Biography

• Born on 16th April 1922 in Zwijndrecht (near Antwerpen).
• Studied Economics and Social Studies at the University of Gent.
• From 1958 to 1966 he was Secretary General of the Flemish branch of the Christian Peoples’ Party, from 1961 Member of the Belgian Parliament. He held various ministerial posts (amongst others 1972–1973 Minister for Agriculture; 1973–1974 Minister of Finance and at the same time Deputy Prime Minister; 1981–1989 Foreign Minister). From 1974 to 1978 he was Belgian Prime Minister; the report presented by him on behalf of the Heads of Government at the end of 1975 with proposals for reform for the further development of the Community for Political Union was much discussed, but had at that time no definite consequences.
• As Foreign Minister (1981–1989) and as a Member of the European Parliament (1989–1994) he campaigned actively for further progress in the integration process in Europe.
• Died on 26th December 2014.