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José Manuel Barroso

José Manuel Barroso

For the Portuguese footballer, see José Barroso (footballer). For other people, see Manuel Barroso (disambguation).

In this Portuguese name, the first or maternal family name is Durão and the second or paternal family name is Barroso.

José Manuel Barroso

Official portrait, 2008

Personal details

José Manuel Durão Barroso (European Portuguese: [ʒuˈzɛ mɐˈnwɛl duˈɾɐ̃w bɐˈʁozu]; born 23 March 1956) is a Portuguese politician and distinguished law professor whose career trajectory has spanned from student radicalism to the highest echelons of European governance. He notably served as the prime minister of Portugal from 2002 to 2004, steering the nation through a period of economic austerity and geopolitical decisions. His influence extended far beyond national borders when he assumed the pivotal role as the president of the European Commission for two full terms, from 2004 to 2014, making him only the second person to achieve this distinction. [1]

Barroso's post-EU career, however, has drawn considerable scrutiny, positioning him as one of the most prominent examples of the "revolving door" phenomenon within the European Union. This particular case garnered extensive media attention due to its timing and the nature of the subsequent employment. Merely two months after the mandated "cooling-off period" for former EU officials, Barroso controversially accepted a position as "senior adviser" and "non-executive chairman" of Goldman Sachs International. [2] This move immediately triggered an official ethics inquiry, raising significant questions about the perceived integrity of European public service and the influence of private financial institutions.

Early life and education

José Barroso was born in Lisbon, Portugal, on 23 March 1956, to Luís António Saraiva Barroso and his wife Maria Elisabete de Freitas Durão. His full name, Durão Barroso, is the form by which he is commonly known in Portugal, a detail often lost in the broader European context. [3]

His academic journey began at the Faculty of Law of the University of Lisbon, where he graduated at an unspecified time, though presumably in the late 1970s. Demonstrating an early inclination towards international affairs and European integration, he subsequently pursued and obtained a Diploma in European Studies from the prestigious European University Institute in Florence, Italy. Further solidifying his academic credentials, Barroso received a master's degree with honours in political science from the University of Geneva in Switzerland. [4]

Barroso's political engagement ignited during his late teens, a tumultuous period in Portugal under the authoritarian Estado Novo regime, which eventually collapsed with the bloodless Carnation Revolution on 25 April 1974. During his university years, he became a prominent figure in the clandestine Maoist MRPP (Re-Organized Movement of the Proletariat Party, subsequently renamed the Portuguese Workers' Communist Party (PCTP/MRPP)). [5] [6] [7] This affiliation with a radical communist movement might seem incongruous with his later centre-right political career. In an interview with the newspaper Expresso, Barroso offered a pragmatic explanation for this youthful radicalism, stating that he joined the MRPP primarily to counter the influence of the only other significant underground student movement, which was controlled by the Portuguese Communist Party. This suggests a strategic, rather than purely ideological, motivation for his early activism.

Despite this justification, a widely circulated 1976 interview, recorded by the Portuguese state-run television channel RTP, captures a young Barroso, a politically charged student amidst the post-Carnation Revolution upheaval known as PREC (Revolutionary Process in Course), passionately criticising the "bourgeois education system" which, in his view, "throws students against workers and workers against students." [8] This historical footage provides a vivid glimpse into the fervent revolutionary atmosphere of the time and Barroso's active participation in it. Beyond his radical leanings, Barroso also contributed to the establishment of the Portuguese University Association for European Studies (AUROP) in 1979, indicating an early, albeit concurrent, interest in European integration. His formal shift from academic activism to mainstream national politics occurred when he joined the centre-right Social Democratic Party (PSD) in 1980, a move that heralded his appointment to his first government role in 1985. [9] [10]

Career

Barroso initiated his academic career as an assistant professor within the Faculty of Law at the University of Lisbon. His pursuit of advanced knowledge led him to undertake PhD research at Georgetown University and its esteemed Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C.. While his curriculum vitae prominently features this research, it notably does not list any doctoral degree, save for honorary ones received later in his career. [11] Upon his return to Lisbon, Barroso transitioned into an administrative academic role, becoming the director of the Department for International Relations at Lusíada University (Universidade Lusíada), a private institution.

In December 1980, marking a significant ideological pivot from his Maoist youth, Barroso formally joined the centre-right PPD (Democratic Popular Party), which would later be known as the PPD/PSD—the Social Democratic Party. He has remained a member of this party throughout his subsequent political career.

