CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 02/2018
CD is an independent and impartial magazine and is the medium of communication between foreign representatives of international and UN-organisations based in Vienna and the Austrian political classes, business, culture and tourism. CD features up-to-date information about and for the diplomatic corps, international organisations, society, politics, business, tourism, fashion and culture. Furthermore CD introduces the new ambassadors in Austria and informs about designations, awards and top-events. Interviews with leading personalities, country reports from all over the world and the presentation of Austria as a host country complement the wide range oft he magazine.
CD is an independent and impartial magazine and is the medium of communication between foreign representatives of international and UN-organisations based in Vienna and the Austrian political classes, business, culture and tourism. CD features up-to-date information about and for the diplomatic corps, international organisations, society, politics, business, tourism, fashion and culture. Furthermore CD introduces the new ambassadors in Austria and informs about designations, awards and top-events. Interviews with leading personalities, country reports from all over the world and the presentation of Austria as a host country complement the wide range oft he magazine.
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Summer <strong>2018</strong><br />
Nr. 2 | Juni – August | June – August<br />
International Affairs Global Business Exclusive Lifestyle<br />
cercle-diplomatique.com<br />
ASERBAIDSCHAN<br />
BRÜCKE ZWISCHEN OST UND WEST<br />
AZERBAIJAN BRIDGE<br />
BETWEEN EAST AND WEST
EDITORIAL<br />
Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser! | Dear Readers!<br />
Emocijanogavalmore<br />
Def.: The incredibly refreshing feeling when<br />
Croatian waves kiss your toes for the first<br />
time, stirring your emotions in a way you<br />
previously thought impossible.<br />
derived from Croatian<br />
PHOTO: OURIEL MORGENSZTERN.<br />
Die Produktion einer unserer Magazin-Ausgaben<br />
ist stets eine schöne Aufgabe für das<br />
gesamte Team. Diesmal war diese von viel<br />
Traurigkeit und Trauer überschattet, denn wir mussten<br />
vom plötzlichen Ableben unseres Autors Rainer<br />
Himmelfreundpointner nach kurzer, schwerer<br />
Krankheit erfahren. Er war nicht nur einer der besten<br />
Wirtschaftsjournalisten des Landes, sondern vor allem<br />
unser umfassend gebildeter, die Dinge auf den<br />
Punkt bringender und lieber Team-Kollege. Wir verabschieden<br />
uns von ihm ab Seite 4.<br />
Aserbaidschan, dem diesmal unsere Cover-Story<br />
ab Seite 30 gewidmet ist, feiert heuer seinen 100. Jahrestag<br />
der Volksrepublik. Wir sind stolz darauf, beim<br />
feierlichen Empfang mit dabei zu sein und im Palais<br />
Liechtenstein mit dieser Ausgabe dort aufzuliegen.<br />
Auch Astana hat ein Jubiläum zu feiern. Die<br />
Hauptstadt von Kasachstan wird heuer jugendliche<br />
20 Jahre alt, zu lesen ab Seite 50.<br />
Südafrika, das heuer den Vorsitz der BRICS Gruppe<br />
führt, ist nicht nur touristisch gesehen ein faszinierendes<br />
Land, ab Seite 44. Zudem luden wir Wiens<br />
Botschafter bei einem unserer zahlreichen Eigenevents<br />
zu einer beeindruckenden Vorstellung von<br />
„Afrika! Afrika!“ ein, bei der auch der südafrikanische<br />
Botschafter, S.E. Tebogo Seokolo (im Interview<br />
ab S. 48) anwesend war.<br />
Neben unserem online News-Channel, den wir<br />
seit Oktober aktuell betreiben, stellen wir nun gleich<br />
nach den Akkreditierungen die neuen bilateralen<br />
Botschafter in Wien auf unserer Homepage vor.<br />
Neu in unserem Magazin ist auch das redaktionelle<br />
Format, in dem wir in Zukunft Honorarkonsule<br />
vor den Vorhang bitten und persönlich vorstellen<br />
wollen. Den Anfang macht Heinrich Schaller - der<br />
Chef der Raiffeisen Landesbank Oberösterreich ist<br />
Honorarkonsul der Tschechischen Republik in Oberösterreich,<br />
ab S. 84.<br />
Und für den Fall, dass Sie den Sommer über Zeit<br />
finden, die Stadt Wien noch besser zu erkunden, sei<br />
Ihnen die Geschichte über jüdische Kultur in Österreich<br />
(ab Seite 92) ans Herz gelegt.<br />
Wir wünschen Ihnen einen schönen Sommer in<br />
spannenden Zeiten, wenn mit diesem Juli Österreich<br />
die EU-Ratspräsidentschaft übernimmt.<br />
The production of our magazine <strong>issue</strong>s is always<br />
an exciting task for the whole team. This<br />
time, however, the process was overcast by<br />
tremendous sadness and sorrow, for we had to learn<br />
of the sudden passing of our author Rainer Himmelfreundpointner,<br />
following a brief and severe illness.<br />
He was not only one of the best business journalists<br />
in the country, but a widely educated, precise and beloved<br />
team colleague in particular. We bid farewell to<br />
him from page 4.<br />
Azerbaijan, to which this <strong>issue</strong>’s cover story (from<br />
page 30) is dedicated this time around, is celebrating<br />
the 100 th birthday of its democratic republic this year.<br />
We are proud to attend the festivities and will be present<br />
at the Palais Liechtenstein with this <strong>issue</strong> of our<br />
magazine.<br />
Astana also has a reason to celebrate. The capital<br />
city of Kazakhstan is turning 20 years young this year,<br />
find out more starting on page 50.<br />
South Africa, which is presiding over the BRICS<br />
group this year, is not just a fascinating country if you<br />
are a tourist – read more on page 44. We also invited<br />
Vienna’s Ambassadors to a brilliant performance of<br />
“Afrika! Afrika!“ at one of our many events, at which<br />
the South African Ambassador H.E. Tebogo Seokolo<br />
(interview starting on p. 48) was present as well.<br />
Next to our online news channel that we have<br />
been running since October, we also introduce the<br />
new bilateral Ambassadors to Vienna on our website<br />
once accreditation is complete.<br />
Another addition is our new editorial format,<br />
where we will be asking honorary consuls onto the<br />
stage for a personal introduction. The first is Heinrich<br />
Schaller – the Head of Raiffeisen Landesbank<br />
Oberösterreich is an Honorary Consul of the Czech<br />
Republic to Upper Austria, read more from page 84.<br />
And just in case you find the extra time to explore<br />
Vienna in a little more depth during the summer, we<br />
highly recommend the story about Jewish culture in<br />
Austria (starting on page 92).<br />
We wish you a wonderful summer during these<br />
exciting times, especially when Austria assumes the<br />
EU Council Presidency this July.<br />
Herzlichst, | Warmly,<br />
RESIDENCES SENIA<br />
Andrea Fürnweger<br />
Herausgeberin | Editor<br />
Invest in your Croatian dream property and benefit from all the advantages<br />
of the Falkensteiner Hotel group, such as 5* hotel and concierge service or<br />
access to the wellness & spa area. www.premiumliving.com<br />
Mag. Alexander Bursky<br />
Herausgeber | Editor
NACHRUF OBITUARY<br />
Rainer Himmelfreundpointner (1961-<strong>2018</strong>)<br />
Ein letzter Gruß an unsere Edelfeder. Wir vermissen Dich!<br />
A final goodbye to our favourite wordsmith. We miss you!<br />
Unser Autor und lieber Kollege ist nach kurzer, schwerer Krankeit am 15. Mai <strong>2018</strong> verstorben.<br />
Our author and dear colleague has died after a brief, severe illness on 15 May <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
PHOTO: ROIS & STUBENRAUCH<br />
Einen Nachruf zu schreiben ist ein<br />
mieser Job. Immer. Besonders aber<br />
dann, wenn es sich um die Erinnerung<br />
an jemanden handelt, der nicht nur<br />
ein lieber Kollege war, sondern auch jemand,<br />
den man als einen sehr guten<br />
Freund und engen Wegbegleiter bezeichnen<br />
kann. Man schreibt ihn dann voller<br />
Trauer, weil man einen Menschen verliert,<br />
den man über die Jahre lieb gewonnen hat,<br />
voller Wut, weil man feststellt, dass man<br />
einem unberechenbaren Schicksal ausgeliefert<br />
ist, und voller Zorn, weil einer der<br />
ganz Guten wieder einmal viel zu früh abberufen<br />
wurde.<br />
Rainer Himmelfreundpointner, den alle<br />
auf Grund seines außergewöhnlich langen<br />
Namens nur kurz und prägnant HFP genannt<br />
haben, war einer der profiliertesten<br />
Journalisten Österreichs. Und einer der<br />
produktivsten. Er hat im Lauf der Jahre<br />
nicht nur für so ziemlich alle wichtigen österreichischen<br />
und für viele renommierte<br />
internationale Zeitungen und Zeitschriften<br />
gearbeitet, er hat auch als Chefredakteur<br />
die eine oder andere Zeitschrift betreut<br />
und er hat Bücher zu ganz unterschiedlichen<br />
Themen geschrieben – über Wirtschaft<br />
und Justiz ebenso wie über die „Dos<br />
& Don’ts auf der ganzen Welt“. Für seine<br />
Arbeit wurde er mit zahlreichen Preisen<br />
ausgezeichnet.<br />
Das Magazin Cercle Diplomatique hat<br />
er nach dem Relaunch vor fast vier Jahren,<br />
nahezu ab der ersten Stunde als Autor und<br />
als Ideengeber begleitet. Wie kein anderer<br />
hat er die Zeitschrift geprägt. Er hatte die<br />
Begabung, auch komplizierteste Zusammenhänge<br />
verständlich zu formulieren. Er<br />
verstand es, mit seinem Charme auch<br />
schwierige Gesprächspartner zu spannenden<br />
und erhellenden Gesprächen zu verführen<br />
und elegant größere Diskussionsrunden<br />
zu moderieren.<br />
Vor allem aber wird uns Rainer in Erinnerung<br />
bleiben als ungemein sympathischer,<br />
intelligenter, neugieriger und humorvoller<br />
Gesprächspartner. Es war immer<br />
ein Vergnügen, sich mit ihm auf einen<br />
Plausch im Kaffeehaus zu treffen; man hat<br />
ihm dann auch gerne verziehen, dass er<br />
jene Lokale bevorzugte, in denen noch fleißig<br />
geraucht werden durfte. Der Bogen der<br />
Gesprächsthemen spannte sich von internationaler<br />
Politik über aktuelle Wirtschaftsskandale<br />
bis hin zu Kulturereignissen<br />
und unterhaltsamem Tratsch aus der<br />
Medien- und aus der Politikszene. Es war<br />
immer ein Vergnügen. Diese Stunden werden<br />
uns in guter Erinnerung bleiben.<br />
Am Ende eines Nachrufs steht dann<br />
meist der Satz: Wir werden ihn nicht vergessen.<br />
Das ist manchmal nur so hingeschrieben<br />
und schnell wird zur Tagesordnung<br />
übergegangen. Hier, bei Cercle<br />
Diplomatique, wird das nicht der Fall sein.<br />
Kann es auch gar nicht. Noch sehr lange<br />
wird, wenn wieder einmal ein besonders<br />
schwieriges, komplexes Thema, das enorme<br />
Sachkenntnis verlangt, einen Autor<br />
sucht, uns allen durch den Kopf schießen:<br />
Da müsste jetzt der Rainer ran.<br />
Writing an obituary is always a<br />
miserable task. Always. But<br />
it’s especially the case when<br />
it’s about the memory of someone who was<br />
not just a dear colleague, but also a very<br />
good friend and a close companion. So, you<br />
write the obituary, filled with sadness, as<br />
you have lost a person whom you have<br />
grown very fond of over the years. And you<br />
write with anger, as you realise the unpredictable<br />
manner in which fate can strike,<br />
and with wrath, for he was, once again, one<br />
of the good ones who was taken from us<br />
way too soon.<br />
Rainer Himmelfreundpointner, who, as<br />
a result of his exceptionally long name was<br />
concisely called HFP, was one of Austria’s<br />
most distinguished journalists. And one of<br />
the most productive ones, too. Throughout<br />
the years, he not only worked for most of<br />
Austria’s important and renowned international<br />
newspapers and magazines, but also<br />
supervised several magazines as Editor in<br />
Chief and wrote books on a whole number<br />
of different topics – about business and justice,<br />
as well as the “Dos & Don’ts of the<br />
Whole World”. For his work, he was awarded<br />
countless prizes and awards.<br />
After the relaunch of the magazine Cercle<br />
Diplomatique four years ago, he accompanied<br />
the magazine as an author as well as<br />
a general source of ideas almost from the<br />
very beginning. He was able to formulate<br />
even the most complex ideas in a digestible<br />
manner. He knew how to use his charm to<br />
draw even the most difficult of dialogue<br />
partners into exciting and enlightening<br />
conversations and could moderate large<br />
discussion panels in the most elegant way.<br />
But above all, we will remember Rainer<br />
as an incredibly likeable, intelligent, curious<br />
and humorous conversation partner. It was<br />
always a pleasure to meet him at a café for a<br />
quick chat; you could easily forgive him that<br />
he usually selected those establishments<br />
that still permitted smoking. The talking<br />
points ranged from international politics<br />
and contemporary business scandals to cultural<br />
events and even entertaining gossip<br />
from the world of media and politics. It was<br />
always a pleasure. We will remember those<br />
hours for a long time.<br />
At the end of many obituaries, one will<br />
usually find a sentence like this: ‘We will not<br />
forget him’. Sometimes, this is only said as a<br />
formality, and things quickly go back to<br />
normal. Here, at Cercle Diplomatique, that<br />
won’t be the case. It couldn’t be the case. For<br />
a long, long time to come, whenever there<br />
will be one of those particularly complex<br />
subjects requiring an author with in-depth<br />
expertise, we will all be thinking one and<br />
the same thing: That would have been a job<br />
for Rainer.<br />
4 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
5
<strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong> –<br />
ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE<br />
Nr. 315<br />
Ausgabe | Issue <strong>02</strong>/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Juni - August / June - August<br />
CONTENTS<br />
Cover story<br />
AZERBAIJAN<br />
Seite | page 30<br />
Das an Erdöl reiche Land am<br />
Kaspischen Meer feiert<br />
heuer seinen 100. Jahrestag<br />
der Unabhängigkeit.<br />
Azerbaijan, the oil-rich<br />
country at the Caspian Sea,<br />
is celebrating its 100 years<br />
of independence.<br />
10<br />
12<br />
30<br />
44<br />
50<br />
54<br />
62<br />
68<br />
70<br />
74<br />
80<br />
84<br />
88<br />
LE BULLETIN<br />
Die neuen Botschafter | The new Ambassadors<br />
Akkreditierungen durch Bundespräsident Alexander Van der Bellen.<br />
Accreditation by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen.<br />
