The President of the Government stressed at the plenary session of the Committee of the Regions in Brussels the need for European institutions to regard Outermost Regions (RUP) as a "true assess" that contributes to the achievement of EU goals.
 
Vasco Cordeiro spoke at 127th plenary session of the Committee of the Regions at the debate on the report of the initiative designated as "Towards the Full Implementation of the Renewed European Strategy for Outermost Regions," drafted by the President of the Government of the Canary Islands.
 
This report earned the support of the Government of the Azores, having been approved unanimously. It follows the Communication entitled "A Reinforced and Renewed Strategic Partnership with Outermost Regions of the European Union," recently presented by the European Commission.
 
On the first day of the plenary session of the Committee of the Regions, the President of the Government pointed out that the report highlights "the ORs as a true asset to the European Union and not just as parts of the EU territory that need differentiated support according with the constraints affecting them."
 
Vasco Cordeiro considered that the strategy presented by the Juncker Commission itself has positive aspects, not only in terms of the needs and special conditions of Outermost Region but also in terms of their potential in ground-breaking and emergent areas for the European Union.
 
In the recently approved report, the Committee of the Regions also issues recommendations on economic growth, competitiveness and employment. It supports the commercial protection of sensitive products and strengthens the investment in strategic sectors in these regions, such as renewable energy and the "blue economy."
 
The Autonomous Region of the Azores has a seat at the Committee of the Regions - a body that comprises more than 350 members from all Member States - since its inception. Currently, the Region is represented by the President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro.
 
Its primary goal is to issue reports on today's relevant political issues and prepare legislative proposals in areas related to the exercise of regional and local power in Europe, such as the case of economic and social cohesion, employment, vocational training, education and culture, health, social policies, environment, climate change, energy and transport.