Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
July 23, 2026
Programa COLONOS permitiu reduzir em 23% a lista de espera para colonoscopias na Região no primeiro semestre
A Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, assinala os resultados alcançados pelo Programa COLONOS no primeiro semestre de 2026, período em que a lista de espera para a realização de colonoscopias nos três hospitais do Serviço Regional de Saúde registou uma redução de 23%. O Programa COLONOS destina-se aos utentes inscritos para a realização de colonoscopias há mais de 90 dias, permitindo recuperar listas de espera, sem comprometer a atividade assistencial regular. Os resultados alcançados durante o primeiro semestre de 2026 evidenciam o impacto positivo desta medida. No conjunto dos três hospitais do Serviço Regional de Saúde foram realizadas 354 colonoscopias ao abrigo do Programa COLONOS, contribuindo para uma redução global de 23% da lista de espera para colonoscopias. Mónica Seidi destaca que foi no Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo (HDES) que se registou a maior redução da lista de espera para colonoscopias, com uma diminuição de cerca de 40%, tendo sido realizadas 227 colonoscopias ao abrigo do Programa COLONOS. Também o Hospital da Horta (HH) apresentou resultados positivos, com uma redução de cerca de 28% da lista de espera e a realização de 56 colonoscopias ao abrigo do programa. Relativamente ao Hospital do Santo Espírito da Ilha Terceira (HSEIT), foram realizadas 71 colonoscopias ao abrigo do Programa COLONOS durante o primeiro semestre de 2026, tendo-se registado uma redução de 43 dias no Tempo Médio de Espera. Apesar destes resultados, ainda não é possível verificar um impacto no número de exames realizados como se verifica nos restantes hospitais. “Estes resultados demonstram que o Programa COLONOS está a cumprir os objetivos para os quais foi criado, permitindo recuperar listas de espera e garantir uma resposta mais célere aos utentes”, afirma a governante. A Secretária Regional conclui que o Governo dos Açores continuará a acompanhar a execução do Programa COLONOS, em articulação com os hospitais da Região, assegurando que esta medida continua a contribuir para a redução dos tempos de espera e para uma prestação de cuidados de saúde cada vez mais eficiente e próxima dos utentes.

Nota de Imprensa
July 23, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates commitment to Corvo with dialogue and action
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, ended the Regional Government’s statutory visit to the island of Corvo with a meeting between the Azorean Government and the Island Council, held at the Mouzinho da Silveira Basic Education and Secondary School, where he made a “truly positive” assessment of the two-day visit. On the occasion, he reiterated the Azorean Government's commitment to continuing to address the priorities of the Corvo population  José Manuel Bolieiro praised the constructive spirit of the memorandum presented by the Island Council, noting that the meeting took place in an atmosphere of dialogue, closeness and institutional trust. “It was a very productive meeting. The Island Council presented a well-structured memorandum containing objective questions, to which the Government responded in an equally objective manner. We ended this meeting with the satisfaction that we had provided the necessary clarifications and reinforced the commitments made to the Corvo population,” he stated. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that the members of the Council acknowledged the work carried out by the Government in areas such as accessibility, education, health, the environment, communications, energy and supply, highlighting the impact of the measures implemented in recent years. One of the key topics of the meeting was, once again, the expansion and refurbishment of Corvo Airport, a project that José Manuel Bolieiro considered “a priority” for the Azorean Government. “We have done everything we can to bring this project to completion. Unfortunately, the market response did not meet our expectations and the tender was unsuccessful. It was not for lack of willingness on the part of the Government; on the contrary, we moved forward immediately with a new solution,” he explained. The head of the Government recalled that the Government Council approved the launch of a new design-build tender for the expansion and refurbishment of the Air Terminal and Rescue and Firefighting Service building at Corvo Aerodrome on 29 May, with a base price of €5.18 million. We are now awaiting proposals to proceed with a project considered essential for the island. He continued: “We want to address two fundamental needs in a single project: improving conditions at the terminal and providing the Corvo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters with suitable facilities. We hope the market will respond to this new tender.” José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the indicators showing the positive progress made by Corvo Island in recent years, emphasising that this development is the result of a strategy based on investment and community engagement. In healthcare, he noted the improvement of specialist care on the island. An ophthalmologist visited Corvo in 2025, conducting 91 consultations with residents. At the end of the visit, the President of the Regional Government reaffirmed that Corvo will continue to receive the ongoing attention of the Azorean Government. “This statutory visit confirms that governing means being present, listening to people, working alongside local institutions and turning identified needs into specific solutions. This is the commitment we will continue to honour towards Corvo and all Azoreans,” he stated. The Regional Government’s statutory visit to Corvo took place on July 21 and 22, providing an opportunity to monitor ongoing investments, meet with local institutions and, together with the municipality and the Island Council, set out the priorities for the development of the smallest island in the Azores.

