Romano Prodi is an Italian politician and economist, known for serving as the Prime Minister of Italy twice, first from 1996 to 1998 and then from 2006 to 2008. He was also the President of the European Commission from 1999 to 2004, where he played a significant role in European integration and economic policy. Prodi co-founded the Olive Tree coalition, which brought together various center-left parties in Italy. He has been influential in Italian politics and has contributed to discussions on European Union policies and reforms, advocating for economic growth and social welfare throughout his career.