José Manuel Bolieiro strengthens Azores' commitment to joint position of Outermost Regions - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, participated today in the official event marking the 30th anniversary of the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions (ORs) in Brussels. This was a particularly significant moment at a time when the groundwork for the European Union's future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 is under discussion. 

This is a meeting between the Presidents of the Outermost Regions focused on preparing for European negotiations, defending Article 349 of the Treaty and the need to secure specific instruments and adequate funding for the most remote EU regions.

The proceedings also included two round tables: one dedicated to the evolution of European policies for the Outermost Regions since 1995 and another focused on the risks and challenges posed by the proposed MFF 2028-2034. The debate provided an opportunity to share common concerns about cohesion, agriculture, transport, structural funds and the impact of geopolitical, economic and climate change on the outermost regions.

The signing of the Declaration of the Presidents of the Outermost Regions on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 was the highlight of the day. This document warns of the risk of setbacks and calls on the European Union to adopt a more balanced approach in line with the responsibilities and specific characteristics of these territories.

José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that the joint work of the day strengthened the political position of the Outermost Regions in the current European context.

"We have shown, once again, that the Outermost Regions are not a minor detail of the European Union. We are part of the solution, and we want this to be clearly stated in the next financial framework," he said.

The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the importance of maintaining compliance with the legal framework that protects these territories.

"We reminded the European institutions that Article 349 is not a privilege, but a tool for ensuring territorial justice. Our regions need policies tailored to the challenges they face every day," stated the President of the Government. In this regard, he pointed out their distance from markets, remoteness, transport costs, environmental vulnerability and increased responsibility for external border surveillance.

The President of the Government also highlighted the decisive role of the Outermost Regions in areas of strategic importance for Europe, from biodiversity to energy independence and the maritime economy.

“What we are asking for is consistency. If Europe acknowledges that we have unique responsibilities, then those responsibilities must be accompanied by the appropriate resources. The sustainability of the Outermost Regions is inseparable from European sustainability,” he said.

The joint declaration will now be officially submitted to the European Commission, the European Parliament and Member States, at a time when the European Union's financial priorities for the next decade are being defined.

With this participation, the Azores have reiterated their commitment to a united Europe that treats those facing specific challenges fairly and acknowledges the role of the Outermost Regions in building solutions for the future of Europe.

The Declaration signed by the nine Outermost Regions brings together a series of common concerns about the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, warning of the impact that some of the European Commission's guidelines may have on cohesion, agriculture, transport and structural funds. The document insists on the need to secure specific instruments, adequate funding and co-financing rates that reflect the structural costs and permanent constraints recognised in Article 349 of the Treaty. It also defends that any change to European policies must respect the differentiation that gives the Outermost Regions the chance to compete on a more equal footing within the European space.

The document also points out the strategic importance of these regions for the European Union: the management of external borders, the vast maritime areas under European responsibility, unique biodiversity and increasing vulnerability to extreme weather events.

Therefore, the Outermost Regions call for the next financial cycle to ensure stability, predictability and a realistic approach to their needs, recalling that the contribution of these territories to Europe requires a reciprocal commitment from European institutions. The declaration now signed will be submitted to the European Commission, the European Parliament and Member States as the formal position of the Outermost Regions regarding the ongoing negotiations.