His political ascent within the PSD began in earnest in 1985, during the government led by Aníbal Cavaco Silva, who then served as prime minister of Portugal. Barroso was appointed as Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs. Two years later, in 1987, his responsibilities expanded significantly as he was elevated to Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. In this capacity, he operated under the direct authority of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a post he would hold for five years, gaining considerable experience in international diplomacy. During this period, Barroso was instrumental in the negotiation and signing of the Bicesse Accords in 1990. These accords were a pivotal, albeit temporary, achievement, leading to an armistice in the protracted Angolan Civil War between the ruling MPLA and the opposition [UNITA]/. This demonstrated his early capacity for complex international mediation. Furthermore, he actively championed the cause of independence for East Timor, a former Portuguese colony that was then under forceful occupation by Indonesia, a stance that resonated deeply within Portugal given its historical ties to the territory. In 1992, Barroso's diplomatic career culminated in his promotion to the prestigious position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, a role he maintained until the PSD's electoral defeat in the 1995 general election.

Prime minister of Portugal, 2002–2004

Following the PSD's transition into opposition in 1995, Barroso was elected to the Assembly of the Republic, representing the Lisbon constituency. He assumed the chairmanship of the Foreign Affairs Committee, maintaining his engagement with international policy. In 1998, he further honed his leadership skills by completing the Georgetown Leadership Seminar. [12] His political trajectory within the party accelerated when he was elected president of the PSD in 1999, succeeding the law professor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. This victory automatically positioned him as Leader of the Opposition. The parliamentary elections in 2002 proved to be a turning point, as the PSD secured sufficient seats to form a coalition government with the right-wing Portuguese People's Party. Consequently, Barroso was sworn in as Prime Minister of Portugal on 6 April 2002.

Upon assuming the premiership, Barroso inherited a challenging economic landscape, marked by a burgeoning budget deficit. He embarked on a program of stringent reforms and made a series of difficult fiscal decisions aimed at economic stabilization. His administration's primary objective was to reduce public expenditure, a policy direction that, predictably, generated considerable unpopularity among left-leaning political factions and public servants who faced the brunt of austerity measures. His declared goal was to align Portugal's public budget deficit with the 3% target mandated by EU rules, a critical benchmark for eurozone stability. Official data released during his 2002–2004 tenure indicated that this target was indeed being met, though subsequent revisions would cast doubt on the longevity of these figures.

Barroso (far left) in the Azores in March 2003

A defining moment of Barroso's premiership came in March 2003, when he hosted a critical summit in the Portuguese Azores archipelago. Here, he met with U.S. President George W. Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar. This gathering served as the finalisation point for the controversial US-led 2003 invasion of Iraq. Under Barroso's leadership, Portugal formally joined the "coalition of the willing," a group of nations supporting the invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq, contributing non-combat troops to the effort. [13] This decision was not made in isolation; on 30 January 2003, Barroso had already signed The letter of the eight, a public declaration of support for U.S. policy on Iraq, aligning Portugal with a controversial international stance. [14]

Barroso's term as Prime Minister of Portugal was cut short as he received a nomination for the esteemed position of president of the European Commission on 5 July 2004. To facilitate this transition, Barroso made arrangements with Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio for Pedro Santana Lopes to be nominated as his successor. Santana Lopes briefly led the PSD/PP coalition government for several months until early 2005, when fresh elections were called. Following the victory of the Portuguese Socialist Party in these elections, a new estimation emerged, projecting that the budget deficit would reach 6.1% by the end of the year. [15] This revised figure was promptly leveraged by the incoming Socialist government to sharply criticise the economic policies of both Barroso and Santana Lopes, igniting a political debate over the true state of Portugal's public finances under their leadership.

