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Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "strategic importance" of new air terminal in Graciosa
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "strategic importance" of new air terminal in Graciosa
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Azores’ priorities and implementation of European funds during visit with European Commission
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Azores’ priorities and implementation of European funds during visit with European Commission
Presidência do Governo Regional
Raffaele Fitto’s visit strengthens European "dialogue" with the Azores, says José Manuel Bolieiro
Raffaele Fitto’s visit strengthens European "dialogue" with the Azores, says José Manuel Bolieiro
April 13, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "strategic importance" of new air terminal in Graciosa
April 9, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Azores’ priorities and implementation of European funds during visit with European Commission
April 9, 2026
Raffaele Fitto’s visit strengthens European "dialogue" with the Azores, says José Manuel Bolieiro
News
Nota de Imprensa
April 13, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "strategic importance" of new air terminal in Graciosa
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, presided over the opening of the new air terminal at Graciosa Island Aerodrome on Sunday, a ceremony also attended by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the significance of the project for the island and the Region. He pointed out that “justice has finally been done to Graciosa,” adding that “the Azores are more prosperous with Graciosa, and happy Graciosa residents mean happy Azoreans.” José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that this project goes beyond a physical component, also representing a strategic vision for the future of the archipelago. “We have not only completed a physical project, but have also addressed the strategic and intellectual aspects of developing the Azores with infrastructures to revitalise the present and shape the future of each of our islands,” he said. The new infrastructure replaces a terminal built before 2001, which no longer meets current requirements, particularly in terms of security and operational capacity. Among the existing limitations were a departure lounge with direct access to the public area, manual processes for handling hold luggage, and cramped spaces for the operation of aircraft such as the Dash Q400. Designed in accordance with contemporary airport safety and operational requirements, the new terminal incorporates a modern baggage handling system, a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, specific areas for the Public Security Police and private security, which were previously non-existent, as well as retail and passenger support facilities. The departure lounge now has 100 seats, and the infrastructure has been designed to handle a capacity of 120 passengers per hour. From an operational standpoint, the new terminal provides the facilities required for the simultaneous operation of two Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, ensuring greater efficiency in boarding, disembarking and baggage handling processes. The building is a ground-floor structure with over 2,000 square metres of floor space, organised to be functional and intuitive, with a clear separation between public areas, security zones and operational spaces. It includes reception and waiting areas, check-in desks, a passenger lounge, boarding and disembarking areas, a bar, retail spaces, as well as operational facilities such as a flight operations room, cargo and mail areas, and technical support. The solution adopted prioritises universal accessibility, smooth passenger flow and efficient control of passengers and baggage, whilst also improving parking facilities, access routes and support for passengers with reduced mobility. Once the new infrastructure becomes operational, the demolition of the old terminal will commence, bringing new value to this revitalised gateway to the island. In a year marking the 50th anniversary of the Azores’ autonomy, José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the Region’s journey towards transformation. “We have moved from isolation and neglect to a sense of closeness and the ambition of the Azoreans,” he said, adding: “Autonomy has enabled us to build a capacity for self-government capable of meeting our needs and achieving our ambitions.” The President of the Regional Government also emphasised the efforts made to strengthen the regional economy and counter demographic decline. “We want to create the conditions so that every Azorean can stay in their homeland and build a life and a future of happiness on any island,” he said, advocating for consistent public policies geared towards wealth creation. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted other ongoing investments on the island of Graciosa, such as the bypass to Santa Cruz, the works at the Health Centre and the redevelopment of the Carapacho Thermal Baths, assuring those present that these projects are being implemented. Acknowledging the existing challenges, the President of the Government stated that the government is taking action with “realism and ambition,” seeking effective solutions for the Region’s progress. In the tourism sector, he highlighted Graciosa’s potential, advocating a commitment to a sustainable, high-quality model rather than mass tourism. Also present at the ceremony were the President of the Board of Directors of the SATA Group, Tiago Santos, and the Deputy Mayor of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Bruno Silveira, alongside other civil and institutional representatives.
