Applications open for new technical and financial cooperation scheme with parishes - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The Presidency of the Regional Government, through the Regional Directorate for Cooperation with Local Government, informs that applications under the New Technical and Financial Cooperation Scheme between the Autonomous Regional Administration, Parishes and Parish Associations are now open until November 4.

The Government led by José Manuel Bolieiro, who is responsible for Local Government in the Region, has committed to Azorean parishes.

According to the President of the Government, this new Technical and Financial Cooperation Scheme with parishes demonstrates a clear commitment to local power for social and territorial cohesion, addressing inequalities and combating the depopulation of various areas.

This new interaction between the Regional Administration and parishes, an innovation in the country, is an effective example of a proximity policy. It will lead to better cooperation and the sharing of responsibilities in terms of investments in parishes, which will have the appropriate financial resources at their disposal.

Once the applications have been submitted and analysed according to objective and transparent criteria that will be known to parish councils beforehand, the respective agreements will be signed in a wide range of areas that will meet the needs of local communities.

With this new technical and financial cooperation scheme, parish councils will be able to plan and programme their projects, develop their actions and set their priorities.

For the President of the Government, Regional Power and Local Power are partners of public synergies, committed to the same populations. As such, they all deserve to be treated equally, without any discrimination, while ensuring greater predictability for all Parish Councils, within the scope of their powers. 

The XIII and XIV Regional Governments, still within the scope of the cooperation agreement in force until 2024 with Azorean parishes, more than tripled the allocation of financial support when compared to the 2017-2020 period, as a result of ongoing dialogue and unprecedented proximity to Azorean parishes.

The Regional Government is proud of the partnership and joint work it has developed with regional local authorities and their representatives for the common interest and progress of Azorean parishes.

The Azorean parish councils and non-pluriannual projects submitted at this stage should implement their investments by June 30, 2025. The Fund for the Development of Parishes received an allocation of two million Euros this year.

In accordance with the Regional Legislative Decree, approved in the Regional Parliament by majority and without any votes against, the new application period is scheduled for January and February next year.