Josep Borrell

Josep Borrell's political career is marked by significant roles both nationally and internationally. He served as Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation from 2018 to 2019, during which he signed four Memorandums of Understanding with the United Kingdom regarding the future relationship with Gibraltar. Borrell has a distinct history with the European Parliament, serving as a Member from 2004 to 2009 and as its President from 2004 to 2007. During his presidency, he chaired the Parliament's temporary committee on policy challenges and budgetary means of the enlarged Union 2007–2013. Additionally, he held a professorship at the University of Lleida, sponsored by Repsol, and co-authored "Las cuentas y los cuentos de la independencia," an essay against Catalan secessionism, in 2015.

Borrell's tenure as High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission from 2019 to 2024 saw him engage with various global crises and conflicts. He voiced concerns over China's geopolitical strategies and its treatment of ethnic and religious minorities, called for immediate de-escalation of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2020, and condemned Russia's recognition of Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics and their troop movements. He also played a crucial role in addressing the EU's stance on the COVID-19 pandemic, the Israeli annexation plans, and the tensions between Turkey and Greece.

Throughout his career, Borrell has received several prestigious acknowledgments, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III in 1996, the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic in 2000, and the Medal of the Order of Constitutional Merit in 2011. He was also honored as Doctor honoris causa by Universidad de Valladolid in 2024 and will receive the same honor from Universidad Pontificia Comillas in 2025. His various board memberships, such as with the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), the European Movement International, and Reporters Without Borders (RWB), further highlight his extensive involvement in international affairs and policy development.