Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates Azores' commitment to Europe and calls for stronger cohesion policies for Outermost Regions
José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates Azores' commitment to Europe and calls for stronger cohesion policies for Outermost Regions
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates support for Outermost Regions and takes the Azores' message to President of the European Council
José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates support for Outermost Regions and takes the Azores' message to President of the European Council
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Governo dos Açores avança com apoio temporário para o adiantamento das remunerações dos trabalhadores da Base das Lajes
Governo dos Açores avança com apoio temporário para o adiantamento das remunerações dos trabalhadores da Base das Lajes
Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública
Regional Government revises RRP for simplification and ensures continuity of investments
Regional Government revises RRP for simplification and ensures continuity of investments
Nota de Imprensa
November 6, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates Azores' commitment to Europe and calls for stronger cohesion policies for Outermost Regions The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in the high-level conference "Putting Outermost Regions (ORs) at the heart of the European decision-making process" promoted by EURODOM in Brussels, where he strongly defended the need to strengthen the European Union's specific policies for the Outermost Regions in the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the 2028–2034 period. At the meeting, which brought together leaders from the Outermost Regions, MEPs and representatives of the European Commission, José Manuel Bolieiro signed, on behalf of the Azores, the Brussels Declaration. This was a joint call from the Outermost Regions for the European Union to keep these regions at the heart of European Cohesion and Development Policy. The document reiterates the strategic role of the Outermost Regions in the geopolitics and sustainability of Europe, emphasising the duty to comply with Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enshrines differentiation in their favour. During his speech at the panel on the future of the post-2027 MFF, José Manuel Bolieiro warned that the proposal presented by the European Commission "represents a worrying step backwards" by proposing the merger of historical policies into a single centrally managed fund. For the President of the Azorean Government, this option "eliminates the differentiation that has always marked the European approach to the ORs and weakens regional autonomy." “The Outermost Regions are a strategic asset for the European Union. They represent geopolitical presence, biodiversity, environmental contribution and connection to the world. Our role is an integral part of Europe's future,” he said. The President of the Government stressed that the Outermost Regions cannot be at a disadvantage due to their permanent structural limitations, recalling that Article 349 imposes an obligation on the European Union to adopt tailored and differentiated policies. "There is no reason to back down on this legal, political and moral commitment," he said, noting that European cohesion and solidarity "must be translated into tangible policies and adequate budgets." The head of the Azorean Government also presented specific proposals that mark the Azores' position in this European debate. In this regard, he advocated the maintenance and strengthening of the POSEI programme in agriculture, an essential instrument for the food self-sufficiency and social stability of the islands. Furthermore, he defended the creation of a POSEI-Fisheries and a POSEI-Transport, with a view to offsetting the additional costs of remoteness and ensuring accessibility and territorial continuity. The President of the Government also highlighted the importance of a European strategy for energy and the environment in the Outermost Regions, pointing out the potential of the Azores as a living laboratory for energy transition. "We have nine isolated micro-grids and great potential for clean energy. We want to be an example and a partner for innovation in Europe. But for that to happen, it is essential that the MFF recognises the specific characteristics of the archipelagos and provides differentiated support for our reality," he said. The Declaration of the Outermost Regions, signed in Brussels, urges the European Commission to thoroughly review its proposal and ensure compliance with Article 349, calling for an ambitious European policy with dedicated and stronger budgets. The document also calls for the maintenance of the POSEI programme, the creation of a POSEI-Fisheries and a POSEI-Transport programme, as well as an increase in the allocations from the ERDF-OR and ESF+OR funds and higher co-financing rates to ensure territorial continuity and public investment in the outermost regions. José Manuel Bolieiro stressed that the Regional Government will continue to advocate for a Europe that recognises and values its outermost regions, stating that the future of European cohesion also depends on the prosperity of its most distant islands. "Without differentiated policies, there can be no true equality. Respect for Article 349 is essential to ensure that no region is left behind. The Outermost Regions are an opportunity for Europe to be fairer, stronger and closer to its citizens," he concluded. Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government
