Speaking to MTI by phone after the Academy’s annual plenary session, Balog said it was an honour to have gained membership and he was pleased that the Academy is curious to hear Hungary’s voice.

Balog, who has become member of the Academy’s World Religions class, said he considered it his duty to help raise awareness for and strengthen Europe’s Christian roots. He also talked about plans to organise a conference in Hungary about the future of Europe and the challenges faced by the continent.

The European Academy of Sciences and Arts was founded in 1990 by the heart surgeon Felix Unger of Salzburg. It currently has more than 1,500 members, who are grouped into seven scientific classes including Humanities, Medicine, Arts, Sciences, Law and Economics and World Religions.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo Emmi/Bartos Gyula