In memoriam Otto von Habsburg

I can't avoid putting into words my grief felt over the passing away of Otto von Habsburg, a great European. Born in 1912 into one of the most ancient and powerful royal families in Europe, he shaped history through many decades long after the disappearance of his native Austro-Hungarian Empire. Otto von Habsburg understood from the very early days the perspective and the benefits of European integration. He was a long-serving member of the European Parliament and a champion of the reunification of our continent, so eloquent in so many languages.

I had the privilege of meeting Otto von Habsburg several times both in Belgium and Hungary, always benefiting from his uniquely deep understanding of Europe's past and present. As President Barroso has written, "Otto von Habsburg's commitment to Europe should set a political example for all of us, especially in difficult times."