Media and news Regional Government of the Azores - Communication

Nota de Imprensa
July 22, 2026
Comunicado do Conselho do Governo
O Conselho do Governo, reunido no dia 21 de julho de 2026, no Corvo, decidiu adotar as seguintes medidas: 1. Aprovar as candidaturas apresentadas no período de candidaturas de 2025, previsto na Resolução do Conselho do Governo n.º 94/2025, de 3 de julho, que transitaram para o ano de 2026, no âmbito do regime jurídico da cooperação técnica e financeira entre a administração regional autónoma e as freguesias e associações de freguesias da Região Autónoma dos Açores. A aprovação das candidaturas à cooperação técnica e financeira com as juntas de freguesia da Região, previstas na Resolução do Conselho do Governo n.º 94/2025, de 3 de julho, representa um investimento de 8.634.216,73 € (oito milhões, seiscentos e trinta e quatro mil, duzentos e dezasseis euros e setenta e três cêntimos), para o qual resulta um valor de apoio de 7.973.670,23 € (sete milhões, novecentos e setenta e três mil, seiscentos e setenta euros e vinte e três cêntimos), desagregado de acordo com a seguinte tipologia: Acordos de Cooperação - Investimento previsto – 4.901.694,52 € (quatro milhões, novecentos e um mil, seiscentos e noventa e quatro euros e cinquenta e dois cêntimos); Valor do apoio – 4.370.212,55 € (quatro milhões, trezentos e setenta mil, duzentos e doze euros e cinquenta e cinco cêntimos); Acordos de Coordenação – Investimento previsto - 842.928,81 € (oitocentos e quarenta e dois mil, novecentos e vinte e oito euros e oitenta e um cêntimos); Valor do apoio - 800.034,84 € (oitocentos mil e trinta e quatro euros e oitenta e quatro cêntimos); Acordos de Colaboração – Investimento previsto – 2.889.593,40 € (dois milhões, oitocentos e oitenta e nove mil, quinhentos e noventa e três euros e quarenta cêntimos); Valor do apoio – 2.803.422,84 € (dois milhões, oitocentos e três mil, quatrocentos e vinte e dois euros e oitenta e quatro cêntimos). 2. Aprovar a alteração à Resolução do Conselho do Governo n.º 29/2026, de 3 de março, alargando o regime de apoios a projetos transversais promovidos por associações representativas das escolas profissionais. A alteração alarga o universo de beneficiários às associações privadas sem fins lucrativos, de âmbito regional, representativas das escolas profissionais, admitindo o apoio a projetos próprios de natureza transversal, incluindo estudos, diagnósticos, avaliações e ações de acompanhamento ou monitorização. São criadas duas dotações financeiras autónomas: 500.000,00 € (quinhentos mil euros) para as escolas profissionais privadas, que se mantém, e 37.500,00 € (trinta e sete mil e quinhentos euros) para as associações representativas, adaptando as regras de repartição dos apoios às diferentes categorias de destinatários e períodos de candidatura. 3. Aprovar uma Resolução que autoriza a celebração de uma segunda alteração ao contrato-programa celebrado entre a Região Autónoma dos Açores e a Universidade dos Açores, no montante de 252.569,28 € (duzentos e cinquenta e dois mil, quinhentos e sessenta e nove euros e vinte e oito cêntimos), destinado a assegurar a aquisição de equipamento tecnológico de suporte à atividade científica, com vista à modernização tecnológica do Observatório da Montanha do Pico, no sentido de prorrogar o prazo até 31 de outubro de 2027. 4. Autorizar a abertura de um concurso público, por lotes, com publicidade no Jornal Oficial da União Europeia, com vista à celebração de contratos de aquisição de serviços de vigilância e segurança privada, com preço base global de 1.830.000,00 € (um milhão, oitocentos e trinta mil euros), acrescido do IVA à taxa legal em vigor, pelo período de três anos. 5. Aprovar uma Resolução que dá orientações à Portos dos Açores, S.A para que esta promova a separação progressiva entre as funções de autoridade portuária e as atividades de natureza operacional, asseguradas por operadores económicos. 6. Aprovar uma Resolução que fixa em 3.050.000,00 € (três milhões e cinquenta mil euros), o limite global dos apoios financeiros a conceder em 2026 no quadro dos contratos-programa regulados pelo Decreto Legislativo Regional n.º 30/2006/A, de 8 de agosto.

