Jubilee Congress in Vienna

More than 300 participants gathered in Vienna from 1 to 4 October 2026 for a jubilee congress marking the 100th anniversary of the First Pan-European Congress, held in Vienna in 1926, four years after the founding of the Pan-European Union.

Held under the motto “For a Strong Europe”, the congress brought together Pan-Europeans and representatives of European political, academic and civic life. They share a recognition of the strategic importance of European unification and a commitment not merely to a common economic area, but also to freedom and its protection through a stronger Europe.

Speakers included Karl von Habsburg, Honorary President of the Pan-European Movement Austria; Vitalii Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv; Pavo Barišić, President of the International Pan-European Union; Vjosa Osmani, former President of the Republic of Kosovo; Johannes Hahn, President of the General Council of the Austrian National Bank; and numerous other European officials and representatives of Pan-European organisations.

The congress was not only a celebration of the centenary, but also an opportunity to reflect on Europe's future. Discussions focused on the future of European unification, European security, a common foreign and security policy, and the further enlargement of the European Union. From its very beginnings, the Pan-European vision has been directed towards a united Europe capable of acting as a geopolitical force.

Karl von Habsburg, Honorary President of the Pan-European Movement Austria, emphasised the need for greater European responsibility for foreign and security policy. “In a united Europe, we can achieve more than individual Member States can achieve on their own. The European Union must therefore assume greater responsibility for foreign and security policy, while its enlargement policy needs fresh impetus.”

Vitalii Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv, who addressed the congress by video link, spoke about Ukraine's struggle for freedom, its European future and democratic values. “We are fighting for our vision and our future. We do not want to become part of Putin's empire, but part of the European Union and the democratic world. Through our struggle, we are also protecting each and every one of you, as well as peace in Europe.”

Pavo Barišić, President of the International Pan-European Union, stressed that the Pan-European Movement champions the idea that European nations can unite in a community of peace, freedom and cooperation. Peace has always been, and remains, our starting point.

“Alongside peace, freedom is a fundamental value. Freedom requires independence in decision-making, while independence requires the ability to defend it. That is why we are discussing a strong Europe at our jubilee congress today. These are the foundations for defending freedom and independence.

"Supporting Ukraine and its citizens in their defence against aggression is therefore a duty for all those committed to a just peace. It is also an investment in the defence of European security and European values.

“The Pan-European response to the erosion of the international legal order must be a Europe capable of making its own decisions, acting collectively and effectively protecting its values. In the interests of international security, as well as its own, the European Union must continue to support countries exposed to aggression and security threats. For Ukraine and Moldova, as well as the countries of South-Eastern Europe, the process of European enlargement must continue and be accelerated,” Barišić declared.

Among those attending the jubilee congress were Walburga Habsburg Douglas, Vice-President of the International Pan-European Union; Vanja Gavran, Secretary-General of the International Pan-European Union and the Croatian Pan-European Union; Mislav Ježić, member of the Presidency of the International Pan-European Union and Honorary President of the Croatian Pan-European Union; Franjo Topić, member of the Presidency of the International Pan-European Union and President of the Pan-European Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Andrej Lepavcov, member of the Presidency of the International Pan-European Union and President of the Macedonian Pan-European Union; Bernd Posselt, member of the Presidency of the International Pan-European Union and President of the German Pan-European Union; Gianna di Danieli, member of the Presidency of the International Pan-European Union and President of the Italian Pan-European Union; Johannes Kijas, member of the Presidency of the International Pan-European Union; Ihor Zhaloba, member of the Presidency of the International Pan-European Union and President of the Pan-European Union of Ukraine; Genc Pollo, President of the Pan-European Union of Albania; Carlos Uriarte Sánchez, President of the Pan-European Union of Spain; and Rainhard Kloucek, President of the Pan-European Movement Austria and host of the congress, along with many others.

Following the congress, a meeting of the Council of the Presidency of the International Pan-European Union was held in Vienna, at which a resolution was adopted. The resolution is attached.

Programm (DE/EN) (PDF)
Resolution (EN) (PDF)