Studies
Law and Economic Sciences at the universities of Namur and Leuven
After his studies, he worked for the research department of the ACW (Flemish Christian Workers' Movement)
Career
- 2004-2014: Member of the European Parliament
- 2000: Honorary Doctorate at the Catholic University of Leuven
- 1994: Honorary Doctorate at the UCL
- 1992-1999: He led two governments, from 1992 to 1995 and from 1995 to July 1999
- 1988-1992: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Institutional Reforms
- 1981-1988: Minister of Social Affairs and Institutional Reforms
- 1971-1981: Staff member and advisor in ministerial cabinets, then chief of staff to various ministers (including Prime Minister Wilfried Martens)
- 1967: He began his political career with the CVP Youth