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Philippe Busquin: A Visionary Leader in European Integration

Early Life and Education

Philippe Busquin was born on 6 January 1941, in Ath, Belgium. He received his law degree from the University of Louvain and a degree in economics from the University of Brussels.

Political Career

Busquin began his political career in 1971, when he was elected to the Belgian Chamber of Representatives. He served in various ministerial positions in the Belgian government, including Minister of Education and Minister of Research.

European Commission

In 1999, Busquin was appointed European Commissioner for Research and Development. He was responsible for developing and implementing the European Union's research and innovation policies. He played a key role in establishing the European Research Area and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.

European Parliament

In 2004, Busquin was elected to the European Parliament. He served as the chairman of the Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy. He was also a member of the Parliament's delegation to the United States Congress.

Other Activities

Busquin has been involved in numerous other activities throughout his career. He is the president of the European Institute for Advanced Studies in Management and the chairman of the Brussels-Capital Region's Economic and Social Council. He is also a member of the European Academy of Sciences and the Royal Academy of Belgium.