Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro calls for hospital response tailored to São Miguel's needs
José Manuel Bolieiro calls for hospital response tailored to São Miguel's needs
Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas
FUNDOPESCA activated to compensate fishers and shipowners
FUNDOPESCA activated to compensate fishers and shipowners
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Maria João Carreiro announces €3 million in funding for training private sector workers
Maria João Carreiro announces €3 million in funding for training private sector workers
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Regional Government accuses Socialist Party of political exploitation of recent storms affecting the archipelago
Regional Government accuses Socialist Party of political exploitation of recent storms affecting the archipelago
Nota de Imprensa
February 9, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro calls for hospital response tailored to São Miguel's needs The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, met today with the Board of the São Miguel Island Council, chaired by Jorge Rita, at the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada to discuss the next steps regarding the future of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES). The head of the Azorean Government stated that the Regional Government has been working on a solution "to harness the potential of the capacity already in place," namely that created by the modular structure implemented after the May 2024 fire, integrating it into a more solid hospital response tailored to the island's needs. For José Manuel Bolieiro, the option involves a focused intervention within the current hospital perimeter, involving a thorough reorganisation of areas and services. "The goal is to ensure that São Miguel has a modern and functional hospital that is better prepared for the future, while also learning from recent experience," he said. The government official stated that the technical work currently underway shows a significant improvement in the outpatient component of the future hospital, aligned with more current care models. The functional plans under review also provide for the expansion of areas such as surgery, inpatient care, emergency care and intensive care, ensuring better operating conditions and clinical response. José Manuel Bolieiro also emphasised that the modular structure will continue to play an important role during the HDES intervention phases, supporting care activities and ensuring the continuity of healthcare. "It is essential to ensure stability in the service provided to the population while a lasting solution is being developed," he stressed. The President of the São Miguel Island Council, Jorge Rita, considered that the process should be conducted with caution, advocating a phased and financially sustainable approach. He also stressed the importance of simultaneously reinforcing the island's primary healthcare network. The Government of the Azores will continue to monitor the process of defining the future of the HDES, which will be considered by the Council of the Government in due course. The definitive schedule for the presentation of the final project is yet to be established.
February 9, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro calls for hospital response tailored to São Miguel's needs The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, met today with the Board of the São Miguel Island Council, chaired by Jorge Rita, at the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada to discuss the next steps regarding the future of the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (HDES). The head of the Azorean Government stated that the Regional Government has been working on a solution "to harness the potential of the capacity already in place," namely that created by the modular structure implemented after the May 2024 fire, integrating it into a more solid hospital response tailored to the island's needs. For José Manuel Bolieiro, the option involves a focused intervention within the current hospital perimeter, involving a thorough reorganisation of areas and services. "The goal is to ensure that São Miguel has a modern and functional hospital that is better prepared for the future, while also learning from recent experience," he said. The government official stated that the technical work currently underway shows a significant improvement in the outpatient component of the future hospital, aligned with more current care models. The functional plans under review also provide for the expansion of areas such as surgery, inpatient care, emergency care and intensive care, ensuring better operating conditions and clinical response. José Manuel Bolieiro also emphasised that the modular structure will continue to play an important role during the HDES intervention phases, supporting care activities and ensuring the continuity of healthcare. "It is essential to ensure stability in the service provided to the population while a lasting solution is being developed," he stressed. The President of the São Miguel Island Council, Jorge Rita, considered that the process should be conducted with caution, advocating a phased and financially sustainable approach. He also stressed the importance of simultaneously reinforcing the island's primary healthcare network. The Government of the Azores will continue to monitor the process of defining the future of the HDES, which will be considered by the Council of the Government in due course. The definitive schedule for the presentation of the final project is yet to be established.
