On the westernmost edge of Europe, where distance is measured not only in miles but in lived reality, the mayor of Corvo Island is making a clear case: the future of the Azores will depend, in part, on how the region chooses to welcome others.

Marco Silva, mayor of Corvo, argued that a “regulated and humanist” immigration policy must become a central pillar of the islands’ long-term strategy—one capable of addressing demographic decline, labor shortages, and the structural limitations that define outermost regions.

Speaking at the 4th Migration Forum, held between April 8 and 10 across Corvo and Flores, Silva framed migration not as a temporary solution, but as a structural necessity. The event, organized by the Azorean Regional Secretariat for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, brought together policymakers and stakeholders to confront one of the most pressing challenges facing the archipelago.

Silva began by underscoring the urgency of discussing migration within island contexts, noting that territories like the Azores operate under permanent constraints. “Geographic distance and isolation,” he said, continue to translate into higher transportation and logistical costs, limiting economic competitiveness and slowing development.

He pointed as well to the structural realities of small scale. Limited population size—often aging—reduces internal market dynamism and restricts productive capacity. At the same time, the islands’ reliance on sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and public services leaves local economies exposed to external shocks.

Against this backdrop, Silva positioned migration policy as a strategic priority.

“Our understanding,” he said, “is that any future-oriented strategy for the region—particularly in demographic contexts like ours—must be implemented through a model of regulated and humanist immigration.”

That model, he argued, must go beyond numbers. Public policy should ensure adequate resources for reception, integration, and the prevention of labor exploitation, balancing workforce needs with the protection of fundamental human rights.

“It will be essential,” Silva noted, “that specific policies guarantee the allocation of funds for reception, integration, and the fight against exploitation.”

In remarks given during an interview at his office, the mayor emphasized that migration responses must be grounded in human dignity, solidarity, and social inclusion. “Each migrant is, first and foremost, a person with rights,” he said, regardless of legal status—adding that the strength of the Azores will depend on its ability to build communities that can welcome and integrate those who choose the islands as a place to live and work.

Silva also warned of the accelerating impact of demographic aging and the outmigration of younger, skilled residents—trends he described as real obstacles to sustainable development. In that context, he framed migration not as a peripheral issue, but as “a structural pillar in building a sustainable development model.”

Still, he cautioned that such a path must be carefully managed. A balanced approach, he said, must simultaneously protect immigrants while safeguarding the cultural identity and security of local communities.

“The model we adopt must defend humanist values and immigrants, while also preserving our identity, culture, and security,” he stated.

Silva closed his remarks with a call for dialogue and consensus across institutions and civil society, stressing that the future of the Azores will depend on its ability to navigate complexity with clarity and purpose.

“In summary,” he concluded, “as a people and as a community, we have been called to face a challenge of enormous complexity. It is our responsibility to engage in dialogue and find common ground. The future of our communities will depend on the harmonious balance between opportunity and impact.”

Translated and adapted from a story by journalist Ígor Lopes for the newspaper Diário da Lagoa.

Photos from Diário da Lagoa