Josep Borrell - Speaker

Josep Borrell is a Spanish politician with a wealth of experience in national and European politics. His extensive career has seen him serve as the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission from 2019 to 2024. Josep's influence in European affairs is significant, having previously held the position of President of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2007 and serving as Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation from 2018 to 2019.
Josep's academic background is as impressive as his political career. He graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and later obtained a Ph.D. in Economic Sciences. His academic pursuits also led him to study Energy Economics at the French Petroleum Institute and Operations Research at Stanford University. Josep's early career included a Foundations of Economic Analysis professorship at Madrid Complutense University, highlighting his strong foundation in economic theory and policy.
Josep's political journey began in the 1970s during Spain's transition to democracy when he joined the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party. He quickly rose through the ranks, holding key positions such as General Secretary for the Budget and Public Spending and Secretary of State for Finance. His tenure as Minister of Public Works and Transport saw significant infrastructure investment in Spain, marking a period of substantial development.
In European politics, Josep's leadership was evident as he chaired the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly and played a pivotal role in the creation of the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly. His presidency at the European University Institute in Florence further underscores his commitment to European integration and education.
Josep's career is marked by his dedication to fostering European unity and understanding of economic and foreign policy, making him a respected voice in international affairs.