital Transformation of Companies in the Azores (C16-i05-RAA)" project under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).
December 6, 2025 Artur Lima highlights role of Artificial Intelligence as "catalyst for economic, social and environmental progress" The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, presided over the opening session of the "AI & Business" event on Friday, which took place at NONAGON - São Miguel Science and Technology Park, in Lagoa. The event brought together companies, experts, researchers and decision-makers to discuss the progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for the business sector. "It is events like this that demonstrate that we are evolving at a dizzying speed, and that if we fail to keep up, we will miss the boat," stated the Vice-President of the Government. In this regard, Artur Lima stressed that the Regional Government is undertaking efforts to ensure that the entire Region keeps pace with the digital transition, through profound reforms in regional IT systems, as well as promoting increased connectivity between the Azores and the world. "Technology is no longer just a tool; it has become a strategic partner in the way we think, work and create value," stated the government official. He added that "Artificial Intelligence is at the heart of this transformation, changing the way companies understand and interact with their customers, optimise processes and make decisions." However, the Vice-President stressed that Artificial Intelligence "does not replace, nor should it ever replace, human vision." This technology "intends to enhance human strategy, creativity and ethics, freeing up time and resources to innovate, solve complex problems and create value," he emphasised. Considering the current context marked by growing technological disruption, Artur Lima also noted that the companies of the future will be those capable of combining the power of data, AI technology and human sensitivity, achieving efficiency gains and flexibility to adapt to constantly changing markets. "Today, we have the opportunity and responsibility to use this technology as a catalyst for economic, social and environmental progress," he noted. During his speech, the Vice-President of the Government also expressed his confidence that the event will strengthen the relations of those present with the new AI methods and techniques. "Let us seize this moment to build smarter, more humane and better prepared companies for the future, as it is important to anticipate, provide training and empower, so that we can take action and converge," concluded Artur Lima. Organised by Nonagon - São Miguel Science and Technology Park, "AI & Business" is part of the "Training and Digital Transformation of Companies in the Azores (C16-i05-RAA)" project under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).
Nota de Imprensa
December 5, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro stresses that "transparency is essential for strengthening public confidence" The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the 4th Regional Conference on "Corruption Prevention and Transparency." An initiative part of the celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day, it took place at the Auditorium of the Agrarian Development Service, bringing together experts and entities for a broad reflection on integrity, prevention mechanisms and strengthening trust in institutions. The head of the Azorean Government stressed the importance of consolidating a culture of transparency and public accountability, defending that "corruption prevention and transparency are essential to give credibility to institutions," as well as to bring public administration closer to citizens. The session featured presentations on current challenges in this area, from the link between fraud, corruption and European funds, to the new GRECO evaluation cycle for autonomous regions and local authorities, including the role of ethical regulation in political life. The programme sought to combine technical knowledge with civic and institutional reflection. The President of the Government also highlighted a new development with a direct impact on the regional economy, pointing out that "at this very moment, a technical meeting is taking place with business associations and the Regional Secretary for Finance to work on new financial resources." In this regard, he recalled that the RRP, in its initial version, did not include the allocation of direct support to business investment. José Manuel Bolieiro explained that, following the review and simplification process completed on October 31, it was possible to pave the way for new investment incentive instruments, namely through the Financial Instrument for Innovation and Competitiveness. This measure includes a specific allocation for the Region amounting to €40 million, managed by Banco Português de Fomento (investment bank). It also provides for increases in the co-financing rates guaranteed by the Regional Government, which "may reach 70% of the investment value." Outlining the scope of the decision, José Manuel Bolieiro stressed that "with this decision, we reiterate our commitment to creating better conditions for investment, innovation and prosperity," reinforcing the goal of "strengthening the Azorean economic fabric and projecting the Azores into the future." The conference also featured several speakers and experts, including Ana Carla Almeida, Deputy Attorney General and Think Tank facilitator, António Delicado, Vice-President of GRECO and member of the Board of Directors of MENAC, and Susana Coroado, researcher, in a programme moderated by José Mouraz Lopes, President of the Board of Directors of MENAC. The session also featured a speech by Patrícia Borges, Coordinator of the Corruption Prevention and Transparency Office, highlighting the regional commitment to promoting good practices in integrity and transparency. Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government
December 5, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro stresses that "transparency is essential for strengthening public confidence" The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the 4th Regional Conference on "Corruption Prevention and Transparency." An initiative part of the celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day, it took place at the Auditorium of the Agrarian Development Service, bringing together experts and entities for a broad reflection on integrity, prevention mechanisms and strengthening trust in institutions. The head of the Azorean Government stressed the importance of consolidating a culture of transparency and public accountability, defending that "corruption prevention and transparency are essential to give credibility to institutions," as well as to bring public administration closer to citizens. The session featured presentations on current challenges in this area, from the link between fraud, corruption and European funds, to the new GRECO evaluation cycle for autonomous regions and local authorities, including the role of ethical regulation in political life. The programme sought to combine technical knowledge with civic and institutional reflection. The President of the Government also highlighted a new development with a direct impact on the regional economy, pointing out that "at this very moment, a technical meeting is taking place with business associations and the Regional Secretary for Finance to work on new financial resources." In this regard, he recalled that the RRP, in its initial version, did not include the allocation of direct support to business investment. José Manuel Bolieiro explained that, following the review and simplification process completed on October 31, it was possible to pave the way for new investment incentive instruments, namely through the Financial Instrument for Innovation and Competitiveness. This measure includes a specific allocation for the Region amounting to €40 million, managed by Banco Português de Fomento (investment bank). It also provides for increases in the co-financing rates guaranteed by the Regional Government, which "may reach 70% of the investment value." Outlining the scope of the decision, José Manuel Bolieiro stressed that "with this decision, we reiterate our commitment to creating better conditions for investment, innovation and prosperity," reinforcing the goal of "strengthening the Azorean economic fabric and projecting the Azores into the future." The conference also featured several speakers and experts, including Ana Carla Almeida, Deputy Attorney General and Think Tank facilitator, António Delicado, Vice-President of GRECO and member of the Board of Directors of MENAC, and Susana Coroado, researcher, in a programme moderated by José Mouraz Lopes, President of the Board of Directors of MENAC. The session also featured a speech by Patrícia Borges, Coordinator of the Corruption Prevention and Transparency Office, highlighting the regional commitment to promoting good practices in integrity and transparency. Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government
