Born in 1960. Hesse. 1979-1980, army service in Koblenz. 1981-1990, law studies in Mainz and Dijon, probationary period in Frankfurt, Hochheim and Brussels. 1990-1991, diplomatic training at German Foreign Office (FO), in Bonn. 1991-1993, FO desk officer for international environmental politics. 1993-1995, desk officer, CDU Office for external relations. 1995-1999, FO desk officer for Baltic States and the Council of Baltic Sea States. Local mandates: 1986-1989, member, Hattersheim City Council. 1989-2001, Member, Main-Taunus District Council. Member of the Junge Union (JU) 1978-1996: Chairman at local, district and regional levels. Member, JU-Hesse State Board and JU International Commission. CDU member since 1981. Delegate to EPP-Congress since 1995. MEP since 1999.