José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "strategic role of the Azores" in Atlantic security and defence - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, stated in Ponta Delgada that the Azores have a decisive geostrategic position in the current international context, advocating close coordination among security, defence and territorial cohesion policies.

The speech was delivered on Wednesday at the formal opening session of the 9th Security and Defence Intensive Course (CISEDE), promoted by the National Defence Institute, which is once again being held in the Region.

For José Manuel Bolieiro, the return of this initiative to the Azores "is certainly no coincidence, "reflecting the success of previous editions and the strategic importance of the Region.

"The exercise of political power is effective and reasonable when considered in the light of the principle of subsidiarity," he said, stressing that the Azores, as an Autonomous Region, have their own powers that must be taken into consideration, including in matters pertaining to the sphere of sovereignty. In this regard, he defended that "regional bodies must also be considered," reiterating the Regional Government's willingness to cooperate with the State and international partners.

The head of the Azorean Government set the course against a backdrop of profound geopolitical changes, stating that "the Atlantic is once again a decisive strategic axis for global balance ." In this regard, he stressed that the North Atlantic is a hub of key maritime and air routes, critical infrastructures and force projection dynamics, and is also an area of growing competition among major powers.

"Today, the sea is both a frontier of risk and a reserve for the future," he said, advocating an approach to security that goes beyond the strictly military dimension and integrates areas such as ports, airports, communications, science, technology and research.

Mentioning the transatlantic context, the President of the Government stressed that, although the United States remains "the central pillar of Western collective defence," Europe needs to take greater responsibility for its own security.

"NATO remains indispensable. Nevertheless, the European Union must strengthen its capacity for action," he said.

For the Azores, he considered this context to be a strategic opportunity, emphasising that the Region is not "a remote outpost of Europe," but rather "a hub connecting Europe, America and Africa." In this context, he highlighted the role of Lajes Air Base, stating that "it is much more than a military infrastructure," as it is a key asset in scenarios of logistical support, maritime patrol and crisis response in the Atlantic.

The government official also defended the importance of dual-use investments, both military and civil, pointing out areas such as port modernisation, enhanced maritime surveillance, development of space capabilities in Santa Maria and secure communications.

“Every euro invested in the Azores is also an investment in European security, competitiveness and territorial cohesion," he emphasised. 

The President of the Government underlined that territorial cohesion should be regarded as a pillar of security, warning that territories with poor connectivity and few economic opportunities become more vulnerable.

"A defence strategy ignoring people is doomed to weaken in the medium term," he noted.

The President of the Government considered that the Azores can be an example of consistency between words and deeds in the European context, defending that "European security begins far beyond the continent itself."

Evoking Vitorino Nemésio, José Manuel Bolieiro recalled that, in the Azores, "geography, for us, is as important as history," and concluded that the future will require ambition, cooperation, and strategic commitment.

Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government