- Born on 27 April 1951 in Esch-sur-Alzette (L)

- PhD in Human Science at Paris Sorbonne University (1977)

- Journalist at the Luxemburger Wort (1978–1999)

- Member of the Luxembourg Parliament (1979–1989)

- Member of the Benelux Parliamentary Assembly (1979–1989)

- Member of the North Atlantic Assembly (Head of the Christian Democratic/Conservative group) (1979–1989)

- Communal Councillor for Esch-sur-Alzette (1981–1999)

- President of the Luxembourg Union of Journalists (1986–1998)

- President of the Christian Social Women organisation (CSF) (1988–1993)

- Deputy leader of the Luxembourg Christian Social Party (Chrëschtlech-Sozial Vollekspartei, CSV) (1989–1999)

- Member of the European Parliament (1989–1999), Chair of the Committee on Petitions (1989–1992), Vice-Chair of the Committee on Social Affairs, Employment and the Working Environment (1992–1994) and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Civil Liberties and Internal Affairs (1997–1999)

- Member of the European Commission with responsibility for Education, Culture, Youth, Media and Sport (1999–2004)

- Member of the European Commission with responsibility for the Information Society and Media (2004–2010)

- Vice-President of the European Commission with responsibility for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship (2010–2014)

- Member of the European Parliament (since 2014)