Romano Prodi is 87 years old as of October 2026. He was born on 9 August 1939.
Two-time Italian Prime Minister and President of the European Commission
Did you know?Before his political career, he was a professor of economics and industrial policy at the University of Bologna.
Quick facts
Date of birth9 August 1939
Age87
NationalityItalian
BirthplaceScandiano, Italy
Occupationeconomist, politician, businessperson
Editor's Take:
Romano Prodi is a professor-politician who twice led the Italian centre-left to power. Both times he beat Silvio Berlusconi. In Brussels he oversaw the launch of euro notes and coins. He also brought ten countries into the European Union at once in 2004. His governments were fragile coalitions that fell apart. His calm, academic style contrasted with the drama of Italian politics. He remains a respected voice on European affairs, and many see him as an elder statesman of the European project.
Key Milestones
1996: Becomes Prime Minister
1999: Becomes President of the European Commission
2004: Oversees the EU's largest enlargement
2006: Begins a second term as Prime Minister
Romano Prodi (Italian:; born 9 August 1939) is an Italian politician who served as President of the European Commission from 1999 to 2004 and twice as Prime Minister of Italy, from 1996 to 1998, and again from 2006 to 2008.