April 13, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "strategic importance" of new air terminal in Graciosa
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, presided over the opening of the new air terminal at Graciosa Island Aerodrome on Sunday, a ceremony also attended by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the significance of the project for the island and the Region. He pointed out that “justice has finally been done to Graciosa,” adding that “the Azores are more prosperous with Graciosa, and happy Graciosa residents mean happy Azoreans.” José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that this project goes beyond a physical component, also representing a strategic vision for the future of the archipelago. “We have not only completed a physical project, but have also addressed the strategic and intellectual aspects of developing the Azores with infrastructures to revitalise the present and shape the future of each of our islands,” he said. The new infrastructure replaces a terminal built before 2001, which no longer meets current requirements, particularly in terms of security and operational capacity. Among the existing limitations were a departure lounge with direct access to the public area, manual processes for handling hold luggage, and cramped spaces for the operation of aircraft such as the Dash Q400. Designed in accordance with contemporary airport safety and operational requirements, the new terminal incorporates a modern baggage handling system, a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, specific areas for the Public Security Police and private security, which were previously non-existent, as well as retail and passenger support facilities. The departure lounge now has 100 seats, and the infrastructure has been designed to handle a capacity of 120 passengers per hour. From an operational standpoint, the new terminal provides the facilities required for the simultaneous operation of two Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, ensuring greater efficiency in boarding, disembarking and baggage handling processes. The building is a ground-floor structure with over 2,000 square metres of floor space, organised to be functional and intuitive, with a clear separation between public areas, security zones and operational spaces. It includes reception and waiting areas, check-in desks, a passenger lounge, boarding and disembarking areas, a bar, retail spaces, as well as operational facilities such as a flight operations room, cargo and mail areas, and technical support. The solution adopted prioritises universal accessibility, smooth passenger flow and efficient control of passengers and baggage, whilst also improving parking facilities, access routes and support for passengers with reduced mobility. Once the new infrastructure becomes operational, the demolition of the old terminal will commence, bringing new value to this revitalised gateway to the island. In a year marking the 50th anniversary of the Azores’ autonomy, José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the Region’s journey towards transformation. “We have moved from isolation and neglect to a sense of closeness and the ambition of the Azoreans,” he said, adding: “Autonomy has enabled us to build a capacity for self-government capable of meeting our needs and achieving our ambitions.” The President of the Regional Government also emphasised the efforts made to strengthen the regional economy and counter demographic decline. “We want to create the conditions so that every Azorean can stay in their homeland and build a life and a future of happiness on any island,” he said, advocating for consistent public policies geared towards wealth creation. José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted other ongoing investments on the island of Graciosa, such as the bypass to Santa Cruz, the works at the Health Centre and the redevelopment of the Carapacho Thermal Baths, assuring those present that these projects are being implemented. Acknowledging the existing challenges, the President of the Government stated that the government is taking action with “realism and ambition,” seeking effective solutions for the Region’s progress. In the tourism sector, he highlighted Graciosa’s potential, advocating a commitment to a sustainable, high-quality model rather than mass tourism. Also present at the ceremony were the President of the Board of Directors of the SATA Group, Tiago Santos, and the Deputy Mayor of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Bruno Silveira, alongside other civil and institutional representatives.
