Curriculum vitae

1956: Born, Maastricht, Netherlands
1975-86: Contemporary history studies at Leiden University
1976: Member of Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) party
1984-87: Personal assistant to a member of parliament
1986-90: Member of the municipal council of Oegstgeest
1989-94: Member of the European Parliament
1994: Member of Dutch Second Chamber
2002-06: Parliamentary leader of the CDA
2007: Foreign minister