The President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (ALRAA), Luís Garcia, said yesterday on the island of Graciosa that the Azores are “a European example of sustainability, innovation, and commitment to the future,” highlighting the region’s contribution to both environmental preservation and scientific and technological advancement.
At the ceremony commemorating Europe Day, President Luís Garcia, quoted in a press release, praised the symbolism of celebrating the date “right in the heart of the Atlantic,” on an island that has shown how it is possible to align development with respect for the environment. “Graciosa is not only an example for the Azores, but for the whole of Europe,” he said, referring to the Graciólica project, which allows the island to be powered exclusively by electricity from renewable sources for more than 140 days a year. In this regard, the President of the Azorean Parliament stressed that this initiative, co-financed by European funds, clearly demonstrates how cooperation between the European Union and the outermost regions can generate innovative solutions to the major challenges of our time. “We are showing that the energy transition is possible and can be done concretely and effectively,” he said.
Emphasizing that “the Azores also give a lot to Europe,” President Luís Garcia highlighted the region’s strategic role, thanks to its geographical location and vast Exclusive Economic Zone, which gives it potential in areas such as Atlantic security, science, and biodiversity. Citing as examples the Azores Network of Marine Protected Areas, the presence of the Portuguese Space Agency in Santa Maria, and the recognition of Graciosa Island as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Addressing the young people present in particular, the President of the Legislative Assembly called for their active participation in the European project, arguing that the Region’s contribution to Europe goes beyond the implementation of policies: “The Azores must influence and shape these policies,” he said, revealing that ‘it was precisely with this objective in mind that the Assembly this week submitted the regional contribution for the next Multiannual Financial Framework to the European Commission,’ reinforcing the Azores’ commitment to key issues such as Cohesion, Energy Transition, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Digital Transformation.

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.