The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations defended in Ponta Delgada the "relevance" of the Azores' defence for a post-2020 strategy.
 
"The more strength we have in this statement, the better we will be heard and the better the post 2020 will be prepared," said Rui Bettencourt. He spoke at the session "Cohesion Policy and its regional impact" under the process of involving society in defining the post-2020 European policy.
 
In this regard, he defended the need for a "clear strategy", enriched by everyone's contribution, concerted and built collectively, which, according to Rui Bettencourt, could help convince European partners that "a cohesion policy for post 2020 in the Azores is fundamental."
 
The Regional Secretary also considered that this session was "emblematic" as it took place three years before the beginning of the next financial programming period within a process based on "a shared and enriching vision" as well as on an effort "that will strengthen us when we present ourselves at Community and national level."
 
"This reflection does not exempt, but rather reinforces the legitimate political and social discussion of this issue," said Rui Bettencourt. He stressed that the subject may be also discussed at the Legislative Assembly or within social associations and institutions because "our goal is to build a collective vision of what we wish for the post 2020."
 
The government official also spoke about the current international and European context, highlighting the "Brexit" and possible revision of Community funds as well as territorial disparities and persisting doubts about the European project and the cohesion policy. Nevertheless, he pointed out the "renaissance of Europeanism," especially after the French elections.
 
Rui Bettencourt pointed out that the Cohesion Policy aims to "reduce the disparities in development, economic growth and quality of life" of European member states and regions. It is also intended to "help Europe's most fragile regions to overcome their weaknesses and encouraging the creation of employment," highlighting the particular situation of the Azores as Outermost Region and their potentialities.
 
The government official also mentioned that the development of the Azorean society's involvement involves the combination of three strategies, namely an information and debate strategy (three conferences), a strategy to raise ideas through collective reflection (three workshops) and find the post-2020 key factors (prospective and strategic analysis).
 
The conference, which was attended by social partners and political parties, also featured the participation of the Regional Directorate for Planning and Structural Funds, Rui Amann.
 
This was the first of the cycle of three conferences that fall within the strategy of information and debate on the process of involvement and participation of the Azorean society in the preparation of the Cohesion Policy post 2020.