“The European Union is facing a decisive moment in its history, which requires from the various levels of power and various institutions the responsibility of serious and dedicated work focused on the construction of a strong and united Europe as well as on the defence of the best interests of the Region,” stated the Regional Under Secretary for European Affairs and External Cooperation.

Rodrigo Oliveira spoke at a lunch-conference at the invitation of the Ponta Delgada Rotary Club where he presented a paper titled “Açores: uma Região Autónoma e Ultraperiférica da União Europeia” (Azores: an Autonomous and Outermost Region of the European Union).

After describing the powers and the action taken by the Azores in the area of European affairs, the Under Secretary pointed out the convergence process towards the average national and European GDP averages, recalling that “in recent years the Autonomous Region of the Azores has played a leadership role in the inter-regional cooperation bodies, such as the Presidency of the Islands Commission of CPMR and the Eurodyssey Programme of the Assembly of European Regions. The Azores have also distinguished themselves for the participation in initiatives such as the European Region of the Year and the example set by their policies in several areas.”

Rodrigo Oliveira also mentioned the importance of the Outermost Region status as well as the political and administrative autonomy of the Azores “whose legislative powers, which are similar to the regions and federal states of Spain, Italy, Austria, Belgium and the UK, also bring increased responsibilities under the European Union affairs, such as the transposition of legislation.”

Concerning the present situation of the European Union, Rodrigo Oliveira considered “the Commission’s proposal to maintain the overall allocations of the EU budget as positive in a restrictive and difficult context,” although it would be desirable a “more ambitious perspective with an increase in funding.” In this context, the Regional Under Secretary stressed the Commission’s proposal to “maintain a considerable financial amount similar to the funds currently allocated under the Cohesion Policy.”

“However, this is certainly a major challenge in today’s Europe; at a time of budget constraints and the pressure from national public opinions, it is important to ensure the adequate and ambitious funding from various funds in the 2014-2020 period that simultaneously reinforces solidarity as well as the economic, social and territorial cohesion of Europe,” reiterated the Regional Under Secretary for European Affairs and External Cooperation.