As part of the celebrations of Portugal Day, Camões and the Portuguese Communities, held at the Portuguese Embassy in Berlin, the Vice-President of the Regional Government highlighted the strategic importance of the Azores for Portugal's global positioning. Addressing an audience of more than 200 people, including members of the Portuguese community in Germany, diplomats and businesspeople, Artur Lima stressed that the archipelago transforms Portugal into a true maritime power and is an irreplaceable bridge between Europe and the Americas.
"Celebrating Portugal without looking towards the Atlantic would be to forget our very origins. That is why I have come to speak to you about a Portugal that extends Europe into the middle of the ocean: I have come to speak to you about the Azores," said Artur Lima, categorically rejecting the idea of the islands' isolation: "The Azores have never been the periphery of Portugal; they were, and are, its Atlantic centre."
After highlighting the historical importance of the Azores to Portugal, attention was given to the present and the future.
“The Azores are today a centre for deep-sea scientific research and we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of the European space sector. We are the living laboratory par excellence for marine biotechnology, underwater robotics and the sustainable exploitation of ocean resources, as well as a bastion in safeguarding marine biodiversity and environmental sustainability,” he stressed.
During his speech, the Vice-President of the Government also challenged the entrepreneurs and investors present to invest in the Azores.
"The future of Portugal is projected from here: with our eyes on the horizon, with the ambition of those who know that the sea does not separate us, the sea unites us. To the entrepreneurs and investors here today, I assure you that we are ready to welcome your vision, your investment and your boldness," he stressed.
At the invitation of the Portuguese Ambassador to Berlin, Madalena Fischer, the Autonomous Region of the Azores, represented by the Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, participated in the celebrations of Portugal Day, Camões and the Portuguese Communities, as did the Secretary of State for European Affairs, Inês Domingos.
During the celebrations, an exhibition of Azorean handicrafts and products was held, with the support and participation of Invest in Azores, Marca Açores, Escola de Formação Turística dos Açores and VisitAzores.
Source: Government of the Azores, “Artur Lima says in Berlin that the Azores are a driver of Portugal’s geopolitical and economic projection in the world”, 12 June 2026, Government of the Azores Portal.