José Manuel Bolieiro defends new "strategic vision" for existing infrastructures within EU Cohesion Policy framework - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, defended a "closer and more effective" European cohesion policy on the island of Réunion, with special attention to the specific characteristics of Outermost Regions. He spoke during a meeting with the Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, as part of the 29th Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions.

The head of the Azorean Government focused on the Azores' geostrategic role for the European Union, stressing that the archipelago represents not only an outpost of Europe in the Atlantic but also an essential asset in terms of security, defence, science and climate monitoring.

"The Azores bring another dimension to Portugal and the European Union, not only due to their strategic position in the Atlantic but also to their contribution to security and defence in Europe," stated the President of the Regional Government.

With special emphasis on infrastructure management, José Manuel Bolieiro defended an investment model that favours rehabilitation and maintenance, in light of the islands' specific characteristics and the demands imposed by climate change. 

"We have to stop thinking only about the initial investment and start planning for the future. This is what ensures good investment, less public spending and more resilience to face climate challenges," he emphasised.

José Manuel Bolieiro recalled that extreme weather events often require the reconstruction of damaged infrastructures, which calls for increased solidarity from the European Union.

"We are used to rebuilding and rebuilding. However, every reconstruction must be also an opportunity for reinforcement and modernisation. We need to invest not just in the new but in promoting what already exists, with strategic vision and rational resources," he said.

The President of the Regional Government also defended that the European Union's Cohesion Policy should go beyond financing new infrastructures and include clear and structured support for the rehabilitation, resizing and reorganisation of existing infrastructures. This approach, he defended, leads to the efficient reuse of past investments, ensuring greater longevity, functionality and sustainability for public property.

"The modernisation of stocks is not just a technical option, it is a strategic attitude that guarantees good management of public resources and better prepares Regions for forthcoming challenges," he said.

At the meeting with Raffaele Fitto, the President of the Azorean Government also addressed the Azores' role in the blue economy, pointing out the archipelago as an example of leadership in the sector and as an ideal territory for pilot projects and innovation studies. He also highlighted the Region's technological advances in weather monitoring, namely with the installation of three state-of-the-art radars, crucial for air and maritime safety in the Atlantic.

The President of the Government took the opportunity to invite the Vice-President of the European Commission to visit the Azores, an invitation promptly accepted by Raffaele Fitto, who conveyed his interest in closely monitoring the work carried out by the Azorean Government.

"With Europe at war on its eastern border, it is from its western border that peace can be rebuilt. And the Azores are ready to be that territory of stability and strategic vision," concluded José Manuel Bolieiro.