Offizielle Empfänge | Official Receptions<br />
Die großen Empfänge der vergangenen Wochen. The great receptions of the last few weeks.<br />
LE MONDE<br />
Coverstory Azerbaijan | Cover story Azerbaijan<br />
Brücke zwischen Ost und West. Bridge between East and West.<br />
Südafrika | South Africa<br />
Willkommen in der „Regenbogen-Nation“! Welcome to the “Rainbow Nation“!<br />
Astana<br />
Stadt der Zukunft. City of the future.<br />
Gipfeltreffen der Botschafter | The Ambassadors‘ Summit<br />
4 Visegrád-Länder im Gespräch. 4 Ambassadors of the Visegrád Group in a talk.<br />
Europäisches Kulturerbe <strong>2018</strong> | European Year of Cultural Heritage <strong>2018</strong><br />
Wo die Vergangenheit die Zukunft trifft. Where the past meets the future.<br />
Essay<br />
Markus Kornprobst über die vernetzte Welt der Diplomatie.<br />
Markus Kornprobst on the networks of diplomats.<br />
News<br />
Neuigkeiten aus aller Welt. Latest update from around the globe.<br />
L‘AUTRICHE<br />
Interview<br />
Gernot Blümel, Minister für die EU, Kunst, Kultur und Medien.<br />
Gernot Blümel, Minister for the EU, Arts, Culture and Media.<br />
Interview<br />
Christian W. Konrad über die Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit. Christian Konrad on arbitration.<br />
Honorarkonsul | Honorary duty<br />
Heinrich Schaller vermittelt für Tschechien. Heinrich Schaller in duty for the Czech Republic.<br />
Wirtschaftsnews | Business news<br />
Neues aus Österreich. News from Austria.<br />
112<br />
118<br />
124<br />
128<br />
130<br />
134<br />
136<br />
140<br />
142<br />
144<br />
148<br />
160<br />
Immobilien | Property<br />
Wohnjuwelen. Residential gems.<br />
City Apartments<br />
Neues Zuhause auf Zeit. A new home from home.<br />
Lifestyle<br />
Ab ins Freie. Into the wild.<br />
Lifestyle News<br />
Trends für den Sommer. Trends for the summer season.<br />
Ambassador‘s Drive<br />
Italiens Botschafter auf CD-Testfahrt. Italy‘s Ambassador on a test drive.<br />
Motor<br />
Effizienz, Emotionen, Extreme. Efficiency, emotion, extremes.<br />
Weekender<br />
Kultur, Entertainment und Wellness in Budapest.<br />
Culture, entertainment and wellness in Budapest.<br />
Upcoming<br />
Wo es uns gefällt. Where we love to be.<br />
Buchempfehlungen | Must read<br />
Lesenswertes über Österreich. Book tips about Austria.<br />
Mein Wien | My Vienna<br />
Der Botschafter von Belgien. The Ambassador of Belgium.<br />
LES RENDEZVOUS<br />
Veranstaltungen | Events<br />
Exklusive Veranstaltungen im Fokus. Exclusive events in focus.<br />
LE GUIDE<br />
Adressen | Addresses<br />
Nützliche Adressen für die internationale Gesellschaft.<br />
Useful addresses for the international community.<br />
GENDER ERKLÄRUNG<br />
Im gesamten Magazin wird bei<br />
den deutschsprachigen Texten<br />
aus Gründen der besseren<br />
Lesbarkeit bei geschlechtsspezifischen<br />
Begriffen die maskuline<br />
Form verwendet. Diese Form<br />
versteht sich explizit als<br />
geschlechtsneutral.<br />
92<br />
98<br />
100<br />
104<br />
106<br />
110<br />
SAVOIR VIVRE<br />
Jüdische Kultur in Wien | Jewish culture Vienna<br />
Vom Wiener Salon bis New Klezmer. From Viennese salons to neo-klezmer.<br />
Botschafter der Musik | Ambassadors of Music<br />
Bassbariton Adam Plachetka. Bass-baritone Adam Plachetka.<br />
Kunst | Arts<br />
Kulturelle Highlights im Sommer. Cultural highlights in summer.<br />
Connaisseur | Connoisseur<br />
Essen und trinken mit Stil. Wine and dine in style.<br />
Reise | Travel<br />
Top-Hotels und -Restaurants aus aller Welt. Top hotels and restaurants around the world.<br />
Table Talk<br />
Zum Lunch mit Generaldirektorin Simone Dulies im Hotel Bristol Vienna.<br />
Lunch with General Manager Simone Dulies at the Hotel Bristol Vienna.<br />
3<br />
6<br />
161<br />
Titelbild | Cover<br />
Icheri Sheher (Alte Stadt) von Baku, Azerbaijan.<br />
Icheri Sheher (Old Town) of Baku, Azerbaijan.<br />
Editorial<br />
Inhalt | Contents<br />
Impressum | Imprint<br />
COVERPHOTO: FOTOLIA/ ELENA PETROVA; PHOTO: FOTOLIA/ VADIM NEFEDOV<br />
Die Moschee der Märtyrer und moderne Glas-Architektur in Baku.<br />
Mosque of the Martyrs and modern glass central business district skyscrapers in Baku.
LE<br />
BULLETIN<br />
IN LE BULLETIN ERFAHREN<br />
SIE, WER DIE NEU<br />
AKKREDITIERTEN<br />
BOTSCHAFTER IN<br />
ÖSTERREICH SIND UND<br />
WELCHE OFFIZIELLEN<br />
EMPFÄNGE UND EVENTS IN<br />
DEN VERGANGENEN DREI<br />
MONATEN STATTGEFUN-<br />
DEN HABEN.<br />
LE BULLETIN TELLS YOU WHO<br />
THE NEWLY ACCREDITED<br />
AMBASSADORS TO AUSTRIA<br />
ARE AND WHICH OFFICIAL<br />
RECEPTIONS AND EVENTS<br />
TOOK PLACE IN THE PAST<br />
FEW MONTHS.
LE BULLETIN CREDENTIALS<br />
Wir begrüßen die neuen Botschafter herzlich in Österreich: Willkommen!<br />
We cordially welcome the new Ambassadors to Austria!<br />
Carlos Alberto<br />
Játiva Naranjo<br />
Ambassador of the<br />
Republic of Ecuador<br />
H. E. H. E. H. E.<br />
Jabir Habeb Jabir<br />
Hemaidawi<br />
Ambassador of the<br />
Republic of Iraq<br />
Dato Ganeson Al<br />
Sivagurunathan<br />
Ambassador of the<br />
Monarchy of Malaysia<br />
Credentials: April <strong>2018</strong> Credentials: April <strong>2018</strong> Credentials: April <strong>2018</strong><br />
Sebastian Schoenaich-Carolath<br />
Ambassador of the<br />
Sovereign Order of Malta<br />
H. E. H. E. H. E. H. E.<br />
Željko<br />
Perović<br />
Ambassador of the<br />
Republic of Montenegro<br />
Kjersti Ertresvaag<br />
Andersen<br />
Ambassador of the<br />
Republic of Norway<br />
Ivana<br />
Červenková<br />
Ambassador of the<br />
Czech Republic<br />
Credentials: April <strong>2018</strong> Credentials: April <strong>2018</strong> Credentials: April <strong>2018</strong> Credentials: April <strong>2018</strong><br />
Born on 25 August, 1959<br />
Married, two children<br />
Education<br />
JD in Law from the Pontifical Catholic<br />
University of Ecuador. Attorney, Pontifical<br />
Catholic University of Ecuador. Licensed in<br />
law, Pontifical Catholic University of<br />
Ecuador. Diplom d’etudes superior<br />
diplomacy<br />
Professional Career<br />
<strong>2018</strong>: Ambassador of Ecuador to the<br />
Republic of Austria and Permanent<br />
Representative of Ecuador to the<br />
International Organizations in Vienna<br />
2017: Under-Secretary of North America<br />
and Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />
2016 Director of Regional Integration<br />
2015: Director of Bilateral Relations<br />
between Mexico and Central America and<br />
the Caribbean<br />
2009-2015: Ambassador of Ecuador to<br />
France<br />
2007: Under-Secretary of Multilateral<br />
Affairs<br />
2008: Under-Secretary of Bilateral<br />
Relations<br />
2003-2005: Ambassador of Ecuador to<br />
Sweden<br />
2000-2003: Deputy Ambassador of<br />
Ecuador to the United States<br />
Born on 27 July, 1955<br />
Education<br />
1980: Bachelor of Political Sciences from<br />
the College of LAW, Political Science<br />
1986-1991: University of Baghdad, PhD in<br />
Political Sciences from Great Britain<br />
Professional Career<br />
<strong>2018</strong>: Iraqi Ambassador to the Rep. Austria<br />
2013-2017: Iraqi Ambassador to Tunisia<br />
2012: Iraqi Ambassador to Washington DC<br />
2010: Ambassador in the Ministry of<br />
Foreign Affairs<br />
2006: member of Iraqi Parliament<br />
1992-2005: Assistant Professor in the<br />
College of Political Sciences University of<br />
Baghdad<br />
Born on 13 January, 1968<br />
Married, one son<br />
Education<br />
1995: Diploma in Public Administration,<br />
Institute Tadbiran Awam Negara, Malaysia<br />
1993: Advance Diploma in Business and<br />
Management, Swansea Institute of Higher<br />
Education, University of Wales, UK<br />
1992: Bachelor of Arts Hons – History,<br />
University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br />
Professional Career<br />
2015-<strong>2018</strong>: Undersecretary for East Asia<br />
Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,<br />
Malaysia. Undersecretary for Africa Division,<br />
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia<br />
2011-2015: Ambassador of Malaysia to Chile<br />
2008- 2011: Undersecretary for Multilateral<br />
Political Division, Min. of FA, Malaysia<br />
2004-2008: Counselor, Permanent<br />
Mission of Malaysia to the UN, New York<br />
20<strong>02</strong>-2004: Principal Assistant Secretary,<br />
Multilateral Economic and Environment<br />
Division, Ministry of FA, Malaysia<br />
2000-20<strong>02</strong>: Assistant Secretary,<br />
Development and Environmental Affairs,<br />
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia<br />
1996-2000: Second Secretary and Head of<br />
Chancery - Malaysian High Commission in<br />
Papua New Guinea<br />
1995- 1996: Assistant Secretary, East Asia,<br />
Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />
PHOTOS: RIGEAUD, CARINA KARLOVITS & DANIEL TRIPPOLT/HBF<br />
Born on September 17 in Vienna<br />
Married, seven children<br />
Education<br />
2011–2012: Advanced Management<br />
Program, IESE Business School, Barcelona<br />
1978-1983: University of Applied Sciences,<br />
Diploma Industrial Engineering (Dipl.Ing.),<br />
Munich<br />
1976–1978: Advanced Technical College,<br />
Munich<br />
Professional Career<br />
2015– 2017: CEO, HETA Asset Resolution<br />
AG, Klagenfurt, Austria<br />
2012–2015: CEO, DZ Polska, Poland<br />
20<strong>02</strong>–2011: CEO, Kölner Bank, Germany<br />
1992-20<strong>02</strong>: Ulmer Volksbank, Germany<br />
1983-1992: Team Head, Corporate Clients,<br />
Trainee and several Branches, Deutsche<br />
Bank, Germany<br />
1981-1982: Allianz, Paris, France<br />
1979-1980: Siemens South Africa<br />
1976–1978: Army, First Lieutenant<br />
Born on November 15, 1954<br />
Married, two children<br />
Education<br />
1974-1978: Faculty of Law, Belgrade<br />
Professional Career<br />
2015-<strong>2018</strong>: Ambassador, Permanent<br />
Representative to the UN, New York<br />
2015: Ambassador of Montenegro to the<br />
Costa Rica and to the Republic of Cuba<br />
2014: Ambassador of Montenegro in the<br />
Portuguese Republic<br />
2013: Ambassador of Montenegro in the<br />
Kingdom of Spain<br />
2012: General Director for Bilateral Affairs,<br />
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European<br />
Integration of Montenegro<br />
2008-2012: Ambassador of Montenegro in<br />
the Republic of Albania<br />
2003-2006: Deputy Minister in the<br />
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia and<br />
Montenegro<br />
2000-2003: Head of Montenegrin Mission<br />
for Cooperation with UN, in New York<br />
1999-2000: Special Adviser to the Minister<br />
of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro<br />
1992-1998: Adviser in the Federal Ministry<br />
for Foreign Affairs of SFRY<br />
1990-1992: Adviser in the Office for<br />
Research and Documentation<br />
Born on May 1st, 1969<br />
Married, three children<br />
Education<br />
1997: Political Science, University of Oslo<br />
1993: History, Political Science and<br />
Geography. University of Oslo and London<br />
1989: Examen Artium, Stavanger Cathedral<br />
School, Stavanger, Norway<br />
1987: High School Diploma, University High<br />
School, Morgantown, West-Virginia, USA<br />
Professional Career<br />
<strong>2018</strong>: Ambassador to the Republic of<br />
Austria and Permanent Representative to<br />
the International Organisations in Vienna<br />
2014: Director General, Department of UN<br />
and Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of<br />
Foreign Affairs<br />
2010-2014: Chief of Staff to the Foreign<br />
Minister, Deputy Director General,<br />
Secretariat for the Foreign Minister,<br />
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chief of Staff to<br />
Foreign Ministers Støre, Eide and Brende.<br />
2006–2010: Deputy Director General and<br />
Assistant Director General, UN Affairs<br />
20<strong>02</strong>-2006: Advisor, Secretariat for the<br />
Foreign Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />
1999-2001: Second Secretary, Norwegian<br />
Embassy in Berlin, Germany<br />
1997-1999: Foreign Service Trainee<br />
Born on February 12, 1962<br />
Education<br />
1985: J.D. (Juris Doctor)<br />
1980–1984: Charles University of Prague,<br />
Faculty of Law<br />
Professional Career<br />
<strong>2018</strong>: Embassy of the Czech Republic in<br />
Vienna (Austria)<br />
2015-2017: Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />
2014–2015: Director General of Section of<br />
the Minister, Head of Office of the Minister<br />
2010–2014: Embassy of the CR in Vienna<br />
2006–2010: Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />
Head of Department of International Law<br />
2001–2006: Embassy of the Czech<br />
Republic in Bern (Switzerland)<br />
2000–2001: Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />
Advisor to the Deputy Minister of the<br />
Multilateral Section<br />
1999–2000: Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />
Advisor to the General Director of the<br />
Legal and Consular Section<br />
1995–1999: Embassy of the CR in Bonn<br />
1992–1995: Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />
Head of Unit, Department of Intern. Law<br />
1991–1992: Ministry of Justice Desk Officer,<br />
Department of International Law<br />
10 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
11
LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />
Official receptions<br />
Find more<br />
photos online<br />
cercle-diplomatique.com<br />
March <strong>2018</strong><br />
Presentation of the spring <strong>issue</strong> of „Cercle Diplomatique“<br />
at Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn<br />
Many Ambassadors, officials and company representatives gave the editors, Andrea Fürnweger and Alexander Bursky,<br />
the honour to welcome the first <strong>issue</strong> of <strong>2018</strong> with the cover story on Finnland, enjoying delicious food and pleasant encounters.<br />
The Ambassador of Finnland, H.E. Hannu Veikko Kyröläinen<br />
(2nd left) was welcomed by Hermann Gruber, Sales & Marketing<br />
Manager Austria Trend Hotels, and CD‘s editors, Andrea<br />
Fürnweger and Alexander Bursky.<br />
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />
Many guests followed the invitation and enjoyed the<br />
Imperial ambiance as well as a delicious buffet at the venue<br />
close to Schönbrunn Palace.<br />
12 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
13
LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />
