The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations stated in Ponta Delgada that the Regional Government is coordinating responses to the proposal submitted by the European Commission and to the preparation of the next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027, mobilising all governmental departments.
 
For Rui Bettencourt, "the key issue here is the coordination and mobilisation" of all. He spoke to journalists on the sidelines of the meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission for European Affairs and External Cooperation, which focused on the Multiannual Financial Framework for the 2021-2027 period.
 
The government official also stressed that this is "the key issue that brings together different sectors at the meeting, from fisheries and agriculture to employment and business investment."
 
"We are analysing the Commission's proposals in the aforementioned areas, its impact on these departments and how can we coordinate all responses," said the government official.
 
At this meeting, attended by representatives of all departments of the Regional Government, Rui Bettencourt informed on the European Commission's proposal, the position adopted by the Regional Azorean regarding it and possible responses. The government official heard the different departments on their concerns, solutions and responses.
 
The Interdepartmental Commission for European Affairs and External Cooperation (CIAECE) was created by the Regional Regulatory Decree no.3/2009 of April 30.
 
This Commission aims to ensure the coordination between various governmental departments to follow up matters within their powers, establish concerted guidelines and contribute to the definition of the positions adopted by the Autonomous Region of the Azores with national and Community institutions as well as interregional cooperation bodies.
 
Chaired by the Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations,  CIAECE is composed of all members of the Regional Government, appointed by their incumbents, and the adviser to the President of the Regional Government with expertise on matters pertaining to the European Union and external cooperation.