The President of the Republic, António José Seguro, will travel to the Autonomous Region of Madeira, on the 11th and 12th of June, as part of the commemorations of the 50th anniversary of the Autonomy of Madeira and the 40th anniversary of Portugal’s accession to the European Union.
The visit begins on Thursday, the 11th of June, with the arrival of the Head of State in Madeira at 12:40. During the afternoon, the President of the Republic will visit the University of Madeira, Startup Madeira – Business Incubator, and ARDITI – Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation, at the Penteada Campus.
At 16:30, at the São Lourenço Palace, the Decoration Ceremony will take place on the occasion of the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities. Eduardo Luís Mendes Rodrigues, the Santana Municipal Band, and the Centro da Mãe – Social Solidarity Association will be honoured for their contribution to the Madeiran community.
The agenda continues at 17:00, at the Legislative Assembly of Madeira, with the presentation of the book ’50 years of Regional Autonomy 1976-2026,’ by Rui Carita, followed by the inauguration of the photographic exhibition ’50 years of Autonomy.’
The first day of the visit ends with a dinner hosted by the President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque, in honour of the President of the Republic and his wife, at Quinta Vigia.
On Friday, June the 12th, at 10:00, the President of the Republic will participate in the ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Autonomy of the Autonomous Region of Madeira and the 40th anniversary of Portugal’s accession to the European Union, which will take place at the Fortress of São João Baptista do Pico. During the ceremony, the Funchal Declaration will be signed.
The Funchal Declaration is a commemorative document. This declaration serves as the symbolic cornerstone of a joint celebration marking two significant milestones in modern Portuguese history:
- 50 Years of Autonomy for the Autonomous Region of Madeira: This commemorates the establishment of regional political and administrative autonomy, which was enshrined in the 1976 Constitution of the Portuguese Republic following the Carnation Revolution.
- 40 Years of Portugal’s Accession to the European Union: This marks four decades since Portugal officially joined the European Communities in 1986, a move that fundamentally transformed the country’s economy, institutions, and international standing.
The signing will be presided over by the President of the Republic and serves to reaffirm the region’s commitment to these democratic and European principles. It acts as a bridge between Madeira’s internal self-governance and its role as an integral, active part of the broader European project.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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