Axel Badrichani, Head of the Outermost Regions (RUP) Unit of the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission (DG REGIO), visited the Azores for a Forum dedicated to the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 and the future challenges of the Cohesion Policy in the Outermost Regions.
This meeting took place at a crucial time for defining the European Union's future priorities, strengthening the dialogue between the European Commission and the Autonomous Region of the Azores on the role of the Outermost Regions in the next programming period and the importance of the Cohesion Policy for the development of these territories.
During his visit, Axel Badrichani was accompanied by Nuno Melo Alves, Manager of the Açores 2030 Regional Programme, Byron Kabarakis, policy officer at the European Commission, Sandra Garcia, Regional Director for European Affairs and External Cooperation, and João Lança, Coordinator of the Implementation Structure for the Representation Office of the RAA.
The visit allowed for the exploration of various projects funded by European funds, such as the Regular Inter-island Air Transport Services Concession in São Miguel, supported by Açores 2030 through ERDF, a strategic investment for the region's mobility and territorial cohesion.
On Terceira island, the PORBIOTA and BioMust4All research projects, promoted by the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation, and the Terceira Island Science and Technology Park (TERINOV) were visited, reflecting the regional investment in research and innovation.
On Graciosa island, projects for adaptation to climate change were presented, including the Coastal Protection and Stabilization Works of Falésia dos Fenais and Ventosa, and the Construction of the Graciosa Aerodrome Control Tower.
The monitoring of this visit highlighted the results achieved by European funds in the Azores and underscored the importance of ensuring, in the future, financing instruments tailored to the specific needs of the Outermost Regions.