President of the European Commission, 2004–2014

First Term (2004–2009)

The early 2000s marked a period of significant institutional evolution within the European Union. The proposed European Constitution, and its subsequent iteration, the Treaty of Lisbon, introduced a crucial provision: the selection of the President of the European Commission should ideally reflect the outcome of the Parliamentary elections, with preference given to the candidate supported by the victorious European political party. While this provision was not yet legally binding for the 2004 nomination, the centre-right European People's Party (EPP), having emerged as the largest party in the European Parliament elections, exerted considerable pressure for a candidate from its own ranks. Ultimately, Barroso, as the EPP's favoured candidate, was selected by the European Council to lead the Commission. [16]

During his inaugural presidency, the Barroso Commission navigated a complex agenda encompassing a broad spectrum of critical European issues. Key among these were the ongoing application by Turkey for EU membership, a highly contentious and multifaceted geopolitical question. The reform of the EU's foundational institutions, initially through the proposed Constitution and later the Treaty of Lisbon, dominated much of the internal political landscape. Economically, the Commission tackled the Bolkestein directive, a legislative proposal aimed at establishing a single market for services across the EU, which stirred considerable debate regarding national sovereignty and workers' rights. The ambitious Lisbon Strategy, designed to make the EU the world's most dynamic knowledge-based economy, remained a central focus, albeit with mixed results. Technological advancements were addressed through the development of the Galileo positioning system, Europe's independent satellite navigation system. On the global trade front, the Commission was deeply involved in the complex Doha Development Agenda negotiations. Furthermore, Barroso's first term saw the establishment of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology and the formulation of an overarching EU climate change package, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental challenges.

The "three European presidents", Jerzy Buzek (Parliament), José Manuel Barroso (Commission) and Herman Van Rompuy (European Council) during a press conference in 2011 Headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels. Barroso with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris, July 2008 Barroso with President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C., November 2011 Barroso with President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Yekaterinburg, June 2013 Barroso with Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dačić in Brussels, June 2013 Barroso with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw, May 2014

Second Term (2009–2014)

The European People's Party once again demonstrated its political dominance by endorsing Barroso for a second term during the 2009 European election campaign. Following the EPP's renewed victory, their influence proved decisive, securing his re-nomination by the European Council on 17 June 2009. On 3 September 2009, Barroso publicly unveiled his manifesto outlining the priorities and vision for his second five-year term, emphasizing continuity and stability amidst global economic uncertainty. [17] His re-election was confirmed by the European Parliament on 16 September 2009, granting him another mandate to steer the European executive. [18] [19] [20] With the completion of his second term, Barroso became only the second Commission president in the EU's history to serve two full terms, a distinction previously held solely by Jacques Delors. This second Barroso Commission remained in office until 31 October 2014. [21]

In a notable diplomatic effort to secure public support for a crucial institutional reform, Barroso undertook a visit to Ireland to persuade Irish citizens to approve the Treaty of Lisbon in the country's second referendum, scheduled for the following month. [22] Arriving at Shannon Airport on the morning of 19 September 2009, he was greeted by Irish Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea and Peter Power, the Minister of State for Overseas Development. His itinerary included a brief meeting with the joint committee of the Oireachtas (the Irish parliament) and public engagements at Limerick's City Hall, the University of Limerick (UL), and the Savoy Hotel. [22] During an interview with The Irish Times, which was subsequently referenced internationally by Reuters, Barroso revealed that he had been questioned about the possibility of Ireland's secession from the European Union, underscoring the gravity of the referendum. [23] Coincidentally, or perhaps strategically, he also announced a €14.8 million grant designated for former workers at Dell's Limerick plant, an initiative that former Member of the European Parliament and anti-Lisbon Treaty campaigner Patricia McKenna critically described as "conveniently opportune." [24]

Amidst the escalating European sovereign debt crisis, on 12 September 2012, Barroso delivered a significant address, advocating for the EU to evolve into a "federation of nation-states." He posited that such a transformation was not merely desirable but "necessary" to effectively combat the profound economic crisis engulfing the continent. During this speech, he also expressed his conviction that Greece would successfully remain within the eurozone, provided it steadfastly adhered to its financial commitments. In a move aimed at bolstering financial stability, Barroso simultaneously heralded the legislative proposal, published the very same day, for a comprehensive European Banking Supervision framework, an initiative intended to prevent future financial contagion. [25]

U.S. President George W. Bush, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Barroso in 2008

Towards the conclusion of his second term, Barroso was briefly appointed as Acting Commissioner for Inter-Institutional Relations and Administration in Maroš Šefčovič's stead. This temporary appointment, from 19 April 2014 to 25 May 2014, occurred while Šefčovič was on electoral campaign leave for the 2014 elections to the European Parliament. [26] Despite the opportunity, Barroso ultimately chose not to take up his seat in the European Parliament after the elections.

Controversies

Throughout his extensive career, particularly during his tenure as President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso found himself at the centre of several controversies, each challenging perceptions of ethical conduct and political accountability within the European Union.

