The reason for his visit was that the University of Public Service presented him with the Ludovika Prize at a formal ceremony on May 13. The award was established by the Senate of the university to honour outstanding Central European figures whose life’s work and public activity have significantly contributed to strengthening regional cooperation and promoting the European ideal.
At the ceremony, Gergely Prőhle also paid tribute to Wolfgang Schüssel’s political and intellectual legacy, placing particular emphasis on the former chancellor’s connection to Hungary and Central Europe. In his speech, he highlighted one of Schüssel’s thoughts, which aptly reflects his political character and public outlook: “Active optimism draws its strength from extending trust to the future in advance.”
During his stay in Budapest, Wolfgang Schüssel also visited the Otto von Habsburg Foundation, where he viewed selected highlights of our collection, as well as newly processed documents and artefacts. The meeting also provided an excellent opportunity to discuss Europe’s current challenges and the role of historical and cultural heritage in shaping the continent’s future. Wolfgang Schüssel – who had already been the guest of honour at our very first Otto Dinner in 2019 and has visited us several times since – listened with great interest to our presentation on the Foundation’s current collection development and scholarly activities. He spoke with appreciation about the work dedicated to preserving and transmitting the intellectual legacy of Otto von Habsburg.
