After studying in Brussels and qualifying as a teacher (Dutch/English/Economics), Staes turned to politics, beginning his political career in the Volksunie, which later became Spirit. Following the formation of the electoral alliance (cartel) between Spirit and the Socialistische Partij Anders (sp.a) in 2002, Staes moved to join Agalev (as it was then known; today, Groen). He has been a Member of the European Parliament continuously since 1999, at first for the Volksunie, later Spirit and now Groen. His particular interests are the environment and peace movements.
His political career started with membership of the Volksunie. With the collapse of that party in 2002 he joined Agalev, as it was then known, now Groen. His party roles and Parliamentary service record include the following:
Member Party Council VolksunieJongeren (1980–1981) and (1984–1987)
Member of the VU-party-council (1984–1987) and (1995–2001)
Second follower VU-senate list (1995–1999)
Member Spirit-party presidency (2001–2002)
Mandatory of Agalev/Groen (July 2002 - )
Member of party council of Groen (2003 - )
Member of European parliament (1999 - )
Member of fraction Greens/European Free Alliance (Groenen/Europese Vrije Alliantie)
Member of Budget Control Commission
Instant member of Commission Environmental gestion, Public Health and Food security
Member of Parliamentary cooperative commission EU-Russia
Instant member of Parliamentary cooperative commission EU-Central-Asia
