Born in 1962. Tyrol. Dr. jur. Innsbruck University (1984); Studied economics, Mag. rer. soc. oec. Innsbruck University (1988); Barrister and solicitor (1987-1990); Tyrol Chamber of Commerce (1991-1995); Director, Tyrol EU Office, Brussels (1995-2004); EPP-coordinator in the committee for Environment, Public Health and Food Safety; President of the European Parliament intergroup water; Chairman of the Christian Democrats Europe Forum Brussels (CDEF) since 1999. MEP since 2004.