Born in 1953. Brabant, Zeeland. Degrees in Geography and History, Tilburg University, and in Social Geography from Katholieke Universiteit, Nijmegen). Worked for Province of Gelderland and NCB (Farmers Union). Member, local council (1978-1982). Member, Noord-Brabant regional council (1982-2003). Member, provincial government (1991-2003). Vice-President, Assembly of European Regions, Strasbourg. Member, Dutch delegations in Congress for Local and Regional Authorities in Europe (Vice-President of Institutional Committee) and Committee of the Regions. President, Dutch Epilepsy Fund; of «Smart Homes» Foundation (National Centre of Domotics and Innovation); Perspekt Institute for Dutch Quality Standards in the Care Sector; and of «Alive» European Challenge to Ageing.President of the 'Association of European Border Regions (AEBR) (since 2004-2009). MEP since 2004.