CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 01/2016

01/2016 

Das führende Magazin für das Diplomatische Corps, Internationale Organisationen und Wirtschaft 

The leading magazine for the diplomatic corps, international organisations and the economy 

cercle-diplomatique.com 

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EDITORIAL 

Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser! | Dear Readers, 

Wir alle leben in Zeiten mannigfaltiger 

Herausforderungen. In manchen Ländern 

können diese sogar „Lebensadern“ 

wie den Tourismus als wichtige Einnahmequelle 

beinahe zum Versiegen bringen. Unsere Cover- 

Story ab Seite 28 widmet sich diesmal Ägypten, ein 

beliebtes Urlaubsland für Österreicher. Um das 

Vertrauen in die wunderbare Destination wieder 

herzustellen, präsentierte die ägyptische Regierung 

kürzlich einen Maßnahmenkatalog für die Sicherheit 

der Urlauber, für den ein Budget von 32 Millionen 

Dollar zur Erweiterung der Sicherheitsmaßnahmen 

bereit gestellt wurde. 

Bewegte Zeiten gab und gibt es auch in den Ländern 

des Westbalkans, zu lesen in der Geschichte 

unseres Autors Rainer Himmelfreundpointner ab 

S. 46 sowie im Essay von EU-Kommissar Johannes 

Hahn (S. 52). Auch Christoph Neumayer, Generalsekretär 

der Industriellenvereinigung, macht sich 

in diesen Tagen zum Thema Asylwerber, deren Status 

und Möglichkeiten für deren Eingliederung in 

den Arbeitsmarkt Gedanken, zu lesen im Interview 

ab Seite 68. 

Österreich pflegt mit dem Inselstaat Kuba in der 

Karibik bereits seit 70 Jahren diplomatische Beziehungen 

(S. 40). Diese finden wohl ihren Höhepunkt, 

wenn Heinz Fischer als erster österreichischer Bundespräsident 

überhaupt Anfang März dort auf 

Staatsbesuch weilt. Ab Herbst kann die Heimat von 

Zigarren und edlem Rum dann übrigens auch direkt 

mit Austrian Airlines angeflogen werden. 

Einmal auf Kreuzfahrt gehen gehört wohl zu 

den schönsten Dingen des Lebens. Mit der „Augusta 

Victoria“ begann 1891 die Ära der Kreuzfahrten. 

Auch 125 Jahre später hat diese exklusive Art zu 

reisen nichts von ihrer Faszination eingebüßt. Dabei 

kann man exotische Destinationen bei erfrischender 

Meeresbrise genießen (ab S. 112). 

Der Österreicher Bernd Wiesberger ist seit 

mehr als einem Jahr Dauergast im Rampenlicht der 

internationalen Golfszene. Umso erfreulicher für 

Golffans, dass der Top-Star während der Lyoness 

Open presented by Greenfinity eine Woche lang im 

Diamond Country Club im niederösterreichischen 

Atzenbrugg sein Können zeigen wird (ab S. 136). 

Wir wünschen Ihnen angenehme Lektüre! 

The times we live in are full of many different 

challenges. In some countries these challenges 

can even make “lifelines” such as tourism 

practically dry up as a major source of income. 

Our cover story on page 28 focuses on Egypt, a 

country popular with Austrian holidaymakers. The 

Egyptian government recently presented a list of 

measures to ensure the safety and security of tourists, 

aiming to rebuild people‘s confidence in this 

wonderful destination. A budget of 32 million USD 

has already been made available to increase security 

measures. 

The countries of the Western Balkans have also 

seen and are still in the midst of turbulent times. 

Read the story written by our author Rainer Himmelfreundpointner 

on page 46 as well as the essay 

by EU commissioner Johannes Hahn (page 52) on 

this subject. Christoph Neumayer, the general secretary 

of the Industriellenvereinigung, the Federation 

of Austrian Industries, has also been contemplating 

the subject of asylum seekers, their status and 

options on how to be integrated into the labour 

market. The interview can be read on page 68. 

Austria has maintained diplomatic relations 

with the Caribbean island state of Cuba for the last 

70 years (page 40). These will climax at the beginning 

of March when Heinz Fischer will be the first 

ever Austrian Federal President to make a state visit 

there. It will be one of his last official trips. Incidentally, 

Austrian Airlines will be flying directly to the 

home of cigars and fine rums as of this autumn. 

To go on a cruise is probably one of the best 

things in life. The era of cruise holidays started in 

1891 with the “Augusta Victoria”. This exclusive way 

of travelling has not lost its fascination, even 125 

years later. Travellers get to enjoy exotic destinations 

with a refreshing sea breeze (on page 112). 

The Austrian Bernd Wiesberger has regularly 

been in the spotlight of the international golf scene 

for more than a year. Golf fans will be even more 

pleased to hear that this star golfer will be showing 

off his skills during the Lyoness Open presented by 

Greenfinity at the Diamond Country Club in Atzenbrugg 

in Lower Austria for a whole week (on 

page 136). 

Happy reading! 

Herzlichst | Yours, 

Andrea Fürnweger 

Herausgeber | Editor 

Mr Clemens Neukomm 

Wiesenthal Troststraße 

Troststraße 109–111, 1104 Wien 

T: +43 1 60 176-228 

clemens.neukomm@wiesenthal.at 

Mr Osman Ahmad 

Wiesenthal Troststraße 

Troststraße 109–111, 1104 Wien 

T: +43 1 60 176-254 

osman.ahmad@wiesenthal.at 

Mr Adrian Cyrus 

Wiesenthal Donaustadt 

Donaustadtstraße 51, 1220 Wien 

T: +43 1 202 53 31-673 

adrian.cyrus@wiesenthal.at 

Mag. Alexander Bursky 

Herausgeber | Editor

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE – 

ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE 

Nr. 306 

Ausgabe | Issue 01/2016 

CONTENTS 

Coverstory 

EGYPT 

Seite | page 28 

Das antike Land entlang 

des Nils verbessert seine 

Sicherheitsmaßnahmen, 

um das Vertrauen der 

Touristen zu sichern. 

The ancient country along 

the Nile is improving its 

security measures to 

strenghten the confidence 

of its international visitors. 

8 

10 

28 

40 

46 

50 

52 

54 

58 

68 

72 

74 

LE BULLETIN 

Die neuen Botschafter | The new Ambassadors 

Antrittsbesuch bei Bundespräsident Fischer. Handing over accreditations to President Fischer. 

Offizielle Empfänge | Official Receptions 

Die großen Empfänge der vergangenen Monate. The great receptions of the past months. 

LE MONDE 

Coverstory Ägypten | Cover story Egypt 

Die unwiderstehliche Schönheit. The irresistible Beauty. 

Kuba | Cuba 

Das Land und seine Liberalisierung. Cuba is transfoming towards liberalisation. 

Westbalkan | Western Balkans 

Die Zukunft der Länder des Westbalkans. The future of the Western Balkans countries. 

Vienna Economic Forum 

Generalsekretärin Elena Kirtcheva im Interview. Secretary General Elena Kirtcheva in focus. 

Essay 

Weckruf für Europa. Wake-up Call for Europe. 

News 

Neuigkeiten aus der ganzen Welt. Latest update from all over the world. 

L‘AUTRICHE 

UNHCR 

Der endlose Kampf der Hilfsorganisation. The endless fight of UNHCR. 

Österreichische Industriellenvereinigung | Federation of Austrian Industries 

Generalsekretär Neumayer im Interview. Director General Neumayer in focus. 

Zukunftslabor | Future Lab 

Stefan Pierers Visionen für Österreich. Stefan Pierer‘s visions for Austria. 

Wirtschaftsnews | Business news 

Neues aus der Welt der Wirtschaft. News from the world of business. 

102 

108 

112 

118 

124 

126 

130 

132 

136 

142 

146 

158 

Uhren, Schmuck & Mode | Watches, Jewellery & Fashion 

Exklusive Neuheiten. Exclusive news. 

Lifestyle 

Die Trends für den kommenden Frühling. The trends for the spring season. 

Kreuzfahrten | Cruise Travels 

Die Kreuzfahrertrends 2016. The cruising trends 2016. 

Zeitgeschichte | Chronicle 

Kaiserjahre. The Emperor‘s reign. 

Kultur | Culture 

Die Osterfestspiele Salzburg 2016. The Salzburg Easter Festival 2016. 

Kunst | Arts 

Kulturelle Highlights in Wien und Umgebung. Cultural highlights in and around Vienna. 

Upcoming 

Wo es uns gefällt. Where we love to be. 

Reise | Travel 

Top-Hotels und -Restaurants aus aller Welt. Top hotels and restaurants around the world. 

Lyoness Open 

Wo sich die europäische Golfelite trifft. Where the European golf elite is meeting. 

Mein Wien | My Vienna 

Aserbaidschans Botschafter Galib Israfilov. Azerbaijan‘s Ambassador Galib Israfilov. 

LE RENDEZVOUS 

Veranstaltungen | Events 

Exklusive Veranstaltungen im Fokus. Exclusive events in focus. 

LE GUIDE 

Adressen | Addresses 

Nützliche Adressen für die internationale Gesellschaft. 

Useful addresses for the international community. 

78 

82 

84 

88 

90 

92 

94 

100 

SAVOIR VIVRE 

Kulinarik | Culinary delights 

Erhabene Genüsse mit Aussicht. Elevated enjoyment with a view. 

Connaisseur | Connoisseur 

Essen und trinken mit Stil. Wine and dine with style. 

Weekender 

Zu Besuch in Breslau. Visiting Wroclaw. 

Suite Dreams 

Die Fürstensuiten des Hotel Imperial. The Royal Suites in the Hotel Imperial. 

Hideaways 

Entspannung für Ihre kleine Frühlings-Auszeit. Relaxation for your spring timeout. 

Museum Visit 

Zu Besuch im Museum Gugging. Visiting Museum Gugging. 

Wohnen & Einrichten | Living Trends 

Die exklusivsten Neuheiten des Marktes. The most exclusive innovations of the market. 

Motor 

Neues für Straße und im Gelände. New for roads and off-road. 

3 

4 

161 

Editorial 

Inhalt | Contents 

Impressum | Imprint 

COVERPHOTO: FOTOLIA/ GIVAGA; PHOTO: FOTOLIA/ WITR

LE 

BULLETIN 

IN LE BULLETIN ERFAHREN 

SIE, WER DIE NEU 

AKKREDITIERTEN 

BOTSCHAFTER IN 

ÖSTERREICH SIND UND 

WELCHE OFFIZIELLEN 

EMPFÄNGE UND EVENTS IN 

DEN VERGANGENEN DREI 

MONATEN STATTGEFUN- 

DEN HABEN. 

LE BULLETIN TELLS YOU WHO 

THE NEWLY ACCREDITED 

AMBASSADORS TO AUSTRIA 

ARE AND WHICH OFFICIAL 

RECEPTIONS AND EVENTS 

TOOK PLACE IN THE PAST 

FEW MONTHS.

LE BULLETIN CREDENTIALS 

Neu akkredidierte Botschafter bei Bundespräsident Dr. Heinz Fischer 

Newly accredited Ambassadors met Federal President Dr. Heinz Fischer 

H. E. 

Armin 

Andereya Latorre 

Ambassador of the 

Republic of Chile 

Credentials: November 2015 

H. E. 

Juan Antonio 

Fernandez Palacios 


Republic of Cuba 


H. E. 

Auday Al Kheirallah 


Republic of Iraq 

Credentials: January 2016 

H. E. 

Talya Lador-Fresher 


Republic of Israel 



Republic of Peru 

H. E. H. E. 

Alfredo Raúl 

Chuquihuara Chil 

Priyanee Wijesekera 

Ambassador of the Democratic 

Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 

Credentials: January 2016 Credentials: January 2016 

Born on February 2, 1955 

Married, 2 children 

Education 

Diplomatic Academy of Chile Andrés Bello, Bachelor of 

International Relations, Universidad de Santiago, Santiago de 

Chile, Diploma in International Business, Universidad Mayor, 

Santiago de Chile, Diploma in law, policies and institutions of 

the European Union, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago de 

Chile, Diploma in Security and Defence, Academia Nacional 

de Estudios Políticos Estratégicos (ANEPE) (National 

Academy of Political and Strategic Studies), Santiago de 

Chile, Master of International Relations (C), Universidad de 

Santiago, Chile 

Professional Career 

May 2014-present: Permanent Representative of Chile to the 

International Organizations in Vienna 

2013-2014: Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Chile 

2012: Directorate of International and Human Security 

2008-2011: Directorate of Multilateral Policy 

2003-2007: Permanent Mission of Chile to the United 

Nations in New York 

2001-2002: Directorate of Human Resources 

1996-2000: Permanent Mission of Chile to the Organization 

for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in Den 

Hague, Holland 

1994-1995: Directorate of Europe (European Affairs) 

1990-1993: Embassy of Chile in Germany 

1989: Consul at the General Consulate of Chile in Munich, 

Federal Republic of Germany 

1987-1988: Directorate of Culture and Communications 

1983-1986: Consul at the General Consulate of Chile in 

Buenos Aires, Argentina 

1982: Embassy of Chile in Argentina 

Born on July 30, 1963 


Education 

1987: Ph.D in International Political Relations at the Raúl 

Roa Higher Institute of International Studies, Havana, Cuba 


2009-2015: President of the Cuban National Comission of 

UNESCO and Cuban representative in the Executive Board 

of UNESCO 

2005-2009: Ambassador, Permanent Representative of 

Cuba to the United Nations Office at Geneve and others 

international organizations based in Switzerland 

2001-2005: Director, Multilateral Affairs Division of the 

Cuban Ministry for Foreign Affairs 

1997-2000: Deputy Director, Multilateral Affairs Division of 

the Cuban Ministry for Foreign Affairs 

1993-1996: Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of 

Cuba to the United Nations in New York 

1987-1992: Desk officer at the Multilateral Affairs Division 

of the Cuban Ministry for Foreign Affairs 

Born on April 17, 1951 


Education 

1972 Bachelor degree in Agricultural Engineering / 

University of Baghdad, Iraq. 

1978 Postgraduate Diploma in soil science from the 

University College of Wales, UK 

1994 An intensive course of Business Administration and 

Marketing for six month in the City of Ottawa, Canada 

1992 Certificate of Education Council in Ottawa for 

completing the course of heritage combined and current 

languages, Canada 


2015 until now: Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in 

Vienna and permanent representative of Iraq to the United 

Nations (Vienna) 

2010 – till 2015: Ambassador Extraordinary and 

Plenipotentiary of the Rep. of Iraq to the Algerian People’s 

Democratic Republic 

2009-2010: Ambassador in the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign 

Affairs, Baghdad, Iraq, following up different administrative 

and political affairs at the headquarters of the Iraqi 

Foreign Ministry 

2006-2009: General Director of Evaluation and 

Examinations Directorate, and Chairman of the Supreme 

Committee of Examinations, Ministry of Education, Iraq 

PHOTOS: CARINA KARLOVITS UND HARALD MINICH/HFB 

Born in 1962 


Education 

1981-1983: Military Service Intelligence 

B.A degree in Business Administration and Political Science, 

Hebrew University, Jerusalem 


November 2010: Chief of State Protocol and Head of the 

Protocol and Official Guests Bureau, Ministry of Foreign 

Affairs 

2006-2010: Minister Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Israel in 

London 

2003-200: Director, European Department of the Economics 

Affairs Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

2000-2003: Advisor to the President on World Jewish 

Affairs, Office of the President of the State of Israel 

1997-2000: Deputy Director, World Jewish Affairs 

Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

1993-1997: Consul for Information, Consulate General of 

Israel in New York 

1991-1993: Second Secretary, Embassy of Israel in Kingston, 

Jamaica 

1989-1991: Diplomatic Cadet, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Born on September 23, 1958 


Education 

1993-1994: Master in Public Administration John F. 

Kennedy School of Government Harvard University 

1982-1984: Graduate in International Relations Diplomatic 

Academy of Peru 

1975-1980: Bachelor of Law Pontifical Cath. University of Peru 


2013-2015:Director of Tourism Promotion of the Peruvian 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Chairman of the Peruvian 

Diplomatic Service Association (AFSDP). 

2011-2012: Deputy Permanent Representative of Peru to 

the United Nations, New York. 

2006-2010: Deputy Consul General of Peru in Connecticut 

and Rhode Island 

2004-2006: Chief of Cabinet of the Peruvian Minister of 

Foreign Affairs: with Ambassador Manuel Rodríguez 

Cuadros and Ambassador Oscar Maúrtua de Romaña. 

2003-2004: President of the Commission on Population 

and Development of the United Nations, New York. 

Consultant of United Nations Fund for Population 

Activities – UNFPA, New York 

1997-2003: Minister Counselor and Counselor, Permanent 

Mission of Peru to the United Nations, Second and Third 

Secretary Committee Delegate. 

1994-1997: First Secretary, Head of Planning, Ministry of 

Foreign Affairs of Peru 

1988-1992: Second Secretary, Officer of the Political 

Department of the Embassy of Peru in Washington DC 

1985-1988: Third Secretary, Officer of the Under-secretariat 

for America, Political Department of Chile and Bolivia, 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru 

Born on March 30, 1948 

Widowed 

Education 

Until 1969: LLB (Ceylon) 

Until 1986 in Public International Law (human Rights and 

The Law of the Sea), LLM (Colombo) 


2002-2008: Secretary General of Parliament 

1994-2002: Deputy Secretary General of Parliament 

1992-1994: Asst. Secretary, General of Parliament 

1992: Research Officer, Parliament of Sri Lanka 

1985-1992: Secretary, Law Commission 

1984-1985: Asst. Secretary, Law Commission 

1974-1984: Legal Officer, Bribery Commissioner’s 

Department 

1972-1974: Research Assistant, Ministry of Justice 

8 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2016 

Cercle Diplomatique 1/2016 

9

LE BULLETIN REVIEW 

Official receptions 

Find more 

photos online 


November 2015 

Presentation of „Cercle Diplomatique“ 4/15 at Palais Hansen Kempinski 

Many Ambassadors, officials and company representatives gave the editors, Andrea Fürnweger and Alexander Bursky, the honour 

to welcome the winter issue with the cover story on Thailand and enjoyed delicious food and pleasant encounters. 

Together with General Manager Peter Knoll (l.), the editors were happy to present 

the winter issue at the magnificent hotel at the Ring. Mr. Danai Jarnpoj (in the 

diplomatic rang of Minister, middle) represented the Embassy of Thailand. 

PHOTOS: XYXXYXYXY 

PHOTOS: HARALD KLEMM 

All guests had the opportunity to 

enjoy a small tour in the hotel as well 

as the possibility to take a close look 

at the brandnew BMW 7 of 

CD-partner BMW Vienna. 



11



Angola 

On the occasion of National Day, H.E. Maria de Jesus Ferreira invited to the ballroom of the Grand Hotel. 


Belgium 

The King´s Day was commemorated with a reception at 

the Belgian residence. 

DONATI.AT 

EXPERTS FOR 

FLORISTRY AND GARDENING 

ATELIER 

SILBERGASSE 52 | 1190 WIEN 

H.E. Maria de Jesus 

Ferreira (left) with 

Andrea Fürnweger 

H.E. Willem and 

Kristin Van de 

Voorde (2nd r.; 

middle), Permanent 

Representative at 

the OSCE, Bruno 

Georges (2nd l.) 

with his wife and 

Alexander Bursky (r.) 


Latvia 

H.E. Edgars Skuja and H.E. Bahtijors Hasans invited to a National Day reception at the Diplomatic Academy. 

H.E. Edgars Skuja (top left) with his wife Sandra 

and with H.E. Bahtijors Hasans (left picture, at 

the right). 


COMBINING 

SIGNIFICANCE 

AND STYLE 

Convincing by the 

first impression. 

Adding to business 

professionalism. 

Individual solutions 

ranging from 

filled vessels to 

floral installations. 

Presentations 

receptions • banquets 

conferences • meetings 

exhibition booths 

gala dinners 

company parties 

anniversaries 

shops 

12 


Handcraft by Donati



Palestine 

The Albert Schweitzer House in Vienna was the location for the 

National Day reception of Palestine. 


Oman 

On the occasion of National Day, 

H.E. Badr M. Al-Hinai invited to the Grand Hotel. 

ENJOY THE 

PANORAMIC 

VIEWS 

H.E. Salah Abdel Shafi (middle) 

with colleagues from the Embassy and guests. 

H.E. Badr M. 

Al-Hinai talked with 

CD editor Alexander 

Bursky (picture very 

left) 

1220 Vienna, 

Am Kaisermühlendamm 107 

Where Vienna lets you 

unwind: water, green oases, 

and pure leisurely enjoyment. 

Freehold apartments 

with urban living. 


Laos 

National Day was celebrated at the Meliá Hotel Vienna. 


Project by: 

Visit us at 

W 

M WIENER 

IMMOBILIEN 

MESSE 

12.—13. 03. 2016 

Stand B_07 

H.E. Phoukhao Phommavongsa (2nd l.) 

with his wife Keovyluy (2nd r.) 


T 43-1-71706-100 

www.raiffeisenevolution.com 

Cercle Diplomatique 1/2016 15



Vienna Economic Forum 

The Vienna Dialogue 2015 of the 12th Vienna Economic Forum took 

place at the magnificent Palais Niederösterreich. 

Exclusive 

media partner 


Panama 

On the occasion of National Day the new Ambassador, H.E. Paulina Franceschi Navarro, 

invited to the Europe hall of the Latinamerica-Institute. 

Selected speakers and important 

participants: The topic of the 

12th Vienna Economic Forum put 

investments as a motor in the 

center of attention. 4th from right: 

Secretary General of the Vienna 

Economic Forum Dr. Elena Kirtecheva 

Since November 2015, 

H.E. Paulina Franceschi Navarro 

is the Ambassador of Panama 

in Austria. 

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Lebanon 

National Day was celebrated at the residence. 

December 2015 

Romania 

H.E. Bogdan Mazuru and his wife Emilia invited to a National 

Day celebration to the elegant Börsensäle. 

EXQUISITE ANTIQUES 

WATCHES 

JEWELRY 

PRECIOUS METALS 

Chargé dÁffaires a.i. Salim 

Baddoura (right) with 

Honorary Consul of Cape 

Verde, Wolfgang Meixner 

H.E. Bogdan Mazuru 

with his wife Emilia (top 

photo left, 2nd left) 


Poland 

A new Honorary Consulate was opened in the city of Salzburg to 

intensify the relations between Poland and the province of Salzburg. 

Top: At the opening: Mayor Heinz Schaden, H.E. 

Ambassador Artur Lorkowski, Honorary Consul 

Michael Pallauf, Governor Wilfried Haslauer and 

Waldemar Dabrowsk, General Director National 

Opera Warsaw. 

PHOTOS: HARALD KLEMM, NEUMAYR, CHRISTIAN LEITNER 

Auktioneum GmbH 

Spiegelgasse 19 

1010 Wien 

Tel: +43 1 890 90 95 

E-Mail: office@auktioneum.com 

Web: www.auktioneum.com 


www.auktioneum.com 




United Arab Emirates 

National Day was celebrated at the Palais Pallavicini. 


Thailand 

The birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol 

Adulyadej of Thailand was honoured at the Kursalon Vienna. 

Ambassador 

H.E. Abdelhadi 

Abdelwahid 

Alkhajah(left) 

and H.E. Hamad 

Al Kaabi, 

Permanent 

Representative at 

IAEA & CTBTO 

H.E. Arthayudh 

Srisamoot and his 

wife Kamoltip (left 

very top picture, 

left and 2nd left) 

celebrated with a 

concert, original 

Thai food and 

numerous guests. 


20 



21



Japan 

The birthday of His Majesty The Emperor was celebrated at the residence. 


Bosnia & Herzegovina 

The Armed Forces Day was honoured with a 

reception at the Hotel De France. 

January 2016 

Great Britain 

On the occasion of the New Year, a 

reception was held at the residence. 

From left: H.E. Makoto 

Taketoshi and his 

wife Hitomi with 

H.E. Mitsuru Kitano 

with his wife Yoshie. 

H.E. Tomislav 

Leko (middle), 

Col. Slobodan 

Tanasilovi ć 

(left) and 

H.E. Sanjin 

Halimovi ć . 


Qatar 

On the occasion of National Day, the Ambassador of Qatar invited to the InterContinental Vienna. 


PHOTOS: HARALD KLEMM, BEIGESTELLT DURCH BOTSCHAFT KASACHSTAN 


Kazakhstan 

Independence Day was celebrated with a concert at the Konzerthaus and 

a gala reception at The Ritz-Carlton Vienna. 

Left, very top: 

H.E. Susan le Jeune 

dÁllegeershecque, 

Ambassador of 

Great Britain 

H.E. Ali Al-Mansouri 

(top middle picture, 

right) 

Top: H.E. Kairat Sarybay 

Very left: Under the motto 

„Kazakhstan meets Tyrol“, the 

Kazakh ensemble Saryzhaylau 

with artist Yedil Khussainov 

played with the Herbert Pixner 

Project from South Tyrol. 

22 

Cercle Diplomatique 1/2016



OSCE 

On occasion of the OSCE Chairmanship, Germany invited to an opening reception 

at the Austrian National Library. 

February 2016 

Iran 

The Embassy of Iran was the magnificent location 

for the celebration of the National Day. 

Below: H.E. 

Ebadollah Molaei 

(very left) 

German Minister of Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier, OSCE 

Chairperson in 2016, with Director General Johanna Rachinger, 

Director Austrian National Library. 


Sri Lanka 

The new Ambassador of Sri Lanka, H.E. Priyanee Wijesekera, invited to a National Day reception at the Embassy. 


Serbia 

National Day was celebrated at the Diplomatic Academy. 

PHOTOS: ADRIAN ALMASAN/ GERMAN MISSION OSCE, HARALD KLEMM 

H.E. Pero Janković 

H.E. Priyanee 

Wijesekera with 

CD editor 

Alexander Bursky 

24 



25

Das perfekte Wetter. 

Das ganze Jahr. 

DAS IST WINTER 

LE 

MONDE 

HURGHADA 

RIVIERA DES ROTEN MEERES 

thisisegypt.com 

HIER FINDEN SIE EINE REIHE 

HOCHINTERESSANTER 

BERICHTE ÜBER DIE 

LÄNDER DIESER WELT UND 

IHRE VERTRETUNGEN IN 

ÖSTERREICH, GESPICKT MIT 

INTERVIEWS UND 

STELLUNGNAHMEN VON 

EXPERTEN AUS DEM IN- 

UND AUSLAND. 

HERE YOU WILL FIND A 

NUMBER OF HIGHLY 

INTERESTING REPORTS ON 

THE COUNTRIES OF THE 

WORLD AND THEIR 

REPRESENTATIONS IN 

AUSTRIA, PEPPERED WITH 

INTERVIEWS AND EXPERTS’ 

OPINIONS FROM AUSTRIA 

AND ABROAD.

LE MONDE EGYPT 

The ancient 

country along the 

Nile is drastically 

improving its 

security measures 

to strengthen the 

confidence of its 

10 million international 

visitors a 

year, while its 

economy struggles 

to create more 

jobs for 90 million 

Egyptians. 

EGYPT 

THE 

IRRESISTIBLE 

BEAUTY 

Text: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner 

PHOTO: GARDEL BERTRAND 

The Pyramids of Gizeh – even if 

they may be the very clichée of 

Egypt, no tourist should miss 

these famous monuments. 


Cercle Diplomatique 1 /2016 

29


The Sphinx, the 

Egyptian guardian of 

eternity. 

Egyptian chapati. 

FACTS & 

FIGURES 

White desert in the 

north of Farafra. 

The Egyptian Museum 

in Cairo. 

PHOTOS: GARDEL BERTRAND, EUROMONEY/THE EARL OF GUILFORD, CHICUREL ARNAUD, RIEGER BERTRAND 

Sometimes, when you fall in love, you do not 

know exactly why. So it happened to Anthony 

Sattin, a writer for the leading travel guide „Lonely 

Planet“. The harder he tried, the less he could 

find a final reason for his love of Egypt: ”Is it the way 

the glorious past casts long shadows over the present? 

Is it the way the lush Nile Valley gives way, from 

one footstep to another, to the harshness of the desert? 

Is it the light in the eye of the person telling me 

a story in a cafe, who has just burst into laughter?“ 

As often, his resumé ends up in a sweet compromise, 

which is certainly shared by the 10 to 12 million 

tourists visiting Egypt each year – ”the intensity 

of light, the love of life, the sense of family and many, 

many more reasons“ are only some of the ingredients 

of the magical nectar Egypt is offering to the world. 

Among the others, as any of the nearly 150,000 Austrian 

tourists who took a trip to Egypt last year is also 

well aware of, one may choose from a vast variety of 

outstanding attractions. 

First of all there is this gentle touch of history turning 

every stone into a mirror of the ancient past of 

a country that already existed more than 3,150 years 

before the birth of Jesus Christ. Whether you visit 

the sand-covered tombs, the austere pyramids or the 

towering Pharaonic temples, walk through the Valley 

of the Kings in Luxor, where Tutankhamun’s 

tomb was unearthed, hop off a Nile boat at Dendara, 

Edfu or one of the other waterside temples, cross 

Lake Nasser to see Ramses II’s masterpiece at Abu 

Simbel, or trek into the desert to find the traces of 

Roman trading outposts – all of the places will bring 

out the explorer in you. And with a little luck, your 

donkey might stumble across yet another find, just 

like the way many previous discoveries were made. 

Then Egypt, which from Austria is only a threehours-flight 

away, treats you with unmatched possibilities 

of relaxation, leisure and sporting activities. 

There are those who prefer empty beaches with 

nothing but a candlelit cabin and a teeming coral reef 

offshore, waiting for them at the coast along the Red 

Sea with its rugged desert beauty above the waterline 

and a psychedelic vibrancy below. 

Others may head to a holiday paradise like Hurghada, 

Marsa Alam, El Gouna, Sharm el-Sheikh or 

Soma Bay to train their skills in kite- oder windsurfing, 

to improve their handicap in one of the 21 golfclubs 

there (with a new 18-hole-course, the Ancient 

Sands, opening soon in El Gouna), or to enjoy a dive 

into a most diverse and ecologically intact underwater 

world. ”We have some 300 diving centers in 

Egypt all over the Sinai Peninsula and at the Read 

Sea coast“, says Hans Heinz Dilthey, the Vice Chairman 

of the Chamber of Diving and Watersports in 

Cairo. „Plus up to 170 safari ships offering special 

diving trips which normally last for about one week.“ 

And some may seek the solitude and irresistible 

beauty of Egypt‘s vast deserts, taking home an unforgettable 

memory of a sun rise between the gentle 

shapes of the White Desert, the lofty heights of Mt 

Sinai (Gebel Musa) or the shimmering horizon from 

the comfort of a hot spring in Siwa Oasis. Or they 

just book a cruise on one of the luxury Nile ships to 

engage in a personal dialogue with the remainings of 

the times of Ramses II., Echnaton and his beautiful 

wife Nofretete or the old kings of the mystic underworld, 

all along the holy river which for Egypt is the 

very source of life, fertility, food and energy. 

”Even though our history and culture in scientific 

terms is better explored than that of most other 

countries, Egypt has lost nothing of its fascination“, 

says Tamer Marzouk, the director of tourism in charge 

of incoming guests from Austria, Germany, Switzerland 

und Poland. But because of recent incidents 

– mainly a terrorist strike on a Russian charterplane 

last December with more than 200 persons killed, 

the threat from Jihadists of the Islamic State, and the 

criminal attack in a Hurghada hotel in January, 

which left two Austrian tourists injured – Egypt is 

confronted with a diminishing number of bookings. 

And authorities are getting kind of nervous, since the 

tourism industry provides jobs for some 5 million 

Egyptians and accounts for over 11 percent of the 

country‘s GDP. In reaction to this, at the end of February 

a brand new image campain ”Egypt – where all 

began“ – has been launched „to re-awake the confidence 

into Egypt as a whole-year holiday destination 

for families and all guests interested in culture or 

sports“, as Marzouk points out. 

”Egypt has also drastically tightened its security 

measures“, explains Khaled Shamaa, the country‘s 

Ambassador to Austria (see interview page 34). With 

the help of the international security company ”Control 

Risk“ airport controls and street checkpoints as 

well as military and police forces have been upgraded. 

”One of the main examples of how that has 

been done efficiently is the very quick response by 

the security forces at the latest incident in Hurghada“, 

Shamaa says, adding that this is only one of the 

problems modern Egypt is currently facing. 

EGYPT 

Official Name: 

Arab Republic of Egypt 

Region: As a transcontinental 

country, Egypt is spanning the 

Northeast corner of Africa and the 

Southwest corner of Asia via the 

land bridge of the Sinai Peninsula. 

It is bordered by the Gaza Strip 

and Israel to the Northeast, the 

Gulf of Aqaba to the East, the Red 

Sea to the East and South, Sudan 

to the South and Libya to the 

West. 

Area: 1,010,407.87 km2 

Population: 90,4 million 

(2016 estimate) 

Language: Arabic 

Religion: Muslim (90 %) Coptic 

Christian (9 %), other Christians 

(1 %). 

Capital: Cairo 

Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP) 

GDP: GDP 324,27 billion $ 

(2015 estimate, nominal) 

GDP per capita: 3.724 $ 

(2015 estimate, nominal) 

Government: Unitary semipresidential 

republic. 

Establishment: c. 3150 BC 

The City Stars mall in Cairo. 

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, 

with the mighty Nile, seen 

from a high above perspective. 

Whether you are looking for an unforgettable 

dive, the solitude of the desert, the never ending 

pulse of Cairo or a certain touch of history – you 

will find that and more in Egypt – ”where all 

began“. 

Restaurant San Giovanni, 

Alexandria. 

Bibliotheca Alexandrina. 



31

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Dromedaries at Canyon 

Beach in Dahab, Sinai. 

Feluccas on the 

Nile river in Aswan. 

Enjoying the endless horizon 

of the Red Sea, sailing the 

Nile, shopping in a souk. 

After five turbulent years – with the revolution of 

the Arab Spring in early 2011, the violent removal of 

President Mohamed Morsi, leader of the Muslim 

Brotherhood, the following coup d‘etat and the election 

of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, former head of the Egyptian 

Armed Forces, who was sworn into office as President 

of Egypt on 8 June 2014 – the main issue is to 

stabilise the economy. Egypt‘s population of some 90 

million inhabitants is growing by about 2 million 

each year with a majority under the age of 35, the 

unemployment rate is close to 13 percent and almost 

40 percent of the younger are without jobs. 

To address these challenges of massive youth unemployment, 

plus high internal and external debt, 

low foreign exchange reserves, and a serious energy 

crisis, President Sisi relies on three main pillars of 

economic planning towards a path of sustained high 

growth and low unemployment. First: Reforming the 

generalised subsidy system and reducing the very 

high fiscal deficit. Second: Launching a number of 

megaprojects mainly related to energy and infrastructure 

to spur growth and create employment. 

And third: Generating foreign financing to fill an ongoing 

large external financing gap. 

According to an analysis by experts of the ”Atlantic 

Council“, an intelligence group, ”actions on these 

three fronts in late 2014 and early 2015 led to considerable 

optimism that a corner was being turned in 

Egypt’s economic fortunes, and that 2015 would be a 

much better year.“ Indeed, growth in 2015 rose to 4.2 

INFO: 

General: egypt.travel 

Diving: cdws.travel 

percent, almost twice the rate of 2014. The subsidy 

bill for the government fell sharply from 14.2 percent 

(of GDP) in 2014 to 11,7 percent last year. And foreign 

direct investment, which is the best indicator of 

a country’s economic prospects, rose by 2 billion dollar 

in 2015 above the 4.1 billion dollar figure in the 

previous year. However, this was a far cry from the 

peak of $13.2 billion inflows in 2008. 

But the main disappointment in 2015 was the 

country’s external accounts deficit, which increased 

from 0.8 percent in 2014 to 3.7 percent of GDP in 

2015. Exports stagnated and workers remittances 

from overseas (in average some surprising 20 billion 

dollar a year) and tourism receipts, having fallen to 

only 6.1 billion dollar due to cancellations after the 

downing of the Russian airliner, did not sufficiently 

cover the trade account deficit of close to 28 billion 

dollar. All this forced Egypt to tap the international 

capital market by issuing Eurobonds worth 1.5 billion 

dollar in mid-2015 and asking the World Bank for 

another 3 billion dollar loan. Nevertheless the Egyptian 

government for 2016 is projecting growth of 

around 5 percent, while most other observers, including 

the World Bank and the International Monetary 

Fund, expect only a rate of 4 percent or less. ”There 

doesn’t seem to be any particularly persuasive 

evidence that 2016 will be much better than 2015“, 

the Atlantic Council concludes. 

So all hope is concentrated on the range of mega 

projects, presented at a big ”Egypt Economic Development 

Conference“ in 2015 to attract major foreign 

direct investments. An official paper handed out 

there states: ”As Egypt develops and innovates its 

economy, it will only grow as a destination for international 

investment. Today investors increasingly 

view Egypt as a smart place to do business, not only 

putting down payment on their own future, but reflecting 

a strong confidence in a more prosperous 

and stable tomorrow for the Egyptian people.“ 

However, in a sluggish world economy the desired 

sums to achieve this goal seem to be more than 

ambitious. In order to reach a 5 percent growth rate, 

the Egyptian government has calculated, overall investments 

of more that 53 billion dollar would be 

needed, of which the state can only provide some 15 

percent. Having this in mind, even President Sisi 

seems to have recognised that it will take a while to 

transform the economy, as he warned his people during 

a recent speech that “…maybe a generation or 

two will not reap the benefits of reform“. 

PHOTOS: CHICUREL ARNAUD, B.RIEGER, GARDEL BERTRAND 

PHOTOS: EUROMONEY/THE EARL OF GUILFORD, CHICUREL ARNAUD/HEMIS.FR 

The legacy of Alois Negrelli 

If there exists a household name from Austrian origin in Egypt – apart 

from Arnold Schwarzenegger and Niki Lauda – then it is the one of the 

Austrian engineer Alois Negrelli, who featured prominently in the 

planning of the Suez Canal in the 1860s. With his visit to the inauguration 

ceremony of ”Egypt‘s gift to the world“ on 17 November 1869, the 

Austrian Emporer Franz Joseph I. then layed the grounds for subsequently 

deepening economic ties between the two countries, with currently 

around 600 Austrian companies engaged in business activities with 

Egypt. ”Today Austria and Egypt enjoy excellent trade relations“, says 

Martin Woller, Commercial Counsellor for Egypt. ”Austrian contributions 

to Egyptian success stories are noteworthy to this day.“ 

Hidden Champions. Especially Austrian technology and know-how are 

widely used in Egypt and can be found in many projects. However, these 

vital components packed “inside” machineries or projects are often 

delivered by ”Hidden Champions“ and therefore not known to the public. 

Currently, Austrian experts are helping with the ”New Suez Canal“ 

project, by providing engineering services for the tunnels crossing the 

Suez Canal. Important Austrian involvement and cooperation in Egyptian 

projects include hydropower installations on the Nile, formwork and 

facade solutions for the Egyptian Grand Museum, water treatment and 

desalination plants to ensure drinking water supply for Egypt or even 

four sided professional squash courts for one of Egypt’s favourite sports. 

”Of course some of the famous brands are also well known to all 

Egyptians“, Woller reports. ”Think only of jewellery or consumer goods 

such as fruit juices, energy drinks, sweets and dairy products.“ 

Stable exports. Egyptian-Austrian trade is growing steadily. Austrian 

purchases from Egypt increased during 2014 by 12 percent to over EUR 

92 million. Austrian exports to Egypt remained stable 2014 at around 

200 million Euros with significant increases in 2015, reaching an all-time 

high some 230 million Euros. 

The Peace Bridge over the 

Suez Canal which links 

Africa and Asia. 

The sun, the pool, the relaxation – Egypt is 

offering far more than a wide range of business 

and investment opportunities. 

Hotel de France Wien 

General Manager 

Michael Pohn 

Schottenring 3 


Tel 43 1 31368-0 

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ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL 

32 

Cercle Diplomatique 1/2016

LE MONDE EGYPT | INTERVIEW 

H.E. Khaled Abdel-Rahman Shamaa 

“Egypt is moving into a stable and progressive phase.“ 

H.E. Khaled Shamaa, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Austria, outlines the path of his 

country towards more economic growth and the range of new security measures already implemented. 

Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner 

KHALED ABDEL-RAHMAN SHAMAA 

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA 

Anyone having the privilege of 

visiting the Egyptian Embassy in 

Vienna‘s 19th district, immediately 

feels the joys of some gentle breath of 

history, as if the spirits of ancient pharaos 

would still be around in what is one of the 

most beautiful Embassy buildings of the 

city. When Khaled Shamaa, the Ambassador 

of the Arab Republic of Egypt to 

Austria, sat down with „Cercle Diplomatique“ 

for an exclusive interview in early 

February 2016, he therefore first embarked 

on the deep historic ties between Egypt 

and Austria. The first major cultural and 

technological exchange took place in the 

middle of the 19th century, when the 

Austrian engineer Alois Negrelli took part 

in the plannings of the Suez Canal, which 

were inaugurated on 17 November1869, 

with a high level celebration which 

Austrian Emporer Franz Joseph I. payed 

his visit. ”That was more or less the first 

high level visit of state“, Khaled reports. 

After World War II, many Egyptians 

started to study at Austrian Universities 

which led to the formation of a large 

Egyptian community in Austria, up to 

nearly 150,000 Austrian tourists visiting 

Egypt last year, and strong economic 

relations. In the light of the recent political 

developments in Egypt, this aspect is 

gaining more and more importance, the 

Ambassador points out in the interview. 

In his opening statement he starts with a 

roundup of Egypt‘s current political 

constitution. 

CD: Your Excellency, can you please share with us 

your view about the state of Egypt and its 

political framework five years after the revolution, 

also known as the ”Arab Spring“? 

KHALED SHAMAA: These last few years 

were quite turbulent, during which Egypt 

has witnessed two revolutions in 2011 and 

in 2013. But we are now moving on, not 

only into a stable but also into a progressive 

phase. 

For the first time we have a constitution 

that has been elaborated extensively by leading 

Egyptian figures from all works of life, 

which has been approved by a national referendum 

and that was lately followed by 

Parliamentary elections. 

The new Parliament has historically the 

highest representation of women, Copts, 

and intellectuals. Therefore, it could be 

considered a true representative of the people 

of Egypt. 

So things are moving in the right direction. 

But that does not mean that there are 

no challenges ahead. 

Thanks to its high birth rate, Egypt is growing by 

some two million people each year. Can the 

economy provide enough jobs for your expanding 

population? 

The economy is one of our main challenges. 

We need more jobs, education, 

healthcare and housing. To address this issue, 

Egypt has launched several development 

projects – some are mega-projects, 

many others are platforms for small and 

medium enterprises – in agricultural, energy, 

infrastructure and housing among 

others. 

Several Austrian companies have participated 

or are planning to participate in 

such projects, including in renewable energy 

and water management systems, with 

several Memorandums of Understanding 

for cooperation already concluded, including 

the leading Austrian company Kapsch. 

Funding for such investment projects 

has been secured through cooperation 

with many partners including the Gulf states, 

China, India, Germany, UK and many 

partners, and also from private investments. 

As a matter of fact one of the major investment 

projects that was completed recently, 

namely the expansion of the Suez 

Canal, was totally funded by Egyptians. 

And as for the economic activities with the 

European Union, which is Egypt‘s main trade 

partner, counting for more than 30 percent of 

trade volume? How would you judge the 

developments in this regard? 

There are already a lot of big investments, 

mainly in the energy sector, which 

is among the fastest growing sectors in 

Egypt. There are substantial investments in 

the exploration and development of oil 

fields from the Italian giant ENI, following 

a major discovery of gas fields in the Mediterranean. 

From Siemens we have a deal to 

construct twelve power stations. 

All of these will also provide value addition 

in terms of training and education, 

which further contribute to the economy at 

large. 

Can you give us some examples of Austrian 

companies active in Egypt, since our trade volume 

of some 300 million Euros seems to have catched 

up lately? 

Well, apart from Kapsch, Frequentis, 

Fabasoft, Vamed, Siemens Austria and 

many other Austrian Companies that are 

or have been doing business and investment 

in Egypt, we have had an increased 

exchange of business delegations between 

the two countries. We had a visit by a delegation 

from the Egyptian Federation of Industries 

in February of last year, and just 

recently a business delegation organised by 

the Austrian Chamber of Commerce has 

just completed a visit to Egypt. 

In all our business and technical cooperation 

with Austria, we emphasise also the 

value addition to our transactions, namely 

the necessary technology transfer, but also 

The Egyptian Ambassador Extraordinary and 

Plenipotentiary to Austria and Permanent Representative 

to the International Organisations in Vienna 

(since 2011), holds a Master of International Affairs 

from George Washington University. 



35

LE MONDE EGYPT | INTERVIEW 

LE MONDE EXPERT´S VIEW 

Ambassador Khaled Shamaa and 

”Cercle Diplomatique“ author 

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner. 

Martin Woller 

Head of Advantage Austria in Cairo and Commercial Counsellor for Egypt, Libya and Sudan 

“Egypt‘s security measures have been enhanced drastically.“ 

the vocational training and human resources 

development. In the coming period we 

are seeking to enhance our cooperation 

with the various vocational training institutes 

in Austria. 

Egypt is one of the major tourist destinations for 

Austrians as well. But more and more people are 

getting anxious about the security situation there. 

How is Egypt facing this problem? 

If you are talking about the recent incident 

in Hurghada at the Red Sea, let me 

point out that it was not a terrorist attack 

but a criminal one. It was a fight, no gunfire, 

between two persons with another individual 

in the restaurant of a hotel. Unfortunately 

two Austrians have been hurt, but 

they decided to continue their trip. 

We are now getting into a more stable 

period. What we have done quite extensively 

is to look into any possible gaps in security 

measures that have already been implemented. 

One of the main examples of 

how that has been done efficiently is the 

very quick response by the security forces 

at the latest incident in Hurghada. That in 

itself gives you an indication of the type of 

readiness which is now in place. 

Airport security measures have been 

also enhanced through various measures, 

not only in Sharm el Sheikh but in Cairo, 

and in Hurghada and many other airports 

in Egypt. 

Tourism accounts for more than 10 percent of 

Egypt‘s GDP and... 

...has been impacted by the security issue. 

That is why we are working so hard on 

this matter. We do want the tourists to be 

coming to Egypt, at the same time we want 

them to feel safe. That is why for instance in 

places like Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada 

all safety and security measures had been 

taken to ensure that. 

So it is not only about the tourists coming 

to Egypt, it is about them having a 

good time there. For example, most of the 

Austrians coming to Egypt are return-tourists. 

They know the place very well, they 

know what they want. They go to the same 

hotel back again and again. Sometimes 

they even know the room they want to stay 

in. Egypt has become a second home for 

them, or a holiday home. This is what we 

encourage and welcome very much. 

How is Egypt reacting to the threat of the Islamic 

State, which claimed responsibility of bombing a 

Russian tourist plane last year with more than 

200 victims? 

With regard to this tragedy, we are in 

contact with the Russian authorities. In 

terms of combating terrorism, first of all 

there are all the security measures previously 

mentioned. Then we have to prevent 

the flow of supplies to terrorist groups 

(such as ISIS or „Daesh“ and other groups). 

And finally we have to confront them and 

their ideologies, which have nothing to do 

with religion by the way. 

So we joined the coalition against Daesh 

in Iraq and Syria, and we have been working 

against the presence of terrorist 

groups in Libya. We also are successfully 

combating terrorism in Egypt. One very 

important thing is: The moment you start 

giving in to the wins of the terrorists, and 

to appease them, life would cease. And that 

would be the biggest victory for them. 

Recent events have proven that terrorism 

is not an exclusive threat to the Middle 

East. Europe as well as the rest of the 

world are within its reach now. 

Therefore we should stand all together 

against terrorism. And life should carry on 

as usual; people will still go to their jobs, 

children to schools. That would be, in my 

opinion, the most effective tool to confront 

and to defeat terrorism. 

FOTOS: PHOTOS: XYXXYXYXY 

RALPH MANFREDA 

PHOTO: FRANK HELMRICH 

Egypt, with 90 million people the most populated country in the Middle East, has 

all the potentials to master its economic challenges. But it will be no smoot sailing. 

We live in challenging and exciting times in 

Egypt. Politically the last few years have 

seen multiple major shifts and only recently 

the situation has moved towards stabilisation 

with the election of President Abdelfatah El Sisi as 

well as a new Parliament. A volatile security situation 

that is often hyped in the media, generating a strong 

presence in the media for all the wrong reasons. 

Egypt, with 90 million people the most populated 

country in the Middle East, has recorded a huge population 

growth in 2015 of about 2-3 million people 

within that year. Approximately 69 percent of Egyptians 

are under 35 years of age, leading to big demographic 

challenges and a large demand in the areas of 

education, jobs and infrastructure. 

However, a strong economic performance is expected 

to offset these challenges. As such under the 

leadership of President Abdelfatah El Sisi many initiatives 

have been (re)ignited in order to increase the 

GDP growth rates from meagre 2.2 percent per annum 

in 2014 to at least 5 percent in the short and 

above 6 percent in the medium term. The estimated 

growth rate for 2015 at around 4 percent falls short of 

expectations as a drop in tourism revenues and foreign 

investments (especially) towards the end of the 

year was recorded. 

Tourism revenues, foreign investments paired 

with remittances and the revenues from the Suez Canal 

are the main sources of hard currency for Egypt. 

The lower than expected numbers in these sectors, 

including a massive trade deficit has decreased foreign 

reserves and put pressure on the Egyptian 

pound. By refusing to devaluate the pound the Presidency, 

the Government and the Central Bank are 

trying to limit (predominantly low quality) imports, 

upgrade the industry, increase export earnings and 

cut spending. 

There will most probably be no smooth sailing in 

overall economic terms in the near future as the yet 

to be solved security situation and the re-starting of 

the economy will involve a large effort and take time. 

