Studied law, University of Brussels; 1998, went to the Netherlands on an Erasmus programme. After studies, became a lawyer in Brussels. Passionate about politics from a young age. 1999, elected to the Federal Parliament; 2000, Walloon Minister for Interior Affairs and Civil Service; 2007, Federal Minister for Development Cooperation. Played an important role in the MR (Reformist Movement) political party as spokesperson (2004-11) and finally leader of the party (2011-14). 2006-14, Mayor of Wavre, a small town close to Brussels. Following the federal elections in June 2014, was involved in coalition negotiations. October 2014, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium. Most challenging moment as Prime Minister came a year and a half year later, when on 22 March 2016, two deadly terror attacks struck Brussels Airport and the Maelbeek metro station. 2 July 2019, elected by European Union leaders as President of the European Council. Took office on 1 December 2019.