Speech by the President of the Government - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

Full text of the speech delivered today in Brussels by the President of the Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, at the High-Level Outermost Regions Forum:

“Good morning to you all. It is wonderful to be here together discussing matters of interest to the Outermost Regions.

This invitation from Vice-President Raffaele Fitto to the Presidents of the Outermost Regions, aimed at promoting a stronger dialogue on the implementation of the European Union's strategy for the Outermost Regions, is another important opportunity to bring together different views and encourage meaningful participation.

On my behalf and on behalf of the Outermost Regions, I would like to thank you for this new initiative.

Dear Vice-President, we have counted on your awareness and solidarity.

We want you to be our ally within the European Commission in defending our critical and constructive vision.

In fact, this new dialogue with you allows us to clarify the position of these regions in the face of the challenges that the European Union will face in the near future, which the Commission has sought, to a certain extent, to reflect in the proposal for the future Multiannual Financial Framework.

However, for our part, we start from an objective assumption. I am referring to the political and legal validity of Article 349 of the TFEU.

We believe that it is not only a sufficient legal basis, but also the political instrument needed to make the European Union act in accordance with the real status of the outermost regions.

Having said that, I would like to address two aspects that I believe are relevant to our discussion.

Firstly, pursuant to the principle of subsidiarity, so often invoked by the institutions of the European Union, it is impossible to find effective solutions without the active participation of the Outermost Regions, in accordance with their powers within the political systems of their States.

We are dismayed to accept the idea that we only have one or two allies in the European Union institutions.

The European Commission is the government of the European Union.

It should be our first ally.

The European Commission has recognised and continues to recognise the importance of the Outermost Regions for the European Union's projection in the world.

Therefore, at an institutional level, we hope that the Commission will have the necessary awareness to continue promoting the commitment set out in Article 349 of the TFEU.

As regards the mechanisms for achieving this goal, we believe that the legal formulation for implementing the measures must comply with the letter and spirit of Article 349 of the Treaty, as further clarified in the well-known Mayotte Judgment of 2015, and with the principle of subsidiarity.

Secondly, regarding the specific measures, I would like to reiterate what is essential for the territorial cohesion of the Outermost Regions, as set out in the various letters sent by the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions to EU institutions.

I would like to highlight some key examples for the dialogue with the European Commission in the search for solutions for the full integration of the Outermost Regions into the single market:

Agriculture: The possible elimination of POSEI and support for the structuring of production chains would be disastrous for the Azores, where dependence on imports is significant. POSEI is indispensable for food self- sufficiency, economic diversification and social balance, and should be maintained and strengthened.

Fisheries and aquaculture: The integration of these sectors into multisectoral funds dilutes their strategic relevance. It is essential to ensure an autonomous and predictable financial framework, with mechanisms to offset additional costs and the creation of a true POSEI-Fisheries programme adapted to the Outermost Regions.

Mobility: The reduction in co-financing rates and the absence of specific funding for transport and mobility are a step backwards. It is essential to create a POSEI-Transport programme, outside the cohesion policy, to ensure accessibility, territorial continuity and infrastructure modernisation.

Energy and Environment: The MFF should acknowledge the specific characteristics of archipelagos, promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and self-sufficiency. The Azores, with nine isolated micro-grids and great potential for clean energy, should be considered a priority for innovation and research, benefiting from increased funding and dedicated calls under the Connecting Europe Facility, aligned with the Final Declaration of the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions.

Strategically, I regard them as a true part of the new goals set by the European Commission: growth and competitiveness.

Indeed, it is on this basis of fair competition, promoting growth and competitiveness, that the new and unavoidable right to remain will truly be fulfilled.

In our view, it is necessary to begin identifying a list of adjustments to the legislation in force to achieve the desired result.

I insist on the idea that I have repeatedly put forward in dialogue with the European Commission.

There must always be participation in the initial work of drafting the entire regulatory and decision-making process of the European Union.

A decision-making process that takes into account, from the outset, the necessary adjustment of European Union legislation and decisions to the reality of the outermost regions, ensuring sufficient resources as well as simplified, direct and transparent procedures.

Only in this way, in our view, will Article 349 of the Treaty be effectively implemented.

Dear Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, thank you for your attention and dedication.