Raffaele Fitto’s visit strengthens European "dialogue" with the Azores, says José Manuel Bolieiro - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, welcomed today Raffaele Fitto, the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, at the Santana Palace for a meeting to exchange greetings, as part of his visit to Portugal.

The primary aim of Raffaele Fitto’s visit, which includes Lisbon and the Azores, is to discuss the future of cohesion policy and the European Union’s strategy for the Outermost Regions, at a crucial time for the definition of the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

This meeting follows on from the meeting held in Brussels in late 2025 during the High-Level Outermost Regions Forum, where José Manuel Bolieiro extended the invitation that has now been fulfilled, as well as the presentation of the joint declaration of the Outermost Regions on the 2028–2034 financial period.

“We welcome this visit with much appreciation for the attention and commitment it demonstrates towards the Azores,” stated the President of the Regional Government.

The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted Raffaele Fitto’s role as “a true ally of the Outermost Regions,” emphasising his understanding of the specific characteristics of these territories at a challenging stage of European transition.

Following the audience, a working meeting will take place with several members of the Regional Government, which will focus on a presentation about the Region and the Azorean Government's views on European Union policies and its financial instruments.

In the afternoon, the programme includes visits to projects supported by European funds, namely the Trás-os-Mosteiros housing development, under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), and the São Miguel Island Ecopark (MUSAMI), an investment under the Cohesion Programme, co-financed by the ERDF.

For José Manuel Bolieiro, this direct contact with projects on the ground highlights “the tangible impact of European policies on the lives of the Azorean people.” It also reinforces the importance of a strong cohesion policy, tailored to the realities of the Outermost Regions.

The President of the Regional Government also expressed his appreciation for Raffaele Fitto’s willingness to return to the Azores as part of a future visit that will cover other islands.