However, Egypt has all the pre-conditions and potential 

to have a strong and dynamic economy: A 

young dynamic population, a historical outstanding 

geographical location, linking regions and continents 

and a diversified economic basis to build on. 

On this foundation, new and resumed mega projects 

(the new Suez Canal Industrial Zone, the Million 

Feddan Agricultural Project, the building of the 

new Administrative Capital, the Golden Triangle 

and the Northwest Coast Development Project) 

should kick-start the Egyptian economy and lead to 

the envisioned growth rates and political and social 

stabilisation. 

Not to be forgotten is the role of the military in 

the economy. Traditionally, the military is tightly interwoven 

with almost all Egyptian institutions and 

industries (e.g. all kinds of infrastructure activities, 

bottling of water, production of and according to 

some estimates is responsible for up to 40 percent of 

GDP. Due to regulations on secrecy no official or 

confirmed data exists. 

Döbling Children’s Health Center 

Best medical care for your child 

At Döbling Children’s Health Center 

a wide range of services are offered, 

including medical consultations and 

examinations for children from 0 – 18, 

examinations according to the 

Austrian Mother-child pass screening 

program, vaccinations and sports 

checks – practically without waiting 

times. 

Martin Woller 

serves as Austria‘s 

Commercial Counsellor 

in Cairo, covering Egypt, 

Libya and Sudan. 

“Egypt’s industrial 

mega projects 

will open new 

opportunities 

for the Egyptian- 

Austrian business 

relations.“ 

The medical fields of expertise also 

include: pedicatric cardiology, pulmonology, 

neurology, gastroenterology, 

orthopedics as well as surgery of 

children above one year of age. 


Döbling Children’s Health Center 

Head physician: Dr. Miklos Pinter 

Heiligenstädter Straße 46-48, 1190 Wien 

T: +43 1 360 66-5597, E: kindergesundheitszentrum@pkd.at 

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LE MONDE OFID 

PROMOTION 

Tree of Hope is on display in OFIDs headquarters at Palais 

Deutschmeister. The image is the result of a collaboration the 

Child of Play Initiative with 350 children at the Zaatari refugee 

camp in Jordan. The initiative promotes integration of youth 

through artistic and cultural initiatives. In partnership, OFID has 

launched the “Equal Dreams” campaign to highlight the current 

refugee crisis from a child’s perspective, with the aim of 

promoting the equality of all children’s dreams. 

Celebrating 40 years – 

OFID dedicates its 

anniversary to refugees 

OFID, an Austrian-based Development Finance Institution 

dedicates its 40th anniversary to the plight of refugees. In particular, 

the organization will escalate support within its host country 

through further engagement with local partners and NGOs. 

This year the OPEC Fund for International Development 

(OFID) commemorates four decades 

of dedicated efforts toward poverty eradication. 

In 1976, OFID was established by OPEC 

Member States in a spirit of South-South solidarity 

to serve as a collective channel of aid to fellow—but 

less fortunate—developing nations. 

Now in its fortieth year, OFID looks back at its 

dynamic transformation from a temporary financial 

facility to a driver of the global development agenda. 

Worldwide, over 1.2 billion people continue to 

live without an adequate energy supply. OFID was 

one of the first to recognize the importance of energy 

as a crucial link for achieving sustainable development. 

The institution has been at the forefront of efforts 

to eradicate energy poverty, both at an advocacy 

and an operational level. 

It was in 2007, during the third OPEC Summit in 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that heads of OPEC Member 

States called on their aid institutions to tackle the issue 

of energy poverty. The subsequent Riyadh Declaration 

propelled into motion OFID’s Energy for the 

Poor Initiative (EPI). Member States underlined 

their commitment to the initiative with a US$1bn 

revolving fund announced in 2012 at the Rio+20 

Summit. 

Last year marked a particularly important milestone 

for OFID. Following years of hard-fought advocacy, 

it was able to witness the inclusion of energy 

PHOTOS: OFID/ABDULLAH ALIPOUR JEDDI 

poverty eradication in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable 

Development. After being overlooked in the Millennium 

Development Goals, energy was included 

in the new Agenda as a standalone goal—Sustainable 

Development Goal 7—devoted to ensuring affordable, 

accessible, reliable, and sustainable modern energy 

as a reality for all. 

OFID’s relationship with its host country Austria 

has matured over the years. Vienna, with its wealth 

of like-minded international organizations, has served 

as an inspiring backdrop for the execution of 

OFID’s mandate. Platforms such as the Vienna Energy 

Club and the Vienna Energy Forum have helped 

drive OFID’s EPI. Moreover, Austria has become a 

vital development partner for the institution, which 

has established longstanding partnerships with the 

Austrian Development Agency, as well as numerous 

Austrian NGOs including Hilfswerk Austria and 

SOS Kindersdorf—recipient of OFID’s Annual 

Award in 2007. 

The year of refugees 

As OFID celebrates forty years in the city it calls 

home, it has dedicated this important milestone to 

the countless numbers of refugees forced to leave 

their own homes. This dedication is intended as a 

mark of solidarity between the organization and the 

millions of people in vital need of aid and support. 

It is important as a development institution to react 

to pressing global needs. “OFID has chosen to 

dedicate this important anniversary to the plight of 

refugees in order to raise awareness of a global humanitarian 

crisis which is a responsibility for us all to 

end,” stated Suleiman J Al-Herbish, Director-General 

of OFID. 

OFID’s response to the refugee crisis has been dynamic. 

As well as offering assistance in the form of 

financial aid, OFID is launching a volunteer engagement 

program, which will enable staff members to 

take on a more personal role in the crisis. 

Vienna has opened its arms and welcomed hundreds 

fleeing conflict. In dedicating its anniversary to 

the “Year of Refugees,” OFID is also extending its solidarity 

to Austria to help ease the burden the country 

faces. 

Last year—at the height of the crisis in Europe, 

OFID supported the Vienna-based NGO International 

Humanitarian Relief (IHR). Since 2011, IHR has 

supported affected Syrian populations, by providing 

shelter and protection to orphaned children, as well as 

essential supplies and food aid to displaced families. 

OFID’s program of engagement will include advocacy 

as well as concrete support at the local level. 

One of the first activities of the program was the establishment 

of a communication center offering internet 

services for refugees torn apart from their families. 

OFID has donated laptops to the local NGO 

Wieder Wohnen, which is supporting asylum-seeking 

families with primary care. 

One of the major challenges refugees face is that 

of communication and integration in the host country. 

Therefore, OFID will be supporting refugees to 

overcome language barriers through translation services. 

Moreover, OFID will continue to encourage 

integration and raise funds through creativity. 

In May, OFID will host a charity art exhibition at 

its headquarters—the historic Palais Deutschmeister—in 

coordination with the Austrian Red Cross. 

The funds raised will focus on the integration of refugees, 

particularly children, and include support in 

improving German language skills and strengthening 

the school performance of the children in a 

multicultural environment. 

Since its inception, OFID has supported refugees 

through its grants facility. OFID has had longstanding 

cooperation with NGOs that provide assistance 

including UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian 

Refugees in the Near East, and the United Nations 

High Commissioner for Refugees. 

ABOUT OFID 

The OPEC Fund for International 

Development (OFID) is the 

development finance institution 

established by the Member States of 

OPEC in 1976 as a collective channel 

of aid to the developing countries. 

OFID works in cooperation with 

developing country partners and the 

international donor community to 

stimulate economic growth and 

alleviate poverty in all disadvantaged 

regions of the world. It does this by 

providing financing to build essential 

infrastructure that meets basic 

needs—such as food, energy, clean 

water and sanitation, healthcare and 

education—and working to promote 

productivity, competitiveness and 

trade. OFID employs 195 staff 

representing 32 different nationalities, 

of which 51 percent are women. 

The OPEC Fund for International 

Development (OFID) 

Parkring 8 

A-1010 Vienna 

Phone: +43-1-51564 

Fax: +43-1-513 92 38 

www.ofid.org 

info@ofid.org 

OFID Director-General 

Suleiman J. Al-Herbish 

38 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2016

LE MONDE CUBA 

A young Tiger just bursting its Chains 

A monument for 

Cuba‘s revolutionary 

heroes. 

FACTS & 

FIGURES 

As Cuba is step by step – ”sin prisa, sin pausa“ – transforming towards 

liberalisation, the international business community is trying to rush in. 


Havana as it is known. 

With its cars from the 1950s, 

driving the street along the 

Cuban Capitol in the center of 

Havana, the island has coined 

a picture of socialism, 

Caribbean style. 

PHOTOS: FOTOLIA (1), COURTESY OF THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA, RALPH MANFREDA (1) 

On the first three days of March 2016, a highranking 

delegation from Austria, including 

Federal President Heinz Fischer and his 

wife Margit, Minister of Justice Wolfgang Brandstetter 

and more than dozen top politicians and decision 

makers, visited Cuba to celebrate the 70th anniversary 

of diplomatic relations between the two countries 

as well as to explore ways how to improve Cuban- 

Austrian-trade which today is nearly invisible. As 

they approached Cuba‘s capital Havana, which can 

be reached directly via Austrian Airlines later this 

year, some of them might have closed their eyes, digging 

up pictures of a Cuba where an indefatigable 

salsa energy amalgates into a long, slow, sweet seduction. 

Maybe they imagined waves crashing against a 

mildewed sea wall; a young couple cavorting in a 

dark, dilapidated alley, guitars and voices harmonising 

over a syncopated drum rhythm, sunlight slanting 

across rotten peeling paintwork, a handsome 

youth in a guayabera shirt leaning against a Lada, the 

smell of diesel fumes and cheap after-shave; tourists 

with Hemingway beards, Che Guevara on a billboard 

– in short: images of a Cuba that is too audacious, 

too contradictory to have been invented, and still 

damned beautiful. 

After having installed themselves in Havana, 

some of them may have taken a walk to its central 

Parque Fe del Valle, where they got a glimpse of a 

different Cuba. Of a country trying to embrace the 

first blessings of the 21st century after more than 50 

years of living under a severe US-blockade, that has 

just started to soften in summer 2015, when Cuba 

and the US again opened bilateral Embassies. On the 

one hand, recent visitors report, there are the usual 

scenes of queues for the bakery and clapped-out 

1950s cars weaving between piles of rubble. But on 

the other hand, in this crowded, tree-lined square 

every bench, wall, dustbin oder plant pot is occupied 

with people hunched over laptops and gathered 

around smartphones, swiping at tablets and gesticulating 

at their screens. Sometimes three generations 

of one family are huddled around a phone, the children 

fighting over who gets to wear the headgear 

while the granny holds a baby up to the camera for a 

picture whats-apped to relatives in Miami. 

This new Wi-Fi-hotspot in Havana is only one 

phenomenon of the socialist state in transformation. 

Since US-Cuban diplomacy opened a new page in its 

Cuba 

Official name: 

Republic of Cuba 

Capital and largest city: 

Havana 

Official language: Spanish 

Ethnic groups: 

64.1 % White, 26.6 % 

Mulatto or Mestizo 

9.3 % Black 

Religion: 59 % Christian, 

23 % unaffiliated, 17 % folk 

religion (e.g. santeria) 

Government: 

Marxist–Leninist one-party 

republic 

- President: Raúl Castro 

- First Vice President: 

Miguel Díaz-Canel 

Independence: 

- from Spain: 

December 10, 1898 

- from the USA: 

May 20, 1902 

- Cuban revolution: 

July 26, 1953 – 

January 1, 1959 

- Current constitution: 

February 24, 1976 

Area 

- Total: 109,884 km 2 

Population 

- 2014 census: 

11,238,317 

GDP 

- 89.5 billion $ 

(2015 nominal) 

GDP per capita 

- 7.990 $ (2015 nominal) 

The Vinales Valley 

in the countryside 

of Cuba. 


LE MONDE CUBA 

A Cuba out of a travel 

catalogue – beaches to 

dream of, clean rivers 

like the El-Nicho to 

jump in. 

FACTS & 

FIGURES 

Parque Central in 

Havana. 

Cathedral of 

Santiago de Cuba. 

Cuba & Austria 

History. 2016 marks the 70 year anniversary of 

diplomatic relations between Cuba and Austria, 

having officially started on July 26, 1946. 

Nevertheless, historic ties date back as early as 

1803, when a certain Johann Nepomuk von Götz, a 

monk of the Jesuit order and a professor of 

Philosophy and Morals at the University of Vienna, 

visited Havana and laid a path for more Austrians to 

follow. In 1841, the famous Viennese dancer Fanny 

Elssler cheered the crowds at the theatre stages in 

Havana. Two times, in 1888 and 1892, the Austrian 

chess world champion Wilhelm Steinitz successfully 

defended his title in Havana chess clubs. And there 

goes the Cuban legend of three Austrians, known as 

Stewart Jamey, John Taks and Maximilian Jatscha, 

having fought bravely on Cuba‘s side in the war of 

independence from Spain in the 19th century. Vice 

versa some Cuban folks found their way to Austria 

as well. In 1894, the Cuban scientist Carlos J. Finlay 

attended a Vienna congress on hygienics and 

demography, where he presented his discovery of 

the cause for transmission of ”Yellow Fever“ (also 

known as ”American Plague“), which is a bite of an 

Aedes aegypti mosquito. Also, two well-known 

Cuban medical doctors, Arturo Aballi and Braulio 

Saenz, have started their scientific research in 

Vienna around 1900. 

Ihr erfahrener 

Partner für 

Bauen, Wohnen 

und Investitionen! 

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / 

Hart & Hart baut 

auf höchstem N i v e a u. 

book of bilateral relations last year – with a big step 

towards normalisation through a brand new deal in 

February allowing 20 flights each day from the US to 

Havana – Cuba is moving more and more into the 

focus of international investors, dealmakers, tourism 

managers and real-estate sharks. ”Cuba for sale“, a 

recent ”Guardian“-story read. ”Havana is now the big 

cake – and everyone is trying to get a slice.“ 

The economy of Cuba is already capitalising on 

this mounting hope of doing business with a people 

af some 11 million. Its GDP last year has been growing 

by more than 4 percent, up to some 89,5 billion 

dollars, and the same rate is predicted for 2016. Foreign 

direct investments already had seen a growth 

rate of 7.2 percent in 2014, which jumped up to 21.5 

in 2015. And the island is experiencing an unmatched 

wave of more than 3 million international tourists 

(2015). Says Friedrich Steinecker, the Austrian 

Commercial Counsellor for Cuba: ”Many of them 

want to see the country as it once has been.“ 

One of the big issues on the country‘s path to liberalisation 

is the speed of change. As Juan Antonio 

Fernández Palacios, the Ambassador of the Republic 

of Cuba to Austria, puts it: ”We have to improve our 

economy, but at the same time must keep the values 

of our society“ (see also interview page 44). Therefore 

the politics of President Raúl Castro are best summed 

up in his slogan „Sin prisa, sin pausa“ – without 

haste, without disruption. ”Cuba wants to make sure 

an economic transformation which is soft and does 

not lead to severe social upheaval“, says Steinecker. 

Since 2011, Castro has introduced some 300 reform 

legislatures aiming to allow the private sector, 

which nevertheless remains under pretty harsh state 

control, more room for business activities. And in 

order to attract foreign investors is also waving with 

some surprising new tax incentives – such as a taxcut 

on joint-venture profits from 30 to 15 percent, a 

tax-free period of 8 years for certain new investments 

and the reduction of a range of maximum tax 

rates. In the meantime, the establishment of companies 

with total foreign ownership in some sectors of 

the economy became legal as well. Cuba wants to 

channel them into over 300 big industrial infrastruc- 

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA, RALPH MANFREDA (1) 

ture projects, ranging from renewable energy to mining 

and construction, of which the Mariel Special 

Development Zone, a huge harbour area financed by 

Brasil, seems to be the most promising one. 

”This country is about to kick-start“, says Christoph 

Matzeneder, the Vice President of the Austrian 

Chamber of Commerce, who was already exploring 

business opportunities as head of a commercial delegation 

in early December 2015. As of now, Austrian 

companies unfortunately have not taken much advantage 

of this new flow of economic energy. Exports 

account for a mere 12.6 million Euros and there are 

only two Austrian companies active in Cuba. One is 

the Viennese Salm Bräu, which already built three 

breweries on the island, the other is Trodat-Trodec, 

the maker of technologically advanced rubber 

stamps. But according to them, Matzeneder‘s perception 

seems to be accurate: ”Cuba is like a young 

tiger just bursting its chains.“ By the way: these have 

been nearly exactly the same words a certain Mick 

Jagger said when he inked a contract for the first concert 

of the Rolling Stones in Havana this March. 

Trade. According to the Austrian Chamber of 

Commerce trade relations between Cuba and 

Austria are somehow humble, consisting mainly of 

machinery, plastics and office supply. In 2015, 

Austrian exports to Cuba hit a record of some 12.6 

million Euros, while imports from Cuba – most of 

them fruits, fruit juices, honey, rum and tobacco 

products – fell significantly last year from the 2014 

figure of 3.8 million Euros. 

Piazza Cagrana | 

Kagraner Platz 31 | 1220 Wien 

Langobardissimo | 

Langobardenstraße 1 | 1220 Wien 

Especially in Havana, 

signs of Cuba‘s patriotism 

and revolutionary 

pride everywhere. 


The Cuban flag 

waving over the 

Presidential Palace. 

Juan Antonio Fernández Palacios, Cuba‘s 

Ambassador to Austria, urges Austrian companies 

to push harder in doing business with his country. 

Super Dry | 

D r y g a l s k i w e g 11 | 1210 Wien 

Hart & Hart Bauträger GmbH 

Erzherzog - Karl - Straße 5a 

1220 Wien 

M +43 664 88465484 

w w w. h a r t - h a r t . a t

LE MONDE CUBA | INTERVIEW 

H.E. Juan Antonio Fernández Palacios 

“Keeping the values of our society.“ 


The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Austria explains his country´s strategy to improve its 

economic development while at the same time preserving the achievements of the Cuban revolution. 

CD: Your Excellency, during your rather new 

Ambassadorship to Austria, what are your 

impressions of the country so far? 

Palacios: I actually began my duties in 

November 2015, after having presented my 

credentials to Federal President Heinz Fischer. 

I have only been once in Vienna before, 

nearly 25 years ago, during the World 

Conference on Human Rights in 1993, on 

which occasion I barely had time to sightsee 

the city. But now I have discovered a 

beautiful country with friendly, hardworking 

people. Vienna is where I have found 

also a lot of affection and love for Cuba. 

According to official figures total trade between 

the Cuba and Austria is nearly invisible, only some 

6.6 million Euros of Austrian exports to Cuba and 

some 3.8 million Euros of imports from Cuba. 

Where would you highlight the most promising 

areas to improve economic ties between Cuba and 

Austria? 

Our trade is really insignificant, Austrian 

businesses should be far more aggressive 

entering our market. There is a great 

potential for further increasing our bilateral 

trade and economic relations. Cuba has 

achieved a high development in the biotechnology 

industry and there is a wide 

export offer which includes Heberprot P 

for diabetic foot ulcer treatment. Agricultural 

and food industry production are also 

prioritised sectors along with tourism, as 

well as health, the development of energy 

sources, especially renewable energy, the 

exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons, 

mining resources and construction 

or improvement of industrial infrastructures. 

Cuba obtains more than 95 percent of 

electricity from fossil fuels and it is working 

to change the country’s energy matrix 

by taking advantage of renewable energy 

sources, using solar and wind as well as power 

from agro industrial waste such as sugar 

cane, forestry, and scrub (marabou) 

biomass, generation of water and biogas 

power. We know all the possibilities that we 

can find in Austria in this regard. 

Are there any additional significant future 

projects in the pipeline? 

We have a diverse portfolio of foreign 

investment possibilities, which contains 

326 projects in 12 sectors, the majority 

with pre-feasibility or feasibility studies 

completed. This certainly opens up the opportunity 

to develop trade and economic 

relation ties. Foreign investment in Cuba, 

as part of the updating of the Cuban economic 

model, is aimed at the diversification 

and expansion of export markets, the access 

to advanced technologies, the replacement 

of imports, the obtainment of foreign 

financing, the creation of new sources of 

employment, the attraction of new managerial 

methods and their connection with 

the development of productive chains, and 

the change of the country’s energy matrix 

with renewable sources of energy. There 

also exist a lot of opportunities in the Mariel 

Special Development Zone, a project directed 

to encourage the nation’s sustainable 

economic development by attracting foreign 

investment, technological innovation 

and industrial concentration while at the 

same time ensuring environmental protection. 

It covers an area of 465.4 square kilometers, 

45 km west of Havana. The Special 

Economic Development Zone of Mariel 

will be a touchstone for technological development 

in the region, a way to interest foreign 

capital and a place which will provide 

permanently connection to the Cuban economy 

for the growth of cutting-edge manufacturing 

and services. 

Are there any Austrian companies already 

investing in Cuba? 

Up to date, there is no Austrian investment 

in Cuba, but there is a great potential 

for increasing trade and economic relations 

and to promote foreign investment in 

Cuba. Tax incentives are not the only advantages 

for foreign investors to choose 

Cuba as a place to invest. With the approval 

of Law No. 118 and its complementary 

norms, a favorable business environment 

has been created in Cuba. And do not forget 

the international agreements signed by 

Cuba with the Latin American Integration 

Association, the Caribbean Community, 

the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of 

Our America, the Common Market of the 

South, the European Union and the World 

Trade Organisation, which all support a 

governmental policy that prioritises research 

and technological innovation. 

In regard to to the end of the US blockade against 

Cuba how would you outline the major prospects 

resulting out of this political change? 

Preserve the achievements made by the 

Cuban Revolution and advance in the construction 

of a socialist, prosperous, sustainable 

society where justice and social equity 

prevails. If I had three wishes for the 

future of my country, they would be the 

improvement of the economy, keeping 

peace and values of our society and remaining 

cheerful and enterprising to face all 

the difficulties from which no one escapes 

in this world. 

AD PERSONAM 

JUAN ANTONIO FERNÁNDEZ PALACIOS 

Born 1963 in Havanna, the Ambassador of the Republic 

of Cuba to Austria took his post in November 2015. Prior 

to this he served as Cuba‘s representative to the UN 

Offices in Geneva and to the UNESCO. 

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA 

NEU 

AB 

OKTOBER 

Havanna 

SALSA SENSATION 

myAustrian fliegt mich mit herzlichem Service nonstop ins karibische Kuba. Denn nichts 

lässt das Herz höher schlagen, als der Rhythmus kubanischer Lebensfreude. 

the charming way to fly 

44

LE MONDE WESTERN BALKANS 

The Riddle of the Western Balkans 

According to common wisdom, the future of Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, 

Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Serbia lies in Europe. But the burdens of the 

refugee crisis put the seeds of doubt in more and more people in Western Balkans. 


Official final picture of all members at the Western Balkans 

Conference in Vienna, end of August 2015. 

Each time an educated discussion on a future 

enlargement of the European Union ends up 

at the the vision of integrating the Western 

Balkans, some folks of the cynical fraction of life 

start to mock around about the real big question of 

this region. Which in their view is: Are the times 

changing there or not? After having rhetorically 

asked so, one of them will immediately recall Otto 

von Bismarck, who in 1888 truly predicted: ”One day 

a great European War will come out of some damned 

foolish thing in the Balkans.“ And another one will 

quickly draw an analogy to a further Bismark statement 

– „The Balkans aren‘t worth the life of a single 

Pomeranian grenadier” – meaning that nothing has 

changed in the Western Balkans, its countries Albania, 

Bosnia & Herzegovina, Mecedonia, Montenegro, 

Kosovo and Serbia would not be worth a single 

EU cent and should stay on their own. 

So far to the most extreme, most critical approach 

in debating the geopolitical future of what mainly 

used to be the former Yugoslavia. A position far beyond 

mainstream EU politics, by the way, which in 

general is strongly in favour of paving the way for the 

Western Balkans towards membership, or at least a 

stronger integration into a common Europe. Maybe 

the most outspoken promoter of closing the gap between 

the EU and the Western Balkans is Austria‘s 

Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, 

Sebastian Kurz, who recently finished an extensive 

roundtrip throughout the region. ”Austria is deeply 

tied together with these states on a humanistic, economic, 

cultural and historic base“, says Kurz. „Therefore 

Austria remains a clear advocate for EU membership 

of all countries of the Western Balkans.“ 

Basically this perspective is rooted in the first 

Western Balkans Summit 2003 in Porto Carras in 

Greece which promised an ”unconditional support 

for these states in their European orientation“. Nevertheless, 

for the next ten years the region was partly 

tied up in painful first time experiences of nation 

building, partly in unsolved bilateral conflicts going 

back to historic or nationalistic differences. Up until 

now Serbia and Kosovo haven‘t figured out their generations 

old hostility. Bosnia & Herzegovina still 

seem to be politically paralysed by internal fractionism. 

And Mazedonia‘s ambitions to join the EU 

have yet to overcome Greece‘s resistance because of 

its disputed name. So, all in all, Western Balkans remained 

at square one. 

But in 2013, with the first Western Balkan Conference, 

chaired by EU Border Security Agency ”Frontex“, 

things began to move. It was the dawn of the 

European refugee crisis, immigration from the 

Middle East and Africa began to focus more and 

more on Greece, and as early as that experts warned 

that without any counter measures, masses of asylum 

seekers could soon be moving forward via the Western 

Balkans right into heartland Europe. 2014 saw 

two conferences on the Western Balkans, one in June 

in Vienna, at which Albania gained EU candidate 

status, and one in August in Berlin, where former 

Commission President José Manuel Barroso pointed 

out that ”the future of the Balkans lies in Europe“ 

and sweetened this outlook with a 12 billion Euros 

subsidy promise. A lot of big infrastructure projects 

– mainly transnational railroads, streets and powerplants 

– have thus been kickstarted, and politicians 

were eager to put wood behind the arrow in their 

PHOTOS: ANDY WENZEL/BKA. GRAFIK: FRANZ DEIX 

Bosnia & 

Herzegovina 

The country proclaimed independence 

on 6 April 1992 but nearly 

immediately became the battlefield 

of the Bosnian War, lasting until 1993 

with a still disputed number of war 

crime victims. 

Official name: 

Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Capital: Sarajevo 

Population: 3,871,643 

Government: Federal 

parliamentary republic 

Ethnic groups: 48.4% Bosniaks, 

32.7% Serbs, 14.6% Croats, 

4.3% other 

Area: 51,197 sq km 

GDP: 38.08 billion US-$ (PPP) 

GDP per capita: 9,800 US-$ (PPP) 

Official name: Montenegro 

Capital: Podgorica 

Population: 620.000 

Government: Parliamentary republic 

Ethnic groups: 45% Montenegrins, 28.7% 

Serbs, 8.6% Bosniaks, 

4.9% Albanians 



GDP per capita: 6.373 US-$ (PPP) 

Serbia 

The largest of the Western Balkans states is an 

independent republic since 2006 when its union with 

Montenegro broke apart. Having left the years of the 

Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s behind, Serbia today is an 

upper-middle income economy with a dominant service 

sector, followed by industry and agriculture, an economically 

moderately free country and EU membership candidate. 

Official name: Republic of Serbia 

Capital: Belgrade 


Government: Unitary parliamentary 

constitutional republic 

Ethnic groups: 83% Serbs, 3.5% Hungarians, 

2% Roma, 2% Bosniaks, 9% others 




Official name: Republic of Albania 

Capital: Tirana 


Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic 




Kosovo 

The former province of Serbia declared independence 

on 17 February 2008. Serbia refuses to recognise Kosovo 

as a state, although with the Brussels Agreement of 2013 

it has accepted the legitimacy of Kosovo institutions. 

Kosovo also lacks diplomatic recognition from 85 United 

Nations member states, including five EU states, and is 

not a member of the UN. 

Official name: Republic of Kosovo 

Capital: Pristina 






Official name: Republic of Macedonia 

Capital: Skopje 



Ethnic groups: 64.2% Macedonians, 

25.2% Albanians, 3.9% Turks, 2.7% Romani, 

1.8% Serbs, 2.2% other 




, 

FACTS & 

FIGURES 

Western Balkans 

Terminus technicus: In December 

1998 the EU introduced the words 

Westerns Balkans into its terminology, 

identifying the remaining 

southeast European countries – 

Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, 

Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo and 

Serbia – which after the joining of 

Bulgaria and Romania would be part 

of the next strategic step of EU 

enlargement. 

Geography: In case of experts in 

geomorphology talking about the 

Western Balkans, they deal with the 

Western part of the Balkan 

Mountains between Bulgaria and 

Serbia, with 95 percents of its hills on 

the side of Bulgaria. 

History: Apart from the facts that 

World War I started in Serbia and the 

states of former Yugoslavia engaged 

in a bloody war in the region between 

1991 and 2001, the notion of 

”balkanisation“ – meaning political 

instability and economic backwardness 

– is deeply rooted in Western 

perception. Especially in Austria, and 

more so in Vienna, where people 

think to know where the Balkans 

really start – at the Rennweg in 

Vienna‘s third district. 

Economy: The Western Balkans 

states still have a long way to go 

before reaching EU economic level. 

Incomes per capita amount for only 

27 percent of EU average. Trade 

relations of the regions are heavily 

dependent on the EU, accounting for 

75 percent. 

Montenegro 

Meaning ”Black Mountain“, the 

country was either ruled by local 

aristocray, Venice or the Ottoman 

Empire, until it became part of 

Yugoslavia in 1918. Independent 

since 3 June 2006. 

Albania 

The country first mentioned in 1190 became independent 

after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and declared 

independence in 1912. After a period of kingdom, Italian 

and Nazi regimes, it returned to republic constitution with 

the last having been introduced in 1998. Albania enjoys the 

status of EU candidacy and is a member of the NATO. 

Macedonia 

The most southern successor state of former 

Yugoslavia declared independence on 8 September 

1991 and became a member of the United Nations in 

1993. But, as a result of an ongoing dispute with Greece 

over use of the name Macedonia, it was admitted under 

the provisional description of „the former Yugoslav 

Republic of Macedonia“. 



LE MONDE WESTERN BALKANS 

THE LEADERS OF 

THE SIX COUNTRIES 

OF THE WESTERN 

BALKANS 

PETER FÜRNWEGER 

The Investigator – 

The Bodyguard 

Bosnia and 

Herzegovina 

Denis Zvizdić: Born in 

June 1964 in Sarajevo, 

the Bosniak was a 

Professor of 

Architecture at the 

University of his 

hometown before he 

has been appointed to 

Chairman of the Council 

of Ministers of Bosnia 

and Herzegovina in 

March 2015. Between 

2010 and 2014 he 

served as a Member of 

the Parliament, leaving 

no particular public 

impact. But last year in 

a vote in the House of 

Representatives of 

Bosnia and Herzegovina 

determining the new 

Chairman of the Council 

of Ministers of Bosnia 

and Herzegovina, 

Zvizdić won with a 

surprising but clear 

majority. Now he 

promises to improve 

actions towards EU 

accession. 

Serbia 

Aleksandar Vučić: Only 

46 years of age, the 

Prime Minister of 

Serbia, who gained 

office in April 2014, has 

a personal record which 

is closely followed by 

the EU. In 1993 Vučić 

joined the ”Serbian 

Radical Party“ (SRS), 

climbing up the ladder 

fast with many public 

appearances. According 

to Wikipedia, one of 

them was his statement 

made in the Serbian 

National Assembly on 

20 July 1995, in which 

he stated: ”If you kill 

one Serb, we will kill 

100 Muslims.“ This 

happened shortly after 

the Srebrenica 

massacre by Serb 

forces. Nevertheless 

Vučić has been central 

to negotiations on 

Serbia’s bid for EU 

accession and urged the 

Kosovo Serbs to “leave 

the past and think 

about the future”. 

Kosovo 

Isa Mustafa: The Prime 

Minister of the Republic 

of Kosovo, 64, and 

former Mayor of 

Prishtina from 

December 2007 to 

December 2013, claims 

that his government 

will be focused on the 

economic development 

of the country, which is 

still one of the poorest 

in Europe. In October 

2015 Mustafa was able 

to reach a Stabilisation 

and Association 

Agreement with the EU 

which is the first key 

step for non-EU 

countries on the long 

road towards 

membership in the 28 

nations bloc. While in 

Kosovo the accord is 

seen as a ”truly historic 

moment“, Serbia, which 

is still not recognising 

its former province as 

an independent state, 

the importance of the 

agreement has been 

strongly played down. 

Montenegro Albania Macedonia 

Milo Đukanović: Age: 

54, the former close 

ally, later an opponent 

of Slobodan Milošević 

had already previously 

served as Prime 

Minister of Montenegro 

from 1991 to 1998, then 

as President of 

Montenegro from 1998 

to 2002, and as Prime 

Minister again from 

2003 to 2006 and from 

2008 to 2010. He 

gained the post for a 

fourth time in 2012. 

Under his leadership 

Montenegro gained 

independence from 

Serbia in 2006. 

Although a Marxist in 

his youth, Đukanović 

was reported to be „the 

kind of politician who 

has a picture of 

Margaret Thatcher 

above his desk“. 

Despite facing heavy 

protests from the 

”Democratic Front“, he 

seeks NATO membership 

and backed the EU 

sanctions against 

Russia over the Ukraine 

– two trump cards on 

the way to the EU. 

Edi Rama: The artist, 

writer and former 

member of Albania´s 

national basketball 

team was born 1964 in 

Tirana and maybe is the 

most colourful 

politician of the 

Western Balkans. He 

was appointed Prime 

Minister of Albania in 

2013, having formerly 

served as Minister of 

Culture, Youth, and 

Sports from 1998 to 

2000 and as Mayor of 

Tirana from 2000 to 

2011. In December 

2004, Rama was 

named the World 

Mayor 2004 and one 

year later he was 

chosen by Time 

magazine to be one of 

the 2005 European 

Heroes, a tribute given 

by the magazine to 37 

people who are 

changing the world for 

the better. 

Nikola Gruevski (until 

18 January 2016): The 

longtime Prime Minister 

of Macedonia was 

forced to step down 

recently under a 

Western-brokered deal, 

the so called ”Pržino 

Agreement“. Gruevski, 

56, was replaced by 

conservative politician 

Emil Dimitriev, a 

sociologist, who wil 

serve as interim Prime 

Minister. The Pržino 

Agreement under the 

mediation of the 

European Union ended 

the Macedonian 

political and 

institutional crisis in the 

first half of 2015. 

It foresees: the 

participation of the 

opposition party SDSM; 

the resignation of 

Gruevski, general 

elections in April 2016, 

as well as a special 

prosecutor to lead the 

investigations about 

the eventual crimes 

highlighted by the 

wiretapping allegedly 

involving the former 

government. 

PHOTOS: DRAGAN TATIC, DAVID PLAS, EDI RAMA 2014 - U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, NIKOLA GRUEVSKI, 

ALEKSANDAR VUCIC, BEIGESTELLT. GRAFIK: FRANZ DEIX 

The „Tirana Talks“, a Western Balkans Summit held by the 

Vienna Economic Forum, offers business contacts. 

quest for such bilateral cooperation at the Vienna 

Summit in August 2015. But the last Western Balkans 

Conference was overshadowd by the escalating 

refugee crisis with hundreds of thousands people 

from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere trying to 

cut their route through the Balkan transit countries 

to Austria, Germany and Sweden. The conference 

result in a nutshell: Western Balkans states promised 

not to block each other on their way to the EU, more 

to come at the Paris Conference 2016. 

It seems to be the sad truth, that somehow a spanner 

has been thrown in the works of this promising 

process of the Western Balkans coming closer to Europe. 

On the one hand economic growth in the Western 

Balkans – which does 75 percent of its trade 

with the EU, but only counts for 1.1 percent of the 

overall EU trade – is less than zero. Its GDP crawls at 

the level of 1989, income per capita is a mere 27 percent 

of EU average and many of the young and educated 

are leaving these countries. This is certainly not 

the soil on which modern democracies blossom. 

On the other hand, a growing part of the local population 

is beginning to doubt the benefits of EU 

membership such as state transformation, control of 

power and human rights protection. ”The EU is not 

perceived as a peaceful and thriving island anymore“, 

says Katarina Tadić, a human rights activist based in 

Belgrade. ”Thus, it is losing its attractiveness in the 

Western Balkans. Being in a permanent crisis for years, 

it seems that the situation with refugees in particular 

unraveled the fragility of values promoted for 

years as intrinsically European.“ 

In other words: If the EU fails to get its act together, 

the gap to the Western Balkans could widen again. 

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47

LE MONDE VIENNA ECONOMIC FORUM 

Elena Kirtcheva 

“The EU should integrate the Western Balkans as soon as possible.“ 


DR. ELENA KIRTCHEVA 

As Secretary General of the 

Vienna Economic Forum, 

Dr. Elena Kirtcheva is maybe 

the most ambitious promoter of 

economic development in the 

Balkans. The regions should be 

part of the EU, she insists. 

CD: Ms Kirtcheva, you established Vienna 

Economic Forum (VEF) in 2004 to draw attention 

to the many possibilities throughout the Balkans. 

How exactly? 

Kirtcheva: The VEF pursues three main 

objectives which should all lead to greater 

prosperity in the region. Firstly, to promote 

and encourage investment opportunities in 

the region. Secondly, to provide the impetus 

and to point out the need of joint projects 

in the region for short, medium and 

long-term achievement and facilitate their 

implementation. Thirdly, to provide a space 

for encounter and realisation of public and 

private interests in connection with various 

projects in the region as part of a united 

Europe. After all, we now have fourteen 

VEF member countries, none of which 

were part of the EU in 2004. Meanwhile, 

Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Slovenia 

are in the EU. 

How do you aim to deliver on these objectives? 

The Vienna Economic Forum takes 

place every year in November, at the Palais 

Niederösterreich in Vienna. At the ”12th 

Vienna Economic Forum – Vienna Dialogue 

2015“ 64 per cent were international 

participants. Throughout the year, we hold 

our Vienna Economic Talks both in member 

countries as well as in Vienna. Immediately 

after Croatia‘s accession to the EU, for 

example, the Vienna Economic Talks 

”Meet Croatia in Vienna“ took place at the 

Novomatic Forum. It is also worth mentioning 

that the ”Vienna Economic Talks Chisinau 

Meeting 2014“, especially due to the 


fact that the European Commission‘s conference 

”Moldova – EU International Investors 

Conference“ was held the following 

day and during which the results of the Vienna 

Economic Talks were reported. We 

provide a second platform with the Vienna 

Economic Talks dedicated to individual 

countries or topics in order to create more 

and better opportunities for investors. 

The Western Balkans are notably still affected by 

previous military conflicts. How does this impede 

the economic development of the region? 

In the past, the Balkan region was the 

scene of several wars, and in accordance 

with their mentality, people are also much 

more emotional than in Western Europe. 

But we have to look forward and the development 

of regional economy makes this 

possible. Via the economic initiative, we 

try to contribute to a more rational approach 

and that the countries get along as 

neighbours. Good neighbourly relations 

are better than hostility. And I see a lot of 

progress in this regard. 

For example? 

The six countries of the Western Balkans 

– Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 

Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia 

– have become the focus of the European 

Union and it is an important progress 

that the Prime Ministers of these countries 

got together – first during the first Western 

Balkans Conference in August 2014 in Berlin 

and then during the second Western 

Balkans Conference in August 2015 in Vienna. 

The next Western Balkans Conference 

is coming up in August 2016 in Paris. 

In order to support the common European 

goal, we organised the ”Vienna Economic 

Forum – Tirana Talks 2015“ together with 

the Albanian government and brought all 

six Prime Ministers together in a capital of 

the region for the first time. This happened 

during a time when relations between Serbia 

and Albania or between Macedonia 

and Albania were tense. Not to mention 

the tensions between Serbia and Kosovo or 

Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is not com- 

monplace, and the ”Vienna Economic Forum 

– Tirana Talks 2015“ was mentioned 

as a historic event by all regional media. 

The Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar 

Vucic brought the atmosphere to the point: 

„Let us, as Germany and France once did, 

all look forward together“. 

How can this new common ground manifest in the 

Western Balkans? 

Best through the joint overarching infrastructure 

projects, which were referred to 

as a priority in the second Western Balkans 

Conference in Vienna. An example: 

Sofia and Skopje are the only capitals in 

the region that have no continuous rail 

link. In 1866, the Sultan signed a decree 

on the expansion of railroads in the Ottoman 

Empire, which the territories of present-day 

Bulgaria and Macedonia were 

part of. Owing to the many following wars 

– first between former empires, then the 

Balkan Wars, then the 1st and 2nd World 

War, by the block division of Europe into 

East and West – there is no complete rail 

link to date. The relatively short railway 

line from the Macedonian side to the Bulgarian 

border (around Deve Bair) should 

now, as part of the European Corridor 8, 

be built. This is just one of many examples 

how development of the region could be 

advanced. 

How can this new common ground manifest in the 

Western Balkans? 

I believe that the EU should support this 

economic development strongly and promote 

the integration of the Western Balkans 

as European countries as soon as 

possible. The region is part of Europe and 

deserves to be considered as such. The 

fact that the region earned interest is also 

reflected in the activities of various countries 

from other regions of the world. China 

is very active in the region and shows 

strategic thinking and rapid reaction with 

the ”16 plus 1“ initiative. When we see the 

Western Balkans from this geopolitical 

perspective, the unity of Europe should 

also develop in this direction. 

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The former Ambassador of Bulgaria to Austria 

(2001-2005), an SEE and Balkans expert, is Secretary 

General of the Vienna Economic Forum, which she 

established in 2004. 


“When we see the Western Balkans from a geopolitical 

perspective, the unity of Europe should also develop in 

the direction.“ 

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www.amadeus-vienna.com

LE MONDE ESSAY 

Wake-up Call for Europe 

2015 was a year of multiple, deep crises: the Greek financial crisis, the refugee crisis 

and finally, a crisis of confidence concerning our capacity to secure and defend our 

open societies and the fundamental values upon which the EU is based. 

Dr. Johannes Hahn 

Since November 2014 the 

Austrian politician is 

Commissioner for 

European Neighbourhood 

Policy & Enlargement 

Negotiations. He previously 

served as European 

Commissioner for Regional 

Policy in the second 

Barroso Commission, 

succeeding Benita 

Ferrero-Waldner as 

Austria‘s EU representative. 

To say that borders have a different meaning in 

a globalised world has become a bit of a calendar 

motto over the last years. But 2015 

showed us very forcefully that boundaries risk completely 

losing their function as unmovable demarcations 

of sovereignty under the pressure of global migration 

flows. 

This challenge goes straight to the heart of what 

our states – and our European Union – are all about. 

Our citizens rightly demand that their freedom and 

safety, which goes hand in hand, are protected. 

Hence, the main and most immediate question is 

how we can reinforce our external borders more intelligently. 

The European Commission proposed concrete 

action for stronger and sounder EU border-management 

last year. Not just to tackle external challenges, 

but also to protect the freedom of movement within 

the EU, a huge privilege which we must not take for 

granted. Schengen is not a treaty, but a way of life 

from which we all benefit. It is mentioned by citizens 

as the EU‘s most highly valued benefit according to 

Eurobarometer surveys. The aim must be clear 

therefore: to regain full control of our external borders 

and to guarantee this also for the future. 

Tackling the root causes: Cooperation in our neighbourhood. 

To manage our external borders better, we also 

have to be more precise and clearer in defining who 

is coming in, so that we can really help the most vulnerable 

refugees. We must define right from the beginning 

people‘s chances to obtain asylum via registration 

centres (hotspots), and be open to those in 

need while being firm against those who profit from 

illegal immigration by exploiting hopes. Obviously 

we must do this together, in a coherent way. It is clear 

that no Member State alone can tackle this task, and 

that dumping the problem from one state to the 

other, as happened this summer, is making things 

worse. But even Europe alone cannot tackle this 

challenge by itself. We need much stronger cooperation 

with our neighbouring countries and with the 

countries of origin, where we must tackle the root 

causes driving migration. 

Therefore also the involvement of the Western 

Balkan countries which were heavily affected by the 

refugee crisis as transit countries, as well as of Turkey 

was a key step into the right direction. Also our efforts 

to support other host countries than Turkey 

with additional aid, such as Jordan and Lebanon, remain 

crucial as they are in many ways even more 

exposed. Ahead of the London conference in February 

which will deal with support for host countries in 

our Southern Neighbourhood, the Commission will 

come forward with targeted support measures. Experience 

has shown that this policy of establishing 

productive co operations is more relevant than ever. 

Of course, this kind of cooperation is not a oneway 

street. It must be based on mutual interests, trust 

and shared responsibilities. And be focused on a genuine 

reform and stabilization agenda. Close monitoring 

of progress, personal contacts not only with 

politicians, but stakeholders and representatives of 

civil society and, most important, visits to the countries 

– more than 50 in my first year of mandate! – 

are essential to steer the cooperation process. 

Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy: creating 

stability in the EU‘s interest. 

Closer to home, 2015 also demonstrated that it is 

in our own interest to offer our most immediate 

neighbours a credible long-term perspective of joining 

our Union. The European Perspective serves as 

an important incentive for reforms and this reinvigorated 

approach is showing first positive results: Serbia 

succeeded this year to open the first chapters; 

Montenegro two additional ones, Albania is progressing 

well, Bosnia and Herzegovina is slowly but steadily 

getting back on track, Kosovo is on a good way 

towards visa-liberalisation and I hope, that based on 

our great efforts, it will also be possible to overcome 

definitively the political crisis in the former Yugoslav 

Republic of Macedonia. The EU‘s investment in these 

countries pays back: Progress with economic and 

democratic reforms in countries in our immediate 

neighbourhood is vital for the security, stability and 

prosperity of all Europeans. 

In the same vein, we also succeeded to get a new 

dynamic into the cooperation with Turkey. From the 

very beginning of my mandate it was my aim to re- 

PHOTO: ETIENNE ANSOTTE 

energize Turkey‘s role as an important strategic partner 

while at the same time pushing harder for urgently 

needed reforms in the country, especially with 

regard to rule of law and judiciary. We were very 

clear in our 2015 country report what we expect 

from Turkey on these political fundamentals, without 

which there can‘t be any progress in the accession 

negotiations. The same applies to the action plan 

which will work only if Turkey delivers the provisions 

according to clearly defined standards. The two 

processes are linked, of course, but there is no deal 

whatever and as we have shown with our Enlargement 

report we will never compromise on the required 

criteria. 

We have also made good progress with the European 

Neighbourhood Policy by presenting an ambitious 

reform which will make the policy more effective 

in delivering on stabilization, security, and 

economic reforms, while finding more efficient and 

smarter ways to pursue our values. Georgia and Ukraine 

have just recently received positive recommendations 

for Visa-liberalisation – a crucial deliverable 

for their people - and today we mark a new level of 

EU-Ukraine relationship with the entry of force of 

the Trade Agreement (DCFTA ) as an important part 

of the Association Agreement. All this proves the 

EU‘s peaceful power of attraction beyond its borders. 

The reformed ENP will become a more nuanced 

toolbox for cooperation and sovereign choices at 

times when others try to impose their will on their 

neighbours. 

The time for national solos is over. 

If there is one lesson taught by this year‘s refugee 

crisis it is the awareness that only through hands-on 

cooperation will we be able to shape globalisation 

proactively and according to our standards and 

needs. This also applies to the cooperation among 

EU Member States. The European project will only 

succeed if EU Member States realise that the time for 

national solos is over. National grandstanding and 

„not in my backyard policies“ must be a thing of the 

past. Not for dogmatic or ideological reasons, but 

simply because they fail to deliver on issues vital to 

citizens such as liberty, security, mobility. 


LE MONDE NEWS 

Latest update from around the globe 

Text: Daniela Pötzl 

Ethiopian Airlines 

African success 

Ethiopian is a global, as well 

as a Pan-African, carrier 

serving more than 92 

international destinations 

across 5 continents and 

operates the youngest fleet in 

Africa with less than the 

industry average age of 5 

years. The airline with its hub 

in Addis Abeba is expanding 

to new destinations and has 

introduced service to Tokyo, 

Manila, Dublin, Los Angeles, 

Cape Town, Durban and 

Vienna which is served by the 

Boeing Dreamliner 787. 

Preparations are also being 

finalised to launch service to 

New York’s JFK airport by the 

end of June. 

ethiopianairlines.com 

Istanbul 

New landmark 

China 

Big Spender 

A spectacular tower in the form of a giant tulip will be the distinguishing feature of the new airport in Istanbul. The tulip has been a 

symbol of Istanbul for many centuries. The flowing lines of the 96-metre high building will be visible to all passengers of the major 

new airport and also includes references to aircraft design. Construction of the tower commences in May and is scheduled for 

completion in October 2017. 

igairport.com/en/ 

GfK‘s latest analyses of the Chinese market 

show that China produced 109 million 

outbound tourists in 2015 – with retail 

spend of USD 229 billion. This is a key 

milestone in China‘s outbound tourism 

history. These statistics consolidate 

China‘s position as one of the top global 

sources of tourists, in terms of both 

number of trips and money spent during 

international travel. At the same time, 

there have been profound changes in the 

behaviour of the typical Chinese traveller. 

Up until 2013, Hong Kong was the 

preferred destination. By the start of 

November 2015, the top five countries 

were South Korea, Thailand (up 263 per 

cent), Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan. 