Nota de Imprensa
February 10, 2026 FUNDOPESCA activated to compensate fishers and shipowners The Administration Board of the Azores Fishers' Salary Compensation Fund - FUNDOPESCA approved on Monday the activation of the Salary Compensation Fund for all fishers and shipowners on the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial and Flores, due to the bad weather that has been affecting the Region in recent weeks. The board members, including representatives from the fishing sector, the fish market management entity and the regional administration with responsibilities for employment and social security, agreed that the conditions set out in the Regional Legislative Decree no. 19/2013/A of October 17, in its current wording, considering the loss of income over 13 interspersed days in the 30-day fish auction sales period. Between December 9, 2025, and January 26, 2026, there was a loss of income on 13 interspersed days, with daily fish sales at auction below 35% of the daily arithmetic median for the last three years, calculated per island. Following this unanimous decision by the Administration Board, full-time fishing professionals will receive a salary compensation up to a maximum amount of €429.53 for those who worked between 10 and 12 months during the reference perio This effort undertaken by the Regional Government corresponds to a maximum financial support of €370,000 for approximately 650 fishing professionals who contribute to FUNDOPESCA from all the islands of the Azores, except Corvo Island. The applications will now be analysed, and compensation payments to fishing industry professionals are expected to begin in early March. With the activation of FUNDOPESCA, the Regional Government reiterates its ongoing commitment to the social protection of fishing professionals, ensuring timely and effective responses to exceptional situations affecting the activity and economic stability of the Region's coastal fishing communities.
February 10, 2026 FUNDOPESCA activated to compensate fishers and shipowners The Administration Board of the Azores Fishers' Salary Compensation Fund - FUNDOPESCA approved on Monday the activation of the Salary Compensation Fund for all fishers and shipowners on the islands of Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial and Flores, due to the bad weather that has been affecting the Region in recent weeks. The board members, including representatives from the fishing sector, the fish market management entity and the regional administration with responsibilities for employment and social security, agreed that the conditions set out in the Regional Legislative Decree no. 19/2013/A of October 17, in its current wording, considering the loss of income over 13 interspersed days in the 30-day fish auction sales period. Between December 9, 2025, and January 26, 2026, there was a loss of income on 13 interspersed days, with daily fish sales at auction below 35% of the daily arithmetic median for the last three years, calculated per island. Following this unanimous decision by the Administration Board, full-time fishing professionals will receive a salary compensation up to a maximum amount of €429.53 for those who worked between 10 and 12 months during the reference perio This effort undertaken by the Regional Government corresponds to a maximum financial support of €370,000 for approximately 650 fishing professionals who contribute to FUNDOPESCA from all the islands of the Azores, except Corvo Island. The applications will now be analysed, and compensation payments to fishing industry professionals are expected to begin in early March. With the activation of FUNDOPESCA, the Regional Government reiterates its ongoing commitment to the social protection of fishing professionals, ensuring timely and effective responses to exceptional situations affecting the activity and economic stability of the Region's coastal fishing communities.
Nota de Imprensa
February 10, 2026 Maria João Carreiro announces €3 million in funding for training private sector workers The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment announced on Monday in Ponta Delgada the opening of the call for funding short and medium-term certified modular training aimed at private sector workers under the Azores 2030 - ESF+ Programme, with an overall budget of €3 million. Applications must be submitted from today, February 10, until March 31, at the Fund Desk, at https://balcaofundosue.pt/, stated Maria João Carreiro. The announcement was made during a meeting with the newly elected board of AEPA – Association of Vocational Schools of the Azores, chaired by João Moniz, and with the Vice-President of ANESPO - National Association of Vocational Schools, Domingos Borges. According to the notice, published at https://portugal2030.pt/avisos/, public and private vocational schools, certified training entities, the Azores Training Centre and private employers in the Region are eligible to apply. Training courses authorised on the Certificar Platform, at www.certificar.azores.gov.pt, structured as a Curricular Unit (UC) or Short-Term Training Unit (UFCD), according to the National Qualifications Framework (QNQ) benchmarks, either in classroom or distance learning, are eligible for funding. The certified modular training programmes are intended to promote qualification opportunities for workers. They aim to meet the training needs of the labour market and deepen the professional skills of adults, with a view to better adapting to technological and organisational changes, as well as improving employability. According to Maria João Carreiro, ESF+ is "a structuring force in regional policy on adult training and retraining, with a direct impact on employability, retraining and lifelong learning." As such, she called for the "active mobilisation of vocational schools and other eligible entities" for this support measure, which takes the form of non-repayable aid. At the meeting with associations representing vocational schools, other issues concerning vocational education and training in the Region were also addressed, given the growing student numbers and the strategic importance of this type of education for the employability of young people and adults, as well as for business productivity. Maria João Carreiro reiterated the Regional Government's interest in maintaining "close, dialogue-based and cooperative governance" with vocational schools, which has resulted in public policies and financial instruments converging towards the "common goal" of dignifying, enhancing and modernising vocational education in the Azores.
