History and Responsibility: Karl von Habsburg on Europe in a Time of New Challenges
- Where: Václav Havel Library, Ostrovní 13, Prague 110 00
- When: June 24, 2026, 18:00 – 20:00
The year 2026 marks a significant anniversary – 500 years since the Habsburgs ascended to the Czech throne. On this occasion, the Václav Havel Library will welcome Karl von Habsburg, the current head of the Habsburg House, a prominent figure in European public life and a long-standing advocate of European cooperation and freedom. In his lecture, he will focus on the legacy of the Habsburg tradition in today's Europe, the importance of historical memory for democratic society, and the challenges facing the European continent in times of geopolitical change. Karl von Habsburg has long continued the intellectual legacy of his father, Otto Habsburg, one of the most prominent advocates of European integration and a united Europe after World War II. In recent years, he has also been significantly involved in supporting Ukraine and its right to freedom, independence, and a European future. Publicly, he has emphasized the importance of defending democratic values against authoritarian regimes and Europe's responsibility for security, stability, and international law.
The discussion will offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the place of the Czech lands and Central Europe in European history and how the experiences of Europe's past can contribute to finding answers to the questions of the present. The evening will also include space for questions and debate with the audience.
The evening will be hosted by Svetlana Witowská.
The event will be held in English with simultaneous translation into Czech.