In 2005, the German newspaper Die Welt brought to light that Barroso had spent a week on the luxurious yacht of Greek shipping billionaire Spiro Latsis. The timing of this revelation proved particularly problematic, as it emerged merely a month after the European Commission had approved a 10 million euro package of Greek state aid destined for Latsis's shipping company. While it was clarified that the decision regarding the state aid had been made by the previous European Commission before Barroso assumed his presidential post, the optics were undeniably poor, fueling public suspicion about potential conflicts of interest. [27] In response to the outcry, Nigel Farage, a prominent MEP from the UK Independence Party, successfully mobilised approximately 75 MEPs from across the political spectrum to support a motion of no confidence in Barroso. The objective was not necessarily to remove him, but to compel him to appear before the European Parliament for a rigorous questioning session on the matter. [28] The motion was formally tabled on 12 May 2005, and Barroso duly appeared for a debate on 26 May 2005, where he addressed the parliamentarians. [29] Despite the intense scrutiny, the motion itself was overwhelmingly defeated, allowing him to retain his position.

Another incident that drew public criticism involved Barroso's choice of personal transport. Amidst the EU's legislative push for drastically reduced car CO2 emissions and ambitious environmental targets, Barroso was reported to be using a less fuel-efficient Volkswagen Touareg. When confronted with this apparent contradiction, he dismissed the criticism as "overzealous moralism," a response that did little to quell concerns about leadership by example. [30]

The burgeoning global concern over food prices and the "food vs. fuel" debate also led to a controversy involving Barroso. In April 2008, as food prices sharply increased, Barroso initially insisted that biofuel use was "not significant" in driving up these prices. [31] However, the following month, likely in response to mounting pressure and evidence, he announced that the Commission would launch a comprehensive study to thoroughly investigate the issue, acknowledging the need for a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between energy and food markets. [32]

Further environmental and ethical questions arose with the "backdoor approval" of a genetically engineered (GE) potato, a decision widely attributed to President Barroso's influence. This move was met with a significant wave of opposition from several EU member-states. The governments of Greece, Austria, Luxembourg, Italy, Hungary, and France each publicly declared that they would not permit the cultivation of the GE potato within their national borders, highlighting deep divisions within the Union on agricultural biotechnology.

Barroso also faced criticism for comments perceived as questioning the democratic legitimacy of national decisions. In a particularly blunt statement, he argued that "Decisions taken by the most democratic institutions in the world are very often wrong." [33] This remark, delivered in October 2010, sparked debate about the relationship between national democracies and supranational governance within the EU.

Perhaps one of the most pointed controversies involved his direct criticism of Ireland's role in its own financial crisis. In December 2013, following Ireland's exit from an international bailout program, Barroso stated unequivocally that "Europe was not the cause of the problems for Ireland; Ireland caused a problem for Europe." He rejected the Irish government's bid for backdated funding for its banking sector, placing the blame squarely on Irish banks, regulators, and the government for the country's economic difficulties. Barroso argued that the problems within the Irish banking sector had caused a "major destabilisation" in the euro, rather than attributing the crisis to structural flaws within the currency itself. He further underscored his position by stating, "I am saying this because it would be wrong to give the impression that Europe has created a problem for Ireland and now Europe has to help Ireland. In fact, it was the banking sector in Ireland—it was one of the biggest problems in the world in terms of banking stability what happened in Ireland." [34] These remarks, while perhaps intended to promote fiscal responsibility, were widely seen as ungracious and deeply unhelpful at a sensitive time for Irish recovery.

Post Brussels, 2015-present

After concluding his decade-long tenure as President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso transitioned into a diverse portfolio of academic and advisory roles, though not without rekindling debate over the ethics of post-public service employment.