Nota de Imprensa
July 22, 2026
Communiqué from the Council of the Government
The Council of the Government, which met on July 21, 2026, in Corvo, decided to adopt the following measures: 1. Approve the applications submitted during the 2025 application period provided for in Government Council Resolution no. 94/2025 of July 3, which were carried over to 2026, within the framework of the legal scheme for technical and financial cooperation between the autonomous regional administration, parishes and parish associations of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The approval of applications for technical and financial cooperation with the Region's parish councils, provided for in Government Council Resolution no. 94/2025 of July 3, represents an investment of €8,634,216.73 (eight million, six hundred thirty-four thousand, two hundred sixteen Euros and seventy-three cents), resulting in a support amount of €7,973,670.23 (seven million, nine hundred seventy-three thousand, six hundred seventy Euros and twenty-three cents), broken down according to the following categories: Cooperation Agreements – Planned investment – €4,901,694.52 (four million, nine hundred one thousand, six hundred ninety-four Euros and fifty-two cents); Support amount – €4,370,212.55 (four million, three hundred seventy thousand, two hundred twelve Euros and fifty-five cents); Coordination Agreements – Planned investment – €842,928.81 (eight hundred forty-two thousand, nine hundred twenty-eight Euros and eighty-one cents); Support amount – €800,034.84 (eight hundred thousand, thirty-four Euros and eighty-four cents); Collaboration Agreements – Planned investment – €2,889,593.40 (two million, eight hundred eighty-nine thousand, five hundred ninety-three Euros and forty cents); Support amount – €2,803,422.84 (two million, eight hundred three thousand, four hundred twenty-two Euros and eighty-four cents). 2. Approve the amendment to Government Council Resolution no. 29/2026 of March 3, extending the support scheme to cross-cutting projects promoted by associations representing vocational schools. The amendment expands the pool of beneficiaries to regional private non-profit associations representing vocational schools, including support for their own cross-cutting projects, namely studies, diagnostics, evaluations, and follow-up or monitoring actions. Two independent financial allocations will be established: €500,000.00 (five hundred thousand Euros) for private vocational schools, which remains in place, and €37,500.00 (thirty-seven thousand five hundred Euros) for representative associations, adapting the rules for allocating support to the different categories of recipients and application periods. 3. Approve a Resolution authorising the introduction of a second amendment to the programme contract signed between the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the University of the Azores, for €252,569.28 (two hundred fifty-two thousand, five hundred sixty-nine euros and twenty-eight cents), with a view to purchasing technological equipment to support scientific activity aimed at the technological modernisation of the Pico Mountain Observatory, extending the deadline until October 31, 2027. 4. Authorise the launch of a public tender, divided into lots, to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, with a view to entering into contracts for the provision of private security and surveillance services, with a base price of €1,830,000.00 (one million, eight hundred thirty thousand euros), plus VAT at the legal rate in force, for a period of three years. 5. Approve a Resolution setting guidelines for Portos dos Açores, S.A. to promote the gradual separation of port authority functions from operational activities carried out by economic operators. 6. Approve a Resolution setting at €3,050,000.00 (three million, fifty thousand Euros) the global maximum amount of financial support to be granted in 2026 under the programme contracts governed by Regional Legislative Decree no. 30/2006/A of August 8.

