Profile: European Council President Herman Van Rompuy

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, the most senior official of the European Union (EU), is scheduled to start a five-day official visit to China on Sunday, his first since taking up the post on Jan. 1, 2010.

Born in 1947 in Brussels, the holder of a bachelor's degree in philosophy and a master's degree in applied economics, worked at the Belgian central bank from 1972 to 1975.

After entering politics, Van Rompuy served at a variety of posts in the Belgian government, including secretary of state, deputy prime minister and minister of budget, member of the Senate and member of the Chamber of Representatives.

From July 2007 to December 2008, he was president of the Chamber of Representatives. From December 2008 to November 2009, he was prime minister of Belgium.

In November 2009, he was chosen as the first full-time president of the European Council.

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