February 10, 2026 Maria João Carreiro announces €3 million in funding for training private sector workers The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment announced on Monday in Ponta Delgada the opening of the call for funding short and medium-term certified modular training aimed at private sector workers under the Azores 2030 - ESF+ Programme, with an overall budget of €3 million. Applications must be submitted from today, February 10, until March 31, at the Fund Desk, at https://balcaofundosue.pt/, stated Maria João Carreiro. The announcement was made during a meeting with the newly elected board of AEPA – Association of Vocational Schools of the Azores, chaired by João Moniz, and with the Vice-President of ANESPO - National Association of Vocational Schools, Domingos Borges. According to the notice, published at https://portugal2030.pt/avisos/, public and private vocational schools, certified training entities, the Azores Training Centre and private employers in the Region are eligible to apply. Training courses authorised on the Certificar Platform, at www.certificar.azores.gov.pt, structured as a Curricular Unit (UC) or Short-Term Training Unit (UFCD), according to the National Qualifications Framework (QNQ) benchmarks, either in classroom or distance learning, are eligible for funding. The certified modular training programmes are intended to promote qualification opportunities for workers. They aim to meet the training needs of the labour market and deepen the professional skills of adults, with a view to better adapting to technological and organisational changes, as well as improving employability. According to Maria João Carreiro, ESF+ is "a structuring force in regional policy on adult training and retraining, with a direct impact on employability, retraining and lifelong learning." As such, she called for the "active mobilisation of vocational schools and other eligible entities" for this support measure, which takes the form of non-repayable aid. At the meeting with associations representing vocational schools, other issues concerning vocational education and training in the Region were also addressed, given the growing student numbers and the strategic importance of this type of education for the employability of young people and adults, as well as for business productivity. Maria João Carreiro reiterated the Regional Government's interest in maintaining "close, dialogue-based and cooperative governance" with vocational schools, which has resulted in public policies and financial instruments converging towards the "common goal" of dignifying, enhancing and modernising vocational education in the Azores.
Nota de Imprensa
February 9, 2026 Regional Government accuses Socialist Party of political exploitation of recent storms affecting the archipelago The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, categorically refuted all statements made by Socialist Party MP Lubélio Mendonça regarding the operation of inter-island maritime and air transport, particularly to Corvo. The Regional Secretariat responsible for Transport reiterated that it is important to highlight that the Region has been repeatedly hit by severe weather conditions, with a direct and inevitable impact on port and air operations. Atmospheric instability, combined with particularly adverse sea conditions, has forced the suspension of several connections, a procedure that follows strict internationally recognised safety criteria. “Any attempt to interpret these technical constraints as operational failures is completely unfounded. Disregarding the weather impacts, affecting not only the Region but the entire national territory and the autonomous regions, only contributes to creating controversy, confusion and misperceptions about the functioning of the transport sector,” stressed the transport department. The Government of the Azores recalled that it has been making a huge effort, unprecedented in socialist governments, by chartering a vessel for Corvo (Thor B) and another for Flores (Margarethe) to ensure the regular supply of these two islands, weather permitting. As is public knowledge, Leixões, Lisbon, Ponta Delgada, Praia da Vitória and all other ports in the Azores have been affected by rough seas and poor navigation conditions. The statements made by MP Lubélio Mendonça, who is exploiting the suffering of people who are not receiving their essential supplies due to severe weather conditions, particularly rough sea conditions, for political gain, are considered "unacceptable and pure demagoguery." The same government department also reported that the vessel Thor B is scheduled to depart from Horta tomorrow, bound for Corvo, where it is expected to unload cargo on Wednesday. If it is not possible to carry out the operation, the Government of the Azores is considering alternative means of supplying the smallest island of the archipelago, resorting, as was the case last winter, to the support of the Portuguese Air Force. It should also be noted that, during socialist governance, the island of Corvo had no maritime supply for 50 consecutive days.
