There are few people who personify European philanthropy better than Luc Tayart de Borms. Managing director of Belgium’s King Baudouin Foundation (KBF), a founding member and chair of the European Foundation Centre (now Philea), and former chair of the Network of European Foundations, de Borms is retiring from KBF after a momentous 25 years of service. With characteristic frankness, he reflects with Charles Keidan on his experience and the development of European philanthropy during his tenure.

Luc Tayart de Borms

Charles Keidan: Back in 2000, you told Alliance that the European Union was essentially created to avoid wars and inculcate values of tolerance. As we’re talking, Russia is almost two weeks into its invasion of Ukraine. Having committed so much to European ideals, how does this feel?

Luc Tayart de Borms: It’s a paradoxical situation. While the situation is horrible, and rationality and human values have disappeared, the way Europe has reacted strongly to defend our values is not an empty thing. So while it’s extremely sad, it’s something which we can take some pride in and some optimism that we are standing for those values.