In November 2021, the Autonomous Region of the Azores (ARA) launched its space programme, in line with the national and European space programmes, with a view to increasing its stake in the sector and harnessing its unrivalled potential for the development of space activities, as recognised by a number of European bodies, including the European Space Agency, which already has a station on the island of Santa Maria. Given that space is a key area for the EU, can the Commission answer the following questions:
1. What legislative and financial instruments are available to Portugal and the ARA, as an outermost region (TFEU Article 349), for the implementation of this programme? Does it have technical support and guidance for developing space activities in these regions?
2. What doesit think of the spaceport that has been announced and the Space Rider landing facility that is planned on the island of Santa Maria in the Azores? What is the real likelihood that these projects will ever materialise?
3. What assistance can the ARA obtain from the European Union Agency for the Space Programme to help with the implementation of its programme, which will benefit the region, Portugal and the EU?