Born in 1956. Flanders. Graduated in Law. Post-graduate teaching qualification in law. Legal advisor of UNIZO and MARKANT (1980-1988). Legal assistant to the private office of the Secretary of State for Health (1986-1988). Head of UNIZO research department (1988-1991). Vice-Chairman of the EPP SME network (1998-1999). Leader of the Belgian delegation in the EPP-ED Group (2004-2009). Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group (2004-2009). General Vice-Chairman CD&V (1996-2001). Chairman of CD&V (2008-2010). Member of Communal Council Oud-Heverlee (2001 - 2008). Leader of the Belgian delegation in the EPP Group (since 2009). MEP since 1991.