February <strong>2018</strong><br />
Kuwait<br />
The 57 th Independence Day and the 27 th Anniversary of Liberation were celebrated with<br />
a reception at Wiener Börsensäle.<br />
February <strong>2018</strong><br />
Russian Federation<br />
The Day of the Homeland Defenders was honoured<br />
with wreath-laying ceremonies and a reception.<br />
Top: H.E. Mikhail Ulyanov<br />
(2nd left), H.E. Alexander<br />
Lukashevich (middle) and H.E.<br />
Dmitry Lyubinskiy (very left).<br />
H.E. Sadiq M. Marafi with<br />
Hager Gewefel.<br />
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />
TIMELESS<br />
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14 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
STORES. AUCTIONS. HUNTING. MANUFACTURE.
LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />
February <strong>2018</strong><br />
Kosovo<br />
The 10 th Independence Day was celebrated with a reception at the Haus der Industrie.<br />
February <strong>2018</strong><br />
Dominican Republic<br />
The 174 th Independence Day and the uptaking of diplomatic relations<br />
between the Dominican Republic and Austria 80 years ago were honoured.<br />
H.E. Lourdes Victoria-<br />
Kruse asked to a<br />
reception at k47 Vienna.<br />
H.E. Sami Ukelli and his wife<br />
Brikena Keco Ukelli.<br />
M O Z A R T W O C H E<br />
2 0 1 9<br />
2 4<br />
. J Ä<br />
N N<br />
E R<br />
–<br />
3<br />
.<br />
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U A<br />
INTENDANT ROLANDO VILLAZÓN<br />
16 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />
Dirigenten Albrecht, Antonini, Bolton, Haitink,<br />
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Orchester Camerata Salzburg, Cappella Andrea<br />
Barca, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Giardino<br />
Armonico, Les Talens Lyriques, Mahler Chamber<br />
Orchestra, Mozart Kinderorchester, Mozarteumorchester<br />
Salzburg, Orchester Wiener<br />
Akademie, Orchestre des Champs-Élysées,<br />
Sinfonieorchester der Universität Mozarteum,<br />
Wiener Philharmoniker Sänger Aikin, Alder,<br />
Bartoli, Bemsch, Brower, Di Pierro, Erdmann,<br />
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Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
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17
LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />
March <strong>2018</strong><br />
Bulgaria<br />
On the occasion of National Day a reception was held at the Embassy.<br />
March <strong>2018</strong><br />
Ireland<br />
Green was the colour of the Day, when St. Patrick‘s Day was celebrated at<br />
the residence.<br />
Left: H.E. Ivan Sirakov<br />
(right) with H.E. Svetoslav<br />
Spassov (2nd left).<br />
Left: H.E. Tom Hanney (left)<br />
with his wife Paula Fitzmaurice<br />
Hanney (2nd left) and<br />
their guest of honour, Helen<br />
McEntee, Irish Minister of<br />
European Affairs (3rd r.).<br />
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PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />
PHOTOS: DODGE&BURN<br />
Dean and Executive Secretary of the IACA, Martin Kreutner with<br />
Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs,<br />
Karin Kneissl.<br />
18 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
19
LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />
March <strong>2018</strong><br />
Greece<br />
On the occasion of National Day, “Greek Gravures Panorama”, an exhibition of the<br />
Kolliali collection, was shown at the residence.<br />
March <strong>2018</strong><br />
Pakistan<br />
National Day was celebrated with a reception at the InterContinental Vienna.<br />
Left: H.E. Chryssoula<br />
Aliferi (2nd right) also<br />
said goodbye at the event<br />
as she is leaving Vienna.<br />
Left: H.E. Ayesha Riyaz<br />
March <strong>2018</strong><br />
Tunisia<br />
On occasion of National Day and the centenary of the Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, a<br />
tribute exhibition by Tunisian artist Meriem Bouderbala was opened at Kunstforum.<br />
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />
Chargé d‘Affaires Khalil Tazarki (2nd r.) and next to him the Tunisian<br />
artist Meriem Bouderbala.<br />
20 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
21
LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />
March <strong>2018</strong><br />
Bangladesh<br />
The 48 th Independence Day was celebrated at the Vienna Marriott Hotel.<br />
April <strong>2018</strong><br />
Togo<br />
On the occasion of National Day a reception was held.<br />
Left: Honorary Consul<br />
Erich Szabo with his wife<br />
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H.E. Mohammed Abu<br />
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22 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
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Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 23
LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />
April <strong>2018</strong><br />
Israel<br />
To commemorate the 70 th Independence Day, a reception was held at the Gartenpalais<br />
Liechtenstein.<br />
Right: H.E. Talya<br />
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24 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />
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T: +43 1 60 176-254 90 41<br />
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LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />
May <strong>2018</strong><br />
Poland<br />
On the occasion of the 100 th Independence Day a reception was held at<br />
the Embassy.<br />
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May <strong>2018</strong><br />
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The end of the Second World War 73 years ago was honoured with a wreathlaying<br />
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LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN<br />
AZER BAIJAN<br />
BRIDGE<br />
BETWEEN EAST<br />
AND WEST<br />
As Azerbaijan, the oil-rich country at the Caspian Sea,<br />
is celebrating its 100 years of independence, the world realizes<br />
how much this secular, modern islamic state could play<br />
a role model in the Muslim world and the<br />
greater Middle East region as well.<br />
Text: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />
PHOTO: FOTOLIA<br />
A panorama view of the capital of<br />
Baku at sunset.<br />
30 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
31
LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN<br />
A stunning view of<br />
Nakhchivan and the<br />
Alindja Fortress<br />
(11 th -13 th century)<br />
near Djulfa city.<br />
Early morning in Baku.<br />
The International Mugham Center of Azerbaijan.<br />
FACTS &<br />
FIGURES<br />
The ”Heydar Aliyev Centre“ in<br />
Baku, built between 2007 and 2012<br />
according to the construction plan<br />
by architect Zaha Hadid.<br />
PHOTOS: NAZIM GURBANOV, SERGEI KIVRIN, LYOKIN, İRS ZEITSCHRIFT<br />
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, some hundred<br />
years ago: Large-scale oil exploration had turned<br />
the historical city on the shores of the<br />
Caspian Sea into an industrial Eldorado which attracted<br />
investors like the Nobel brothers or parts of<br />
the Rothschild family who made fortunes dwelling<br />
the industrial oil belt, known as the Black City, established<br />
around Baku.<br />
To get an imagination of the outstanding international<br />
role Baku has played at the time, just take a<br />
look into the contemporary report ”From Constantinople<br />
to the Home of Omar Khayyam“ by A.V. Williams<br />
Jackson of Columbia University: ”Baku is a city<br />
founded upon oil, for to its inexhaustible founts of<br />
naphtha it owes its very existence, its maintenance,<br />
its prosperity...“ At present, Baku produces one fifth<br />
of the oil that is used in the world, and the immense<br />
output in crude petroleum from this single city, far<br />
surpasses that in any other district where oil is found.<br />
Verily, the words of the scriptures find illustration<br />
here: 'The rock poured me out rivers of oil“, the work<br />
reads. And goes on: ”Oil is in the air one breathes, in<br />
one's nostrils, in one's eyes, in the water of the morning<br />
bath (though not in the drinking water, for that<br />
is brought in bottles from distant mineral springs),<br />
in one's starched linen – everywhere. This is the impression<br />
one carries away from Baku, and it is certainly<br />
true in the environs.“<br />
One century ago, the Azerbaijanis finally took<br />
control not only over their natural resources, but<br />
over their national fate at all. On May 28th, 1918, the<br />
independence of the ”Azerbaijan Democratic Republic“<br />
(ADR) was declared – a new nation which actually<br />
was the first modern parliamentary republic in<br />
the Muslim world.<br />
Among the important accomplishments of the<br />
Parliament was the extension of suffrage to women,<br />
making Azerbaijan the first Muslim nation to grant<br />
women equal political rights with men. Another important<br />
accomplishment of ADR was the establishment<br />
of Baku State University, which was the first<br />
modern-type university founded in the Muslim East.<br />
”The establishment of the first Azerbaijan Democratic<br />
Republic 100 years ago, has laid a solid basis<br />
for a free society and an independent country where<br />
people independent of their religion, ethnicity, sex or<br />
any political affiliation can live and prosper“, says<br />
Galib Israfilov, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to<br />
Austria about this only 23 months lasting first republic<br />
(see also interview starting at page 38). ”We are<br />
happy that we are among the first who granted the<br />
right to vote to women during this first republic,<br />
even ahead of many European countries. This short<br />
period – only 23 months – has made a significant<br />
contribution in the perception of national identity of<br />
Azerbaijanis. It has established the vision for a future<br />
of the Azerbaijan nation which is closely related to<br />
values of humanity such as peace, dignity, freedom<br />
and independence. And for a Muslim society in the<br />
beginning of the 20th century, to cherish these noble<br />
ideas of humanity and to promote them, was very<br />
brave.“<br />
Baku today: the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan,<br />
as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea<br />
and of the Caucasus region, with a population of nearly<br />
2.4 million people, is still (and again) the scientific,<br />
cultural and industrial center of Azerbaijan –<br />
after 71 years as a Soviet Socialist Republic and a<br />
newly declared independence from Soviet Union on<br />
October 18th, 1991.<br />
The Baku International Sea Trade Port is capable<br />
of handling two million tons of general and dry bulk<br />
cargoes per year. Also, the inner city of Baku, along<br />
with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower,<br />
were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in<br />
2000. And according to the Lonely Planet's ranking,<br />
Baku is also among the world's top ten destinations<br />
for urban nightlife.<br />
Plus, in recent years, Baku has become an important<br />
venue for international events. It hosted the 57th<br />
Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, the 2015 European<br />
Games, the 2016 European Grand Prix, the 4th Islamic<br />
Solidarity Games and Azerbaijan Grand Prix in<br />
2017, and will host UEFA Euro 2<strong>02</strong>0. The city is bidding<br />
for Expo 2<strong>02</strong>5 against Yekaterinburg, Russia<br />
and Osaka, Japan.<br />
So, as Azerbaijan is celebrating its 100 years of independence<br />
as of May 28th, <strong>2018</strong>, in the coming<br />
months, its population is extremely proud that that<br />
third republic is indeed built on many of the achievements<br />
of the first. Subsequently, the constitution of<br />
Azerbaijan does not declare an official religion and<br />
all major political forces in the country are secularist.<br />
However, the majority of the population are of Muslim<br />
background. Most Azerbaijanis, however, do not<br />
actively practice any religion, with 53 percent stating<br />
religion has little to no importance in their lives, according<br />
to Pew Research Center and Gallup polls.<br />
Azerbaijan has a high level of human develop-<br />
g<br />
AZERBAIJAN<br />
Official Name:<br />
Republic of Azerbaijan<br />
Capital: Baku<br />
Official language:<br />
Azerbaijani<br />
Government: Unitary<br />
presidential republic<br />
- President: Ilham Aliyev<br />
- Prime Minister: Novruz<br />
Mammadov<br />
Area: 86,600 km2<br />
Population: 9,898,1 mln.<br />
(2017)<br />
Ethnic groups:<br />
91.60% Azerbaijani,<br />
2 % Lezgian,<br />
1.3% Armenian,<br />
1.34% Russian,<br />
1.26% Talysh,<br />
2.5% others<br />
Religion: 96% Islam<br />
4 % Christian, Jewish, Bahai,<br />
Krishna<br />
Currency: Manat (AZN)<br />
GDP: 40.750 billion $<br />
GDP per capita: 4186 $<br />
Formation:<br />
28 May 1918: Democratic<br />
Republic<br />
28 April 1920: Soviet<br />
Socialist Republic<br />
18 October 1991 Azerbaijan<br />
Republic<br />
Data is taken from the State<br />
Statistical Committee of the<br />
Republic of Azerbaijan,<br />
based on 2017<br />
A skyline view of Baku, the<br />
capital of Azerbaijan by the<br />
Caspian Sea.<br />
Baku is located on the Caspian Sea, where<br />
sailing boats are cruising.<br />
The Mausoleum of Momine Khatun was<br />
built in the 12th century, Nakhchivan<br />
city, Azerbaijan.<br />
Shaki is in northern Azerbaijan on the<br />
southern part of the Greater Caucasus<br />
mountain range.<br />
Left:<br />
The ”Grandmothers“, a folklore<br />
group in the Lenkoran district.<br />
Right:<br />
Beautiful landscape at<br />
Shuvelan.<br />
32 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
33
LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN<br />
President Ilham Aliyev<br />
Celebrating centennial of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic<br />
with remarkable achievements<br />
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, İlham Aliyev.<br />
On May 28th the people of Azerbaijan proudly<br />
commemorate the centennial of the Azerbaijan<br />
Democratic Republic (ADR). May 28 of 1918 is the day<br />
of declaration of independence by the first Republic<br />
of Azerbaijan and is officially observed as the<br />
Republic Day.<br />
