We have published our fifth annual summary of the past year’s work, which is much more than a calendar of events. 2024, our sixth year of activity, was once again marked by historic anniversaries, providing a valuable opportunity to reflect on contemporary political, economic, and public challenges. Furthermore, Hungary’s presidency of the European Union in the second half of the year brought renewed focus to the topic of European integration, which has been a defining aspect of our namesake’s life.

This volume aims to provide our readers with short essays that explore the historical, political, and cultural insights revealed while researching Otto von Habsburg’s legacy, inspiring our members of the Foundation to pursue further research. Among the pieces are the hidden secrets of the travelling altar of Joseph II; the connection between Friedrich August von Hayek, champion of the free market, and our eponym; as well as the story of Portuguese diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes, who saved Otto’s life in 1940.