Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
August 29, 2025
Inscrições para nova formação de jornalistas coordenada pelo CENJOR abrem na segunda-feira
As inscrições para a segunda formação de jornalistas ao abrigo do “Plano para os Media Açorianos”, conjunto de respostas do Governo dos Açores para o setor, abrem na segunda-feira na página Internet do CENJOR - Centro Protocolar de Formação Profissional para Jornalistas, através do seguinte ‘link’: https://portal.cenjor.pt/courseaction/subscribe/2350.personal. Todos os jornalistas residentes nos Açores interessados – que podem também pertencer às empresas do setor público, designadamente RTP, Antena 1 e agência Lusa - terão de se registar na plataforma ‘online’ do CENJOR. Esta segunda formação, sobre cobertura jornalística de catástrofes, segue-se a uma formação na primeira metade do ano referente a jornalismo de economia. Os formadores da formação – gratuita e certificada - são os jornalistas Catarina Canelas e Pedro Miguel Costa, e a mesma terá sessões virtuais a 16, 23 e 30 de setembro e 7 outubro, e presenciais a 3 e 4 de outubro. A formação decorrerá em formato híbrido, com sessões ‘online’ e também presenciais, em Ponta Delgada, e os conteúdos foram definidos entre o CENJOR e a Direção Regional dos Açores do Sindicato dos Jornalistas, parceiro deste projeto. Todos os esclarecimentos tidos por necessários podem ser transmitidos pelo CENJOR, através do email [email protected], ou pela Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades. Na ação de formação será garantida a reserva de vagas para jornalistas de todas as ilhas, incluindo Flores e Corvo, ainda que só possuam correspondentes, e de profissionais de órgãos da diáspora açoriana. As viagens e alojamentos de jornalistas fora de São Miguel serão garantidas pelo Governo dos Açores. O “Plano para os Media Açorianos” assenta em quatro eixos de intervenção: o Sistema de Incentivos aos Media (SIM); a compra de pacotes de publicidade institucional junto dos órgãos de comunicação social; a assinatura destes títulos, por aquisição da Região, para distribuição em escolas e Instituições Particulares de Solidariedade Social (IPSS); e a formação de jornalistas dos Açores, em duas ações anuais, com conteúdos definidos entre o CENJOR e a Direção Regional dos Açores do Sindicato dos Jornalistas.

Nota de Imprensa
August 29, 2025
Ponta Delgada Hospital begins integration into mySaúde Açores
As of today, users can receive the results of clinical tests carried out at the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES) in Ponta Delgada directly on their mobile phones. This new feature, available in the "User Documents" tab, allows users to view not only their test results but also those of users under their care, such as minors or elderly relatives, provided that they are linked to their mySaúde Açores account. Therefore, users can conveniently and securely access the results for their entire family. Almost nine months since its implementation, mySaúde Açores has established itself as an indispensable tool for healthcare access for Azoreans spread across the nine islands. According to professionals closely involved with this change, the possibility of receiving test results on a mobile phone has been, so far, the feature most frequently mentioned as an important feature. It is often highlighted as a valid reason for installing and registering the application. This integration represents a decisive step in consolidating the application. HDES thus joins Horta Hospital and Santo Espírito Hospital of Terceira Island, where sending test results via mySaúde has been a reality since July. Given its size and significant number of users, the integration of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital into mySaúde Açores will occur in a phased manner, with the remaining features already available in other regional hospitals being introduced gradually.

