Dr. José Manuel Barroso
President of the European Commission 2004 - 2014
José Manuel Barroso is one of Europe's leading political figures. From 2004 to 2014, he was the President of the European Commission and from 2002 to 2004 he was Prime Minister of Portugal. Barroso faced critical political and economic challenges and had many major successes throughout his tenure. For ten years, Barroso presided over the largest expansion of European Union member countries and was a key figure, working closely with other heads of state in coordinating the response to the financial and sovereign debt crisis in the euro area and beyond. He also played a key role in a number of political crises, including the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
"In the age of globalisation, pooled sovereignty means more power not less" José Manuel Barroso
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After graduating in law from the University of Lisbon, Manuel Barroso completed a Diploma in European Studies at the European University Institute Geneva and a Master's degree in Political Science from the University of Geneva. His academic career includes a visiting professorship in Political Science at Georgetown University. Manuel Barroso has been awarded more than thirty Honorary Degrees and is the recipient of numerous international awards and distinctions. In 2006 he was named European of the Year by the European Voice.
WHAT he OFFERS YOU
Manuel Barroso inspires political partnership between governments, institutions and commissions around the globe. Drawing upon his experiences as the President of the European Commission, he addresses vital issues particularly on Europe and International Relations.