Academically, Barroso became a distinguished policy fellow at the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination at Princeton University. [35] Concurrently, he was appointed the Frederick H. Schultz Class of 1951 Visiting Professor of International Economic Policy at Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, where he co-taught with Wolfgang F. Danspeckgruber on the intricate subject of the EU in International Affairs. Since 2015, Barroso has also held a professorship at the Portuguese Catholic University. His engagement there includes teaching at the Institute of Political Studies, the Catholic Global School of Law, and the Catholic Lisbon School of Business and Economics, in addition to directing the Center for European Studies within the same institution. [36] [37] From 2015 to 2016, he further extended his academic reach as a guest professor at the University of Geneva and at the Geneva Graduate Institute, contributing to discourse on international relations and development. [38] [39] [40] [41]

However, the most significant and widely publicised aspect of Barroso's post-Brussels career began in July 2016, when he accepted positions as "senior adviser" and "non-executive chairman" of London-based Goldman Sachs International (GSI), the bank's largest subsidiary. [42] [43] [44] At the time of these appointments, the move was immediately met with intense controversy. It compelled his successor, Jean-Claude Juncker, to launch an unprecedented ethics investigation into the matter. Barroso faced heavy criticism for taking on such a prominent role with a major financial institution only two months after the 18-month "cooling-off" period, a standard ethical safeguard for former EU officials designed to prevent undue influence. The situation was rendered even more sensitive by the widely acknowledged, and often criticised, role Goldman Sachs played in the 2008 financial crisis that brought the eurozone to the brink of collapse. Adding another layer of geopolitical complexity, Barroso announced his move to the London-based subsidiary of Goldman Sachs shortly after the Brexit referendum, leading some to speculate about its implications for the EU's relationship with the UK financial sector. The European Commission, under public pressure, agreed to conduct an independent ethics inquiry into the move. After deliberation, the independent panel ultimately concluded that there were "not sufficient grounds to establish a violation of the duty of integrity and discretion." They accepted Barroso's assurances that he would not engage in lobbying on behalf of the bank's clients, a determination that, for many critics, merely highlighted the inherent limitations of such ethical oversight mechanisms. [45]

British Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel watching the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final with Barroso, US President Barack Obama, French President François Hollande and others during the G8 summit.

In 2020, Barroso was selected to chair the board of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, succeeding Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. [46] This role positions him at the forefront of global health initiatives, particularly in the context of vaccine access and distribution.

Beyond these primary engagements, Barroso has held a variety of other paid and unpaid positions, reflecting his continued involvement in international affairs, policy, and academic discourse:

Personal life

In 1980, José Manuel Durão Barroso married Maria Margarida Pinto Ribeiro de Sousa Uva. Together, they had three sons. Their marriage lasted for 36 years until Sousa Uva's passing in August 2016 from uterine cancer at the age of 60. This personal loss occurred shortly after his controversial move to Goldman Sachs, adding a layer of personal difficulty to a period of intense public scrutiny. In 2023, Barroso remarried, to Joana Gonçalves.

Beyond his native Portuguese, Barroso is notably fluent in French, [59] a critical asset in European diplomacy. He also speaks Spanish and English with proficiency and has undertaken studies to acquire a basic working knowledge of German, further demonstrating his commitment to multilingualism in a European context. [60]

Electoral history

PSD leadership election, 1995

Ballot: 19 February 1995

Candidate Votes %
Fernando Nogueira 532 51.6
José Manuel Durão Barroso 499 48.4
Pedro Santana Lopes withdrew
Turnout 1,031

Source: Resultados [61] [62]

PSD leadership election, 1999

Ballot: 1 May 1999

Candidate Votes %
José Manuel Durão Barroso 100.0
Turnout

Source: Resultados [63]

PSD leadership election, 2000

Ballot: 27 February 2000

Candidate Votes %
José Manuel Durão Barroso 469 50.3
Pedro Santana Lopes 313 33.6
Luís Marques Mendes 150 16.1
Turnout 932

Source: Congresso PSD [64]

Legislative election, 2002

Main article: 2002 Portuguese legislative election

Ballot: 17 March 2002

Party Candidate Votes % Seats +/−
PSD José Manuel Durão Barroso 2,200,765 40.2 105 +24
PS Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues 2,068,584 37.8 96 –19
CDS–PP Paulo Portas 477,350 8.7 14 –1
CDU Carlos Carvalhas 379,870 6.9 12 –5
BE Francisco Louçã 153,877 2.8 3 +1
Other parties 88,542 1.6 0 ±0
Blank/Invalid ballots 107,774 2.0 – –
Turnout 5,473,655 61.48 230 ±0

Source: Comissão Nacional de Eleições [65]

President of the European Commission election, 2004

Ballot: 22 July 2004

Party Candidate Votes %
EPP José Manuel Durão Barroso 413 61.5
Against 215 32.0
Abstentions 44 6.5
Turnout 672

Source: Resultados [66]

President of the European Commission election, 2009

Ballot: 16 September 2009

Party Candidate Votes %
EPP José Manuel Durão Barroso 382 53.2
Against 219 30.5
Abstentions 117 16.3
Turnout 718

Source: Resultados [67]

Honours

José Manuel Durão Barroso has been awarded numerous honours, both national and foreign, throughout his distinguished career, reflecting his significant contributions to public service and international relations.

