Born in 1950. Limburg. PR officer for PLEM, electricity company. National President, CDA-jongeren (Young Christian Democrats), 1977. Member of Parliament, 1981-1989. Vice-President, EPP Group (1989-1999). Vice-Chairman, EPP Working Group «E» (internal market and environment).Chairwoman and member of the parliamentary delegation of South Africa, Chairwoman Russia Delegation untill 2009, Co-chair of EPP Parti Working Group Economic and Social Policy. MEP since 1989.