Graduated in Medicine and Surgery, he is an authoritative expert on European policies and local authorities, internationally recognized. Former President and Vice-President of the European Parliament, he has also been a deputy in Italy and, more recently, a senator. Moreover, he has served as President of the Socialist and Democrats party in the European Parliament. Today, he is the Mayor of his hometown, Lauria, in the province of Potenza. He has an intense editorial activity, with the publication of articles and essays.