Regional Government strengthens collaboration ties with Government of Catalonia - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, received the Delegate of the Government of Catalonia in Portugal, Rui Reis, at an audience where opportunities for cooperation between the parties were discussed.

For Artur Lima, cooperation between the Regional Government of the Azores and the Government of Catalonia opens up "immense possibilities in science and technology, research, the blue economy, knowledge transfer and collaboration with the University of the Azores."

During the meeting, held at the Capitães-Generais Palace in Angra do Heroísmo, it was agreed that a first conference would be held in the Azores, most likely in the first half of 2026. It will be dedicated to the blue economy, research and innovation applied to this area.

"We want to establish a collaboration with the Government of Catalonia that will be fruitful for both regions," said the government official.

The Delegate of the Government of Catalonia also highlighted opportunities for collaboration with the Azores in knowledge transfer and innovation, with a particular focus on the blue economy.

As part of the Europe Day celebrations, the Vice-President made a formal invitation to the Delegate of the Government of Catalonia and the Government of Catalonia to celebrate the day in the Azores, at a time when Portugal and Spain are also celebrating 40 years of accession to the then European Communities.

In 2026, Europe Day celebrations will take place at the westernmost point of Europe, in Fajã Grande, Flores Island, thus highlighting the symbolism of the European Union's territorial borders.

The audience followed talks between the Vice-President of the Regional Government and the Government of Catalonia during the 53rd General Assembly of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe and at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, both held in Barcelona.

At MWC2025, the Autonomous Region of the Azores joined DETA - Disruptive & Emerging Technology Alliance, an initiative led by the Government of Catalonia that brings together national and regional governments from around the world to drive development in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, New Space, Digital Rights and Quantum Technologies.