Europe remains the most popular 

destination for Chinese travelling outside 

of Asia, showing an increase of 97 per cent 

in the last four years. 

gfk.com 

Albania 

Desired 

destination: EU 

Since 1993, Albania has been 

a priority country of the 

Austrian Development 

Cooperation. The Austrian 

Development Agency has run 

its own office in Tirana since 

1995, which aims to align 

legal and economic 

foundations of the country 

with the standards of the 

European Union. Over 2,000 

Albanian officials have been 

educated and trained in more 

than 40 workshops. In 

addition to EUR 400,000 

from Austria, the European 

Commission made almost 

EUR 3 million available for the 

project. 

entwicklung.at 

OFID 

Support for Cuba´s water supply 

The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) has signed a 

public sector loan agreement with Cuba to improve access to safe 

drinking water and provide basic sanitation services in Trinidad City and 

neighbouring townships. This will, in turn, help improve health 

indicators and living conditions for over 30,000 people. The USD 25 

million agreement will, along with the Cuban Government, help finance 

the Trinidad Water Supply and Sanitation System Modernisation 

Project. The agreement was signed by OFID Director-General Suleiman 

J. Al-Herbish (pictured right) and H.E. Juan Antonio Fernández Palacios, 

Ambassador of Cuba to Austria. 

ofid.org 

PHOTOS: FOTOLIA, OFID, IGA, OETTINGER DAVIDOFF, OPEC/WOO 

Premium cigars 

Focussing 

Oettinger Davidoff AG, the world‘s leading manufacturer of 

premium cigars, has reorganised its distribution in Germany and 

will operate with its own subsidiary. The strategic move will serve 

to focus on core business and the expansion of the brand in the 

most significant price categories in one of the company group’s 

most important cigar markets. 

oettingerdavidoff.com 

Cosmetics 

New commitment 

On the occasion of its 40th 

anniversary, cosmetics 

company The Body Shop 

published a pioneering, new 

global corporate social 

responsibility (CSR) strategy. 

The new commitment’s goal 

is to become the most ethical 

and sustainable global 

company in the world via an 

extensive programme of 

worldwide activities and 

measurable achievements to 

be accomplished by 2020: 

from ingredients and 

products to packaging and 

shops to employees, suppliers 

and campaigns. 

thebodyshop.com 

OPEC 

World Oil Outlook 

2015 

First published in 2007, the 

WOO offers a thorough 

review and assessment of 

various scenarios related to 

the medium- and long-term 

development of the upstream 

and downstream sectors of 

the oil industry. 

The recently published 2015 

edition is a valuable reference 

tool, outlining the challenges 

and opportunities that the 

industry may face in the 

future. It can be downloaded 

on the website or ordered as 

a printed book. The OPEC also 

publishes the quarterly 

Energy Review (OER), 

available for subscription. 

opec.org 

54 



LE MONDE PROMOTION 

Celebrating Europe Day and Europe‘s Flag 

„Against the blue sky of the Western world, the stars represent the peoples 

of Europe in a circle, a symbol of unity. Their number shall be invariably set 

at twelve, the symbol of completeness and perfection.“ 

EU-flags in front of the Berlaymont-Building at rue de la Loi/Wetstraat, Brussels, the 

European Commission headquarters. 

You will encounter it every day and almost 

everywhere: in front of public buildings, in 

your passport, on Euro-notes and on the license 

plate of your car. It is even hidden amongst the 

emojis available on your smartphone: the European 

flag. Today, the circle of twelve golden stars on dark 

blue background is widely recognised as the sign of 

the European Union – even beyond its own borders. 

This year‘s Europe Day, the 9th of May, there is a special 

occasion for celebrating: 2016 marks the 30th 

anniversary of the European flag as the symbol of the 

European Union. 

Originally, the 12-starred flag had exclusively 

been the symbol of the Council of Europe, an international 

organisation of, today, 47 member states 

which is promoting human rights and democracy. It 

was only in 1986 when the European Community, 

predecessor of the European Union, adopted the 

same flag, too. 

In the 1950s, the Council of 

Europe was looking for a symbol 

that would be representative, 

unifying and recognizable in order 

to spread the message of European 

cooperation in a postwar 

continent. French painter 

Arsène Heitz, an employee of the 

Council‘s postal office, submitted 

numerous sketches for a flag design. 

Among those submissions 

one stood out: a flag with fifteen 

golden stars (one for every 

Council member state of the 

time), arranged in a circle, on an 

azure blue background. The design 

was unanimously accepted. 

Finally, however, it was decided 

not to link the stars to the number 

of member states at all but to 

incorporate twelve stars instead, 

the symbol of „completeness and 

perfection“ in European cultural 

history. 

On the other hand, the European Communities 

– the EU‘s predecessor – never had its generally accepted 

official symbol or flag. Therefore, a big green 

E on white ground was often used for that purpose. It 

required an initiative from the members of the European 

Parliament – the directly elected legislative 

body of what is now the European Union: They wanted 

to highlight the continent‘s new found cooperation 

and to settle the question of the emblem once and 

for all. After broad approval in the parliament as well 

as after receiving permission from the Council of Europe, 

the flag of the latter was adopted: on 29 May 

1986, the circle of twelve golden stars on the blue 

background flew outside the European Commission 

building in Brussels for the first time. Today, the European 

flag has become the definitive symbol for the 

European Union, for Europe and for democracy. It 

stands for a union of European countries working 

together in cooperation, solidarity and unity, as envisioned 

by Robert Schuman. 

INFO 

On May 9th, Europeans 

commemorate the 

declaration by French 

foreign minister Robert 

Schuman who, in 1950, 

called for a common 

European Coal and Steel 

Community, a project that 

would eventually develop 

into the European Union 

we know today. The 

common project was 

initiated in the wake of 

World War II to ensure 

that another war between 

European nations would 

be „not merely 

unthinkable, but 

materially impossible“. 

PHOTO: © EUROPEAN UNION, 2016, ETIENNE ANSOTTE 

L'AUTRICHE 

DER NAME IST 

PROGRAMM. IN 

L’AUTRICHE DREHT SICH 

ALLES UM DEN STANDORT 

ÖSTERREICH, SEINE 

WIRTSCHAFT UND SEINE 

BEDEUTUNG AUF DEM 

INTERNATIONALEN 

PARKETT. 

THE NAME SAYS IT ALL. 

IN L’AUTRICHE THE FOCUS IS 

ON AUSTRIA, ITS ECONOMY 

AND ITS ROLE ON THE 

INTERNATIONAL STAGE. 

Vertretung der EU-Kommision in Österreich 

Sie finden uns auf Facebook und Twitter 

http://ec.europa.eu/austria/index_de.htm 

https://www.facebook.com/ekoesterreich 

https://twitter.com/EUKommWien 


L’AUTRICHE UNHCR 

Der endlose Kampf der UNHCR 

The endless fight of UNHCR 

Mehr als 60 Millionen Menschen sind 

weltweit auf der Flucht.Die Flüchtlingshilfsorganisation 

UNHCR steht auf 

verlorenem Posten – und kämpft 

dennoch weiter gegen das Elend. 

Over 60 million refugees worldwide, 

too many for the UNHCR to help – but 

its fight against this tragedy goes on. 


Einer der raren glücklichen Momente im 

Alltag von UNHCR-Hochkommissar Filippo 

Grandi – ein Besuch in einer Schulklasse 

mit syrischen Flüchtlingskindern. 

In one of the few positive moments during 

his daily workload, UNHCR High 

Commissioner Filippo Grandi recently 

visited a class of Syrian refugee children. 

PHOTOS: UNHCR/DANIEL ETTER, BRYAN DENTON, ADAM JACOBI MOLLER 

Wer wissen will, wie jemand aussieht, der 

auf verlorenem Posten kämpft und trotzdem 

unverzagt weitermacht, der braucht 

bloß einen Blick auf das besorgte Gesicht von Filippo 

Grandi, dem neuen Flüchtlingshochkommissar, zu 

werfen. Zum Beispiel, als der „UN High Commissioner 

for Refugees“ (daher UNHCR) am 13. Februar 

dieses Jahres vom Hauptquartier in Genf aus zermürbt 

und tief bewegt über die aktuelle Situation in 

Griechenland Bericht erstattete. 

Trotz schlechtesten Wetterbedingungen mit Regen 

und starken Böen sei kein Ende des Flüchtlingsstroms 

von der Türkei auf die Ägäischen Inseln in 

Sicht, täglich riskierten mehr als 2.000 Flüchtlinge 

bei der Überfahrt ihr Leben. Gerade eben sei in Lesbos 

die stark verweste Leiche eines Mannes angeschwemmt 

worden. Wer verzweifelt genug sei – und 

alleine im Jänner und Februar waren das mindestens 

77.000 syrische, irakische oder afghanische Flüchtlinge, 

von denen 410 nicht überlebt haben – den 

können noch so schlimmes Winterwetter und noch 

so raue See nicht abschrecken, so Grandi. 

Das ist nur ein Mini-Ausschnitt aus einer schier 

endlosen Reihe von traurigen Schicksalen und 

furchtbaren Tragödien, die seit Mitte 2015 auch Europa 

in Atem halten. Und hier eine Mischung aus 

humanitärer Anteilnahme und aktiver Hilfe, aber 

auch aus Angst und einem diffusen Gefühl der Bedrohung 

ausgelöst haben. „Die Welt ist in eine Ära 

eingetreten, in der Menschen in einem Ausmaß wie 

nie zuvor vertrieben werden“, so die grobe Übersetzung 

eines flammenden Appells (Titel: „Leave No 

Refugee Behind“), in dem Grandi Anfang 2016 in 

der „New York Times“ um mehr Hilfe warb. „Allein 

2014 wurden täglich 42.500 Menschen durch Konflikte 

und Verfolgung gezwungen aus ihrer Heimat 

zu fliehen, fast viermal so viele wie 2010. Heute gibt 

Flüchtlingskinder aus Syrien, 

die nach ihrem Weg über die 

Türkei und Griechenland in 

Mazedonien angekommen sind. 

They have travelled a long way 

from Syria via Turkey and Greece, 

now they are in Macedonia. 

Auf der Flucht. 

Flüchtlinge warten im Regen 

am Bahnhof in Preševo in 

Serbien auf einen Zug nach 

Sid, an der Grenze zu 

Kroatien. 

On the run. 

At the train station in Presevo, 

Serbia, refugees from Syria 

wait for a train towards Sid, a 

Serbian town at the border to 

Croatia. 



59


Gerettet. Flüchtlinge und Migranten auf dem italienischen 

Marineschiff „Spica“ auf dem Weg zum Hafen von Pozzallo. 

Rescued. Refugees and migrants wait to disembark from the Italian 

Navy Ship „Spica“ on the way to the harbour of Pozzallo. 

HISTORY 

Zwei Flüchtlingsfrauen aus der Zentralafrikanischen 

Republik im UNHCR-Camp in Lolo. 

Two young refugee women from Central African 

Republic in the UNHCR camp in Lolo. 

Das UNHCR-Flüchtlingslager 

Zaatari in Jordanien. 

The UNHCR refugee camp 

Zaatari in Jordan. 

Papst Franziskus erteilt Vertriebenen im 

UNHCR-Camp in Bangui seinen Segen. 

Pope Francis blesses kids in an internally 

displaced people camp in Bangui. 

PHOTOS: UNHCR/FRANCESCO MALAVOLTA, KABAMI KALUMIYA, NEKTARIOS MARKOGIANNIS, ARNI/UN ARCHIVES, BEIGESTELLT 

es nahezu 60 Millionen Vertriebene – es ist die größte 

Flüchtlingkrise seit dem Zweiten Weltkrieg.“ 

Genau um die Not all dieser Flüchtlinge, Staatenlosen, 

Ausgesetzten, Vertriebenen und selten auch 

Rückkehrern zu lindern, wurde 1950 die Flüchtlings- 

Hilfsorganisation UNHCR ins Leben gerufen und 

ihr 1951 mit der „Genfer Flüchtlingskonvention“, die 

heute von 147 Ländern ratifiziert ist, eine universelle 

rechtliche Basis gegeben. Spätestens seit Europa mit 

der aktuellen Flüchtlingskrise konfrontiert ist und 

viele Beobachter darin die bisher größte Belastungsprobe 

der EU sehen, ist die Arbeit der weltweit etwa 

9.300 humanitären UNHCR-Helfer hier wieder in 

den Vordergrund gerückt. Doch der Flüchtlingsstrom, 

der infolge des Syrien-Krieges über den alten 

Kontinent hereingebrochen ist, stellt in Wahrheit 

nur einen kleinen Teil eines weltweiten Trauerspiels 

dar – allein 2015 haben rund um den Globus an die 

zehn Millionen Menschen neu die Flucht angetreten, 

nur knapp 20 Prozent davon konnten ihr Heimatland 

verlassen. Die Grenze von 60 Millionen Flüchtlingen, 

von denen sich lediglich etwa 13 Millionen 

unter UNHCR-Mandatsbetreuung befinden, dürfte 

also inzwischen bereits überschritten sein. 

Viel mehr als in Europa ist die UNHCR in den 

globalen Entwicklungsregionen im Einsatz, wo Gewalt 

und Menschenrechtsverletzungen nur allzu oft 

auf der Tagesordnung stehen. In Afrika etwa schätzt 

sie die Zahl der Vertriebenen auf mindestens 15 Millionen 

Menschen, und wegen der Unruhen in der 

Zentralafrikanischen Republik und im Südsudan 

dürfte sich die Situation nicht so schnell verbessern. 

Der Aufbau und Betrieb von Schutzlagern, die Versorgung 

mit Lebensmittel und der Kampf gegen sexuelle 

Gewalt stehen dort im Vordergrund. 

In Asien und der pazifischen Region würden etwa 

7,7 Millionen Menschen unter das UNHCR-Mandat 

fallen. Und wäre ihr momentanes Gesamtbudget von 

rund sieben Milliarden Dollar (2015) nicht um mindestens 

die Hälfte unterdotiert, würde das Leiden 

der dortigen rund 3,5 Millionen Flüchtlinge (meist 

aus Afghanistan und Myanmar), 1,5 Millionen landesintern 

Vertriebenen und 1,4 Millionen Staatenlosen 

wohl etwas mehr gelindert werden können. 

Nicht viel besser – in der UNHCR-Terminologie 

heißt das „humanitär extrem herausfordernd“ – ist 

die Situation im Nahen Osten und im nördlichen Afrika. 

In den Nachbar-Ländern von Syrien und dem 

Irak haben mindestens drei Millionen Syrer und fast 

zwei Millionen Iraker Zuflucht gefunden, hunderttausende 

sind voriges Jahr Richtung Europa, insgesamt 

jedoch in 90 Länder, auf der Suche nach Asyl 

weitergezogen. Innerhalb von Syrien, so schätzt die 

Hilfsorganisation, irren weitere 6,5 Millionen Menschen, 

die alles verloren haben, umher. Und mehr als 

zehn Millionen Einwohner würden dringend humanitäre 

Hilfe benötigen – sie alle haben kaum Chancen, 

sie auch zu bekommen, nicht einmal von der UNH- 

CR. Wie prekär die Lage in Ländern wie Libyen oder 

dem Jemen ist, geht bei solchen Zahlen fast unter. 

„Das ist inakzeptabel“, schreibt Filippo Grandi 

weiter. Und er lenkt, einem großen Lösungsvorschlag 

gleich, den Blick auf „die andere Seite der Medaille“. 

„Wenn all diesen Vertriebenen erlaubt wird, 

ihre Talente zu entwickeln und ihren Träumen nachzugehen, 

dann schaffen sie auch neue Möglichkeiten 

des Wachstums. Die Zeit ist gekommen, dem Klischee 

von Flüchtlingen, die antriebslos herumsitzen 

und ihre Hände nach Hilfe ausstrecken, ein Ende zu 

setzen. Flüchtlinge sind Unternehmer. Flüchtlinge 

sind Künstler. Sie sind Lehrer, Ingenieure, und arbeiten 

in allen möglichen Berufen. Die internationale 

Gemeinschaft kann es sich nicht länger leisten, so 

viel Potential zu ignorieren.“ 

Leider ist dieser Text bislang nur in der New York 

Times erschienen. 

Anyone who wants to know what someone 

who is fighting a losing battle yet carries on 

undaunted looks like only needs to take a 

glance at the worried face of Filippo Grandi, the new 

UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 

One example was when he reported on the current 

situation in Greece, demoralised and deeply moved, 

on February 13 this year his headquarters in Geneva. 

Despite the worst weather conditions with rain 

and strong gusts, no end to the influx of refugees 

from Turkey to the Aegean islands was in sight. Every 

day, more than 2,000 refugees risked their lives 

during the crossing. Not long before, the highly decomposed 

body of a man had washed ashore in Lesbos. 

Anyone desperate enough – in January until 

mid-February alone there were at least 77,000 Syrian, 

Iraqi or Afghan refugees, 410 of whom did not 

survive – will not be put off, no matter how bad the 

weather and rough the sea, said Grandi. 

This is only a small selection of an endless series of 

sad destinies and terrible tragedies that keep on happening 

since mid-2015 and which has triggered a 

Das Recht 

auf Flucht. 

The right to flee. 

Die „Genfer Flüchtlingskonvention“ 

wurde am 28. Juni 

1951 von 19 Staaten 

unterschrieben, regelt die 

universale Rechtsstellung 

von Flüchtlingen, und ist am 

22. April 1954 in Kraft 

getreten. Ursprünglich galt 

sie nur für Europa, insbesondere 

für Flüchtlinge nach 

dem Zweiten Weltkrieg und 

aus den kommunistischen 

Ländern. Inzwischen sind 

der Konvention, die als 

Grundlage für das Amt des 

„Hohen Flüchtlingskommissars 

der Vereinten 

Nationen“ dient, 147 Staaten 

beigetreten. 

The 1951 Refugee 

Convention was signed in 

1951 by 19 states. It constitutes 

the universal right of 

refugees and became active 

in 1954. Originally aiming at 

European World War II 

refugees and from 

communist bloc countries, 

the Refugee Convention 

serves as legal basis for the 

United Nations High 

Commissioner for Refugees 

(UNHCR). 147 states have 

signed it so far. 

Signature of the 1951 

Refugee Convention in 

Geneva, Switzerland. 

The three seated men (l-r): 

John Humphrey, Director of 

the Human Rights Division; 

Knud Larsen (Denmark), 

President of the Conference; 

G.V. van Heuven Goedhart, 

High Commissioner for 

Refugees. 



61


FACTS & FIGURES 

Flüchtlingshochkommissar 

Filippo Grandi (Mitte) 

im Gespräch mit einer 

syrischen Flüchtlingsfamilie 

in Beirut. 

UNHCR High Commissioner 

for Refugees Filippo 

Grandi, center, met with a 

family of Syrian refugees 

at a collective shelter in 

the Jnah district of Beirut. 

mixture of humanitarian sympathy and active assistance 

in Europe, but also a wave of fear and a diffuse 

sense of threat. „The world has entered an era in 

which people are being displaced at an unprecedented 

rate,“ so the vigorous appeal (titled „Leave No 

Refugee Behind“), in which Grandi called for more 

help in the New York Times in early 2016. „In 2014, 

conflict and persecution forced 42,500 people a day 

to flee their homes, nearly quadruple the number 

from 2010. Almost 60 million people are now forcibly 

displaced – a crisis unmatched since World War II.“ 

In order to ease the plight of all these refugees, 

stateless persons, outcasts, displaced and occasionally 

those who return to their homes, the refugee 

organisation UNHCR was launched in 1950 and given 

a universal legal basis in 1951 with the „Geneva 

Convention“ which has now been ratified by 147 

countries. Ever since Europe has been faced with the 

current refugee crisis which is deemed by many observers 

as the most severe EU endurance test ever, 

the work of the world‘s approximately 9,300 humanitarian 

UNHCR helpers has moved into the spotlight 

again. But the stream of refugees to the continent, 

caused by the war in Syria, represents in reality only 

a small part of a worldwide tragedy – in 2015 alone, 

all around the globe up to ten million people have 

again had to flee, and only 20 per cent of those were 

able to leave their home country. The number of 60 

million refugees, of which only about 13 million are 

under the UNHCR‘s care, is therefore now most likely 

exceeded. 

Much more than in Europe, the UNHCR is active 

in development regions where violence and human 

rights violations are all too often on the agenda. In 

Africa, the number of displaced people is estimated 

at over 15 million, and due to the unrest in the Central 

African Republic and South Sudan, the situation 

is unlikely to improve any time soon. The construction 

and operation of protective camps, supply of 

food and the fight against sexual violence are the 

main issues. 

In Asia and the Pacific region, about 7.7 million 

people are within the UNHCR‘s mandate. And if the 

current total budget of around seven billion dollars 

(2015) was not underfunded by at least half, the suffering 

of the approximately 3.5 million local refugees 

mostly from Afghanistan and Myanmar, 1.5 million 

internally displaced people and 1.4 million stateless 

would probably be alleviated a little more. 

The situation in the Middle East and northern Africa 

is not much better – in UNHCR terminology, it’s 

called „extreme humanitarian challenge“. In the 

neighbouring countries of Syria and Iraq, at least 

three million Syrians and nearly two million Iraqis 

have found refuge. Hundreds of thousands headed 

towards Europe last year and overall to 90 countries 

in search of asylum. Within Syria, the organisation 

estimates, another 6.5 million people who have lost 

everything wander around. And more than ten million 

people would need urgent humanitarian aid – 

they all have little chance to receive it, not even from 

the UNHCR. The precarious situation in countries 

such as Libya or Yemen almost vanishes opposed to 

such numbers. 

„This is unacceptable,“ Filippo Grandi writes. And 

he directs attention to „the other side to the coin“, 

akin to proposing a solution. „When displaced people 

are allowed to develop their skills and pursue their 

aspirations, they create new opportunities for growth. 

The time has come to discard the clichéd image of 

refugees as passive recipients of aid, sitting idly with 

outstretched hands. Refugees are entrepreneurs. They 

are artists. They are teachers, engineers, and workers 

of all types. The international community can no longer 

afford to ignore so much potential.“ 

Unfortunately, his article has so far only appeared 

in the New York Times. 

PHOTO: UNHCR/BRYAN DENTON 

UNHCR auf einen Blick. 

UNHCR in a nutshell. 

Geschichte & Wirkungsbereich. Das UN-Flüchtlingskommissariat – 

eigentlich United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – 

ist eine Nachfolgeorganisation des vom Friedensnobelpreisträger und 

Polarforscher Fridtjof Nansen nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg gegründeten 

(und von ihm bis 1927 geleiteten) Flüchtlingskommissariats des 

Völkerbundes und widmet sich weltweit dem Schutz von Flüchtlingen 

und Staatenlosen. 2015 beschäftigte UNHCR rund 9.300 Mitarbeiter in 

125 Ländern, wobei 89 Prozent der Mitarbeiter außerhalb der Genfer 

Zentrale und den beiden weiteren Büros in Berlin und Wien tätig waren. 

Im Mittelpunkt von UNHCR stehen rechtlicher Schutz und humanitäre 

Hilfe für Flüchtlinge, vorwiegend in Ländern Asiens und Afrikas, aber 

nicht nur. Im Jahr 2006 hat sich das UNHCR unter anderem um die im 

Laufe der Libanon-Krise Vertriebenen gekümmert. Zusätzlich gehörten 

Tschad/Darfur, Südsudan, Afghanistan sowie Irak zu den größten 

Missionen des Flüchtlingshochkommissariats. Seit Beginn des 

Bürgerkrieges in Syrien verantwortet das UNHCR auch mehrere 

Flüchtlingslager, beispielsweise Zaatari in Jordanien. 

Budget. 2015 stand dem UNHCR ein Budget von rund sieben Milliarden 

Dollar zur Verfügung, das großteils auf freiwillige Zahlungen von 

Organisationen, Ländern, Staatenverbünden wie der EU, Unternehmen, 

Stiftungen und Privatpersonen und Fundraising gespeist wird. Die UN 

steuert lediglich einen kleinen Verwaltungzuschuss bei. Die größten 

Geldgeber sind die USA, die EU, Deutschland, Großbritannien und Japan. 

Tatsächlich aber beklagt UNHCR eine Unterfinanzierung von oft mehr als 

50 Prozent – viel zu wenig, um die etwa 60 Millionen vertriebenen 

Menschen in aller Welt ausreichend zu betreuen. 

History & Activities. The ”United Nations High Commissioner for 

Refugees“ (UNHCR), founded as a follow-up organisation of the 

Refugees Commission of the League of Nation – an initiative of the Polar 

scientist Fridtjof Nansen, who was awarded the Peace Nobel Prize – is 

mandated to protect and support refugees or stateless persons at the 

request of a government or the UN itself and assists in their voluntary 

repatriation, local integration or resettlement to a third country. 

In 2015, UNHCR employed some 9,300 humanitarian helpers, of which 

89 percent were active outside its headquarter in Geneva or its offices in 

Berlin and Vienna at refugee crisis regions all over the world, mainly in 

Asian and African countries. During the Lebanon crisis in 2006, UNHCR 

set up a major mission there, as well as in Chad/Darfur, in South Sudan, 

Afghanistan and Iraq. Since the outbreak of the civil war in Syria, UNHCR 

is also running several refugee camps in the region, for example in 

Zaatari in Jordan. 

Budget. In 2015 the UNHCR had a budget of some 7 billion dollar, 

mainly funded by NGOs, governments, unions of states like the EU, 

foundations or private persons. The UN itself only delivers a small 

administration subsidy. Last year, the biggest providers of financial 

funds were the USA, the European Union, Germany, Great Britain and 

Japan. The UNHCR each year is warning that it is financiallly underfunded 

by more than 50 percent and its budget is far too small to take care 

of the roughly 60 million refugees worldwide seeking help. 

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L’AUTRICHE VIENNA 

PROMOTION 

Wien – auf vielen Wegen in die Zukunft 

Vienna – the many paths into the future 

1 

Warum die österreichische Bundeshauptstadt im internationalen Konzert 

der Metropolen ganz vorne liegt und wie alle Welt von Wien lernen will. 

Why the capital of Austria is top of the pack in international rankings and 

the rest of the world wants to learn from Vienna. 


Smart City Vienna. 

Zahlreiche internationale 

Toprankings für die Smart City 

Wien. 

Smart City Vienna. 

Numerous international top 

rankings for Smart City 

Vienna. 

PHOTOS: ©CREATIVEMARK/123RF.COM, © WIEN 3420/D. BOHMANN, © ÖBB/ROMAN BÖNSCH, © WU/JÜRGEN ANGEL, © STARPIX/PICTUREDESK..COM • ENTGELTLICHE EINSCHALTUNG 

Es war 1902, und der französische Bildhauer 

Auguste Rodin war bei Kaffee und Kuchen zu 

Gast im Wiener Salon von Berta Zuckerkandl, 

der Muse des Malerfürsten Gustav Klimt. „So etwas 

wie bei Euch habe ich noch nie gefühlt“, beugte sich 

Rodin begeistert zu Klimt. „Ihre Beethoven-Freske, 

die Frauen, diese Musik, die frohe kindliche Freude. 

Was ist das nur?“ 

„Österreich“, sagte Klimt darauf knapp, aber in 

Wahrheit meinte er wohl „Wien“. Denn die Botschaft 

dieser Anekdote, notiert von Nobelpreisträger Eric 

Kandel im hymnischen Wien-Buch „Das Zeitalter 

der Erkenntnis“, ist heute vielleicht gültiger denn je. 

Zurecht finden auch die meisten Einheimischen, 

dass Wien nicht nur eine Stadt der Künste sondern 

auch selbst ein Kunstwerk sei. Zahlreiche Städtevergleiche 

unterstreichen Wiens außergewöhnlichen 

Status im Konzert der internationalen Metropolen. 

Beispiele gefällig? Bereits zum sechsten Mal in 

Folge wurde Wien auch 2015 in der renommierten 

Mercer-Studie „Quality of Living Ranking“ die weltweit 

höchste Lebensqualität bescheinigt. In ähnlichen 

Vergleichen der Zeitschriften „Economist“ und 

„Monocle“ belegt Wien Platz zwei. Die UN-Habitat- 

Studie „State of The World Cities“ stuft Wien als erfolgreichste, 

florierendste Stadt der Welt ein, im 

„Global Economic Power Index“ liegt sie auf Rang 

neun, fast gleichauf mit weitaus größeren Metropolen 

und vor Shanghai oder Moskau. Wien ist unter 

den Top-Ten-Startup-Städten des Planeten („Tech 

Cocktail“-Bewertung), Nummer drei unter den „Ten 

Smartest Cities in Europe“ (Boyd-Cohen-Studie) 

und beim „Innovation Cities Global Index 2015“ sowie 

nach Paris die zweitbeliebteste Konferenzstadt 

weltweit (ICCA-Ranking). Kein Wunder, dass Wien 

mit 14,3 Millionen Nächtigungen 2015 von „Lonely 

Planet“ im Vorjahr auch als eine der zehn beliebtesten 

Reisedestinationen der Welt auserkoren wurde. 

Um dieses hervorragende internationale Standing 

auszubauen, betreibt Wien eine sehr aktive 

Stadtaußenpolitik. Seit mehr als sechs Jahren unterstützt 

die Stabsstelle Internationale Strategie und Koordination 

die Wiener Stadtregierung dabei, die 

über Jahrzehnte gewachsenen weltweiten Kontaktnetzwerke 

auszubauen und für die politischen und 

wirtschaftlichen Interessen der Donaumetropole, 

aber auch für den Austausch von Knowhow mit 

Stadtverwaltungen rund um den Globus zu nutzen. 

„Wien gilt als Superstar technologisch avancierter, 

sozialorientierter Stadtentwicklung“, sagt Stabs- 

2 

3 

4 

1 Neue Seestadt Aspern. 

New Seestadt Aspern. 

2 Hauptbahnhof Wien. 

Vienna‘s new Central 

Station. 

3 Bibliothek der neuen 

Wirtschaftsuni Wien. 

Library of Vienna‘s 

new University of 

Economics. 

4 Tom Cruise in Action. 

Actor Tom Cruise in 

Mission: Impossible 

shooting. 



65

L’AUTRICHE VIENNA 

PROMOTION 

PROMOTION 

STATEMENT 

EXPO 2017 Astana – 

Showcasing Austrian environmental 

technology to a global audience 

„Wien gilt 

weltweit als 

Superstar der 

Stadtentwicklung.“ 

”Globally, Vienna 

is recognized as 

a superstar in 

urban development.“ 

Stabsstellenleiter/ 

Head of Staff Office 

Andreas Launer 

INFO 

Weitere Informationen 

über die internationalen 

Aktivitäten der Stadt Wien 

finden Sie unter: 

For further information on 

Vienna’s international 

activities visit: 

worldwide.wien.at 

Stabsstelle für 

Internationale Strategie und 

Koordination: 

Staff Office for International 

Strategy and Coordination: 

office@md-eui.wien.gv.at 

Tel: +43 1 4000 82555 

stellen-Leiter Andreas Launer. „Jedes Jahr reisen bis 

zu 5.000 Delegierte aus aller Welt in die österreichische 

Hauptstadt, um das ‚Gesamtkunstwerk Wien‘ 

live zu studieren.“ Etwa, wie man einen komplett 

neuen Stadtteil wie die Seestadt Aspern als Smart- 

City der Zukunft hochzieht. Wie stadteigene Unternehmen 

beispielhafte Lösungen in Bereichen wie 

Energieeffizienz oder waste-to-energy entwickeln. 

Oder wie Wien als eine der am schnellsten wachsenden 

Städte Europas seine einzigartige Tradition des 

sozialen Wohnbaus und sein vorbildliches öffentliches 

Verkehrssystem offensiv in die Zukunft trägt. 

Ziel der Wiener Stadtaußenpolitik ist es, Wien in 

all seinem zeitgenössischen Facettenreichtum als 

Wirtschafts-, Wissenschafts- und Kreativmetropole, 

aber auch als größte Universitätsstadt im deutschsprachigen 

Raum mit einem großen Pool an jungen 

Talenten noch stärker auf die globale Landkarte zu 

bringen. Die Stabsstelle dient auch immer wieder als 

Anlaufstelle für internationale Investoren, denen 

maßgeschneiderte Besuchsprogramme angeboten 

werden. „Egal, wo und wem gegenüber sich Wien 

präsentiert: Wien stößt auf großes Interesse“. Nachsatz 

Launer: „Und sehr oft auf Bewunderung.“ 

It was 1902 and French sculptor Auguste Rodin 

was enjoying coffee and cake at the Vienna Salon 

of Berta Zuckerkandl, the muse of the great Vienna 

secessionist, Gustav Klimt. ”I’ve never felt anything 

like this except here,“ Rodin exclaimed, turning enthusiastically 

to the Austrian painter. „Your Beethoven 

fresco, the women, this music, the joyful, childlike 

happiness! What is the reason for it all?“ 

”Austria“, said Klimt, actually meaning ”Vienna“. 

Perhaps the message of this anecdote, as noted by Nobel 

Prize winner Eric Kandel in his eulogistic Vienna 

book ”The Age of Insight,“ is more valid today than 

ever. With good reason most locals consider Vienna as 

not only a city of arts but itself an artwork. Numerous 

studies comparing the world’s cities underline Vienna’s 

exceptional status in the rarified atmosphere of the 

globe’s top metropolises. 

Examples? Mercer’s respected ”Quality of Living 

Ranking“ listed Vienna for the sixth time running last 

year as having the world’s best quality of living. Vienna 

is in second place in similar studies published by the 

opinion leading ”Economist“ and ”Monocle“ magazines. 

The U.N. Habitat study ”State of The World Cities“ 

sees Vienna as the world’s most successful and 

most prosperous city, while the Austrian capital ranks 

ninth in the ”Global Economic Power Index,“ almost 

even with many substantially larger metropolises and 

ahead of others, like Shanghai or Moscow. Vienna is 

among the world’s top 10 Startup Cities (”Tech Cocktail“ 

rating.) It is third among the ”Ten Smartest Cities 

in Europe,“ both in the Boyd-Cohen study and the 

”Innovation Cities Global Index 2015.“ And it ranks 

as No. 2 after Paris in the ICCA ranking of most popular 

conference cities worldwide. No wonder that Vieanna, 

which registered 14.3 million overnight stays 

last year, was chosen by ”Lonely Planet“ as one of the 

2015’s top 10 tourist destinations worldwide. 

The city is constantly forging even further ahead 

of the pack with the support of its Staff Office for International 

Strategy and Coordination. For the past 

six years, its team has coordinated with other sections 

of the municipal government to expand global contact 

networks built over the past decades, as Vienna 

moves to serve and strengthen its political and economic 

interests and increase its exchanges of knowhow 

with administrations of other top world cities. ”Vienna 

is recognized as a superstar in the area of technologically 

advanced, socially oriented urban development,“ 

says staff office head Andreas Launer. „Up to 

5,000 delegates from all corners of the globe come to 

the Austrian capital each year to study ‚das Gesamtkunstwerk 

Wien‘ - Vienna as the totality of art.“ Examples 

abound: The Seestadt Aspern, a new city area 

conceived and created from the ground up as a smart 

city of the future; municipal enterprises that are developing 

cutting-edge solutions in energy efficiency and 

waste-to-energy; or strategic offensives thrusting 

Vienna’s unique tradition of social housing and exemplary 

public transport systems forward to serve 

the future needs of the Austrian capital as one of the 

fastest growing European cities. 

By focusing on these projects and many more, 

Vienna’s external outreach aims at strengthening the 

city’s global presence in all its facets - a metropolis rich 

in economic growth, scientific expertise and creative 

energy, the largest university hub in the Germanspeaking 

world with a large pool of young and eager 

talent. The results are gratifying. The Office for International 

Strategy and Coordination frequently serves 

as the point of contact for international investors, and 

offers them tours tailored specifically for their needs. 

”Vienna is received with great interest no matter where 

and for whom its presented,“ says Launer. „And 

often with a great deal of admiration.“ 

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After the resounding success of Austria‘s participation 

at the EXPO 2015 in Milan, the 

Austrian government decided to continue 

the success story in Kazakhstan during the EXPO 

Astana 2017. Like in the past, the Austrian participation 

will be carried out jointly by the Federal Ministry 

of Science, Research and Economy and the Austrian 

Economic Chambers. 

Ideal platform for the presentation Austrian know-how 

The theme „Future Energy“ provides a perfect platform 

for Austrian companies to present their global 

competence and the quality and spread of their 

products in a variety of sectors to an international 

audience. That’s because Austria is among the global 

leaders with respect to energy efficiency, waste 

management, environmental technology and sustainability. 

Over a quarter of Austria’s total energy consumption 

is generated from renewable energy sources. 

Austria is the Frontrunner 

Austria stands out thanks to its longstanding 

know how in the development of environmentally 

friendly technologies. Austrian industry has developed 

a large know-how in the field of environmental 

technology through the application of strict environmental 

laws. There is strong global demand for environmental 

engineering “made in Austria”, such as 

emission controls, energy-saving technology, water 

treatment and waste management. 

Austria‘s strong environmental protection focus 

lays the foundation for disproportionately high 

growth and export rates of the environmental technology 

and renewable energy industry: during the 

last 20 years, sales have increased fivefold to an estimated 

10-12 billion Euros in 2015, employment has 

more than doubled (and now amounts to more than 

185.000 people) and nearly 80% of the sales are derived 

from exports (6-8% of total Austrian exports). 

Austria has also seen great progress in diversifying 

its energy production in the past decades. This has 

led to a strong growth in renewable energy. Today, 

around 80% of electricity production in Austria is 

“renewable”. The specific focus areas of Austria‘s renewable 

policies are hydropower, wind power, solar 

energy and biomass from agriculture and forestry. 

Companies as pioneers. Austria not only stands out due 

to its untouched natural environment and beautiful 

landscape, from the Alpine panorama to steppe lakes, 

but it is also an environmental role model with a 

highly developed industry in the fields of environmental 

technologies and renewable energies. Companies 

operating in Austria are trailblazers for water 

and waste management, and pioneers in technologies 

for generating bioenergy and in future-oriented areas 

such as sustainable building, ultra-lightweight vehic- 

les and networked cities. The close link between the 

research and business communities in regional clusters 

and competence centers is an important pillar of 

the country’s success. 

Leading companies. An impressive twelve percent of 

Austrian environmental technology companies are 

EU or global market leaders. Two thirds of revenue is 

generated on foreign markets. 

Leader in solar thermal energy. Austria is one of the European 

leaders in producing solar thermal power, boasting 

a collector area of about 1.13 million square meters. 

The export rate of 81 percent for thermal 

collectors illustrates the level of international demand 

for Austrian products. There are also new developments 

in the fields of plastic solar panels, heat 

accumulators and building integration. 

Water and wastewater management. A study carried out by 

ETH Zurich concludes that Austria has a high level of 

specialization in the field of cleantech patents. Austrian 

industry boasts more patent applications in relation 

to environmental technology patents in the water 

and wastewater segments than, for example, Germany 

and the entire EU. The Global Cleantech Innovation 

Index 2014 attests to the above-average number of patents 

in Austria as a strong driver of innovation. Wastewater 

treatment, which generates EUR 2.85 billion 

in revenue, is one of the most important economic 

factors in Austria’s environmental technology business. 

The focus is on sewage sludge treatment. 


L’AUTRICHE FEDERATION OF AUSTRIAN INDUSTRIES | INTERVIEW 

Christoph Neumayer 

„Es darf in der Lösung der Flüchtlingskrise keine Tabus geben.“ 

“Solving the refugee crisis, there can be no taboos.“ 

Christoph Neumayer, der Generalsekretär der Österreichischen Industriellenvereinigung, geht in der 

Causa prima, der Flüchtlingskrise, mit der heimischen Regierung hart ins Gericht. Er fordert viel raschere 

Integrationsmaßnahmen, Einstiegshilfen in den Arbeitsmarkt und ein klares Einwanderungsgesetz. 

Christoph Neumayer, the Director General of the Federation of Austrian Industries, is getting hard on 

the government coalition in regard to the number one topic, the refugee crisis. He demands faster 

integration, financial subsidies for access to the labour market and a straight immigration law. 



CD: Thema Nummer eins ist und bleibt auch 

2016 die Flüchtlingsfrage. Wie beurteilen Sie 

die Lage, wie sehen Ihre Lösungsvorschläge aus? 

Neumayer: Das Thema hat mehrere Ebenen, 

rechtlich, ökonomisch und integrationspolitisch. 

Die erste große Herausforderung, 

der sich nicht nur die Regierung, 

sondern auch die Zivilgesellschaft gestellt 

hat, stand im Vorjahr im Mittelpunkt – 

Menschen, die auf der Flucht sind, zumindest 

die Möglichkeit der Beherbergung zu 

geben. 

Bei der zweiten Herausforderung muss 

man mittelfristig denken: Was bedeutet es, 

so viele Flüchtlinge und Migranten im 

Land aufzunehmen? Was hat das für Auswirkungen 

auf den Sozial- und Wohlfahrtsstaat, 

auf Wachstum und Beschäftigung 

und am Arbeitsmarkt? Wie groß 

kann die Quantität der Menschen sein, die 

nach Österreich kommen? Und wie gehen 

wir politisch damit um? 

Dabei möchte ich unterstreichen, dass 

sich die Politik in den vergangenen Monaten 

nicht wirklich kompetent im Handling 

dieser Frage gezeigt hat und sehr viel durch 

die Zivilgesellschaft und auch Unternehmen 

übernommen wurde. Das wird aber 

auf Dauer nicht gehen. 

Wie können Menschen, die Aussicht auf 

Asylstatus haben, integriert, ihnen eine 

Teilnahme am Produktionsprozess ermöglicht 

werden? Die Industrie klagt ja schon lange über 

Fachkräftemangel. 

Indem man sehr rasch und sehr konsequent 

handelt. Dazu gehört aus der Sicht 

der Industrie und der Wirtschaft, dass man 

sich sofort die Qualifikation von Asylwerbern 

ansieht und prüft, wo es Aufholbedarf 

gibt. Etwa bei der Sprache oder der beruflichen 

Qualifikation. Man müsste das wie in 

Deutschland auch flächendeckend machen. 

Zuerst ein grober Kompetenz-Check, 

AD PERSONAM 

der dann weiter regional vertieft wird, um 

rasch Qualifikations-Defizite aufholen zu 

können. Dabei müssen wir auch ehrlich 

sein: Manche wird man sicher schneller in 

den Arbeitsmarkt integrieren können als 

andere. Das wird einer großen Anstrengung 

bedürfen. 

Was hilft diese Geschwindigkeit, wenn 

Asylsuchende wie im Moment praktisch vom 

Arbeitsmarkt ausgeschlossen sind? 

Wir plädieren dafür, dass die Zeit genutzt 

wird. Selbst wenn am Ende ein negativer 

Asylbescheid steht, dann ist doch eine 

Qualifikation erworben worden, die zukünftig 

genutzt werden kann. 

Deswegen ist es gut und richtig, dass es 

für Asylsuchende auch während des Asylprozesses 

die Möglichkeit einer Lehre geben 

soll. Auch wenn ein negativer Bescheid 

kommt, kann diese Lehre abgeschlossen 

werden. 

Ab wann sollen Asylwerber kompletten Zugang 

zum Arbeitsmarkt bekommen? 

Wenn sie eine Qualifikation haben, die 

wirklich gesucht ist und fehlt, die also beispielsweise 

Teil der Mangelberufsliste ist, 

dann kann man darüber nachdenken, ob 

man den Zugang zum Arbeitsmarkt nicht 

vorab ermöglicht. Bei hoher Qualifikation 

macht der Übergang in das Schema der 

Rot-Weiß-Rot-Card Sinn. Wenn keine 

Qualifikation vorhanden ist, ist es wichtig, 

diese Personen sofort nachzuqualifizieren. 

Viele haben ja Ausbildungen, die am österreichischen 

Arbeitsmarkt gar nicht gesucht 

werden, etwa Sattler oder Hufschmiede. 

Aber der österreichische Arbeitsmarkt bietet 

doch jetzt schon fast 500.000 Menschen keine 

Jobs. Und die bestehenden Jobs sind durch neue 

Technologien bedroht. Wie kann sich das 

ausgehen? 

Auch uns ist klar, dass uns diese Flüchtlings- 

und Migrationswelle in einer Zeit 

trifft, in der wir die höchste Arbeitslosigkeit 

der Zweiten Republik haben. Deswegen 

steht uns ja eine Herkulesaufgabe bevor, 

die zehn bis fünfzehn Jahre dauern 

kann. 

Dennoch muss man beispielsweise darüber 

nachdenken, ob nicht am unteren 

Ende der Erwerbstätigkeit leichtere Einstiegs-Möglichkeiten, 

etwa für einfache 

technische Tätigkeiten, geschaffen werden 

sollen, die man durch Einstiegshilfen stützen 

kann. Die öffentliche Hand schießt also 

für eine gewisse Zeit zu und nach einem 

halben Jahr könnte diese Person dann vollständig 

vom Unternehmen, oder wo sie 

sonst arbeitet, übernommen werden. 

Wir müssen über solche neuen Wege 

nachdenken, sonst wird es nicht gehen. 

Und es darf keine Tabus geben. Wir müssen 

Durchlässigkeit im Arbeitsmarkt 

schaffen. 

Wäre diese Arbeitsmarktproblematik nicht auch 

durch ein klares Einwanderungsgesetz 

abzufangen? 

Natürlich. Wir brauchen ein Einwanderungsgesetz, 

das die Kriterien, nach denen 

zugewandert werden kann, klar abbildet. 

Diese Diskussion gibt es auch in Deutschland. 

Nun ist ja nicht nur Österreich, sondern die 

ganze EU in der Flüchtlingsfrage gespalten - 

viele sagen sogar, in ihrer Existenz gefährdet. 

Und sie ist darüber hinaus nicht nur in einer 

ökonomisch schwierigen Situation, 

sondern wir alle stehen am Beginn einer 

Digitalisierungs-Welle, die ebenfalls gewaltige 

Auswirkungen auf den Arbeitsmarkt 

haben wird. Da wie dort gilt eine 

große Prämisse für die Zukunft: Qualifikation. 

Es wird also so oder so zu Änderungen 

kommen. Und es bleibt nur eine gewisse 

Zeitspanne, um gemeinsame Verantwortung 

und gesamteuropäische Lösungen zu 

erreichen. Und die Zeit läuft schnell. Entweder 

wir machen diesen Job jetzt professi- 

Mag. Christoph Neumayer ist seit fünf Jahren 

IV-Generalsekretär und hat Geschichte, 

Publizistik und Rechtswissenschaften studiert. 

For five years now, Christoph Neumayer has been 

acting as Director General of the Federation of 

Austrian Industries. He studied History, 

Communication Sciences & Law. 



69

L’AUTRICHE FEDERATION OF AUSTRIAN INDUSTRIES | INTERVIEW 

FACTS & 

FIGURES 

onell oder wir werden in fünf, sechs Jahren 

massive Probleme bekommen, die wir 

nicht mehr bewältigen können. Stellen Sie 

sich erst den Druck auf Europa vor, wenn 

in der Sub-Sahara-Zone viele Menschen – 

unter anderem wegen des Klimawandels 

gezwungen sein werden, sich aus diesen 

Gebieten weg zu bewegen. Jetzt wäre in 

Wirklichkeit die Stunde der Politik, aber 

die hat sie bis jetzt nur ansatzweise genützt. 

Das Vertrauen in die Politik war deswegen 

noch nie so gering. Und die Gefahr des 

Auseinanderbrechens von Europa noch nie 

so groß. 

CD: The number one topic in 2016 is and will 

remain the refugee issue. What is your assessment 

of the situation, what do your proposed 

solutions look like? 

Neumayer: This topic has several levels – 

legal, economic and integration policy. The 

first major challenge, not only faced by the 

government but also civil society, occupied 

centre stage last year – to give people who 

are fleeing at least a roof over their heads. 

We have to think about the second challenge 

in the medium term: What does it 

mean to accept so many refugees and migrants 

into our country? What impact will it 

have on our social and welfare state, on 

growth and employment and the labour 

market? How large could the number of 

people coming to Austria be? And how do 

we deal with it politically? 

I would like to emphasise that in the 

passed few months, politics does not seem 

to have dealt with this issue very competently 

and civil society as well as companies 

have taken care of a lot. But this will not 

work in the long-term. 

„Die Gefahr des Auseinanderbrechens 

von Europa war noch 

nie so groß.“ 

“The risk of Europe breaking apart 

has never been so big.“ 

How can people who have a chance of asylum be 

integrated, be allowed to participate in the 

production process? Businesses especially have 

been complaining about a shortage of specialists 

for a long time. 

By acting very swiftly and very consistently. 

This includes, from the viewpoint of businesses 

and the economy, looking at the qualifications 

of the asylum seekers and checking 

where they have to catch up on any 

skills. Such as language or professional qualifications. 

It also has to be done extensively 

as in Germany. First, a rough skills check 

that is then looked at more thoroughly on a 

regional level so they can catch up on any 

skill shortages quickly. 

But we also have to be honest: Some will 

certainly be easier to integrate into the labour 

market than others. It is going to be a 

major effort. 

Why should it be done so quickly when asylum 

seekers are practically excluded from the labour 

market at the very moment? 

We are asking for this time to be used wisely. 

Even if at the end there is a negative asylum 

decision, then at least they have gained 

a qualification they can use in the future. 

Therefore, giving asylum seekers the opportunity 

to do an apprenticeship even during 

the asylum process is the right approach. If 

asylum is then not granted, this apprenticeship 

can still be completed. 

When should asylum seekers have complete 

access to the labour market? 

When they have a skill, which is really 

sought-after but not available, which e.g. is 

on the list of shortage occupations, then 

you can think about whether access to the 

labour market could be allowed beforehand. 

If someone is highly qualified, then It 

would make sense to transfer them to the 

Red-White-Red Card scheme. If they do 

not have any qualifications, then it is important 

to teach them new skills straight 

away. Many of them do have qualifications 

that are not sought-after in the Austrian labour 

market, such as saddlers or blacksmiths. 

But the Austrian labour market has not been able 

to provide nearly 500,000 people with jobs as it 

is. And existing jobs are being threatened by new 

technologies. How is it going to work? 

We are also aware that this wave of refugees 

and migrants has come at a time when we 


have the highest unemployment rate ever in the Second 

Republic. We are, therefore, faced with a Herculean 

task, which could last ten to fifteen years. 

Nevertheless, we have to think about e.g. whether 

we should create simpler entry-level opportunities at 

the lower end of employment, such as for simple 

technical jobs, which can be funded. The public purse 

would contribute for a certain amount of time and 

then after six months the company, or wherever they 

are working, could take on this person completely. 

We have to come up with new such solutions, 

otherwise it won‘t work. And there can be no taboos. 

We have to create transparency in the labour market. 

Wouldn‘t a clear immigration law also prevent this labour 

market problem? 

