With great gratitude and sorrow the Csilla von Boeselager Foundation bids farewell to Prof. Dr. Rita Süssmuth

With great gratitude and sorrow, the Csilla von Boeselager Foundation bids farewell to Prof. Dr. Rita Süssmuth, an outstanding personality in the political and social life of Germany and Europe.

Rita Süssmuth was deeply connected to our foundation’s founder, Csilla von Boeselager, and admired her extraordinary life’s work. Their paths crossed many times, and in 1991 she awarded Csilla the “Women of Europe Award” - as its very first recipient.

During a panel discussion organized by the Csilla von Boeselager Foundation in Arnsberg‑Vosswinkel on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Hungarian border for GDR refugees, Süssmuth once again emphasized Csilla von Boeselager’s contributions. Süssmuth stated that while politicians had negotiated and taken decisions in 1989, “the decisive driving forces were people like Csilla von Boeselager.” 

At the same time, Süssmuth expressed her gratitude that the foundation continued the work initiated by its founder. On the spot, the CDU politician declared: “I will become a member today.”

For many years, Rita Süssmuth accompanied the work of the foundation with interest, goodwill, and personal dedication. With her advice, her public voice, and her authentic European conviction, she was an important companion to the foundation. In recent years, this has especially benefited the victims of the war in Ukraine.

With the death of Rita Süssmuth, the foundation loses a wise counselor, a committed European, and a woman of exceptional moral authority. The board and management of the Csilla von Boeselager Foundation bow in gratitude before this remarkable woman, this strong political leader, and this visionary European. Her life’s work and example will remain both a responsibility and an inspiration to us.

Dr. Raphael von Hoensbroech
on behalf of the Board and Management
Csilla von Boeselager Foundation