Born in 1955. Pontevedra. Degree in Law, University of Santiago de Compostela. Joined the diplomatic service, 1980. Different posts in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Director of the Cabinet of the Secretary-General in charge of the European Community, 1991-1993 and of Foreign Policy and for the EU, 1996-1998. Spanish Embassy Bonn 1984-1987; Spanish Embassy Rabat, 1993-1996. Former Director General for Europe, 1999-2000. Advisor on international and European matters, cabinet of the first Vice-president of the Government, Mariano Rajoy, 2000-2003. MEP since 2004.