Nota de Imprensa
August 28, 2025
Civil Protection conducts evacuation drill of parish in volcanic eruption scenario
The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA), will hold the BASALTO 25.3 drill on September 4 to prepare the evacuation response capacity of the parish of Biscoitos, Praia da Vitória, on Terceira Island. The drill, organised in collaboration with the Praia da Vitória Municipal Council and the Biscoitos Parish Council, will simulate an eruption of the Santa Bárbara Volcano. This event is associated with the seismic and volcanic crisis on Terceira Island and will require the evacuation of the parish's population. Similar to the drill conducted in 2024 in the parish of Cinco Ribeiras, the aim is to practice the procedures and resources necessary for evacuation, with the voluntary participation of the local population, coordination and response from various entities, and arrival at the Population Concentration and Support Zone (ZCAP). This year, it will involve the structures and resources of the Municipality of Praia da Vitória. BASALTO 25.3 is part of the quarterly exercises that SRPCBA promotes throughout the year and will be carried out in LIVEX (Live Exercise) mode, with the mobilisation of resources and operations on the ground. As part of the preparations for this drill, an information and awareness-raising event will be held on September 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sociedade Filarmónica Progresso Biscoitense, aimed at the Biscoitos population, to explain the procedures to be followed during the drill. In addition to SRPCBA, Praia da Vitória City Council and Biscoitos Parish Council, other entities will also participate in the drill: the Angra do Heroísmo City Council, the Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória Fire Departments, the Regional Directorates for Health, for Public Works and for Education and Educational Administration, the Portuguese Red Cross, the Public Security Police, the National Republican Guard, the National Maritime Authority and the Institute for Social Security of the Azores.

Nota de Imprensa
August 26, 2025
António Ventura highlights humanistic role of scouting
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, represented the Government of the Azores at the celebrations of the centenary of the National Scout Corps (CNE) in the Region, highlighting the importance of the activity and its values of citizenship and humanism. "The CNE is a model of citizenship and humanism, teaching values and principles such as responsibility, solidarity, democracy, ethics, mutual assistance and intergenerational respect, among others," emphasises the government official.  For António Ventura, scouting is a partner in the prevention and safety of populations in the event of disasters and other natural hazards.    "Scouting contributes to the sustainability of nature, as young people's contact with nature raises their awareness and consciousness of forests and water resources as well as animal and plant biodiversity," he added. The Regional Secretary acknowledged and thanked the men and women who dedicate their time to this cause daily. The first Catholic Scout group in the Azores was founded on August 25, 1925, on Terceira Island – it was group 23 from Praia da Vitória.

Nota de Imprensa
August 25, 2025
Regional Government has worked in collaboration with scientists to assess commercial fish stocks
In recent days, the Regional Government has been following with concern the news reports regarding the reduction in the red seabream quota and the depletion of quotas for certain species, as well as the social and economic consequences experienced by fishers and shipowners. Therefore, it is important to clarify the following aspects of the sector: 1) Quotas aim to ensure the sustainable exploitation of resources. Whenever cuts are made, it is because the best available indicators suggest the need to reduce fishing pressure to levels compatible with the recovery or stabilisation of stocks. This is a measure intended to protect the natural resources that sustain the activity in the medium and long term. 2) In the specific case of red seabream, it should be clarified that recent reductions are not due to a lack of data, but rather the result of investment in monitoring and science in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The assessment of this species' stock has become more detailed and solid, incorporating not only abundance indices collected on scientific cruises but also biological information from the regional fishing fleet's activities. Today, there is a solid scientific basis, with independent indicators leading to the definition of more appropriate and transparent exploitation rules. As red seabream is a deep-sea species, slow-growing and late-maturing, it is to be expected that the effects of management measures will not be immediate and will take time to be reflected in abundance indices and, consequently, in quotas. Nevertheless, the results of these measures are beginning to be evident in scientific assessments, with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) recommending quota increases in 2027. 