"In Europe, in some sectors, there is a negative attitude towards the United States. Looking at everything that comes from the US, I think that is a mistake, because although there are differences between the US and Europe Europa, basically we need to have a joint market", Mr Durão Barroso said at a conference during the Web Summit in Lisbon.

Mr Durão Barroso’s decision to go to work for Goldman Sachs raised a chorus of criticism, including from European leaders like the French president, François Hollande, and a petition signed by 150,000 demanding “strong measures” against the revolving door in Brussels between top political jobs and the private sector.

"I think this attitude is a mistake because, in world of digital transformation, we need a more innovative financial contribution. Many startups that have been a success in the US prospered because they had venture capital", Barroso said, adding that the US invests 20 times more (in this sector) than Europe does.