The formula for independence

By Jennifer Rankin - 15.05.2008 / 00:00 CET

The first head of the EU chemicals agency is under pressure to prove his independence.

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Curriculum vitae

1956: Born in Bruges, Belgium
1974-79: Studies at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
1978-86: Academic at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
1981-83: UNIDO project officer in Colombia
1986: Joins European Commission
1997: Head of unit for competition policy and structural measures in the industry directorate general
2000: Head of unit for enterprise aspects of competition at DG Enterprise
2007: Executive director of the European Chemicals Agency, Helsinki

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