The Board of Trustees of Lisbon based, Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) appointed Dr. Carlos Henrique da Costa Neves, 72, to the Executive Board, chaired since January 15, 2026, by José Manuel Durão Barroso.

Born in Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira, Azores,  Costa Neves, 72, holds a degree in Law from the University of Lisbon. He has held various positions in the Regional Government of the Azores and in national and European politics.

A former lider of the PSD-Azore, he was the Regional Director of Social Security in the Autonomous Region of the Azores (1978-1981); a member of the Regional Government of the Azores (1981-1992); and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SATA-Air Açores (1992-1994).

He was also a Member of the European Parliament (1994-2002); Secretary of State for European Affairs (2002-2004); Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (2004-2005); Minister of Parliamentary Affairs (October 2015); Federal Deputy (2009-2018); Secretary-General of the the Portuguese Government (from January 2025 to the present).

The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) was established on May 20, 1985, by Decree-Law No. 168/85, approved by the Portuguese government. Its creation was a direct outcome of the 1983 Cooperation and Defense Agreement between Portugal and the United States, which included provisions for military, economic, and energy support.

One significant aspect of this agreement was the continued U.S. presence at the Lajes Air Base in the Azores.  FLAD acts as a transatlantic bridge—promoting academic exchange, scientific collaboration, cultural enrichment, and bilateral dialogue. It operates through grants, fellowships, programs, and large-scale projects, playing a pivotal role in promoting the Portugal-US relationship.

Source: FLAD @ www.flad.pt