3) It has been publicly stated that the information collected in the Region ‘does not reach’ the European Commission. This statement is incorrect. Data from the Azores have been reported to ICES working groups, which produce public scientific opinions. Based on these opinions, the Commission presents proposals for total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas, which are then discussed and decided upon by the European Council. As this is a transparent process, any citizen can consult the ICES reports on regional stocks (red seabream, Beryx spp., horse mackerel and others). 4) The depletion of deep-sea species quotas, such as splendid alfonsino, clearly illustrates the challenges of managing fishing resources for which scientific information is still limited. At this point, it is not a matter of pointing to immediate solutions, but rather recognising that the issue deserves reflection and debate to achieve better coordination in the fisheries sector. An ICES meeting dedicated to the development and validation of methodologies for assessing stocks with limited data is scheduled for early September in the Azores, where this issue will be addressed in detail. In addition, several Beryx fish species have been the subject of study in initiatives promoted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. The meeting will discuss assessment and management strategies alongside scientists from various countries, including Japanese experts, given their direct interest in fishing for this species in the Pacific Ocean. These challenges are not exclusive to the Autonomous Region of the Azores. 5) The quality and consistency of the scientific work carried out in the Region have been recognised internationally, with ICES meetings being held in the Azores. This enhances the Region's visibility in the European context and creates opportunities to efficiently align regional management needs with the best international methodologies.  Nevertheless, the Regional Government of the Azores recognises the impact that quota reductions have on our fishing communities. For this reason, scientific consistency, predictability in management and collaboration between the fishing sector, science and the regional administration are essential, including in this process the participation of shipowners, fishers and associations representing the fishing sector. The Regional Government makes it very clear: fishing is an asset that adds value to the Autonomous Region of the Azores, and we are committed to continuing to work with everyone to promote and use sustainable practices, ensuring that forthcoming generations will benefit from the wealth of resources available in the Azores sea. 

Nota de Imprensa
August 22, 2025
Regional Government welcomes increase in maritime freight transport capacity
The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, welcomes the increase in maritime transport capacity to the Azores. Transinsular announced today the launch of a new service and increased maritime transport capacity to the Azores, with a new vessel and weekly service starting in September, which, according to the Secretary for Transport, Berta Cabral, meets the expectations of the Azorean Government.  "With the significant increase in cargo transported to the Azores, we advocate the need for maritime operators to expand their fleets, which is now happening with Transinsular's new vessel, as part of the restructuring of regular maritime transport services to the Autonomous Region of the Azores," stated the government official.  According to Berta Cabral, the new Transinsular Expresso + service, which introduces another vessel (ETE Portugal) dedicated exclusively to the Region, comes as a result of the "coordination and cooperation efforts that the Regional Government has been developing with shipowners." The new vessel, which will begin operating in the Region on September 5, has features suited to the archipelago's ports, providing the Azores Regular Line, and specifically the Transinsular Expresso + service, with greater capacity and operational efficiency in ports. Berta Cabral reiterates the Regional Government's commitment to continue cooperating with shipowners to ensure that the Region's needs are always efficiently met, with weekly calls to all islands, predictability and compliance with schedules and routes.

Comunicado
August 20, 2025
Communiqué from the Council of the Government
The Council of the Government, which met on August 7, 2025, in Ponta Delgada, decided to adopt the following measures:   1. Approve the Resolutions authorising expenditure by the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service for: a) the purchase of five emergency vehicles for the Region's rescue and assistance service; b) the purchase of 12 type B ambulances for the Region's emergency and patient assistance services. The Volunteer Fire Brigades play an essential role on each island in the Region in responding to emergencies and protecting the population. They are dedicated to critical missions such as rescue in accidents, disasters and catastrophes, firefighting and providing pre-hospital emergency medical assistance. With a view to carrying out these missions effectively, they must have adequate, modern and functional technical resources at their disposal. In this context, there is a clear need to replace a large number of emergency and assistance vehicles assigned to regional fire brigades. For this replacement, it is important to ensure the standardisation of solutions that serve the Region, particularly regarding the classification required for emergency and assistance vehicles, while also considering the geographical specificities of the various islands of the archipelago, namely their terrain, communities, and social and economic diversity. The estimated financial impact is estimated at €1,886,792.45, plus VAT at the legal rate in force on the purchase of five emergency vehicles.  