José Manuel Bolieiro calls for Portuguese State to place greater “strategic importance” on the Azores - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, defended today at the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, held in Horta, the need for the Portuguese State to place greater strategic value on the archipelago. In this regard, he emphasised the Region’s geopolitical, geo-economic and scientific importance for the future of Portugal and Europe.

In his speech, delivered as part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic and the Political Autonomy of the Azores, the President of the Government highlighted the symbolic significance of choosing the Azores as the venue for the celebrations of Portugal, Camões, and Portuguese Communities Day, noting that this decision also represents a look towards the country’s future.

The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that the Azores bolster Portuguese sovereignty in the Atlantic. They represent a strategic platform for national projection in the areas of security and defence, science, technology, the blue economy and transatlantic relations.

However, the President of the Regional Government called for the recognition of the Azores’ strategic value to turn into tangible measures. In this regard, he called for greater State investment in critical dual-use infrastructure, which is essential for establishing national sovereignty and boosting economic development in the Region.

In his speech, José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the role of the Azores as a “laboratory of the future,” pointing out the progress made in the space, maritime, energy and scientific sectors.

In the space sector, he highlighted the growing prominence of the island of Santa Maria as an emerging hub for Earth observation and satellite data processing activities. He also mentioned the investment made in the three weather radars installed in the Region, which strengthen the capacity to monitor the Atlantic and contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the territories.

Regarding the maritime economy, the President of the Government highlighted the planned investments in the new scientific research vessel and MARTEC – Technology and Innovation Centre for the Maritime Economy. These projects aim to bring scientific research closer to economic activity and create new opportunities for sustainable development.

José Manuel Bolieiro reiterated his ambition to position the Azores as an innovative and sustainable Region, internationally recognised for its ability to generate knowledge, develop technology and protect vital resources.

The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the importance of the Azorean cultural community spread across the world, considering it a strategic asset for the future of the Region and Portugal.

“The strategic importance of the Azores, as a regional asset, is a Portuguese and European matter, and will increasingly become an Atlantic one,” he concluded.