Applications for Estagiar Europa programme open until November 14
Vice-President of the Government received in audience Vice-Governor of Santa Catarina
Candidaturas ao Programa Estagiar Europa abertas até 4 de setembro
The Regional Directorate for European Affairs and External Cooperation operates under the Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government of the Azores.
Welcome to the Regional Directorate for European Affairs and External Cooperation.
We are the department of the Regional Government of the Azores responsible for conducting the European and external policies pursued by the Azores.
At a European level, we carry out two essential tasks. Firstly, we are responsible for monitoring, coordinating, consulting and overseeing the European affairs that fall under the direct responsibility of specific governmental departments, such as Agriculture, Fisheries, Transport, Taxes, etc.
Secondly, we play an active role in the European interregional cooperation, with special emphasis on the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions and the cooperation in the context of the Macaronesia area.
As regards External Cooperation, we seek to promote and enhance the Atlantic centrality of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and its integration into the International Relations system. Accordingly, we privilege the Region's position in the context of the Transatlantic Relationship and particularly its relations with the United States. Furthermore, we focus on the Region's cooperation with other infra-state and even state entities outside the European space, namely with Cape Verde as well as with Member States and Provinces of the United States, Canada and Brazil, in particular.
November 2, 2025
Applications for Estagiar Europa programme open until November 14
Applications for the allocation of a grant for a traineeship at the Representation Office of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in Brussels are open from November 3 to 14, pursuant to the Order No. 2420/2025, issued by the Vice-President of the Regional Government of the Azores, Artur Lima, published in the Official Journal on October 31. This traineeship, which is part of the Estagiar Europe programme, lasts twelve months and includes a monthly grant of €2,000 to help cover accommodation and food expenses during the training period. The trainee will also be covered by insurance and will be provided with a round-trip flight ticket between the island of residence in the Azores and the location of the traineeship in Brussels. Eligible candidates must be aged 30 or under at the beginning of the traineeship. They are also required to have completed secondary or university education in the Region, and hold a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree. The selection criteria for applicants include curriculum assessment, a written knowledge test, a foreign language test in English or French, depending on the applicant's choice, and a selection interview. The Estagiar Europa programme aims to promote greater knowledge among young people about the organisation and functioning of the European Union, strengthening their social and professional skills. It encourages the recruitment and integration of young people into European institutions and entities with relevant knowledge of the Region. Furthermore, it promotes the representation of the Region through European and international cooperation services, defending regional interests in various areas of foreign affairs. The Estagiar Europa programme aims to promote greater knowledge among young people about the organisation and functioning of the European Union, strengthening their social and professional skills. Furthermore, it encourages the recruitment and integration of young people into European institutions and entities with relevant knowledge of the Region, as well as the representation of the Region through European and international cooperation services, defending regional interests in various areas of foreign affairs. All information regarding this programme and the respective application form can be found on the Government Portal at https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/draece/estagiar-europa. Those interested in obtaining more information should contact the Regional Directorate for European Affairs and External Cooperation by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 296 204 700.
June 17, 2025
Vice-President of the Government received in audience Vice-Governor of Santa Catarina
On Monday, the Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, received in audience the Vice-Governor of the State of Santa Catarina, Marilisa Boehm, accompanied by the State Secretary for Tourism, Catiane Seif, at the Regional Directorate for European Affairs and External Cooperation. The meeting focussed on strategic partnerships between the parties in the fields of innovation, technology, trade and tourism. On the occasion, the possibility of establishing an air link between the Region and Florianópolis was discussed, based on the existing route between the capital of the State of Santa Catarina and Lisbon, on a stopover basis, as is currently the case with the Lisbon - Terceira - São Francisco route. Opportunities to export Azorean products to Santa Catarina were also addressed, such as beef, which the state has a production deficit at the moment. The Vice-President of the Regional Government also highlighted the prospects for creating partnerships with high-added value for the Azorean innovation sector, with the programme including a visit to NONAGON - São Miguel Science and Technology Park. "We continue to develop our strategy for external cooperation and attract investment to the Region. The cultural and historical ties with Santa Catarina are a very strong bridge for us to work towards," emphasised Artur Lima. "We want to deepen our links with Santa Catarina. We are working to find new markets for Azorean produce, continue to develop regional tourism, and meet with strategic partners for ongoing regional innovation," stated the Vice-President of the Government. At the end of the reception, Artur Lima pointed out that "with aligned visions in strategic sectors for development, this rapprochement with the state of Santa Catarina represents an important step in promoting and attracting foreign investment." Alongside science and technology, communications and the digital transition, the Vice-Presidency of the Regional Government of the Azores currently oversees European affairs and external cooperation, being responsible for attracting foreign investment.