Currently, there is a significant number of type B emergency ambulances assigned to regional fire brigades, which, due to their advanced age, have high maintenance costs and long periods of inoperability. This scenario compromises the operational availability of fire brigades and may even jeopardise their response in critical situations and negatively affect the safety of professionals and patients being transported. As such, the acquisition of 12 type B emergency ambulances will partially fill some operational gaps, ensure the continuity of the rescue mission and strengthen the installed capacity of regional Fire Brigades. For all these reasons, it is essential to replace the current vehicles with type B ambulances, duly equipped and adapted to the operational requirements of the Region, safeguarding the response capacity of the Fire Brigades and the safety of their users and the population. Therefore, as regards the purchase of 12 type B ambulances, the Regional Government authorises the estimated expenditure of €1,037,735.00, plus VAT at the legal rate in force.   2. Approve resolutions authorising the Secretariat for Agriculture and Food to grant financial support in the areas of agriculture, livestock farming, rural development, and the management and enhancement of forestry and hunting resources. The support approved here is intended for two types of regional organisations: a) Regional non-profit associations. The amount of support to be allocated under this Resolution has a budget limit of €4,000,000.00. b) Regional cooperative organisations. The amount of support to be allocated under this Resolution has a budget limit of €2,700,000.00.   3. Approve amendments to the Regional Implementing Decree regulating the “Local Economic Base” measure. This second amendment to the Regional Implementing Decree establishing the rules for the implementation of the "Local Economic Base" incentive measure, which is part of the Construir 2030 Programme, aims to boost its effectiveness, simplify procedures and ensure greater adaptation to the needs of businesses and the regional economic reality. The main amendments introduced are the updating of the measure regarding the new Portuguese Classification of Economic Activities, the redefinition of eligible expenses, the revision of project merit criteria, and the simplification of job creation assessment. The performance bonus scheme has also been revised and will now be awarded at the end of the investment, promoting the implementation of sustainable projects and the enhancement of skilled employment. This revision arises from the implementation of the measure and aims to ensure better alignment with the strategic targets of Portugal 2030, the principles of good public administration, and European standards applicable to public incentives. With these amendments, the Regional Government intends to continue to support the regional business fabric more effectively, promoting territorial cohesion, the modernisation of companies and the revitalisation of the local economy.   4. Approve the Resolution authorising the expenditure and contracting of the works for the “Servicing of the Nossa Senhora do Rosário Housing Development, parish of Capelas, municipality of Ponta Delgada.” The Regional Government intends to continue promoting policies to improve the housing conditions of the Region's housing stock, a commitment that has been undertaken and financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. In this regard, the Regional Government aims to service the Nossa Senhora do Rosário housing development in the parish of Capelas, municipality of Ponta Delgada, granting 36 plots for single-family houses under the controlled-cost housing scheme. The base price is set at €2,700,000.00, plus VAT at the legal rate in force.   5. The Regional Government firmly believes that the scheme in question automatically applies to the Region and has also introduced an exceptional manual prescription mechanism to ensure co-payment and equal treatment for Regional Health Service users, considering that the process regarding the Electronic Prescription of Medicines is currently being implemented and developed. This process began with the signing of a cooperation protocol on April 3, 2024, between the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security (SRSSS), the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), the Central Administration of the Health System, I.P. (ACSS) and the Shared Services of the Ministry of Health (SPMS),  with a view to guaranteeing the Regional Health Service access to the information systems operated by the National Health Service. This will ensure the availability of information between the Autonomous Region of the Azores and Mainland Portugal, as well as shared access between health professionals and users.   6. Approve the resolution authorising the Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning, and Public Administration to provide financial support to individuals and legal entities, both public and private, for actions and projects related to science, research, and technology in the field of legal metrology.   