At that time, Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was<br />
destined to live as an independent State for only 23<br />
months during the years 1918-1920. Over such a<br />
short-lived period of time it has achieved remarkable<br />
progress in the political, economic and social spheres<br />
and has entered into world history as the first secular,<br />
democratic State in the whole Islamic East.<br />
ADR’s Declaration of Independence proclaimed,<br />
inter alia, guarantees of civil rights and liberties to all<br />
its citizens irrespective of nationality, religious<br />
affiliation, gender or ethnic background – the ideals<br />
that the people of Azerbaijan cherish today. Due to<br />
actively pursued foreign policy ADR was able to<br />
establish diplomatic relations with 16 countries.<br />
The National Council (Parliament) of ADR<br />
operated for just 17 months, but was able to adopt<br />
around 230 legislative acts, including the law granting<br />
women to the right to vote and to participate in the<br />
political life of the country, much earlier than many<br />
European nations.<br />
Throughout the past century the people of<br />
Azerbaijan preserved its determination to restore its<br />
statehood and independence – the goal it attained in<br />
1991.<br />
Today, the Republic of Azerbaijan is a modern,<br />
secular and independent State proud of its history<br />
and looking into the future with great aspirations,<br />
firm on its road to development as a vibrant,<br />
multicultural society.<br />
The people of Azerbaijan commemorate the<br />
centennial of ADR with remarkable achievements.<br />
Azerbaijan’s success today is an outcome of<br />
comprehensive reform programme implemented over<br />
the past decades. The economic figures for 2017<br />
speak volumes.<br />
The development of non-oil sector of the<br />
economy is the priority of the Government. Over the<br />
last year the non-oil sector of the economy grew by<br />
2.7 per cent, the non-oil sector in industry by 3.7 per<br />
cent and in agriculture by 4.1 per cent.<br />
Azerbaijan invests heavily in building its transport<br />
and transit potential and implements a number of<br />
large-scale infrastructure projects in the country and<br />
across the region along the East-West and<br />
North-South axes. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway<br />
successfully commissioned last year connected the<br />
growing Asian markets with consumers in Europe and<br />
vice versa. Over the past years, Azerbaijan built 6<br />
international airports, 11,000 kilometers of modern<br />
highways and roads. Azerbaijan has the biggest trade<br />
fleet in the Caspian Sea with 270 vessels.<br />
Azerbaijan contributes to the energy security of<br />
Europe and is a substantial contributor to – and<br />
enabler of – the Southern Gas Corridor, which will<br />
bring alternative gas supply to the European market.<br />
Another priority sector is telecommunication.<br />
Implementation of the State program on establishment<br />
and development of space industry in<br />
Azerbaijan gave additional impetus to the development<br />
of this sphere. With launching of two<br />
telecommunication and earth observation satellites<br />
“Azerspace” and “Azersky” our country joined the<br />
world’s space club. Third satellite “Azerspace-2” will<br />
be launched soon.<br />
Particular attention is given to strengthening of<br />
the industrial base of Azerbaijan with focus on fuel<br />
and energy, chemistry, mechanical engineering,<br />
metallurgy, food industry, light industry and other<br />
areas. The main objective of the state policy in the<br />
field of industry for the medium term is ensuring of<br />
steady and rapid production growth, structural<br />
improvement and increasing efficiency. The main<br />
activities include modernization and reconstruction of<br />
industrial sites, increasing the competitiveness of<br />
national products and development of the processing<br />
industry. There are five industrial parks the Sumgait<br />
Chemical Industrial Park, industrial parks in Garadagh,<br />
Balakhany, Mingachevir and Pirallakhi settlements, as<br />
well as Neftchala, Hajigabul and Masalli industrial<br />
districts, in Azerbaijan. This is underpinned by our<br />
policy and the confidence of foreign and local<br />
investors, because investment is made only in stable<br />
countries. According to the Davos Forum, we are<br />
ranked in 35th place in the world in terms of<br />
economic competitiveness.<br />
A drastic reduction of poverty and unemployment<br />
is a testimony that we are on the right track. The<br />
level of poverty in Azerbaijan is 5.4 percent and the<br />
level of unemployment is 5 percent. In the last 15<br />
years our population grew by 1.5 million people.<br />
Therefore, creating jobs for us is a permanent<br />
process. Last year alone we created 177,000<br />
permanent jobs.<br />
Particular attention has been paid to good<br />
economic governance through improving legislative<br />
framework and regulatory system, protection of<br />
investment, elimination of bureaucratic obstacles<br />
simplifying customs procedures and creating tax<br />
incentives. A number of steps have been taken to<br />
streamline procedures, making it easier to incorporate<br />
and register a new business in Azerbaijan, including<br />
by introducing e-registry and simplifying licensing<br />
procedures for entrepreneurs. The Government has<br />
been implementing large-scale programmes for<br />
strengthening the rule of law, providing facilitated<br />
access to public services. Azerbaijan is proud to have<br />
created its national brand – ASAN Service – an<br />
innovative national model of public service delivery,<br />
where numerous services by government agencies are<br />
delivered in an efficient and transparent way from<br />
PHOTOS: NAMIK, AZERTAG – ASERBAIDSCHANISCHE STAATLICHE NACHRICHTENAGENTUR, İRS ZEITSCHRIFT, LYOKIN<br />
one-stop shops throughout the country, called ASAN<br />
Service centres.<br />
I consider that high voters turnout and my<br />
reelection to the next term in office as the President<br />
as vote of confidence of the people of Azerbaijan to<br />
reform program of my government.<br />
Apart from connecting geographically Europe and<br />
Asia due to its strategic geographic location in the<br />
Caucasus isthmus, our nation’s deep-rooted traditions<br />
of multiculturalism and tolerance, manifested in<br />
peaceful coexistence of Muslims, orthodox Christians,<br />
Catholics and Jews, makes Azerbaijan a cultural<br />
bridge between various civilizations – the role widely<br />
recognized throughout the world. The 7th Global<br />
Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, successfully<br />
held in Baku in 2016, is one good example to that end.<br />
Azerbaijan launched Baku process in 2008 as a<br />
platform for a dialogue between cultures and<br />
civilizations. Since 2011, Azerbaijan hosts Baku<br />
International Humanitarian Forum, bringing together<br />
representatives of political scientific and cultural<br />
circles of various countries to discuss a wide range of<br />
global <strong>issue</strong>s in the interest of all humanity and seek<br />
joint solutions.<br />
Since 2000 Azerbaijan has been an active<br />
member of the EXPO movement. Our pavilions<br />
received awards in the last three exhibitions in Milan<br />
in 2015 with more than 3 million visits, in Antalya in<br />
2016 and in Astana in 2017. World Expos are a<br />
showcase for diversity, based on equality and respect<br />
for all cultures. They bring the entire international<br />
community together in a unique space for global<br />
discussion and cooperation. On 18 May 2017 we<br />
submitted Baku’s candidacy to host World Expo 2<strong>02</strong>5.<br />
We believe that Azerbaijan is one of the best places<br />
to host this universal platform. Our theme for EXPO<br />
2<strong>02</strong>5 - ‘Developing human capital, building a better<br />
future’ addresses the great challenge of our time the<br />
impact of technology and increasing connectivity on<br />
humankind. The capital of Azerbaijan Baku<br />
successfully hosted global forums, the Eurovision<br />
Song Contest, the first European Games, the 4th<br />
Games of Islamic Solidarity, the World Chess<br />
Olympiad and others. Holding of EXPO 2<strong>02</strong>5 in Baku<br />
will play an exceptional role in building of commercial,<br />
political and cultural bridge between East and<br />
West, North and South.<br />
I congratulate all Azerbaijanis around the world<br />
with this very important milestone in the development<br />
of independent Azerbaijan.<br />
ment which ranks on par with most Eastern European<br />
countries. It has a high rate of economic development<br />
and literacy, as well as a low rate of<br />
unemployment.<br />
Today, Azerbaijan can be seen as a major driving<br />
force of the whole region“, says Ambassador Israfilov.<br />
”Our country not only is a strong bridge between<br />
the West and the East, but also from North to<br />
South.“ One of the key goals of modern Azerbaijan<br />
has been to manage its potentially high dependence<br />
on the oil- and gas sector which still accounts, according<br />
to economists, for at least 50 percent of its GDP,<br />
– estimated to be around 4,100 US dollars nominal<br />
per person in <strong>2018</strong>. Therefore, already back in 1999,<br />
Azerbaijan has established the so called ”State Oil<br />
Fund of Azerbaijan“, or SOFAZ, that has until now<br />
accumulated funds of some 45 billion US dollar, dedicated<br />
for investments into the diversification of the<br />
country's economy.<br />
Focus in recent years has been put on the development<br />
of agriculture, logistics and transport, environmental<br />
technologies as well as information- and<br />
communications technologies. Plus, not to forget<br />
heavy investments into national tourism (to get a<br />
Top: Khinalug, a high mountain<br />
town at an elevation of 2.350 m<br />
above the sea level, with the<br />
picturesque mountain road.<br />
Below: Little Venice.<br />
The Formula One <strong>2018</strong> Azerbaijan Grand Prix.<br />
Opening Ceremony of the<br />
Islamic Games in Baku,<br />
2017.<br />
34 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
35
LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN<br />
A memorial of Nizami a famous poet,<br />
born in the city Ganja, Azerbaijan, in<br />
the 12th century.<br />
Top: Beautiful sunset on<br />
Mardakan Beach.<br />
Right: The capital Baku<br />
by night.<br />
visa just takes three hours) with the promotion of big<br />
projects like the European Olympic Games 2015, the<br />
start of the Formula One Grand Prix Azerbaijan in<br />
2016 and the Islamic Olympic Games in 2017.<br />
Apart from this non-oil-diversification, which is<br />
also coined in the strategic ”Vision 2<strong>02</strong>0“ that has<br />
been proclaimed in 2013 in order to react against falling<br />
oil prices, Azerbaijan has surpringly benefited<br />
from the sanctions the European Union has imposed<br />
on Russia and on Iran, too. Ambassador Israfilov:<br />
”This allowed us to increase our exports of products<br />
into the Russian markets as well as into the Iranian<br />
markets. So we invested into production, for instance<br />
of agricultural products.“<br />
Another absolutely outstanding diversification<br />
project is the construction of the city of Alat at the<br />
Caspian Sea. Having started as a shipyard that has<br />
been built together with Singapore and Dutch companies,<br />
already in 2019, the first cruise liner shall be<br />
constructed to travel the Caspian Sea all around<br />
from Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan und Iran.<br />
Alat itself, some 80 kilometers south of Baku, shall be<br />
a super-modern duty-free-destination and more liberal<br />
than Dubai. Plus, as Ambassador Israfilov reports,<br />
Alat will be developed in close cooperation<br />
with the Vienna Institute of Sustainable Development,<br />
and some 20 Austrian professors shall contribute<br />
to the rise of this smart city of the future at the<br />
Caucasus.<br />
Projects like these could very well intensify the<br />
economic relations between Azerbaijan and<br />
Austria which have been severely decreasing in recent<br />
years, expecially in terms of Austrian exports of<br />
goods, which last year reached only some 50 million<br />
Euro, while imports from Azerbaijan, mainly oil and<br />
gas, have jumped over 300 million Euro in 2017.<br />
Despite that, there is definitely some room for improvement<br />
of Austrian export figures. Azerbaijan<br />
counts as a strategic trade and investment market<br />
and, according to the Austrian Chamber of Commerce,<br />
in 2016, has been the number 5 of the former<br />
Soviet Union markets for Austrian exporters after<br />
Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan und Belarus. As of now,<br />
14 Austrian companies are active in Azerbaijan,<br />
being engaged in joint-ventures, subsidiaries or re-<br />
PHOTOS: SERGEI KIVRIN, LYOKIN<br />
presenta tions – for example Siemens, Waagner-Biro<br />
or Liebherr.<br />
As a matter of fact, says Rudolf Lukavsky, Austria's<br />
Commercial Counsellor covering Azerbaijan (see<br />
also page 41) reports, the major business chances for<br />
Austrian companies could be found in the many diversification<br />
projects and also in the privatisation of<br />
big industries. The modernisation of agriculture, especially<br />
in the sectors of food processing and the development<br />
of breeding farms, would be areas in<br />
which foreign direct investment can find attractive<br />
fiscal support. Recent best practice examples would<br />
be the construction of a bitumen factory for SOCAR,<br />
the delivery of special breeding cattle and a water<br />
pumping system for an industrial factory.<br />
And then, apart from China itself, there is maybe<br />
no other country which has more pushed forward Xi<br />
Jingpin's „One Belt, One Road“ mega-project. Just<br />
end of October last year, Azerbaijan's President Ilham<br />
Aliyev together with the Turkish President Recep<br />
Tayyip Erdogan and Giorgi Kvirikashvili, the Prime<br />
Minister from Georgia, have opened a 826<br />
kilometer railroad transit from Baku to Tiflis to Kars.<br />
The Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, located on the south-eastern foothills of the<br />
Great Caucasus Mountain ridge.<br />
“Bir k<br />
e<br />