Nota de Imprensa
July 22, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro guarantees new solutions for Corvo in housing, accessibility, and supply
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, met today with the Municipal Council of Corvo, accompanied by the Regional Government, as part of the statutory visit to this Western Group island, where he underlined the "excellent institutional relations" and the full alignment between both entities in defining priorities for the development of Corvo. The head of the Azorean Government highlighted that ongoing dialogue among the Regional Government, the local municipality, and local stakeholders has led to the development of practical solutions to address the island's specific challenges. ​"There is an excellent understanding between the Government of the Azores and the municipality of Corvo. We share priorities and work together to find solutions that improve the quality of life of Corvo's residents and promote the island's development," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. Among the main topics addressed was the reinforcement of freight supply to Corvo, a solution resulting from joint efforts undertaken by the Regional Government, the municipality, and local business owners. José Manuel Bolieiro recalled the creation of a chartered vessel service dedicated to the regular freight transport to the island. This measure addressed a long-identified need of both the population and the local business sector. "This was a solution built together. We listened to the municipality, we listened to business owners, and we found an answer that today strengthens the frequency and reliability of supply to Corvo," he declared. Another priority identified regards the redevelopment of the municipal access road to the Waste Processing Centre, known as the ‘Pão de Açúcar’ municipal road. With this in mind, the Government and the municipality intend to establish a new technical and financial cooperation agreement for repairing and resurfacing that road. This investment could amount to €1 million. The President of the Government also highlighted the recent amendment to the Financial Scheme for Local Authorities, considering it a matter of fairness for Corvo. He explained: “We have made history by putting an end to an injustice that had been dragging on for decades. Corvo is the only municipality in the country that holds both municipal and parish powers by law, so it made no sense for it to continue to be excluded from the Parish Funding Fund.” José Manuel Bolieiro expressed his expectation that this amendment will take effect as early as the next State Budget, boosting the municipality's financial capacity to meet the needs of Corvo's residents. During the meeting, the process of expanding and refurbishing Corvo Airport was also discussed. The President of the Government recalled that the Council of the Government approved the launch of the design-build tender for the project on May 29, with a base price of €5.18 million, noting that the delays were due to a lack of proposals in tenders launched previously. “There was no lack of will on the part of the Government. What happened was an insufficient market response, without any proposal. We remain determined to carry out this project, which is essential for improving the terminal’s operating conditions and the service provided to residents and visitors,” he emphasised. Housing was also one of the main topics of the meeting. In this regard, José Manuel Bolieiro revealed that the Government and the local council had agreed on a cooperative solution to speed up the refurbishment of vacant properties, resorting, where necessary, to direct administration, given the difficulties in contracting building works on the island. The Government of the Azores has already identified several properties suitable for refurbishment, as part of an initiative considered strategic for increasing the housing supply and creating the conditions to retain qualified professionals, particularly in the fields of health, education and other essential services. “We are constantly developing Corvo. When there is understanding between the Government and the local authority, we can turn priorities into specific solutions for the population,” pointed out the President of the Government. The meeting reinforced the joint commitment between the Government of the Azores and the municipality of Corvo to a development strategy based on institutional cooperation, close ties and the implementation of investments that meet the island’s specific needs.

Nota de Imprensa
July 22, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights €300,000 RRP investment to modernise healthcare on Corvo Island
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, handed over an electric vehicle today to the Corvo Island Health Centre. This initiative symbolises an investment of around €300,000 under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) in modernising healthcare provision on the island. The ceremony took place as part of the Regional Government’s statutory visit to Corvo, held on July 21 and 22. It marked a further step towards strengthening local healthcare provision for the population. The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that the implementation of the RRP is leading to “tangible investments to improve public services and the quality of life of the Azorean population.” “We are determined to meet the milestones and targets of the Recovery and Resilience Plan in the Azores. It is with great satisfaction that we are handing over this vehicle to the Corvo Island Health Unit, thereby strengthening the resources available to healthcare professionals and the local population,” he said. The investment made in the Corvo Island Health Unit, as part of the RRP, amounts to around €300,000 and includes the purchase of new radiology equipment, a digital X-ray image scanner, an ultrasound scanner, a surgical light, IT equipment and the electric vehicle that has now been handed over. The installation of state-of-the-art X-ray equipment is also planned. "We want all Azoreans, regardless of where they live, to have access to healthcare services that are increasingly modern, better equipped and more responsive. This is what we are achieving on Corvo Island," he added. The President of the Regional Government also pointed out that this investment builds on the work carried out in recent years at the Corvo Island Health Unit, highlighting the complete refurbishment of the premises, an investment of over €555,000 that was completed in 2023. He also mentioned the gradual upgrading of clinical equipment and the commitment to supporting healthcare professionals. The new electric vehicle will improve healthcare provision for the local population, providing healthcare professionals with increased mobility and enabling a more efficient and sustainable response to calls for assistance. The Corvo Island Health Unit provides primary healthcare to the island’s population through the Corvo Health Centre and a Family Health Unit, whilst also developing innovative projects in mental health, prevention and emergency response, as part of an ongoing commitment to accessibility, quality and the modernisation of healthcare provision. 