National

  • Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry (GColIH, 3 November 2014) – This is one of Portugal's highest civilian decorations, typically bestowed upon those who have rendered outstanding services to Portugal or to the cause of Portuguese culture.
  • Grand Cross of the Order of Christ (GCC, 8 June 1996) – An ancient Portuguese honour, acknowledging exceptional service.

Foreign

Other awards

Barroso holds over twenty decorations and accolades, highlighting his global recognition: [70]

  • Winner of the Casa da Imprensa prize in the area of politics in 1992.
  • Named Global Leader for Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum in 1993, an early recognition of his potential global influence.
  • Chosen Personality of the Year in 1991 and 2004 by the Foreign Press Association in Portugal.
  • Given "Medalla de la Universidad de Alcala de Henares" and "Medalla de Oro de la Ciudad de Zamora", Spain, 2005.
  • Golden Medal: The Bell Celebration – Message to United Europe, from the Ferdinan Martinengo Company, Slovakia, 2006.
  • EFR-Business Week Award from Erasmus University Rotterdam, 2006.
  • Honorary Citizen of Rio de Janeiro, June 2006.
  • "European of the Year" award by European Voice newspaper, November 2006.
  • Awarded Honorary HEC diploma, Paris, December 2006.
  • Special Prize, Business Centre Club, Poland, February 2007; Gold Medal of the city of Lamego, Portugal, April 2007.
  • Transatlantic Leadership Prize, European Institute, Washington DC, April 2007.
  • Honorary Citizen of Delphi and Golden Medal of the "Amfiktyons", Delphi, Greece, July 2007.
  • Academic Title EBAPE – FGV, for the relevant contribution and services towards the study and practice in Administration – Getulio Vargas Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, August 2007.
  • Conde de Barcelona International Prize from the Conde de Barcelona Foundation, Barcelona, November 2007.
  • Honorary Medal and Honorary Diploma of the City of Nicosia, Nicosia, January 2008.
  • Honorary Member, Academia Portuguesa da História, Lisbon, March 2008.
  • State Medal "Stara Planina" I Degree, Bulgaria, March 2008.
  • "Prémio Rotary da Paz", Rotary International Distrito 1960 Portugal, Lisbon, April 2008; "Chave de Honra da Cidade de Lisboa", Lisbon, May 2008.
  • Confraria Queijo S. Jorge, Acores, May 2008.
  • Ciudadino Andino Honorifico, Lima, Peru, May 2008.
  • "Transatlantic Business Award", American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union, Brussels, May 2008.
  • Confraria vinho do Porto, Porto, June 2008.
  • Gold Medal of the Royal Institute of European Studies, Royal Institute of European Studies Madrid, March 2009.
  • Gold Medal of the Hellenic Parliament, Athens, April 2009.
  • Medal of Honour and Benefaction of the City of Athens, Athens, April 2009.
  • European Excellence Award, by the Government Council of the Community of Madrid, May 2009.
  • Prix European of the Year, The European Movement in Denmark, Copenhagen, May 2009.
  • Laureate of the Quadriga Prize 2009 – United for the Better, Berlin, October 2009.
  • Medal of Merit from the Federação das Associações Portuguesas e Luso-brasileiras, Brazil, July 2010.
  • "Man of the Year 2009 of Central and Eastern Europe", Krynica, September 2010.
  • Golden Victoria "European of the Year 2010" award by the Union of German Magazine Publishers VDZ, Berlin, November 2010.
  • Collier of the Fondation du Mérite européen, Luxembourg, November 2010.
  • The "Steiger" Award 2011, Bochum, Germany, March 2011.
  • Charles V Prize, awarded by the Fundación Academia Europea de Yuste, Spain, 2013, for his contributions to European integration.
  • Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse, the College Historical Society (CHS) of Trinity College Dublin.
  • Gold Medal of the Jean Monnet Foundation for Europe, in 2014, recognising his work in advancing European ideals.

Honorary degrees

José Manuel Durão Barroso has been granted a significant number of honorary degrees from universities across the globe, acknowledging his academic background and his influential roles in politics and international affairs.

See also