November 6, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates Azores' commitment to Europe and calls for stronger cohesion policies for Outermost Regions The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in the high-level conference "Putting Outermost Regions (ORs) at the heart of the European decision-making process" promoted by EURODOM in Brussels, where he strongly defended the need to strengthen the European Union's specific policies for the Outermost Regions in the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the 2028–2034 period. At the meeting, which brought together leaders from the Outermost Regions, MEPs and representatives of the European Commission, José Manuel Bolieiro signed, on behalf of the Azores, the Brussels Declaration. This was a joint call from the Outermost Regions for the European Union to keep these regions at the heart of European Cohesion and Development Policy. The document reiterates the strategic role of the Outermost Regions in the geopolitics and sustainability of Europe, emphasising the duty to comply with Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enshrines differentiation in their favour. During his speech at the panel on the future of the post-2027 MFF, José Manuel Bolieiro warned that the proposal presented by the European Commission "represents a worrying step backwards" by proposing the merger of historical policies into a single centrally managed fund. For the President of the Azorean Government, this option "eliminates the differentiation that has always marked the European approach to the ORs and weakens regional autonomy." “The Outermost Regions are a strategic asset for the European Union. They represent geopolitical presence, biodiversity, environmental contribution and connection to the world. Our role is an integral part of Europe's future,” he said. The President of the Government stressed that the Outermost Regions cannot be at a disadvantage due to their permanent structural limitations, recalling that Article 349 imposes an obligation on the European Union to adopt tailored and differentiated policies. "There is no reason to back down on this legal, political and moral commitment," he said, noting that European cohesion and solidarity "must be translated into tangible policies and adequate budgets." The head of the Azorean Government also presented specific proposals that mark the Azores' position in this European debate. In this regard, he advocated the maintenance and strengthening of the POSEI programme in agriculture, an essential instrument for the food self-sufficiency and social stability of the islands. Furthermore, he defended the creation of a POSEI-Fisheries and a POSEI-Transport, with a view to offsetting the additional costs of remoteness and ensuring accessibility and territorial continuity. The President of the Government also highlighted the importance of a European strategy for energy and the environment in the Outermost Regions, pointing out the potential of the Azores as a living laboratory for energy transition. "We have nine isolated micro-grids and great potential for clean energy. We want to be an example and a partner for innovation in Europe. But for that to happen, it is essential that the MFF recognises the specific characteristics of the archipelagos and provides differentiated support for our reality," he said. The Declaration of the Outermost Regions, signed in Brussels, urges the European Commission to thoroughly review its proposal and ensure compliance with Article 349, calling for an ambitious European policy with dedicated and stronger budgets. The document also calls for the maintenance of the POSEI programme, the creation of a POSEI-Fisheries and a POSEI-Transport programme, as well as an increase in the allocations from the ERDF-OR and ESF+OR funds and higher co-financing rates to ensure territorial continuity and public investment in the outermost regions. José Manuel Bolieiro stressed that the Regional Government will continue to advocate for a Europe that recognises and values its outermost regions, stating that the future of European cohesion also depends on the prosperity of its most distant islands. "Without differentiated policies, there can be no true equality. Respect for Article 349 is essential to ensure that no region is left behind. The Outermost Regions are an opportunity for Europe to be fairer, stronger and closer to its citizens," he concluded. Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government
Nota de Imprensa
November 6, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates support for Outermost Regions and takes the Azores' message to President of the European Council Following his participation in the European conference on the future of the Outermost Regions, held today in Brussels, the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, announced that he will send a letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa, expressing the Region's opposition to the European Commission's proposal for the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The decision comes after the debate on the need to ensure compliance with Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which enshrines the principle of differentiation in favour of the Outermost Regions. The head of the Azorean Government considers that the proposal presented by the Commission "does not fulfil the commitments made to the Outermost Regions and represents a worrying step backwards," warning of the risks of losing achievements made over decades. "We are against the Commission's proposal. Under its terms, it does not fulfil its commitments to the Outermost Regions. I will make this position known to the President of the European Council in a letter," stated the President of the Government. The letter, which will be sent in the coming days, aims to raise awareness among the European Council regarding the importance of preserving specific instruments such as the POSEI programme, considered essential for the food self-sufficiency and economic balance of the islands. It also proposes the creation of a POSEI-Fisheries and a POSEI-Transport, dedicated to offsetting additional costs and improving the mobility and connectivity of island regions. José Manuel Bolieiro will also advocate the maintenance of increased co-financing rates, increasing budgets dedicated to the Outermost Regions and creating specific sections for each region in national and regional plans, with a view to ensuring the effective participation of the Outermost Regions in the planning and implementation of European policies. “A Multiannual Financial Framework that fully acknowledges the specific characteristics of the Outermost Regions is not only a matter of territorial justice, but also a pillar of the resilience, cohesion and competitiveness of the European Union itself,” stated the President of the Government. José Manuel Bolieiro also pointed out that this letter reflects the common political position of the Outermost Regions, strengthened by the joint declaration signed in Brussels. He reiterated the Region's willingness to collaborate with the National Government and the European institutions in advocating a balanced solution for the next financial framework. “The Azores are fully committed to contributing to a more cohesive and fairer Europe that leaves no one behind. This is the meaning of the letter we will send to the President of the European Council: a calm but firm defence of the principle of differentiation that lies at the heart of the European project,” he concluded.
