Nationality : Belgian

Personal details: Born in Feluy (Belgium) on 6 January 1941

Married Education: 1962 Degree in Science (Physics) - Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) (Free University of Brussels) 1971 “Candidature” in Philosophy (ULB) 1976 Postgraduate studies in Environment – Ecological guidance, the natural environment, polluted environments (ULB)

University career: 1962-1977 Assistant lecturer in Physics, Faculty of Medicine (ULB) 1962-1977 Teacher at the Nivelles Teachers’ Training College 1978-1980 Chairman of the Board of Directors of IRE (Institut des Radioéléments) Political career: 1977-1978 Ordinary Member for the Province of Hainaut 1978-1995 Member of the House of Representatives of Belgium 1980-1981 Member of the Community Executive 1980 Minister of National Education 1981 Minister of Home Affairs 1982-1985 Minister of the Budget and Energy, Wallonia 1988 Minister of Economic Affairs, Wallonia 1988-1992 Minister of Social Affairs Since 1992 President of the Socialist Party Since 1992 Vice-President of Socialist International Since 1992 Minister of State 1995-1997 Vice-President of the European Socialist Party (ESP) Since 1995 Mayor of Seneffe Since 1995 Senator June 1999 Elected to the European Parliament September 1999 Member of the European Commission, Research