Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Macaronesia can play "an important role in the European Union's external cooperation," defended Artur Lima
Macaronesia can play "an important role in the European Union's external cooperation," defended Artur Lima
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Azores with 362 new housing solutions under implementation
Azores with 362 new housing solutions under implementation
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Adaptation of taxi transport scheme to make activity more attractive and sustainable, stresses Berta Cabral
Adaptation of taxi transport scheme to make activity more attractive and sustainable, stresses Berta Cabral
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro exchanged farewell greetings with Commander of the Azores Air Zone
José Manuel Bolieiro exchanged farewell greetings with Commander of the Azores Air Zone
Nota de Imprensa
September 12, 2025 Macaronesia can play "an important role in the European Union's external cooperation," defended Artur Lima 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.
September 12, 2025 Macaronesia can play "an important role in the European Union's external cooperation," defended Artur Lima 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.
Nota de Imprensa
September 11, 2025 Azores with 362 new housing solutions under implementation 362 new housing solutions are currently being implemented in the Azores, representing an investment of over 43.6 million Euros financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) for the Region. This investment will increase the supply of public housing for different situations and age groups, including young people, middle-class and single-parent families, not forgetting the most disadvantaged households facing serious housing shortages. Faced with the national and European challenge that is also being experienced in the regional housing market, namely in the acquisition and construction of housing or rental properties, the Government is implementing with determination, rigour and responsibility what is the largest investment ever made in public housing in the Azores. Between 2012 and 2020, only 71 houses were built, which is less than one house per year and per island. The continuous underinvestment in housing during those years has led to a supply deficit in the Region. It will now be remedied by the investment being made in new housing solutions, such as construction, renovation, and plot servicing. This is the case of the São Pedro neighbourhood, in the parish of Maia, municipality of Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island, where the construction of six two-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments is progressing, as confirmed this week by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, "in an example that is multiplying in different municipalities and islands." The works contract for the São Pedro neighbourhood was awarded in October 2024 to the company Marques, S.A. for 2.3 million Euros, financed under the RRP, and is expected to be completed in early 2026. In addition to the construction, renovation and servicing of plots for transfer, the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Housing, is investing in adapting support measures for construction, renovation and rental to the current context, namely the increase in lease and construction material costs. A 20% increase in lease incentives, as well as changes to the calculation formulas and income brackets for eligibility for self-build support on serviced plots provided by the Region, are some of the measures promoted by the PSD/CDS/PPM coalition to reduce the financial burden on families seeking access to housing. This year, the Azorean Government regulated the new lease with purchase option scheme so that Azoreans can benefit from new, modern and efficient housing solutions at prices compatible with their incomes. The purchase option can only be exercised by the tenant one year after signing the lease agreement.
September 11, 2025 Azores with 362 new housing solutions under implementation 362 new housing solutions are currently being implemented in the Azores, representing an investment of over 43.6 million Euros financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) for the Region. This investment will increase the supply of public housing for different situations and age groups, including young people, middle-class and single-parent families, not forgetting the most disadvantaged households facing serious housing shortages. Faced with the national and European challenge that is also being experienced in the regional housing market, namely in the acquisition and construction of housing or rental properties, the Government is implementing with determination, rigour and responsibility what is the largest investment ever made in public housing in the Azores. Between 2012 and 2020, only 71 houses were built, which is less than one house per year and per island. The continuous underinvestment in housing during those years has led to a supply deficit in the Region. It will now be remedied by the investment being made in new housing solutions, such as construction, renovation, and plot servicing. This is the case of the São Pedro neighbourhood, in the parish of Maia, municipality of Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island, where the construction of six two-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments is progressing, as confirmed this week by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, "in an example that is multiplying in different municipalities and islands." The works contract for the São Pedro neighbourhood was awarded in October 2024 to the company Marques, S.A. for 2.3 million Euros, financed under the RRP, and is expected to be completed in early 2026. In addition to the construction, renovation and servicing of plots for transfer, the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Housing, is investing in adapting support measures for construction, renovation and rental to the current context, namely the increase in lease and construction material costs. A 20% increase in lease incentives, as well as changes to the calculation formulas and income brackets for eligibility for self-build support on serviced plots provided by the Region, are some of the measures promoted by the PSD/CDS/PPM coalition to reduce the financial burden on families seeking access to housing. This year, the Azorean Government regulated the new lease with purchase option scheme so that Azoreans can benefit from new, modern and efficient housing solutions at prices compatible with their incomes. The purchase option can only be exercised by the tenant one year after signing the lease agreement.
