The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Fund for Science and Technology, was formally notified by the European Commission that the "MARINE-EO" project has been approved under the innovation and Research Programme of the European Union - Horizon 2020.
 
With an overall budget of 4.4 million Euros, the programme is coordinated by the National Centre for Scientific Research of Greece - Demokritos and is made up of nine European partners from Greece, Portugal, Spain and Norway.
 
This consortium includes the procurement of applications and technology services in the areas of fisheries, oceanography, maritime safety and border control for the areas of the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic, through international public tenders.
 
"This project puts the Azores at the forefront of what is being carried out in the European Union in terms of public use services based on Earth Observation data," said the President of the Regional Fund for Science and Technology (FRCT).
 
Nelson Simões stressed that the "MARINE-EO" project will "enhance the installed capacity in the Azores and put into practice the position taken by regional and national governments on this matter."
 
The application now approved falls within the "Pre-Commercial Procurement" typology. It is intended the launch of procedures for the procurement of goods and services that are tailored to the areas of public interest, through research, development and validation of innovative solutions with potential to bring significant improvements in quality and efficiency.
 
FRCT will be responsible for the management of communication and dissemination of the project as well as for the mapping and definition of the action plan for the creation of synergies with other international programmes and funding sources. 
 
The participation of FRCT in this consortium is the result of a consultation process to the Region's departments with potential interest in the area, including the Regional Directorates for Fisheries, Sea Affairs and Transport, the Regional Inspectorate of Fisheries and Port Authorities. The University of the Azores is in charge of monitoring the project, also providing technical and scientific support.
 
With this new approval, FRCT will become part of four European consortia under the Horizon 2020 projects, besides two procedures for the provision of direct services to the European Commission. The Azores register an overall approval rate of 40%, while the European average stands at just 7%. 
 
"The strategy set out in this legislative period for FRCT to position itself as a regional entity of reference for the channelling of international funds has proved to be a success," said Nelson Simões.