President Türk on the death of Otto von Habsburg

Ljubljana, 4.7.2011  |  statement

A statement by Slovenian President Dr Danilo Türk on the occasion of the death of Otto von Habsburg, Honorary President of the International Paneuropean Union
Ljubljana, 4 July 2011


It was with sadness that I received the news of the death of Otto von Habsburg, one of the most consistent supporters of Europe’s integration.

Otto von Habsburg was an eyewitness to and an active participant in the turbulent 20th century history of Europe. Already as a young man he showed respect for humanity and a feeling for justice by opposing Nazism and Hitler’s annexation of Austria. After the Second World War, as a member of the European Parliament, and more particularly as a President of the International Paneuropean Union, he firmly advocated the integration of Europe and the recognition of human rights, the rights of minorities and universal human values.

His work and ideas constitute a precious contribution to the united Europe and should be given due account in our thoughts on our European future. He will be written into Europe’s historical record as a great man and a harbinger of human freedom.