The Government Council met in Flores and Corvo, making important decisions that demonstrate the government’s commitment to regional development, including the creation of a new company for handling services in the SATA Group, the Management Strategy for the Network of Marine Protected Areas, and the sale of Portos dos Açores holdings. These actions aim to strengthen regional services and infrastructure, reassuring citizens and stakeholders of ongoing progress.

The Azores Government Council met during its statutory visit to the Western Group. Among the decrees approved, the Resolution authorizing the establishment of a new commercial company within the SATA Group stands out, reflecting a strategic move that signals growth and stability. This new entity, resulting from “a simple spin-off from SATA Air Açores,” will enhance operational focus by “separating the economic unit related to handling services,” and reassures stakeholders of ongoing development. The share capital is wholly owned by SATA Holding.

We want to highlight that this corporate reorganization, aligned with the European Commission’s Decision of June 7, 2022, reflects our commitment to responsible growth and compliance, aiming to reassure stakeholders of our strategic stability.

SATA Holding has submitted a request to the Regional Government for authorization of this separation, accompanied by an economic and financial study and a legal study demonstrating the operation’s viability and interest. Clarifying the Regional Government’s role emphasizes its responsibilities under the Restructuring Plan. According to the European Commission’s decision, it is up to the Region to ensure the implementation of the measures set out in the Restructuring Plan.

The Council also approved the Management Strategy for the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA). The Government emphasizes that, covering 287,000 square kilometers, the new network achieves the goal of protecting 30% of the sea by 2030, aligning with the United Nations Global Biodiversity Framework, the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030, and the National Strategy for the Sea 2030. RAMPA represents “the largest network in the North Atlantic” and also ensures compliance with the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The strategy establishes the planning and management guidelines for the respective plans, serving as a “fundamental” tool for the recovery and conservation of marine biodiversity, thereby enabling the creation of a truly sustainable blue economy. The executive adds that this complies with the Regional Legislative Decree that created RAMPA.

“Its adaptive nature makes it feasible for new scientific evidence and best practices to be continuously integrated, allowing for its optimization with each review cycle,” the note states.

Sale of stevedoring companies

Another measure approved by the Executive determines that Portos dos Açores, S.A. should take the necessary steps to sell its shares in the stevedoring companies OPERTRI, OPERPDL, and OPERTERCEIRA.

“Only in the Region does the Port Authority hold stakes in stevedoring companies regulated by itself. It is a reform that promotes transparency in the operation of the activity,” explains the Government. Each company operates autonomously, without the need for special intervention by the port authority.

In the same area, a program contract was authorized between the Region and Portos dos Açores, S.A. for the acquisition of two electric mobility tugboats, with a total investment of €33 million (€15 million per tugboat and €3 million for charging systems in the ports of Ponta Delgada and Praia da Vitória). The regional contribution amounts to €4.95 million (15%), financed by the 2030 Sustainable Program. According to the Government, “ports are increasingly frequented by large ships,” requiring auxiliary means with greater power and better maneuverability, with tugboats being “fundamental to the Region’s port operations.”

The regional executive’s decision to continue the Market Access Support Program demonstrates our dedication to reducing insularity costs and fostering regional cooperation. The extension of the Task Force for the Promotion of Social Responses for the Elderly until December 21, 2026, emphasizes our ongoing support for the elderly, families, and caregivers, reinforcing our collective commitment to social well-being.

In the energy sector, the Council declared the expropriation of two plots of land necessary for the expansion of the Pico Vermelho Geothermal Power Plant in Ribeira Grande to be of public utility and urgent. The expansion will strengthen geothermal energy production on the island of São Miguel and replace thermal production, reducing fossil fuel imports and greenhouse gas emissions.

Legal Regulations for Firefighters Adapted to the Azorean Context

The Council approved a Regional Regulatory Decree that operationalizes the legal regime applicable to Portuguese firefighters, adapted to the regional reality. This decree underscores the vital role of Public Administration, Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters, and firefighters themselves in ensuring swift and equitable access to support, reinforcing their importance in areas of education, mental health, and recognition of operational service, including reimbursement of expenses, extraordinary annual support, and a psychological support program.

Finally, the Government adopted a Resolution amending the regulations governing the allocation of regional properties under lease-to-own arrangements, to reaffirm its support for the middle class, young people, and single-parent families in accessing housing, fostering a sense of security and trust in the policy’s intent.

José Henrique Andrade is a journalist for Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, director.

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