Nota de Imprensa
July 22, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro garante novas respostas para o Corvo em habitação, acessibilidades e abastecimento
O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, reuniu-se hoje com o executivo da Câmara Municipal do Corvo, acompanhado pelo Governo dos Açores, no âmbito da visita estatutária à ilha do grupo ocidental, sublinhando a "excelente relação institucional" e a total sintonia entre as duas entidades na definição das prioridades para o desenvolvimento do Corvo. O líder do executivo açoriano destacou que o diálogo permanente entre o executivo açoriano, a autarquia e os agentes locais tem permitido encontrar soluções concretas para responder aos desafios específicos da ilha. "Existe um ótimo entendimento entre o Governo dos Açores e o município do Corvo. Partilhamos prioridades e trabalhamos em conjunto para encontrar soluções que melhorem a qualidade de vida dos corvinos e promovam o desenvolvimento da ilha", afirmou José Manuel Bolieiro. Entre os principais temas abordados esteve o reforço do abastecimento de mercadorias ao Corvo, solução que resultou do trabalho conjunto desenvolvido entre o Governo Regional, o município e os empresários locais. José Manuel Bolieiro recordou a criação de um serviço de fretamento de um navio dedicado ao transporte regular de mercadorias para a ilha, medida que veio responder a uma necessidade há muito identificada pela população e pelo tecido empresarial. "Esta foi uma solução construída em conjunto. Ouvimos a autarquia, ouvimos os empresários e encontrámos uma resposta que hoje reforça a regularidade e a segurança do abastecimento ao Corvo", declarou. Outra das prioridades identificadas prende-se com a requalificação da estrada municipal de acesso ao Centro de Tratamento de Resíduos, conhecida como estrada municipal "Pão de Açúcar". Para o efeito, Governo e município pretendem estabelecer um novo acordo de cooperação técnico-financeira que permita avançar com a reabilitação e repavimentação daquela via, num investimento que poderá ascender a um milhão de euros. O Presidente do Governo destacou ainda a recente alteração ao Regime Financeiro das Autarquias Locais, considerando tratar-se de uma medida de justiça para o Corvo. E justificou: "Fizemos história ao corrigir uma injustiça que se arrastava há décadas. O Corvo é o único município do país que acumula, por imposição legal, as competências de município e de freguesia, pelo que não fazia sentido continuar excluído do Fundo de Financiamento das Freguesias”. José Manuel Bolieiro manifestou a expectativa de que esta alteração produza efeitos já com o próximo Orçamento do Estado, reforçando a capacidade financeira do município para responder às necessidades dos corvinos. Durante o encontro, foi igualmente analisado o processo de ampliação e remodelação da Aerogare do Corvo. O Presidente do Governo recordou que o Conselho do Governo aprovou, a 29 de maio, a abertura do concurso de conceção-construção da empreitada, com um preço-base de 5,18 milhões de euros, esclarecendo que os atrasos verificados resultaram da inexistência de propostas nos concursos anteriormente lançados. "Não houve qualquer falta de vontade do Governo. O que aconteceu foi uma resposta insuficiente do mercado, com concursos que ficaram desertos. Continuamos determinados em concretizar esta obra, fundamental para melhorar as condições de operação da aerogare e o serviço prestado a residentes e visitantes”, sublinhou. A habitação constituiu igualmente um dos principais temas da reunião – sobre este ponto, José Manuel Bolieiro revelou que Governo e município encontraram uma solução de cooperação para acelerar a recuperação de habitações devolutas, recorrendo, sempre que necessário, à administração direta, face às dificuldades de contratação de empreitadas na ilha. O Governo dos Açores já identificou um conjunto de imóveis suscetíveis de reabilitação, numa intervenção considerada estratégica para aumentar a oferta habitacional e criar condições para fixar profissionais qualificados, nomeadamente nas áreas da saúde, da educação e de outros serviços essenciais. "Estamos continuamente a desenvolver o Corvo. Quando existe entendimento entre o Governo e a autarquia, conseguimos transformar prioridades em soluções concretas para a população", assinalou ainda o Presidente do Governo. A reunião permitiu reforçar o compromisso conjunto entre o Governo dos Açores e o município do Corvo em torno de uma estratégia de desenvolvimento assente na cooperação institucional, na proximidade e na concretização de investimentos que respondam às necessidades específicas da ilha.

