As an ancient European family, the Arenbergs have always viewed history as an invaluable asset in understanding the world, and the numerous challenges it encountered in its nearly 1000 years of existence.  Therefore the Arenberg family is glad to pursue its historical commitments – after opening-up the family’s private archives in Enghien, Belgium – by organising this series of conferences.  By doing so, we hope to contribute to historical sciences, since it is of great help in grasping the numerous complexities of our ever-changing modern society.  History not only helps us to define where we stand, but especially where we want to go in our respective communities, countries, Europe, and of course in the world at large.

By bringing together scholars from all over Europe, we hope that history will remain an inspiration for tomorrow’s world.