Klaus Hänsch (born 15 December 1938 in Szprotawa) is a German politician. He was a Member of the European Parliament representing the SPD from 17 July 1979 until 13 July 2009, and sat with the Party of European Socialists group. He was vice-chairman of the PES group since 1989, except during his service as President of the European Parliament from 1994 to 1997. External links Official site Official page on the European Parliament website 1938 births Living people People from Szprotawa People from the Province of Lower Silesia Presidents of the European Parliament MEPs for Germany 1989–1994 MEPs for Germany 1994–1999 MEPs for Germany 1999–2004 Social Democratic Party of Germany MEPs Grand Crosses with Star and Sash of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany