Biography

• Born on 17th February 1887 in Diekirch (Luxembourg).
• Studied Law in Fribourg (Switzerland) and Paris, was conferred a doctorate in 1912 (LLD); afterwards practiced as a lawyer. He was a Member of Parliament in the Luxembourg Parliament from 1914; in 1921 he became Justice Minister and Minister for Education for four years, from 1926 to 1937 he was Minister of State and Prime Minister.
• From 1937 to 1953 he was Foreign Minister and Minister for Viniculture, between 1940 and 1945 he was a member of the government in exile.
• From 1953 to 1958 he held the office of Minister of State and Prime Minister; thereafter he took on again the office of Foreign Minister (1958–1959) as well as the office of Minister for Foreign Trade and for Viniculture. In the post-war period in his various governmental offices he was actively involved in the European integration process; he is considered to be one of the founding fathers of the European Coal and Steel Community and one of the most consequent exponents of the European concept.
• From 1959 to 1964 he was President of the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies.
• Died on 8th March 1975.