Of course. We need an immigration law that clearly 

states the criteria for migrating to this country. This is 

also being discussed in Germany. 

Not only Austria, but the entire EU is also divided by the 

refugee issue. Many are even claiming that their entire 

Your personal contact 

existence is under threat. 

And furthermore, it is happening not only during an 

economically difficult situation. We are all at the beginning 

of a wave of digitalisation, which is also going 

to have an enormous impact on the labour market. 

There is one large premise everywhere for the 

future: qualifications. There are going to be changes 

one way or another. 

And we only have a certain period of time to 

achieve common responsibility and pan-European 

solutions. Time is running out fast. Either we do this 

job now professionally or we will have huge problems 

in five, six years‘ time, which we will not be able 

to overcome anymore. 

Imagine what the pressure will be like on Europe 

when in sub-Saharan Africa many people – also because 

of climate change – will be forced to move 

away from these areas. In fact, now would be the moment 

for politics to act but it has only done so to a 

certain extent. Trust in politics has, therefore, never 

been so low. And the risk of Europe breaking apart 

never been so great. 

Österreichische 

Industriellen- 

Vereinigung 

Federation of Austrian 

Industries 

Geschichte. Die 

„Vereinigung Österreichischer 

Industrieller“ wurde 

1946 als offizielle 

Interessensvertretung 

gegründet und hat heute 

rund 4.200 Mitglieder. 

History. The „Federation 

of Austrian Industries“ was 

established in 1946 as an 

official lobbying 

organisation and today 

counts some 4,200 

members. 

iv-net.at 

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70 


IV-Generalsekretär Christoph Neumayer 

(im Bild r. ) im Interview mit CD-Autor 

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner. 

Director General Christoph Neumayer 

(pictured right) during the interview with 

CD author Rainer Himmelfreundpointner. 

Florian Ollmann 

Assistant Director of Sales 

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florian.ollmann@kempinski.com 

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L’AUTRICHE FUTURE LAB 

Stefan Pierer 

„Unser Motto: Ready to race!“ 

“Our motto: Ready to race!“ 

Weitere 

Steigerungen 

erwartet 

Further increases 

expected 

Es ist wie im Motorsport: Leistung muss sich lohnen! 

It‘s like in motorsport: Performance must pay off! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

DI Stefan Pierer, 

CEO KTM AG. 

Nach dem Abschluss 

seiner Ausbildung an der 

Montanuniversität Leoben 

(Betriebs- und 

Energiewirtschaft) begann 

Stefan Pierer seine Karriere 

1982 bei der HOVAL GmbH 

in Marchtrenk. 

1987 gründete er die 

CROSS Beteiligungsgruppe, 

in der er als Aktionär und 

Vorstand tätig ist. Seit 

1992 ist er Aktionär und 

Vorstand der KTM AG. 

Stefan Pierer, 

CEO KTM AG. 

After completing his 

education at the University 

of Leoben (Business and 

Energy Management), 

Stefan Pierer started his 

career at HOVAL GmbH in 

Marchtrenk in 1982. 

In 1987, he founded the 

CROSS holding group, in 

which he acts as 

shareholder and member 

of the board of directors. 

He has been a shareholder 

and member of the board 

of directors of KTM AG 

since 1992. 

Als Unternehmer sieht man sich aktuell einem 

weltweit äußerst volatilen Umfeld gegenüber, 

die Planbarkeit zukünftiger Entwicklungen 

ist stark eingeschränkt – sei es durch kriegerische 

Auseinandersetzungen oder durch immer 

wiederkehrende wirtschaftliche Depressionen wie 

aktuell etwa in Brasilien, Indonesien oder Russland. 

Damit einhergehend erfahren wir leider immer auch 

eine Verlangsamung des weltweiten Wirtschaftswachstums. 

Genau davon ist man als Unternehmen 

in einem verhältnismäßig kleinen Land aber abhängig: 

Um erfolgreich zu sein, braucht es irrsinnig hohe 

Exportraten von über 90 Prozent. Genau das ist auch 

bei KTM der Fall. 

Diese Exportorientierung bringt spezielle Anforderungen 

mit sich: Schnelligkeit, Flexibilität und 

Anpassungsfähigkeit sind die wichtigsten Tugenden, 

wenn wir beschreiben, wie man in verschiedensten 

Weltregionen unter ständig wechselnden Rahmenbedingungen 

erfolgreich sein will. KTM meistert 

diese Herausforderungen bislang bestens und konnte 

alleine im Jahr 2015 mehr als 350 neue Arbeitsplätze 

schaffen – als größter europäischer Motorradproduzent, 

Weltmarktführer im Segment der Offroad- und 

Competition-Bikes, sowie als anerkannter Sportwagenhersteller 

und als eine der am schnellsten 

wachsenden Motorradmarken der Welt. 

In Österreich verschlechtern sich die Rahmenbedingungen 

dafür allerdings Jahr für Jahr. Es sind 

drei große Themenbereiche, die uns dabei behindern, 

noch erfolgreicher zu sein. Punkt eins ist die mangelnde 

Arbeitszeitflexibilisierung. Mit nur zehn 

Stunden täglicher Durchrechnungszeit sind ganze 

Abteilungen erheblich eingeschränkt, das betrifft 

beispielsweise Marketing- oder Motorsport-Mitarbeiter, 

aber auch Einkäufer auf Lieferantenbesuch 

oder Mitarbeiter, die Projekte in kürzester Zeit umsetzen 

müssen. Eine Flexibilisierung würde den 

Steuerzahler keinen Cent kosten, für das Unternehmen 

und für die Mitarbeiter jedoch eine enorme 

Erleichterung bedeuten. Zum Zweiten behindern 

uns überbordende Vorschriften und die allgegenwärtige 

Bürokratie. Es wird nichts vereinfacht, ganz 

im Gegenteil: Es wird immer noch eine Norm, noch 

eine Vorschrift draufgesetzt. Eine Lohn- oder Reise- 

PHOTOS: BERNHARD MÜLLER FOTODESIGNER, SEBAS ROMERO 

kostenabrechnung, das sind mittlerweile wissenschaftliche 

Arbeiten, die für einen Klein- oder Mittelbetrieb 

kaum noch zu bewältigen sind. Drittens 

bringen die viel zu hohen Lohnnebenkosten den 

Standort unter Druck. Es kann und darf nicht sein, 

dass von dem, was der Arbeitgeber bezahlt, weniger 

als 50 Prozent beim Arbeitnehmer ankommen. Es 

gehört endlich eine Senkung der Lohnnebenkosten 

gemacht. Und ich plädiere dafür, diese Senkung eins 

zu eins an die Arbeiter und Angestellten weiterzugeben. 

Das bringt einerseits Motivation, stärkt 

andererseits aber vor allem die Kaufkraft – und 

damit alle heimischen Unternehmen. 

Es ist wie im Motorsport: Leistung muss sich 

lohnen! Im Motorsport werden die Besten belohnt, 

das sollte auch in der Wirtschaft gelten. Dazu muss 

„Leistung“ aber wieder wertgeschätzt werden – das 

ist ein gesellschaftliches Problem, an dem wir alle 

gemeinsam arbeiten müssen. KTM wird jedenfalls 

weiterhin alles geben, um seine Führungsposition in 

vielen Bereichen weiter auszubauen. Mit herausragenden 

Innovationen wie unserem „Freeride E“- 

Elektroantrieb, dem Zukunftsthema „Connectivity“ 

am Motorrad und unzähligen weiteren technischen 

Innovationen sind wir jedenfalls auf dem besten 

Weg dazu. 

As an entrepreneur, the ability to plan future 

developments is very limited due to the current 

volatile global environment, whether it 

be caused by armed conflicts or recurring economic 

depression as currently for instance in Brazil, Indonesia 

and Russia. As a result, a slowdown in global economic 

growth unfortunately takes place. In a relatively 

small country, a company is largely dependent 

on this progress: To be successful, it needs an incredibly 

high export rate of over 90 percent. This is precisely 

the case with KTM. 

This export orientation involves special requirements 

– speed, flexibility and adaptability are the 

most important virtues in order to succeed in various 

regions of the world within constantly changing conditions. 

So far, KTM overcomes these challenges well 

and was able to create more than 350 new jobs in 

2015 alone, as the largest European motorcycle producer, 

the global leader in the off-road and competition 

bikes segment, as well as a recognised sports car 

manufacturer and one of the fastest growing motorcycle 

brands in the world. 

Rassig. Die KTM 690 Duke in Aktion. 

Fiery. The KTM 690 Duke in action. 

In Austria, however, the conditions deteriorate 

year after year. There are three main areas that impede 

more success. Firstly, the lack of flexible working 

hours. With just daily reference periods of ten hours, 

entire departments are severely limited. It affects 

marketing or motorsports employees, but also buyers 

regarding supplier visits or employees who need to 

implement projects in a very short time. A more flexible 

system wouldn’t cost the taxpayer anything, but 

it would present an enormous relief for the company 

and for the employees. Secondly, vigorous regulations 

and the ubiquitous bureaucracy hinder us. Nothing is 

simplified, quite the opposite: Further norms and requirements 

are being imposed on an ongoing basis. 

Wage accounting or travel costs billing are now more 

like scientific papers, which a small or medium-sized 

enterprise can hardly handle. Lastly, excessively high 

non-wage labour costs adds pressure on the facility. It 

is unacceptable that workers receive less than 50 per 

cent of the wages paid by the employer. A reduction 

in non-wage labour costs has to be made. And I support 

that this reduction is passed on to the employees. 

It results in more motivation and strengthens 

purchasing power – and thus all domestic companies. 

It‘s like in motorsport: Performance must pay off! 

In motorsport, the best are rewarded, which should 

also apply in the economy. This requires that „performance“ 

is valued – this is a social problem which has 

to be addressed by all of us. KTM will, in any case, 

continue to invest all its resources to further expand 

its leading position in many areas. With outstanding 

innovations such as our „Freeride E“ electric drive, 

„Connectivity“, the topic of the future on the motorcycle 

and countless other technological innovations, 

we are certainly on the path to achieve that. 

Die börsennotierte KTM 

hat 2015 mit weltweit 

180.801 verkauften 

Motorrädern um 14 Prozent 

mehr verkauft als im Jahr 

davor und den Umsatz 

um 18 Prozent sowie den 

operativen Gewinn um 

26 Prozent gesteigert. Per 

Jahresende beschäftigte KTM 

konzernweit 2.515 Mitarbeiter. 

Im Geschäftsjahr 2015 

erhöhte sich der Personalstand 

um 372 Personen, 

338 davon entfielen auf 

Österreich. Im abgelaufenen 

Jahr investierte der 

Motorradhersteller in 

Mattighofen und Munderfing 

(beide Oberösterreich) rund 

110 Mio. Euro – um 30 Prozent 

mehr als im Jahr davor. 

Für das Geschäftsjahr 2016 

erwartet der Vorstand eine 

weitere Steigerung beim 

Umsatz und beim Absatz. 

The listed company KTM 

sold 180,801 motorcycles in 

2015 worldwide, outperforming 

the previous year by 14 

per cent, and increased 

turnover by 18 per cent and 

operating profit by 26 per 

cent. At year end, KTM Group 

employed 2,515 employees. 

In the financial year 2015, the 

headcount increased by 372 

employees, 338 of which was 

attributable to Austria. In the 

past year, the motorcycle 

manufacturer invested 

around 110 million euros in 

Mattighofen and Munderfing 

(both Upper Austria) – 30 per 

cent more than the year 

before. In 2016, the 

Management Board expects 

a further increase in revenue 

and sales. 



73

L‘AUTRICHE NEWS 

Das neueste aus der Welt des Business 

The latest from the business world 


Vienna House 

Neupositionierung | Repositioning 

Österreichs größte Hotelgruppe vollzog mit Februar 2016 ihre 

Neugestaltung: Aus Vienna International Hotels & Resorts wurde 

Vienna House. Zur Dachmarke gehören Stadt- und Resorthotels, die 

Designhotels „andel’s by Vienna House“, die Geschäftshotels „angelo by 

Vienna House“ sowie die Linie „Vienna House Easy“. 

Austria‘s largest hotel group completed its redesign in February 2016: 

Vienna International Hotels & Resorts became Vienna House. The 

umbrella brand unites city and resort hotels, the design hotels „andel‘s 

by Vienna House“, business hotels „angelo by Vienna House“ and 

„Vienna House Easy“. 

viennahouse.com 

Forum Alpbach 

Gedankenaustausch 

| Exchange of ideas 

Das Tiroler Tagungsdorf Alpbach erwartet ein 

spannendes Jahr. Mit der Eröffnung des 

Erweiterungsbaus im Frühsommer 2016 wird die 

nachhaltige Location als perfekter Tagungsort 

noch mehr Raum für nationale und internationale 

Kongresse sowieTagungen vielfältigster 

Branchen bieten. Das Europäische Forum 

Alpbach findet heuer von 17. August bis 

2. September statt und wird sich dem 

Generalthema „Neue Aufklärung“ widmen. Denn 

„die Denkwerkzeuge der Aufklärung, allen voran 

die Vernunft, reichen nicht mehr aus, um die 

Herausforderungen der Gegenwart zu meistern“, 

so die Vorankündigung. 

The Tyrolean village of Alpbach has an exciting 

year to look forward to. With the opening of the 

extension building in early summer 2016, the 

sustainable location will provide the perfect 

venue with even more space for national and 

international congresses and conferences for a 

diverse range of industries. The European Forum 

Alpbach takes place this year from 17 August to 

2 September and is dedicated to the general 

theme „New Enlightenment“. The announcement 

states, „The tools for thought of the 

Enlightenment, above all rationality, no longer 

suffice for mastering the challenges of the 

present.“ 

alpbach.org 

Initiative 

Neue Führungskräfte 

| New leaders 

Außenminister Sebastian Kurz, WKÖ-Präsident Christoph 

Leitl und Industriellenvereinigung-Präsident Georg Kapsch 

präsentierten mit Rainer Seele (OMV) ein neues internationales 

Besuchsprogramm. Mit den neuen „Austrian 

Leadership Programs“ werden pro Jahr rund 100 junge 

internationale Führungskräfte aus Wirtschaft, Politik und 

Verwaltung für eine Woche nach Österreich eingeladen, um 

ein hochkarätiges Programm mit zahlreichen High-Level- 

Terminen zu absolvieren. 

Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, Austrian Federal Economic 

Chamber president Christoph Leitl and Federation of 

Austrian Industry president Georg Kapsch presented a new 

international visiting programme along with Rainer Seele 

(OMV). With the new „Austrian Leadership Programs“, each 

year around 100 young international leaders from business, 

politics and administration will be invited to Austria for one 

week to complete a quality programme with numerous 

high-level meetings. 

bmeia.gv.at 

Forstwirtschaft | Forestry 

Wald sichert 

Wertschöpfung 

| Forest secures value 

Rund die Hälfte der österreichischen 

Staatsfläche ist bewaldet, 80 Prozent des 

Waldes sind im Privatbesitz. Die 

Forst- und Holzwirtschaft ist daher einer 

der wichtigsten Wirtschaftszweige in 

Österreich. „Wie auch beim Klimagipfel in 

Paris festgehalten, benötigen wir rasch 

einen Wandel von der fossil getriebenen 

Wirtschaft zu einer Wirtschaft auf Basis 

erneuerbarer und nachwachsender 

Rohstoffe“, forderte Landwirtschaftskammer-Präsident 

Franz Titschenbacher 

kürzlich im Rahmen einer Tagung. 

Around half of the Austrian territory is 

forested, 80 per cent of the forest is 

privately owned. The forestry and timber 

industry is therefore one of the most 

important industries in Austria. „As noted 

at the climate summit in Paris, we quickly 

need a shift from the fossil-driven 

economy to an economy based on 

renewable resources,“ Chamber of 

Agriculture President Franz Titschenbacher 

recently called for at a conference. 

landforstbetriebe.at 

PHOTO: CONGRESS CENTRUM ALPBACH, ÖSTERREICHISCHES AUSSENMINISTERIUM, VIENNA HOUSE, FRENCH FASHION WEEK, WIESENTHAL, DANUBE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL VIENNA 

Zuwachs DISV | DISV grows 

Klassenangebot ausgebaut | More classes 

Die Danube International School Vienna (DISV) konnte dank der 

Qualität ihrer Ausbildung die Schülerzahlen in den letzten Jahren 

kontinuierlich steigern. Zuletzt wurde bereits der Dachboden ausgebaut 

sowie der Trakt über dem Festsaal aufgestockt. Der neuerliche Ausbau 

der DISV vergrößert die Raumkapazitäten der Schule auf rd. 10.000 m 2 

und schafft Platz für sechs neue Klassenräume. Alle neuen Klassen sind 

mit einem interaktiven Smart-Board ausgestattet, das die traditionelle 

Tafel ersetzt. Geplant wird der aktuelle Ausbau vom renommierten 

Architekturbüro A2K Architekten, das unter anderem bereits für das 

Hotel Sans Souci verantwortlich zeichnete. 

The Danube International School Vienna (DISV) was able to increase 

the number of students continuously in recent years, thanks to the 

quality of their schooling. The attic was recently expanded and 

additionally, a floor added above the ballroom. The new expansion of 

DISV will enlarge the capacity of the school to approximately 10,000 

m 2 and provide space for six new classrooms, which each will be 

equipped with an interactive smart board instead of a blackboard. The 

renowned architectural firm A2K Architekten, who also designed the 

Hotel Sans Souci, is responsible for the planning. 

danubeschool.com 

Chic in Wien | Chic in Vienna 

Neue French Fashion Week | New French Fashion Week 

Eine Woche französisches Shopping-Erlebnis in den Wiener Boutiquen und Geschäften! 

Von 7. bis 12. März 2016 findet erstmals die French Fashion Week (FFW) statt, bei der 

französische Brands und Designer präsentiert werden. Die FFW spricht zudem französische 

Modelabels und Designer an, die sich in Wien/Österreich etablieren möchten sowie 

Modeboutiquen, die französische Marken führen oder in Zukunft führen möchten. 

Experience one week of French shopping in Vienna boutiques and shops! From 7 to 12 

March 2016, the French Fashion Week (FFW) will take place for the first time and French 

brands and designers are shown. The FFW also gives French fashion labels and designers 

a chance to present themselves in Vienna and Austria to a larger audience and also 

supports fashion boutiques who carry French brands or want to do so in the future. 

frenchfashionweek.at 

Mercedes Wiesenthal 

Auszeichnung „Supplier of the 

Year 2015“ | “Supplier of the Year 

2015“ award 

LeasePlan, der größte 

markenunabhängige 

Fuhrparkmanager 

Österreichs, verlieh kürzlich 

zum bereits 19. Mal den 

Excellence Award. Über die 

besondere Ehrung als 

„Supplier of the Year 2015“ 

für herausragendes Service im Firmenkundenbereich 

durfte sich die Wiesenthal Handel und 

Service GmbH in Wien freuen. Mit Felix Clary 

und Aldringen wurde im Jänner der ehemalige 

Geschäftsführer von BMW Österreich und der 

BMW Nordic Group zum neuen Vorstand der 

Wiesenthal Autohandels AG bestellt. 

LeasePlan, the largest brand-independent fleet 

manager in Austria, recently awarded the 

Excellence Award already for the 19th time. 

The special honour as „Supplier of the Year 

2015“ for outstanding service for corporate 

clients went to Wiesenthal Handel und Service 

GmbH in Vienna. Felix Clary und Aldringen, 

former CEO of BMW Austria and BMW Nordic 

Group, was appointed to the management board 

of Wiesenthal Auto Handels AG in January. 

wiesenthal.at 

Wirtschaftsagentur Wien | 

Vienna Business Agency 

Neue Anlaufstelle | 

New address 

Die Wirtschaftsagentur Wien 

hat in der Mariahilfer Straße 

20 ihren neuen Standort 

eröffnet. Es ist die erste 

Anlaufstelle für die Wiener 

Wirtschaft, die u.a. 

Beratungen zu Förderungen, 

Unterstützung bei der 

Gründung oder Hilfe bei der 

Suche nach Betriebs- oder 

Büroflächen, alles unter einem 

Dach, anbietet. 

The Vienna Business Agency 

has opened its new location 

at Mariahilferstrasse 20. It is 

the first source of information 

for representatives of the 

Viennese economy, and 

provides consultations on 

subsidies, support for 

founders or help in finding 

business or office spaces, all 

under one roof. 

wirtschaftsagentur.at 

74 



75

HUGO BOSS AG Phone +49 7123 940 hugoboss.com 

SAVOIR 

VIVRE 

IN „SAVOIR VIVRE“ DREHT 

SICH ALLES UM DIE SCHÖNEN 

DINGE DES LEBENS WIE KULTUR 

& REISEN, KULINARIK & HOTELS, 

AUTO & SPORT, UHREN & 

SCHMUCK, MODE & DESIGN, 

WELLNESS & GESUNDHEIT 

UND VIELES MEHR. 

"SAVOIR VIVRE" FOCUSES ON 

THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE SUCH 

AS CULTURE & TRAVELLING, 

HOTELS & RESTAURANTS, CARS & 

SPORTS, WATCHES & JEWELLERY, 

FASHION & DESIGN, WELLNESS 

& HEALTH AND MUCH MORE. 

Wien BOSS Store Kärntner Straße 20

SAVOIR VIVRE ENJOY THE VIEW 

Erhabene Genüsse 

Elevated enjoyment 

25HOURS HOTEL 

MUSEUMSQUARTIER (links/left). 

Hip am Dachboden sein. 

Being hip at the attic. 

HOTEL MELIÁ (rechts/right). 

Im höchsten Gebäude Österreichs. 

At Austria´s highest building. 

Vom Südturm des Stephansdoms kann man sich einen luftigen Überblick über 

Wien machen. Noch schöner ist jedoch der Blick auf den „Steffl“ oder gleich die 

gesamte Stadt – garniert mit einem feinen Essen, einem guten Glas Wein oder 

einem Cocktail. 

The top of the south tower of St Stephen‘s Cathedral provides visitors with an 

aerial view of a large part of Vienna. But even more impressive is the view of the 

“Steffl” itself or of the entire town – even better when enjoyed with a fine meal, a 

good glass of wine or a cocktail. 


HOTEL GRAND FERDINAND. 

Der Pool in der Grand Etage, 

mit hervorragender Aussicht 

auf Wien. 

The pool at the Grand Etage, 

with excellent view of Vienna. 

FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY 

PHOTOS: HOTEL GRAND FERDINAND, 25HRS HOTELS, HOTEL MELIA, WIENER RIESENRAD, HAUS DES MEERES/SYLVIA MAYRHOFER 

In kaum einer anderen europäischen Hauptstadt 

lassen sich so viele Lokale mit Möglichkeiten eines 

ganz besonderen Blickwinkels oder gar eines 

Rundumblicks auf Wien finden. Wer hoch hinaus 

will, kann das ganz hervorragend in ausgesuchten 

Hotels der Stadt tun. Die wohl spektakulärste Aussicht 

bietet das höchste Gebäude Österreichs: Das 

„57 Restaurant & Lounge“ des Hotel Meliá bietet einen 

360-Grad-Blick über Wien. Das Lokal befindet 

sich in den beiden obersten Etagen des 250 Meter 

hohen DC Tower. Nach ganz oben, zum sonntäglichen 

Flying Brunch etwa, wird man übrigens mit 

den schnellsten Liften Österreichs befördert – mit 

bis zu 8 Meter/Sekunde. Nur einen Katzensprung 

entfernt, kann man nach dem Besuch der Aussichtsplattform 

des Donauturms dann seinen Kaffee ganz 

gemütlich in einem der zwei sich langsam drehenden 

Lokale genießen. 

Blick auf den Dom 

Das Wahrzeichen der Stadt, der Stephansdom, 

liebevoll „Steffl“ genannt, will gebührend betrachtet 

werden. Von innen, von oben und auch von außen. 

Wer ihm ganz nahe sein will, kehrt im schräg gegenüber 

liegenden Haas-Haus ein, in dem Hausbesitzer 

Do & Co ein Hotel und ein Restaurant hat. Von der 

dazu gehörigen Onyx Bar aus hat man die Pole Position 

für die beste Ansicht auf das bunte Ziegeldach 

des Doms. Auch die Bloom Dachterrassen-Bar im 

Hotel Lamée (für Events und Feiern mietbar) bietet 

in der warmen Jahreszeit einen sehr schönen Blick, 

ebenso wie die Atmosphere Rooftop Bar im 8. Stock 

des Ritz-Carlton. Unter dem Motto „Sparkling“ werden 

hier edle und prickelnde Freuden – von diversen 

Champagnern bis hin zu selbstkreierten Cocktails 

serviert. Ein Klassiker mit hervorragender Sicht vom 

Riesenrad bis zur Karlskirche, ist die Sky Bar oben 

im Kaufhaus Steffl in der Kärntner Straße. 

Wer hoch hinaus will, reserviert im 18. Stock im 

Das Loft im Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom zum Dinner. 

Neben der 10 Meter hohen, ungeteilten Glaswand 

beeindruckt die von Pipilotti Rist gestaltete, 

farbenfrohe Kunstwerk-Decke, die man nachts sogar 

von außerhalb des Hotels weithin leuchten sehen 

kann. 

Verschiedene Stadtbilder 

Ein umfassendes Bild von der gesamten Metropole 

Wien kann man sich am Kahlenberg machen. 

Für den Wiener Hausberg wird aktuell wieder eine 

Seilbahn mit Start bei der Neuen Donau angedacht. 

Bis dahin kann man mit dem Auto, öffentlich oder 

zu Fuß anreisen, um die wunderbare Terrasse im 

Suite´Hotel z.B. beim Sonntags-Brunch zu genießen. 

Zurück in der Stadt lockt ein imposanter Blick auf 

die Altstadt und die Ringstraße bei einer Führung 

auf das Dach des Naturhistorischen Museums. Gäste 

der dortigen kulinarischen Dinner-Abende am Mittwoch 

(wie Miesmuscheln oder Spargel) können diese 

gleich mitbuchen. Gleichsam schön, und noch 

immer ein Geheimtipp, ist die Aussicht vom Justizcafé 

am Dach des Wiener Justizpalastes. In der netten 

Kantine, die übrigens für alle nach einer Sicherheitskontrolle 

zugänglich ist, serviert Gastronom Ivo 

Brnjic obersten Richtern Lunch. 

Im vergangenen September eröffnete das Hotel 

Grand Ferdinand an der Wiener Ringstraße. Der 

Pool im obersten Stock war eigentlich nur Hotel- 

Gästen vorbehalten. Nun steht eine Art Club-Mitgliedschaft 

bereit, die nach einem Deposit für Konsumationen 

in der Grand Etage auch das kühle Nass 

möglich macht. So wird die Location als Private Dining 

Club auch für Locals interessant. 

Hardly any other European capital has as 

many restaurants as Vienna does where diners 

can enjoy a very unique perspective or 

even a 360-degree view of the town. Those who set 

their sights high can choose from a splendid selection 

of Viennese hotels. Probably the most spectacular 

view is provided by the highest building in Austria: 

the „57 Restaurant & Lounge“ at Hotel Meliá 

with a 360-degree view of Vienna. The restaurant is 

located on the top two floors of the 250-metre high 

DC Tower. The fastest lift in Austria takes guests 

right to the top e.g. for the Sunday Flying Brunch – 

moving at up to 8 metres/second. After visiting the 

observation platform on Donauturm, you can relax 

and enjoy a coffee at one of the two slowly revolving 

restaurants only a stone‘s throw away. 

View of the cathedral 

Vienna‘s landmark, St Stephen‘s Cathedral, also 

affectionately called “Steffl”, needs to be given due 

regard. From inside, above and outside. Should you 

want to get very close, then stop off at Haas House, 

located diagonally across where the building‘s owner 

Do & Co runs a hotel and restaurant. Its Onyx Bar 

puts you in pole position for the best view of the co- 

WIENER RIESENRAD (links/left). 

Dinner nicht nur für Verliebte. 

Dinner not only for the ones in love. 

HAUS DES MEERES (rechts/right). 

Kaffee nach dem Besuch der 

Tiere. Coffee break after visiting the 

animals. 


79

SAVOIR VIVRE VIEW 

INFO MIT 

AUSSICHT 

HEURIGER SIRBU. Die Stadt von oben 

bei einem Glas Wiener Wien. 

The city from top, with a glass of 

Viennese wine. 

INFO 

5 Dauerfavoriten 

5 all-time favourites 

with a view 

25hours Hotel 

Museumsquartier 

Eher jüngeres Publikum in 

der Dachboden-Bar. 

More of a young crowd in 

the “attic” bar. 

25hours-hotels.com 

Haus des Meeres 

Familientaugliches Café 

ocean’sky im 11. Stock, nur 

nach Besuch des Haus des 

Meeres möglich. 

Ocean’sky, family-friendly 

café on the 11th floor, only 

accessible after visiting the 

Haus des Meeres. 

haus-des-meeres.at 

Heuriger Sirbu 

Ab 6. April heuer geöffnet. 

Geheimtipp: zu zweit am 

romantischen Bankerl den 

Ausblick genießen. 

Opening on 6 April this 

year. Insider tip: enjoy the 

view on the romantic 

bench together with your 

loved one. 

sirbu.at 

Café Gloriette 

Imperial, mit einzigartigem 

Blick auf das Schloss 

Schönbrunn. 

Imperial atmosphere, 

unique view of Schönbrunn 

Palace. 

gloriette-cafe.at 

Wiener Riesenrad 

Candlelight Dinner für 

zwei, mit dreigängigem 

Menü, serviert in einem 

Waggon des Riesenrads. 

Candlelight dinner for two, 

with a three-course meal, 

served in a cabin on the 

Ferris wheel. 

wienerriesenrad.com 

DO&CO. Der Stephansdom aus nächster Nähe. 

St Stephen‘s Cathedral at close range. 

SUITE HOTEL KAHLENBERG. Vielleicht schon bald mit der Seilbahn 

erreichbar. Maybe soon to be accessible with a cable car. 

SOFITEL VIENNA STEPHANSDOM. Einer der schönsten Blicke 

auf Wien. One of the most beautiful views of Vienna. 

lourful tiles on the roof of the cathedral. The Bloom 

roof terrace bar at Hotel Lamée (can be rented for 

events and parties) also provides a spectacular view 

in summer as does the Atmosphere Rooftop Bar on 

the 8th floor of the Ritz-Carlton. They serve many 

sophisticated and sparkling delights here – ranging 

from various champagnes to their own cocktail creations 

– under the motto “sparkling“. The Sky Bar at 

the top of Steffl Department Store on Kärntner Strasse 

is a classic, with a glorious view stretching from 

the Ferris wheel to Karlskirche. 

Those who enjoy a special view should make a 

reservation for dinner on the 18th floor in Das Loft 

at Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom. Not only the 10-metre 

high all-round glass wall is impressive, but you 

will be overwhelmed by the multi-coloured art ceiling 

created by Pipilotti Rist, which you can even see 

from outside illuminated at night. 

Different views of the city 

Kahlenberg offers an all-encompassing view of 

the entire metropolitan city of Vienna. The town is 

currently re-considering a cable car between the 

mountain and the New Danube river. But for the 

PHOTOS: EVENTS AM KAHLENBERG, SOFITEL VIENNA STEPHANSDOM, WIEN TOURISMUS/PETER RIGAUD, HOTEL LE RITZ-CARLTON, WIEN TOURISMUS/MANFRED HORVATH, HOTEL LAMEÉ 

time being, visitors can get there by car, public transport 

or on foot where they can enjoy the wonderful 

terrace at the Suite´Hotel e.g. during Sunday brunch. 

Back in town, a guided tour on the roof of the Museum 

of Natural History gives visitors an imposing 

view of the historic centre and Ringstrasse. Guests 

dining here on the culinary Wednesday (mussel or 

asparagus dinner) can book one of the roof tours 

there and then. Just as glorious, and still an insider 

tip, is the view from the Justizcafé on the roof of 

Vienna‘s Palace of Justice. Here in the pretty canteen, 

which incidentally is accessible to everyone after 

passing the security check, the restaurateur Ivo Brnjic 

serves lunch to the most senior judges. 

Last September, Hotel Grand Ferdinand opened 

its doors on Ringstrasse. The hotel pool on the top 

floor used to be reserved for hotel guests only. Now 

they have rolled out a kind of club membership where 

anyone can leave a deposit for eating and drinking 

in the Grand Etage, which then enables them to enjoy 

the cool and refreshing water. This makes the 

Private Dining Club also appealing for locals. 

BLOOM BAR, HOTEL LAMÉE. Diese Terrasse kann 

man für Events auch mieten. For special events, this 

terrace is for rent. 

melia.com 

donauturm.at 

doco.com 

hotellamee.com 

skybox.at 

sofitel-vienna-stephansdom.com 

kahlenberg.eu 

nhm-wien.ac.at 

food-affairs.at 

justizcafe.at 

grandferdinand.com 

FLEMING’S VIS-À-VIENNA! 

THE RITZ-CARLTON VIENNA. Für einen eleganten Abend mit 

Champagner oder köstlichen Cocktails. 

For an elegant evening with champagne or delicious cocktails. 

VIENNA IS A CAPTIVATING CITY THANKS TO ITS FASCINATING COMBINATION OF CLASSIC AND 

MODERN ELEMENTS. COME AND DISCOVER THIS METROPOLIS BY THE RIVER DANUBE WHILST 

STAYING IN A CENTRAL LOCATION. 


Our hotel will welcome you with its typical Fleming‘s feel-good comfort and services that leave nothing to be desired. 

Enjoy our culinary delicacies in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. Our hotel is also the ideal professional venue for 

your conferences and events, offering you optimal conditions to create the perfect setting for your successful function. 

Welcome to Fleming‘s in Vienna or, as the locals say, „Grüß Gott in Wien“! Visit us at: www.flemings-hotels.com

SAVOIR VIVRE CONNOISSEUR 

Monique Dekker, General Manager Park Hyatt 

Vienna, und Alexander Hoffmann, Director of 

Food & Beverage Park Hyatt Vienna. 

Essen und trinken mit Stil 

Wine and dine in style 


Treffpunkt für Kosmopoliten 

Cosmopolitan venue 

Ursprüngliches neu 

interpretiert 

Reinterpreting the 

initial 

Martin Pichlmaier hat sich 

gemeinsam mit seiner Frau 

Christiane und seinem Bruder 

Werner, dem ehemaligen 

Küchenchef im Hotel Sacher, 

selbstständig gemacht und 

nach intensiver Umbauphase 

nun das „Pichlmaiers Zum 

Herkner“ neu eröffnet. 

Einrichtungs-Prunkstück ist 

die Bretschneider-Schank aus 

den 1950er Jahren, serviert 

wird moderne, österreichische 

Küche mit Klassikern wie 

Tellerfleisch und Gulasch nach 

dem Rezept des Herrn Papa. 

Top: mit Festsaal für Events 

und „Private Table“. 

Martin Pichlmaier, along with 

his wife Christiane and his 

brother Werner, the former 

head chef at Hotel Sacher, has 

set up his own restaurant and 

after carrying out extensive 

renovation work has 

re-opened the “Pichlmaiers 

Zum Herkner”. 

The furniture centrepiece is 

the ‚Bretschneider‘ bar from 

the 1950s. They serve modern 

Austrian cuisine with classic 

dishes such as Tellerfleisch 

(boiled beef) and goulash 

made according to the chef‘s 

father‘s recipe. Great: there is 

a banquet room for events 

and a “private table”. 

zumherkner.at 

PHOTOS: PICHLMAIERS ZUM HERKNER, STEFAN GERGELY, DIE PFEFFEREI, FOODORA 

Das renommierte Restaurant The Bank im Park Hyatt Vienna im Goldenen Quartier startet neu gestaltet in den Frühling. Ab 1. März ist die The Bank Brasserie & Bar mit 

kreativem Food & Bar Konzept geöffnet. Auch neu: Der Zugang über den Eingang Bognergasse. 

The renowned The Bank restaurant in Park Hyatt Vienna in the Golden Quarter steps into spring with a new design. On 1 March, The Bank Brasserie & Bar will open with a 

creative food and bar concept. Also new: a separate entrance from Bognergasse. 

vienna.park.hyatt.com 

Luxusmahl per Fahrrad 

Luxury meal by bicycle 

Wer auf gutes Essen nicht verzichten will, aber 

wegen vieler Meetings kaum dazu Zeit hat, kann 

nun bei Foodora bestellen. Der Lieferservice 

bringt köstliche Gerichte aus den qualitativ besten 

Restaurants der Stadt (z.B. Patara), ganz nach dem 

Motto: Essen wie im Luxusrestaurant. 

People who don‘t want to give up good food but 

hardly have any time because of the many meetings 

they have to attend, can now order online from 

Foodora. The logistics team delivers delicious 

dishes from the best high-quality restaurants (e.g. 

Patara) in town, true to the motto: fine dining just 

like in a luxury restaurant. foodora.at 

Scharfe Angelegenheit 

Spicy business 

Die Pfefferei bietet erstklassige Bio-Pfeffer und Salze aus aller 

Welt. Als Verpackungen werden nachhaltige Kartonagen 

verwendet, die Leinensäckchen sind handgenäht. Zudem wird 

jede Packung sorgfältig von Hand abgefüllt und etikettiert. 

Die Pfefferei supplies first-class organic pepper and salts from 

all around the world. They 

use sustainable cardboard 

packaging and the small linen 

bags are hand-sewn. 

Furthermore, every packet is 

filled and labelled 

meticulously by hand. 

diepfefferei.at 


SAVOIR VIVRE WEEKENDER 

Schnittstelle der Kulturen 

Junction of cultures 

Sehenswert: der Botanische Garten 

und die Jahrhunderthalle. 

Worth a visit: the botanical garden 

and the Centennial Hall. 

HOTELTIPP 

Die niederschlesische Stadt Breslau ist in diesem Jahr eine 

von zwei Europäischen Kulturhauptstädten. Die Wahl 

hätte gar nicht besser ausfallen können. 

The Lower Silesian city of Wroclaw in Poland is one of 

two European Capitals of Culture this year. The choice 

could not have been better. 

Text: Gerald Sturz 

Venedig des Ostens. 

Breslau bietet dem Besucher 

nicht nur ein abwechslungsreiches 

Programm. 

Venice of the East. 

Wroclaw offers visitors not 

only a diversified programme. 

PHOTOS: POLISH TOURIST ORGANISATION 

Mit der Entscheidung, die niederschlesische 

Stadt Breslau zu einer von zwei Europäischen 

Kulturhauptstädten 2016 (die andere 

ist das baskische San Sebastián) zu ernennen, hat 

die Auswahlkommission der EU eine ziemlich kluge 

Wahl getroffen. 

„Hinter dem Projekt der Europäischen Kulturhauptstadt“, 

so heißt es, „steht die Idee des gegenseitigen 

Kennenlernens, der Annäherung und des interkulturellen 

Dialogs der Europäer“. Breslau war 

immer schon eine Schnittstelle der Kulturen. Doch 

die Zeitläufte, so stellen wir hier bald fest, haben es 

nicht immer gut gemeint. Breslau, das auf Polnisch 

Wrocław heißt, hat sie alle kommen und gehen gesehen: 

die Deutschen, die Österreicher, die Böhmen, 

die Ungarn, die Polen, die Katholiken, die Juden und 

die Protestanten, die Hanse, den Adel, den sowjetischen 

Sozialismus und die Bürgerrechtsbewegung 

Solidarnosc. Sie alle haben ihre Spuren hinterlassen. 

Nach dem Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges wurde 

die Bevölkerung fast vollständig ausgetauscht. Die 

Deutschen gingen und die Vertriebenen und die 

Heimatlosen aus der Westukraine und aus Ostpolen 

zogen zu. Wenn nun in einer Zeit, in der wir Zeugen 

einer Völkerwanderung sind, die Europa und den 

Nahen Osten erfasst hat, Breslau, die Stadt, deren 

heutige Bevölkerung einst von Flüchtlingen geprägt 

wurde, zur Kulturhauptstadt ernannt wird, dann ist 

das ein Zeichen, ein Signal. 

Heute ist Breslau eine selbstbewusste, eigenständige 

und eigenwillige Stadt. Mit ihren 640.000 Einwohnern 

ist sie die viertgrößte Stadt Polens und mit 

mehr als 100.000 Studenten eine junge und vitale 

Stadt. 

Dass Breslau immer schon eine schöne Stadt gewesen 

sein muss, lässt sich aus dem Beinamen 

schließen, den sie im Lauf der Zeit bekommen hat: 

„Europas heilige Blume, die schöne Zier unter den 

Städten“. Nun mag man von solchen blumigen Bezeichnungen 

halten, was man will. Eine wirklich 

schöne und besuchenswerte Stadt ist Breslau auf jeden 

Fall. 

Breslau zählt zu jenen Städten, die schnell einen 

Vergleich mit Venedig evozieren. „Venedig des Ostens“ 

wird es also auch gern genannt, was daran liegt, 

dass die Oder sich hier in viele Nebenflüsse verzweigt 

und zahlreiche Inseln bildet, die durch Brücken 

miteinander verbunden sind. Auf einer dieser 

Inseln befindet sich die gotische St. Johannes der 

Täufer Kathedrale, eines der Wahrzeichen und eine 

der herausragenden Sehenswürdigkeiten. Auf dieser 

sogenannten Dominsel ist vor mehr als tausend Jahren 

Breslau entstanden. 

Der Rynek, der mittelalterliche Haupt- und 

Marktplatz, ist ein eindrucksvolles Ensemble und sicherlich 

einer der schönsten Plätze Europas. Nicht 

ohne Grund fühlen sich viele Besucher an das nahe 

Krakau erinnert. Weitere Sehenswürdigkeiten sind 

das klassizistische Opernhaus, Häuser, die im Jugendstil 

errichtet wurden, ein Rathaus, das Gestaltungselemente 

der Renaissance zeigt, die barocke 

Universität, die modernistische Jahrhunderthalle. 

Ein faszinierender Architekturmix also. Gesehen haben 

sollte der Besucher der Stadt auch das Panorama 

Raclawicka, ein 114 Meter langes und 15 Meter hohes 

Rundgemälde, das eine Schlacht während des 

polnisch-russischen Krieges im 18. Jahrhundert 

zeigt. Einen Gang durch die Geschichte der Stadt 

kann man im ehemaligen Königspalast am Rande 

der Altstadt unternehmen. Der barocke Bau war 

zeitweilig die Residenz des preußischen Königs 

Friedrich II.; heute beherbergt er das Muzeum Historyczne, 

das Historische Museum (www.muzeum. 

miejskie.wroclaw.pl). 

Berühmtestes Restaurant ist der Piwnica 

Świdnicka (strona.piwnicaswidnicka.com), der 

Schweidnitzer Keller, der sich im Keller des Alten 

Rathauses befindet und in dem angeblich schon 

Chopin, Goethe und Kaiser Wilhelm I. samt Bismarck 

ihr Bier getrunken haben. 

Nun also ist Breslau Europäische Kulturhauptstadt 

2016. Das Programm ist dicht: Mehr als 1.000 

Veranstaltungen wird es in diesen Monaten geben, 

Hotel Monopol 

Das Hotel Monopol ist eine 

Legende, ein Fünf-Sterne- 

Haus, das eine große 

Geschichte hat. Marlene 

Dietrich wohnte hier und 

Pablo Picasso. Wer zu den 

Bürgern von Breslau 

sprechen wollte, der tat 

das vom Balkon des 

Hauses. Zum Hotel gehört 

auch ein elegantes 

Restaurant, von dessen 

großen Fenstern man auf 

die Oper blickt, und ein 

Wellnessbereich mit 

Indoor-Pool, Fitness-Raum 

und Sauna. 

The Hotel Monopol is a 

legendary, five-star place 

with great history. Marlene 

Dietrich stayed here as 

well as Pablo Picasso. 

Speeches to the citizens of 

Wroclaw were delivered 

from the balcony of the 

building. The hotel also has 

an elegant restaurant 

whose large windows 

overlook the opera, and a 

spa with indoor pool, 

fitness room and sauna. 

HOTEL MONOPOL 

Heleny Modrzejewskiej 2 

monopolwroclaw.hotel.com.pl 



85

SAVOIR VIVRE WEEKENDER 

Das Panorama Raclawicka 

zeigt eine Schlacht während 

des polnisch-russischen 

Krieges im 18. Jahrhundert 

(links und unten). 

The panorama Raclawicka 

shows a battle of the 

Polish-Russian war in the 18th 

century (left and below). 

INFO 

Im Zentrum der Stadt: der 

Marktplatz Rynek. 

In the center of the city: the 

market square Rynek. 

Theater, Film, Ausstellungen, Performances und vieles 

mehr. Am Eröffnungswochenende Mitte Januar 

gab es einen „Zug der Geister der Stadt“ mit Lichtinstallationen, 

Happenings und Feuerwerk. Eine Theaterolympiade 

wird stattfinden und die Stadt wird 

Schauplatz der Verleihung des Europäischen Filmpreises 

sein. Das Theaterstück „Der Tod und das 

Mädchen“ der österreichischen Literaturnobelpreisträgerin 

Elfriede Jelinek wird aufgeführt. Es wird einen 

Carneval Cubano geben und ein „Jazz an der 

Oder“-Festival. Und weil Breslau in diesem Jahr außerdem 

auch noch die UNESCO Welt-Buch-Hauptstadt 

ist, ein geballtes Programm an literarischen 

Events. 

„Städte, die den Titel der Europäischen Kulturhauptstadt 

tragen“, lesen wir im Programm, „genießen 

ein Jahr lang die Aufmerksamkeit von ganz Europa“. 

Einerseits. Andererseits öffnet das 

Kulturhauptstadt-Jahr auch ein Fenster: hinaus aus 

einer nationalistischen Enge in eine multikulturelle, 

wilde, spannende, dynamische Welt. Breslau 2016, 

so steht es weiter im Programm, „schafft einen offenen, 

dynamischen und freundlichen Raum.“ Und so 

konnte das Timing diesmal gar nicht besser sein. 

By deciding to appoint the Lower Silesian city 

of Wroclaw to one of two European Capitals 

of Culture in 2016 (the other is the Basque 

city of San Sebastián), the EU Commission made a 

pretty wise choice. 

„The basis of the European Capital of Culture 

project,“ they say, „is the idea of getting to know one 

another, a closer approach and intercultural dialogue 

between Europeans“. Wroclaw has always been a 

juncture of cultures. But the past has not always been 

kind, we soon discover. Wroclaw has seen many 

come and go: Germans, Austrians, Bohemians, Hungarians, 

Poles, Catholics, Jews and Protestants, the 

Hanse, the nobility, Soviet socialism and the Civil 

Rights Movement Solidarity. They all left their mark. 

After the end of World War II, the population was 

almost completely exchanged. The Germans left and 

displaced and homeless people from western Ukraine 

and from eastern Poland moved in. When Wroclaw, 

the city whose present population was once 

dominated by refugees, is appointed European Capital 

of Culture during a period when we are witnessing 

mass migrations that has gripped Europe 

and the Middle East, then that is a sign, a signal. 

Today, Wroclaw is a confident, independent and 

unconventional city. With its 640,000 inhabitants, it 

is the fourth largest city in Poland including more 

than 100,000 young and energetic students. 

Wroclaw must always have been a beautiful city. 

Its nickname, earned over time, leaves no doubt: 

„Europe‘s sacred flower, the beautiful ornament 

among cities“. One might not necessarily be a fan of 

such embellished descriptions, however, one thing is 

for certain – Wroclaw is definitely a town well worth 

visiting. 

It is a city that quickly evokes a comparison with 

Venice. Therefore, it is also often called „Venice of 

the East“, owing to the fact that the Odra river has 

many tributaries which form numerous islands, interconnected 

by bridges. One of these islands is 

home of the Gothic St John the Baptist Cathedral, a 

landmark and one of the outstanding sights. Wroclaw 

originated more than a thousand years ago on 

this so-called Cathedral Island. 

The Rynek, the main and medieval market square, 

is an impressive place and certainly one of the most 

beautiful squares in Europe. It’s not without reason 

that many visitors feel that it is reminiscent of close- 

PHOTOS: POLISH TOURIST ORGANISATION, PANORAMA RACLAWICKA 

BEST IB DIPLOMA PASS RATES in 

AUSTRIA 

2013 – 98% 



by Kraków. Other attractions include the neo-classical 

Opera House, Art Nouveau style built houses, the 

town hall with design elements of the Renaissance, 

the Baroque university, the modernist Centennial 

Hall. A fascinating blend of architecture. Visitors 

should not miss the Raclawicka panorama, a 114 

metre long and 15 metre high circular painting, depicting 

a battle during the Polish-Russian war in the 

18th century. A walk through the city‘s history can 

be enjoyed in the former royal palace on the edge of 

the old town. The Baroque building was temporarily 

the residence of the Prussian King Frederick II. Today, 

it houses the Muzeum Historyczne, the Historical 

Museum (muzeum.miejskie.wroclaw.pl). 

The most famous restaurant is Piwnica Świdnicka 

(strona.piwnicaswidnicka.com), which is located at 

the Old Town Hall and where allegedly Chopin, 

Goethe and Emperor Wilhelm I. including Bismarck 

already drank their beer. 

So now Wroclaw is European Capital of Culture 

in 2016. The programme is filled: More than 1,000 

events will be available throughout the months, theatre, 

films, exhibitions, performances and much 

more. On the opening weekend in mid-January, a 

„ghosts of the city parade“ with light installations, 

happenings and fireworks took place. Theatre olympics 

will be carried out and the city will host the 

award ceremony of the European Film Awards. The 

play „Death and the Maiden“ by the Austrian Nobel 

Prize winner Elfriede Jelinek will be performed. A 

Carnival Cubano and the „Jazz on the Odra“ festival 

is included in the programme. And because Wroclaw 

is also the UNESCO World Book Capital this year, a 

wide-ranging programme of literary events is on the 

agenda. 

„Cities that bear the title of European Capital of 

Culture,“ as written in the programme, „enjoy the 

attention of all of Europe for a year.“ On the one 

hand. On the other hand, the Capital of Culture year 

also opens a window of opportunity from a nationalistic 

narrowness to a multicultural, wild, exciting, 

dynamic world. “Wroclaw in 2016,” the programme 

continues to write, „creates an open, dynamic and 

friendly space.“ The timing could not be better. 

‘striving for 

EXCELLENCE, by 

ENGAGING minds, 

EXCITING learners, 

acting ETHICALLY and 

showing EMPATHY’ 

Wrocław 2016 

Mit mehr als 1.000 

Veranstaltungen wird das 

Kulturhauptstadtjahr 

begangen. Informationen 

zum Programm und zu 

allen Events findet man 

unter: 

More than 1,000 events 

are held throughout the 

Capital of Culture year. 

Information about the 

programme and all events 

can be found at: 

wroclaw2016.pl 

poland.travel 

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01 720 3110 22 


SAVOIR VIVRE SUITE DREAMS 

Suite Dreams 

Hotel Imperial Wien, Fürstensuiten | Hotel Imperial Vienna, Royal Suites 

Text: Rois & Stubenrauch 

Seit der amerikanische Präsident Woodrow 

Wilson in seiner Amtszeit von 1913 – 1921 seine 

spezifischen Anforderungen an ein Hotelzimmer 

für seine Amtsreisen formulierte, verfügt jedes 

Fünfsternehotel über eine Presidential oder Royal 

Suite für höchste Würdenträger und Staatsgäste. 

Cercle Diplomatique hat Mario Habicher, Generaldirektor 

des Hotel Imperial Wien um ein paar 

Worte zu den Fürstensuiten des ehrwürdigen 

Ringstraßenpalais gebeten. 

uring his time in office (1913–1921), the 

D American President Woodrow Wilson 

specified particular demands his hotel room was to 

meet. Since then, each five star hotel offers a 

Presidential or Royal Suite for high dignitaries or 

state guests. Cercle Diplomatique asked general 

director Mario Habicher to give us a little insight 

into the Royal Suites at Hotel Imperial Vienna. 

Generaldirektor 

Mario Habicher 

über die Fürstensuiten 

des Hotel 

Imperial Wien. 

General Director 

Mario Habicher 

about the Royal 

Suites at Hotel 

Imperial Vienna. 

Wie viele Räumlichkeiten stehen dem Gast der Fürstensuiten 

zur Verfügung? 

Was heute die Fürstensuiten, waren einst die privaten Gemächer des 

Hausherrn Herzog Philipp von Württemberg. Gekrönte Häupter und 

Staatsgäste, Künstler und Weltstars aus drei Jahrhunderten schritten 

die berühmte Fürstenstiege empor, um ergriffen einzutreten in eine 

Welt von gediegenem Luxus. Die zwei Fürstensuiten verfügen über je 

160 Quadratmeter. Gepolsterte Doppelflügeltüren führen zum 

weitläufigen Schlafzimmer und dem lichtdurchfluteten Wohnsalon. 

Erweitert durch drei Schlafzimmer nehmen die imposanten 

Räumlichkeiten der Belle Etage die gesamte Stirnfront des Hotel 

Imperial ein. 

Wird sich am imperialen Stil der Fürstensuiten mit der gerade 

erfolgten Übernahme des Hotel Imperial Wien durch die Al 

Habtoor Group aus den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten etwas 

ändern? 

Das kostbare Interieur unserer einzigartigen Fürstensuiten wird 

beibehalten werden. Die prächtigen Kristallleuchter, die schwerelos 

unter sieben Meter hohen Stuckdecken funkeln, die Ehrfurcht 

gebietenden Parkettböden, wertvolle Ölgemälde und die in Seide 

gehüllten Wände werden unverändert unsere Gäste erfreuen. 

Gäste begrüßen und kennenlernen dürfen, deren Namen ich aus 

Diskretionsgründen nicht nennen möchte. Ganz besonders spannend 

war ebenso die Ausrichtung der drei Syrien-Gipfeltreffen bei uns im 

Hotel Imperial. 

How many rooms are available to guests of the Royal Suites at? 

What the Royal Suites are today were once the private rooms of the 

landlord Duke Philipp of Württemberg. Crowned heads and state 

guests, artists and international stars from three centuries ascended 

the famous royal stairs to enter into a world of dignified opulence. The 

two Royal Suites feature 160 square metres each. Padded double doors 

lead to the spacious bedroom and the living room flooded with light. 

When expanded by three bedrooms, the impressive premises of the 

state rooms take up the entire front face of the Hotel Imperial. 

Will the Imperial style of the Royal Suites be changed due to the 

recent takeover of the Hotel Imperial Vienna by the Al Habtoor 

Group from the United Arab Emirates? 

The precious interior of the unique Royal Suites will be kept. 

Magnificent crystal chandeliers sparkle from seven metre high stucco 

ceilings, formidable parquet floors, valuable oil paintings and walls 

covered in silk will delight our guests also in the future. 

PHOTOS: MATTHIAS HAMEL, KRAUSE, JOHANSEN, HOTEL IMPERIAL 

Welches außergewöhnliche Service Ihres Hauses für die Gäste 

der Suiten erfüllt Sie mit besonderem Stolz? 

Dank unseres exklusiven Butler Service wird den Fürstensuiten Gästen 

jeder erdenkliche Luxus geboten, und unausgesprochene Wünsche 

werden von den Augen abgelesen. Eine „Gästekartei“, die bis ins Jahr 

1958 zurückreicht, hilft dabei und gewährleistet einen speziell auf den 

Gast abgestimmten Service. 

Was war der ausgefallenste Wunsch, den sie bis anhin einem 

Gast der Fürstensuiten erfüllt haben? 

Ein Gast wollte einen Hund kaufen, den wir selbstverständlich aus 

bester Zucht organisierten. Der Welpe sollte allein auf einem Sitzplatz 

im Flugzeug in die Heimat des zukünftigen Herrn gesandt werden. Als 

der Concierge sich erlaubte, darauf hinzuweisen, dass Luftlinien auf 

unbegleitete Hunde problematisch reagieren, war die Antwort des 

Gastes knapp und pragmatisch: “Don’t worry, it’s my airline!“ 

Welche prominenten Gäste durften Sie schon in den Suiten 

empfangen? 

Seit meinem Amtsantritt im Oktober 2015 habe ich viele prominente 

Which exceptional service you provide for guests of the Suites 

fills you with great pride? 

Thanks to our exclusive butler service, any possible luxury is on offer to 

guests of the Royal Suites, and unspoken wishes are catered for. A 

„guest profile“ which dates back to 1958 helps and guarantees a 

specially tailored service to the guests. 

What was the most unusual request by a guest in the Royal Suites 

that you have fulfilled? 

A guest wanted to buy a dog which we organised, of course, from a 

prime breeder. The puppy was to be sent alone on a seat on the plane 

to the home of the future owner. When the concierge carefully pointed 

out that airlines might refuse the transfer of unaccompanied dogs, the 

answer was short and pragmatic: „Don’t worry, it‘s my airline!“ 

Which celebrity guests have stayed in the Suites? 

Since taking office in October 2015, I have got to know many 

prominent guests whose names I will not disclose for reasons of 

discretion. In particular, it was very exciting to host the three Syria 

summits at the Hotel Imperial Vienna. 

INFO: 

HOTEL IMPERIAL WIEN 

Kärntner Ring 16 


+43 1 501100 

imperialvienna.com 


SAVOIR VIVRE HIDEAWAYS 

Kleine Fluchten 

Little Escapes 

Zeit für eine frühlingshafte Auszeit? Wir haben vier Empfehlungen für Sie | Time for a spring break? We have four recommendations for you! 

MEHR ENTSPANNUNG 

MORE RELAXATION 

PHOTOS: CATHRINE STUKHARD (6), INGO PERTRAMER, PETR BLAHA, CHRISTOF WAGNER, BEIGESTELLT 

Feriendorf Holzleb’n 

Hier ist für exklusives Frühlingserwachen gesorgt! Wenn 

Gäste im Feriendorf Holzleb’n in Großarl (Salzburg) in 

ihr Chalet kommen, erwartet sie neben der idyllischen 

Almhüttenatmosphäre ab sofort eine freistehende 

Badewanne an der frischen Bergluft. 

Das Feriendorf Holzleb’n liegt eingebettet im schönen 

Salzburger Land. Acht exklusive Chalets mit Wellnessluxus 

und sieben gemütliche Ferienwohnungen laden auf den Hof 

der Familie Fischbacher ein, die ihre Gäste verwöhnt und 

ihnen die Schönheiten der Natur näherbringt. Wer einmal 

Sepp Fischbacher bei der Stallarbeit geholfen oder selbst 

seinen Fisch zum Grillen aus dem Fischteich gefischt hat, für 

den löst sich der Alltag in Schall und Rauch auf. Wie gut 

frisches Bauernbrot, selbst gemachte Marmelade und 

Almbutter zum Frühstück schmecken – davon können sich 

Urlauber im Feriendorf Holzleb’n überzeugen. Und die 

Kinder dürfen neben dem Streichelzoo beim Kühe Füttern 

und bei der Heuernte helfen oder sogar im Heu übernachten. 

Unser Tipp: Beim „Holzleb’n Frühlingserwachen“ erhält 

man in der Zeit von 2. April bis 14. Mai 2016 ab einem 

Aufenthalt von 4 Nächten eine Nacht geschenkt. 

Step into spring in an exclusive setting! When guests 

enter their chalet at Holzleb’n Holiday Village in Großarl 

(Salzburg), they are greeted not only by the idyllic alpine 

cabin atmosphere, but now also by a freestanding bath in 

the fresh mountain air. 

The Holzleb’n Holiday Village is located in the beautiful 

province of Salzburg. The farm has eight exclusive chalets 

with a luxurious spa and seven cosy holiday apartments. It 

is run by the Fischbacher family who enjoy pampering their 

guests and letting them experience the beauty of nature at 

first hand. Guests can help Sepp Fischbacher in the stable or 

catch their own fish in the fish pond to then be barbecued 

– and they find that their everyday life is just a distant 

memory. Delicious fresh farmhouse bread, home-made jam 

and mountain butter at breakfast – holidaymakers at 

Feriendorf Holzleb’n get to try it for themselves. Children 

can visit the petting zoo as well as feed the cows and help 

with the hay harvest or even spend the night in hay. Our tip: 

during “Holzleb’n Frühlingserwachen”, guests can step into 

spring and when they stay here between 2 and 14 May 2016 

for at least four nights, one night is free. 

INFO: 

Feriendorf Holzlebń 

Unterberg 8 

5611 Großarl 

Tel.: +43 (0) 6414/ 2130 

holzlebn.at 

Arthotel Blaue Gans, Stadt Salzburg 

Das Boutiquehotel direkt an der Getreidegasse, verbindet 

historisches Ambiente mit Design und mehr als 100 

Originalkunstwerken. Mit edlem Restaurant in mittelalterlichen 

Gemäuern sowie traditionell-österreichischer Küche 

und Salzburger Spezialitäten. 

The boutique hotel right on Getreidegasse combines a 

historical atmosphere with design and more than 100 

original works of art. With a first-class restaurant within 

medieval walls as well as traditional Austrian cuisine and 

Salzburg specialities. 

blauegans.at 

Seehotel Das Traunsee, Traunkirchen 

Am malerischen Traunsee im Herzen des Salzkammerguts 

befindet sich das 4-Sterne-Superior-Hotel der Familie 

Gröller mit eigenem Steg. Küchenchef Lukas Nagl etablierte 

das dazugehörige à-la-carte-Restaurant „Bootshaus“ als 

kulinarischen Hotspot. 

Located on the banks of the picturesque Traunsee lake in the 

heart of the Salzkammergut area, the Gröller family runs 

this 4-star superior hotel that has its own jetty. The chef 

Lukas Nagl has turned the hotel‘s “Bootshaus” à la carte 

restaurant into a culinary hotspot. dastraunsee.at 

Genießerhotel Mühltalhof, 

Neufelden 

Der Mühltalhof, am Ufer der Großen 

Mühl gelegen, ist für Foodies ja schon 

seit langem ein köstlicher Hafen. Nach 

dem von Papa und Sohn Rachinger 

bereiteten Essen, lässt es sich in den 

charmanten Zimmern bestens verweilen. 

The Mühltalhof hotel, located on the shores of the Große 

Mühl river, has been a tasty haven for foodies for a while 

now. After enjoying the meal prepared by father and son 

Rachinger, guests can relax in their charming room. 

muehltalhof.at 


SAVOIR VIVRE MUSEUM VISIT 

Best of Art Brut 

Art/Brut Center Gugging, Maria Gugging, Niederösterreich | Lower Austria 

Text & Interview: Rois & Stubenrauch 

DIRECTOR’S TALK 

INFO 

Rudolf Horacek, Rudolf Horacek in Mannswörth, 1984; 

Ansicht „Haus der Künstler“ (rechts). Sight to the „House of 

the artists“ (right). 

Gugging gilt als eines der wichtigsten Zentren 

der Art Brut weltweit. Die ausdrucksstarken 

Arbeiten von Künstlern wie August Walla, 

Oswald Tschirtner oder Johann Hauser, die im Pavillon 

11 der ehemaligen Landesnervenheilanstalt – 

heute das „Haus der Künstler“ - lebten und malten, 

erlangten ab den 1970er Jahren rasch die Aufmerksamkeit 

und Anerkennung der Kunstwelt. 2006 zum 

Art/Brut Center erweitert, zeigt das Museum heute 

neben Hauptwerken der Gugginger Künstler auch 

gegenwärtige Positionen und internationale Art 

Brut. In der aktuellen Ausstellung „gugging.! meisterwerke“ 

sind zahlreiche der im „Haus der Künstler“ 

entstandenen und inzwischen in verschiedenen 

Sammlungen in der ganzen Welt verstreuten Arbeiten 

erstmals seit vielen Jahren wieder gemeinsam in 

Gugging zu sehen. 

Gugging is considered one of the main centres 

of Art Brut worldwide. The expressive works 

by artists such as August Walla, Oswald 

Tschirtner or Johann Hauser, who lived in the pavilion 

11 of the former state mental hospital – today the 

„House of the Artists“ – quickly gained the attention 

and recognition of the art world from the 1970s onwards. 

In 2006, it was expanded to the Art/Brut Centre, 

where the museum today also displays contemporary 

items and international Art Brut next to 

major works by the Gugging Artists. In the current 

exhibition „gugging.! masterpieces“, numerous 

works created in the House of the Artists, now scattered 

in various collections all over the world, are 

shown together again in Gugging for the first time in 

many years. 

PHOTOS: PRIVATSTIFTUNG KÜNSTLER AUS GUGGING; MUSEUM IM LAGERHAUS, STIFTUNG FÜR SCHWEIZERISCHE NAIVE KUNST UND ART BRUT, ST. GALLEN; M.HORVATH 

Prof. Dr. Johann Feilacher 

Künstlerischer Direktor und Kurator des Museum Gugging | Artistic director and curator of the Museum Gugging 

Prof. Dr. Johann Feilacher, Facharzt für Psychiatrie und Neurologie, übernahm 1986 von Leo Navratil die Leitung des Zentrums für 

Kunst- und Psychotherapie in Gugging, das er in „Haus der Künstler“ umbenannte. Seit 2006 ist Johann Feilacher, der selbst als 

Bildhauer tätig ist, künstlerischer Direktor des von ihm mitbegründeten Museum Gugging. 

Prof. Dr Johann Feilacher, specialist in psychiatry and neurology, took over the management of the Centre for Art and Psychotherapy in 

Gugging in 1986 from Leo Navratil, which he renamed the „House of the Artists“. Since 2006 Johann Feilacher, himself a sculptor, has been 

artistic director of the Museum Gugging, which he co-founded. 

Haben sich Ihre Erwartungen anlässlich der Erweiterung zum 

Art/Brut Center vor zehn Jahren und der Eröffnung des 

Museum Gugging, für das Sie viele Jahre gekämpft haben, 

erfüllt? 

Absolut. Das Art/Brut Center mit galerie gugging, atelier gugging, 

museum gugging, sowie die Privatstiftung - Künstler aus Gugging, 

konnten im letzten Jahrzehnt zeigen, was erstklassige Gugginger und 

internationale Art Brut ist und sie in einem für diesen Sektor neuen 

Modus zeigen, einfach so, wie anerkannte Weltkunst präsentiert wird. 

Die Künstler der ersten Generation wie August Walla oder 

Johann Hauser haben Gugging bekannt gemacht. Wer sind 

denn die aktuellen „Stars“ des Haus der Künstler? 

Es gibt mehrere anerkannte neue Künstler der Gegenwart in Gugging, 

so hat etwa Günther Schützenhöfer großen Erfolg auch in den USA, 

aber auch Jürgen Tauscher und etwa Leonhard Fink sind große Talente. 

Ist der von Jean Dubuffet geprägte Begriff „Art Brut“ für die 

unbeeinflusste Kunst von Laien und Menschen mit einer 

geistigen Beeinträchtigung in der gegenwärtigen Kunstwelt 

nicht längst fließend? Oder anders gefragt: Was ist das 

Einzigartige der Werke, die in Gugging entstehen, verglichen 

mit Arbeiten aus dem regulären Kunstbetrieb? 

Dehnt man das Interesse auch auf „Self-Taught Art“, also Kunst von 

Autodidakten aus, die vielerorts in den großen Topf der „Outsider Art“ 

geworfen wird, gibt es schon Übergänge. Wenn man die Definition von 

Art Brut von Jean Dubuffet allerdings so sieht, dass es sich um von 

kultureller Kunst unbeeinflusste Werke handelt, dann gibt es keine 

fließenden Grenzen und der Begriff ist klar. Die Gugginger Künstler 

schaffen Kunst, die in keiner Weise von „Kunst“ beeinflusst ist. 

In der Ausstellung „gugging.! meisterwerke“ sind zahlreiche 

Hauptwerke von Gugginger Künstlern aus internationalen 

Sammlungen zu sehen. Welche Arbeiten liegen Ihnen da 

besonders am Herzen? 

Selbstverständlich handelt es sich in dieser Ausstellung ausschließlich 

um Werke, die mir sehr am Herzen liegen. Persönlich schätze ich die 

Objekte von August Walla sehr, aber auch die Zeichnungen von 

Günther Schützenhöfer und Philipp Schöpke gehören zu meinen 

Top-Favoriten. 

Have your expectations regarding the Art/Brut Centre extension 

ten years ago and the opening of the Museum Gugging, which 

you spent many years fighting for, been met? 

Absolutely. The Art/Brut Centre with the gallery gugging, atelier 

gugging, museum gugging, and the Private Foundation - Gugging 

Artists has been able to prove throughout the last decade what top 

Gugging and international Art Brut is – and to show it in a new way in 

this sector, just like recognised world art is presented. 

The artists of the first generation such as August Walla or Johann 

Hauser first made Gugging known. Who are the current „stars“ of 

the House of the Artists? 

There are several new acknowledged contemporary artists in Gugging 

such as Günther Schützenhöfer, who enjoys great success in the US, 

but also Jürgen Tauscher and Leonhard Fink are great talents. 

Is the definition of „Art Brut“, coined by Jean Dubuffet for 

uninfluenced art by amateurs and people with intellectual 

impairment, not a fluid notion in the current art world? Or in 

other words: What is the uniqueness of the works created in 

Gugging compared with works from the regular art world? 

If we also extend interest on „Self-Taught Art“, meaning art by the 

self-taught, which is widely thrown into the realm of „Outsider Art“, 

there are already transitions. If Jean Dubuffet’s definition of Art Brut is 

seen such that it is unaffected by cultural art, then there are no fluid 

boundaries and the notion is clear. The Gugging Artists create art that 

is in no way influenced by „art“. 

In the exhibition „gugging.! masterpieces“, many major works by 

the Gugging Artists from international collections can be seen. 

Which pieces are closest to your heart? 

The exhibition of course only displays works that are very close to my 

heart. Personally, I appreciate the objects by August Walla but also the 

drawings by Günther Schützenhöfer and Philipp Schöpke are among 

my top favourites. 

Aktuelle 

Ausstellungen 

Museum Gugging 

Collections and current 

exhibitions at the 

Museum Gugging 

gugging.! meisterwerke 

bis 26.3.2017 

Der Katalog zur Ausstellung 

ist im Museumsshop auch in 

limitierter Sonderausgabe 

mit jeweils zwei Originalradierungen 

von Künstlern aus 

Gugging erhältlich. 

gugging.! masterpieces 

until 26 March 2017 

The exhibition catalogue is 

available as a limited special 

edition in the museum shop 

including two original 

etchings by artists from 

Gugging. 

Arnold Schmidt, Mensch, 

1988. 

art brut: japan - schweiz.! 


art brut: japan - switzerland.! 

until 22 May 2016 

ernst herbeck.! eine leise 

sprache ist mir lieber 


ernst herbeck.! i prefer a 

silent language 

until 22 May 2016 

birdman gestaltet die 

villa gugging 


birdman designs the villa 

gugging 

until 26 March 2017 

Oben: Franz Gableck, Elefant, 1968. Franz Gableck, Elephant, 1968. 

Großes Bild: August Walla, Jesus.!, undatiert, Courtesy Sammlung Rolf Röthlisberger. Big art 

work: August Walla, Jesus.!, no date, courtesy Rolf Röthlisberger Collection. 

Rechts: Anna Kahmann, „Güggel“, 1994, Filzstift auf Papier. Right: Anna Kahmann, „Güggel“, 

1994, felt pen on paper. 

INFO: 

MUSEUM GUGGING 

Am Campus 2 

3400 Maria Gugging 

gugging.at 



93

SAVOIR VIVRE LIVING TRENDS 

Edles Wohnvergnügen 

Elegant living pleasure 

Text: Michaela Hocek 

Innenstadt- und Cottage-Lagen sind am Wiener Immobilien-Markt äußerst 

beliebt. Wer bereit ist, in eine exklusive Immobilie zu investieren, möchte auch ihr 

Innenleben mit eleganten und exquisiten Möbel und Design Pretiosen ausstatten. 

CD stellt Ihnen ausgesuchte Beispiele zum Wohnen vor. 

Inner city and cottage districts are very popular in the Viennese real estate market. 

Those who are willing to invest in an exclusive property will also desire to equip its 

interior with elegant and exquisite furniture and design. Cercle Diplomatique 

introduces selected examples for living. 

„Das Bewusstsein 

für die 

Immobilie als 

Wertanlage ist 

deutlich gestiegen, 

was auch 

mit dem aktuellen 

Zinsniveau zu 

tun hat.“ 

”The awareness 

of property as an 

investment has 

grown, one reason 

is the current interest 

rate level.” 

Bernhard Reikersdorfer, 

REMAX Austria 

POLTRONA FRAU 

Stuhl mit Historie | Chair with history 

PHOTOS: APA LUDWIG SCHEDL, BEIGESTELLT 

REMAX 

Trend Maisonette | Maisonette trend 

Der Stuhl aus dem Jahr 1919 von Poltrona Frau ist Sitzgelegenheit 

und Leistungsschau zugleich: Handwerkliche Stepparbeit, 

lederbezogene Nägel, feinste wachsbehandelte Hölzer. 

The chair made in 1919 by Poltrona Frau serves as a seat as well 

as an exhibition piece: hand-crafted stitching, leather-covered 

nails, fine wax-treated woods. poltronafrau.com 

Lichtdurchflutete Dachgeschoßwohnungen mit Terrasse in 

verkehrsberuhigten Zonen wie Sievering, sind die Vorzüge von 

Luxusdomizilen in Wien-Döbling. 

Lofts flooded with light with a terrace in reduced-traffic areas 

such as Sievering, are the preferred type of luxury home in 

Vienna‘s Döbling district. remax.at 



95


NEVERENDING GLORY 

Neuinterpretation | Reinterpreted 

Opulenz in moderner Aufmachung ist ein Wohntrend, der bei mood 

Wien mit der Lampenserie des Prager Labels Lasvit zu finden ist. 

Opulence with a modern touch is a current interior design trend. 

A series of lamps designed by Lasvit, a brand from Prague, reflects 

this and can be found at mood in Vienna. lasvit.com 

KING KOIL 

Luxus-Schlafsystem | Luxurious sleeping system 

Erholsamer Schlaf wird bei King Koil Boxspringbetten durch ein 

ausgeklügeltes ergonomisches Liegesystem mit Mehrzonen- 

Federung, natürlichen Materialien die auch Allergikern gerecht 

werden und komfortabler Einstiegshöhe erreicht. 

King Koil‘s box-spring beds have a sophisticated, ergonomic bed 

system with a multi-zone spring system, natural materials, which 

are even suitable for allergy sufferers, and a comfortable height, 

ensuring a restful sleep. luxury-beds.at 

Imagefrage geklärt 

Innere Stadt, Hietzing und Döbling sind sehr 

wichtige Bezirke, wenn es um hochwertige Objekte 

geht. Oft sind es auch bestimmte „Mikrogrätzel“ in 

Wien, die den Unterschied beim Kaufpreis ausmachen. 

In puncto Luxusimmobilien beurteilt Baris 

Basaran, Immobilien- und Relocation-Agent bei Expat 

Consulting, das Image der Bundeshauptstadt positiv: 

„Wien hat in den letzten Jahren sehr stark aufgeholt, 

da die Stadt auch wegen ihrer historischen 

Gebäude, dem vielfältigen Kulturangebot und der 

ausgezeichneten Lebensqualität bei den Käufern 

sehr beliebt ist. Das Angebot ist jedoch im internationalen 

Vergleich noch sehr überschaubar und es ist 

nicht gleich alles Luxus, was auf dem Markt angeboten 

wird. Wobei Luxus natürlich sehr individuell ist 

und nicht pauschaliert werden kann. Es gibt einen 

gewissen internationalen Standard, wo Wien bei Villen 

und Luxuswohnungen enorm nachgezogen 

hat. In den letzten Jahren haben wir auch beobachtet, 

dass die Ansprüche unserer Klienten immer höher 

geworden sind.“ Mit Quadratmeterpreisen von 

Büro im Barocken Stadtpalais 

€ 8.000 bis über € 30.000 liegt die Stadt im guten internationalen 

Mittelfeld. Bernhard Reikersdorfer, 

Geschäftsführer von REMAX Austria macht für Gesamtösterreich 

einen Paralleltrend aus: „Auch 

Grundstücke in guten Lagen, also mit Seeblick oder 

in Seenähe, können weiterhin zu sehr guten Preisen 

verkauft werden, weil sie rar sind.“ 

Vielschichtiges Käuferinteresse 

Internationale Familien mit Kindern bevorzugen 

eher grüne Lagen. Diese Entscheidung ist oft auch 

abhängig von der Erreichbarkeit der Schulen. Paare 

oder Käufer von Immobilien als Zweitwohnsitz bevorzugen 

eher Innerstädtisches. Die österreichischen 

Käufer bleiben im Luxusbereich konstant. 

Verschiebungen der Käuferströme gibt es aufgrund 

der aktuellen politischen und wirtschaftlichen Lage 

in Wien von Osteuropa weg hin zum arabischen sowie 

chinesischen und indischen Raum. Russische 

Käufer werden seltener aktiv und kaufen nur noch 

sehr vereinzelt. Im Westen Österreichs sind es überwiegend 

Interessenten aus der EU und ebenfalls aus 

NWW 

Geschützte 

Atmosphäre 

Protected atmosphere 

Mit Harlem designed by 

Wolfgang Joop hat die Neue 

Wiener Werkstätte eine 

Kollektion im Portfolio, die 

mit weichen Formen sanft 

umschließt. 

With Harlem designed by 

Wolfgang Joop, the Neue 

Wiener Werkstätte has a 

collection in its portfolio with 

soft, embracing forms. 

nww.at 

RAIFFEISEN 

Trend Stadthaus 

Town house trend 

Einem ehemaligen Familienhaus aus dem Jahre 1890 am 

Karmelitermarkt wurde mit bekannten Architekten und 

internationaler Handschrift neues Leben, inklusive raffinierter 

Haustechnik, auf neun Ebenen eingehaucht. 

Renowned architects and an international hallmark have 

breathed new life into a former family home on Karmelitermarkt 

built in 1890, which included sophisticated housing 

technology on nine levels. 

raiffeisen-immobilien.at 

Im Gespräch mit heimischen Immobilienexperten 

zeichnet sich ein positiver Trend ab. Die 

Preise pendeln sich auf konstant hohem Niveau 

ein, es sind keine Rekordbeträge mehr zu berappen, 

entscheidet man sich für die langfristige Wohnform 

des Luxuseigentums. Das Angebot ist tendenziell 

größer als die Nachfrage, wobei sich in zentralen Lagen 

nach wie vor das Gegenteil abzeichnet und bei 

trendigen Luxusbleiben in Form von Penthouses, 

Lofts und Maisonetten mit den höchsten Wertsteigerungen 

zu rechnen ist. Wien entwickelt hier noch 

mehr Dynamik als im Vorjahr. Eine Untersuchung 

des Immobilienexperten REMAX zeigt auf, wie viele 

Immobilien in Österreich allgemein unter den Begriff 

Luxusimmobilien fallen: Mit rund 4% aller verkauften 

Wohnungen in der Preiskategorie über 

500.000 Euro und 6,5% bei Einfamilienhäusern handelt 

es sich eher um ein sehr kleines Segment. Die 

Nische lässt sich auf wenige Bezirke, Ferienregionen, 

Seengebiete und Kitzbühel – wegen seiner Nähe zu 

München – eingrenzen. 

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT 

Palais Neupauer-Breuner 


Büroräume mit besonderem Flair 

utzäche: 43m ift gute Ausstattung 

2 PKW-Abstellplätze 

Tel.: 0664/60 517 517 77 

Mag. Peter Fellhofer 

www.raieisen-immobilien.at 

www.metternich.at 

Tel.: 02735/2205 

Ing. Gerald Türk 

www.metternich.at 



Beim Zustandekommen eines entsprechenden Rechtsgeschäftes, erlauben wir uns, Ihnen eine Vermittlungsprovision von 3 Bruttomonatsmieten des Mietpreises zuzüglich 20% Ust. in Rechnung zu stellen. 

Auf ein wirtschaftliches bzw. familiäres Naheverhältnis zum Abgeber iSd. § 6 Abs. 4 MaklerG wird hingewiesen. 

97


„Die große Nachfrage nach Luxusimmobilien in Wien wird es noch 

geben, jedoch nicht den Preisanstieg der letzten Jahre.“ „The great 

demand for luxury real estate will still be there in Vienna, however not the 

price rise of the last years.“ Baris Basaran, Expat Consulting 

EXPAT 

CONSULTING 

Trend Stadtvilla 

Urban villa trend 

Mit knapp 1.000 m2 

Wohnfläche, eingebettet in 

einen hauseigenen Park, ist 

diese Villa im 19. Bezirk ein 

Vorzeigebeispiel für familiäre 

Luxusansprüche. 

This villa in the 19th district, 

with just under 1,000 m2 

living area, has its own park 

and is a prime example of a 

family‘s luxury expectations. 

expat-consulting.com 

arabischen Ländern, die sich für 1A-Lagen in sicheren 

Ländern entscheiden. Einige davon in Verbindung 

mit aktuellen Möbeltrends finden Sie auf diesen 

Seiten. 

When talking to local property experts, a 

positive trend becomes apparent. Prices 

have remained at a constantly high level, 

buyers no longer have to fork out record amounts if 

they choose to purchase long-term luxury property. 

Supply tends to be greater than demand, whereby the 

opposite is still the case for central locations. The 

highest level of appreciation is to be expected with 

trendy luxury accommodation such as penthouses, 

lofts and maisonettes. Vienna has become more dynamic 

in this respect compared to the previous year. 

A survey carried out by property expert Remax reveals 

how many properties in Austria fall into the 

luxury property category in general. With about 4% 

of all flats sold in the price range above 500,000 euros 

and 6.5% as single family homes, this is still a very 

small segment. This niche market is limited to just a 

few districts, holiday regions, lake areas and Kitzbühel 

– because of its proximity to Munich. 

Image set straight 

Innere Stadt, Hietzing and Döbling are very important 

districts for premium property. Specific “micro 

neighbourhoods” in Vienna also often influence 

the purchase price. When it comes to luxury property, 

Baris Basaran, a property and relocation agent at 

Expat Consulting, sees the federal capital‘s image as 

positive. “Vienna has caught up very strongly in the 

last few years as it is also very popular with buyers 

because of its historic buildings, various cultural 

events and the excellent quality of life. But when 

compared internationally, the number of properties 

on offer is quite modest and not everything on the 

market is in fact luxurious. Whereby luxury is naturally 

a personal matter and cannot be generalised. 

Vienna‘s villas and luxury flats have caught up with 

certain international standards. We have also noticed 

that our clients‘ demands have become higher in the 

last few years.” With square metre prices of €8,000 to 

€30,000+, the town ranks average internationally. 

Bernhard Reikersdorfer, managing director of Remax 

Austria, sees a parallel trend throughout Austria, 

“Even property in good locations, i.e. with a lake 

view or near a lake, can still be sold at very good prices 

because they are rare.” 


ADA 

Eleganter Purismus 

Elegant purism 

Geradlinigkeit und gemütliche Details wird von aktuellen 

Premium-Sitzmöbeln gefordert. Geschwungene Linien, Materialmix 

und zeitlose Eleganz sind ein stilsicheres Wohnstatement. 

The latest premium seating furniture demands clarity and cosy 

details. Curved lines, a mixture of materials and timeless elegance 

create a stylish statement. ada.at 

Multi-faceted buyer interests 

International families with children tend to prefer 

green locations. But this decision often depends on 

accessibility to schools. Couples or people buying a 

second home tend to prefer inner-city areas. The 

number of Austrian buyers in the luxury segment 

has remained stable. There are shifts in customer 

flows due to the current political and economic situation 

in Vienna from Eastern Europe through to the 

Arabian as well as Chinese and Indian regions. Russian 

buyers are less active and buy very infrequently. 

In western Austria, buyers mainly from the EU as 

well as Arabian countries choose prime locations in 

safe countries. 

Some properties can be found here, combined 

with the latest furniture trends. 

opening hours: 

Monday - Saturday 

12:00-15:00 and 17:30-23:00 

Sundays and public holidays 

17:30-22:00 

Patara - Fine Thai Cuisine 

Petersplatz 1 1010 Wien 

+43 1 997 1938-0 


www.patara-vienna.at

SAVOIR VIVRE MOTOR 

Neu auf Straße, Gelände und Rennstrecke 

For roads, racetracks and off-road 


Ford Edge: Markiger SUV mit 

amerikanischen Genen | Cutting-edge 

SUV with American genes 

Motor Engine 

R4 Diesel und Benziner, V6 Diesel 

Antrieb Drive 

Hinterradantrieb (ab Ende 2016 auch Motoren mit 4MATIC 

Allradantrieb) | rear-wheel drive (engines with 4MATIC 

four-wheel drive from the end of 2016) 

kW (PS) kw (HP) 135 – 190 (184 - 258) 

Hubraum Capacity 

1.991 – 2.987 ccm 

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 5,5 - 3,9 (Diesel) / 5,9 – 5,5 (Benziner) l /100 km 

Preis Price ab | from € 49.540,– 

In den USA längst ein Verkaufsschlager, mischt Ford mit dem neuen Ford Edge nun auch den europäischen Markt auf. Der Premium 

SUV, der im kanadischen Ford-Werk Oakville vom Band läuft, punktet mit kraftvollem Design, zahlreichen durchdachten Assistenz 

Systemen wie der adaptiven Lenkung, einer 180° Grad Frontkamera, Distanzsensoren oder einem mit drei Radarsensoren, 

Ultraschall und dem Kamerasystem arbeitenden Pre Collision Assist, sowie dem vergleichsweise günstigen Preis. 

Already a bestseller in the USA, Ford is now stirring up the European market with the new Ford Edge. The premium SUV, which is 

rolling off the lines in the Oakville Ford plant in Canada, scores 

with its strong design, numerous sophisticated assistance 

systems as well as adaptive steering, a 180° front wide-view 

camera, parking distance sensors and the Pre-Collision Assist 

fitted with three radar sensors, ultrasound and a camera system 

as well as the relatively favourable price. 

Motor Engine 

R4 Diesel 

Antrieb Drivex 

Vorderradantrieb mit automatisch zugeschaltetem Allradantrieb | front-wheel 

drive with automatic four-wheel drive 

kW (PS) kw (HP) 132 – 154 (180 - 220) 


1.997 ccm 

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 6,4 l/100km 


BMW M2 Coupé: Maximaler Fahrspaß | 

Maximum driving pleasure 

Mercedes E-Klasse: State of the Art Ingenieurskunst aus Stuttgart | Mercedes E-Class: State-of-the-art engineering from Stuttgart 

Highlight der Detroit Auto Show 2016 im Januar aus europäischer Sicht war sicherlich die Präsentation der neuen E-Klasse. Fast eine Milliarde Euro hat Mercedes laut 

Medienberichten in die Entwicklung der Baureihe 213 gesteckt. Äußerlich mit geschärfter Linienführung an das neue Mercedes-Design herangeführt, wartet das Innere der 

E-Klasse mit gediegener Eleganz und einer Reihe technischer Neuerungen auf: Touch-Bedienfelder am Lenkrad und Sprachsteuerung, wahlweise digitales Cockpit mit zwei 

12,3 Zoll Displays und eine ganze Menge neuer Assistenzsysteme – vom Drive Pilot für teilautonomes Fahren über den Brems-Assistenten, der selbsttätig Kollisionen 

verhindert, bis zur App für den Informationsaustausch über die aktuelle Verkehrslage. 

From a European perspective, the highlight of the Detroit Auto Show 2016 in January was most certainly the unveiling of the new E-Class. According to media reports, Mercedes invested 

nearly a billion euros in developing the W213. The exterior in line with the new Mercedes design impresses with sharper lines, the interior of the E-Class boasts tasteful elegance and a 

number of technological advances: Touch control panels on the steering wheel and voice control, optional digital cockpit with two 12.3-inch screens and a whole range of new assistance 

systems – from Drive Pilot for semi-autonomous driving to Brake Assist, which automatically prevents collisions, through to an app for communicating current traffic conditions. 

FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY 

PHOTOS: HERSTELLER 

Jaguar F-Pace: Britischer offroad Adel | 

British off-road nobility 

Der erste SUV – oder Performance-Crossover, wie die Briten sagen – aus dem 

Hause Jaguar überzeugt. Nicht nur weil sich der Jaguar F-Pace bei der spektakulären 

Weltpremiere im Herbst auf der IAA mit dem Titel „Größter jemals mit einem 

Auto durchfahrener Looping“ ins Guinness-Buch der Rekorde eingeschrieben hat. 

Dynamik, Motorisierung (der V6 Benziner bringt 380 PS auf die Straße), Design, 

intelligente Assistenzsysteme für den Abstecher abseits der Straße - hier passt 

alles zusammen. Ein nobler Brite eben. 

The first SUV – or Performance Crossover, as the Brits call it – from Jaguar is 

impressive. Not only because the spectacular world premiere of the Jaguar F-Pace 

at the IAA in autumn set a Guinness World Record by being driven on the largest 

ever loop-the-loop. Dynamism, motorisation (the V6 petrol engine is capable of up 

to 380 HP), design, intelligent assistance systems for off-road trips – everything 

comes together perfectly. A noble Brit indeed. 

Motor Engine 

R4 Diesel, V6 Diesel und Benziner 


AWD, 2l Diesel auch mit Hinterradantrieb | rear-wheel drive 

kW (PS) kw (HP) 132 – 280 (180 - 380) 


1.999 – 2.995 ccm 

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 6,0 – 4,9 (Diesel) / 8,9 (Benziner) l/100km 

Preis | Price ab | from € 44.850,– 

Der neue BMW M2 ist nicht für die gemütliche Sonntagsfahrt ausgelegt. Ein Turbo 

Reihen-Sechszylinder mit 370 PS und das speziell für die hochtourigen M Motoren 

zugeschnittene Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, das Schalten ohne Kupplungspedal bei 

Vollgas und durchgehender Kraftübertragung ermöglicht, sprechen eine klare 

Sprache. 4,3 Sekunden benötigt der bayerische Bolide auf 100 km/h, die 

(abgeregelte) Höchstgeschwindigkeit liegt bei 270 km/h. Auch optisch sieht man 

dem M2 mit seinen großen Lufteinlässen, Vierrohrauspuff, weit ausgestellten 

Radhäusern und 19-Zoll-Felgen den Fahrspaß an. 

The new BMW M2 has not been designed for leisurely Sunday drives. A Turbo 

inline six-cylinder engine with 370 HP and a double clutch transmission especially 

made for the high-rev M engines, which enable gear changes at full throttle 

without using the clutch pedal and a continuous power transfer, speak for 

themselves. This Bavarian fireball can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 

seconds, the (electronically limited) top speed is 270 km/h. The exterior of the 

M2 also reveals the expected driving pleasure, with its large air intakes, four 

tailpipes, prominent wheel arches and 19-inch rims. 

Motor Engine 

R6 Benzinmotor 


Hinterradantrieb | rear-wheel drive 

kW (PS) kw (HP) 272 (370) 


2.979 ccm 

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 8,5 l/100km 



Cercle Diplomatique 1/2016 101

SAVOIR VIVRE PRECIOUS OBJECTS 

Feine Dinge 

The finer things 

Die Begegnung mit exklusiven 

Neuheiten macht immer wieder aufs 

Neue Freude. Cercle Diplomatique gibt 

einen Überblick über Edles aus der 

Welt der Uhren, des Schmucks und 

der Mode. 

It is always a great pleasure to discover 

new exclusive products. Cercle Diplomatique 

has compiled an overview of 

great and wonderful things in the 

world of watches, jewellery and 

fashion. 


GLANZVOLL. 

A.E. Köchert sorgt 

mit Aquamarinen, 

Turmalinen und 

Diamanten für 

funkelnde Momente. 

BRILLIANCE. 

A.E. Köchert provides 

sparkling moments with 

aquamarines, 

tourmalines and 

diamonds. 

Gerade in repräsentativen Positionen ist Zeit 

oft ein rares Gut und dennoch sollte man 

den Überblick nicht verlieren, um modeund 

accessoiretechnisch auf dem neuesten Stand zu 

bleiben. Einzigartig, elegant, modern und trotzdem 

gemütlich ohne dabei langweilig zu sein, ist die Devise 

im Businessalltag ebenso wie auf Empfängen 

und zu festlichen Anlässen. Eine kompetente Anlaufstelle 

ist hier beispielsweise Marion Herz-Degenkolb, 

die mit ihrer Boutique in der Wiener Weihburggasse 

zum Geheimtipp für Frauen avanciert ist. 

Individuelle Mode, langlebige Strickmodelle aus eigener 

Produktion und Kollektionen von Frank Lyman 

findet man bei ihr: „Die Modelle knittern nicht, 

sind absolut koffertauglich und die Kollektionen 

sind perfekt kombinierbar. Alle Teile werden unter 

hohen sozialen und ökologischen Maßstäben ausschließlich 

in Österreich und Frankreich produziert. 

Ein Strickmodell von Degenkolb ist ein langlebiges 

Stück, das es nur in kleinen Serien gibt. Wir haben 

uns tragbare, officetaugliche Mode für Frauen, die 

bewusst nicht mit dem Strom schwimmen wollen 

und Wert auf Einzigartigkeit legen, ohne dabei aufzufallen, 

zum Ziel gesetzt“, so die Modeexpertin. 

Welt der Pretiosen 

Ist die eigene Garderobe stilsicher und nicht unbedingt 

jedem saisonalen Trend nachheischend ausgestattet, 

spielen Accessoires eine besonders wichti- 

HAUTE COUTURE. 

Feine Spitze und 

fließende Formen: Elie 

Saab ließ sich in dieser 

Saison von Indien 

inspirieren. 

Fine lace and flowing 

forms: this season Elie 

Saab was inspired by 

India. 


ge Rolle – für Herren wie für Damen. Ein 

hervorragender Impulsgeber ist hier die jährlich 

stattfindende Schweizer Messe „SIHH“. Der „Salon 

International Haute Horlogerie“ findet alljährlich im 

Jänner in Genf statt und ist eine Leistungsschau der 

Superlative. Zu sehen sind Kollektionserweiterungen 

renommierter Manufakturen und Unikate der 

hohen Uhrmacherkunst. 2016 nahmen erstmals einige 

neue Aussteller, wie H. Moser & Cie. die Möglichkeit 

wahr, hier auszustellen. Die Manufaktur mit 

Sitz im schweizerischen Neuhausen ist ein typisches 

Beispiel für luxuriöses Understatement. Das Streben 

nach Genauigkeit und Präzision zeigt sich in technischer 

Raffinesse, klaren Linien, gewölbten Gläsern, 

feinst verarbeiteten Zifferblätter und edlem Leder. 

Die Reduktion auf das Wesentliche und Seltene ist 

Teil der Firmenphilosophie. 

Edle Jubiläumskollektionen 

Mit 85 Jahren Reverso hat Jaeger-LeCoultre ein 

großes Jubiläum zu feiern, das mit limitierten Editionen 

und der Möglichkeit sein individuelles Modell 

selbst zusammenzustellen würdig begangen wird. 

Die Manufaktur Parmigiani feiert ihr 20jähriges Firmenjubiläum 

und verblüffte ebenfalls mit Neuheiten, 

wie der Tonda Chronor Anniversaire, die das 

erste Uhrwerk mit integriertem Chronographen aus 

Gold des Hauses ist. Montblanc stellte anlässlich des 

110jährigen Firmenbestehens mit der neuen 4810 

UNDERSTATEMENT. 

Das Fumé-Zifferblatt 

der „Endeavour Centre 

Seconds Concept“ von 

H. Moser & Cie. zieht 

Blicke auf sich. 

The Fumé dial on the 

“Endeavour Centre 

Seconds Concept“ from 

H. Moser & Cie. is a true 

eye-catcher. 




EINSTIEGSMODELL. 

Die neuen Referenzen der „Pilot’s 

Watch Mark XVIII“ in Edelstahl 

überzeugen mit klarem 

„Cockpitdesign“. 

BOARDING MODEL. The new 

references on the “Pilot’s Watch 

Mark XVIII” in stainless steel have 

an impressive clear “cockpit 

design”. 

MEISTERLEISTUNG. 

Anlässlich des 20-Jahr-Jubiläums hat 

Parmigiani sein erstes Uhrwerk mit 

integriertem Chronographen 

entwickelt. 

MASTERLY PERFORMANCE. 

Because of its 20-year anniversary, 

Parmigiani has designed its first watch 

mechanism with an integrated 

chronograph movement. 

UNVERGÄNGLICH. Mehr als ein Mode-Statement: 

„Kite Ring“ von Schullin in 18 Karat Weißgold 

mit rotem Spinel. 

EVERLASTING. More than just a fashion 

statement: “Kite Ring” from Schullin in 18-carat 

white gold with a red spinel. 

Collection das Goldene Zeitalter der Schifffahrt über 

den Atlantischen Ozean in den Mittelpunkt. 

The pieces are only produced in Austria and France 

according to high social and environmental standards. 

Knitwear made by Degenkolb is long-lasting 

and only produced in a small series. Our aim is to 

make wearable fashion suitable for the office for women 

who choose to not follow every trend and place 

great value on uniqueness without standing out,“ according 

to the fashion expert. 

World of precious objects 

If your wardrobe is stylish and you do not have to 

crave every seasonal trend, then accessories play an 

especially important role – for men and women 

alike. An excellent place for ideas: the Salon International 

Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) takes place once a 

year in Geneva in January and is an exhibition of superlatives. 

Renowned manufacturers present extensions 

of their collections and visitors can also see 

unique pieces made according to the high art of 

watchmaking. In 2016, a few new exhibitors have taken 

the opportunity to exhibit here for the first time, 

such as H. Moser & Cie. The manufacturer, based in 

230x148.5_CD_01.ai 1 17.02.16 11:50 

Neuhausen in Switzerland, is a typical example of 

FEMININ. 

Knitwear aus eigener 

Produktion und die 

Kollektion von Frank Lyman 

sind die Stärken von 

Degenkolb. 

FEMININE. The knitwear 

produced in-house and the 

Frank Lyman collection are 

Degenkolb‘s forte. 

Strahlende Aura 

Neben Uhren ist Schmuck der zweitwichtigste 

Ausdruck der Persönlichkeit. Hier sollte edlen 

Schmucksteinen und Diamanten aus modischen Aspekten 

und auch im Sinne der Wertsteigerung der 

Vorzug gegeben werden. Gerade in Österreich sind 

hier Traditionsjuweliere wie A.E. Köchert, Schullin 

oder Heldwein, die zeitgemäße Eigenkreationen in 

ihren Ateliers designen und realisieren, Vorreiter in 

Sachen guten Geschmacks. 

85. GEBURTSTAG. Die 

„Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon“ 

ist ein Highlight der 

Jubiläumskollektion von 

Jaeger-LeCoultre. 

85TH BIRTHDAY. The 

“Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon” 

is one of the highlights 

in Jaeger-LeCoultre‘s 

anniversary collection. 


ANSCHMIEGSAM. Die neue 

„Limelight Gala“ mit 

Milanaise-Band in Gold ist 

eine ästhetische Wertanlage 

von Piaget. 

SOFT AND SMOOTH. The 

new “Limelight Gala” with a 

gold Milanese watch band is 

a decorative investment from 

Piaget. 

Time is often a rare commodity in prestigious 

positions. But it is still necessary to keep up to 

date with fashion and accessories. Unique, 

elegant, modern yet comfortable without being boring, 

this is the motto in the business world as well as 

at functions and festive occasions. A competent 

place to go to is Marion Herz-Degenkolb, who has 

become an insider tip for women with her boutique 

in Weihburggasse in Vienna. Individual fashion, 

long-lasting knitwear she makes herself and Frank 

Lyman collections can be found here. “The clothes 

do not crease, even when packed in a suitcase, and 

the collections can be combined together perfectly. 

PHOTOS: FELIXCAM, CHRISTIAN PRANDL, BEIGESTELLT 



URBAN. 

Sommerwolle, wasserabweisendem 

Nylon, Jersey und Techmerino sind 

ein Auszug der DNA der Kreationen 

von Z Zegna. 

