The former president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso recruited by Goldman Sachs – The World

Le Monde | 09/07/2016 at 07h45 • Updated 09/07/2016 at 7:47 | By Cécile Ducourtieux (Brussels, European Office)

The European Commission and its president, Jean-Claude Juncker, really did not need this. US investment bank Goldman Sachs announced Friday, July 8 recruiting Luxembourgish predecessor, José Manuel Barroso, to the post of advisor and non-executive chairman of its international operations. Former Prime Minister of Portugal remained ten years for two terms (2004-2014), in Brussels, and has left a very mixed feelings.

His hiring comes as the bank must prepare for the consequences of Brexit – announced the release of the United Kingdom of the European Union (EU). Goldman Sachs International, which Mr Barroso should take the presidency, is headquartered in London. Like other financial institutions on British soil, its business depends largely on the “European passport” that sesame granted to institutions of EU member countries, enabling them to offer their services across the internal market.

Mr. Barroso, 60, was recruited for his thick address book and his intimate knowledge of the complex European machinery. “Obviously, I know the EU and relatively well as the British environment ….