— Born on 29 April 1933 in Leuven (B)

— Nationality: Belgian

— Doctor of Law (1956) and graduate in Philosophy (1953)

— Doctor of Economics (1962)

— Adviser to the Belgian Finance Minister, André Dequae (1962–1965)

— Professor at the Catholic University of Leuven/Louvain (KUL) (1965–1998)

— Member of the Chamber of Representatives (1977–2003)

— State Secretary for Regional Economy, Territorial Planning and Housing (1976–1977)

— State Secretary for the Budget (1978)

— Minister for Development Cooperation (1979–1980)

— Minister for Finance (1980–1981)

— Prime Minister (1981)

— Minister for Economic Affairs (1981–1985)

— Governor of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank (1985–1989)

— Minister for Finance (1985–1987)

— Minister for External Relations (1989–1992)

— Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (1992–2003)

— Member and Vice-President of the Parliamentary Assembly of Western European Union (1992–2003)

— Minister of State (1998)