r<br />
e<br />
yüks<br />
e<br />
l<br />
e<br />
n bayraq, bir daha enm<br />
“The flag once raised, will never fall!”<br />
e<br />
z!”<br />
This year we celebrate a remarkable page in our history - the 100 th<br />
anniversary of establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.<br />
Diversity &<br />
Resilience<br />
European Forum Alpbach<br />
15.–31.8.<strong>2018</strong> | #efa18 | www.alpbach.org<br />
It’s time to break new ground.<br />
Get a glimpse into Europe’s future together<br />
with renowned speakers from across the world.<br />
Register now: www.alpbach.org<br />
I belong to the generation of young Azerbaijanis who has got advanced<br />
education and started his business career in leading European financial<br />
structures. It is a great pleasure to see that, as in the times of ADR,<br />
nowadays the Government invests in young and bright Azerbaijanis by<br />
sending them to study in leading European universities. Such a policy,<br />
besides promoting Azerbaijani values and traditions in foreign countries<br />
and serving as a bridge-builder among different cultural backgrounds,<br />
has a strong potential of becoming a solid basis for long-term relations<br />
between Azerbaijan and other countries in future.<br />
As an established entrepreneur in Austria, striving to promote bilateral<br />
trade and economic relations with Azerbaijan, I would like to congratulate<br />
my fellow Azerbaijanis living in Austria and across the world with<br />
such an outstanding achievement as the Centennial Anniversary of the<br />
Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. I encourage every Azerbaijani to contribute<br />
to consolidation of independent and democratic Republic of<br />
Azerbaijan and rally around our tricolor flag.<br />
Nariman Bakhishev, MBA, CFC CEO of Private Equity Fund in Austria<br />
and prior to 2014 was a manager at Bank Austria in Vienna.<br />
PHOTO: DODGE & BURN
LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN<br />
Baku is located 28 metres below<br />
sea level, which makes it the<br />
lowest lying national capital in<br />
the world and also the largest<br />
city in the world located below<br />
sea level.<br />
The beautiful<br />
Maiden Tower in<br />
the heart of Baku,<br />
one of the many<br />
historical sites in<br />
the capital of<br />
Azerbaijan.<br />
EXCLUSIVE<br />
CONDOMINIUMS<br />
IN VIENNA<br />
The Heydal Aliyev<br />
İnternational Airport<br />
in Baku.<br />
Azerbaijan has contributed the biggest part of this<br />
one-billion-dollar-investment, which shortens down<br />
the time of travel between China and Europe to 15<br />
days compared to sea transit and cuts the costs by half<br />
compared to air transport. ”Our aim“, says Ambassador<br />
Israfilov to sum up these One-Belt- One-Roadambitions<br />
of his country, ”is to transform Azerbaijan<br />
into a 5-Star-Kervanseray along the new Silk Road.“<br />
The biggest obstacle for the country on this path<br />
certainly would be the conflict between Armenia<br />
and Azerbaijan about the Nagorno-Karabakh<br />
region, landlocked in the South Caucasus region and<br />
internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan. This<br />
region is populated with the Armenian ethnic majority<br />
and Azerbaijan has lost control over the region<br />
since 1992.<br />
With ceasefire reached in 1994 representatives of<br />
the government of Armenia and Azerbaijan have<br />
been holding peace talks mediated by OSCE Minsk<br />
Group. Despite the ceasefire having been established<br />
in May 1994, fatalities due to armed conflicts between<br />
Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers continued<br />
with the last big incident in April 2016, with at least<br />
30 soldiers killed.<br />
The conflict, which roughly covers some 20 percent<br />
of Azerbaijan's territory, has created not only<br />
many victims on both sides but close to one million<br />
of refugees, both from Armenian soil as well as from<br />
the Nagorno-Karabakh and seven other surrounding<br />
regions of Azerbaijan which the country has to<br />
shoulder also in terms of social and security costs. In<br />
the interview with Cercle Diplomatique, Ambassador<br />
Israfilov is opening a door to his Armenian<br />
neighbours: ”To resolve the conflict, Armenia has to<br />
bring back its troops to the military barracks. Then<br />
we can talk about rights, about the privileges or the<br />
volume of autonomy.“ As of now, there are only just<br />
a few signs that Nikol Pashinyan, the newly elected<br />
Prime Minister of Armenia has similar ambitions.<br />
Just early May, he said in a news conference that he<br />
was ready for more talks with Azerbaijan but wanted<br />
the separatists to take part, too.<br />
But to be honest, this dispute will supposedly be<br />
drawn into the background in the upcoming days<br />
and months. Be it at the 100 years of independence<br />
celebration at the Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna,<br />
where you might hold this magazine in your hands.<br />
Or be it at one of the many cultural und economic<br />
exhibitions and events which will demonstrate the<br />
close ties between Austria and Azerbaijan which<br />
date back to the times of the Habsburg monarchy.<br />
As the center piece of one of these cooperations<br />
features a rare meteorite with a core of solid iron, having<br />
crashed down on the territory of Azerbaijan<br />
years ago. As to demonstrate the friendship between<br />
these two countries, the government of Azerbaijan<br />
donated piece of this stone of space to the Natural<br />
History Museum of Vienna both for exhibition and<br />
for joint research project.<br />
PHOTOS: NAZIM GURBANOV, SERGEI KIVRIN, LYOKIN<br />
50–230<br />
SQUARE METRES<br />
AUTUMN<br />
2019<br />
PLANNED COMPLETION<br />
Tel. +43 1 224 227 100<br />
info@lindengasse.co.at<br />
38 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN | INTERVIEW<br />
H.E. Galib Israfilov<br />
“Azerbaijan not only is a strong bridge from the East to the West,<br />
but from the North to the South as well.“<br />
On the occasion of the celebrations of the country‘s “100 Years of Independence“, the Ambassador of<br />
Azerbaijan sits down to discuss the far-reaching values of its First Republic‘s open society that are still<br />
fundamental for today‘s modern powerhouse at the Caspian Sea.<br />
Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />
PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
CD: Ambassador Israfilov, on the 28 th of May,<br />
<strong>2018</strong>, the Republic of Azerbaijan is celebrating its<br />
“100 Years of Independence“. Can you please lay<br />
out the historic circumstances of the independence<br />
and the subsequent history of Azerbaijan?<br />
Galib Israfilov: We are currently living<br />
in the Third Republic of Azerbaijan, which<br />
is celebrating the 27 th anniversary of its restored<br />
independence. The establishment of<br />
the First Azerbaijan Democratic Republic<br />
100 years ago, has laid a solid basis for a free<br />
society and an independent country where<br />
people – independent of their religion, ethnicity,<br />
sex or any political affiliation – can<br />
live and prosper. We are happy that we were<br />
among the first states which granted the<br />
right to vote to women during the First Republic,<br />
even ahead of many European countries.<br />
Although short-lived – only 23 months<br />
– the First Republic has made a significant<br />
contribution to the perception of national<br />
identity of Azerbaijanis. It has established<br />
the vision for a future of the Azerbaijani nation<br />
which is closely linked with the values<br />
of humanity such as peace, dignity, democracy,<br />
freedom and independence. And for a<br />
Muslim society in the beginning of 20th<br />
century, to cherish these noble ideas of humanity<br />
and to promote them, was very brave.<br />
At the Versailles Peace Conference, the<br />
Azerbaijan statehood was recognised, and<br />
both Azerbaijan and Georgia were officially<br />
allowed to join the nations. Countries recognised<br />
our borders, our territory, our<br />
government and our nation. So for us that<br />
period of 100 Years of Independence is a solid<br />
foundation of placing Azerbaijan as the<br />
first democratic state on the political map of<br />
the region.<br />
Can you give us an impression of Azerbaijan<br />
around 1918 to 1920, when your capital Baku had<br />
roughly as many inhabitants as Vienna, around<br />
two million people, and the rich oil and gas<br />
resources have turned it into one of the most<br />
vibrant places of that time?<br />
By the end of the 19 th century and the beginning<br />
of the 20 th century, we were a multiethnic,<br />
multi-religious and multi-confessional<br />
society and this inclusiveness also<br />
allowed Baku to be recognised as one of the<br />
world’s most dynamically developing cosmopolitan<br />
cities. For example, the Rothschild<br />
family or the Noble brothers, the later<br />
founders of the Noble Prize, have benefitted<br />
a lot from Azerbaijani oil industries. The<br />
problem for us was that we have never been<br />
in full command of our oil and gas resources,<br />
until we became independent in 1918.<br />
What will be the highlights of the 100 Years<br />
Independence Celebration?<br />
Along with the celebration on May 28 th as<br />
the National Day, we plan a number of<br />
events and this will also continue throughout<br />
the year. One of them will be an official<br />
reception on May 29 th , in Vienna. We plan to<br />
bring Azerbaijani culture, music, food, Jazz<br />
and singers. There will be a presentation of<br />
the 100-year-old history of Azerbaijan, the<br />
architecture and establishment of the First<br />
Republic. After these launching events, we<br />
have plans to arrange a number of trips to<br />
Azerbaijan. One of them had already taken<br />
place, as my wife Farah had taken spouses of<br />
Ambassadors, accredited to Austria, for a<br />
one week-tour to Baku and other beautiful<br />
cities of Azerbaijan. We are planning also to<br />
present a research book about the architecture<br />
of Baku at the end of the 19 th and beginning<br />
20 th centuries. Also, we plan to do a<br />
number of concerts, especially dedicated to<br />
the composers of that period of time. What<br />
we want is to show the world a centenniallong<br />
nurtured experience of Azerbaijan as a<br />
country of multiculturalism, tolerance and<br />
non-discrimination. We want to prove that<br />
an inclusive society like ours can be a source<br />
of inspiration for a country. So multiculturalism<br />
is state policy of Azerbaijan and this is a<br />
rather unique experience that we would like<br />
to share.<br />
How would you judge the relationship between<br />
Austria and Azerbaijan today?<br />
Azerbaijan is a strategic trade partner for<br />
Austria in the Caucasus region and since an<br />
Embassy of Austria was opened in 2010 in<br />
Baku, our economic relations have increased.<br />
We have some 14 Austrian companies<br />
with a strong presence in Azerbaijan like<br />
Siemens, Waagner Biro, Strabag, Doppelmayr,<br />
Red Bull or Swarovski. We also put an<br />
emphasis on diversification of our trade relations,<br />
which is still dominated by the oiland<br />
gas-sector.<br />
It makes up nearly all of Austria‘s imports, some<br />
300 million Euro, from Azerbaijan. But our<br />
exports have fallen in 2016 by a third, and rose<br />
back again in 2017. Why are the Austrian<br />
businesses have been going back?<br />
There are many reasons for that. First of all,<br />
the market in Azerbaijan is very competitive.<br />
There are many big European companies<br />
from Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany or<br />
the UK, or even the US, which are having<br />
more long-term relationships with our private<br />
and public sectors. Nevertheless, we are<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
H.E. GALIB ISRAFILOV<br />
Having studied international relations at Baku State<br />
University and at Georgetown University, Ambassador<br />
Israfilov, a father of three sons, has been in<br />
diplomatic services for Azerbaijan to Washington,<br />
New York and now Vienna, where he presented his<br />
credentials already back in the year 2011.<br />
40 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
41
LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN | INTERVIEW<br />
LE MONDE EXPERT´S VIEW<br />
“We do not have anything against<br />
the Armenian nation. But to resolve<br />
the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh,<br />
Armenia has to bring back its<br />
troops to the military barracks.“<br />
Azerbaijan – where tourism has<br />
increased<br />
Rudolf Lukavsky, Commercial Counsellor for Azerbaijan<br />
encouraging Austrian companies to do more<br />
business in our country. Azerbaijan possesses<br />
a unique geostrategic advantage, being<br />
situated at the crossroads of East and West.<br />
We have invested a lot into establishing transit<br />
and transportation corridors in Azerbaijan<br />
and a number of mega-projects were realised<br />
by the will of three neighbouring<br />
countries in the energy and transport sectors.<br />
In fact, these projects have not only<br />
linked three countries – Azerbaijan, Georgia,<br />
and Turkey, they have not only bridged<br />
the European and Asian railroads, making<br />
them twice shorter than current connections<br />
and cheaper than the current prices for bringing<br />
goods from East to West. These projects<br />
have brought a lot of positive dynamic and<br />
development to the Caspian region, exposed<br />
it to cooperation, transformed it into one of<br />
the central logistic and industrial hubs and<br />
integrated it into European and Asian markets.<br />
By the way, it is the same transit link we<br />
also provide for Russia and Iran. Therefore,<br />
Azerbaijan not only is a strong bridge between<br />
the East and West, but also from North<br />
to South. Our priority is to strengthen good<br />
neighbourly relations with our direct neighbours<br />
and neighbouring regions, based on<br />
mutual respect and account of the interests.<br />
And this is what we are doing through our<br />
independent policy. So for over the last 100<br />
years, we have never been as strong and independent<br />
as we are now. We are in full<br />
command of our economy, political relationship<br />
