Nationality : Belgian

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