Nota de Imprensa
April 9, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Azores’ priorities and implementation of European funds during visit with European Commission
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, visited today several projects supported by European funds on the island of São Miguel, highlighting at first hand the impact of European Union policies on the Region. The visit included the Trás-os-Mosteiros housing development located in Largo das Freiras, in the parish of Matriz, municipality of Ribeira Grande, and the São Miguel Island Ecopark (MUSAMI), an investment under the Cohesion Programme and co-financed by the ERDF. The housing development comprises 52 new apartments: three one-bedroom apartments, 31 two-bedroom apartments and 18 three-bedroom apartments, resulting from a regional and EU public investment of over €7 million under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). The properties will be allocated on a lease with purchase option scheme, with tenants having the option to purchase one year after signing the contract. At the São Miguel Island Ecopark, the Energy Recovery Plant was highlighted as a key infrastructure that represents the Azores’ commitment to a more sustainable, circular and resilient development model. The investment received EU funding of €68 million, with €47 million from the PO-SEUR programme and €21 million under the Azores 2030 initiative. This event followed a working meeting held at the Santana Palace, after the audience for the exchange of greetings, during which the Government of the Azores presented its view on European Union policies and the financial instruments available to the Region. According to José Manuel Bolieiro, the meeting was an opportunity to “identify priorities and align expectations” regarding the current funding framework and the next multiannual financial programming period. “Cohesion is essential. We need to ensure infrastructures, create the conditions for the right to remain and strengthen the Azores’ attractiveness,” he said, emphasising the importance of areas such as territorial and social cohesion, mobility, the blue economy, agriculture, energy, and connectivity with the rest of the country and Europe. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted that these priorities are aligned with the European Commission’s guidance, while also praising the projects visited as tangible examples of investment in strategic areas such as housing and waste management, “in an archipelago committed to sustainability.” José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that the Azores are not merely a region with needs, but also “a region of opportunities,” with significant potential for the country and the European Union, particularly in the fields of security, defence, innovation and competitiveness in the Atlantic region. The President of the Government also highlighted the Region’s capacity to implement EU funds. “We have demonstrated our ability to make good use of the funds and have fostered genuine social and economic progress,” he said. Finally, José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the importance of the assurance given by the Vice-President of the European Commission regarding the future of the Cohesion Policy, reiterating the Azores’ position in favour of simplifying European instruments, whilst calling for stability in funding. “We are in favour of simplification, but we need the assurance that the funds essential for the growth and development of an outermost region will be maintained,” he concluded.
April 9, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Azores’ priorities and implementation of European funds during visit with European Commission
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, visited today several projects supported by European funds on the island of São Miguel, highlighting at first hand the impact of European Union policies on the Region. The visit included the Trás-os-Mosteiros housing development located in Largo das Freiras, in the parish of Matriz, municipality of Ribeira Grande, and the São Miguel Island Ecopark (MUSAMI), an investment under the Cohesion Programme and co-financed by the ERDF. The housing development comprises 52 new apartments: three one-bedroom apartments, 31 two-bedroom apartments and 18 three-bedroom apartments, resulting from a regional and EU public investment of over €7 million under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). The properties will be allocated on a lease with purchase option scheme, with tenants having the option to purchase one year after signing the contract. At the São Miguel Island Ecopark, the Energy Recovery Plant was highlighted as a key infrastructure that represents the Azores’ commitment to a more sustainable, circular and resilient development model. The investment received EU funding of €68 million, with €47 million from the PO-SEUR programme and €21 million under the Azores 2030 initiative. This event followed a working meeting held at the Santana Palace, after the audience for the exchange of greetings, during which the Government of the Azores presented its view on European Union policies and the financial instruments available to the Region. According to José Manuel Bolieiro, the meeting was an opportunity to “identify priorities and align expectations” regarding the current funding framework and the next multiannual financial programming period. “Cohesion is essential. We need to ensure infrastructures, create the conditions for the right to remain and strengthen the Azores’ attractiveness,” he said, emphasising the importance of areas such as territorial and social cohesion, mobility, the blue economy, agriculture, energy, and connectivity with the rest of the country and Europe. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted that these priorities are aligned with the European Commission’s guidance, while also praising the projects visited as tangible examples of investment in strategic areas such as housing and waste management, “in an archipelago committed to sustainability.” José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that the Azores are not merely a region with needs, but also “a region of opportunities,” with significant potential for the country and the European Union, particularly in the fields of security, defence, innovation and competitiveness in the Atlantic region. The President of the Government also highlighted the Region’s capacity to implement EU funds. “We have demonstrated our ability to make good use of the funds and have fostered genuine social and economic progress,” he said. Finally, José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the importance of the assurance given by the Vice-President of the European Commission regarding the future of the Cohesion Policy, reiterating the Azores’ position in favour of simplifying European instruments, whilst calling for stability in funding. “We are in favour of simplification, but we need the assurance that the funds essential for the growth and development of an outermost region will be maintained,” he concluded.