Born in 1946. Magdeburg (Saxony-Anhalt). Veterinary surgeon (1970), doctorate in veterinary medicine (1984), Veterinary surgeon specialising in food hygiene (1986). Vet in Halberstadt (1970-1990), Head of Halberstadt animal health office (1990). CDU member since 1990. Member of Saxony-Anhalt’s regional Parliament (1990-1994). Chairman of working group Federal and European Affairs, Member of Presidency of CDU parliamentary group (1992-1994), CDU District Chairman (1992-1994),Representative for Saxony-Anhalt on the Committee of the Regions (1994-1998), Regional executive member of CDU Saxony-Anhalt. Member in regional expert committee Europe (since 1990), Member of the CDU federal expert committee Europe. Vice-member of the EPP political bureau. Vice-President of the European Movement Saxony-Anhalt. Federal Cross of Merit with ribbon. MEP since 1994.