and our people and region benefit<br />
from it. This is the clear vision for the future<br />
of Azerbaijan.<br />
The most burdened relationship is with your<br />
neighbour Armenia because of the Armenian<br />
Galib Israfilov, the Ambassador of the<br />
Republic of Azerbaijan, during the<br />
interview with Cercle Diplomatique.<br />
Nagorno-Karabakh settlement on the territory of<br />
Azerbaijan which has been heavily disputed for<br />
some 150 years now. Also the ceasefire of 1994<br />
has been broken many times, the latest incident<br />
was in 2016. What is the current situation<br />
between Azerbaijan and Armenia?<br />
The conflict is one of the biggest injustices<br />
committed against us. It could have brought<br />
Azerbaijan almost at the brink of existential<br />
threat, if it were not the late President Heydar<br />
Aliyev, who managed to stop the<br />
bloodshed and to establish cease-fire. We<br />
have now close to one million of refugees,<br />
both from Armenian soil as well as from the<br />
Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding<br />
regions of Azerbaijan. 20 percent of the territory<br />
of Azerbaijan is under occupation<br />
and all the cultural, political, and ethnic affiliation<br />
of these territories with Azerbaijan<br />
are now being attempted to be erased. There<br />
were several fact-finding missions of the<br />
OSCE to these territories which recognised<br />
the fact that there are attempts to resettle<br />
Armenians into these territories, that our<br />
names, our cultural heritage, our landmarks<br />
are being completely changed. This is the<br />
biggest challenge for security. The United<br />
Nations Security Council has adopted four<br />
resolutions demanding immediate, unconditional<br />
and complete withdrawal of occupying<br />
forces from Azerbaijan. But so far, Armenia<br />
has not implemented any of these<br />
resolutions for 24 years now. They have violated<br />
them because the Armenian troops<br />
are deeply inside in the Azerbaijani territory.<br />
So, the status quo is unsustainable as it<br />
has no future. We in Azerbaijan want this<br />
region to become free of foreign military<br />
troops, we want it to become free of occupation,<br />
of conflicts, but this is not in the<br />
mindsets of the current Armenian government.<br />
What could be a solution?<br />
Our independence, our nation can not be<br />
overwhelmed by the conflict. So we develop<br />
and strengthen our country in the 80 percent<br />
of our territory. Those 20 percent, we<br />
see them as temporarily occupied and we<br />
wish to resolve this conflict peacefully. We<br />
up to now have close to 30,000 Armenians<br />
living in Baku, in mixed marriages, working<br />
even in government offices and we do not<br />
have anything against the Armenian nation.<br />
To resolve the conflict, Armenia has to<br />
bring back its troops to the military barracks.<br />
This is what the Security Council is<br />
also demanding. Once the troops are withdrawn<br />
and the territories are liberated, Armenians<br />
of Nagorno-Karabakh can restore<br />
their relationship with Azerbaijanis of Nagorno-Karabakh.<br />
And for doing so, the military<br />
occupation factor has to be off the table<br />
and then we can talk about equal rights<br />
for both communities, we can talk about<br />
the privileges, the volume of autonomy, but<br />
they can not do it under the gun. If Armenians<br />
are afraid of security of Armenians in<br />
the Nagorno-Karabakh region, there is an<br />
option of international peace-keeping force<br />
that can be deployed. We will stay where we<br />
are and our militaries will not move inside<br />
the region, but the occupied territories have<br />
to be liberated. We want to rehabilitate those<br />
territories. We will invest into Karabakh,<br />
into the other occupied territories to rebuild<br />
the infrastructure, to bring back the<br />
refugees, the internally displaced persons<br />
and to allow them restoring their normal<br />
life. The current territory which is now occupied<br />
is close to 18,000 km2 and only<br />
about 30,000 Armenian civilians live in that<br />
territory. If you get rid of the troops then<br />
there is enough land for everyone. We will<br />
not expel anyone, there will be a peace-keeping<br />
force, but our people have to return<br />
back. If we speak of the rights of the Armenian<br />
population, we have to, of course, see<br />
equal rights of Azerbaijanis of the Nagorno-<br />
Karabakh as well.<br />
PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
PHOTO: VALERI ANGELOV<br />
Rudolf Lukavsky is<br />
currently Austria‘s<br />
Commercial Counsellor<br />
for Azerbaijan, working<br />
from Moscow. Prior to<br />
coming to Russia in<br />
2016, he held posts in<br />
Cairo and Bucarest.<br />
Major global projects have promoted the country as an attractive travel destination.<br />
In general, it can be said that in <strong>2018</strong> an economic recovery is<br />
expected in Azerbaijan. This year a GDP growth of 1.6% is<br />
predicted, while the GDP fell by -0.5% in 2017 and shrank by<br />
-3.1% in 2016. However, Azerbaijan‘s growth rates correlate<br />
with oil and gas export revenues and it is estimated that the oil<br />
industry has a share of 50 % of the GDP. In addition, incoming<br />
tourism has significantly increased in the last years, with major<br />
projects such as the European Olympic Games in 2015, the Formula 1 Grand Prix<br />
Azerbaijan since 2016 and the Islamic Olympic Games in 2017. These important<br />
global events have promoted Azerbaijan as an attractive destination.<br />
Azerbaijan‘s main trading partners were Italy (31.9%) in 2017, followed by Turkey<br />
(9.9%), Israel (4.6%), Russia (4.2%), the Czech Republic (4%) and Canada (3.8%).<br />
On the import side, Russia was the main supplier (17.7%), followed by Turkey<br />
(14.5%), China (9.7%), the USA (8.2%) and Ukraine (5.2%).However, the Azerbaijani<br />
economy is largely dominated by revenues from oil and gas exports. In 2017,<br />
Azerbaijan has exported around USD 16.1 bn. and the share of oil and gas products in<br />
total exports is still more than 88%. The total trade volume in 2017 between Austria<br />
and Azerbaijan has reached around EUR 421.8 mil. EUR 59.5 mil. was accounted by<br />
Austrian exports and EUR 362.3 mil. by imports from Azerbaijan. In comparison to<br />
the previous year, the trading volume between the two states increased by 92.3%. In<br />
2017, Azerbaijan‘s imports increased by +124.4% and Austrian exports to Azerbaijan<br />
by +1.1%. In 2017, Azerbaijan was the fifth most important CIS market for Austrian<br />
exports after Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus.<br />
Austrian export structure to Azerbaijan did not change much in the last years.<br />
The main export products are machinery and equipment. Pharmaceuticals and<br />
beverages form the second most important group of export goods, followed by the<br />
third largest export group, optical instruments and live animals. Azerbaijan remains<br />
a classic supplier of raw materials to Austria and therefor it mainly imports mineral<br />
fuels from Azerbaijan. Mineral fuels account for around 99.8% of total imports.<br />
Unfortunately, Austrian investments are still weakly established. Approximately 14<br />
Austrian companies are currently represented in Azerbaijan through subsidiaries,<br />
joint ventures or representations with an investment volume of approximately USD<br />
0.7 mil. Mostly these are larger companies, such as Siemens, Waagner-Biro or<br />
Liebherr, who have already been active in Azerbaijan for years. The areas of<br />
telecommunications, infrastructure, renewable energy and the privatization of<br />
large-scale industry would open up attractive opportunities for the market entry of<br />
Austrian companies. In addition, Azerbaijan is particularly looking for knowledge<br />
transfer in the industries of mechanical engineering, chemicals, building materials,<br />
textiles, motor vehicles and food industry. Besides that, there are good business<br />
opportunities for Austrian companies in the modernization of agriculture, for<br />
example in the area of food processing, feed production or the establishment of<br />
breeding farms. In general, foreign investment is desired and promoted by<br />
Azerbaijan. There are special economic zones or industrial parks that offer<br />
attractive investment incentives. In addition, the Republic of Austria supports<br />
Austrian investors in Azerbaijan with the Austrian-Azerbaijani investment<br />
protection and double taxation treaties.<br />
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42 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
LE MONDE SOUTH AFRICA<br />
Welcome to the “Rainbow Nation“!<br />
Female workers are slicing the<br />
mangoes which are later on<br />
washed and packed on trays<br />
for drying.<br />
FACTS &<br />
FIGURES<br />
Xyx yxy xyxyxyxyx yxyxyxyxyxyx yxyxyxyxy xyxyxyxyxyx<br />
yxyxyxyxyxyxyx yxyxyxyxyxyx<br />
yxyxyxyxyxyxyxyxyxyx<br />
Text: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />
PHOTOS: FOTOLIA,CHRIS KICRHHOFF, MAURIZIO DE MATTEI<br />
There is hardly any other state in the world to<br />
be found where more than 10 languages are<br />
also the country’s official languages. There, it<br />
is said, you have landed right in the middle of the<br />
rainbow, consequently South Africa is often called<br />
the “Rainbow Nation“. Many different ethnic groups<br />
live here together, in the special focus of the international<br />
public after the end of apartheid. It was Archbishop<br />
Desmond Tutu who coined the term describing<br />
post-apartheid South Africa, after the country’s<br />
first fully democratic election in 1994. Living together<br />
are coloured, whites, and several other ethnic<br />
groups who all represent their own culture.<br />
From hard times to good vibes – South Africa has<br />
gone a long way to be the country it represents today.<br />
Among the key sectors that keep South Africa’s economic<br />
engine running are manufacturing, wholesale<br />
and retail trade, financial services, transport, mining,<br />
agriculture and tourism.<br />
The mining sector is an integral part of South<br />
Africa’s economy. Recent decades, however, have<br />
seen a structural shift in output. Since the early<br />
1990s, economic growth has been driven mainly by<br />
the tertiary sector, which includes wholesale and retail<br />
trade, tourism and communications.<br />
Now, and empowered by the newly elected President<br />
Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa is moving towards<br />
becoming a knowledge-based economy, with a<br />
greater focus on technology, e-commerce, financial<br />
and other services.<br />
Only this April, President Ramaphosa has successfully<br />
secured 50 million pounds of funding from<br />
the United Kingdom – to help South Africa improve<br />
its business environment, making it more attractive<br />
to investors with the aim of creating jobs and opportunities.<br />
This agreement was reached between the<br />
President and the British Prime Minister Theresa<br />
May.<br />
This investment by the UK followed the President’s<br />
announcement that South Africa would be hosting a<br />
major investment conference in early autumn <strong>2018</strong>,<br />
which aims to raise over one trillion rand in new investments<br />
over five years.<br />
”The investment conference, which will involve<br />
domestic and international investors in equal mea-<br />
South Africa<br />
Official name:<br />
Republic of South Africa<br />
Capital and largest city:<br />
Pretoria (administrative)<br />
Cape Town (legislative)<br />
Bloemfontein (judicial)<br />
The Constitutional Court is<br />
based in Johannesburg<br />
(largest city).<br />
Official languages: English,<br />
isiZulu, isiXhosa,<br />
isiNdebele, Afrikaans,<br />
Siswati, Sepedi, Sesotho,<br />
Setswana, Tshivenda,<br />
Xitsonga<br />
Ethnic groups:<br />
Zulu (21%),Xhosa (17%),<br />
Sotho (15%), Tswana,<br />
Venda, Ndebele, Swasi,<br />
Pedi.<br />
Government:<br />
Constitutional multiparty<br />
democracy with three<br />
spheres - national,<br />
provincial and local<br />
government.<br />
President:<br />
Cyril Ramaphosa<br />
Vice President:<br />
David Mabuza<br />
Area: 1,221,037 km 2<br />
Population:<br />
57,31 million<br />
(UN estimate)<br />
GDP: $280.37 billion<br />
(2017 estimate)<br />
GDP per capita: 5.273,59 $<br />
(2016, nominal)<br />
Currency: Rand (ZAR)<br />
View of Cape Town.<br />
A breathtaking view of Table Mountain – a flat-topped<br />
mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking<br />
the city of Cape Town. It is a significant tourist<br />
attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or<br />
hiking to the top. The mountain forms part of the<br />
Table Mountain National Park. Table Mountain is also<br />
known as home to a large array of fauna and flora.<br />
44 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
LE MONDE SOUTH AFRICA<br />
The South African coastline<br />
stretches more than 2,500<br />
kilometres.<br />
sure, is not intended merely as a forum to discuss the<br />
investment climate. Given the current rates of investment,<br />
this is an ambitious but realisable target that<br />
will provide a significant boost to our economy,“ said<br />
Ramaphosa.<br />
Yet, tourism as well is a huge factor, taking so<br />
many tourists coming from all over the world to South<br />
Africa. From the Cape West Coast on the desert<br />
border with Namibia to northern KwaZulu-Natal,<br />
the South African coastline stretches more than<br />
2,500 kilometres and boasts some of the most beautiful<br />
beach landscapes in the world. And hiking is<br />
one of the sports not to be missed by travellers enjo-<br />
ying lush forests, rugged shorelines, mountain<br />
streams, waterfalls and fragrant fynbos. The Otter<br />
Trail along the Tsitsikamma coast is probably the<br />
most popular hike in the country.<br />
One might choose to start the South African tour<br />
in Pretoria, Cape Town or Bloemfontein. You have<br />
landed in Johannesburg, for it is the biggest city of<br />
South Africa and known as a vibrant and dynamic<br />
place with a throbbing pulse and an awesome sense<br />
of rhythm.<br />
Johannesburg is also known as Jozi, Joburg or<br />
JHB and is the major international gateway into South<br />
Africa. There, it seems that everyone is on the<br />
