José Manuel Barroso

José Manuel Barroso was president of the European Commission from 2004 until 2014. Previously, he served as prime minister of Portugal from 2000 to 2004 and as minister of Foreign Affairs from 1992 to 1995. As president of the European Commission he played an influential role in the passing of the Treaty of Lisbon, in responding to the financial crisis and in incorporating new members into the European Union. In 2012, Barroso received the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the EU. Barroso was visiting professor at Georgetown University and at Princeton University, and currently acts as chairman and non-executive director of Goldman Sachs International. He has been awarded numerous university honorary degrees and has received more than 60 decorations, prizes and honours, including the Great Cross in the Portuguese Military Order of Christ and the Great Cross in the Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau.