Concordia welcomes José Manuel Durão Barroso to the Leadership Council

As former President of the European Commission and former Prime Minister of Portugal, and currently serving as Non-Executive Chairman of Goldman Sachs International, Barroso brings with him invaluable insight into European politics, as well as expertise into the workings of both the public and private sectors.

This year alone, Barroso has participated in both Concordia’s European and Annual Summits. At the 2017 Concordia Europe Summit in Athens, Greece, Barroso was part of a fireside chat with Alexis Papahelas, Executive Editor of Kathimerini Greek Daily Newspaper, titled ‘EU-US Relations: Opportunities for Trade, Investment, and Growth’. The session discussed aspects of—and opportunities for—the US and EU’s economic relationship, with Barroso analyzing the factors contributing to the world’s largest trade relationship, as well as its outlook.  

At the 2017 Concordia Annual Summit, Barroso was a principal in the Strategic Dialogue ‘The Future of the Free World,’ developed in conjunction with the Atlantic Council. The session explored the external and internal threats to the current democratic world order and the role of economics in maintaining free markets and a free global society. Barroso also joined Concordia’s annual Leadership Council meeting at the 2017 Summit.

Upon accepting the invitation to join Concordia’s Leadership Council, Barroso stated: “I believe wholeheartedly in the need for global cooperation and a global community, and praise the work of Concordia to promote the notion of common good. I am excited about bringing my European perspective to the table to contribute to the work of the distinguished Leadership Council.”

Concordia’s Co-Founders, Matthew A. Swift and Nicholas M. Logothetis, remarked: “Barroso brings with him deep knowledge of the EU and of European and international affairs in general. We are delighted to learn of his acceptance of our invitation, and know that his unparalleled expertise will benefit Concordia as we strengthen our efforts to facilitate cross-sector partnerships for social impact.”