NEWS | José Manuel Bolieiro highlights challenges for 2026 and reinforces implementation and cooperation priorities

At the traditional New Year’s reception, held last Tuesday at the Palácio da Conceição in Ponta Delgada, the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, stated that 2026 will be a decisive year. It will be marked by moments of institutional celebration, but also by particularly demanding challenges, especially in the financial area and the implementation of public funds.

The head of the Azorean Government warned of the need to strengthen the response capacity of institutions and the effectiveness of procedures, stressing that the Region will have to take rigorous and efficient action to maximise results in a highly demanding context.

“There are several challenges ahead of us, and we must get used to working effectively and efficiently,” he said.

One of the key points of the speech concerned the final phase of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), which the President of the Government described as “very important, demanding and significant.” He also noted that the full implementation of this instrument will depend on the fulfilment of previously defined milestones and targets. José Manuel Bolieiro stressed that the RRP has enabled structural investments to be made in the Region, “which might not otherwise have been made,” reinforcing the importance of ensuring that the available financial envelope is fully used within the planned timeframe. 

In addition to the RRP, José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the new dynamics of the multiannual European financing framework, within the scope of Agenda 2030. He explained that the implementation of funds is now undergoing stricter criteria and annual implementation obligations, under penalty of unused funds not being carried over to subsequent years. In this context, he stressed that the challenge for public institutions and private beneficiaries will be meeting deadlines and targets with greater speed, precision and operational capacity, so as not to miss out on investment and development opportunities.

“Implementation requires that a certain financial amount be used and that, failing to do so, it does not carry over to the following year,” he stressed, pointing out that this scenario requires a collective effort to modernise administration and improve the capacity to implement public policies.

The President of the Government also pointed out that 2026 will also be a year of institutional affirmation and democratic identity, with symbolic moments that recall the Azores’ position in the progress and development of the territory, its people and its autonomic institutions. Nevertheless, he reiterated that these celebrations must go side by side with political action focused on responding to the specific challenges facing the Region, especially in terms of finance and public investment.

At an event also marked by its international dimension, José Manuel Bolieiro welcomed the new U.S. Consul in the Azores, Rita Rico, who took office in August last year, marking the 230th anniversary of the U.S. consulate in the Azores as a symbol of historical continuity and strategic relevance in the relations between Portugal and the United States. The President of the Government also acknowledged the diplomat’s commitment since her arrival, highlighting her follow-up during the recent shutdown in the United States, which had an impact on bilateral cooperation, including with workers at the Lajes Base on Terceira Island.

The President of the Government also emphasised that relations with the United States are conducted in various ways, valuing not only the institutional presence through the consulate, but also the role of the Azorean diaspora, which he considers a living and decisive bridge between both peoples. He also recalled the historical legacy of the recognition of American independence, emphasising that 2026 should be”an inspiring year, the outcome of this legacy and history, for the strengthening of this cooperation.”

José Manuel Bolieiro also acknowledged Ambassador Pedro Catarino, Representative of the National Government for the Azores, making a positive assessment of his time in office, now at the end of his term, highlighting the respect shown for regional political autonomy and the institutional contribution that marked his performance.

At the end, in a call for understanding and hope, the President of the Government expressed his desire for 2026 to be a year of peace, prosperity and cooperation between peoples, both in the Azores and around the world. As a symbol of this spirit, José Manuel Bolieiro and Rita Rico shared a toast to the New Year, renewing their confidence in a promising future and an effective response to the challenges lying ahead.

GRA/RÁDIOILHÉU