February 9, 2026 Regional Government accuses Socialist Party of political exploitation of recent storms affecting the archipelago The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, categorically refuted all statements made by Socialist Party MP Lubélio Mendonça regarding the operation of inter-island maritime and air transport, particularly to Corvo. The Regional Secretariat responsible for Transport reiterated that it is important to highlight that the Region has been repeatedly hit by severe weather conditions, with a direct and inevitable impact on port and air operations. Atmospheric instability, combined with particularly adverse sea conditions, has forced the suspension of several connections, a procedure that follows strict internationally recognised safety criteria. “Any attempt to interpret these technical constraints as operational failures is completely unfounded. Disregarding the weather impacts, affecting not only the Region but the entire national territory and the autonomous regions, only contributes to creating controversy, confusion and misperceptions about the functioning of the transport sector,” stressed the transport department. The Government of the Azores recalled that it has been making a huge effort, unprecedented in socialist governments, by chartering a vessel for Corvo (Thor B) and another for Flores (Margarethe) to ensure the regular supply of these two islands, weather permitting. As is public knowledge, Leixões, Lisbon, Ponta Delgada, Praia da Vitória and all other ports in the Azores have been affected by rough seas and poor navigation conditions. The statements made by MP Lubélio Mendonça, who is exploiting the suffering of people who are not receiving their essential supplies due to severe weather conditions, particularly rough sea conditions, for political gain, are considered "unacceptable and pure demagoguery." The same government department also reported that the vessel Thor B is scheduled to depart from Horta tomorrow, bound for Corvo, where it is expected to unload cargo on Wednesday. If it is not possible to carry out the operation, the Government of the Azores is considering alternative means of supplying the smallest island of the archipelago, resorting, as was the case last winter, to the support of the Portuguese Air Force. It should also be noted that, during socialist governance, the island of Corvo had no maritime supply for 50 consecutive days.
Nota de Imprensa
February 9, 2026 António Ventura says Lisbon Food Affair is "space of opportunities" for Azorean companies The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, attended the opening of Lisbon Food Affair today, which runs until Wednesday and features 20 Azorean companies, highlighting the "opportunity" presented by this event. "It is a space for networking and dialogue. All of this can represent commercial value for our products, which are prized, above all, for their excellence and authenticity," stated the government official. The Lisbon Food Affair is an exclusively professional trade fair for the Portuguese agrifood sector, bringing together food and beverage manufacturers and distributors, as well as equipment, service and technology companies serving the distribution and Horeca channel, both nationally and internationally. "There are 20 companies from the agrifood sector here looking for new business partners," continued António Ventura, who highlighted the role of the Azores Brand, now in its 11th year, in consolidating multiple businesses. According to the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, the Azores praise the various "long-term contracts" established by several Azorean companies over the years at events such as Lisbon Food Affair. In this regard, he acknowledged that the vast majority of products, due to small or medium production, are distinguished "by quality" rather than quantity - the main exception being the dairy sector. “We have unique products that evoke a very specific image. Consumers also seek sensations and authenticity when looking for products in these sectors,” stated the government official, who also praised the recent progress in areas such as transport between the Azores and Mainland Portugal or international markets. The presence of Azorean companies at this event represents a strategic opportunity to meet buyers from various markets, thus contributing to the consolidation of their