The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations stated in Horta that the proposal for the Resolution "European Union after 2020," presented by the Azorean Government, is "an ambition, a path and a mature strategic line." It is the result of an "unprecedented" process that involved and united the Azorean people.
 
Rui Bettencourt spoke at the Legislative Assembly during a debate on that proposal, which was unanimously approved. He stressed that this process was, simultaneously, the result of the Government's intention to promote "an avant-garde action based on active citizenship" and the desire "to enlighten and legitimate the Azorean position."
 
For the government official, this process takes into account "the internal and external factors in the post-2020 EU policies," being also "part of our reality and of Azorean aspirations for the development of projects for the future."
 
"It was a demonstration of what the Azoreans can do when they unite," Rui Bettencourt said, alluding to the efforts undertaken. In this regard, he recalled the organisation of three conferences and five prospective workshops between July 2017 and February 2018. These initiatives brought together political parties, social partners, Private Social Solidarity Institutions, the University of the Azores, Vocational Training Schools, Advisory Councils and regional professional associations, in addition to Azorean citizens, "who provided a significant contribution to this position."
 
"This Resolution proposal has, in its first section, 25 subsections that are at the core of what really matters to us, either as the path to develop EU post-2020 policies or as a way to emphasise what we should take into account," stressed the government official. According to him, "their point of departure and their main goal are the Azoreans who, legitimately, aspire to a better life."
 
The proposal presented by the Regional Government on the European Union's prospects, the major lines of action for the preparation of the Multiannual Financial Framework after 2020 and its challenges addresses traditional sectors, such as agriculture, fisheries and tourism, through the need for innovation and a "new emerging economy." Furthermore, it focuses on the responses to important areas such as employment, school success, poverty eradication or access to health.
 
In this document, the Government of the Azores stressed "vehemently" the need for a strong negotiation position regarding the Cohesion Policy after 2020." It should not "undermine, but rather reinforce, what has already been achieved for Outermost Regions by emphasising the importance of co-financing rates," stated the Regional Secretary.
 
The document also draws attention to the adaptation of Cohesion Policy to the territorial reality of Outermost Regions, namely the Azores, noting what the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union says "on the need for a specific treatment for Outermost Regions."
 
The draft Resolution defends the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the maintenance of "a strong financial envelope capable of supporting the development of agriculture." It also calls for the "relevance" of maintaining POSEI and increasing its financial envelope, which will highlight the potential of the geostrategic position of the Azores for Portugal and the European Union, said the Regional Secretary.
 
Furthermore, it draws attention to the factors deemed important for the future development of the Azores resulting from the involvement of the Azorean society.