Lajes environmental legacy prompts urgent call in Washington

The Azores pressed for urgent action on contamination linked to Lajes Air Base during talks between Portugal and the United States in Washington on 4 November. The environmental recovery of Terceira was raised by the regional government's vice-president, Artur Lima.

At the 53rd meeting of the Portugal–United States Permanent Bilateral Commission, the parties recognised the importance of continuing the remediation work. According to Lima, the US commitment was recorded in the meeting's minutes.

The meeting acknowledged environmental remediation efforts by the US Air Force near the base, while noting their slow pace. Lima described the process as complex and said concrete measures were under way on the ground. Reports on the meeting did not specify a completion date.

Lima argued that the contamination must be addressed now so that future generations are not left with the environmental burden. For people living on Terceira, the issue places a local environmental concern on the agenda of relations between the two countries.

The meeting also covered the economy and security. Lima suggested simpler customs procedures and possible tariff reductions to help Azorean exports reach the United States, and said the American side was open to scientific cooperation with the University of the Azores. The next commission meeting is scheduled for Lisbon in 2027.