November 6, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates support for Outermost Regions and takes the Azores' message to President of the European Council Following his participation in the European conference on the future of the Outermost Regions, held today in Brussels, the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, announced that he will send a letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa, expressing the Region's opposition to the European Commission's proposal for the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The decision comes after the debate on the need to ensure compliance with Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which enshrines the principle of differentiation in favour of the Outermost Regions. The head of the Azorean Government considers that the proposal presented by the Commission "does not fulfil the commitments made to the Outermost Regions and represents a worrying step backwards," warning of the risks of losing achievements made over decades. "We are against the Commission's proposal. Under its terms, it does not fulfil its commitments to the Outermost Regions. I will make this position known to the President of the European Council in a letter," stated the President of the Government. The letter, which will be sent in the coming days, aims to raise awareness among the European Council regarding the importance of preserving specific instruments such as the POSEI programme, considered essential for the food self-sufficiency and economic balance of the islands. It also proposes the creation of a POSEI-Fisheries and a POSEI-Transport, dedicated to offsetting additional costs and improving the mobility and connectivity of island regions. José Manuel Bolieiro will also advocate the maintenance of increased co-financing rates, increasing budgets dedicated to the Outermost Regions and creating specific sections for each region in national and regional plans, with a view to ensuring the effective participation of the Outermost Regions in the planning and implementation of European policies. “A Multiannual Financial Framework that fully acknowledges the specific characteristics of the Outermost Regions is not only a matter of territorial justice, but also a pillar of the resilience, cohesion and competitiveness of the European Union itself,” stated the President of the Government. José Manuel Bolieiro also pointed out that this letter reflects the common political position of the Outermost Regions, strengthened by the joint declaration signed in Brussels. He reiterated the Region's willingness to collaborate with the National Government and the European institutions in advocating a balanced solution for the next financial framework. “The Azores are fully committed to contributing to a more cohesive and fairer Europe that leaves no one behind. This is the meaning of the letter we will send to the President of the European Council: a calm but firm defence of the principle of differentiation that lies at the heart of the European project,” he concluded.
Nota de Imprensa
November 8, 2025 Governo dos Açores avança com apoio temporário para o adiantamento das remunerações dos trabalhadores da Base das Lajes O Governo Regional dos Açores publicou, no Jornal Oficial da Região Autónoma dos Açores, a Portaria n.º 123-A/2025, de 7 de novembro, que regulamenta a concessão de um apoio financeiro de carácter social, temporário e reembolsável, correspondente ao adiantamento das remunerações em atraso dos trabalhadores afetos às Forças dos Estados Unidos da América nos Açores (USFORAZORES), nas Lajes, ilha Terceira. Esta medida, de natureza excecional e transitória, destina-se a mitigar os efeitos económicos e sociais decorrentes da suspensão do pagamento das remunerações por entidade patronal estrangeira, garantindo aos trabalhadores a manutenção temporária do seu rendimento habitual, até que esta situação se encontre regularizada. A Portaria n.º 123-A/2025 de 7 de novembro estabelece o montante máximo de financiamento, as regras de gestão dos contratos a celebrar pelo Instituto da Segurança Social dos Açores, IPRA, e o procedimento para a concessão deste apoio, nos termos da Resolução do Conselho do Governo n.º 149-A/2025, de 5 de novembro. Este apoio financeiro corresponde às remunerações líquidas em atraso, até ser restabelecido o normal processamento remuneratório pela entidade empregadora, tendo por referência de cálculo o período de salários compreendido entre 7 de setembro a 20 de setembro de 2025. Os montantes adiantados a cada trabalhador são integralmente restituídos, no prazo máximo de dez dias úteis após o recebimento das remunerações correspondentes por parte da entidade patronal. Com a entrada em vigor da referida Portaria, os trabalhadores afetos à USFORAZORES podem dirigir-se voluntariamente ao ISSA, IPRA, a partir da próxima segunda-feira, dia 10 de novembro, para iniciar o processo de concessão deste apoio. O Vice-Presidente do Governo Regional destacou que o compromisso e a dedicação destes profissionais “mantiveram-se inalterados”, o que demonstra “a resiliência e o espírito da causa açoriana”. Para Artur Lima, o Governo da República “demonstrou um inaceitável desinteresse pelos açorianos que servem o país numa base crucial para a segurança e estabilidade internacional”. Esta solução “torna claro que o Governo Regional age, está presente e cumpre através da sua ação governativa com o Povo Açoriano”, sublinhou o Vice-Presidente.
