NEW’S | Azores want to be “decisive partner” in European space policy

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, attended the ceremony marking the fifth anniversary of the Portuguese Space Agency on Monday evening, reiterating the Government’s commitment to the sector.

“The Government of the Azores is truly determined to maintain a commitment to public investment and, with our geostrategic position, to be a decisive partner in European space policy,” he said.

José Manuel Bolieiro spoke at the Estufa Fria in Lisbon, at a session where he was accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão.

According to the President of the Government, space represents an “opportunity for prestige and income” for the Azores, with the “promotion of science and innovation,” particularly the implementation of a real space technology centre in Santa Maria.

José Manuel Bolieiro also paid tribute to the scientists who, with their expertise and wisdom, “add knowledge to the good political decision” that must be made.

Following the evolution of the space sector worldwide, both politically and economically, and perceiving the geostrategic relevance of the Region for its development, the Regional Government has also adopted a strategy for space.

This strategy, which is aligned with the national and European strategies, is focused on the participation of the Region in the Portuguese Space Agency.

The recent approval of a legislative framework adapted to this reality has led to the establishment of legal instruments to regulate space activities in Portugal and, in the specific case of the Azores, with the active and decisive participation of the Regional Government.

The participation of the Azores in the Portuguese Space Agency, thus, ensures coordination and cooperation in the implementation of the space sector in the Region, with a focus on the development of the Santa Maria Space Ecosystem.

GRA/RÁDIOILHÉU