— Born on 19 April 1936 in Sleidinge (B), deceased 9 October 2013 in Lokreren (B)

— Nationality: Belgian

— PhD in Law, Licentiate in Notary Science, Bachelor’s degree in Thomist Philosophy

— Lawyer at the Ghent Court of Appeal

— Adviser to Prime Ministers Pierre Harmel and Paul Vanden Boeynants (1965–1966)

— President of the ‘CVP Jongeren’ (the CVP youth organisation) (1967–1971)

— Special adviser in the office of minister Leo Tindemans (1968)

— Chairman of the Christelijke Volkspartij (Christian People’s Party) (1972–1979)

— Co-founder of the European People’s Party (1976)

— Member of the Chamber of Representatives (1974–1991)

— Prime Minister (1979–1981; 1981–1992)

— President of the European People’s Party (1990–2013)

— President of the European Union of Christian Democrats (1993–1996)

— Member of the European Parliament (1994–2004)

— Chairman of the Group of the European People’s Party (1994–1999)

— Minister of State (1992-2013)