Outermost regions are "true outposts of Europe," José Manuel Bolieiro stressed - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, stated today that Outermost Regions (ORs) are "true outposts of Europe" in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and therefore, they deserve a European review of their strategy with "effective solutions" for some of their constraints.

The review of the strategy for ORs, currently under way, cannot ignore covid-19, the President said, speaking via videoconference at a meeting with political representatives from Portugal, France and Spain to discuss their regions. The meeting was also attended by the European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira.

Addressing the Portuguese Commissioner, José Manuel Bolieiro praised her "strategic awareness" towards Outermost Regions and expressed his belief that she "will do her best to ensure" the implementation of the updated strategy for these Regions.

The President of the Government then listed some " key areas" for the Azores that deserve "renewed attention and care," such as employment, social cohesion, education and mobility.

"The new strategy must provide for measures capable of ensuring two basic goals.  On the one hand, the empowerment of our young people and their permanence on our islands is the most effective means of fighting the menace of depopulation that threatens many islands and municipalities.  On the other hand, the protection of the most vulnerable, children and the elderly, in particular.  And, in this regard, the relevance and usefulness of the renewed focus on the digital area become quite evident," he said.

The area of transport and communications was also addressed by José Manuel Bolieiro, who urged the creation of solutions for the "accessibility problems" of Outermost Regions. Furthermore, he defended the need to offset the "significant costs incurred in the transport of goods and people" within the respective member states and with the European continent and other international partners.

The President also praised the "particular potentialities" of these territories, namely "their vast maritime area."

"From the new strategy, we look forward to the recognition and harnessing of the maritime potential of ORs and the unparalleled opportunities they offer us in terms of the environment, fisheries and the blue economy in general," he added.

Agriculture and rural development, tourism and the energy sector were also areas highlighted by José Manuel Bolieiro as potential drivers of wealth and development for all Outermost Regions, namely the Azores.

"We believe that our proposals will be effectively reflected in the European Union's new strategy for our ORs," the President of the Government said.