The significance and historical depth of German–Hungarian relations – and, within them, Bavarian–Hungarian ties – is well illustrated by the fact that the first high-level parliamentary representatives to visit Budapest after the 12 April election, which brought a change of government in Hungary, came from Munich.
The visit was organised by the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSS). During their stay in Hungary, the delegation received briefings on the new government’s work and the governing parliamentary group’s activities. As part of their programme, they also visited our Foundation, where they were welcomed by Director Gergely Prőhle. He presented our institution and spoke about our namesake’s links to Bavarian and German public life.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the intellectual legacy of the former heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, current political points of connection, and the continuation of our partnership. Klaus Holetschek also has a personal connection to the former crown prince through his Sudeten German background: as a young man, he attended several political events at which Otto von Habsburg was the keynote speaker. As a former Member of the European Parliament, he attached particular importance to the integration and political representation of the community whose members came to Germany from behind the Iron Curtain after the Second World War.
The discussion also touched on the current position of the CSU, its relationship with the European People’s Party (EPP), and possible joint programmes with the Hanns Seidel Foundation. Gergely Prőhle noted that, following earlier events in Munich, Brussels, and Passau, as well as our research visit to the HSS Archives, our Foundation would be pleased to continue this cooperation through further events in Bavaria.
The parties agreed that Otto von Habsburg’s ideas continue to offer valuable guidance for strengthening European cooperation.
