Member of the VU party council and executive (1988-2001). Vice-Chair of the N-VA (2001-2007); secretary-general of the N-VA (2008- ); member of the administrative committee (2001-); member of the party executive (2001-); member of the party council (2001-); member of the Limburg provincial executive and council (2001-)
Member of the Bilzen Municipal Council (1982-1991); Deputy Mayor of Bilzen (1982-1988); Member of Hasselt Municipal Council (2006-). Member of the Limburg Provincial Council (1985-1987). Member for Limburg (1991-1999).
Flemish Council (dual mandate with the Federal Parliament) (1987-1991)
Member of the Federal Parliament (1987-1991 and 1999-2003); group chair, House of Representatives (2000-2003)
Member of the European Parliament (2004-). Vice-Chair of the ALE Group (2009-)
Member of the governing board of VLEVA (Flanders-Europe Liaison Agency) (2006-)