Presidência do Governo Regional
“Azores are at the forefront of ocean conservation,” says José Manuel Bolieiro
“Azores are at the forefront of ocean conservation,” says José Manuel Bolieiro
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Vice-Presidência do Governo atribui Bolsa do programa “Estagiar Europa” a Joana Gomes
Vice-Presidência do Governo atribui Bolsa do programa “Estagiar Europa” a Joana Gomes
Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Paulo Estêvão welcomes decision to grant Corvo municipality access to Parish Financing Fund as approved by Regional Assembly
Paulo Estêvão welcomes decision to grant Corvo municipality access to Parish Financing Fund as approved by Regional Assembly
Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional
Europe Day on Flores Island streamed online
Europe Day on Flores Island streamed online
Nota de Imprensa
May 8, 2026 “Azores are at the forefront of ocean conservation,” says José Manuel Bolieiro The President of the Azores Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, received the international “Peter Benchley Ocean Awards” in the “Excellence in National Leadership” category, one of the world’s most prestigious awards in the field of ocean conservation. At the award ceremony, held at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, United States, the President of the Government expressed his pride at receiving the award, emphasising, however, that it was a collective achievement on behalf of the Azores. According to him, this award represents the “recognition of the Azores’ leadership in ocean conservation,” based on the promotion of science-based public policies, with a view to building a “legacy of sustainability, knowledge and prosperity for forthcoming generations.” “This is the path that will consolidate the Azores’ role as an international benchmark in ocean governance and the recognition of the sea as a common good of humanity," continued the President of the Government. In this regard, he praised the work carried out in the establishment and implementation of the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA): the largest in the North Atlantic. Used as a case study at an international level, this network, which protects 30% of the Azores’ waters with areas under total and high protection, was established through dialogue and co-creation with fishers, scientists, young people and civil society. On the occasion, the President of the Government praised the key role played by the Blue Azores programme, which stems from an innovative partnership between the Government, the Oceano Azul Foundation and the Waitt Institute. "Together, we have aligned political will, philanthropy, science and community involvement towards a common vision: protecting, promoting and enhancing the Azores’ marine natural capital,” he emphasised. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the work carried out by the University of the Azores, whose research “provided the scientific basis that made it possible to designate new protected areas with credibility and precision, serving as a powerful example of how knowledge can guide public policy.” Created by Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg, the “Peter Benchley Ocean Awards” are widely recognised as the “Oscars of the Ocean.” Each year, they honour individuals and organisations that make an exemplary contribution to the protection and restoration of the marine environment. The “Excellence in National Leadership” category recognises representatives of states that have distinguished themselves through ambitious policies for the protection and sustainable management of the ocean, with an impact at both national and international levels.
May 8, 2026 “Azores are at the forefront of ocean conservation,” says José Manuel Bolieiro The President of the Azores Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, received the international “Peter Benchley Ocean Awards” in the “Excellence in National Leadership” category, one of the world’s most prestigious awards in the field of ocean conservation. At the award ceremony, held at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, United States, the President of the Government expressed his pride at receiving the award, emphasising, however, that it was a collective achievement on behalf of the Azores. According to him, this award represents the “recognition of the Azores’ leadership in ocean conservation,” based on the promotion of science-based public policies, with a view to building a “legacy of sustainability, knowledge and prosperity for forthcoming generations.” “This is the path that will consolidate the Azores’ role as an international benchmark in ocean governance and the recognition of the sea as a common good of humanity," continued the President of the Government. In this regard, he praised the work carried out in the establishment and implementation of the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA): the largest in the North Atlantic. Used as a case study at an international level, this network, which protects 30% of the Azores’ waters with areas under total and high protection, was established through dialogue and co-creation with fishers, scientists, young people and civil society. On the occasion, the President of the Government praised the key role played by the Blue Azores programme, which stems from an innovative partnership between the Government, the Oceano Azul Foundation and the Waitt Institute. "Together, we have aligned political will, philanthropy, science and community involvement towards a common vision: protecting, promoting and enhancing the Azores’ marine natural capital,” he emphasised. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the work carried out by the University of the Azores, whose research “provided the scientific basis that made it possible to designate new protected areas with credibility and precision, serving as a powerful example of how knowledge can guide public policy.” Created by Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg, the “Peter Benchley Ocean Awards” are widely recognised as the “Oscars of the Ocean.” Each year, they honour individuals and organisations that make an exemplary contribution to the protection and restoration of the marine environment. The “Excellence in National Leadership” category recognises representatives of states that have distinguished themselves through ambitious policies for the protection and sustainable management of the ocean, with an impact at both national and international levels.
