Mark Eyskens

Mark Eyskens studied at Catholic University of Leuven (1834–1968), Columbia University and Sint-Pieterscollege. The recorded working language is Dutch and French. Employment is recorded with Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. Positions recorded include Minister of Foreign Affairs in Belgium and Minister of Finance of Belgium. Work by Mark Eyskens is recorded in the collections of Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library. Distinctions recorded are Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold II and minister of state.

• Name — Mark Eyskens • Office — Prime Minister of Belgium • Monarch — Baudouin • Deputy — Guy Mathot Willy Claes José Desmarets • Term Start — 6 April 1981 • Term End — 17 December 1981 • Predecessor — Wilfried Martens • Successor — Wilfried Martens • Office2 — Minister of Foreign Affairs • Prime Minister2 — Wilfried Martens • Term Start2 — 1989 • Term End2 — 1992 • Predecessor2 — Leo Tindemans • Successor2 — Willy Claes • Office3 — Minister of Finance • Prime Minister3 — Wilfried Martens • Term Start3 — 1985 • Term End3 — 1988 • Predecessor3 — Frans Grootjans • Successor3 — Philippe Maystadt • Prime Minister4 — Wilfried Martens • Term Start4 — 1980 • Term End4 — 1981 • Predecessor4 — Paul Hatry • Successor4 — Robert Vandeputte • Office5 — Minister of Economic Affairs • Prime Minister5 — Wilfried Martens • Term Start5 — 1981 • Term End5 — 1985 • Predecessor5 — Willy Claes • Successor5 — Philippe Maystadt • Born — 29 April 1933 • Birthplace — Leuven, Belgium • Party — Christian Democratic and Flemish • Spouse — Anne Rutsaert • Education — Catholic University of Leuven Columbia University

Eyskens was born in Leuven, the son of Gaston Eyskens, and lived for a time at the International House of New York. When Germany invaded Belgium, Eyskens and his mother fled to France but upon the Belgian capitulation, the family returned to Leuven.

In 1953, Eyskens attained a bachelor's degree in philosophy. In 1956, he became a doctor juris at the University of Leuven. In 1957, he obtained a master of arts in economics at Columbia University. In 1962, he received a doctorate in economic sciences. In 1962, he became a professor at the University of Leuven (1962–1998). From 1971 to 1976, he was chairman of the university. He was a member of the Club of Rome (1972–1978). In 2004, he was chairman of the Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts.

In 1962, Eyskens started his political career as a counsellor in the cabinet of the Minister of Finance André Dequae. In 1976, Eyskens became Secretary of State for Town and Country Planning and Housing (1976–1977, Tindemans I). Eyskens was first elected to the Belgian Chamber of Representatives in 1977. He was re-elected (elections of 1977, 1981, 1985, 1987, 1991, 1978, 1995, 1999) and served until 2003. He became Secretary of State for the budget and Flemish affairs (1977–1979, Tindemans II & Vanden Boeynants II), Minister of Development Aid (1979–1980, Martens I, Martens II & Martens III) and Minister of Finance (1980–1981, Martens IV). Eyskens became the 45th Prime Minister of Belgium on 6 April 1981, an office his father had held six times. His government quickly collapsed on 17 December, due to disagreements on the financing of the Walloon steel industry. After the fall of his government he served as Minister for Economical Affairs (1981–1985, Martens V) and Minister of Finance (1985–1988, Martens VI & Martens VII). • Illustration — Mark Eyskens in 1986 Although originally not a member of the Martens VIII cabinet, on 19 June 1989 he re-entered the government when he replaced Leo Tindemans as Minister of Foreign Affairs (1989–1992, Martens VIII & Martens IX). This was the last government office he held. He served as a backbencher 1992–2003 and retired at the 2003 general election.

On 18 November 1998, Eyskens was made a Minister of State. In the 2006 provincial elections Eyskens was elected to the provincial council of Flemish Brabant. He served from 2007 until his resignation in 2009. Eyskens is a member of the Advisory Board of the Global Panel Foundation, a member of the Advisory Board of the Itinera Institute think-tank and as Honorary President of the Olivaint Conference of Belgium.

He was employed by Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. Recorded positions include Minister of Foreign Affairs in Belgium, Minister of Finance of Belgium, member of the Chamber of Representatives of Belgium, Representative of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and Prime Minister of Belgium. He belonged to Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Academia Europaea and Koninklijke Vlaamse Academie van België voor Wetenschappen en Kunsten.

Mark Eyskens is recorded as writer, economist, university teacher, politician and diplomat.