Nota de Imprensa
July 22, 2026
Regional Government and University present multidisciplinary study to combat invasive algae
The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies (DRPM), in partnership with the University of the Azores (UAc), will deliver a public presentation on the “Multidisciplinary study on the invasive algae Rugulopteryx okamurae in the Autonomous Region of the Azores” this Thursday, July 23. The event will take place at the Auditorium of the João José da Graça Public Library and Regional Archive in the city of Horta, starting at 9:45 a.m. The opening session will feature speeches via video link by the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, and the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel. This pioneering project represents an urgent and coordinated scientific response to what is now widely recognised as the most aggressive marine bioinvasion on the islands since records began, having been first detected in the Region in 2019. The rapid spread of Rugulopteryx okamurae severely impacts coastal ecosystems and beach cleanliness, directly affecting vital sectors of the Azorean economy, such as tourism, leisure and local fisheries. With a view to curbing and managing this complex phenomenon, the Azorean academic community has developed an integrated research programme based on three main pillars, which will be presented and discussed throughout the morning by various experts. ​ Following the introductory remarks by the Regional Director for Maritime Policies, Rui Martins, on the Portuguese Environment Agency’s perspective regarding the National Strategy, and an overview of the project presented by Filipe M. Porteiro, the proceedings will focus on the biology, ecology and dispersal of the species, with contributions from researchers at CIBIO, the OKEANOS Institute and the Air Centre. The second main theme of the presentation will address the potentially valuable uses of the algae, seeking to transform an environmental issue into an economic opportunity through research into biotechnological applications for the health sciences, as well as its use in ruminant feed and agricultural composting. These topics will be led by experts from OKEANOS and IITAA. The research component dedicated to mitigation will bring the series of presentations to a close, focusing on identifying techniques for removing and managing massive algae wash-ups on the Azorean coastline, as well as defining action protocols and awareness-raising campaigns. The event will culminate in an open discussion session aimed at engaging civil society, maritime authorities, local authorities and public administration officials, creating a broader forum for debate on the challenges, operational options and future steps to mitigate this serious threat to the islands’ ecosystems.

Nota de Imprensa
July 21, 2026
Regional Government defends agriculture in Outermost Regions to MEPs
The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, presented this week the Region’s key demands within the negotiations for the upcoming 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)  to Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI). The address focused on defending the maintenance of specific treatment for agriculture in the Outermost Regions, as provided for in Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The position advocated by the Azorean Government aligns with that of the other Outermost Regions. It has been supported by Portugal, Spain, and France, as well as by several MEPs, to ensure that the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) continues to recognise and offset the permanent constraints these territories face. Regarding this matter, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, was emphatic: "The Azorean agricultural sector cannot be governed by the same rules applied to mainland Europe. Agriculture in the Outermost Regions requires dedicated instruments to ensure farm competitiveness, production sustainability, and the economic and social cohesion of these territories." Among the main demands presented by the Region is the preservation of POSEI as an independent programme, complete with its own regulations, governance and budget, as this instrument remains essential to offset the structural constraints of the archipelago. ​The Regional Secretary defended that funding for the programme should remain fully covered by EU funds, maintaining the option to grant complementary state aid and establishing a dedicated financial allocation within the next European financial framework. In tandem, António Ventura expressed his total opposition to any increase in the national CAP co-financing rate for certain measures applicable to the Outermost Regions, demanding that the current 15% rate be maintained, as any increase would place an unbearable financial strain on these regions. ​Another priority set out by the Azores concerns maintaining higher support rates for productive investments in the Outermost Regions, proposing an 85% support intensity to preserve a differential that acknowledges the additional costs of being an outermost region. ​The government official also advocated for mechanisms to ensure a smooth and stable transition from the current programming period to the next financial framework, avoiding any disruption in support for Azorean farmers. Ongoing negotiations have already achieved significant progress, resulting in the reintroduction of an explicit reference to the POSEI Regulation in the European legislative proposal. ​ This outcome follows the joint work carried out by Portugal, Spain and France, in close coordination with the Outermost Regions and the MEPs following this matter.  ​However, António Ventura warned that structural issues remain to be resolved to fully safeguard the interests of the Outermost Regions, concluding with a final assurance: "The future of Azorean agriculture depends on the decisions currently being made in Brussels. We will continue to defend, firmly and decisively, a financial framework that recognises the unique reality of the Outermost Regions and ensures the conditions for our farmers to continue producing with quality, competitiveness and sustainability."

Nota de Imprensa
July 21, 2026
Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood to host Traditional Games Festival on July 24
The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood (CAI), is hosting the Traditional Games Festival on Friday, July 24. This initiative is supported by several Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) and Santas Casas da Misericórdia (charities) across the Azores. The Traditional Games Festival, which also marks Grandparents' Day, consists of a series of locally driven initiatives run by each institution. They will organise their own programme of activities according to their specific circumstances and creativity, involving both children and older people. With an intergenerational focus, the initiative takes place in two complementary phases. In the first phase, the aim is to foster interaction between children and older people, encouraging them to share stories, memories and games from days gone by. ​Afterwards, children are encouraged to participate in traditional games, reviving activities such as spinning tops, blind man's buff, skipping rope, the handkerchief game, hide-and-seek, and marbles, among many others. ​As part of this inaugural edition, the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood, represented by its president, will join the event organised by the Santa Catarina Institute on São Jorge Island. With this initiative, the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood aims to raise community awareness about the importance of play in child development, encourage reduced screen time, preserve traditional games, and foster strong ties between children and older people.