Nota de Imprensa
May 8, 2026 Vice-Presidência do Governo atribui Bolsa do programa “Estagiar Europa” a Joana Gomes A Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional dos Açores, através da Direção Regional dos Assuntos Europeus e Cooperação Externa, atribuiu a bolsa de estágio do programa “Estagiar Europa” à jovem Joana Gomes, natural da ilha do Faial. O estágio, que decorrerá no Gabinete de Representação da Região Autónoma dos Açores em Bruxelas, terá a duração de 12 meses, com início a 1 de junho deste ano. Este contempla a atribuição de uma bolsa mensal no valor de dois mil euros, destinada a compensar as despesas de alojamento e de alimentação durante o período de estágio, sendo também assegurado o pagamento de seguros, bem como uma passagem aérea de ida e volta entre o seu local de residência na Região e o local do estágio, em Bruxelas. Este programa visa proporcionar a jovens licenciados, mestres ou doutorados a oportunidade de realizar um estágio em organismos europeus, fora do território nacional, criando condições para a aquisição de conhecimentos práticos em contexto real de trabalho, nomeadamente em instituições europeias, usufruindo, em particular, de estruturas regionais, inter-regionais ou da União Europeia, bem como em departamentos ou serviços do Governo Regional dos Açores na União Europeia, fora do território nacional. O “Estagiar Europa” tem ainda como objetivo aprofundar o conhecimento dos jovens sobre a organização e o funcionamento da União Europeia, reforçar as suas competências sócio profissionais e potenciar o recrutamento e a integração de quadros superiores nas instituições e órgãos europeus, valorizando profissionais com conhecimento relevante da Região ou representar a Região através de serviços de cooperação europeia e internacional, defendendo os interesses regionais em diversos domínios da Política Externa. Para o Vice-Presidente do Governo, “investir no programa “Estagiar Europa” é acreditar que os jovens açorianos têm competência para estar na linha da frente das decisões que moldam o futuro da Região e da Europa". "Com este programa, estamos a reforçar a ligação entre o talento das nossas nove ilhas e as instituições europeias. Ao apoiar jovens como a Joana, estamos a garantir que a voz dos Açores, dita por quem conhece profundamente a nossa realidade, seja ouvida onde as políticas nascem", salientou Artur Lima.
May 8, 2026 Vice-Presidência do Governo atribui Bolsa do programa “Estagiar Europa” a Joana Gomes A Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional dos Açores, através da Direção Regional dos Assuntos Europeus e Cooperação Externa, atribuiu a bolsa de estágio do programa “Estagiar Europa” à jovem Joana Gomes, natural da ilha do Faial. O estágio, que decorrerá no Gabinete de Representação da Região Autónoma dos Açores em Bruxelas, terá a duração de 12 meses, com início a 1 de junho deste ano. Este contempla a atribuição de uma bolsa mensal no valor de dois mil euros, destinada a compensar as despesas de alojamento e de alimentação durante o período de estágio, sendo também assegurado o pagamento de seguros, bem como uma passagem aérea de ida e volta entre o seu local de residência na Região e o local do estágio, em Bruxelas. Este programa visa proporcionar a jovens licenciados, mestres ou doutorados a oportunidade de realizar um estágio em organismos europeus, fora do território nacional, criando condições para a aquisição de conhecimentos práticos em contexto real de trabalho, nomeadamente em instituições europeias, usufruindo, em particular, de estruturas regionais, inter-regionais ou da União Europeia, bem como em departamentos ou serviços do Governo Regional dos Açores na União Europeia, fora do território nacional. O “Estagiar Europa” tem ainda como objetivo aprofundar o conhecimento dos jovens sobre a organização e o funcionamento da União Europeia, reforçar as suas competências sócio profissionais e potenciar o recrutamento e a integração de quadros superiores nas instituições e órgãos europeus, valorizando profissionais com conhecimento relevante da Região ou representar a Região através de serviços de cooperação europeia e internacional, defendendo os interesses regionais em diversos domínios da Política Externa. Para o Vice-Presidente do Governo, “investir no programa “Estagiar Europa” é acreditar que os jovens açorianos têm competência para estar na linha da frente das decisões que moldam o futuro da Região e da Europa". "Com este programa, estamos a reforçar a ligação entre o talento das nossas nove ilhas e as instituições europeias. Ao apoiar jovens como a Joana, estamos a garantir que a voz dos Açores, dita por quem conhece profundamente a nossa realidade, seja ouvida onde as políticas nascem", salientou Artur Lima.
