Carlos César defended on Tuesday the idea that one consequence of the continued effort that the Azores have been developing within the European Union – regarding the individualisation and the characterisation of outermost regions as an autonomous part in the European context – is the progressive awareness on this reality at the various levels of administration.
The President of the Government of the Azores spoke at the end of an audience that he granted to the President of the Confederation of Outermost Municipalities, René Noel, who was accompanied by the President of the Azorean Association of Municipalities, João Ponte.
For Carlos César, the existence of this confederation demonstrates how well this concept is implemented at a European level, having reached a significant dimension.
“The truth is that if outermost regions share some common issues, as it is demonstrated by the cooperation between their governments, their towns and municipalities will, therefore, share some issues,” stressed Carlos César.
Thus, for the President of the Government, “it is normal and desirable that the municipalities convene, consult and follow a consistent approach regarding their relations with the local power as well as with the central powers.”
Furthermore, Carlos César stressed the need to strengthen the awareness on outermost regions in a European context.
“We have benefited from it in terms of Community funds, positive discrimination, special measures and, accordingly, the meeting of municipalities to debate these specific issues is always a contribution to improve the awareness as well as the European individuality of outermost regions,” stated Carlos César.