Azores Parliament President Calls for Sustained Cooperation
The President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Luís Garcia, issued a positive assessment of the 10th Atlantic Parliamentary Forum, held in the city of Praia, Cabo Verde, underscoring the political and institutional importance of reviving this parliamentary cooperation framework among the archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, and Cabo Verde.
In his closing remarks, the Azorean parliamentary leader emphasized that “today, parliamentarianism requires action that goes beyond legislative work and oversight of government activity,” calling on regional parliaments to assume “an active role” in shaping strategic agendas, building political consensus, and defending the interests of their territories at both national and European levels.
Within this context, Garcia described the Atlantic Parliamentary Forum as a concrete example of effective parliamentary diplomacy, noting that the “Santa Cruz Declaration embodies this shared political commitment.” He highlighted the document’s role as a foundational framework that systematizes common positions and strategic priorities for Macaronesia. The declaration will be submitted to the European Committee of the Regions and other relevant institutions, reinforcing the direct involvement of regional parliaments in the formulation of European policies.
Acknowledging that the consolidation of Macaronesia as a strategic Atlantic space requires political continuity, shared vision, and confidence in its potential, Garcia stressed that “the Santa Cruz Declaration reflects the shared awareness among parliamentary presidents that it is up to the regions themselves to ensure the regularity and deepening of these forums.” He warned against prolonged interruptions that could “undermine parliamentary cooperation and weaken political investment in a space in which we are the primary stakeholders and protagonists.”
Among the declaration’s key points is the reaffirmation of Macaronesia as a geopolitical and geostrategic pillar in the Atlantic, along with the identification of priority areas for joint action, including territorial cohesion, competitiveness, the blue economy, and mobility. The document also highlights the need for coordinated responses to shared challenges, reinforcing respect for the status of the outermost regions, defending the EU’s cohesion policy, and strengthening the Special Partnership between the European Union and Cabo Verde—within a European strategy that fully recognizes Macaronesia as Europe’s advanced Atlantic frontier.
In light of the severe recent weather events affecting Portugal, the parliamentary presidents also expressed institutional solidarity with the Portuguese people, conveying condolences to the victims and acknowledging the efforts of public authorities and civil protection services. This gesture reflects a shared understanding that climate change represents a common challenge for island territories, reinforcing the need for close cooperation and the exchange of scientific knowledge—essential conditions for addressing the environmental and social challenges facing Macaronesia.
The Atlantic Parliamentary Forum concluded with the announcement that its next edition will take place in the first quarter of 2028, with the Parliament of Madeira assuming organizational responsibility. The decision reaffirms the commitment to parliamentary cooperation as a key instrument for strengthening institutional ties, deepening regional integration, and consolidating a shared agenda for sustainable development across Macaronesia.
From Press Release
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.
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