Nota de Imprensa
May 8, 2026 Paulo Estêvão welcomes decision to grant Corvo municipality access to Parish Financing Fund as approved by Regional Assembly The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, welcomes today's approval of the draft law amending the financial scheme for local authorities by the National Assembly, ensuring the direct allocation of funds from the Parish Financing Fund (FFF) to the municipality of Corvo. The draft law, stemming from an initiative by the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (ALRAA), received broad consensus at the national parliament. It was passed with the votes in favour of PSD, PS, Livre, PCP, CDS-PP, BE, PAN and JPP. For the government official, the significant result of this vote represents the culmination of a long-standing demand and the definitive resolution of a “historic injustice” in light of the island’s political and administrative reality. "The Political and Administrative Statute of the Autonomous Region of the Azores clearly states that the general powers of a parish are exercised by the municipality of the island of Corvo. As such, it is neither fair nor acceptable that the only local authority in the country entrusted with these powers and responsibilities should not have access to the national financial resources available to all other parishes," stressed Paulo Estêvão. With this amendment to the Financial Scheme for Local Authorities and Intermunicipal Entities (Law no. 73/2013), the Portuguese State recognises and rectifies a legal loophole, ensuring that the municipality of Corvo is entitled to an annual allocation from the FFF, calculated based on the same criteria that would apply if there were a parish council within the municipality. “It is important to remember that the municipality of Corvo is the only one in the country without parishes,” pointed out the government official. The government official pointed out that the coalition Government had already implemented this amendment at a regional level, under Regional Legislative Decree no. 6/2024/ A, which establishes the legal framework for technical and financial cooperation between the autonomous regional administration, parishes and parish associations of the Azores. It recognises the municipality of Corvo Island as a beneficiary of the Fund for the Development of Azorean Parishes, ensuring the inclusion of the municipality of Corvo in accessing a very significant regional financial package for local government. The approval of this Draft Law in Lisbon ensures that funds from the Parish Financing Fund, transferred by the Central Administration, will now be entered as revenue for the municipality of Corvo and will be directly allocated to the provision of local services to the population. The regional and national amendments, now enshrined in law, allow the municipality of Corvo to secure regional and national funding to carry out the duties assigned to it by the Political-Administrative Statute, which, until now, had not been granted to it. The Government of the Azores thus reiterates its commitment to building a more autonomous and capable local government, demonstrating that its unwavering defence of the Azorean people yields tangible results at a national level.
