Serving as the European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms since 2019, Elisa Ferriera plays a pivotal role in ensuring support for regions most affected by digital and climate transitions. Her responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of the Just Transition Fund, which provides crucial assistance to regions undergoing significant economic and environmental transformations.  She is responsible for supporting regions and authorities in preparing their programmes in line with their specific needs and the EU’s common objectives. She also ensures the effective use of EU funds and oversees expenditure in collaboration with Member States. Furthermore, she contributes to the review of the Urban Agenda and the long-term vision for rural areas, emphasizing sustainable and inclusive growth across Europe.

Prior to her current role, Elisa Ferreira served as the Vice-Governor of Banco de Portugal, the country’s central bank, from 2017 to 2019. During this time, she represented Portugal at the Supervisory Board of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) within the European Central Bank (ECB). Her extensive experience in finance and banking also includes serving as a member of the Board of Banco de Portugal from 2016 to 2017.

From 2004 to 2016, Elisa Ferreira served as a Member of the European Parliament. Before that, she served as a Member of the Portuguese Parliament from 2002 to 2004. In 1999-2022 she held the role of Minister for Planning, where she played a key role in shaping Portugal’s development policies. Prior to that, she served as the Minister for Environment from 1995 to 1999, focusing on environmental protection and sustainability.

As Executive Vice-President of the Porto Industrial Association from 1992 to 1994, she actively contributed to the development of the industrial sector in the region. Additionally, she served as the Vice-President of Portugal’s Northern Region Coordination Commission, playing a crucial role in coordinating and promoting the socio-economic development of the region.