move – doing business, jogging, going to the gym,<br />
cycling, enjoying life, eating out, and attending<br />
shows, movies and exhibitions.<br />
Regarding food, South Africa is triply blessed: A<br />
long and varied coastline supplies the country with<br />
an astonishing amount and variety of seafood. The<br />
fertile soils and wonderful climate work together to<br />
produce an enormous range of agricultural products.<br />
South Africa’s history has endowed the country with<br />
a population with such diverse cultural backgrounds<br />
PHOTOS: WAYNE KEET<br />
that fusion in cuisine is hardly anything new. You<br />
will find a whole range of restaurants serving<br />
anything from hamburgers to sushi, but let’s focuse<br />
on specialities: The seafood in South Africa is legendary,<br />
and is best sampled at one of the West Coast’s<br />
open air restaurants – sometimes not much more<br />
than simple shelters on the beach. As well as mussels,<br />
fish stew, grilled fish and lobster, you may be offered<br />
pickled fish – a well-loved dish which you’ll also find<br />
in some traditional Cape Malay restaurants. Other<br />
Malay specialities include fruity, spicy but not overpowering<br />
curries, the traditional fish dish smoorsnoek,<br />
koeksisters (a sweet, syrupy treat), bobotie (a spicy<br />
mince dish), and some Indian specialities, such as<br />
rotis and samosas, with a local twist.<br />
Giving just a last little advice: Bring your golf<br />
clubs as the Rainbow Country is going to make you<br />
swing! And if you would like to highlight your journey<br />
with something extraordinary beautiful, watch a<br />
performance by the Lippizaner horses on a Sunday<br />
morning, at their premises in Kyalami. There you can<br />
enjoy the precious animals which you otherwise can<br />
experience only in Austria.<br />
At the fun park.<br />
A history of sustainable growth<br />
Photo: Mondi Group<br />
Mondi is a global packaging and paper group with roots in South Africa.<br />
Like the company itself, the name Mondi is also South African in origin,<br />
coming from the Mondia whitei flower that grows in the hills near Durban<br />
where the first paper mill was located. The name was chosen to reflect<br />
Mondi’s commitment to the environment, which has only grown stronger in<br />
the 50 years since its founding. Today Mondi embeds the principles of sustainability<br />
in everything it does – from forestry, pulp and paper to sophisticated<br />
packaging for consumer and industrial use. It develops and manufactures<br />
innovative, sustainable packaging and paper solutions that answer industry<br />
trends and address global challenges. The Group employs around 26,000<br />
people at more than 100 operations in over 30 countries. It has a dual listing<br />
on the Johannesburg and London Stock Exchanges and is a member of their<br />
sustainability indices. From this solid foundation, Mondi looks forward to<br />
another 50 years of sustainable growth.<br />
www.mondigroup.com<br />
www.sappi.com<br />
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LE MONDE SOUTH AFRICA | INTERVIEW<br />
H.E. Tebogo Seokolo<br />
“South Africa is Austria‘s main trading partner in Africa.“<br />
The Ambassador of South Africa to Austria is providing insights<br />
into his country‘s economic relations and regards culture and<br />
music as a vital link between the two countries.<br />
Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />
H.E. TEBOGO SEOKOLO<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
CD: Excellency, could you please give a survey of<br />
the state of the bilateral relations between South<br />
Africa & Austria?<br />
Tebogo Seokolo: Cooperation in science<br />
and technology is one of the flagship programmes<br />
between South Africa and Austria.<br />
In 2016, the two countries concluded a<br />
Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific<br />
and Technological Cooperation in order<br />
to: (a) contribute to scientific advancement<br />
in both countries by funding<br />
researchers mobility in the frame of joint<br />
research (b) provide an opportunity for<br />
young researchers in the two countries to<br />
meet and interact (c) support the advancement<br />
of basic research and to (d) contribute<br />
meaningfully to research capacity development.<br />
What is important about this<br />
programme of cooperation is that it is<br />
jointly equally financed by both countries.<br />
Recently, in 2017, the bilateral relations<br />
between the two countries were enhanced<br />
with the visit to South Africa by Former<br />
Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and<br />
current Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz who<br />
was accompanied by a a high-level delegation<br />
of Austrian companies led by the Austrian<br />
Chamber of Commerce.<br />
Visiting each other’s countries is another<br />
key contributor to fruitful relations.<br />
We have witnessed a growing increase of<br />
Austrians visiting South Africa. In 2017, a<br />
total number of 29,6<strong>02</strong> tourists from Austria<br />
visited South Africa and this number is<br />
expected to grow with the introduction of a<br />
direct flight from Vienna to Cape Town by<br />
Austrian Airlines in October this year.<br />
South African Airways (SAA) also services<br />
the Austrian tourism market via a<br />
code-sharing arrangement with the Lufthansa<br />
Group and flies from Munich and<br />
Frankfurt to Johannesburg.<br />
In addition, there is also an intensive cooperation<br />
in the field of culture.<br />
Particularly music is one area with great<br />
potential. A number of young South African<br />
musicians, mostly in the classical genre,<br />
are placed in various institutions and<br />
opera houses in Austria. The trailblazer in<br />
this area is none other than the late indomitable<br />
Johan Botha, a South African tenor<br />
who settled in Austria in the early<br />
1990s. The high-point in the South Africa-<br />
Austria cooperation in the field of music<br />
was in 2015 the hosting of the “Tribute to<br />
Nelson Mandela Concert“ which featured<br />
both Johan Botha and Pretty Yende, supported<br />
by the Vienna Chamber Orchestra<br />
conducted by Stefan Vladar. It was the late<br />
Johan Botha’s wish to make this collaboration<br />
an annual event, alternating between<br />
South Africa and Austria - this however,<br />
was not to be. I am glad that the newly<br />
elected President, His Excellency, Mr Cyril<br />
Ramaphosa has on 28 April <strong>2018</strong> bestowed<br />
on Johan Botha (posthumously) the Order<br />
of Ikhamanga for his excellent contribution<br />
to opera music and putting South Africa<br />
on the world stage.<br />
What is the state of economic relations between<br />
South Africa & Austria - could you please give us<br />
a short overview of Austrian companies active in<br />
South Africa as well as South African investment<br />
activities in Austria?<br />
South Africa is Austria’s main trading<br />
partner in Africa. One third of Austria’s<br />
exports to Africa are with South Africa.<br />
According to the SA Reserve Bank’s<br />
Quarterly Report from December 2017,<br />
South African total direct investments in<br />
Austria in 2016 amounted to Euro 3.4 billion,<br />
while the Austrian direct investments<br />
to South Africa amounted to Euro 758 million.<br />
According to the Austrian National<br />
Bank report, Austrian total direct investments<br />
in South Africa in 2016 amounted to<br />
Euro 220 million.<br />
Mondi, whose head office in Vienna is<br />
responsible for the rest of the world excluding<br />
Africa, has invested US$ 250 million<br />
in the Austrian paper and pulp sector, including<br />
shares in Austria’s largest private<br />
company Patria Paper. In 2014, Mondi invested<br />
a further Euro 24 million in its plant<br />
in Frantschach, Carinthia. Sappi Ltd. owns<br />
a paper mill in Gratkorn, Styria. Sasol Wax<br />
GmbH has a small plant in Linz, Upper<br />
Austria. In 2013, Steinhoff International<br />
bought the furniture group Kika-Leiner. In<br />
2014, Dimension Data SA acquired 100%<br />
of the NextiraOne Austria.<br />
About 79 Austrian companies are directly<br />
involved in South Africa, of which 16<br />
have direct investment, 51 have distribution<br />
and sales offices and 12 are involved in<br />
projects, training and other services.<br />
Among the top investors are Voestalpine,<br />
Alpla, Christof Industries, Constantia Flexibles,<br />
Benteler International, Doka, Efkon/Strabag,<br />
Plasser&Theurer, Tyrolit, Andritz,<br />
Agrana, Kapsch TrafficCom and<br />
Swarovski (Tyrolit).<br />
The economy of South Africa has been catching<br />
up again in 2017, but it still has to overcome<br />
many problematic <strong>issue</strong>s of the former Zuma<br />
administration. What are the major pillars of<br />
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic strategy<br />
and his goal to attract more investments in the<br />
coming years?<br />
The President and government have announced<br />
a strong intention to attract<br />
around 100 billion US dollars worth of investments<br />
into the economy in the next five<br />
years. In this regard, later this year, South<br />
Africa will host a major International Investment<br />
Conference, which will bring together<br />
potential investors from both South<br />
Africa and abroad. Among some of the<br />
strong attributes which we believe count in<br />
on South Africa’s favour, include the fact<br />
that the country has stable institutions, a<br />
thriving democracy as well as an independent<br />
judiciary.<br />
South Africa has an advanced financial<br />
sector and a sound regulatory and legal<br />
framework. Furthermore, South Africa recognizes<br />
that to attract more investments,<br />
it needs to invest in its infrastructure. That<br />
is why in recent years, the country has upgraded<br />
and continues to upgrade its infrastructure<br />
especially in the fields of energy,<br />
road, rail and ports. South Africa has also<br />
established special economic zones which<br />
offer a range of incentives. These special<br />
economic zones are becoming manufacturing<br />
hubs thus significantly boosting the<br />
country’s export capacity.<br />
The Ambassador of South Africa to Austria, Slovakia<br />
and Slovenia also serves as the Permanent<br />
Representative to the UN and International<br />
Organisations which include among others the IAEA,<br />
UNODC, UNIDO, CTBTO and UNOOSA.<br />
48 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
49
LE MONDE 20 TH ANNIVERSARY OF ASTANA<br />
City of the future<br />
The headquarters of the oil<br />
company KazMunayGas.<br />
FACTS &<br />
FIGURES<br />
This year, Astana is celebrating its 20 th birthday.<br />
Within a very short period of time, Kazakhstan’s<br />
capital city has developed into an internationally<br />
renowned hub for politics and culture, business and<br />
the sciences.<br />
Text: Gerald Sturz<br />
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT/BOTSCHAFT VON KASACHSTAN<br />
Early morning in Astana. Slowly, the limousine,<br />
bringing the visitor from the airport to his hotel,<br />
glides through the capital city’s streets. Past<br />
towers that look like football cups, a giant pyramid<br />
and various golden monuments. Bewildered, the visitor<br />
rubs his eyes. Is what he is seeing merely a hallucination?<br />
Perhaps caused by the little sleep he managed<br />
to catch on the airplane, the early hour, the slight jetlag?<br />
Buildings are passing by him that make him<br />
think he’s found himself in some kind of futuristic<br />
city, a metropolis of tomorrow, a kind of grand, visionary<br />
project.<br />
Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital city, is indeed a modern<br />
city. Perhaps the most modern capital city in the<br />
world. And this year, it is celebrating its 20th birthday.<br />
A steppe village called Akmola used to stand in its<br />
place before President Nursultan Nazarbayev decided<br />
to move the capital from the strategically inconvenient<br />
Almaty to the north.<br />
It required an iron will, immense assertiveness and<br />
impressive resources to realise a project like Astana.<br />
President Nursultan Nazarbayev had all of this.<br />
Astana’s architectural concept is actually based on<br />
one of the President’s own ideas. He called for the development<br />
of a unique style that would harmoniously<br />
connect the cultural traditions of the East with those<br />
of the West. In fact, the architect who designed the<br />
masterplan was Kishō Kurokawa from Japan. Dozens<br />
of famous architects and hundreds of domestic and<br />
foreign construction companies participated in the<br />
building of the new Kazakh capital.<br />
On 6 July 1994, Astana was declared the new capital<br />
of Kazakhstan and in the summer of 1998, Astana<br />
was first presented internationally.<br />
This is an important date in Kazakhstan’s history<br />
as an independent nation. A new political centre was<br />
constructed right in the heart of the Eurasian continent<br />
and was ultimately declared a “World City” by<br />
UNESCO. “We can say that Kazakhstan’s capital city<br />
has been a triumph of our independence. Astana is<br />
our symbol that looks toward the future, connected to<br />
our history, culture and our worldview,” says President<br />
Nursultan Nazarbayev.<br />
Today, Astana is a modern and safe city. It is the<br />
centre of culture, education and business. Astana has<br />
also become attractive to tourists. The city boasts a<br />
unique energy. Various new and quite exceptional objects<br />
of world culture were erected here, such as the<br />
Astana Opera, the National Museum, the Palace of<br />
Astana<br />
Official name:<br />
Astana.<br />
Astana is the Kazakh word for<br />
capital city<br />
Astana is the capital city of<br />
the Republic of Kazakhstan .<br />
Population: 1,000,000. This<br />
makes Astana the second largest<br />
city in Kazakhstan after Almaty.<br />
Today, representatives from over<br />
100 nationalities live in the city.<br />
History: Astana has had many<br />
different names throughout time.<br />
The municipality that was founded<br />
in its place in 1832 was called<br />
Akmolinsk until 1961, Tselinograd<br />
until 1992, Akmola until 1998.<br />
Infrastructure:<br />
Astana is an important<br />
transportation hub. The city is<br />
located on the New Silk Road that<br />
connects China with Europe. The<br />