November 8, 2025 Governo dos Açores avança com apoio temporário para o adiantamento das remunerações dos trabalhadores da Base das Lajes O Governo Regional dos Açores publicou, no Jornal Oficial da Região Autónoma dos Açores, a Portaria n.º 123-A/2025, de 7 de novembro, que regulamenta a concessão de um apoio financeiro de carácter social, temporário e reembolsável, correspondente ao adiantamento das remunerações em atraso dos trabalhadores afetos às Forças dos Estados Unidos da América nos Açores (USFORAZORES), nas Lajes, ilha Terceira. Esta medida, de natureza excecional e transitória, destina-se a mitigar os efeitos económicos e sociais decorrentes da suspensão do pagamento das remunerações por entidade patronal estrangeira, garantindo aos trabalhadores a manutenção temporária do seu rendimento habitual, até que esta situação se encontre regularizada. A Portaria n.º 123-A/2025 de 7 de novembro estabelece o montante máximo de financiamento, as regras de gestão dos contratos a celebrar pelo Instituto da Segurança Social dos Açores, IPRA, e o procedimento para a concessão deste apoio, nos termos da Resolução do Conselho do Governo n.º 149-A/2025, de 5 de novembro. Este apoio financeiro corresponde às remunerações líquidas em atraso, até ser restabelecido o normal processamento remuneratório pela entidade empregadora, tendo por referência de cálculo o período de salários compreendido entre 7 de setembro a 20 de setembro de 2025. Os montantes adiantados a cada trabalhador são integralmente restituídos, no prazo máximo de dez dias úteis após o recebimento das remunerações correspondentes por parte da entidade patronal. Com a entrada em vigor da referida Portaria, os trabalhadores afetos à USFORAZORES podem dirigir-se voluntariamente ao ISSA, IPRA, a partir da próxima segunda-feira, dia 10 de novembro, para iniciar o processo de concessão deste apoio. O Vice-Presidente do Governo Regional destacou que o compromisso e a dedicação destes profissionais “mantiveram-se inalterados”, o que demonstra “a resiliência e o espírito da causa açoriana”. Para Artur Lima, o Governo da República “demonstrou um inaceitável desinteresse pelos açorianos que servem o país numa base crucial para a segurança e estabilidade internacional”. Esta solução “torna claro que o Governo Regional age, está presente e cumpre através da sua ação governativa com o Povo Açoriano”, sublinhou o Vice-Presidente.
Nota de Imprensa
November 6, 2025 Regional Government revises RRP for simplification and ensures continuity of investments The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, has completed the revision process to simplify the Region's investments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), in full alignment with the national strategy and the European Commission's guidelines. According to the Regional Secretary in charge, Duarte Freitas, "this update, submitted to the European Commission by Portugal on October 31, aims to strengthen the implementation of projects, optimise the use of available funds and ensure that the Azores continue to meet the goals of climate transition, digital transformation, and economic and social resilience." The adjustments now made reflect responsible and efficient resource management, ensuring that no strategic investment is lost, since all initiatives that are not implemented under the RRP will be financed by other Community or regional sources. The adjustments made include the investment "Modernisation and Improvement of the Regional Health Service" (C01-i11-RAA), some measures such as the renovation of the São Roque do Pico Health Centre, the acquisition of electric vehicles and medical equipment, and the creation of vacancies in long-term care that will not be implemented under the RRP, with the respective budget of €8.49 million being reallocated to the refurbishment and expansion of the Horta Hospital. In the investment "Recapitalisation of the Azores Business System" (C05-i04-RAA), totalling €125 million, the following specifications were made: €45 million for CPA 1, €2.4 million for risk capital instruments and €40 million for a new financial instrument to support business investment, as recently authorised by the European Commission, the IFIC. The adjustments now submitted to the European Commission aim to ensure the maximisation of the funds available without compromising regional projects. The Regional Government will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the projects, ensuring transparency, effectiveness and a positive impact on the lives of regional families and businesses.