Nota de Imprensa
September 10, 2025 Adaptation of taxi transport scheme to make activity more attractive and sustainable, stresses Berta Cabral The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, stressed today that adapting the legal scheme for public passenger transport by taxi, unanimously approved by the Azorean Parliament, to the Region will make the activity "more attractive, sustainable and fairer." "What we propose in this adaptation of the national law governing the legal scheme for public passenger transport service by taxi is the exemption from the application and use of taximeters and, additionally, the possibility of transferring the taxi operator licence, which consists of a permit, to a forced heir or executor," she stressed during the presentation of the document. “We are, therefore, firmly confident that this legislative proposal will guarantee the resolution of specific problems faced by taxi drivers in the Azores. It will also make the entire activity more attractive, more sustainable and fairer,” he continued, speaking in the city of Horta during a debate at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The government official pointed out that the proposal approved today aims to "solve specific problems and create better conditions" for taxi activity, while "taking into account the specificities" of the various Azorean islands. She explained: “This is an essential public transport service that ensures mobility for the Azorean population, especially outside urban centres, with the particular advantage of proximity and solutions for the most vulnerable members of society, such as the elderly and the sick. Similarly, the taxi service has taken on a critical role in the development of our tourism industry, often being the first and last point of contact with those visiting us.” Compared to national legislation, the Azorean scheme has two specific features: firstly, it ensures that taxis are exempt from the obligation to be fitted with a taximeter, a decision that "considers the characteristics of the regional market," which is small and geographically dispersed, with short distances travelled and waiting times, without prejudice to an annual review. Another specific feature concerns the non-applicability of licence expiry for taxi operators, which are issued as a permit, in the event of the death of a sole proprietor, as provided for in Decree-Law No. 101/2023 of October 31, given the characteristics of the regional market.
September 10, 2025 Adaptation of taxi transport scheme to make activity more attractive and sustainable, stresses Berta Cabral The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, stressed today that adapting the legal scheme for public passenger transport by taxi, unanimously approved by the Azorean Parliament, to the Region will make the activity "more attractive, sustainable and fairer." "What we propose in this adaptation of the national law governing the legal scheme for public passenger transport service by taxi is the exemption from the application and use of taximeters and, additionally, the possibility of transferring the taxi operator licence, which consists of a permit, to a forced heir or executor," she stressed during the presentation of the document. “We are, therefore, firmly confident that this legislative proposal will guarantee the resolution of specific problems faced by taxi drivers in the Azores. It will also make the entire activity more attractive, more sustainable and fairer,” he continued, speaking in the city of Horta during a debate at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The government official pointed out that the proposal approved today aims to "solve specific problems and create better conditions" for taxi activity, while "taking into account the specificities" of the various Azorean islands. She explained: “This is an essential public transport service that ensures mobility for the Azorean population, especially outside urban centres, with the particular advantage of proximity and solutions for the most vulnerable members of society, such as the elderly and the sick. Similarly, the taxi service has taken on a critical role in the development of our tourism industry, often being the first and last point of contact with those visiting us.” Compared to national legislation, the Azorean scheme has two specific features: firstly, it ensures that taxis are exempt from the obligation to be fitted with a taximeter, a decision that "considers the characteristics of the regional market," which is small and geographically dispersed, with short distances travelled and waiting times, without prejudice to an annual review. Another specific feature concerns the non-applicability of licence expiry for taxi operators, which are issued as a permit, in the event of the death of a sole proprietor, as provided for in Decree-Law No. 101/2023 of October 31, given the characteristics of the regional market.
Nota de Imprensa
September 10, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro exchanged farewell greetings with Commander of the Azores Air Zone The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, met with Major General António Moldão, the Commander of the Azores Air Zone, during a farewell audience held on Tuesday at the German Colony in Horta. The head of the Azorean Government conveyed the Regional Government's gratitude for Major General António Moldão's "excellent performance." In this regard, he emphasised that his leadership contributed "to raising awareness and understanding of the importance and significance of the Azores within Portugal's maritime geography and the country's Atlantic centrality." The President of the Government highlighted the significance of Air Base No. 4 on Terceira Island in providing services to the Azorean population, particularly in search and rescue operations. He acknowledged the "enormous operational effort made by the Air Force for the benefit of the population." The audience was also an opportunity for joint reflection on the geostrategic and geopolitical value of Air Base No. 4, in the national context, within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance and the bilateral agreement between Portugal and the United States of America. José Manuel Bolieiro extended his best wishes for success to Major General António Moldão in his new professional endeavours, expressing hope that he "will continue to be a friend and advocate for the interests of the Azores and Portugal in the Atlantic." António Moldão expressed his gratitude for the honour and emphasised his pride in commanding the Azores Air Zone. He highlighted the crucial role of the Air Force in supporting the population and strengthening the strategic position of the Region.
