Born in 1936. Harjumaa, Viimsi. Historian. Tartu University, 1959. MP, 1992-2004. Vice-President of the Parliament (Riigikogu) 1992-1995, 1996-2003. Chairman, Pro Patria Union faction, 2003-2004. Chairman, European Affairs Committee and Co-Chairman, Joint Parliamentary Committee with the EP, 1997-2003. Member, Convention on the Future of Europe, 2002-2003. Member, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, 1992-2000. PACE rapporteur for Ukraine, 1996-2000. Member, Constitutional Assembly of Estonia, 1991-1992. Chairman, Congress of Estonia (transition period Parliamentary Assembly), 1990-1992. Founder, 1988, and Chairman, 1993-95, Estonian National Independence Party (transformed in 1995 into the Pro Patria Union), 2002 - 2005 Chairman, Pro Patria Union party. Active in defence of human rights and restoration of Estonian independence since mid-1970s. Awarded with Schuman Medal in 2006. MEP since 2004.