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.

Nota de Imprensa
July 21, 2026
Maria João Carreiro marks partial completion of renovation contract for 92 houses in Nascer do Sol Neighbourhood
The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment marked on Monday the partial completion of the renovation project for 92 houses in the Nascer do Sol Neighbourhood in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, Terceira Island, during a visit to the site to follow up on the progress of the works. ​Speaking during the visit, Maria João Carreiro stated that 48 of the 92 single-family houses have already been refurbished, with the renovation of the remaining 44 houses, corresponding to the 3rd and 4th phases of the project, now nearing completion. The Regional Secretary expressed her confidence that the project, representing an €11 million investment funded through the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), is expected to be completed within the deadline set by the European Commission. She praised the contractors' "sense of commitment" to the "proper implementation" of the project and their compliance with deadlines. ​Maria João Carreiro also highlighted the impact of this public investment in boosting housing supply in Praia da Vitória and Terceira Island, noting that the allocation draw for the properties took place yesterday. This followed a public tender run by the Regional Directorate for Housing (DRH) between April 15 and May 8 this year. “These houses have been vacant and left to fall into disrepair ever since the United States of America handed them over, as previous socialist administrations did nothing to refurbish them and allocate them to families. As such, this situation prevented the creation of the conditions for young people and families to settle down, prosper and strengthen their security and stability,” she pointed out. These 92 houses, including 19 three-bedroom apartments and 73 four-bedroom apartments, are being allocated under a lease with purchase option scheme and are intended for the permanent residence of applicants and their respective households. Tenants may exercise the purchase option one year after signing the lease agreement with the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

Nota de Imprensa
July 21, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Google submarine cable reinforcing Azores' Position in global communications
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, attended today the official launch ceremony of Google's transatlantic submarine cable, Nuvem, in Lisbon. He highlighted this investment as a strategic milestone in establishing the Azores as an "international platform" for digital communications and a forward-looking project. The new fibre-optic submarine cable, spanning approximately 6,900 kilometres, establishes the first direct link between the United States and Portugal, connecting Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Sines, with intermediate landing points in Bermuda and the Azores. The infrastructure will significantly boost data transmission capacity, reduce latency in transatlantic communications, and enhance the resilience of international digital networks. José Manuel Bolieiro praised Google's strategic vision, considering it a private investment with high public value and strong long-term impact. "This investment belongs more to the future than to the present. Google recognised the Azores as a strategic partner and an ideal location to strengthen intercontinental connectivity and prepare the digital economy for the coming decades," he stated. The President of the Government emphasised that integrating the archipelago into this international infrastructure reinforces the Azores' geostrategic centrality and opens new opportunities for economic development. "This project reinforces our strategic role in global communications and consolidates the Azores' international standing," he highlighted. The head of the Azorean Government also congratulated Google on the trust placed in Portugal and the Azores, noting that projects of this importance align with the Regional Government's strategy to promote structural investments that position the Region at the forefront of the knowledge economy. Submarine cables carry the vast majority of global internet traffic, supporting essential services such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital platforms, video calling, and data transmission. With the integration of the Azores into the new Nuvem transatlantic connection, the Region reinforces its strategic role in the Atlantic, consolidating its status as an essential asset for Portugal, Europe and the global digital economy. The ceremony was attended by various national and international representatives across the communications, infrastructure, and technology sectors, including: Gonçalo Saraiva Matias, Minister in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister and of State Reform; Giorgia Abeltino, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Google Cloud (Europe, Middle East and Africa); Sandra Maximiano, President of the Board of Directors of ANACOM;  Nigel Bayliff, Senior Director of Global Submarine Networks at Google; Nuno Cadima, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of MEO, Miguel Pinto Luz, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing (via video message); and John J. Arrigo, United States Ambassador to Portugal.  The Government of the Azores was represented by its President, José Manuel Bolieiro, and its Vice-President, Artur Lima, who reiterated the strategic importance that the Azorean Government attaches to bolstering the Azores’ position as a leading Atlantic hub for digital connectivity and the development of the economy of the future.