José Manuel Bolieiro reiterates Azores' commitment to Europe and calls for stronger cohesion policies for Outermost Regions - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in the high-level conference "Putting Outermost Regions (ORs) at the heart of the European decision-making process" promoted by EURODOM in Brussels, where he strongly defended the need to strengthen the European Union's specific policies for the Outermost Regions in the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the 2028–2034 period.

At the meeting, which brought together leaders from the Outermost Regions, MEPs and representatives of the European Commission, José Manuel Bolieiro signed, on behalf of the Azores, the Brussels Declaration. This was a joint call from the Outermost Regions for the European Union to keep these regions at the heart of European Cohesion and Development Policy. The document reiterates the strategic role of the Outermost Regions in the geopolitics and sustainability of Europe, emphasising the duty to comply with Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which enshrines differentiation in their favour.

During his speech at the panel on the future of the post-2027 MFF, José Manuel Bolieiro warned that the proposal presented by the European Commission "represents a worrying step backwards" by proposing the merger of historical policies into a single centrally managed fund. For the President of the Azorean Government, this option "eliminates the differentiation that has always marked the European approach to the ORs and weakens regional autonomy."

“The Outermost Regions are a strategic asset for the European Union. They represent geopolitical presence, biodiversity, environmental contribution and connection to the world. Our role is an integral part of Europe's future,” he said.

The President of the Government stressed that the Outermost Regions cannot be at a disadvantage due to their permanent structural limitations, recalling that Article 349 imposes an obligation on the European Union to adopt tailored and differentiated policies.

"There is no reason to back down on this legal, political and moral commitment," he said, noting that European cohesion and solidarity "must be translated into tangible policies and adequate budgets."

The head of the Azorean Government also presented specific proposals that mark the Azores' position in this European debate. In this regard, he advocated the maintenance and strengthening of the POSEI programme in agriculture, an essential instrument for the food self-sufficiency and social stability of the islands. Furthermore, he defended the creation of a POSEI-Fisheries and a POSEI-Transport, with a view to offsetting the additional costs of remoteness and ensuring accessibility and territorial continuity.

The President of the Government also highlighted the importance of a European strategy for energy and the environment in the Outermost Regions, pointing out the potential of the Azores as a living laboratory for energy transition.

"We have nine isolated micro-grids and great potential for clean energy. We want to be an example and a partner for innovation in Europe. But for that to happen, it is essential that the MFF recognises the specific characteristics of the archipelagos and provides differentiated support for our reality," he said.

The Declaration of the Outermost Regions, signed in Brussels, urges the European Commission to thoroughly review its proposal and ensure compliance with Article 349, calling for an ambitious European policy with dedicated and stronger budgets. The document also calls for the maintenance of the POSEI programme, the creation of a POSEI-Fisheries and a POSEI-Transport programme, as well as an increase in the allocations from the ERDF-OR and ESF+OR funds and higher co-financing rates to ensure territorial continuity and public investment in the outermost regions.

José Manuel Bolieiro stressed that the Regional Government will continue to advocate for a Europe that recognises and values its outermost regions, stating that the future of European cohesion also depends on the prosperity of its most distant islands.

"Without differentiated policies, there can be no true equality. Respect for Article 349 is essential to ensure that no region is left behind. The Outermost Regions are an opportunity for Europe to be fairer, stronger and closer to its citizens," he concluded.

Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government