The Under Secretary for European Affairs and External Cooperation presided over the opening ceremony of the 8th Conference of Outermost Municipalities of the European Union and Cape Verde in Ponta Delgada on Wednesday afternoon.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the Government, Rodrigo Oliveira stressed that this is the key moment to work for the future of cohesion and regional policy and to debate the future of the EU financial perspectives.

The Outermost Regions, through the Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions, have drafted two memos this year; one was prepared by the outermost regions and the other was prepared in conjunction with the Member States. Both memos aim to envisage a coherent and universal strategy for the European Union in order to benefit the outermost regions.

This strategy is, on the one hand, an adequate balance between constraints and potentialities as the development of the ORs is not reduced to the compensation for our difficulties; the enhancement of our assets is also a key fact in the development of outermost regions.

In addition to combating isolation, it is also important to highlight that the Outermost Regions are the external border of the European Union, which brings an unparalleled maritime dimension to it. One should remind that the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Azores cover more than 950 000 square kilometres.

The diversity of marine resources, the potentiality of scientific research, the geostrategic position in the use of new technologies, such as space technology, the quality of agricultural products and a sustainable fishing activity are examples that should be taken into consideration by the European Union.

With regard to the partnership, the Azorean Government has drawn the attention of EU institutions to the construction and development process of a strategy for the ORs can only be carried out based on a partnership between all levels of power.

The European Union cannot make decisions without conducting impact studies in the ORs or take measures for the Outermost Regions lacking the respective consultation process. 

This is a fundamental mechanism that will ensure the coherence and efficiency of the measures implemented by the European Union; therefore, we must adopt the strategy of “outermostness,” raising the awareness for this issue in Brussels and among various institutions, stressed Rodrigo Oliveira.

The Regional Secretary for European Affairs and External Cooperation concluded the European Union is fundamental partner for our development. Our constraints are permanent and will not disappear; therefore, the support provided by the European Union should also be constant.