Summer wool, water-repellent nylon, 

jersey and Techmerino are just a part 

of the DNA of Z Zegna‘s creations. 

STICKEREIKUNST. Hublots Kooperation mit St. Gallener 

Handwerkskunst gipfelt in der „Big Band Broderie“. 

ART OF EMBROIDERY. Hublot‘s use of traditional 

embroidery craftsmanship from St. Gall culminates in the 

“Big Band Broderie”. 

Quality and individuality are focal points at Degenkolb / Sitte Vienna. 

Every piece made by the exclusive, Austrian women´s knitwear brand, 

is hand-made, unique and fits if tailored to the owner. Unique, elegant, 

modern and yet comfortable without seeming boring is how 

best to describe the knitwear line by Sitte Vienna, a traditional brand 

with over 40 years of history. Alongside the high quality and incomparable 

design, Sitte Vienna Knitwear is an insider´s tip for women who 

enjoy travelling frequently and make comfortable, individual fashion a 

priority. All pieces are produced exclusively in Austria, and are subject 

to very high social and ecological standarts. Knitwear clothing from 

Sitte is an easy to care for, long lasting, favourite item of clothing produced 

only in limited numbers. Spanx and feminine dresses designed 

by Frank Lyman complete the offer. An office friendly look that goes 

hand in hand with a high, feel-good factor. Stitch for stitch. 

LUXUSSCHLANGE. Die neue „Serpenti Tubogas“ von 

Bulgari fasziniert mit Sonnenschliff-Zifferblatt und 

applizierten Indizes. 

LUXURY SNAKE. The new “Serpenti Tubogas” from 

Bulgari has a fascinating sunburst dial and hand-applied 

indexes. 

understated luxury. The technical sophistication, 

clear lines, curved glasses, delicately processed dials 

and fine leather reveal the aspiration for accuracy 

and precision. Rarity and reducing everything to the 

essentials is a part of the company‘s philosophy. 

Degenkolb • Weihburggasse 17 • 1010 Wien 

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, or 24 hours at 

www.degenkolb.at 

GEHEIMNISVOLL. 

Ein scheinbar schwebendes 

Uhrwerk hat Cartier in der 

„Rotonde de Cartier 

Astromystérieux“ verbaut. 

MYSTERIOUS. 

The watch movement that 

Cartier has built into the 

“Rotonde de Cartier 

Astromystérieux” appears to 

be floating . 

ROSE. Die „Princess“-Ringe 

von Heldwein faszinieren 

dank Morganit, Turmalin, 

Zirkon und Diamanten in 

unterschiedlichen Nuancen. 

The “Princess” rings 

designed by Heldwein are 

fascinating thanks to 

morganite, tourmaline, zircon 

and diamonds in various 

shades. 

PHOTOS: LAZIZ HAMANI, CARMINE ARRICHIELLO, BEIGESTELLT 

Fine anniversary collections 

With 85 years of Reverso, Jaeger-LeCoultre has a 

big anniversary to celebrate, which it has done fittingly 

by releasing limited editions and by enabling customers 

to put together their own individual models. 

The manufacturer Parmigiani is celebrating its 20- 

year company anniversary and has created amazing 

new products, such as the Tonda Chronor Anniversaire, 

which is the company‘s first watch mechanism 

with an integrated gold chronograph movement. 

Montblanc is celebrating its 110-year company anniversary 

with its new 4810 Collection by focusing on 

the golden age of sea faring across the Atlantic ocean. 

Radiant aura 

After watches, jewellery is the second-most important 

way people express their personality. Precious 

stones and diamonds should be given preference, 

from a fashionable aspect as well as for value 

appreciation. In Austria especially, traditional jewellers 

such as A.E. Köchert, Schullin or Heldwein, who 

design and make contemporary creations in their 

studios, are pioneers of good taste. 

22. April – 19. Juni 2016 

Oliver Laric 

Gerald Domenig 

James Lee Byars 

1. Juli – 28. August 2016 

Vincent Fecteau 

Manon de Boer 

secession 

Friedrichstraße 12 

A -1010 Wien 

www.secession.at 


SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE 

Frühlingsboten 

Heralds of spring 


Neustart in Österreich 

Restart in Austria 

Strategische Weiterentwicklung und internationales Wachstum sind der Fokus des Premium-Herstellers Loewe, der sich richtungsweisend 

in den Bereichen Fernsehen mit Ergänzungen im Audio-, dem mobilen und SmartHome-Bereich positioniert. Das TV-Sortiment wurde auf 

die Produktlinien Art, Connect und Reference in den Größen von 32 bis 85 Zoll gestrafft. Technologisch darf sich der User auf gestochen 

scharfe Ultra-HD Bilder, innovative Vernetzung und das Qualitätsprädikat „Made in Germany“ freuen. Alle Geräte stammen vom ersten 

Design-Entwurf über das technologische Konzept bis zum fertigen Gerät aus Kronach. 

Strategic development and international growth are the focus of the premium manufacturer Loewe, the pioneer in the field of television with additional products in the audio, 

mobile and smart home segment. The TV range has been streamlined to the product lines Art, Connect and Reference in the sizes 32 to 85 inches. Technologically, the viewer 

can look forward to crisp Ultra-HD images, innovative integration and the “Made in Germany“ seal of quality. All items are produced in Kronach, from the first design draft 

and the technological concept to the finished device. loewe.tv/at 

Floristisches Kunsthandwerk | Floral craftwork 

„Nur wer sieht, kann erkennen und gestalten.“ Markus Donati ist ein kosmopolitischer Florist in dritter Generation. Durch kunstvolles Arrangieren und angewandtes Wissen in 

Technik, Materialbeschaffenheit, Proportionen und historisch stilkundlichem Wissen entstehen florale Meisterwerke für repräsentative Räumlichkeiten und Events. 

Im Römischen Reich galt die Rose als begehrtes Luxusgut. Kaiser Nero feierte sein legendäres Fest „sub rosa“, bei dem die Gäste auf Rosenteppichen schritten, in Rosenwasser 

badeten und rosenduftender Wein kredenzt wurde. 

“Only those who can see can perceive and create.“ Markus Donati is a cosmopolitan, third generation florist. Floral masterpieces are created for representative premises and 

events by artful arrangements and applied knowledge in technology and material properties and proportions. During the Roman Empire the rose was appreciated as luxury 

good. Emperor Nero celebrated his legendary feast “sub rosa“, where guests walked on rose carpets, took a bath in rosewater or were served wine with rose scent. 

donati.at 



Knitterfrei 

Crease-free 

Der Trolley Vocier C38 des 

Wiener Neustädter Startups 

Vocier von Michael Kogelnik 

heimste 2015 den nationalen 

James Dyson- und 

if-Design-Award 2015 ein. Der 

globale Gentleman verstaut 

seinen Anzug für knitterfreien 

Transport in einem speziellen 

Fach. 

The trolley Vocier C38 by 

Vocier, Michael Kogelnik’s 

startup from Wiener 

Neustadt, won the national 

James Dyson and if-Design 

Award 2015. The global 

gentleman stows away his 

suit in a special compartment 

for crease-free transport. 

vocier.com 

Objets Nomades Collection 

Für Louis Vuitton hat Marcel Wanders einen 

Lounge Chair geschaffen, der Luxus, die Illusion 

des Reisens und die Freiheit der Kunst in 

Einklang bringt. Das Resultat ist eine tragbare 

Relax-Oase aus Leder in Karamell und 

akzentuierter Innenseite, die sich puzzleartig 

platzsparend zusammenfalten und unterschiedlich 

aufstellen lässt. 

Marcel Wanders created a lounge chair for Louis 

Vuitton which combines luxury, the illusion of 

travelling and the freedom of art into a 

harmonious unit. The result is a portable 

relaxation oasis in caramel leather and accented 

inside panels which can be folded like the pieces 

of a puzzle to save space and unfolded to be 

used in different ways. 

marcelwanders.com 

Zeitloser Duft 

Timeless fragrance 

Mit B. Balenciaga Skin hat Parfumeur Domitille 

Bertier eine sinnlichere Version des Original- 

Duftes kreiert. Die Komposition aus zartem, 

frischem Grüntee, Maiglöckchen, 

Pfingstrose, Iriswurzel, Vetiver 

und Kaschmirholz verströmt pure 

Femininität in einem Flakon aus 

Hauttönen und sechseckiger 

architektonischer Form. 

Perfumer Domitille Bertier has 

created a more sensual version of 

the original fragrance with B. 

Balenciaga Skin. The composition 

includes delicate, fresh green tea, 

lily of the valley, peony, iris root, 

vetiver and cashmere wood and 

exudes pure femininity in a 

skin-toned flacon with hexagonal 

architectural shapes. 

balenciagafragrance.com 

Poppiges Paris 

Paris à la mode 

Lancôme schickt Frühlingsgrüße 

mit elegantem Look, betörenden 

Texturen und poetischen 

Pastell-Nuancen aus Paris. Die 

neue Kollektion umfasst u.a. eine 

Blush-Palette für Wangen und 

Lider, Hypnôse Palette für die 

Augen, Rouge in Love und Lip 

Lover für die Lippen und Vernis 

in Love für passende Nägel. 

Lancôme sends spring greetings 

with an elegant look, beguiling 

textures and poetic pastel 

shades from Paris. The new 

collection includes, among 

others, a blush palette for cheeks 

and eyelids, Hypnôse palette for 

eyes, Rouge in Love and Lip 

Lover for lips and Vernis in Love 

for matching nails. 

lancome.com 

Lebensfreude 

Zest for life 

Zwei-Knopf-Anzüge, 

ungefüttertes Jacket, 

hochgeschlossene 

Kurzarm-Pullover, raffinierte 

Silhouetten und strahlende 

Farben machen die 

Hermès-Kollektion aus. 

Herren tragen beschichtete 

Baumwolle, Mohair, 

Cashmere, Leinen und Seide. 

Two-button suits, unlined 

jacket, high-necked 

short-sleeved sweater, refined 

silhouettes and bright colours 

comprise the Hermès 

collection. Men wear coated 

cotton, mohair, cashmere, 

linen and silk. 

hermes.com 


SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE 

Maskuline Schuhtrends 

Masculine shoe trends 

Pen of the Year 2016 

Herren dürfen sich in dieser Saison auf Mokassins und Slipper in Rau- und Veloursleder mit kerniger, weißer Sohle freuen. In der Freizeit werden sommerliche Espadrilles in 

unterschiedlichsten Farben und Mustern getragen. Der Frühjahrsausblick von Salamander reihte auch den Denim-Look ganz oben auf dem Trendbarometer. Sneaker, Schnürer 

und Slipper sind in diversen Blau-Tönen erhältlich. Der Business-Look wird von Schnürschuhen in klassischen Farben – Schwarz, Braun, Beige und Blau – dominiert. 

Überraschende Details sind bunte Schuhbänder und Farbverläufe im Leder für einen eleganten Used-Look. 

This season, men can look forward to moccasins and loafers made of full-grain leather and suede with a robust, white sole. During summery leisure time, espadrilles are worn 

in a variety of colours and patterns. The Salamander spring collection also places the denim look on top of the trend barometer. Sneakers, lace-ups and slippers are available 

in various shades of blue. The business look is dominated by lace-up shoes in classic colours – black, brown, beige and blue. Fresh design details – colourful shoelaces and 

gradients in the leather – achieve an elegant distressed look. salamander.at 

Dekoratives Feuer 

Decorative fire 

Seit Urzeiten fasziniert das feurige Element. Christian Stauber 

inszeniert es seit 2009 mit seinem Unternehmen Flammentopf 

stilgerecht. Das Sortiment umfasst Bodenfeuerstellen aus 

italienischem Impruneta-Terrakotta und Tischfeuer aus massivem 

Buchenholz. Für die wiederbefüllbaren Sicherheits-Brenndosen 

wird Bioethanol verwendet, der geruchsneutral, rauch- und 

rußfrei verbrennt, wodurch die Flammentöpfe sowohl Indoor als 

auch Outdoor eingesetzt werden können. 

Since time began, the element of fire has been the source of 

fascination. Christian Stauber has staged it in style since 2009 

with his company Flammentopf. The range includes floor 

fireplaces made of Italian Impruneta terracotta and solid beech 

wood table fires. For the refillable safety fire tins bioethanol is 

used, which burns odorless, smoke- and russ free and makes the 

firepots hence usable for indoor and outdoor. 

flammentopf.at 


Bella Italia 

Das Designerduo Domenico 

Dolce und Stefano Gabbana 

wecken mit ihren aktuellen 

Entwürfen Fernweh. 

Folkloristische Elemente wie 

großblütige, florale Motive 

und bunte Stickereien sowie 

landestypische Symbole 

zeichnen eine modische 

Liebeserklärung an Italien 

auf Kleider in Mini- und 

Midi-Länge. Auf dem 

Catwalk kam mit kleinen 

Souvenirläden und 

Selfie-Sessions 

Urlaubsstimmung und 

die typisch südliche 

Ausgelassenheit auf. 

The designer duo 

Domenico Dolce 

and Stefano 

Gabbana awaken 

wanderlust with their 

current creations. 

Folkloristic elements 

such as large, floral 

motifs and colourful 

embroidery as well as 

traditional symbols on 

dresses in mini and midi 

length express a fashionable 

declaration of love for Italy. 

Small souvenir shop settings 

and selfie sessions set a 

holiday mood with typical 

southern exuberance on the 

catwalk. 

dolcegabbana.com 

En Provence 

Paisley, Blütendesigns und 

exklusive Toile de Jouy Stoffe: 

Lena Hoschek zollt der 

malerischen Region am 

Mittelmeer Tribut. Musterund 

Schnittvielfalt und 

nachgefertigte Stoffe aus dem 

Jahr 1850 machen die 

Entwürfe zum Hingucker. 

Paisley, flower designs and 

exclusive Toile de Jouy 

fabrics: Lena Hoschek pays 

tribute to the picturesque 

Mediterranean region. A 

variety of patterns, cuts and 

reproduced fabrics from the 

1850s make the designs a 

genuine eye-catcher. 

shop.lenahoschek.com 


Chinesische Lacktafeln im Vieux Laque-Zimmer des Schloss Schönbrunn 

waren die Inspiration für die Kreation des Pen of the Year aus Gold, 

Riegelahorn und Onyx im Hause Faber-Castell. Das edle Schreibgerät ist 

in Zusammenarbeit mit der Restauratorin Silvia Miklin und dem 

japanischen Künstler Tomizo Saratani entstanden. 

Chinese lacquer panels in the Vieux Laque Room of Schönbrunn Palace 

were the inspiration for the Faber-Castell creation of the Pen of the Year 

made of gold, maple and onyx. The noble writing instrument was created 

in collaboration with the restorer Silvia Miklin and the Japanese artist 

Tomizo Saratani. faber-castell.at 

D E E M I S 

COLLECTION 

Your partner for custom made tailoring! 

We come to your home, office or embassy. 

199/20 PHET KASEM 48 YEK 22 

BANGKOK 10160 THAILAND 

EMAIL: deemiaramani@gmail.com 

WEB: DEEMISCOLLECTION.COM 

INTERNATIONAL CONTACT NUMBERS 

THAILAND# +66816919431 

USA # +14154907262 

EUROPE# +436643706686 

VerführerischeSpitze 

Seductive lace 

Nicht nur in der Mode zieht filigranes Gewebe Blicke auf sich. Der 

anmutige Charakter edler Spitze funktioniert ebenso auf Notiz- oder 

Gästebüchern von Paperblanks. Die feine Akzentuierung ist perfekt 

geeignet für Erinnerungen an feierliche Anlässe. 

Filigree fabrics do not only capture attention in the context of fashion. 

The dainty look of noble lace also works well on note or guest books by 

Paperblanks. The refined accentuation is perfect to preserve memories 

of special occasions. paperblanks.com/at/de 

Strahlender Pastell-Look 

Radiant pastel look 

Shirts mit Raffung, Blusen und Ponchos sind die idealen 

Frühlingsbegleiter. Gepaart mit schmalen Hosen entstehen im 

Handumdrehen businesstaugliche Ton-in-Ton-Outfits. 

Spannende Farbtupfer werden zu den aktuellen Soft-Pastell- 

Tönen mit Tüchern oder Taschen gesetzt. 

Shirts with ruffles, blouses and ponchos are the ideal 

companion for spring. Coupled with slim trousers, tone-ontone 

business outfits are at your fingertips. Exciting splashes of 

colour are added to the current soft pastel tones with scarves 

or bags. 

comma-store.at 

Mr. Khawaja Nadeem is in Fashion 

Designing Business since 20 years now 

and based in Bangkok. We offer custom 

made tailoring for men & women all 

over the world and supply our fabrics to 

thousends of satisfied regular customers. 

To get your new shirt, suit or costume is 

more than simple: Mr. Nadeem is travelling 

around the globe, visiting his customers at 

home or in their offices. After taking your 

personal measurements you can order out 

of more than 500 different kinds of highquality 

materials – eighter during his 

visit or on the web page and by e-mail. 

Mr. Nadeem is in Austria periodically – 

to make an appointment please send 

an e-mail to deemiaramani@gmail.com 

and he will get in contact with you 

immediately! 

Examples for our competitive prices: 

Shirts: 65€ 

Suits (incl. 2 trousers): from 480€ to 550€ 

Package 1: 1 suit & 6 shirts for 900€ 

Package 2: 2 suits & 6 shirts for 1.350€

SAVOIR VIVRE CRUISE TRAVEL 

125 Jahre Luxus auf hoher See 

125 years of luxury on the high seas 

Mit der „Lustfahrt“ der „Augusta Victoria“ ins Levantinische Meer begann 1891 die Ära der Kreuzfahrten. 

Auch 125 Jahre später hat diese exklusive Art zu reisen nichts von ihrer Faszination eingebüßt: 

Exotische Destinationen, exquisite Haubenküche, exklusive Wellness Treatments - und alles bei einer 

erfrischenden Meeresbrise. 

When “Augusta Victoria” went on a “pleasure cruise” to the Levantine Sea in 1891, it marked the beginning 

of the era of cruise travel. This exclusive way of travelling has not lost its fascination, even 125 years 

later: exotic destinations, exquisite haute cuisine, exclusive spa treatments - and all of this while enjoying 

a refreshing sea breeze. 


OCEANIA 

Auf der „Marina“, dem Flaggschiff der Oceania 

Flotte, sorgt Küchenchef Jacques Pépin für 

kulinarische Höhenflüge - mit Blick auf den Hafen 

von Sidney ein doppelter Genuss. 

On board of “Marina“, the flagship of the Oceania 

fleet, Head Chef Jacques Pépin is responsible for 

ultimate culinary delights - which is together with 

the view on Sydney´s harbour a double enjoyment. 

1891: Die Passagiere 

der „Augusta Victoria“ genießen 

die mediterranen 20.Februar 

Sonnenstrahlen am Panoramadeck, vergnügen 

sich im Salon beim Kartenspiel 

oder beim Lesen der Bordzeitung, bevor es 

zum Diner in den noblen Speisesaal geht. 

Auf der Speisekarte für diesen Abend finden 

sich Salmy von Enten, Kalbsbraten, 

Ochsenzunge à la Provençale, Soufflé Törtchen 

und Himbeer-Eis. Gestartet war man 

Ende Januar in Cuxhaven, Ziel der ersten 

Kreuzfahrt der Geschichte: das östliche 

Mittelmeer, Kairo, Jerusalem, Konstantinopel 

- der Orient, Sehnsuchtsort der High 

Society des 19. Jahrhunderts. Die Idee zu 

dieser „Excursion nach dem Mittelmeer 

und dem Orient“ stammte von Albert Ballin, 

dem Chef der Passage-Abteilung der 

HAPAG. Unzufrieden damit, die auf der 

Nordatlantikroute verkehrenden Schiffe in 

den stürmischen Wintermonaten ungenutzt 

auf Reede liegen zu sehen, ersann er 

die zweimonatige Vergnügungsreise für 

den luxuriösen Schnelldampfer. Die Besichtigung 

der Pyramiden von Gizeh per 

Eselritt stand dabei ebenso auf dem für die 

damalige Zeit äußerst ambitionierten Pro- 

PHOTO: OCEANIA CRUISES 



113


REGENT SEVEN SEAS 

Die Seven Seas Explorer, das neue Flaggschiff der 

Flotte, definiert die Standards für Luxus auf hoher 

See neu: Mit 360 m 2 Suiten und einem Spa mit Infinity 

Pool. 

Seven Seas Explorer is the new flagship of the fleet 

and gives luxury at the high seas a new definition: 

360 m 2 suites and a spa with infinity pool. SEA DREAM YACHTING 

1 Damenzimmer der 

„Augusta Victoria“. 

A Lady´s boudoir on board of 

“Augusta Victoria“. 

2 Der Luxusdampfer 1897. 

The luxury liner 1897. 

3 Speisekarte vom 20. 

Februar 1891. Menu from 20 

February 1891. 

gramm wie der Besuch von Jerusalem oder 

Damaskus. Ballin gab an der Spitze einer 

245 Mann starken Crew den eloquenten 

Gastgeber für die 174 gut betuchten Passagiere. 

Mit 2.400 Goldmark – heute knapp 

43.000 € - schlug die Fahrt zu Buche. Offensichtlich 

nicht nur ein sehr erfolgreicher, 

sondern auch ein äußerst exklusiver 

Start ins Zeitalter dieser neuen Art des Reisens. 

Privatbalkon auf die Weltmeere 

Auch wenn sich die Kreuzfahrt vom 

Amüsement für eine Handvoll Millionäre 

des 19. Jahrhunderts längst zum Vergnügen 

für Millionen gewandelt hat - das Potential 

zum sehr exklusiven Unterfangen 

ist ihr nicht verloren gegangen. Und wie in 

allen Bereichen des boomenden Reisevergnügens 

überschlagen sich auch im Luxussegment 

die Superlative: 360 m², inklusive 

eigenem Spa und zwei Marmorbädern 

messen die Regent Suiten der im Juli 2016 

von Monte Carlo aus zu ihrer Jungfernfahrt 

aufbrechenden Seven Seas Explorer. 

Obwohl das beeindruckende Verhältnis 

von 1,4 Crewmitgliedern pro Passagier der 

„Augusta Victoria“ zwar nicht mehr erreicht 

wird, ist es bei 542 Besatzungsmitgliedern, 

die sich um die 750 Gäste des 

neuen Flaggschiffs der Regent Seven Seas 

Flotte kümmern, dennoch jederzeit möglich, 

sich vom Butler das Frühstück auf die 

89 m² große Privatterrasse der Suite servieren 

zu lassen, während die Felsenküste 

Mallorcas vorüberzieht. 

Luxus „alles inklusive“ 

Auch im Bereich der Spitzengastronomie 

auf hoher See sind die Limits nach 

oben offen. Längst gehen namhafte Spitzenköche 

auf den Küchendecks der Weltmeere 

zu Werke. Die von Meisterkoch Jacques 

Pépin kreierte Küchenlinie von 

Oceania Cruises verfolgt den Anspruch, 

die beste auf hoher See zu sein. „Duck à 

l’Orange with Braised Red Cabbage and Almond 

Potato Croquette“ oder „Nine Minute 

Baked Chocolate Cake with Raspberries 

and Vanilla Ice Cream“ - die kulinarischen 

Höhenflüge sind das Markenzeichen der 

Reederei aus Miami. Das schönste dabei: 

Die Passagiere der an einen entspannten 

Country Club gemahnenden Oceania Flotte 

genießen die Kreationen Jacques Pépins 

bei freier Platzwahl und ohne Aufpreis. Im 

„It‘s yachting not cruising“ ist das Motto für die 

maximal 112 Gäste an Bord der SeaDream I, hier im 

Hafen von Calvi, Korsika. 

For a maximum of 112 guests on board of SeaDream I, 

the motto is “It´s yachting, not cruising“, here to be 

seen at the Harbour of Calvi, Corsica. 

25 Meter-Pool seine Längen schwimmen, 

während die Möwen und die hohen Berge 

der Norwegischen Küste am Schiff vorbeiziehen 

– auch das ist mittlerweile möglich 

an Bord. Der großzügige Pool der „Mein 

Schiff 4“, die Saunalandschaft und weitere 

Sporteinrichtungen haben dem TUI Cruises 

Liner den begehrten Kreuzfahrt Guide 

Award 2015 in der Kategorie Sport und 

Wellness eingebracht. Teil der Begründung 

der Jury: Fast alle Einrichtungen sind kostenfrei. 

Auch das Hamburger Kreuzfahrtunternehmen 

verfolgt die Strategie der 

pauschalen Preise: „Premium Alles Inklusive“ 

nennt sich das Konzept für stressfreien 

Luxus an Bord. 

Zeit für Körper und Seele 

Ayurveda- oder Bambusmassage, türkisches 

Dampfbad und Tepidarium, inklusive 

Panoramablick von den höchsten Decks. 

Viel Zeit für sich selbst kann man sich in 

den neuen, luxuriösen Samsara Spas der 

Costa Flotte nehmen. Über 6.200 m² erstreckt 

sich der orientalisch angehauchte 

Wellnesstempel etwa auf der Costa Diadema. 

Wer möchte, kann auch gleich in einer 

der geräumigen Samsara Kabinen logieren. 

PHOTOS: REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES, SEADREAM YACHT CLUB, HAPAG-LLOYD AG 

S 

pecial 

pring 

Offer! 

Steigerbar ist aber selbst der größte Kreuzfahrten-Luxus: 

“It’s yachting not cruising” 

lautet die Devise von Seadream. Maximal 

112 Gäste werden auf den blitzweiß-navyblauen 

Yachten von 95 Besatzungsmitgliedern 

umsorgt. Abschluss jeder Seadream 

Karibikreise ist das Gourmet-Barbecue mit 

Champagner und Kaviar am schneeweißen 

Strand: „A celebration of the yachting experience 

in every deliciously decadent 

bite.“ 

125 Jahre nach der „Excursion“ der Augusta 

Victoria 

Dem exklusiven Reisevergnügen ist 

auch Hapag-Lloyd, 125 Jahre nach der 

Fahrt der „Augusta Victoria“, treu geblieben. 

Eine Kolonie Walrosse sonnt sich gemütlich 

am Strand von Apollonov, einem 

dem Franz Joseph Land vorgelagerten arktischen 

Inselchen, und ist weder vom sich 

nähernden Schlauchboot noch von einem 

plötzlich auf der Bildfläche erscheinenden, 

jungen Eisbären aus der Ruhe zu bringen. 

Bilder wie aus einer aufwändig produzierten 

Tierdoku – nur dass die Passagiere der 

MS Bremen hautnah mit dabei sind. Neben 

den beiden Expeditionsschiffen Bremen 

und Hanseatic, die so faszinierende Ziele 

wie Kamtschatka oder das antarktische 

Festland anfahren, betreibt die Hamburger 

Reederei auch die MS Europa und die MS 

Europa II, die zu den luxuriösesten der 

über 300 auf den Weltmeeren verkehrenden 

Kreuzfahrtschiffen zählen und regelmäßig 

vom Berlitz Complete Guide to 

Cruising & Cruise Ships, dem Referenzwerk 

der Branche, mit der Höchstnote 

5-Sterne-plus ausgezeichnet werden. 

Wie viel Sterne braucht der Mensch 

zum glücklich sein? Manchmal genügt 

auch einfach der nächtliche Sternenhimmel 

über dem Panoramadeck, da strahlen 

dann Sterne im Überfluss. Denn dass das 

Überflüssige eine sehr notwendige Sache 

ist, wusste bereits Voltaire - und daran hat 

Three exclusive chalets 60 to 150 m 2 

in the middle of the mountains of Salzburg 

sich auch seit der ersten Kreuzfahrt der 

„Augusta Victoria“ nichts geändert. 

February 1891: the passengers 

on “Augusta Victoria” are enjoy- 

20 ing the Mediterranean sun on 

the panoramic deck, amusing themselves 

in the parlour by playing card games or 

reading the on-board newspaper before 

they go to dine in the noble dining room. 

This evening‘s menu includes salmis of 

duck, roast veal, ox tongue à la Provençale, 

soufflés, tarts and raspberry ice cream. She 

set off from Cuxhaven at the end of January. 

The destination of the first ever cruise: 

the eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Jerusalem, 

Constantinople – the Orient, high 

society‘s place of longing in the 19th century. 

The idea for this “excursion to the Mediterranean 

and the Orient“ came from Albert 

Ballin, the head of the passage 

department at HAPAG. Unhappy at seeing 

Five star service in the chalet: 

• Hot tub under the stars 

• Private sauna 

• Space for 2 to 10 persons 

• Culinary highlights 

• Wellness & beauty 

• Picknicks 

• Excursions with oldtimer cars 



Luxuslodge „Zeit zum Leben“ • A-5524 Annaberg/Salzburger Land • Tel +43/664/423 26 62 • luxuslodge.at 

115


TUI CRUISES 

HAPAG-LLOYD 

Atemberaubende Destinationen wie das 

antarktische Eismeer stehen am Routenplan der 

Hapag-Lloyd Expeditionsschiffe MS Hanseatic und 

MS Bremen. 

Breathtaking destinations such as the Arctic Sea of 

Ice are on the route plan of the Hapag-Lloyd 

expedition-ships MS Hanseatic and MS Bremen. 

INFO 

„Premium Alles Inklusive“ gilt auf den Schiffen 

des Hamburger Kreuzfahrtunternehmens - für 

den 25 Meter Pool ebenso wie beim 5-Gänge- 

Menü oder an der Bar. 

“Premium All Inclusive“ on the ships of the 

Hamburg-based cruise travel company - to 

experience in the 25 meter pool as well as at the 

5 course-menu or at the bar. 

the ships, which normally sailed the North 

Atlantic route, lying unused in the roads 

during the stormy winter months, he came 

up with the the concept of a two-month 

pleasure trip for the luxurious fast steamer. 

A visit to the Pyramids of Gizeh on a donkey 

was on the itinerary, an extremely ambitious 

venture at the time, as was a visit to 

Jerusalem or Damascus. Ballin was an eloquent 

host, heading a crew of 245 men who 

catered to the needs of 174 wealthy passengers. 

The trip cost 2,400 gold marks – nearly 

€43,000 today. Obviously not only a very 

successful, but also an extremely exclusive 

start to this new way of travelling. 

Private balcony on the world‘s oceans 

Although cruises have changed from 

being an amusement for a handful of millionaires 

in the 19th century to being enjoyed 

by millions of people now – they can 

still be a very exclusive undertaking. And 

as in all booming travel segments, the players 

in the luxury sector are outdoing themselves 

to provide the best service: the Regent 

suites on the Seven Seas Explorer, 

which left Monte Carlo in July 2016 on her 

maiden voyage, boast 360 m² and have 

COSTA 

Erst die grandiose Kulisse des Geiranger-Fjord, 

dann auf dem Panoramadeck das luxuriöse neue 

Samsara Spa der Costa Schiffe genießen. 

Enjoy the magnificent location of the Geiranger Fjord 

first, then the panorama deck of the luxurious new 

Samsara Spa of Costa ships. 

their own spa and two marble baths. Although 

the impressive ratio of 1.4 crew 

members per passenger on “Augusta Victoria” 

can no longer be achieved, it is still 

possible on the new flagship of the Regent 

Seven Seas fleet, which has 542 crew members 

catering to roughly 750 guests, to be 

served by a butler on the suite‘s 89 m2 private 

terrace at any time of the day while the 

rocky coast of Majorca passes by. 

All-inclusive luxury 

Haute cuisine also knows no limits on 

the high seas. Renowned top chefs have 

been working in the kitchen decks of the 

world‘s seas for a while now. Jacques Pépin 

created the dishes for Oceania Cruises, 

which unshamedly strives to be the best on 

the high seas. “Duck à l’Orange with 

Braised Red Cabbage and Almond Potato 

Croquette” or “Nine Minute Baked Chocolate 

Cake with Raspberries and Vanilla Ice 

Cream” - the culinary highlights are the 

trademark of the Miami-based shipping 

company. The best thing here: passengers 

on the Oceania fleet, which is reminiscent 

of a casual country club, can savour Jacques 

Pépin‘s creations, with free seating and at 

no extra charge. To swim the lengths of the 

25-metre pool while the seagulls and the 

high mountains of the Norwegian coast 

pass by the ship – this is now possible on 

board, too. The large pool on “Mein Schiff 

4”, the saunas and others sports facilities 

contributed to Tui Cruises Liner winning 

the sought-after Cruise Ship Guide Award 

2015 in the Sports and Spa category. One of 

the factors that impressed the jury: nearly 

all of the facilities are free. The Hamburgbased 

cruise company also follows an allinclusive 

strategy: their “Premium all-inclusive” 

concept provides stress-free luxury 

on board. 

Body and soul time 

An Ayurveda or bamboo massage, a 

Turkish steam bath and tepidarium with a 

panoramic view from the highest decks. 

PHOTOS: OCEANIA CRUISES (1), COSTA CROCIERE, HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES (2), TUI CRUISES/MATHIAS KOKARTIS 

(2), REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES 

Guests can take all the time they need in 

the new, luxurious Samsara Spas on Costa‘s 

cruise ships. The Costa Diadema boasts a 

spa temple stretching 6,200 m² with an oriental 

touch. Guests can also choose to stay 

in one of the spacious Samsara cabins. 

Even the greatest luxury on a cruise ship 

can be topped. “It’s yachting not cruising” 

is Seadream‘s motto. 95 crew members cater 

to no more than 112 guests on the sparkling 

white-navy blue yachts. Every Seadream 

Caribbean trip ends with the 

Gourmet Barbecue with champagne and 

caviar on a snow-white beach. “A celebration 

of the yachting experience in every deliciously 

decadent bite.” 

125 years after Augusta Victoria‘s “excursion” 

Hapag-Lloyd has also remained faithful 

to exclusive travel experiences, 125 years after 

“Augusta Victoria” went on her first voyage. 

A colony of walruses relaxing in the 

sun on the beach on Apollonov Island, a tiny 

Arctic island on the edge of Franz Joseph 

Land, and not even a rubber dinghy approaching 

them nor a young polar bear suddenly 

arriving on the scene can make them lose 

their cool. Scenes, which could easily be in 

an elaborate production of an animal documentary 

– but instead passengers on the MS 

Bremen are close to the action. Apart from 

the Bremen and Hanseatic, two expedition 

ships that sail to fascinating destinations 

such as Kamchatka or the Antarctic mainland, 

the shipping company from Hamburg 

also operates MS Europa and MS Europa II, 

which are regarded as one of the 300 most 

luxurious cruise ships sailing the world‘s 

seas and are regularly awarded the best rating 

of 5-star plus by the Berlitz Complete 

Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships, this 

industry‘s reference work. 

How many stars does a person need to 

be happy? Sometimes the starry night sky 

above the panoramic deck is simply 

enough, the stars then shine in abundance. 

Even Voltaire knew that the superfluous is 

a very necessary thing - and nothing has 

changed since “Augusta Victoria” set sail on 

her first cruise. 

Regent Seven Seas 

Cruises 

rssc.com 

Oceania Cruises 

oceaniakreuzfahrten.com 

Hapag Lloyd 

hl-cruises.de 

Tui Cruises 

tuicruises.com 

Costa Kreuzfahrten 

costakreuzfahrten.at 

Seadream Yachtclub 

seadream.de 

Seereisen Center 

seereisen-center.at 

Seetour Austria / Ruefa 

seetour-austria.at 

Aktiv 

im Urlaub! 

Individuelle & 

geführte Radreisen 

Alle Touren sorgfältig 

geplant & organisiert 

Rad & Schiff – 

Reisen mit dem 

schwimmenden Hotel 

Telefon +43 (0)6219 7444 

eurobike@eurobike.at 


www.eurobike.at

SAVOIR VIVRE CHRONICLE 

Kaiserjahre 

The Emperor‘s reign 

INFO 

Die Sicht auf die historische Person Franz Joseph I. ist von zahlreichen Mythen und Klischees verstellt. 

Das Jubiläumsjahr 2016 bietet Anlass für einen unvoreingenommenen Blick auf das Leben des 

Langzeitkaisers, der Österreich-Ungarn 68 Jahre lang bis 1916 regierte. 

Numerous myths and clichés have shaped people‘s view of the historical figure of Franz Joseph I. 

2016 as the anniversary year provides the ideal opportunity to take an unbiased look at the life of this 

long-standing emperor whose 68-year reign ended 100 years ago. 

Text und Interview: Evelyn Rois & Bruno Stubenrauch 

Franz Joseph I. auf Reisen in 

Südfrankreich (nach 1894, Maria 

Theresia von Braganza). 

Franz Joseph I, while travelling in 

the South of France (after 1894, 

Maria Theresia von Braganza). 

PHOTOS: ÖSTERREICHISCHE NATIONALBIBLIOTHEK, SCHLOSS SCHÖNBRUNN KULTUR- UND BETRIEBSGES.M.B.H. / ALEXANDER EUGEN KOLLER /EDGAR KNAACK / SASCHA RIEGER 

Franz Joseph I. bei der Grundsteinlegung zum 

Technischen Museum, umgeben von Männern 

im Frack und Zylinder. „R. Lechner, k. u. 

k. Hof- Manufactur für Photografie“ ist auf den Rand 

der leicht angegilbten Fotografie gedruckt. Andere 

Fotos zeigen den Kaiser in Jagdmontur und kurzen 

Hosen, auf einem Baumstumpf sitzend, oder in der 

offenen Kutsche auf der Mariahilfer Straße, ebenso 

vor einem Spalier jubelnder Menschen beim Besuch 

in Bad Aussee... die über 10.000 Fotografien, Grafiken 

und Dokumente zu Franz Joseph I. im Archiv 

der Österreichischen Nationalbibliothek haben das 

Bild des „gütigen alten Kaisers“ bis heute fest ins kollektive 

Gedächtnis Österreichs eingebrannt. Das Leben 

keiner anderen Person der österreichischen Geschichte 

ist so umfassend dokumentiert wie das des 

ersten Monarchen des Medienzeitalters und Langzeitkaisers, 

in dessen 68 Jahre andauernden Regentschaft 

nicht nur Fotografie und Film, sondern auch 

Glühbirne, Telefon, Automobil und der Passagierflug 

erfunden wurden. 

2016 jährt sich der Todestag Franz Josephs zum 

100. Mal. Man wird dem Kaiser dieses Jahr also in 

zahlreichen Ausstellungen und Jubiläumsfeierlichkeiten 

noch oft begegnen. Im Alltag ist der Monarch 

ohnehin präsent, etwa in Worten wie Kaisersemmel, 

Kaiserschmarrn oder Kaiserwetter. Hunderttausende 

Touristen und Habsburg-Nostalgiker bewegen 

sich jedes Jahr auf seinen Spuren durch Wien und 

Bad Ischl. Sein Portrait ist auf Geschirr, Schokolade 

und vielen weiteren Produkten abgedruckt. Oft natürlich 

zusammen mit seiner Frau Elisabeth, die sowohl 

in Popularität als auch in der Verklärung ihrer 

Person, ihren Gatten noch weit übertrifft. Sisi und 

Franzl – das Traumpaar des 19. Jahrhunderts, Personifizierung 

des imperialen Österreich. Doch wer war 

der Kaiser wirklich? 

„Wir versuchen ein ausgewogenes Bild Franz Josephs 

zu vermitteln, dessen öffentliche Wahrnehmung 

durch Mythen und Klischees geprägt war und 

heute noch ist,“ meint etwa der Historiker Karl Vocelka, 

zusammen mit Michaela Vocelka Verfasser 

einer neuen Biografie Franz Josephs und Kurator der 

großen Jubiläumsausstellung in Schönbrunn und an 

drei weiteren Standorten. Trotz des umfassend dokumentierten 

Lebens des Monarchen ist auch klar, 

dass sich die historische Persönlichkeit Franz Joseph 

nur zum Teil mit der vom Kaiserhaus sorgfältig inszenierten 

wie zensurierten Bilderflut deckt. Die Jubiläumsausstellungen 

legen jedenfalls weitere, teils 

kontroversielle Facetten hinter dem Bild des gütigen 

alten Monarchen frei. Vom Hardliner und Verfechter 

einer absolutistischen Monarchie, über den wichtige 

Entscheidungen oft lange hinausschiebenden Zögerer, 

den pedantischen Bürokraten, der sich selbst in 

den Ferien die Akten hinterherschicken ließ, bis zum 

fürsorglichen Großvater, der seine distanzierte Art 

im Umgang mit seinen Enkeln ablegte. 

Mit gerade einmal 18 Jahren mitten in den Wirren 

des Revolutionsjahres 1848 zum Kaiser ausgerufen, 

begann Franz Joseph seine Regierungszeit als 

kompromissloser Monarch mit absolutistischem 

Machtanspruch, der nicht davor zurückschreckte, 

zahlreiche Todesurteile, etwa gegen die Anführer des 

ungarischen Aufstandes von 1848/49 auszusprechen. 

Das fehlgeschlagene Attentat von 1853 nutzte 

der anfangs wenig beliebte Franz Joseph geschickt 

zur Imagekorrektur, die in der bombastischen 

Traumhochzeit mit seiner jungen Cousine Elisabeth 

gipfelte. Symptomatisch für die schwierige Beziehung 

der beiden so unterschiedlichen Charaktere: 

Bereits die Flitterwochen wurden durch den Ausbruch 

des Krimkrieges vereitelt. Der von Kindheit 

an zu strengem Pflichtbewusstsein erzogene Kaiser 

eilte frühmorgens in die Hofburg zu den Regierungsgeschäften, 

die freiheitsliebende Kaiserin litt 

zusehends unter der rigiden Hofetikette und der Dominanz 

ihrer Schwiegermutter und flüchtete bald 

nach der Geburt der gemeinsamen Kinder aus der 

Enge des Wiener Hofes. 

Wiener Pracht 

Die Ringstraße, das bedeutendste Bauprojekt seiner 

Regierungszeit, wird bis heute mit Franz Joseph 

assoziiert. In großen goldenen Lettern prangt etwa 

sein Name auf dem Kunsthistorischen und Naturhistorischen 

Museum. In der langen Friedensperiode 

nach den unglücklichen Kriegen gegen Preußen und 

Italien stieg Wien mit seinem neuen Prachtboulevard 

zur bedeutenden Weltstadt auf. Franz Joseph 

wuchs zur Integrationsfigur der wirtschaftlich aufblühenden 

Donaumonarchie, obwohl er es nicht vermochte, 

auf lange Sicht mit den wachsenden Nationalismen 

und Autonomiebestrebungen der 

verschiedenen Teile des Vielvölkerstaates, den sozialen 

Problemen und Forderungen des Bürgertums 

nach mehr Mitbestimmung umzugehen. Der Kaiser 

hatte hier eher eine „Nichtlösung im Auge“, wie Karl 

Vocelka anmerkt. Bezeichnend in diesem Zusammenhang 

die Klage des 23-jährigen Kronprinzen 

Der Kaiser in all seinen 

Facetten 

Die groß angelegte 

Ausstellung in Schloss 

Schönbrunn, der 

Kaiserlichen Wagenburg, 

dem Hofmobiliendepot und 

auf Schloss Niederweiden 

zeichnet in Themenbereichen 

wie „Repräsentation & 

Bescheidenheit“ oder „Jagd 

& Freizeit“ ein umfassendes 

und durchaus kritisches Bild 

der Person Franz Joseph. 

The Emperor and all his 

facets 

The large-scale exhibition at 

Schönbrunn Palace, the 

Imperial Carriage Museum, 

the Imperial Furniture 

Collection and Niederweiden 

castle portrays a 

comprehensive and indeed 

critical image of the person 

Franz Joseph was. Each of 

the four locations focuses on 

a specific aspect of his 

character with themes such 

as “Majesty & Modesty” or 

“Hunting & Recreation”. 

Franz Joseph. Zum 100. 

Todestag des Kaisers 1830 

– 1916 

16.3. bis 27.11.2016 

Franz Joseph. On the 

occasion of the centenary 

of the Emperor‘s death 

1830 – 1916 

16 March to 27 Nov., 2016 

franzjoseph2016.at 

Das Haus Habsburg im 

Internet 

Eine Fülle von wissenschaftlich 

fundierten Texten zum 

Themenkomplex 

Habsburgerdynastie findet 

sich auch auf: 

The Habsburg dynasty 

on the Internet 

A large number of 

scientifically sound texts 

on the Habsburg dynasty 

can also be found on the 

website: habsburger.net 


1 Schloss Schönbrunn. 

2 Kaiser Franz Joseph als dreijähriger Knabe. Lichtdruck nach 

Gemälde von Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, um 1833. 

Emperor Franz Joseph as a boy at the age of three. Heliography after 

a painting by Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, around 1833. 

3 Kaiser Franz Joseph und Kaiserin Elisabeth auf Cap Martin in 

Menton. Heliogravüre nach Gemälde von Wilhelm Gause, 1894. 

Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth at Cape Martin in 

Menton. Heliogravure after a painting by Wilhelm Gause, 1894. 

1 2 3 



INFO 

Deutsche Bundesfürsten beim 60jährigen Regierungsjubiläum 

Kaiser Franz Josephs, 1908 in Schönbrunn. 

Farbdruck nach Franz von Matsch, 1908. 

German Federal Princes on the occasion of the 60-year 

anniversary of the accession of Emperor Franz Joseph I, 

at Schönbrunn in 1908. Color printing after Franz von 

Matsch, 1908. 

Franz Joseph I. 

und die Massenmedien 

Franz Joseph I and 

the mass media 

Der erste Österreichische 

Kaiser des Medienzeitalters 

bediente sich sehr 

geschickt des neuen 

Mediums Fotografie. In 

genauestens inszenierten 

Bildern, wurde über die 

Presse und Postkarten 

massenhaft das Bild Franz 

Josephs in der Öffentlichkeit 

gesteuert. Die 

Nationalbibliothek zeigt 

eine Auswahl ihrer über 

10.000 Fotografien und 

Grafiken sowie persönliche 

Dokumente des Kaisers. 

The first Austrian Emperor 

of the media age skillfully 

used the new medium of 

photography. The public‘s 

perception of Franz Joseph 

was controlled by pictures 

that had been staged and 

then widely distributed 

through the newspapers or 

as postcards. The National 

Library is showing a 

selection of their 10,000+ 

photographs and graphics 

of Franz Joseph as well as 

some interesting personal 

documents that had 

belonged to the Emperor. 

Der ewige Kaiser. Franz 

Joseph 1830 – 1916 

11.3. bis 27.11.2016 

Prunksaal der Österreichischen 

Nationalbibliothek 

The eternal Emperor. Franz 

Joseph 1830 – 1916 

11 March to 27 November 

2016, State Hall of the 

Austrian National Library 

onb.ac.at 

Rudolf in einem Brief an Graf Latour 1881: „Ich sehe 

die schiefe Ebene, auf der wir abwärts gleiten, kann 

aber in keiner Weise etwas thun, darf nicht einmal 

laut reden, ...“ Der Kaiser überlebte jedoch nicht nur 

seinen liberal gesinnten Sohn, der sich in Mayerling 

das Leben nahm, sondern ebenso seinen zum Thronfolger 

nachgerückten Neffen Franz Ferdinand, der 

1914 beim folgenschweren Attentat von Sarajevo erschossen 

wurde. Österreich-Ungarn schlitterte in die 

Katastrophe des Ersten Weltkrieges und letztlich in 

seinen Untergang. Als Franz Joseph am 21. November 

1916 im hohen Alter von 86 Jahren verstarb, 

wurde für viele nicht nur der Kaiser, sondern auch 

gleich sein Reich zu Grabe getragen. Ohne Zweifel 

ging mit dem Tod Franz Josephs eine Epoche zu 

Ende. Und es war schon klar, dass aus den Trümmern 

des Krieges nur ein neues politisches System 

steigen konnte. 

Franz Joseph I. hat Österreich-Ungarn so lange 

regiert, dass das Wort Kaiser im österreichischen 

Sprachgebrauch bis heute Synonym für seine Person 

ist. Das Jubiläumsjahr bietet Anlass zur kritischen 

Auseinandersetzung mit dem zweitletzten Monarchen 

der Habsburgerdynastie, entlang dessen Biografie 

sich wie an keiner anderen Person die politischen 

und gesellschaftlichen Entwicklungen und 

Brüche des 19. und beginnenden 20. Jahrhunderts in 

Mitteleuropa ablesen lassen. 

Franz Joseph I at the laying of the foundation 

stone of the Vienna Technical Museum, surrounded 

by men in tailcoats and top hats. “R. 

Lechner, k. u. k. Hof- Manufactur für Photografie” can 

be seen on the edge of the slightly yellow photograph. 

Other photographs show the Emperor dressed in his 

hunting attire and short trousers, sitting on a tree trunk 

with a rifle on his lap, or in an open carriage on Mariahilfer 

Strasse, or in front of a row of people cheering 

when he visited Bad Aussee ... the 10,000+ photographs, 

graphics and documents on Franz Joseph I at 

the archives of the Austrian National Library have permanently 

engraved the image of the “kind old emperor” 

in Austria‘s collective memory, even to this day. No 

other person‘s life in Austrian history has been documented 

as extensively as his has, the first monarch of 

the media age and long-standing emperor. During his 

68 years of continuous reign not only were photography 

and film invented, but also the light bulb, telephone, 

car and air travel. 

2016 marks the centenary of the death of Franz Joseph. 