operations and opening up new possibilities for commercial expansion. The Autonomous Region of the Azores has been participating in the fair since 2024, with a presence in the Azores Brand space, the largest at the event. Companies have highlighted the importance of the numerous meetings held in the Hosted Buyers space, which have generated business opportunities and bolstered the internationalisation process of Azores Brand-certified products. In the 2026 edition, the following companies and their respective brands will be featured at the Azores Brand stand: AgroMarienseCoop CRL, Azores Farm, Azores Jerky, AzorGhee, Boa Fruta, Celeiro da Terra, Conseran, Conservas Santa Catarina, Fábrica de Licores Mulher de Capote, Chá Gorreana, Insulac, SA, Lactaçores UCRL, Mel do Atlântico, Milhafre dos Açores, Moaçor, MPD - Bensaude Distribuição, Quinta das Três Cruzes, Quintal dos Açores, Sociedade Corretora and Yoçor. It should be noted that Azorean products were awarded the LFA Innovation prize in 2024 and 2025 for the Bananika and Bananika Chips innovations, developed by the Terceira-based company Loop Pursuit, reinforcing national and international recognition of the quality and creativity of the Azorean agrifood sector.
February 9, 2026 António Ventura says Lisbon Food Affair is "space of opportunities" for Azorean companies The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, attended the opening of Lisbon Food Affair today, which runs until Wednesday and features 20 Azorean companies, highlighting the "opportunity" presented by this event. "It is a space for networking and dialogue. All of this can represent commercial value for our products, which are prized, above all, for their excellence and authenticity," stated the government official. The Lisbon Food Affair is an exclusively professional trade fair for the Portuguese agrifood sector, bringing together food and beverage manufacturers and distributors, as well as equipment, service and technology companies serving the distribution and Horeca channel, both nationally and internationally. "There are 20 companies from the agrifood sector here looking for new business partners," continued António Ventura, who highlighted the role of the Azores Brand, now in its 11th year, in consolidating multiple businesses. According to the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, the Azores praise the various "long-term contracts" established by several Azorean companies over the years at events such as Lisbon Food Affair. In this regard, he acknowledged that the vast majority of products, due to small or medium production, are distinguished "by quality" rather than quantity - the main exception being the dairy sector. “We have unique products that evoke a very specific image. Consumers also seek sensations and authenticity when looking for products in these sectors,” stated the government official, who also praised the recent progress in areas such as transport between the Azores and Mainland Portugal or international markets. The presence of Azorean companies at this event represents a strategic opportunity to meet buyers from various markets, thus contributing to the consolidation of their operations and opening up new possibilities for commercial expansion. The Autonomous Region of the Azores has been participating in the fair since 2024, with a presence in the Azores Brand space, the largest at the event. Companies have highlighted the importance of the numerous meetings held in the Hosted Buyers space, which have generated business opportunities and bolstered the internationalisation process of Azores Brand-certified products. In the 2026 edition, the following companies and their respective brands will be featured at the Azores Brand stand: AgroMarienseCoop CRL, Azores Farm, Azores Jerky, AzorGhee, Boa Fruta, Celeiro da Terra, Conseran, Conservas Santa Catarina, Fábrica de Licores Mulher de Capote, Chá Gorreana, Insulac, SA, Lactaçores UCRL, Mel do Atlântico, Milhafre dos Açores, Moaçor, MPD - Bensaude Distribuição, Quinta das Três Cruzes, Quintal dos Açores, Sociedade Corretora and Yoçor. It should be noted that Azorean products were awarded the LFA Innovation prize in 2024 and 2025 for the Bananika and Bananika Chips innovations, developed by the Terceira-based company Loop Pursuit, reinforcing national and international recognition of the quality and creativity of the Azorean agrifood sector.