7. Approve the Resolution authorising the urban development operation proposed by the company Torres & Belchior, Lda., with a view to building a four-star tourist apartment complex in the parish of São José, municipality of Ponta Delgada, with an estimated capacity of 98 new beds. The planned tourist development was designed, to a large extent, based on its location, opposite the southern entrance to Jardim António Borges. The proximity of this garden was the inspiration and theme for its design and development, both in terms of the spaces and the goods and services to be provided to guests, enhancing and differentiating this development. As such, its implementation will be an asset for the urban quality of the municipality of Ponta Delgada, as well as for the growth of four-star tourist units on São Miguel Island.   8. Approve the Resolution authorising the permanent and free transfer of a property to the Municipality of Vila do Porto for renovation purposes, given its location within the area covered by the Detailed Plan for the Preservation and Enhancement of the Historic Area of Vila do Porto.   9. Approve the Resolution renewing the Higher Education Student Tuition Fee Support Programme for 2025.   10. Approve the Resolution renewing the Higher Education Student Scholarship Programme for 2025.   11. Approve the Resolution ratifying the acts carried out by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, within the scope of contracts for the acquisition and supply of goods and services not covered by Government Council Resolution no.150-A/2024 of October 21. Following the fire that broke out at the Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo in Ponta Delgada on May 4, 2024, and given the urgent need to restore the response capacity for urgent and emergency health care, the Regional Government of the Azores authorised, under Resolution no.150-A/2024 of October 21, the direct procurement of various supplies and equipment installations for the modular hospital supporting that hospital unit. In addition, and still in the context of urgent necessity, supplementary contracts were signed for the acquisition of goods and services not covered by that Resolution, which were essential for the outfitting and operation of the modular hospital. The acts carried out by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security concerning these additional contracts are now being ratified.

Nota de Imprensa
August 20, 2025
Press release
In view of the doubts that have arisen regarding co-payment for diabetics, as well as the misinformation unfortunately spread by some political forces in the Region, the Government of the Azores clarifies the following: 1. Decree no. 170/2025/1 of April 10, issued by the Secretary of State for Health, created an exceptional co-payment scheme covering health technologies for blood glucose self-monitoring and diabetes mellitus control, which includes medicines included in the therapeutic category of GLP-1 analogues and the medical device sensor for determining interstitial glucose. 2. The Order was published on April 10, 2025, and came into force on August 8, 2025, replacing Order no. 187/2022 of July 22. 3. The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security/Regional Directorate for Health, immediately assumed that, as with the reimbursement of other medicines or medical devices, the scheme in question would be fully applicable to the Region, since it regulates Decree-Law no. 97/2015 of June 1, which creates the National Health Technology Assessment System, amended by Decree-Law no. 115/2017 of September 7. 4. Furthermore, since at least 1989, it has been determined that the list of reimbursed medicines or medical devices approved for the National Health Service applies to the Regional Health Service. 5. The Government of the Azores not only firmly believes that the scheme in question applies automatically to the Region, but has also introduced an exceptional manual prescription mechanism to ensure co-payment and equal treatment for Regional Health Service users, considering that the process regarding the Electronic Prescription of Medicines is currently being implemented and developed. This process began with the signing of a cooperation protocol on April 3, 2024, to provide the Regional Health Service with access to the information systems operated by the National Health Service, thereby ensuring the sharing of information between the Autonomous Region of the Azores and Mainland Portugal, as well as shared access between health professionals and users. 6. Two external entities, namely SPMS, S.A. -  Shared Services of the Ministry of Health and the National Association of Pharmacies, expressed a contrary opinion on the matter. The former did so unilaterally and without prior consultation with the Region, rendering reimbursement impossible for users covered by the Ordinance. This led the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security/Regional Directorate for Health, to issue Information Circular no. DRS-CINF/2025/11 on August 18, 2025.  7. After immediate contact with SPMS, S.A. and the National Association of Pharmacies, the applicability of the aforementioned ordinance to the Region was validated and confirmed, with a commitment to urgently solve access to co-payment. Furthermore, the National Association of Pharmacies proceeded accordingly regarding its member pharmacies in the Region.