This year people will, therefore, come across the 

Emperor quite often in numerous exhibitions, media 

reports and centenary celebrations. The monarch is 

present in everyday Austrian life anyway, e.g. in words 

including the term “Kaiser”, meaning emperor, such as 

“Kaisersemmel” (“Kaiser bread rolls”), “Kaiserschmarrn” 

(ripped pancake) and “Kaiserwetter” (glorious 

sunny weather). Every year, hundreds of thousands 

of tourists and people nostalgic about the Habsburg 

SCHLOSS SCHÖNBRUNN KULTUR- UND BETRIEBSGES.M.B.H. /ALEXANDER EUGEN KOLLER, ÖSTERREICHISCHE NATIONALBIBLIOTHEK 

Frasquita 

Operette von Franz Lehár 

17. Juni – 27. August 2016 

Das Dreimäderlhaus 

Singspiel von Heinrich Berté 

8. Juli – 4. September 2016 

Jekyll & Hyde 

Musical von Leslie Bricusse 

und Frank Wildhorn 

29. Juli – 2. September 2016 

Das Dschungelbuch 

Ballett nach Rudyard Kipling 

4. Juni und 28. August 2016 

dynasty come to Vienna and Bad Ischl to follow his 

tracks. His portrait is printed on crockery, chocolate 

and a number of other products. Often with his wife 

Elisabeth whose popularity and glorification far exceeds 

that of her husband‘s. Sisi and Franzl – the perfect 

couple of the 19th century, the personification of 

imperial Austria. But what was the emperor really like? 

“We are trying to convey a balanced image of Franz 

Joseph whose public perception was and still is shaped 

by myths and clichés,” according to the historian Karl 

Vocelka, who together with Michaela Vocelka is the 

author of a new biography on Franz Joseph and is the 

curator of the large-scale centenary exhibition at 

Schönbrunn Palace and three other locations. Despite 

the monarch‘s life having been extensively documented, 

it is obvious that the historic personality of Franz 

Joseph only partially corresponds to the huge amount 

of pictures that the Imperial family carefully staged as 

well as censured. The centenary exhibitions also reveal 

more, partially controversial, facets of the man behind 

the image of the kind old monarch. From being a hardliner 

and advocate of an absolute monarchy, through to 

someone who often put off making important decisions 

as long as possible, to the pedantic bureaucrat who 

had documents sent to him even when on holiday, to 

the caring grandfather who at least discarded his distant 

manner when he was with his grandchildren. 

Barely 18 when he was acclaimed emperor in 1848 

in the midst of the turmoil of the revolutionary year, 

Franz Joseph was an uncompromising monarch with 

an absolute claim to power when he started his reign 

and did not shy away from pronouncing the death 

sentences of numerous ringleaders of the Hungarian 

revolution in 1848/49. The highly unpopular Franz 

Joseph skilfully used the failed assassination attempt 

in 1853 to improve his image, which peaked with the 

grandiose dream wedding to his young cousin Elisabeth. 

A perfect example of the difficult relationship 

between these two very different personalities: even 

the honeymoon was thwarted because of the outbreak 

of the Crimean War. The Emperor who had been 

brought up with a strong sense of duty would hurry to 

the Hofburg Palace early in the morning to see to 

government business. The freedom-loving empress 

increasingly suffered from the rigid court etiquette 

and the dominance of her mother-in-law and fled the 

Jubiläum 

110 Jahre 

Franz Joseph I. beim Spaziergang 

mit Katharina Schratt (um 1895, 

Arthur Floeck). 

Franz Joseph I, taking a walk with 

Katharina Schratt (around 1895, 

Arthur Floeck). 

Spielzeit 4. 6. – 4. 9. 2016 

www.buehnebaden.at 



121


NACHGEFRAGT | ENQUIRED 

Univ.-Prof. (i. R.) Dr. Karl Vocelka & Mag. Michaela Vocelka 

Michaela Vocelka, Historikerin und Leiterin des Simon Wiesenthal Archiv und Karl Vocelka, langjähriger Vorstand des 

Instituts für Geschichte an der Universität Wien, sind Autoren einer 2015 erschienenen Franz Joseph Biografie. 

Karl Vocelka ist zudem Kurator der aktuellen Ausstellung zum 100. Todestag des Kaisers in Schönbrunn, dem Hofmobiliendepot 

und Schloss Niederweiden. Michaela Vocelka, historian and director of the Simon Wiesenthal Archive and Karl 

Vocelka, longtime head of the Institute of History at the University of Vienna, are authors of a Franz Joseph biography 

published in 2015. Karl Vocelka is also curator of the current exhibition to mark the centenary of the death of the Emperor 

at Schönbrunn, the Imperial Furniture Collection and Niederweiden castle. 

Sie haben gerade die Biografie „Franz Joseph I., Kaiser von Österreich und 

König von Ungarn“ veröffentlicht – was gibt es zur Person Franz Joseph noch 

Neues zu sagen? 

MICHAELA VOCELKA: Wir haben den vielen existierenden Publikationen eine Biografie 

gegenübergestellt, die auf kritischer Quellenanalyse basiert, mehr auf die Person Franz 

Josephs fokussiert und auch die Brüche seines Charakters aufzeigt – das ist, wenn man so 

will, das Neue an diesem Buch. 

Gelingt es der historischen Person Franz Joseph im Jubiläumsjahr 2016 aus 

dem Schatten seiner populären Frau Sisi herauszutreten? 

MICHAELA VOCELKA: Kurzfristig wird es im Jubiläumsjahr vielleicht ein Übergewicht in 

der Beschäftigung mit Franz Joseph geben, aber langfristig ist Kaiserin Elisabeth 

sicherlich die medial interessantere Gestalt. Ihre ambivalente Persönlichkeit bietet sich 

an, sie als Projektionsfläche für verschiedene Zugänge der Gegenwart – die emanzipierte 

Frau, die sportliche Frau, die „Esoterikerin“ etc. – zu instrumentalisieren. 

Betrachtet man die Regierungszeit Franz Josephs, entsteht der Eindruck, dass 

er Konflikte eher auf militärischem als auf diplomatischem Weg zu lösen 

suchte. 

KARL VOCELKA: Man hat vor allem nach 1866 durchaus versucht, diplomatisch zu 

agieren. Besonders in der Balkanfrage, die allerdings unendlich komplex war. Daher auch 

die lange Zeit weitgehenden Friedens für die Habsburgermonarchie von 1866 bis 1914. 

Bei den großen Kriegen allerdings, die Franz Joseph führte – 1859 gegen Piemont-Sardinien 

und Frankreich und 1866 gegen Preußen und Italien – war der Kaiser schnell mit 

militärischen Entscheidungen zur Hand, die auf der Idee der Ehre der Monarchie und der 

Pflichterfüllung des Monarchen beruhten. Ein letztes Mal findet sich diese Argumentationsweise 

in der Kriegserklärung 1914. 

Abgesehen von seiner Jagdleidenschaft trat der Kaiser ja fast ausschließlich als 

pflichtbewusster, erster Beamter der Monarchie in Erscheinung – gab es die 

Privatperson Franz Joseph überhaupt? 

MICHAELA VOCELKA: Natürlich gab es auch private Phasen, etwa im Zusammenleben 

mit seiner Frau, später dann mit seinen Töchtern und Enkelkindern oder auf der Jagd, aber 

so richtig „auf Urlaub“ war der Kaiser nie. Auch in Bad Ischl, oder bei seinen Besuchen bei 

Elisabeth, wenn sie im Süden oder in der Schweiz war, wurden ihm per Kurier Akten 

nachgeschickt. Sein geradezu idealtypisches „beamtisches“ Pflichtbewusstsein und seine 

„Verantwortung“ für „seinen Staat“ waren ihm äußerst wichtig. 

Dann natürlich die Gretchenfrage zu Franz Joseph: Trägt der Kaiser mit seiner 

Unterschrift unter der Kriegserklärung die Verantwortung für den Ersten 

Weltkrieg? Oder anders gefragt: Gab es für Franz Joseph in dieser Situation 

überhaupt einen Handlungsspielraum? 

KARL VOCELKA: Die Frage der Kriegsschuld wurde im Jahr 2014 intensiv diskutiert, 

wobei es an der Grundtatsache, dass alle europäischen Mächte den Krieg wollten, wenig 

zu rütteln gibt. Zweifellos hat allerdings Franz Joseph formal den Krieg erklärt und was 

den Handlungsspielraum anlangt, so hätte man auf die Beantwortung des Ultimatums 

durch Serbien durchaus auch anders reagieren können. 

You recently published the biography „Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria and King 

of Hungary“ – what new revelations can be made about Franz Joseph, the person? 

MICHAELA VOCELKA: Juxtaposed against many existing publications, our biography is 

based on critical source analysis and focuses more on the person Franz Joseph was, 

including his character flaws – this is, if you will, what is new in this book. 

Is it possible for the historical figure of Franz Joseph to step out of the shadow of 

his popular wife Sisi in the anniversary year 2016? 

MICHAELA VOCELKA: In the short term, there might be an overabundance in the study of 

Franz Joseph during the anniversary year, but in the long term, Empress Elisabeth 

certainly attracts more media attention. Her ambivalent personality provides a projection 

angle for different approaches relevant to present time – the emancipated woman, the 

active and athletic woman, the esoteric woman, and so forth. 

When reviewing the reign of Franz Joseph, one is left with the impression that he 

sought to resolve conflicts through military rather than diplomatic actions. 

KARL VOCELKA: Especially after 1866, the diplomatic course of action was endeavoured. 

Particularly in the Balkan issue which was, however, infinitely complex. Hence the long 

duration of peace for the Habsburg Monarchy from 1866 to 1914. In the great wars, 

nevertheless, led by Franz Joseph – 1859 against Piedmont-Sardinia and France and 1866 

against Prussia and Italy – the Emperor was quick to take military action, based on the 

idea of honour of the monarchy and the duty of the monarch. This reasoning was used 

one last time in the declaration of war in 1914. 

Aside from his passion for hunting, the Emperor mostly appeared to be a 

conscientious chief official of the monarchy – was there a private Franz Joseph 

at all? 

MICHAELA VOCELKA: Of course there were also private phases, such as daily life with his 

wife, and later with his daughters and grandchildren or on hunting trips, but the Emperor 

was never really „on vacation“. Even in Bad Ischl, or during his visits to Elisabeth when she 

was in the South or in Switzerland, files were forwarded to him by courier. His almost 

typical sense of duty and responsibility for „his state“ were extremely important to him. 

Now of course the crucial question regarding Franz Joseph: is the Emperor 

responsible for the First World War with his signing of the declaration of war? Or 

to put it another way: was there any room for manoeuvre for Franz Joseph in this 

situation at all? 

KARL VOCELKA: The issue of guilt was extensively discussed in 2014, whereas the basic 

fact that all of the European powers wanted the war is certain. Undoubtedly, it was Franz 

Joseph who formally declared war and as the room for manoeuvre is concerned, it might 

certainly have been possible to react differently to the reply by Serbia regarding the 

ultimatum. 

PHOTOS: PRIVAT, ÖSTERREICHISCHE NATIONALBIBLIOTHEK 

constrictions of the Viennese Court soon after the birth 

of their children. 

Viennese splendour 

The Ringstrasse, the most important building project 

during his reign, is still associated with Franz 

Joseph. His name is displayed in large gold letters on the 

Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) 

and the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History 

Museum). During the long period of peace after the 

unfortunate wars against Prussia and Italy, Vienna improved 

its status with its new prestigious boulevard and 

became an important metropolis. Franz Joseph became 

the unifying figure of the economically flourishing monarchy 

residing on the Danube although he had no 

long-term solution on how to deal with the growing 

nationalisms and autonomous aspirations of the different 

parts of the multinational state, the social problems 

and the demands of the citizens for more participation. 

The Emperor had more of a “non-solution in mind”, as 

Karl Vocelka notes. The grievance of the 23-year old 

Crown Prince Rudolf in a letter to Count Latour in 

1881 is telling when taken in this context, “I can see the 

slope upon which we are sliding downwards, am very 

close to things but cannot do anything, am not even 

allowed to open my mouth ...” The Emperor, however, 

not only survived his liberally minded son who took his 

life in Mayerling, but also his nephew, Franz Ferdinand, 

who moved up as successor to the throne and whose 

assassination in Sarajevo in 1914 was to have far-reaching 

consequences. Austria-Hungary drifted into the 

catastrophe of the First World War and eventually to its 

fall. When Franz Joseph died on 2 November in 1916 at 

the ripe old age of 86, it was for many not only the Emperor 

but also his kingdom they carried to the grave. 

Franz Joseph‘s death undoubtedly brought an era to an 

end. And it was plain to see that only a new political 

system could rise out of the rubble of the war. 

Franz Joseph I reigned over Austria-Hungary for so 

long that even today the word “Kaiser” is synonymous 

with him. The centenary provides the opportunity for 

a critical debate on the penultimate monarch of the 

Habsburg dynasty, whose biography shows the political 

and social developments and failings of the 19th 

and the beginning of the 20th century in Central Europe 

like no other. 

Franz Joseph I. (1861, Ludwig Angerer). 

Denken Sie beim 

Klima schlau ! 

Damit wir unser Klima schützen, druckt 

Berger CO 2 - neutral und trägt stolz das 

Österreichische Umweltzeichen und das 

EU-Ecolabel. Senden Sie uns Ihre 

Druckanfrage mit einem guten Gefühl! 

BUCHTIPP / BOOK TIP: 

Michaela Vocelka / Karl Vocelka 

FRANZ JOSEPH I. KAISER VON ÖSTERREICH UND KÖNIG VON UNGARN 1830-1916. 

Eine Biografie. C. H. Beck Verlag, 2015. 458 Seiten mit 41 Abbildungen 

Michaela Vocelka / Karl Vocelka 

Franz Joseph I Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary 1830-1916. 

A Biography. C. H. Beck Publishers, 2015. 458 pages with 41 pictures. 

Ferdinand Berger & Söhne GmbH 

Horn | +43 (0) 2982 4161 - 0 

Wien | +43 (0) 1 31335 - 0 

Vertretungen: 

OÖ | Tirol | Stmk. 

www.berger.at 


SAVOIR VIVRE SALZBURG CULTURE 

Die Osterfestspiele Salzburg 

Salzburg Easter Festival 

Titelbild Programmprospekt 

der Osterfestspiele 

Salzburg 2016. 

Cover of the programme 

brochure, Salzburg Easter 

Festival 2016. 

Ostern in Salzburg – zu keiner anderen Zeit 

findet man ein erleseneres Festspielpublikum 

in der Mozartstadt. Darunter befinden 

sich zahlreiche hochkarätige Sponsoren aus Wirtschaft, 

Industrie, Kunst und Kultur, die den Traum des 

Gründers der Osterfestspiele, Herbert von Karajan, 

von einem Festival mit finanzieller und künstlerischer 

Unabhängigkeit Wirklichkeit werden lassen. 

Einzigartig ist auch das hochwertige Programm des 

anspruchsvollsten Festivals der Welt. Oper, Orchesterund 

Chorkonzerte, Kammerkonzerte und Jugendprojekte 

werden auf höchstem künstlerischen Niveau 

mit bestmöglicher Besetzung geboten. 

Künstlerischer Leiter der Osterfestspiele ist seit 

2012 der in Berlin geborene Dirigent Christian 

Thielemann, ehemals musikalischer Assistent von 

INFO: 

Die Osterfestspiele Salzburg finden 

von 19.-28. März 2016 statt. 

The Salzburg Easter Festival will take 

place from 19-28 March, 2016. 

osterfestspiele-salzburg.at 


Den von ihrem Gründer Herbert von 

Karajan erhobenen bedingungslosen 

Anspruch der höchsten künstlerischen 

Qualität erfüllen die Osterfestspiele 

Salzburg seit 1967 ungebrochen. 

The unconditional right to the highest 

artistic quality sought by its founder 

Herbert von Karajan has continuously 

been met at the Salzburg Easter Festival 

since 1967. 

Herbert von Karajan. „Orchester in Residenz“ ist die 

Sächsische Staatskapelle. Thielemann begann seine 

musikalische Laufbahn 1978 an der Deutschen Oper 

in Berlin, war Erster Kapellmeister an der Düsseldorfer 

Rheinoper und 1988 jüngster Generalmusikdirektor 

Deutschlands in Nürnberg. In gleicher Position 

ging er 1997 an die Deutsche Oper Berlin, war von 

2004 bis 2011 Generalmusikdirektor der Münchner 

Philharmoniker und übernahm 2012 als Chef dirigent 

die Leitung der Sächsischen Staats kapelle Dresden. 

Das Orchester wurde 1548 durch Kurfürst Moritz 

von Sachsen als Hofkapelle gegründet, Richard 

Wagner bezeichnete es als seine „Wunderharfe“, 

Richard Strauss widmete ihm die „Alpensinfonie“. 

2007 wurde das Orchester in Brüssel mit dem Preis 

der Europäischen Kulturstiftung für die Bewahrung 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Text: Eva Maria von Schilgen 

1 Vincent Boussard 

2 Christian Thielemann 

3 Christian Lacroix 

4 Vincent Lemaire 

PHOTOS: OSTERFESTSPIELE SALZBURG, MATTHIASCREUTZIGER (2), THOMAS LOHR, ARCHIV DER SALZBURGER FESTSPIELE/FOTO SCHAFFLER, ANNE KIRCHBACH 

Geschäftsführender Intendant 

Dr. Peter Ruzicka. 

Managing Director and Intendant 

Dr. Peter Ruzicka. 

des musikalischen Weltkulturerbes als bislang 

erstes Orchester ausgezeichnet, 2013 wählte es 

das Magazin Opernwelt zum Orchester des Jahres. 

Im Zentrum der Festspiele steht jeweils eine 

Oper, 2016 Giuseppe Verdis „Otello“. Es singen 

u.a. José Cura und Dorothea Röschmann, 

Christian Thielemann dirigiert die Sächsische 

Staatskapelle. Vincent Boussard ist für die Inszenierung, 

Vincent Lemaire für das Bühnenbild 

zuständig. Die Kostüme stammen von dem französischen 

Modeschöpfer Christian Lacroix. 

Geschäftsführender Intendant der Festspiele 

ist seit 2015 der Musikwissenschaftler, Komponist 

und Dirigent Peter Ruzicka, welcher von 

2002 bis 2006 die Salzburger Sommer-Festspiele 

leitete. Zuvor war er als Intendant unter anderem 

an der Staatsoper Hamburg und von 1996 bis 

2014 als künstlerischer Leiter für die Münchener 

Biennale tätig. Für seine Kompositionen erhielt 

er zahlreiche Preise und Auszeichnungen. „Ich 

schätze mich glücklich, dass ich an die Salzach 

zurückkehren konnte, um nun mit den Osterfestspielen 

Salzburg ein Festival ganz anderer Prägung 

zu leiten: ein kompaktes, intensives Angebot 

für Opern- und Konzertliebhaber, getragen 

von einer der besten Kombinationen aus Dirigent 

und Orchester, die es derzeit gibt. Insbesondere, 

da ich Christian Thielemann seit vielen Jahren 

künstlerisch und persönlich sehr verbunden 

bin, ist es mir eine besondere Freude, dass ich 

nun gemeinsam mit ihm das Festival 

im Sinne seines Gründers Herbert von Karajan 

weiterführen kann“, so Ruzicka. 

Easter in Salzburg – no other time attracts 

such a select festival audience to the city of Mozart. 

Among them are a number of top sponsors 

from the areas of business, industry, art and culture 

that make the dream of the founder of the 

Easter Festival, Herbert von Karajan, to stage a 

festival with financial and artistic independence, 

become a reality. nother unique feature is the 

quality of the programme of the most discerning 

festival in the world. Opera, orchestral and choral 

concerts, chamber concerts and youth projects 

of the highest artistic quality and with the 

best possible cast members are on offer. 

Since 2012, the Berlin-born conductor Christian 

Thielemann, once musical assistant to Herbert 

von Karajan, has been artistic director of the 

Salzburg Easter Festival. The Staatskapelle Dresden 

is the „orchestra in residence“. He began his 

musical career in 1978 at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, 

was first conductor (Kapellmeister) at the 

Deutsche Oper am Rhein in Dusseldorf and in 

1988 became Germany’s youngest music director 

in Nuremberg. He returned to the Deutsche 

Oper Berlin in 1997, was music director at the 

Munich Philharmonic from 2004 to 2011 and 

took over as principal conductor for the Staatskapelle 

Dresden in 2012. 

The orchestra was founded in 1548 by Elector 

Moritz of Saxony as a court orchestra. Richard 

Wagner described it as his „miraculous harp“, Richard 

Strauss dedicated his „Alpine Symphony“ 

to it. In 2007 the orchestra was the first orchestra 

to date to be awarded the European Prize for the 

Preservation of the World’s Musical Heritage in 

Brussels and in 2013 the magazine Opernwelt 

elected it Orchestra of the Year. 

Every year, an opera takes centre stage at the 

festival, and in 2016, it is Giuseppe Verdi‘s opera 

„Otello“. Besides others, José Cura and Dorothea 

Röschmann will sing, Christian Thielemann conducts 

the Staatskapelle Dresden. Vincent Boussard 

is stage director, Vincent Lemaire is stage 

designer. The costumes are created by the French 

fashion designer Christian Lacroix. 

Peter Ruzicka, musicologist, composer and 

conductor, took over as managing director and 

intendant in 2015. He headed the Salzburg Summer 

Festival from 2002 to 2006. He was previously 

director of the Hamburg State Opera and artistic 

director of the Munich Biennale from 1996 to 

2014, among other assignments. He has received 

numerous awards and prizes for his compositions. 

„I consider myself lucky that I was able to 

return to Salzburg to manage the Salzburg Easter 

Festival, a festival of a different character: a 

compact, intense range for opera and concert 

lovers, supported by one of the best combinations 

of conductor and orchestra there is to be 

found. In particular, as I have appreciated 

Christian Thielemann on an artistic and personal 

level for many years, it is a special pleasure 

that I now head the festival with him with the 

same spirit as its founder Herbert von Karajan,“ 

he stated. 

„Orchester haben keinen eigenen Klang - 

den macht der Dirigent.“ 

“An orchestra does not have its own sound – 

the conductor creates it.“ 

Herbert von Karajan (1967) 

Die Die Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität 

(PMU) ist ist eine eine als als Privatstiftung 

organisierte Institution mit mit 

Standorten in in Salzburg und und Nürnberg. 

Lehre, Patientenbetreuung und und 

Forschung sind sind die die drei drei Säulen, auf auf 

denen die die Paracelsus Universität 

2002 begründet wurde und und die die 

nach wie wie vor vor höchste Priorität 

haben. Mit Mit 20 20 Universitätsinstituten, 

einem Forschungszentrum und und acht acht 

Forschungsprogrammen wurde ge- 

gemeinsam 

mit mit den den Salzburger Universitätskliniken 

am am Salzburger Standort 

ein ein erstklassiges Ausbildungsangebot 

und und exzellente Forschung aufgebaut. 

Im Im Februar 2014 wurde zusammen 

mit mit dem dem Klinikum Nürnberg ein ein 

zweiter Standort in in Nürnberg ge- 

gegründet, 

wo wo seit seit August ‘14 ‘14 das das Hu- 

Humanmedizinstudium 

angeboten wird. wird. 

Das Das Ausbildungsangebot der der PMU PMU in in 

Salzburg umfasst neben dem dem Diplomstudium 

der der Humanmedizin (Dr. (Dr. med. 

univ.) und und den den Studiengängen der der 

Pflegewissenschaft ab ab Herbst 2016 

ein ein Bachelor- und und Masterstudium der der 

Pharmazie* (Mag.pharm). 

Weiters werden drei drei postgraduelle 

Doktoratsstudiengänge sowie einige 

Universitäts- und und Weiterbildungslehrgänge 

angeboten. 

* * Vorbehaltlich der der Akkreditierung durch durch 

die die AQ AQ Austria. 

Bewerbungen für für die die Studiengänge 

Humanmedizin und und Pharmazie* 

sind sind bis bis 10. 10. April April 2016 möglich! 

Nähere Informationen unter 

www.pmu.ac.at

SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS 

Kultur-Highlights Frühjahr 2016 

Cultural highlights Spring 2016 

Text: Evelyn Rois 

Grand pas de deux 

Manuel Legris, Ballettdirektor des Wiener Staatsballetts, bringt mit „Le Corsaire“ einen Klassiker der Ballettgeschichte - das erste Mal in voller 

Länge - auf die Wiener Staatsopernbühne. Legris, ehemals „Danseur Etoile“ unter Nurejew, schöpft dabei vor allem aus der reichen französischen 

und russischen Aufführungstradition der üppigen Orientfantasie mit Seeräubern, Piratenbräuten, Sklavenhändlern und dem berühmten 

„Le Corsaire – Pas de deux“ im 2. Akt. Premiere ist am 20.3.2016. 

„Maître de Ballet“ Manuel Legris, artistic director of the Vienna State Ballet, brings „Le Corsaire“, a ballet history classic, to the Vienna State 

Opera stage – in full length for the first time. Legris primarily draws on the rich French and Russian performing tradition of lush Oriental fantasy 

with pirates, pirate brides, slave traders and the famous „Le Corsaire – Pas de deux“ in the second act. Premiere is on 20 March 2016. 

wiener-staatsoper.at 

Kostümentwurf von 

Luisa Spinatelli für 

die Rolle des Conrad. 

Costume design by 

Luisa Spinatelli for 

the part of Conrad. 

K. Kriwanek, Erinnerungen 

an Venedig in Wien, 1890 

Remembering Venice in 

Vienna, 1890 

Herbert Hinteregger, all 

over-store, 2006 

Installationsansicht 

Georg Kargl permanent, 

Wien 

Francisco de Goya, La 

gallina ciega, 1788 

Guter Theaterjahrgang 

Good year for theatre 

Frühling ist Festwochenzeit ist 

Opern- und Theaterzeit! Die neue 

Schauspielchefin der „Wiener 

Festwochen“ Marina Davydova, 

Moskauer Theaterkritikerin und 

Festivalmacherin, verspricht einen 

außerordentlich guten Theaterjahrgang 

mit kräftig russisch-osteuropäischem 

Einschlag und 

Produktionen wie Andrej Platonows 

„Tschewengur“ inszeniert von 

Altmeister Frank Castorf, 

Tschechows „Drei Schwestern“, neu 

gesehen vom jungen russischen 

Regiestar Timofej Kuljabin oder 

Gianina Cărbunarius spannende 

Theaterarbeit zum Phänomen 

Whistleblower „Gewöhnliche 

Menschen“. 13.5 bis 19.6.2016 

Spring is festival, opera and theatre 

time! The new director of the 

„Wiener Festwochen“, Marina 

Davydova, theater critic and festival 

organiser from Moscow, promises a 

very good theatre year with 

Russian Eastern European influence 

and productions such as Andrei 

Platonov‘s „Chevengur“ directed by 

veteran Frank Castorf, Chekhov‘s 

„Three Sisters“, newly interpreted 

by young Russian star director 

Timothy Kuljabin or Gianina 

Cărbunariu’s exciting theatre work 

on the whistleblower phenomenon 

„Ordinary People“. 13 May to 19 

June 2016. 

festwochen.at 

Mieczyslaw Weinbergs Oper „Die Passagierin“ 

erlebt ihre Österreich Premiere bei den Wiener 

Festwochen. 

Mieczyslaw Weinberg´s opera „The Passenger“ will 

see its Austrian premiere at the Wiener Festwochen. 

PHOTOS: OPER FRANKFURT / BARBARA AUMÜLLER; WIENER STAATSOPER / MICHAEL PÖHN; WIEN MUSEUM; 

GEORG KARGL FINE ARTS / LISA RASTL; MUSEO NACIONAL DEL PRADO, MADRID 

Vom Picknickkorb 

zum Riesenrad 

From the picnic basket 

to the giant wheel 

Hochschaubahn, Riesenrad, 

Laufstrecke, Picknickwiese. Alles 

das ist der Wiener Prater seit 

250 Jahren. Davor galt allerdings: 

Betreten streng verboten - das 

Gelände war der Kaiserlichen 

Familie vorbehalten, die hier 

Schnepfen, Hirsche und Bären 

jagte. Zum runden Jubiläum rollt 

das Wien Museum vom 10.3 bis 

21.8.2016 in der Ausstellung „In 

den Prater! Wiener Vergnügungen 

seit 1766“ mit spannenden 

Exponaten aus seiner Sammlung 

die abwechslungsreiche 

Geschichte dieser Wiener 

Institution auf. 

Rollercoaster ride, giant ferris 

wheel, jogging track, picnic area. 

The Vienna Prater has provided 

this for 250 years. However, 

before that time, entering was 

strictly prohibited – the area was 

reserved for the imperial family, 

who hunted snipes, deer and 

bears here. To celebrate the big 

anniversary, Wien Museum is 

holding the exhibition „Meet Me 

at the Prater! Viennese Pleasures 

since 1766“ with exciting exhibits 

from its collection, showcasing 

the rich history of this Viennese 

institution. From 10 March to 21 

August 2016. 

wienmuseum.at 

Raumgreifend | Expansive space 

Heimo Zobernigs ins dreidimensionale kippende Bilder, die raumgreifenden abstrakten 

Anordnungen Esther Stockers - unter dem ein wenig sperrigen Titel „Abstrakt - Spazial“ zeigt 

die Kunsthalle Krems vom 13.3. bis 19.6.2016 aktuelle Positionen aus dem spannenden 

Grenzbereich zwischen Malerei, Installation und Skulptur - trefflicher Anlass für einen 

Frühlingsausflug nach Krems und in die Wachau! 

Pictures shifting into three dimensions by Heimo Zobernig, expansive and abstract 

arrangements by Esther Stocker – Kunsthalle Krems exhibits positions examining the exciting 

borderline between painting, installation and sculpture under the somewhat unwieldy title 

„Abstract – Spatial“ from 13 March to 19 June 2016. The perfect reason for a spring trip to 

Krems and the Wachau region! 

kunsthalle.at 

125 Jahre Kunst am 

Ring 

125 years of art at the 

Ringstrasse 

„Die Jäger im Schnee“ von Pieter 

Bruegel, Vermeers „Die 

Malkunst“, Raffael, Tintoretto, 

Rembrandt - das Kunsthistorische 

Museum Wien zählt zu den 

bedeutendsten Kunstsammlungen 

weltweit. Unter dem Motto 

»Museum für ALLE« feiert das 

KHM 2016 seinen 125. 

Geburtstag mit Gesprächsreihen, 

der großen Jubiläumsausstellung 

„Feste Feiern“ vom 8.3. bis 

11.9.2016 und zahlreichen 

weiteren Specials im Haus und 

außerhalb des Museums. 

„The Hunters in the Snow“ by 

Pieter Bruegel, Vermeer‘s „The 

Art of Painting“, Raphael, 

Tintoretto, Rembrandt – the 

Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna 

houses one of the most 

important art collections 

worldwide. Under the motto „A 

Museum for Everyone“, the KHM 

celebrates its 125th jubilee year 

2016 with the anniversary 

exhibition “Celebration!” 

including a series of talks, from 8 

March to 11 September 2016 and 

numerous other events inside 

and outside the museum. 

khm.at 



SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS 

Höhenflug Osterklang 

Soaring Easter 

Marc Chagall, Der 

Spaziergang, 

1917-1918. 

Marc Chagall, The 

Promenade, 

1917-1918. 

Von der Couch auf den Sessel 

From the couch to the chair 

Von Emma Eckstein über Marie Bonaparte bis Anna Freud: Sechs Frauenportraits 

zeigen in der Sonderausstellung des Wiener Sigmund Freud Museums „Das ist das 

starke Geschlecht - Frauen in der Psychoanalyse“, dass Frauen in der Entstehungsgeschichte 

der Psychoanalyse einen gewichtigen Anteil inne hatten, als 

Analytikerinnen ebenso wie als Patientinnen - bis 12.6.2016. 

Emma Eckstein about Marie Bonaparte to Anna Freud: six women’s portraits 

featured in Sigmund Freud Museum Vienna’s special exhibition „So this is the 

strong sex. Women in Psychoanalysis“ show that women in the history of 

psychoanalysis assumed a significant role, as analysts and as patients alike – until 

12 June 2016. 

freud-museum.at 

Russische Avantgarden 

Russian avant-garde 

Jedes Bild eine Kampfansage, jeder 

Pinselstrich getrieben vom Anspruch, die 

Kunst neu zu erfinden: Mit der Ausstellung 

„Chagall bis Malewitsch, die Russischen 

Avantgarden“ widmet die Albertina Wien in 

Kooperation mit dem Staatlichen Russischen 

Museum Sankt Petersburg, dieser äußerst 

produktiven Epoche der Kunstgeschichte bis 

26.6.2016 eine großangelegte Schau mit 130 

Meisterwerken. Mit dabei auch das epochale 

Schwarze Quadrat von Malewitsch. 

Each picture is a challenge, every brush 

stroke driven by the desire to reinvent art: 

the Albertina in Vienna dedicates the 

exhibition „Chagall to Malevich, the Russian 

avant-gardes“ in cooperation with the State 

Russian Museum St Petersburg to this highly 

productive period in art history. This major 

presentation shows 130 masterpieces until 

26 June 2016. The epochal Black Square by 

Malevich is also on display. 

albertina.at 

PHOTOS: ST. PETERSBURG, STAATLICHES RUSSISCHES MUSEUM, BILDRECHT, WIEN 2016; SIGMUND FREUD PRIVATSTIFTUNG; PETER M. MAYR; GESELLSCHAFT DER MUSIKFREUNDE IN WIEN 

Einen hochkarätigen musikalischen 

Reigen entfaltet das 20. 

OsterKlang-Festival Wien vom 

18. bis 27.3.2016: Johann 

Sebastian Bachs h-Moll Messe 

im Konzerthaus steht dabei 

ebenso am Programm wie Arvo 

Pärts Fratres in der Minoritenkirche 

oder Ludwig van Beethovens 

Pastorale im Musikverein. Neben 

Junges Ensemble, Theater an der Wien den Wiener Symphonikern mit 

Philippe Jordan am Dirigentenpult 

sind u.a. auch Altistin Wiebke Lehmkuhl, die Camerata Schulz oder 

Starpianistin Hélène Grimaud zu hören. 

A high-profile musical palette unfolds at the 20th OsterKlang Festival 

Vienna from 18 to 27 March 2016: Johann Sebastian Bach‘s Mass in B 

Minor at the Konzerthaus is featured but also Arvo Pärt‘s Fratres in the 

Minoritenkirche or Ludwig van Beethoven‘s Pastoral Symphony in 

Musikverein. In addition to the Vienna Symphony Orchestra with 

Philippe Jordan on the podium, the contralto singer Wiebke Lehmkuhl, 

Camerata Schulz or Star pianist Hélène Grimaud can be heard. 

theater-wien.at 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 

Ölbild aus dem Besitz Joseph 

Sonnleithners 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 

oil painting in the possession 

of Joseph Sonnleithner 

Komponistenalltag in 

der Domgasse 5 

Composer’s daily life at 

Domgasse 5 

Ein Muss für alle Mozart Fans! Zum 

10-Jahres-Jubiläum zeigt das 

Mozarthaus Vienna die Sonderausstellung 

„Mozart im Mozarthaus - 

Highlights im Komponistenalltag“. 

Zahlreiche Originalhandschriften, 

Erstausgaben und Lebensdokumente 

des Musikgenies aus dem Archiv der 

Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde Wien 

sind bis 15.1.2017 an Mozarts einstiger Wohn- und Wirkstätte in der 

Wiener Domgasse 5, zu bestaunen. 

A must for all Mozart fans! On the occasion of Mozarthaus Vienna’s 

10-year anniversary, the exhibition „Mozart in Mozarthaus. Highlights 

of the Composer‘s everyday life“ celebrates the jubilee. Numerous 

original manuscripts, first editions and personal documents of the 

musical genius from the archives of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde 

Wien (Society of the Friends of Music Vienna) can be admired until 15 

January 2017 in Mozart‘s former residence and workplace at Domgasse 

5 in Vienna. 

mozarthausvienna.at 

johann hauser.! 

life's work 

Running from 6 june 2016 

until 8 january 2017 

museum gugging, Am Campus 2 

A-3400 Maria Gugging, T + 43 (0)2243 87087 

museum@gugging.at, www.gugging.at 

Opening Hours: 

Wintertime Tu – Su 10 am – 5 pm 

Summertime Tu – Su 10 am – 6 pm 

Johann Hauser, Schlange und Herz, Detail, 1974 © Privatstiftung-Künstler aus Gugging 

| Rudolf Horacek, Rudolf Horacek in Mannswörth, Detail, 1984 © Privatstiftung-Künstler aus Gugging 

Marie Bonaparte 

fotografiert in Freuds 

Arbeitszimmer, Wien 1937. 

Marie Bonaparte takes 

photos in Freud´s study, 

Vienna 1937. 

The Paintings Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna 

1., Schillerplatz 3 | Tue – Sun 10 am – 6 pm | www.akademiegalerie.at 


1602-GG-CercleDiplomatique-Bosch500-95x125,5-drucken.indd 1 15.02.16 13:43

SAVOIR VIVRE UPCOMING 

Wo es uns gefällt 

Where we love to be 


Genuss | Enjoyment 

Erlesenes für Kopf & Seele | Treat your mind and soul 

Wenn die ersten zarten Blüten und Knospen zu sprießen beginnen und die warmen 

Sonnenstrahlen ins Freie locken, ist genau die richtige Zeit für einige Urlaubstage in den Tiroler 

Bergen. Das Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol, inmitten der Natur auf dem Seefelder Plateau gelegen, sorgt für 

exklusive Osterfeiertage und bringt Sie entspannt in den Frühling. 

Ein absolutes Highlight ist am 26. März die Lesung mit dem bekannten Schauspieler Tobias Moretti, 

musikalisch umrahmt von Siggi Haider am Akkordeon. Zur Matinée am Ostersonntag spielt dann 

das Karl Edelmann Salonorchester (im Bild). 

When the first tender blossoms and buds start sprouting and the warm rays of the sun are 

tempting you to go outside, then this is the ideal time to take a short break in the Tyrolean 

mountains. The Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol, surrounded by unspoilt nature on the Seefeld 

Plateau, will make your Easter holiday unique and help you leap into spring refreshed and relaxed. 

Not to be missed is the reading on 26 March with the well-known actor Tobias Moretti, accompanied on the 

accordion by Siggi Haider. The Karl Edelmann Salonorchester (see picture) will be playing the matinée on 

Easter Sunday. 

INFO: 

INTERALPEN-HOTEL TYROL 

Dr.-Hans-Liebherr-Alpenstraße 1 

6410 Telfs-Buchen bei Seefeld 

Tel.: +43 50 809-30 

interalpen.com 

Neustart | Reboot 

Neue Turm-Herren | Tower with new owners 

Der Donauturm, 252 Meter hohes Wahrzeichen der Stadt Wien seit 1964, zieht jährlich 

rund 400.000 Besucher an. Nun wurde die Mehrheitsbeteiligung im Besitz der Bank 

Austria an die Blaguss Gruppe und Partner verkauft. Vor 10 Jahren konnte man im Turm 

sogar übernachten. Wir dürfen also gespannt sein, welche kreativen Ideen zukünftig 

verwirklicht werden können. 

The Donauturm, a landmark of Vienna towering 252 metres since 1964, attracts about 

400,000 visitors every year. Bank Austria has recently sold its majority stake to 

Blaguss Group and Partners. 10 years ago, it was even possible to spend the night in 

the tower. We can‘t wait to find out which creative ideas are going to be implemented 

here in the future. donauturm.at 

Flug-Destination | Flight destination 

Auf nach Marokko! | Off to Morocco! 

Für einen Kurztrip in den Orient – die Flugzeit 

liegt unter vier Stunden – bietet sich die 

Direktverbindung zwischen Wien und 

Marrakesch von Niki an. Geflogen wird jeweils 

am Donnerstag und am Sonntag. Zudem fliegt 

die Airline jeden Dienstag nach Agadir, direkt 

am Atlantik im Süden Marokkos. Im Ticketpreis 

enthalten sind alkoholfreie Getränke sowie ein 

warmer Snack an Bord.. 

For a short trip to the Orient – it takes less 

than four hours by plane – the direct 

connection between Vienna and Marrakesh 

operated by Niki is ideal. Flights are on 

Thursdays and Sundays. Every Tuesday the 

airline also flies to Agadir, located in southern 

Morocco, right on the Atlantic coast. 

Non-alcoholic beverages and a hot snack on 

board are included in the ticket price. 

flyniki.com 

PHOTOS: INTERALPEN HOTEL TYROL, SALONORCHESTER EDELMANN, WIEN TOURISMUS/WILLFRIED GREDLER-OXENBAUER; LUKAS BECK, APPARTEMENTHAUS SUNNSAIT, SALZBURGERLAND TOURISMUS, LE K-FE, HOTEL SACHER, HOTEL BRISTOL 

Termin-Aviso | Save the date 

Frühlingsball | Spring ball 

Am 8. April findet in der Beletage Park Hyatt 

Vienna ein grandioser Frühlingsball statt. 

Unter dem Motto „Treasuries for Children“ 

wird der Abend zum Charity-Event zu Gunsten 

von UNICEF. Für die musikalischen Highlights 

des Abends sorgen die Wiener Sängerknaben 

und der international gefeierte Stargeiger 

Julian Rachlin. 

A splendid spring ball will be taking place at 

the Park Hyatt Vienna in the bel étage on 8 

April. The evening is a charity event for 

UNICEF under the motto “Treasuries for 

Children”. The Vienna Boys‘ Choir and the 

internationally acclaimed violinist Julian 

Rachlin will be providing the musical 

highlights of the evening. 

treasuries4children.com 

Jubiläum | Anniversary 

10 Jahre Salzburger Almenweg 

| 10 years Salzburger Almenweg 

Der 350 Kilometer lange Salzburger Almenweg 

feiert Geburtstag. Tausende von begeisterten 

Wanderern, Bergsteigern und Naturliebhabern 

haben sich im vergangenen Jahrzehnt auf den Weg 

mit 120 urigen Almhütten gemacht, um die 31 

Etappen zu erwandern. Das große Geburtstagsfest 

mit Musik und Kulinarik findet am 3. Juli 2016 auf 

den Astenalmen in Bad Gastein statt. 

The Salzburger Almenweg stretching 350 km is 

celebrating its birthday. Last year, thousands of 

enthusiastic hikers, mountaineers and nature lovers 

hit the trails, with 120 rustic alpine cabins, in order 

to discover the 31 stages. The grand birthday party 

will have music and culinary delights and will take 

place on the Astenalm pasture in Bad Gastein on 3 

July 2016. 

salzburger-almenweg.at 

Entspannung | Relaxing 

Auf der Sonnenseite | On the sunny side 

Inmitten des Hochkönigmassivs, in Maria Alm im Salzburger Land, liegt das exklusiv ausgestattete Appartementhaus Sunnsait, 

benannt nach seiner bevorzugten Lage. Klein und fein: Den Gästen der nur acht Appartements steht ein eigener Wellnessbereich 

mit Hallenbad, Sauna, Fitnessraum und Sonnenterrasse zur Verfügung. Der in nur fünf Minuten erreichbare Golfclub 

Urslautal wartet für Sunnsait Gäste mit einer 30% Ermäßigung aufs Greenfee auf. 

The Sunnsait apartment house with high-quality fittings and furnishings, named after its favoured location, is located in the 

heart of the Hochkönig massif, in Maria Alm in the province of Salzburg. Small and splendid: guests staying in the eight 

apartments have full use of the spa area with an indoor pool, sauna, gym and sun terrace. Urslautal golf club can be reached 

within five minutes where Sunnsait guests receive a 30% discount on the green fee. 

sunnsait.at 

Köstlichkeiten | Delights 

Kipferlzeit im Le K-Fé 

| Croissant time at Le K-Fé 

Johanna Koerner, die ein kleines, feines 

Catering betreibt, und PR-Agentur 

Besitzerin Karin Witasek haben sich 

beruflich zusammengetan. Im Le K-Fé, 

betrieben im Erdgeschoß im Sofitel 

Vienna, werden neben Getränken nun 

köstliche Kipferln und kleine 

Fingerfood-Croissants, jedes einzeln 

von Hand gefertigt, mit verschiedensten 

Füllungen gereicht. Süß oder 

pikant? Am besten gleich mehrere 

Sorten verkosten… 

Johanna Koerner who runs a small and 

excellent catering business and PR 

agency owner Karin Witasek have 

joined forces. Le K-Fé, located on the 

ground floor of Sofitel Vienna, serves 

not only drinks but also delicious 

Kipferl and small finger-food 

croissants, every single one handmade 

and with various fillings. Sweet or 

savoury? You will probably have to try 

several different flavours to decide... 

sofitel-vienna-stephansdom.com 

Küchenchefs | Chefs 

Neu am Herd 

| New in the kitchen 

Neue Kochlöffel rühren gut! Nach zehn 

Jahren in der Sacher Küche übergab 

Werner Pichlmaier (siehe S. 82) die 

(Koch)Hauben an den Steirer Dominik 

Stolzer, der die große kulinarische 

Tradition des Hauses fortsetzt. Der 

Wiener Manuel Gratzl lenkt seit Ende 

2015 die kulinarischen Geschicke des 

Traditionshotels Bristol. 

New chefs at the helm! After ten years 

in the kitchen at Sacher, Werner 

Pichlmaier (see p. 82) passed on the 

(cook‘s) toque to Dominik Stolzer from 

Styria who will continue with the 

hotel‘s great culinary tradition. Manuel 

Gratzl from Vienna has been heading 

the skilled kitchen team at the 

traditional Hotel Bristol since the end 

of 2015. 

sacher.com 

bristolvienna.com 

Vorausschau | Preview 

Publikumsmagnet 

| Crowd puller 

Mit mehr als 400.000 

Besuchern jährlich sind die 

Esterhazy Tourismus- und 

Kulturangebote die stärksten 

Besucher-Magnete im 

Burgenland. Für den 

Frühsommer ist eine eigene 

Ausstellung über das 

Fürstengeschlecht in 

Vorbereitung. Neu sind die 

beiden Festivals „Lovely Days“ 

und „Nova Jazz & Blues Night“ 

im Schlosspark Esterhazy. 

With more than 400,000 

visitors every year, the tourist 

and cultural events at 

Esterházy Palace are the 

strongest crowd puller in 

Burgenland. For early summer, 

an exhibition on the princely 

family is being prepared for. 

Esterházy Palace Park will be 

hosting two new festivals this 

year, “Lovely Days” and “Nova 

Jazz & Blues Night”. 

esterhazy.at 



131

SAVOIR VIVRE TRAVEL 

Fernweh 

Itchy Feet 

Die besten neuen Hotels und Restaurants aus aller Welt. | The best new hotels and restaurants around the world. 

Text: Gerald Sturz 

Marrakesch | Marrakesh 

Beachcomber Royal Palm 

Marrakech 

Besser und schöner können Ambiente 

und Umgebung gar nicht sein: Das 

Royal Palm Marrakech liegt inmitten 

eines großzügigen Palmen- und 

Olivenhains mit kleinen Seen, in der 

Ferne sind die majestätischen, meist 

schneebedeckten Gipfel des Hohen 

Atlas zu sehen und Marrakesch, eine 

der eindrucksvollsten Städte 

Marokkos, ist nur wenige Autominuten 

entfernt. Weil das Resort darüber 

hinaus noch über einen spektakulären 

18-Loch-Golfplatz verfügt, der von 

Cabell B. Robinson, dem angesehenen 

Golfplatz-Architekten, entworfen 

wurde, ist es vor allem das angesagte 

Ziel von Golfern. 

Das Royal Palm Marrakech bietet eine 

Kollektion von exklusiven Villen und 

Suiten, deren Architektur von der 

Kultur der Berber beeinflusst ist, drei 

gehobene Restaurants, ein 

Clarins-Spa, einen Kinderclub und ein 

Sportzentrum mit einem halb-olympischen 

Pool und den neuesten 

Sportgeräten. 

Atmosphere and surroundings don‘t 

get any better or more beautiful: the 

Royal Palm Marrakech lies in the heart 

of a large palm and olive grove with 

small lakes, the majestic, mainly 

snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas 

mountains can be seen in the distance 

and Marrakesh, one of the most 

impressive towns in Morocco, is only a 

few minutes away by car. As the 

resort also has a spectacular 18-hole 

golf course, which was designed by 

the renowned golf course architect 

Cabell B. Robinson, it has become the 

place to be for golfers. 

The Royal Palm Marrakech has a 

number of exclusive villas and suites 

whose architecture has been 

influenced by the Berber culture, three 

exclusive restaurants, a Clarins spa, a 

kids club and a sports centre with a 

semi-Olympic swimming pool and the 

latest in sports equipment. 

beachcomber-hotels.com 

PHOTOS: ALAN KEOHANE (2), ALEXANDRE CHAPLIER (2), AXEL RUHOMAULLY, FRANK MONTANARO, BEIGESTELLT 

London 

Hotel Cafe Royal 

Eine Gourmet-Extravaganza der ganz 

besonderen Art erwartet Gäste der Bar und des 

Restaurants im Hotel Café Royal an der Regent 

Street in London. Weil das Café Royal dieser 

Tage seinen 150. Geburtstag feiert, schickt bis 

Mitte April Albert Adrià, der Bruder des 

ehemaligen El-Bulli-Chefs Ferran und selbst 

einer der besten Küchenchefs der Welt, die 

Gäste auf eine kulinarische Weltreise. „50 Days 

by Albert Adrià“ nennt sich das Spektakel. Fast 

so schön wie eine echte Weltreise. Doch kürzer 

und bequemer. 

A unique gourmet extravaganza awaits guests 

at the bar and restaurant of Hotel Café Royal, 

located on London‘s Regent Street. As the Café 

Royal is celebrating its 150th birthday, Albert 

Adrià, one of the best chefs in the world and the 

brother of Ferran, the former El Bulli chef, will be 

sending guests on a culinary trip around the 

world. “50 Days by Albert Adrià” is the name 

given to the celebrations. Nearly as good as a 

real trip around the world. But shorter and more 

comfortable. 

hotelcaferoyal.com 

Kansai 

Amanemu 

Zwei Stunden dauert die Fahrt mit dem Shinkansen, dem High-Speed-Train, von Tokio in die Präfektur Mie in 

der Provinz Kansai, wo an der Bucht von Ago die wunderbare und unvergleichliche Aman Hotelgruppe soeben 

ihr zweites Haus in Japan eröffnet hat. Das Resort mit 24 Suiten und vier Villen befindet sich an einem 

herrlichen, weißsandigen Strand und bietet dem verwöhnten Gast Onsen-Pools und andere entspannende 

Einrichtungen. Wer hier einige Tage verbringt, sollte auch einen Ausflug zum nahen und berühmten 

Shinto-Schrein von Ise einplanen. 