November 6, 2025 Regional Government revises RRP for simplification and ensures continuity of investments The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, has completed the revision process to simplify the Region's investments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), in full alignment with the national strategy and the European Commission's guidelines. According to the Regional Secretary in charge, Duarte Freitas, "this update, submitted to the European Commission by Portugal on October 31, aims to strengthen the implementation of projects, optimise the use of available funds and ensure that the Azores continue to meet the goals of climate transition, digital transformation, and economic and social resilience." The adjustments now made reflect responsible and efficient resource management, ensuring that no strategic investment is lost, since all initiatives that are not implemented under the RRP will be financed by other Community or regional sources. The adjustments made include the investment "Modernisation and Improvement of the Regional Health Service" (C01-i11-RAA), some measures such as the renovation of the São Roque do Pico Health Centre, the acquisition of electric vehicles and medical equipment, and the creation of vacancies in long-term care that will not be implemented under the RRP, with the respective budget of €8.49 million being reallocated to the refurbishment and expansion of the Horta Hospital. In the investment "Recapitalisation of the Azores Business System" (C05-i04-RAA), totalling €125 million, the following specifications were made: €45 million for CPA 1, €2.4 million for risk capital instruments and €40 million for a new financial instrument to support business investment, as recently authorised by the European Commission, the IFIC. The adjustments now submitted to the European Commission aim to ensure the maximisation of the funds available without compromising regional projects. The Regional Government will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the projects, ensuring transparency, effectiveness and a positive impact on the lives of regional families and businesses.
Nota de Imprensa
November 6, 2025 Message of condolences The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, would like to express its deepest condolences on the passing of Dr Carlos Alexandre Muge Lima. Born in Angola, Dr Carlos Lima dedicated more than four decades to medicine, having started his career in 1980 after graduating from the University of Porto. A radiology specialist, he was a unique figure in the Azores Regional Health Service, where he performed his duties with excellence, dedication and compassion. He stood out as Director of the Imaging Service at the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island, a position he held for more than 16 years, leaving an everlasting mark on the quality of care provided and the training of generations of health professionals. His career was marked by an unwavering commitment to public service. He was also a member of the hospital's Disaster Committee, always available to serve the community in critical moments. His retirement in 2022 did not erase the legacy of competence, ethics, and generosity he left among peers, patients, and institutions. Dr Carlos Lima will be remembered not only for his technical brilliance, but, above all, for his integrity, humbleness and sense of mission. At this time of grief, the Government of the Azores extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, paying tribute to the memory of an exemplary doctor and an extraordinary human being.
November 6, 2025 Message of condolences The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, would like to express its deepest condolences on the passing of Dr Carlos Alexandre Muge Lima. Born in Angola, Dr Carlos Lima dedicated more than four decades to medicine, having started his career in 1980 after graduating from the University of Porto. A radiology specialist, he was a unique figure in the Azores Regional Health Service, where he performed his duties with excellence, dedication and compassion. He stood out as Director of the Imaging Service at the Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island, a position he held for more than 16 years, leaving an everlasting mark on the quality of care provided and the training of generations of health professionals. His career was marked by an unwavering commitment to public service. He was also a member of the hospital's Disaster Committee, always available to serve the community in critical moments. His retirement in 2022 did not erase the legacy of competence, ethics, and generosity he left among peers, patients, and institutions. Dr Carlos Lima will be remembered not only for his technical brilliance, but, above all, for his integrity, humbleness and sense of mission. At this time of grief, the Government of the Azores extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, paying tribute to the memory of an exemplary doctor and an extraordinary human being.
