Jean-Louis Bourlanges, currently Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, during his official stay in Budapest also paid a visit to the Otto von Habsburg Foundation. The prestigious guest was received on 18 February by György Károlyi, former Ambassador to Paris, member of our Board of Trustees, Gergely Prőhle, Director and Gergely Fejérdy, Deputy Director. The visit took place after the guest’s lecture on French foreign policy, which was organised by our Foundation in cooperation with the National University of Public Service.
Jean-Louis Bourlanges met Otto von Habsburg in Strasbourg, where he worked as a Member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 2007. They knew each other well, as their chairs were close together in the hemicycle. Jean-Louis Bourlanges told many anecdotes about the former Crown Prince, who, even in his eighties, was an energetic and indefatigable participant in the work of the institution. He recalled the special experience of travelling together with Otto von Habsburg to Bosnia as representatives of the European Parliament during the Yugoslav war. According to the French politician, Otto was better acquainted with the history of Europe than his contemporaries, and he was also the most familiar with local conditions. As he pointed out, the former heir to the throne’s courage and clarity of vision were impressive to him at the time.
During the visit, we presented some of the letters exchanged between the French politician and Otto von Habsburg, which are now in the Foundation’s archives. The conversation covered the work with the collection and the importance of passing on the legacy of the former heir to the throne. Jean-Louis Bourlanges indicated that, if his health permits, he would be happy to return to Budapest to give a lecture at the Foundation’s invitation.