It takes two hours on the Shinkansen, the high-speed train, to get from Tokyo to Mie Prefecture in the Kansai 

region where the wonderful and unique Aman hotel group has just opened its second hotel in Japan on the 

shores of Ago Bay. The resort has 24 suites and four villas and is located on a glorious, white sand beach. Its 

pampered guests have full use of the Onsen pools and other relaxing facilities. Guests spending a few days 

here should take a trip to the nearby, well-known Shinto shrine in Ise. 

aman.com 

Dubai 

Burj al-Arab 

„Wir bemühen uns täglich, die Erwartungen unserer Gäste zu übertreffen“, sagt Anthony McHale, der General 

Manager des Burj al-Arab Jumeirah, jener Hotelikone am Strand von Dubai, die zu einem Wahrzeichen für das 

Emirat und seine Erfolgsgeschichte geworden ist. „Und wir haben keinen Zweifel, dass das ‚North Deck‘ genau 

dazu beitragen wird.“ Jenes „North Deck“, von dem der Manager spricht, wird dieser Tage an das Haupthaus 

angedockt und bietet mit seinen 32 Cabanas, 400 Sonnenliegen, einem Süß- und einem Salzwasserpool ein 

außergewöhnliches Erholungserlebnis. Eine Bar und ein Restaurant werden ebenfalls auf dem 100 Meter 

langen schwimmenden Sonnendeck eröffnet. 

“We are dedicated to surpassing guest expectations on a daily basis,” Anthony McHale states, General 

Manager of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, that iconic hotel on the beach of Dubai, which has become a landmark 

of the Emirates and its success story. “And we have no doubt that ‚North Deck‘ will do just that.” This ‚North 

Deck‘ the manager is referring to, will be docked on to the main building in the next few days, providing 

guests with a unique experience where they can unwind, with 32 cabanas, 400 sun loungers and a fresh 

water pool and a salt water pool. The 100-metre long floating sun deck will also have a bar and restaurant. 

jumeirah.com 



SAVOIR VIVRE TRAVEL 

Paris 

Les Bains 

Lissabon | Lisbon 

Pousada Lisboa 

Direkt am Praça do Comércio, dem schönsten und zentralsten Platz der portugiesischen Hauptstadt, liegt die 

Pousada Lisboa, dieses kürzlich eröffnete Luxushotel der Grupo Pestana, das zu den Small Luxury Hotels of the 

World gezählt wird. Dieses palastartige Gebäude aus dem 18. Jahrhundert, in dem einst das Innenministerium zu 

Hause war, wurde in ein elegant-modernes Hotel verwandelt, mit Kunstwerken aus Lissaboner Museen ausgestattet 

und um ein Spa und einen kleinen Pool ergänzt. Das Restaurant Lisboeta bietet hervorragende portugiesische 

Küche. Von vielen Zimmern und Suiten hat man einen schönen Blick auf den Praça do Comércio und den Fluss 

Tejo. Die neue Nummer 1 in Lissabon. 

Situated directly in Praça do Comércio, the most beautiful and central square in the Portuguese capital city, the 

Pousada de Lisboa, a luxury hotel owned by the Pestana Group, opened recently and is a member of the Small 

Luxury Hotels of the World. This palatial building from the 18th century once housed the Ministry of Internal 

Affairs and has now been transformed into an elegant and modern hotel, decorated with works of art from 

museums in Lisbon and complemented by a spa and a small pool. The Lisboeta restaurant serves excellent 

Portuguese cuisine. A number of rooms and suites provide guests with a wonderful view of Praça do Comércio 

and the Tagus river. The new number 1 in Lisbon. 

pousadas.pt 

Das ist ein Ort mit viel Geschichte. Was heute 

das Les Bains ist, eines von Paris jüngsten 

Luxus-Boutique-Hotels, war - es ist noch gar 

nicht so lange her - einst les Bains Douches, der 

beste und angesagte Club der französischen 

Hauptstadt. Wer einen Namen in der Film-, 

Musik- und Society-Szene hatte, der verbrachte 

hier seine Abende und Nächte. Mick Jagger, 

Andy Warhol, Prince, Serge Gainsbourg und Jane 

Birkin, Johnny Depp und Vanessa Paradis, Kate 

Moss - sie alle waren regelmäßig Gäste des 

Clubs. Heute befindet sich hier ein elegantlässiges 

Hotel, das den Spirit dieser hedonistischen 

Tage auf wunderbare Weise in die 

Gegenwart gerettet hat. 

This place has a lot of history. Today‘s Les Bains, 

one of the newest luxury boutique hotels in 

Paris, was – not at all that long ago – once les 

Bains Douches, the best and hippest club in the 

French capital city. Anyone who was anyone in 

the film, music or society scenes would spend 

their evenings and nights here. Mick Jagger, 

Andy Warhol, Prince, Serge Gainsbourg and Jane 

Birkin, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis, Kate 

Moss – they were all regular guests at the club. 

Today, the elegant yet casual hotel located here 

has managed to maintain the spirit of those 

hedonistic days marvellously. 

lesbains-paris.com 

PHOTOS: PEDRO SAMPAYO RIBEIRO (4), BEIGESTELLT 

Wenn der Berg ruft… 

…und der Wunsch nach Ursprünglichkeit und Geborgenheit wächst, dann ist 

das exklusive Kärntner Hoteldorf „Almdorf Seinerzeit“ einer der schönsten 

Orte der Welt. Traditionelle Almhütten, einzigartige Chalets, urige Restaurants, 

das wunderschöne Alm-Spa, das Badehaus und die natürlichen Teiche sowie 

der besondere Hüttenwirtservice werden Sie verzaubern. 

When the mountains call and the yearning for original and authentic experiences 

grows, Almdorf Seinerzeit is the perfect choice: a holiday destination 

that feels just like home. This exclusive village resort in Carinthia must surely 

be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Discover the magic of traditional 

alpine lodges, one-of-a-kind chalets and down-to-earth restaurants. Let 

yourself be enchanted by a beautiful spa, a bathhouse, natural ponds and the 

special service provided by your “village host”. 

Almdorf Seinerzeit 

Fellacheralm 

9564 Patergassen bei Bad Kleinkirchheim 

Österreich 

Telefon: 

Fax: 

E-Mail: 

Internet: 

+43 (0)4275-7201 

+43 (0)4275-7201-6 

office@almdorf.com 

www.almdorf.com 


SAVOIR VIVRE GOLF LYONESS OPEN 

It’s all about Bernd 

Bernd Wiesberger, Österreichs Top-Golfer, 

derzeit unter den Top 50 der Welt. 

Bernd Wiesberger, Austrian top golfer, at 

present under the Top 50 of the world. 

Wenn Anfang Juni Österreichs Top-Golfevent im Diamond Country Club in 

Niederösterreich über die Bühne geht, steht ein Mann im Mittelpunkt, wieder 

einmal: Bernd Wiesberger. 

When in the beginning of June Austria‘s top golf event takes place at Diamond 

Country Club in Lower Austria, a man takes centre stage once again: Bernd 

Wiesberger. 

Text: Klaus Nadizar 

SCHÖNE AUSSICHT. 

Nice view. 

Das Bootshaus des Diamond 

Country Club ist beim Turnier 

der VIP-Bereich. 

The boat house at the 

Diamond Country Club will 

host the VIP area at the 

tournament. 

PHOTOS: DIAMOND COUNTRY CLUB, HELMUT LACKINGER (2), STEPHAN FRIESINGER 

Chris Wood hat das Turnier im Vorjahr 

gewonnen. Wer wird der nächste Sieger sein? 

Chris Wood won the tournament last year. 

Who will be the next winner? 




INFO 

Impressionen vom DCC, 

oben das Par-3-Schlussloch. 

Impressions of the DCC, the 

Par-3 final hole pictured 

above. 

Seit dem Aufstieg von Bernd Wiesberger in die 

Top 50 der Welt ist alles ein bisschen anders. 

Ein an sich wertvoller Faktor wird noch wertvoller: 

die Zeit. Bernd Wiesberger ist seit mehr als 

einem Jahr Dauergast im Rampenlicht der Golfszene 

und damit ein gefragter Mann. Nicht mehr nur in 

Österreich. Sein Terminkalender ist de facto lückenlos 

gefüllt, Platz für spontane Aktionen bleibt damit 

kaum. 

Umso erfreulicher also für die heimischen Golf- 

Fans, dass während der Lyoness Open presented by 

Greenfinity der Top-Star eine Woche lang quasi zum 

Anfassen ist. 

Autogrammwünsche – bitte nach der Runde! – 

werden ebenso erfüllt wie die zahlreichen Bitten um 

Selfies mit Bernd als prominentem optischen Aufputz. 

Dass er auch 2016 wieder die ganze Last als Titelhoffnung 

stemmen muss, sollte für den in der Weltspitze 

angekommenen Burgenländer keine große 

Bürde sein. Selbst mit dem ganzen Rummel rund um 

seine Person. Und Wiesberger kann eine (fast) makellose 

Bilanz im Diamond Country Club aufweisen. 

Einzig der Erstrundenausrutscher 2015 trübt diese 

Bilanz ein wenig. Es war dies auch der einzige Score 

über Par bei seinen fünf Auftritten in Atzenbrugg. 

Wiesbergers Analyse nach dem verpassten Cut fiel 

zerknirscht-entspannt aus: „So was kann passieren, 

sollte es aber nicht.“ 

Wird, so meinen wir, 2016 auch garantiert nicht 

passieren. Wiesberger ist wieder um einige Grade 

gereift, hat seinen ersten großen Europa-Team- 

Auftritt beim Eurasia Cup Mitte Jänner erfolgreich 

hinter sich gebracht: An der Seite von Ian Poulter 

und unter Captain Darren Clarke gab's zumindest 

eine Art Ryder-Cup-Feeling für Wiesberger. Clarke 

wird im September dieses Jahres auch das europäische 

Team beim Ryder Cup in den USA anführen 

und hat sich Bernd Wiesberger garantiert schon in 

sein Notizbuch geschrieben. Ein Sieg in Atzenbrugg 

würde Bernd wohl ein Rufzeichen hinter seinem 

Namen einbringen. 

Der Event 

Was 2011 aus der Not heraus geboren wurde, 

hat sich über die Jahre zu einem Top-Event auf der 

European Tour entwickelt. Diamond Country Club 

PHOTOS: HELMUT LACKINGER 

Besitzer Christian Guzy erinnert sich: „Wir hatten 

2011 kurzfristig die Chance auf die Ausrichtung, weil 

Fontana nicht mehr wollte, und ich bin ins Risiko 

gegangen. Der Platz war damals noch nicht wirklich 

so weit, aber ich habe das Potenzial gesehen.“ 

Heute, fünf Jahre später, sind die Lyoness Open 

presented by Greenfinity in der Champions League 

des europäischen Golfsports angekommen und zählen 

zu den Top-10-Events der Tour. Das hilft auch, 

wenn es darum geht, Top-Spieler nach Atzenbrugg 

zu lotsen. „Wir haben nicht die Möglichkeiten von 

Abu Dhabi, Katar oder Dubai, Spieler der obersten 

Liga einzukaufen. Wir versuchen mit anderen Assets 

zu punkten“, erklärt Ali Al Khaffaf, Geschäftsführer 

des Veranstalters Golf Open Event GmbH. Das ging 

bei einigen Spielern wie etwa Pádraig Harrington 

oder Graeme McDowell auf. Miguel Ángel Jiménez, 

Stargast der letzten Jahre, wurde von Christian Guzy 

über das Redesign des Platzes „geködert“. Jiménez ist 

mitverantwortlich für den Umbau des 8. Lochs, das 

im „Tourbetrieb“ Loch 17 gibt, da die Spielbahnen 

für die Lyoness Open umgedreht werden. Damit 

sind sowohl die opulente VIP-Area als auch die 

Zuschauer auf der tollen Tribüne hinter dem Grün 

noch intensiver in das Turnier eingebunden. 

Wie überhaupt auch die Hospitality-Area mit 

dem Turnier mitgewachsen ist: Das Catering kann 

jedem internationalen Vergleich standhalten, wie 

auch das Boathouse als gediegene VIP-Area samt 

Lounge-Bereich direkt am Wasserhindernis, welches 

das Schlussloch so gefährlich macht. Ein Tag bei den 

Lyoness Open im VIP-Bereich ist so gesehen eine 

Art Wellness-Urlaub, unterfüttert von Top-Golf und 

fantastischer Gastronomie. 

Der Platz und das Hotel 

Über all die Jahre haben neben der sportlichen 

Leistungssteigerung von Bernd Wiesberger vor allem 

der Platz und die Facilities enorm dazugewonnen. 

Christian Guzy hat de facto keinen Stein auf dem anderen 

gelassen und in den vergangenen fünf Jahren 

den Diamond Course zu einem Top-Tourplatz weiterentwickelt. 

Hat das Boathouse, quasi das zweite 

Clubhaus im Diamond CC, vom ersten Tag an die 

Herzen der Mitglieder und Gäste erobert, ging es mit 

dem Platz aus logistischen Gründen langsamer voran: 

Umbau bedeutet auch immer Einschränkungen für 

Mitglieder und Greenfee-Gäste. Es galt, behutsam 

vorzugehen. Heute ist Christian Guzy am ersten großen 

Etappenziel angekommen: Der Kurs ist de facto 

10 Dinge, die Sie über die Lyoness Open wissen sollten 

10 things you should know about the Lyoness Open 

1. Bernd Wiesberger hat seit dem ersten 

Lyoness-Open-Tour-Event im Diamond Country 

Club im Jahr 2011 gesamt 45 unter Par gespielt. 

2. Von insgesamt 18 Runden bei den Lyoness 

Open spielte Wiesberger eine einzige Runde – 

2015, 79/+7 – über Par. 

3. Österreichs Top-Golfer kassierte bei seinen 

fünf Antritten im Diamond CC seit 2011 rund 

330.000 Euro Preisgeld. Das sind rund 

260 Euro pro Schlag. 

4. Im Jahr 2016 wird wie schon 2015 ein 

Gesamtpreisgeld von 1,5 Millionen Euro 

ausgespielt. Damit sind die Lyoness Open der 

preisgeldstärkste Sportevent Österreichs. 

5. Zu den Lyoness Open kommen drei Mal 

mehr Zuschauer als im Schnitt zu einem 

österreichischen Bundesligaspiel. 

6. Der Diamond Country Club, seit 2011 Heimat 

der Lyoness Open, wurde in den vergangenen 

fünf Jahren drei Mal zu Österreichs Golfplatz 

des Jahres gewählt. 

7. Der Diamond Country Club ist eine von 

nur 14 European Tour Destinations. Weitere 

prominente Destinationen sind etwa der Ryder 

Cup Platz 2018 Le National (FRA), Mount Juliet 

(IRE) oder Jumeirah Golf Estates (VAE). 

8. Die Lyoness Open presented by Greenfinity 

sind der erste European Tour Event, der auch 

einen ökologischen Fußabdruck misst. Seit 2012 

wird an dessen Optimierung gearbeitet. 

9. Die Lyoness Open werden vier Tage lang 

live auf Sky, ORF und lyoness.tv übertragen. 

10. Auf der Homepage lyonessopen.com 

können Sie sich ein Gratis-Tagesticket sichern. 

1. Since the first Lyoness Open Tour event at 

Diamond Country Club in 2011, Bernd 

Wiesberger has scored a total of 45 under par. 

2. From a total of 18 rounds at the Lyoness 

Open, Bernd Wiesberger shot a single round – 

2015 – 79/+7) over par. 

3. Since 2011, Austria‘s top golfer cashed in 

around 330,000 euros in prize money 

throughout his five appearances at Diamond CC. 

This amounts to around 260 euros per swing. 

4. In 2016, a total prize money of 1.5 million 

euros is up for grabs, as was already in 2015. 

Thus, the Lyoness Open is the strongest sports 

event in Austria in regards to prize money. 

5. Three times more guests come to witness the 

Lyoness Open than to an average Austrian 

national league match. 

6. The Diamond Country Club, home of the 

Lyoness Open since 2011, was elected Austria‘s 

golf course of the year three times in the past 

five years. 

7. The Diamond Country Club is one of only 14 

European Tour destinations. Other prominent 

destinations are for example the Ryder Cup 

Course 2018 Le National (FRA), Mount Juliet 

(IRE) or Jumeirah Golf Estates (UAE). 

8. The Lyoness Open presented by Greenfinity is 

the first European Tour event which also 

measures ecological footprint. Its optimisation 

has been a focus since 2012. 

9. The Lyoness Open is transmitted live over 

four days on Sky, ORF and lyoness.tv. 

10. You can secure a free day pass on the 

website lyonessopen.com 




INFO 

Lyoness Open 

powered by 

Greenfinity 

9. bis 12. Juni 2016 

June 9 - 12, 2016 

Pro-Am: 6. Juni, June 6 

Tickets: 

lyonessopen.com 

VIP-Tickets & 

Hospitality: 

nw@golfopenevent.com 

Austragungsort 

Venue 

Diamond Country Club 

Am Golfplatz 1 

3452 Atzenbrugg 

countryclub.at 

Programm 

Programme 

Montag, 6. Juni 

Offizieller Trainingstag 

Dienstag, 7. Juni 

Offizieller Trainingstag 

Soiree: „The Opening“ 

Mittwoch, 8. Juni 

European Tour Pro-Am & 

Dinner 

Donnerstag, 9. Juni 

1. Spieltag 

Anzahl der 

teilnehmenden Spieler: 

156 

Freitag, 10. Juni 

2. Spieltag, CUT der 

Top-65-Spieler 

Samstag, 11. Juni 

3. Spieltag 

Sonntag, 12. Juni 

Finaltag & Siegerehrung 

Monday, June 6 

Official training day 

Tuesday, June 7 

Official training day 

Soiree: „The Opening“ 

Wednesday, June 8 

European Tour Pro/Am & 

dinner 

Thursday, June 9 

1st round 

Number of players: 156 

Friday, June 10 

2nd round, CUT the top 65 

players 

Saturday, June 11 

3rd round 

Sunday, June 12 

Final day & prize ceremony 

am Ende seiner Ausbaustufe. „Nachbessern wird 

man immer müssen, will man modern bleiben“, stellt 

Guzy fest. Die Trainings-Facilities sind atemberaubend 

und mit dem Hotel am Platz wurde aus dem 

Golfclub ein Golfresort. Ein Umstand, der nicht nur 

den Stars der European Tour ausgesprochen gut 

gefällt. Vom Bett ans Tee in drei Minuten ist auch für 

uns Hobbygolfer ein griffiges Argument. 

Und falls Ihnen mal so gar nicht nach Championship-Golf 

ist: Zusätzlich garantieren der 9-Loch Park 

Course und der Country Course, ein 7-Loch-Platz, 

der derzeit auf 18-Loch erweitert wird, unvergessliche 

Golfmomente rund um den zentral gelegenen, 

10 Hektar großen See. 

Since the rise of Bernd Wiesberger to the top 50 

in the world, everything has been a little different: 

A valuable factor in itself has become even 

more precious – time. Bernd Wiesberger has permanently 

been in the spotlight within the golf scene and 

therefore in great demand for more than one year, 

and not only in Austria. His schedule is completely 

filled, which hardly leaves any space for spontaneous 

actions. 

This fact makes it even more pleasing for local 

golf fans that the top star will be present for a week 

during the Lyoness Open presented by Greenfinity. 

Autographs – please after the round! – will be given 

as well as the numerous celebrity selfies that can 

be taken with Bernd. 

It should not be a big burden for the Burgenland 

native who has risen to the world’s top players that he 

again carries the title hopes in 2016. Even with all the 

hype surrounding his person. But Bernd may have a 

(nearly) perfect record at Diamond Country Club. 

Only the slip in the first round in 2015 tarnishes the 

score a little. It was also the only score over par 

throughout his five appearances in Atzenbrugg. His 

analysis after the missed cut was a mixture of contrite 

and laid-back: „This kind of thing can happen, but 

it shouldn’t.“ 

We think that in 2016, this will guaranteed not 

happen. Bernd has matured even more by experience, 

has successfully completed his first major European 

team performance at the Eurasia Cup in mid- 

January. Next to Ian Poulter and with captain Darren 

Clarke, he at least had a taste of the Ryder Cup. Clarke 

will lead the European team at the Ryder Cup in 

the US this September and has definitely already 

Das gemütliche Innere im Bootshaus. The comfortable interior 

design at the boat house. 

written the name Bernd Wiesberger into his notebook. 

A victory in Atzenbrugg would probably add 

an exclamation mark to his name. 

The event 

What was born out of necessity in 2011 has, over 

the years, evolved into a top event on the European 

Tour. Diamond Country Club owner Christian Guzy 

remembers: „We had the chance to get the course in 

2011 because Fontana quit and I took the risk. The 

place was not yet ready, but I saw the potential.“ 

Today, five years later, the Lyoness Open presented 

by Greenfinity has arrived in the Champions 

League of European golf and is one of the top 10 

events of the tour. This also helps when it comes to 

attracting top players to Atzenbrugg. „We don’t have 

the option to buy top league players such as they do 

it in Abu Dhabi, Qatar or Dubai. We try to score 

points with other assets,“ said Ali Al Khaffaf, Managing 

Director of the organiser Golf Open Event 

GmbH. This was the case with players such as Padraig 

Harrington or Graeme McDowell. Miguel Angel 

Jimenez, guest star of recent years, was „lured“ by 

Christian Guzy with the redesign of the course. Jimenez 

is responsible for the conversion of the 8th hole, 

the 17th hole during „tour mode“ because the fairways 

are reversed for the Lyoness Open. Thus, both 

the opulent VIP area as well as the spectators on the 

great grandstand behind the green are more closely 

involved in the tournament. 

The hospitality area has grown along with the 

tournament: Catering can withstand any international 

comparison, as well as the Boathouse, the digni- 

PHOTOS: DIAMOND COUNTRY CLUB, MICHAEL RZEPA (2) 

Stylische Innenansicht eines Apartments der Apartmentanlage, 

die 2015 eröffnet wurde. Stylish insight to one apartment of 

the apartment resort at DCC which was opened in 2015. 

fied VIP area including lounge next to the water 

obstacle that makes the final hole so dangerous. A 

day at the Lyoness Open in the VIP area is just like a 

spa vacation, heightened by top golf and fantastic 

gastronomy. 

The course & the hotel 

Over the years, in addition to Bernd Wiesberger’s 

athletic performance boost, the course and the facilities 

have improved enormously. Christian Guzy has 

left no stone unturned and developed the Diamond 

Course to a top tour course during the past five years. 

The Boathouse, virtually the second clubhouse at 

Diamond CC, conquered the hearts of the members 

and guests from day one. Development of the course 

took more time for technical reasons: Reconstruction 

work means restrictions for members and green 

fee guests. It was necessary to proceed cautiously. Today, 

Christian Guzy has reached the first major milestone 

as the course has essentially completed its 

expansion phase. „Improvements will always be necessary 

in order to stay state-of-the-art,“ he asserts. 

The training facilities are stunning and the hotel turned 

the golf club into a golf resort – a fact which not 

only pleases the stars of the European Tour. From 

bed to the tee in three minutes is a convincing benefit 

for us hobby golfers as well! 

But more than that, if you are at times not in the 

mood for championship golf: In addition to the 

9-hole Park Course and the Country Course, the 

7-hole course, which is currently being expanded to 

18 holes, guarantees memorable golf moments 

around the central, 10-hectare lake. 

The United Nations Golf Club (UNGC) 

is a dynamic group of golfers consisting 

of serving and retired staff of 

International Organizations in Vienna, 

Permanent Missions, Embassies and 

their immediate families. 

UNGC activities focus on friendly 

and challenge tournaments at golf 

courses around Vienna as well as golf 

excursions within Austria and abroad. 

The UNGC has a membership of over 

200 players. 

To register or contact us please visit 

our web site www.ungc.eu and click 

“Join the club”. 


SAVOIR VIVRE MY VIENNA 

W I E N E R P R I V A T K L I N I K 

Galib Israfilov 

Botschafter der Republik Aserbaidschan | Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan 

Interview: Daniela Pötzl 

Sie sind nun seit fast fünf Jahren in Wien. Welche Orte in der Stadt 

haben Sie in dieser Zeit besonders lieb gewonnen? 

Als Botschafter, der für bilaterale und multilaterale Angelegenheiten 

zuständig ist, mag ich es lieber, zu den Meetings in und rund um die Hofburg 

zu Fuß zu gehen als mit dem Auto zu fahren. Die prächtige Architektur und 

das imperiale Erbe in Wiens Altstadt hilft ganz schnell, sich nach gewöhnlich 

geschäftigen und manchmal auch stressigen Arbeitsstunden zu erholen. 

Was macht für Sie Wien aus? 

Es ist eine einzigartige Gelegenheit, als Diplomat in einer kulturell so 

vielfältigen, in vieler Hinsicht gemütlichen und sozial bereichernden Stadt 

entsendet zu sein. In letzter Zeit wurde Wien verstärkt zur Hauptstadt 

multilateraler Diplomatie. Ich bin hoch erfreut, dass ich diese Vorteile nutzen 

kann und an außergewöhnlicher Erfahrung während meiner diplomatischen 

Karriere in Wien gewonnen habe. 

Wenn Sie Besuch aus Ihrer Heimat haben, wohin führen Sie Ihre 

Gäste zuerst? 

Meiner Erfahrung nach schlage ich meinen Gästen aus Aserbaidschan als 

erstes vor, Karten für die Staatsoper, den Musikverein oder das Konzerthaus 

zu ergattern. 

Haben Sie einen Lieblingsort? Wenn ja, welchen? 

Der Burggarten ist mein Lieblingsort, er ist zu Fuß nur fünf Minuten von 

meiner Wohnung entfernt. Die Natur dort ist herrlich und man kann die 

Frische in der Luft spüren. Ich genieße es, dort am frühen Morgen zu joggen 

und mit meiner Familie einige Stunden bei einem Picknick zu verbringen. 

Welche Erinnerungen werden Sie mitnehmen, wenn Sie Wien wieder 

verlassen müssen? 

Es ist mein bereits zweiter Einsatz in Wien und ich habe viele Freundschaften 

geschlossen, die mir in Zukunft helfen werden, mich an unseren angenehmen 

Aufenthalt in Wien zu erinnern. Das Wichtigste aber ist, dass meine 

familiären Erinnerungen immer ganz eng mit Wien verbunden sein werden, 

denn zwei meiner Söhne sind hier geboren. Diese einmaligen Momente des 

Lebens werde ich nie vergessen. 

First clAss PriVAte heAlthcAre 

PERSONAL DETAILS 

S.E. Galib Israfilov 

mit seiner Ehefrau 

Farah Aslanova. 

H.E. Galib Israfilov 

with his wife Farah 

Aslanova. 

Galib Israfilov wurde 1975 in Aserbaidschan geboren. Nach dem Studium Internationaler 

Beziehungen in Baku und in Washington D.C., trat er in den diplomatischen Dienst ein. 

Seit Mai 2011 ist er Botschafter in Wien. Er ist verheiratet und hat drei Söhne. 

Galib Israfilov was born in Azerbaijan in 1975. After studying International Relations in 

Azerbaijan´s capital Baku and in Washington D.C., he joined the diplomatic service. 

He has been Ambassador in Vienna since May 2011. He is married and has three sons. 

You have now been in Vienna for almost five years now. Which places in 

the city have become particularly dear to you in this time? 

As Ambassador in charge of bilateral and multilateral issues, usually I like 

walking to the meetings in and around the Hofburg, rather than driving to. 

The rich architecture and imperial legacy of Vienna’s old city helps quickly 

recover after usually busy and sometimes stressful working hours. 

What makes Vienna outstanding for you? 

For a diplomat to be posted in such a culturally diverse, comfortable in many 

respects and socially enriching city as Vienna is a unique opportunity. Lately 

Vienna has increasingly become the capital of multilateral diplomacy. I am 

very pleased that I have taken these advantages and gained an exceptional 

experience during my diplomatic career in Vienna. 

When you have visitors from home, where do you take your guests 

fi r s t ? 

Based on my humble experience, when I have guests from Azerbaijan, the 

first thing I suggest to visitors is to find tickets either to State Opera and 

Musikverein or to the Konzerthaus. 

Do you have a favourite place? Where is it? 

My favourite place is the Burggarten, which is in 5 minutes walking distance 

from my home. The nature is splendid and you can feel freshness in the air. I 

enjoy jogging early morning and spending few hours with my family at picnic. 

What memories will you take with you when you have to leave Vienna? 

It is my second tour of duty in Austria and I have made many friendships that 

will help me in future and recollect memories of our pleasant stay in Vienna. 

The most important, my family memories will remain closely linked to Vienna, 

since two of my sons were born here and I will never forget those sweet 

moments of life. 

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LE RENDEZVOUS EVENTS 

Popping of Flashbulbs 

Find more 

photos online 



The Cercle Diplomatique editors, Andrea Fürnweger and Alexander Bursky, invited to the Ambassadors Lunch at the 

Restaurant Patara, where newly accredited Ambassadors were welcomed and fine Thai cuisine was served. 


The editors of the magazine Weinbau celebrated their 

25th anniversary with a special edition, showing the vivid 

development in Austrian viniculture from bottom to top. 

The editors (very left and very right) 

with Konstanze Mantsch (BMEIA) and 

the Excellencies from Cuba, Burkina 

Faso, Panama, Malaysia, the 

Philippines, Romania and Kosovo 

(from left). 

Weinbau editor Ali Meyer (top, very right) with 

his wife Andrea (2nd r.), Josef Höchtl (middle) 

and Andrea and Peter Fürnweger (2nd left, 

very left). 

PHOTOS: HARALD KLEMM, FELICITAS MATERN 


Svenskt Tenn showed Swedish design 

at the Volksbank. 

Top: Alexander Bursky with the new 

Ambassador from Panama, H.E. Paulina 

Franceschi Navarro (middle), and Andrea 

Fürnweger. 

The colourful Stockholm interior design brand 

presented furniture, textiles and accessoires only 

as a pop-up store. The new Swedish Ambassador, 

H.E. Helen Eduards (2nd right), visited. 





Amuse Bouche goes international. The Mayor of Vienna invited to the 8th 

Gala Reception at the Vienna City Hall. For the first time, in cooperation 

with Cercle Diplomatique, also Ambassadors from various countries 

attended as guests. 


H.E. Andrei Popov, Ambassador of 

the Republic of Moldova, invited to a 

reception at the residence. 


“Table Culture Award“ to 

Hofzuckerbäckerei Lehmann. 

For their merits in table culture with style, the 

Förtsch-Lehmann family (Hofzuckerbäckerei Lehmann) 

was given a special deed of honour by the WKO. They 

also were responsible for the table culture at the 

signing of the Austrian Independence Treaty in 1955. 

Amuse Bouche is a unique 

Austrian apprenticeship 

initiative: Every year 

around 20 top Austrian 

hotels are invited to send 

their top apprentices in 

kitchen and service to the 

competition. The 

winner-teams get 

„Behind-the-scenes-tours“ 

with internationally known 

chefs and celebrities. 

PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN LEITNER, HARALD KLEMM, WALTRAUD STEINBÖCK, PICTURES BORN, NEUE WIENER WERKSTÄTTE 

Ambassador Popov 

(top, left) enjoyed 

also a concert at the 

reception with his 

guests, among whom 

the new Ambassador 

of the Russian 

Federation, H.E. 

Dmitry E. Lyubinskiy 

(left), also attended. 


Colourful art exhibition under the 

motto „Light like a feather“ at NWW. 

Karin and Karl-Hans 

Polzhofer with artist Petra 

Holasek, cathedral priest 

Toni Faber, who opened the 

exhibition, and Stefan 

Polzhofer at the Neue 

Wiener Werkstätte. 


Professor Dr. Anton Neumayr 

celebrated his 95th birthday. 

The celebratee himself (left with wife Nina) gave 

a concert with three members of the Vienna 

Philharmonic Orchestra at at his Gala Evening. 

Laudator was Prof. Heinz Nussbaumer. 




Official ball 

partner of 

Official ball 

partner of 


More than 3,000 guests, among them 900 international visitors, 

enjoyed a wonderful night at the Officer´s Ball at the Vienna Hofburg. 


For the first time ever, the Vienna BoysĆhoir hosted a formal ball. It was 

held under the auspices of the Austrian Ministry of the Exterior (BMEIA) at 

Kursalon Hübner in Vienna. 

Since 1926 the officers of the Austrian Armed Forces 

have given a ball which is organised by the Alt-Neustadt 

Society – an alumni association of the Theresan Military 

Academy in Wiener Neustadt. 

PHOTOS: BALL DER OFFIZIERE, GRAPH ART LINE/BARBARA HARTL, MARIA PETRAK 

CD was proud media partner of the 

ball which took place under the 

heading „music knows no borders“. 

The guest country was Bosnia and 

Herzegovina. Pictured left: Elke 

Hesse, Director MuTh and business 

manager Vienna Boys´ Choir. 

Famous Austrian actor 

Peter Weck, himself a 

former member of the 

Vienna Boys´ Choir, in a 

talk with the present 

generation. 



151



The Austrian-Belgian Society (ÖBG) invited to their tradtional New Year Reception at 

the Bezirksmuseum Josefstadt. 

Exclusive 

media partner 


CD and ART Innsbruck inivited 

accredited Consuls to a preview of the 

20th ART Innsbruck. 


Vernissage of the Triestine 

coffee-doyen Martino Zanetti 

at the Palais Metternich. 


Cuban cocktail reception at the “Museum of 

Finest Cuban Arts“. 

The new Cuban Ambassador, H.E. 

Juan Antonio Fernández Palacios, 

invited on occasion of the start of 

the diplomatic relations between 

Cuba and Austria 70 years ago. 

The event took place under the 

patronage of the Belgian Embassy, 

with the Belgian Ambassador, H.E. 

Willem Van de Voorde and his wife 

Kristin among the guests. Violinist 

Linde Devos performed, H.E. Bruno 

Georges, the Belgian Permanent 

Representative to the OSCE, gave an 

interesting speech. 

2nd picture from left: H.E. Willem Van 

de Voorde and his wife Kristin with 

ÖBG President Dr. Stefaan Missinne. 


The “Day of Hungarian Culture“ was celebrated 

at the Hungarian Embassy. 

PHOTOS: ÖSTERREICHISCH-BELGISCHE GESELLSCHAFT, BOTSCHAFT VON KUBA, COLEGIUM HUNGARICUM, @DIE FOTOGRAFEN.AT, JÜRGEN HAMMERSCHMID 

Together with the head of the Consular Corps Tyrol, 

Ernst Wunderbaldínger (top, middle) and fair founder 

Johanna Penz (middle, in grey), CD invited to a special 

preview of the fair which showed contemporary art and 

antiques. 

The Italian Ambassador 

H.E. Giorgio Marrapodi 

welcomed around 200 

guests to the vernissage. 

With the title „Colours“, 

Zanetti presented his 

artwork in large format. 

H.E. János Perényi, Ambassador of Hungary, and Mária 

Molnár, Director of the Balassi Institute - Collegium 

Hungaricum Vienna, invited to a concert at the marble 

hall at the Embassy. 





Andrea Fürnweger invited together with Commercial Director Peter Nömeier, 

Sigmund Freud Museum, and Director General Michael Pohn, Hotel De France, 

to a Ladies´ VIP event. 


At the 59th “Kaffeesiederball“, the Hofburg was 

turned into a very elegant and big coffeehouse. 

The group of ladies was 

given an exclusive tour to 

the present special 

exhibition „So this is 

the strong Sex. Women 

in Psychoanalysis“ 

which was followed 

by a reception at the 

Hotel De France. 


Master of Ceremonies at the Opera Ball, Roman 

E. Svabek, invited to a cocktail reception at the 

Hotel Bristol. 

PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN LEITNER, HARALD KLEMM 

PHOTOS: PHILIPP HUTTER, GERHARD FALLY, CHRISTIAN HUSAR, NORBERT KÖSSLER, TIBOR RAUCH, PHILIPP ENDERS, STIFT KLOSTERNEUBURG/W. HANZMANN 

The festive motto of 

the evening was 

“Artists and 

Coffeehouse“. 

5.500 national and 

international guests 

danced the beautiful 

night away. 


The traditional 96th “Elmayer-Kränzchen“ 

took place at the Vienna Hofburg. 


“Stern zum Leopoldskreuz in Gold“ 

to the Finnish President Sauli Niinistö. 

The presentation took place at a visit to Klosterneuburg 

Monastery. From left: Monastery custos 

Nicolaus Buhlmann, Wolfgang Hamm (Klosterneuburg 

Monastery), Margit Fischer and the Finnish President 

Sauli Niinistö with his wife Jenni Haukio. 

Pictured above: Roman E. Svabek (very left) 

choreographed the opening ceremony with his 

wife Elisabeth (2nd l.)at the Opera Ball. Minister 

Rudolf Hundstorfer and State Opera Director 

Dominique Meyer also attended (2nd r. and r.). 

The famous dancing school Elmayer 

always invites to the ball on shrove 

tuesday. Top left, 2nd picture: Thomas 

Schäfer-Elmayer with Andrea & Peter 

Fürnweger (from left). 



LE 

GUIDE 

Stay in Vienna boutique style! 

MyPlace City Centre | Vorlaufstraße 3 | 1010 Vienna, Austria 

www.my-place.at | reservations@my-place.at | Tel.: +43 (1) 317 17 17-75 

EINE NÜTZLICHE 

ÜBERSICHT ÜBER DIE 

WICHTIGSTEN ADRESSEN 

FÜR DIE INTERNATIONALE 

GEMEINSCHAFT. 

A USEFUL OVERVIEW 

OF THE MOST IMPORTANT 

ADDRESSES FOR THE 

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY. 

Your home away from home. 

MyPlace Riverside | Rossauer Lände 23 | 1090 Vienna, Austria

LE GUIDE ADDRESSES 

Useful addresses 

Relocation Services 

Crown Worldwide GmbH 

+43 1 516 33 31-68 

crownrelo.com 

E.R.A. Executive Relocations Austria 

+43(0)699 11 55 93 24 

era-relocation.com 

Expat Consulting Real Estate & 

Relocation Services GmbH 

+43 1 328 88 18 

expat-consulting.com 

recom - relocation company 

+43 1 409 24 62 

recom-relocation.at 

Step Vienna Int. Relocation Service 

GmbH 

+43 1 897 21 54-0 

stepvienna.at 

IES Immobilien-Projektentwicklung 

GmbH 

+43 1 512 31 38 

ies-immobilien.com 

IG Immobilien Management GmbH 

0800 80 80 90 

ig-immobilien.com 

Immobilienkanzlei Jasmine Kupfer 

+43 1 912 43 86 

immobilien-kupfer.eu 

OTTO Immobilien GmbH 

+43 1 512 77 77 

otto.at 

Marschall Immobilien GmbH 

+43 533 20 30 

marschall.at 

Raiffeisen evolution projekt 

development GmbH 

+43 1 717 06-0 

raiffeisenevolution.com 

Serviced City 

Apartments 

6 Rooms 

Tel: +43 (0) 676 425 2005 

www.6rooms.at 

Adagio Vienna City 

+43 1 908 303 

adagio-city.com 

Derag Livinghotel Kaiser Franz Joseph 

+43 1-329 00-0 

deraghotels.de 

LIV‘iN Residence by Fleming‘s 

Wien-Parlament 

+43 1 227 37-5555 

basedinvienna.at 

My place City Centre, My place 

Riverside 

+43 1 317 17 17–75 

my-place.at 

INTERNATIONALE 

A P O T H E K E 

INTERNATIONAL 

P H A R M A C Y 

—+— 

Real Estate Agents 

BAR bareal Immobilientreuhand 

GmbH 

+43 1 205 215 

bar.at 

Bernhart Immobilien GmbH 

+43 (0)664 440 90 09 

bernhart-immobilien.at 

Dr. Koch & Co. GesmbH 

+43 1 479 15 58 

kochreal.at 

Hart + Hart Bauträger GmbH 

+43 1 209 37 77-0 

hart-hart.at 

Raiffeisen Immobilien Vermittlungs 

GmbH 

+43 517 517 

riv.at 

RE/MAX Austria 

+43 7472 209 0 

remax.at 

Vienna Immobilien 

+43 1 478 49 68 

viennaimmobilien.com 

Style Appartement BeLLeArTi 

+ 43 1 317 65 65 

bellearti.at 

VCA Vienna City Apartments 

+43 (0)650 443 38 00 

Schottenring33.com 

Wienwert Serviced Apartments 

+ 43 1 332 07 08 

serviced-apartment-vienna.com 

Commitment 

Service 

Efficiency 

Get well and stay well ! 

Wherever you are ! 

HL Living Deluxe Real Estate GmbH 

+43 1 503 22 71 

livingdeluxe.com 


Hübl & Partner GmbH 

+43 1 277 88 

huebl-partner.com 

Schloss Schönbrunn, Gloriette 

Opening hours: 

Monday to Friday 

Saturdays 

8:00 am to 7:00 pm 

8:00 am to 6:00 pm 


1010 Vienna, Kärntner Ring 17 

T: +43 (0)1 512 28 25 

F: +43 (0)1 512 28 259 

www.internationale-apotheke.at

LE GUIDE ADDRESSES 

Vienna University of 

Economics and Business 

IMPRESSUM 

Lawyers 

Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati 

+43 1 514 35-0 

chsh.com 

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz 

+43 1 404 43-0 

cms-rrh.com 

Dorda Brugger Jordis 

+43 1 533 47 95-0 

dbj.at 

Heller & Gahler 

+43 1 713 70 11 

ra-heller.at 

Lansky, Ganzger + Partner 

+43 1 533 33 30-0 

lansky.at 

Rechtsanwaltskanzlei Nikolaus Rast 

+43 1 317 12 26 

anwaltrast.at 

Schönherr Rechtsanwälte 

+43 1 534 37-0 

schoenherr.eu 

TaylorWessing enwc 

+43 1 716 55-0 

taylorwessing.com/at/home.html 

Health & Private Clinics 

Augenzentrum Tuchlauben 

+43 1 995 87 70 

augenarzt.wien 

Austrian Health – agency for high 

quality medicine 

+43 1 361 88 66 

austrianhealth.at 

DHC - Dental Health Care 

+43 (0)664 440 66 77 

dentalhealthcare.at 

Goldenes Kreuz Privatklinik 

+43 1 40 111-0 

goldenes-kreuz.at 

International Pharmacy 

+43 1 512 28 25 

internationale-apotheke.at 

Kurzbari – Zentrum für ästhetische 

Medizin 

+43 1 358 28 02 

kuzbari.at 

Privatklinik Döbling 

+43 1 360 66-0 

pkd.at 

Rudolfinerhaus 

+43 1 360 36-0 

rudolfinerhaus.at 

Service Department for foreign 

patients of the Vienna Medical 

Association 

+43 1 513 95 95 

aekwien.at 

Wiener Privatklinik 

+43 1 40 180-0 

wiener-privatklinik.com 

PHOTO: WIENTOURISMUS/CHRISTIAN STEMPER 

Useful links & ressources 

Emergency numbers 

(all without prefix): 

Fire-brigade 122 

Police 133 

Ambulance 144 

City Of Vienna 

wien.gv.at/english 

Vienna Tourist Board 

vienna.info 

Immigration & residency 

wien.gv.at/english/administration/ 

civilstatus 

Vienna Service Office 

(in the UN-center) 

vso.wien.at 

Vienna Expat Center 

A service provided by the City of Vienna: 

Schmerlingplatz 3, 1010 Vienna 

Tel: +43 1 4000-86949, 

Info@expatcenter.at, expatcenter.at 

Transportation 

Vienna public transport information 

wienerlinien.at 

Austrian Federal railways ÖBB 

oebb.at 

Austrian Airlines 

austrian.com 

Vienna Airport 

viennaairport.com 

Avcon Jet AG 

avconjet.at 

Vienna Airportlines 

viennaairportlines.at 

CAT (City airport train) 

cityairporttrain.com 

Taxi 40100 

taxi40100.at 

Taxi 60160 

taxi60160.at 

Taxi 31300 

taxi31300.at 

Austrian Automobilist Club ÖAMTC 

(AAA – partner) 

oeamtc.at 

please call 120 for breakdown-assistance 

Security 

The Investigator 

Tel.: +43 (0) 664 44 99 464 

closeprotection.wien 

4mation 

Tel.: +43 (0) 664 124 14 67 

4mation.at 

International Schools 

in Vienna 

Vienna International School 

Straße der Menschenrechte 1, 1220 Vienna 

Tel: +43 1 2035595-0 

Fax: +43 1 2030366 

vis.ac.at 

The American International School 

Salmannsdorfer Straße 47, 1190 Vienna 

Tel: +43 1 40132-0 

Fax: +43 1 40132-5 

ais.at 

Danube International School Vienna 

Josef Gall Gasse 2, 1020 Vienna 

Tel: +43 1 7203110 

Fax: +43 1 7203110-40 

danubeschool.at 

Amadeus 

International School Vienna 

Bastiengasse 36-38, Haus 3, 1180 Vienna 

Tel.: +43 1 470 30 37-00 

www.amadeus-vienna.com 

Vienna Elementary School 

Lacknergasse 75, 1180 Vienna 

Tel: +43 1 4704600 

Fax: +43 1 4704600-99 

vienna-elementary-school.at 

International Christian School of 

Vienna 

Wagramer Straße 175, 1220 Vienna 

Tel: +43 1 25122-0 

Fax: +43 1 25122-518 

icsv.at 

Lycée Francais de Vienne 

SECONDARY SCHOOL / LYCÉE 

Liechtensteinstraße 37A, 1090 Vienna 

Tel: +43 1 3172241 

Fax: +43 1 3102417 

KINDERGARTEN + PRIMARY SCHOOL / 

MATERNELLE ET ELÉMENTAIRE 

Grinzingerstraße 95, 1190 Vienna 

Tel: +43 1 3701217 

Fax: +43 1 3701217-22 

(for both): lyceefrancais.at 

Svenska Skolan / Swedish School 

Scheibelreitergasse 15 1190 Vienna 

Tel: +43 1 3207980 

Fax: +43 1 3207980-20 

svenskaskolan.at 

Japanese School in Vienna 

Prandaugasse 2 1220 Vienna 

Tel: +43 1 2042201-0 

Fax: +43 1 2042201-85 

japaneseschool.at (Japanese only) 

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE – ECONOMIQUE et 

TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL 

The leading magazine in Austria for the diplomatic 

corps, international organizations, business, 

corporate, tourism, lifestyle & culture and events 

for over 40 years 

Publisher: 

Andrea Fürnweger, Mag. Alexander Bursky 

& KR Prof. Waltraud Steinböck (Co-Editor) 

Media Owner, Publisher & Producer: 

FCM firstclassmedia GmbH 

Pokornygasse 17/2, A-1190 Wien 

Tel.: +43 1 934 65 94, Fax: -4 

E-mail: office@firstclassmedia.at 

firstclassmedia.at 


Managing Directors: 

Mag. Alexander Bursky, Andrea Fürnweger 

Advertising Sales: 

Mag. Alexander Bursky, Andrea Fürnweger, 

Michaela Hirsch/Agentur Hirsch, 

Mag. Friedrich Schmied 

Back Office Coordinator, Production & 

Print Documentation: 

Paula Jenner, paula.jenner@firstclassmedia.at 

Editors: 

Mag. Daniela Pötzl (Editor-in-chief) 

dani.poetzl@firstclassmedia.at 

Mag. Gerald Sturz (Editorial concept) 

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner, Michaela Hocek 

Mag. Eva Maria von Schilgen 

Evelyn Rois & Bruno Stubenrauch 

Art Director: 

Ralph Manfreda 

Graphic Design: 

Gabriele Sonnberger 

Proofreading: 

Barbara Hofmann 

Transvox Language Services 

Translations: 

Transvox Language Services 

Photographer: 

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Christian Leitner 

Print: 

Berger Druck, Wiener Strasse 80, 3580 Horn 

Frequency of Publication: 

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Issue price €10, annual subscription €36 

(within Austria) 

All articles in CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE are 

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permission of the publisher and the designers is 

prohibited and punishable by law. No liability is 

assumed for unsolicited manuscripts, pictures, etc. 

received. The author bears responsibility for articles 

which identify anyone or anything by name. The 

views expressed in the articles do not necessarily 

reflect those of the publisher or editors. All articles 

contained in this magazine serve informational 

purposes and freedom of expression only. 

Price list valid from 1 January 2016. 

Disclosure: 

Published according to § 25 media law and always 

available at www.cercle-diplomatique.com/ 

impressum 

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For the lists of foreign Embassies in Austria, the Austrian Embassies abroad 

and the Foreign Trade Centers of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, 

please visit our website at: 

www.cercle-diplomatique.com/vertretungen 



AU REVOIR 

Stadtspaziergang 

City walk 

Palmenhaus, Burggarten, 1. Bezirk | 1st District 

Text & Photo: Rois & Stubenrauch 


Imperiale 

Sonnenterrasse. 

Durch den einstigen 

Privatgarten der 

Kaiserfamilie entlang der 

Hofburg gelangt man 

über eine ausladende 

Terrasse zum Palmenhaus. 

Das Gewächshaus in 

grandiosem Jugendstil ist 

heute edles Café - der 

ideale Ort bei einer 

Melange die warme 

Frühlingssonne, mit Blick 

auf das spriessende Grün 

des Burggartens, zu 

geniessen. 

Imperial sundeck. 

The former private garden 

of the imperial family 

along Hofburg palace is 

accessed via a sweeping 

terrace leading to the 

Palmenhaus. Today, the 

glasshouse in magnificent 

Art Nouveau style is a fine 

café – the ideal place to 

enjoy a cup of traditional 

Austrian coffee in the 

warm spring sun, 

overlooking the beautiful 

greenery of the 

Burggarten.

BMW X4 

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beim BMW Partner Service unter 0800 21 55 55 oder info@bmw.at 

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CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 01/2016

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