Dr Carneiro was the mayor of the Municipality of Baião from 2005 to 2015. He was a member of the European Committee of the Regions between 2006 and 2015, and the president of the Commission for Natural Resources from February to October 2015. In November 2015, he was appointed Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities Abroad. He has published books and articles on international relations, multilevel governance, and local development.