Description
Over the last few decades, regions have been increasing their competences and powers within the framework of the European Union, albeit linked to their respective States. Although recognised in the Single European Act (1987), in the Treaties of Maastricht (1992), and Amsterdam (1997), it was through the Treaty of Lisbon (2007) that their participation at European level grew in prominence. Today, the ‘ultraperiphery statute’ is legally enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. Academic research on the Outermost Regions’ strategic position in EU foreign policy has grown over the years, although this issue continues to be overlooked in literature. The Outermost Regions play a key role in EU geostrategic missions and policies. Through a qualitative analysis, this article assesses the evolution of this understanding, through European and regional strategies and instruments, focusing on the Azores, whose geostrategic relevance has been exploited for centuries, including by great powers. Located in the middle of the North Atlantic, this Portuguese Autonomous Region contributes to the EU relevance in several areas: strategic location, environment and biodiversity, and space. It is concluded that the Outermost Regions play a growing geostrategic importance in several areas, including the Azores.