May 8, 2026 Paulo Estêvão welcomes decision to grant Corvo municipality access to Parish Financing Fund as approved by Regional Assembly The Regional Government, through the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, welcomes today's approval of the draft law amending the financial scheme for local authorities by the National Assembly, ensuring the direct allocation of funds from the Parish Financing Fund (FFF) to the municipality of Corvo. The draft law, stemming from an initiative by the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (ALRAA), received broad consensus at the national parliament. It was passed with the votes in favour of PSD, PS, Livre, PCP, CDS-PP, BE, PAN and JPP. For the government official, the significant result of this vote represents the culmination of a long-standing demand and the definitive resolution of a “historic injustice” in light of the island’s political and administrative reality. "The Political and Administrative Statute of the Autonomous Region of the Azores clearly states that the general powers of a parish are exercised by the municipality of the island of Corvo. As such, it is neither fair nor acceptable that the only local authority in the country entrusted with these powers and responsibilities should not have access to the national financial resources available to all other parishes," stressed Paulo Estêvão. With this amendment to the Financial Scheme for Local Authorities and Intermunicipal Entities (Law no. 73/2013), the Portuguese State recognises and rectifies a legal loophole, ensuring that the municipality of Corvo is entitled to an annual allocation from the FFF, calculated based on the same criteria that would apply if there were a parish council within the municipality. “It is important to remember that the municipality of Corvo is the only one in the country without parishes,” pointed out the government official. The government official pointed out that the coalition Government had already implemented this amendment at a regional level, under Regional Legislative Decree no. 6/2024/ A, which establishes the legal framework for technical and financial cooperation between the autonomous regional administration, parishes and parish associations of the Azores. It recognises the municipality of Corvo Island as a beneficiary of the Fund for the Development of Azorean Parishes, ensuring the inclusion of the municipality of Corvo in accessing a very significant regional financial package for local government. The approval of this Draft Law in Lisbon ensures that funds from the Parish Financing Fund, transferred by the Central Administration, will now be entered as revenue for the municipality of Corvo and will be directly allocated to the provision of local services to the population. The regional and national amendments, now enshrined in law, allow the municipality of Corvo to secure regional and national funding to carry out the duties assigned to it by the Political-Administrative Statute, which, until now, had not been granted to it. The Government of the Azores thus reiterates its commitment to building a more autonomous and capable local government, demonstrating that its unwavering defence of the Azorean people yields tangible results at a national level.
Nota de Imprensa
May 8, 2026 Europe Day on Flores Island streamed online This Saturday, May 9, the island of Flores will host the Europe Day celebrations organised by the Vice-Presidency of the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for European Affairs and External Cooperation. The ceremonies, which will take place in both municipalities of the island, can be followed online and in real time, so those interested can watch them via the following links: 9:50 a.m. | Ceremonies at Lajes das Flores Town Hall: https://youtube.com/live/0Re80kGxPTk?feature=share 5 p.m. | Ceremonies at Santa Cruz das Flores Town Hall: https://youtube.com/live/eQzfB9bts8Q?feature=share In addition to the YouTube channel, those who are interested can also follow them on the Facebook page "European Affairs and External Cooperation – Azores," at https://www.facebook.com/AssuntosEuropeuseCooperacaoExternaAcores/. The celebrations include official ceremonies and speeches, cultural events featuring a tribute to poet Pedro da Silveira, a conference, two exhibitions of works created by children and senior citizens, the launch of a postcard, stamp and postmark by CTT (Portuguese Postal Services), as well as the unveiling of a mural celebrating 40 years of European integration. They will be open to the general public and involve the school community, senior citizens, and various local and regional organisations. These celebrations at the westernmost point of Europe, simultaneously marking Europe Day and the 40th anniversary of Portugal and Spain’s accession to the European Union, highlight the geopolitical and identity-defining role of Outermost Regions within the European project. The programme of events celebrating Europe Day on the island of Flores is part of the calendar of events marking 40 years of Portugal’s membership of the European Union. This initiative stems from a partnership between the Vice-Presidency of the Government of the Azores and the Municipal Councils of Santa Cruz das Flores and Lajes das Flores. It has the support of the Flores Basic Education and Secondary School, Santa Casa da Misericórdia das Lajes das Flores, Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Santa Cruz das Flores, “A Jangada” Theatre Group, CTT, and the Angra do Heroísmo Philatelic Society.
