"Otto von Habsburg was Vice President (1957–1973) and President (1973–2004) of the International Paneuropean Union movement. From 1979 to 1999, he served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Christian Social Union of Bavaria (CSU). As a newly elected Member of the European Parliament in 1979, Otto took a strong interest in the countries behind the Iron Curtain, and had an empty chair set up in the European Parliament to symbolize their absence.
Otto von Habsburg played a notable role in the revolutions of 1989 as a co-initiator of the Pan-European Picnic. Later, he was a strong supporter of the EU membership of central and eastern European countries.[11] A noted intellectual, he published several books on historical and political affairs. Otto has been described as one of the "architects of the European idea and of European integration" together with Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer, and Alcide De Gasperi.[12]"
in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_von_Habsburg
"An important part of Otto von Habsburg’s political legacy is his efforts to give new impulse and impetus to post-World War II conservative thought and politics. Recognising the importance of transnational connections and networks, the last Hungarian heir to the throne and later Member of the European Parliament played a crucial role in establishing a number of often interconnected political organisations, mobilising their members, increasing their influence on decision-making processes and developing a coherent conservative political ideology to support them."
in https://habsburgottoalapitvany.hu/en/otto-von-habsburg-and-the-cons...