September 10, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro exchanged farewell greetings with Commander of the Azores Air Zone The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, met with Major General António Moldão, the Commander of the Azores Air Zone, during a farewell audience held on Tuesday at the German Colony in Horta. The head of the Azorean Government conveyed the Regional Government's gratitude for Major General António Moldão's "excellent performance." In this regard, he emphasised that his leadership contributed "to raising awareness and understanding of the importance and significance of the Azores within Portugal's maritime geography and the country's Atlantic centrality." The President of the Government highlighted the significance of Air Base No. 4 on Terceira Island in providing services to the Azorean population, particularly in search and rescue operations. He acknowledged the "enormous operational effort made by the Air Force for the benefit of the population." The audience was also an opportunity for joint reflection on the geostrategic and geopolitical value of Air Base No. 4, in the national context, within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance and the bilateral agreement between Portugal and the United States of America. José Manuel Bolieiro extended his best wishes for success to Major General António Moldão in his new professional endeavours, expressing hope that he "will continue to be a friend and advocate for the interests of the Azores and Portugal in the Atlantic." António Moldão expressed his gratitude for the honour and emphasised his pride in commanding the Azores Air Zone. He highlighted the crucial role of the Air Force in supporting the population and strengthening the strategic position of the Region.
Nota de Imprensa
September 10, 2025 Azores' GDP grows by more than two billion Euros under coalition governments, highlights Paulo Estêvão The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, praised today the current economic situation in the Azores, pointing out that the regional economy has "never" experienced such significant growth. “At the end of this year, the Azores' GDP will exceed 6 billion Euros. In 2012, at the beginning of Vasco Cordeiro's two administrations, the GDP stood at 3.546 billion Euros. In the last eight years of socialist Governments, led by Vasco Cordeiro, the Azores' GDP grew by a meagre 450 million Euros. This was in the course of eight years. If we consider the growth forecast for this year, the Azores will have recorded a GDP growth of more than 2 billion Euros in just five years," stated the government official. The Regional Secretary spoke at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in the city of Horta. He pointed out that the current economic growth "is only happening" due to the "policies that have been implemented" by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition. "Taxes were reduced, and even so, social support was substantially increased, and several careers were upgraded. All this led to an increase in consumption and contributed to further boosting the Azorean economy. As a result, within two legislative terms, the Azores' GDP, i.e. the wealth produced by the Region, will have doubled," he stated. Acknowledging that the Government had put "all its eggs in one basket," Paulo Estêvão stressed that the commitment to economic growth had been successful, even though there were still challenges to overcome. He stated: "Are there arrears in payments in the Region? Yes, there are. It is a problem that we have to solve, and we are already doing so. In health, for example. However, in all other areas, it is vital to bring payments up to date. This is our focus and our commitment. And we will succeed. We will maintain economic growth. Low taxes. Maintain and even increase social support. Continue to value careers. We will focus on revenue growth through economic growth, and we will fine-tune our budget efforts." The government official also defended the need to create "more cash flow," reiterating the idea that "it is necessary to cut all expenses that do not jeopardise the Region's economic growth, social support and increased household income." “We will do this, and we will be successful again. Anyone who is on the verge of doubling GDP in just two terms of office can commit to this. It is not impossible, and we have already achieved what almost everyone considered impossible,” he concluded.
September 10, 2025 Azores' GDP grows by more than two billion Euros under coalition governments, highlights Paulo Estêvão The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, praised today the current economic situation in the Azores, pointing out that the regional economy has "never" experienced such significant growth. “At the end of this year, the Azores' GDP will exceed 6 billion Euros. In 2012, at the beginning of Vasco Cordeiro's two administrations, the GDP stood at 3.546 billion Euros. In the last eight years of socialist Governments, led by Vasco Cordeiro, the Azores' GDP grew by a meagre 450 million Euros. This was in the course of eight years. If we consider the growth forecast for this year, the Azores will have recorded a GDP growth of more than 2 billion Euros in just five years," stated the government official. The Regional Secretary spoke at the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in the city of Horta. He pointed out that the current economic growth "is only happening" due to the "policies that have been implemented" by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition. "Taxes were reduced, and even so, social support was substantially increased, and several careers were upgraded. All this led to an increase in consumption and contributed to further boosting the Azorean economy. As a result, within two legislative terms, the Azores' GDP, i.e. the wealth produced by the Region, will have doubled," he stated. Acknowledging that the Government had put "all its eggs in one basket," Paulo Estêvão stressed that the commitment to economic growth had been successful, even though there were still challenges to overcome. He stated: "Are there arrears in payments in the Region? Yes, there are. It is a problem that we have to solve, and we are already doing so. In health, for example. However, in all other areas, it is vital to bring payments up to date. This is our focus and our commitment. And we will succeed. We will maintain economic growth. Low taxes. Maintain and even increase social support. Continue to value careers. We will focus on revenue growth through economic growth, and we will fine-tune our budget efforts." The government official also defended the need to create "more cash flow," reiterating the idea that "it is necessary to cut all expenses that do not jeopardise the Region's economic growth, social support and increased household income." “We will do this, and we will be successful again. Anyone who is on the verge of doubling GDP in just two terms of office can commit to this. It is not impossible, and we have already achieved what almost everyone considered impossible,” he concluded.
