Curriculum vitae

• Degree in medical sociology (1978)
• Assistant at the faculty of sociology, Catholic University of Louvain (1978-1980). Head of research department and lecturer at the HIPB (Higher Institute for the Paramedical Professions), Ghent (1980-1983).
• National Chairman, Youth CVP (1983-1986). General Chairman of the CVP (1993-1996).
• Director of EPP training institute in South Africa (1997-1999).
• Member of the Oosterzele Municipal Council (1983-1988). Mayor of Oosterzele (1989-1997). Member of Ostend Municipal Council (2001).
• Member of the House of Representatives (1985-1997). Leader of the parliamentary CVP, House of Representatives (1991-1993).
• Member of the European Parliament (since 1999).

Member

Committee on Development
Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly

Substitute

Committee on Foreign Affairs
Subcommittee on Human Rights