Hungarian EU Presidency with historical background

It has become a tradition for the Otto von Habsburg Foundation to commemorate the anniversary of the death of its namesake with a Mass and conference on a Sunday near the date of his passing. This year again, the participants in the discussion after the Mass will reflect on issues which were particularly close to the heart of the late Archduke, but which are still of particular importance today. One of the milestones of Otto von Habsburg’s work for European integration was to become an MEP of the first directly elected European Parliament 45 years ago, and to play a major role in shaping the Parliament’s agenda and activities over the following 20 years, making a significant contribution to the political, economic and cultural unity of the continent. On the 20^th anniversary of Hungary’s and the region’s accession to the EU, a few weeks after the European Parliament elections and at the vigil of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the recollection of this political legacy may be of particular relevance. The location is also symbolic for the Belgian-Hungarian handover of the presidency, as the Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma is the site where Otto von Habsburg’s heart urn is buried, and it is also the final resting place of the daughter of King Leopold II of Belgium, Princess Stéphanie, while the founder of the Benedictines is venerated as the patron saint of Europe.

Programme

9:00-9:50 Arrival, registration

10:00-11:00 Holy Mass in the Basilica in memory of Otto von Habsburg

11:00-11:30 Coffee break

11:30-13:00 Welcoming speech: Cirill T. Hortobágyi OSB, Archabbot, Archabbey of Pannonhalma

Opening: Gergely Prőhle, Director, Otto von Habsburg Foundation

Presentations

Stephan Baier, former colleague of Otto von Habsburg

Otto von Habsburg, the European Politician

Gergely Fejérdy, Deputy Scientific Director, Otto von Habsburg Foundation

The connection between Princess Stéphanie of Belgium and Hungary

H.E. Jeroen Vergeylen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Hungary

Belgium and European politics

Tibor Navracsics, Minister of Public Administration and Regional Development

Hungary in Europe

13:00 Lunch

The discussion will be held in Hungarian, German and English, with simultaneous interpretation provided.

We are looking forward to welcoming you.