The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, during a visit to ESO’s Paranal Observatory

Following the Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States–European Union (CELAC–EU) in January 2013, ESO’s Paranal Observatory was honoured with a visit from the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso. The President was taken on a tour of the observatory by Tim de Zeeuw, ESO’s Director General, where he admired the four 8.2-metre telescopes which comprise the Very Large Telescope (VLT), the most advanced optical/infrared telescope in the world. He also toured Paranal’s award-winning Residencia, the observatory’s accommodation and office building.

The picture, taken at sunset, shows President Barroso on the right along with the ESO Director General, Tim de Zeeuw. The telescopes of the VLT appear behind them.