Azores’ strategic importance deserves recognition, says regional leader

The president of the Azores regional government has called on Portugal to more clearly recognise the archipelago’s growing geopolitical and economic importance, arguing that the islands are central to the country’s future role in the Atlantic.

Addressing the Azorean parliament in Horta on Monday, José Manuel Bolieiro said the autonomous region strengthens Portugal’s sovereignty in the Atlantic and deserves greater national investment and recognition.

“It is essential that Portugal begins to recognise, more clearly and objectively, the geopolitical and geoeconomic importance of the Azores,” he said.

Bolieiro argued that the strategic value of the archipelago is increasingly acknowledged internationally but said that recognition must translate into practical benefits for the region and its residents.

“There is recognition of the strategic value of the capabilities installed in our archipelago. That value must be felt by everyone in their daily lives,” he said.

The regional leader described the Azores as both a strategic and ultra-peripheral region, insisting that the islands occupy a unique position at a time when the Atlantic is becoming increasingly important from geopolitical, scientific and economic perspectives.

Speaking during celebrations marking 50 years of Azorean autonomy, Bolieiro welcomed President António José Seguro’s decision to hold this year’s Portugal Day celebrations on Terceira island.

According to the regional president, the choice reflected not only recognition of the Azores’ history but also an acknowledgement of their future importance to Portugal.

“By choosing the Azores for these celebrations, the President was also, in a way, looking towards Portugal’s future,” Bolieiro said.

He described the islands as Portugal’s western frontier in Europe and a gateway to the Atlantic, arguing that they offer opportunities in areas ranging from defence and scientific research to emerging maritime industries.

Bolieiro pointed to recent speeches delivered during the June 10 celebrations, including remarks by President Seguro and commemorations president Miguel Monjardino, which highlighted the Azores as a strategic platform for Portugal’s international projection.

He said those statements should now be followed by concrete action, particularly investment in what he described as critical dual-use infrastructure capable of serving both civilian and strategic purposes.

“The Portuguese state must assume public investment of common regional, national and European interest in these essential infrastructures for the affirmation of sovereignty,” he said.

The regional leader also highlighted the role the Azores could play in sectors linked to climate science, digital technologies, renewable energy and the space economy.

He described the archipelago as “a laboratory of the future”, arguing that its geography and natural resources place it in a strong position to benefit from emerging economic opportunities.

Particular emphasis was placed on the so-called blue economy, which Bolieiro described as a strategic priority for the region.

He pointed to planned investments in a new scientific research vessel and the MARTEC Centre for Technology and Innovation for the Sea Economy, projects intended to strengthen links between scientific research and commercial development.

The Azores, he added, are increasingly positioning themselves as a centre for Atlantic and Earth observation, combining scientific expertise with environmental protection and sustainable development.

“The Azores assume greater responsibilities in protecting the oceans, but they also find in this natural heritage one of the greatest opportunities for sustainable development in the coming decades,” he said.

Bolieiro concluded by arguing that the archipelago’s contribution extends beyond economics and geopolitics, highlighting the importance of Azorean culture and identity within Portugal and Europe.

“Portugal and Europe are greater with the Azores,” he said.

Bolieiro’s statements come just days after Seguro classified Madeira, Portugal’s other archipelago, as an “Atlantic anchor for Europe”.

Source: LUSA