May 8, 2026 Europe Day on Flores Island streamed online This Saturday, May 9, the island of Flores will host the Europe Day celebrations organised by the Vice-Presidency of the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for European Affairs and External Cooperation. The ceremonies, which will take place in both municipalities of the island, can be followed online and in real time, so those interested can watch them via the following links: 9:50 a.m. | Ceremonies at Lajes das Flores Town Hall: https://youtube.com/live/0Re80kGxPTk?feature=share 5 p.m. | Ceremonies at Santa Cruz das Flores Town Hall: https://youtube.com/live/eQzfB9bts8Q?feature=share In addition to the YouTube channel, those who are interested can also follow them on the Facebook page "European Affairs and External Cooperation – Azores," at https://www.facebook.com/AssuntosEuropeuseCooperacaoExternaAcores/. The celebrations include official ceremonies and speeches, cultural events featuring a tribute to poet Pedro da Silveira, a conference, two exhibitions of works created by children and senior citizens, the launch of a postcard, stamp and postmark by CTT (Portuguese Postal Services), as well as the unveiling of a mural celebrating 40 years of European integration. They will be open to the general public and involve the school community, senior citizens, and various local and regional organisations. These celebrations at the westernmost point of Europe, simultaneously marking Europe Day and the 40th anniversary of Portugal and Spain’s accession to the European Union, highlight the geopolitical and identity-defining role of Outermost Regions within the European project. The programme of events celebrating Europe Day on the island of Flores is part of the calendar of events marking 40 years of Portugal’s membership of the European Union. This initiative stems from a partnership between the Vice-Presidency of the Government of the Azores and the Municipal Councils of Santa Cruz das Flores and Lajes das Flores. It has the support of the Flores Basic Education and Secondary School, Santa Casa da Misericórdia das Lajes das Flores, Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Santa Cruz das Flores, “A Jangada” Theatre Group, CTT, and the Angra do Heroísmo Philatelic Society.
Nota de Imprensa
May 7, 2026 Regional Government calls for applications from agricultural sector and guarantees full payment of aid without apportionments The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, reminds regional producers that the deadline for submitting applications for POSEI and PEPAC funding is drawing near. The application period, which began on March 20, closes on May 15. As such, the Secretariat for Agriculture urges that applications be prepared as soon as possible to avoid last-minute complications. These applications, regulated under Notice no. 2/2026 - SIGC, cover crucial measures for the agricultural and livestock sectors, including production aid, vineyard maintenance, horticulture, traditional crops, livestock production and agri-environmental measures. For the government official, the current campaign is based on a structural guarantee, long claimed by the Azores Agricultural Federation and fully endorsed by this Government: approved applications will be paid in full, without any apportionment. This political stance reflects an ongoing commitment to rigour since 2021, which stands in stark contrast to the systematic cuts made to farmers’ income in previous socialist administrations. The decision to safeguard the full amount of funds due to farmers represents a financial effort estimated at around €16 million per year, a sum that has been secured through the Regional Budget or, as was the case last year, via the State Budget. The Government of the Azores thus reiterates its unwavering commitment to stability, predictability and confidence in the agricultural sector. The elimination of apportionments is regarded as an essential tool for safeguarding the local economy and ensuring the financial conditions necessary for Azorean farmers to continue their work safely and sustainably.
May 7, 2026 Regional Government calls for applications from agricultural sector and guarantees full payment of aid without apportionments The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, reminds regional producers that the deadline for submitting applications for POSEI and PEPAC funding is drawing near. The application period, which began on March 20, closes on May 15. As such, the Secretariat for Agriculture urges that applications be prepared as soon as possible to avoid last-minute complications. These applications, regulated under Notice no. 2/2026 - SIGC, cover crucial measures for the agricultural and livestock sectors, including production aid, vineyard maintenance, horticulture, traditional crops, livestock production and agri-environmental measures. For the government official, the current campaign is based on a structural guarantee, long claimed by the Azores Agricultural Federation and fully endorsed by this Government: approved applications will be paid in full, without any apportionment. This political stance reflects an ongoing commitment to rigour since 2021, which stands in stark contrast to the systematic cuts made to farmers’ income in previous socialist administrations. The decision to safeguard the full amount of funds due to farmers represents a financial effort estimated at around €16 million per year, a sum that has been secured through the Regional Budget or, as was the case last year, via the State Budget. The Government of the Azores thus reiterates its unwavering commitment to stability, predictability and confidence in the agricultural sector. The elimination of apportionments is regarded as an essential tool for safeguarding the local economy and ensuring the financial conditions necessary for Azorean farmers to continue their work safely and sustainably.