airport is located 15 kilometres<br />
south of the city. It is the base of<br />
Air Astana. It offers countless<br />
international connections to<br />
Europe.<br />
Economy:<br />
Most notably, Astana harbours<br />
the headquarters of the most<br />
important Kazakh state-owned<br />
enterprises. Among them are the<br />
“KazMunayGas” oil company,<br />
“GE Transportation” locomotive<br />
assembly plant and helicopter<br />
assembly plant of “Eurocopter”.<br />
The “KazakhTelecom”, the<br />
“Eurasian Resources Group”<br />
mining company and the private<br />
credit institution “Tsesnabank”<br />
also have their bases here.<br />
Astana: Kazakhstan‘s new capital.<br />
Visionary project.<br />
View of the center of<br />
Astana. In the foreground is<br />
the Baiterek monument.<br />
Nazarbayev Center.<br />
50 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
51
LE MONDE 20 TH ANNIVERSARY OF ASTANA<br />
In the evening, the sights of the city are spectacularly<br />
illuminated.<br />
Arts and entertainment:<br />
a fountain in front of the<br />
National Museum and the<br />
Khan Shatyr shopping and<br />
entertainment center.<br />
Independence, Central Concert Hall and the Kazak<br />
Eli and Máńgilik El monuments. The tower that looks<br />
like a football cup is the 97-metre-high Baiterek Tower.<br />
It is the architectural symbol of the city as well as<br />
its landmark. It is intended to symbolise the “Tree of<br />
Life”. According to an old Kazakh legend, it is the tree<br />
in whose treetop the miracle bird Samruk laid a golden<br />
egg, containing the wishes and expectations of<br />
the people – and their future. Up in the tower’s panorama<br />
sphere, one can find the open hand of the president,<br />
chiselled into marble. “Put your hand into that<br />
of the President,” the young women in the red uniforms<br />
say as they welcome visitors exiting the elevator.<br />
“Make a wish, and perhaps you will see your<br />
dreams come true”.<br />
Another iconic building in the city is the pyramid,<br />
known as the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. It<br />
was designed by the British star architect Norman<br />
Foster and is marked by its surprising formal simplicity<br />
and its elaborate and exquisite furnishing. The<br />
interior contains event halls, a theatre and exhibition<br />
rooms. Khan Shatyr, the futuristic shopping and entertainment<br />
centre, was also built in accordance with<br />
Norman Foster’s designs. It is the largest pavilionroof<br />
dome in the world. And now, another one of<br />
Lord Foster’s grandiose ideas is being realised: the<br />
Abu Dhabi Plaza. It is like a city within the city and<br />
will include Central Asia’s tallest 88-floor skyscraper,<br />
hotels, a traditional Kazakh bazar and a huge winter<br />
garden the size of a football field.<br />
But it is not just its architectural achievements that<br />
make Astana so unique. In the 20 years of its existence,<br />
the city has become a major hub for politics,<br />
business, science and research. Today, it is a major<br />
centre in the Eurasian region, hosting various forums,<br />
conferences and other events with international significance.<br />
Thus, Astana was the host of the 2010<br />
OSCE Summit, where the historical “Declaration of<br />
Astana” was signed, in which the summit’s participants<br />
emphasised the commitments, principles and<br />
values anchored within the Helsinki Final Act and the<br />
Charter of Paris for a New Europe and other documents<br />
by the organisation. Kazakhstan’s capital also<br />
held large events for the Conference on Interaction<br />
and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, the Organisation<br />
for Islamic Cooperation, the Shanghai Cooperation<br />
Organisation and the Congress of Leaders<br />
of World and Traditional Religions. Here, Kazakhstan’s<br />
experience as a multi-national and multi-religious<br />
state that has managed to maintain inter-ethnic stability<br />
is important. As is well known, this is the most<br />
important factor when it comes to ensuring a<br />
country’s security.<br />
In 2012, Astana was declared a Culture and Arts<br />
Capital of the Turkic World. This designation made it<br />
possible for the city to act as a bridge between the Eastern<br />
and the Western civilisations, as an instrument<br />
for the creation of communication between the cultures<br />
and to be a role model for tolerance. In October<br />
<strong>2018</strong>, representatives of the world religions will meet<br />
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT/BOTSCHAFT VON KASACHSTAN<br />
in Astana for the VI Congress of Leaders of World<br />
and Traditional Religions. The capital city was thus<br />
able to establish itself as a platform for peace negotiations<br />
and dialogue between the world religions of Islam,<br />
Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism<br />
and Hinduism.<br />
The most significant event, however, was the execution<br />
of the EXPO 2017 in Astana, centred around<br />
the subject of “Future Energy”. The event brought together<br />
the greatest talents and leaders from the areas<br />
of energy conservation as well as new developments<br />
and technologies to be employed for renewable energy<br />
sources — sun and wind energy, as well as hydropower<br />
— from around the world.<br />
Similarly, the Astana Economic Forum (AEF) is an<br />
annual platform for dialogue with the goal of finding<br />
effective solutions to the most important economic<br />
and social challenges of the present. The forum<br />
gathers leading statesmen, international experts, scientists,<br />
politicians, public individuals as well as representatives<br />
from various financial institutions and the<br />
business world, and is the biggest forum of its kind in<br />
Eurasia. The main organiser of the event is the Eurasian<br />
Economic Club of Scientists, which was founded<br />
in 2008 on the initiative of President Nursultan<br />
Nazarbayev as an instrument for detecting the mechanisms<br />
that could help overcome the global financial<br />
and economic crisis. Today, the association includes<br />
academics and experts, global thinkers,<br />
politicians, leaders of international organisations, re-<br />
search institutions and business representatives from<br />
over 120 countries around the globe.<br />
And thus, there will likewise be a series of international<br />
and bilateral meetings this year. One of these<br />
conventions will be the Austrian-Kazakh Economic<br />
Forum, organised in cooperation with the Austrian<br />
Federal Economic Chamber. Between 25 and 28 June,<br />
various “Green Technologies made in Austria” will be<br />
presented by regional Austrian business representatives<br />
to Kazakh partners as part of the forum.<br />
This way, Astana has managed to make a big impression<br />
on visitors, statesmen from all over the world<br />
and many decision-makers from business. Alfred Gusenbauer,<br />
the former Chancellor of Austria, put it as<br />
follows, “It is quite astonishing how Astana has managed<br />
to become such a lively city in such a short period<br />
of time. It is 20 years old. In terms of history, that’s not<br />
a long time at all. It’s a blip in time. I know of no other<br />
example where a new capital city developed as quickly<br />
as Astana.” Richard Schenz, Vice President of the<br />
Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, has also been<br />
impressed by Astana. “First, because it was a brave<br />
decision by Kazakhstan’s President to found a new capital<br />
city in a strategically more advantageous position.<br />
And second, because the city appeals to me. It has<br />
beautiful and innovative architecture. You can truly<br />
take in the works of the world’s greatest architects.”<br />
And thus, President Nursultan Nazarbayev wish to<br />
make Astana into a triumph of Kazakhstans’ independence<br />
has come true.<br />
One of the futuristic buildings of Astana is Norman<br />
Foster‘s The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.<br />
Astana has established itself as a political, economic and<br />
interreligious center of Eurasia.<br />
52 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
53
LE MONDE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - V4<br />
Ambassadors‘ Summit #7<br />
“We have similar stories and have chosen a shared path toward integration .“<br />
Founded after the fall of the Iron Curtain, the Visegrád Group consists of the<br />
Central European countries of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and<br />
Hungary. In Cercle Diplomatique’s seventh Ambassadors’ Summit, the four<br />
Ambassadors of the “V4“ countries joined the discussion about not only<br />
Europe’s migration <strong>issue</strong>s but also their hopes for their countries’ youth.<br />
Moderated by Rainer<br />
Himmelfreundpointner<br />
H.E. PETER MIŠÍK<br />
H.E. IVANA ČERVENKOVÁ<br />
PHOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
H.E. JOLANTA RÓŻA KOZŁOWSKA<br />
H.E. JÁNOS PERÉNYI<br />
PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
The Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to<br />
Austria and Permanent Representative to the<br />
UN in Vienna since October 2017, prior has<br />
served as Political Director (Ministry of Foreign<br />
and European Affairs; 2015) and Director of the<br />
Foreign Relations Department (Office of the<br />
President, 2014-2015).<br />
The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to<br />
Austria and Permanent Representative to the<br />
UN in Vienna presented her credentials this<br />
April. Before that, she has served as Deputy<br />
Minister of Chancery of the Ministry and Head<br />
of Chancery Office at the Ministry of Foreign<br />
Affairs (2015-2017).<br />
The Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to<br />
Austria also acts as Permanent Representative<br />
to the United Nations in Vienna. Before she has<br />
joined the Vienna Embassy in December 2017,<br />
she has served as CEO at the Fundacja<br />
Uniwersytecka (Branch of KUL, the Catholic<br />
University in Lublin).<br />
The Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary to<br />
Austria and Permanent Representative to the UN<br />
in Vienna took his post in December 2014. Prior<br />
to this, he has served as Hungarian Ambassador<br />
to Morocco (2011-2014) and as Councillor at the<br />
Hungarian Embassy in Paris (2009-2011).<br />
54<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
55
LE MONDE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - V4<br />
“The V4 functions within the EU and<br />
wants to contribute its part to the<br />
integration process.“<br />
CD: The Visegrád Group goes way back and was<br />
founded after the fall of the Iron Curtain. In the<br />
beginning, its activities were largely centred<br />
around questions pertaining to the economy and<br />
economic cooperation, until 1999, when the topics<br />
were further examined in depth. May I ask you for<br />
your take on the Visegrád Group?<br />
Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: The presidents<br />
of what were still three countries at the<br />
time – Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary<br />
– met in Visegrád, Hungary in 1991 in<br />
order to sign the Visegrád Declaration. It<br />
was a symbolic location, because it was also<br />
where the kings of Poland, Czechia and<br />
Hungary met in the 14th century and put<br />
aside their differences to form a pact. The<br />
declaration of 1991 set out the exact aims<br />
of the cooperation which would later become<br />
the V4. Economic collaboration was,<br />
of course, an important part of the agreement.<br />
In 1992, the Central European Free<br />
Trade Agreement was founded, though the<br />
countries’ primary motivation was the mutual<br />
support in the transformation and democratisation<br />
process, as well as the integration<br />
into the structures of the EU and<br />
NATO. Similar experience and goals<br />
brought the countries together back then<br />
and they still form part of the foundation<br />
for our cooperation.<br />
Ivana Červenková: We have similar stories<br />
and have chosen a shared path toward<br />
integration. Our cooperation is not limited<br />
to politics, but we also seek to deepen it in<br />
the areas of business and culture. Between<br />
1993 and 1997, this collaboration was not<br />
as deep as we had just separated from Slovakia.<br />
But in the years 1998 and 2004, before<br />
joining NATO and the European Union<br />
respectively, we realised that it would be<br />
better to stand for a common position regarding<br />
our interests within the European<br />
Union.<br />
János Perényi: In 1991, the primarily<br />
goal of the countries was for the Soviet troops<br />
to leave. The departure from the Warsaw<br />
Pact and the integration process into<br />
the transatlantic organisations were prepared.<br />
For a few years, our countries acted<br />
more like competitors. Cooperation was<br />
sporadic, sometimes more, sometimes less,<br />
and then became more profound again following<br />
a summit in Bratislava. Since then,<br />
one might say that the group has become<br />
stronger, and since the financial and migration<br />
crises, we have moved even closer together.<br />
Peter Mišík: In the 1990s, we were in a<br />
specific situation, and Visegrád ended up<br />
becoming incredibly important for us. In<br />
1997, the Czech Republic, Poland and<br />
Hungary were invited to join NATO, whilst<br />
Slovakia was not. We also started much later<br />
with the negotiations to join the EU.<br />
Thus, it became very important to us to<br />
maintain a good working relationship and<br />
dialogue within the Visegrád Group back<br />
then. This really helped us, especially when<br />
it came to catching up with what we had<br />
missed. Even within the EU, we look for topics<br />
where we have a common interest and<br />
try to articulate and enforce them. But it’s<br />
not just about us, about our four countries,<br />
we take a stance for common European solutions.<br />
In other words, Visegrád is not an<br />
alternative, but an instrument that should<br />
aid the European Union and make it more<br />
efficient. And this is our philosophy, too.<br />
Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: The International<br />
Visegrád Fund was created in 2000 in<br />
order to finance different projects intended<br />
to bring the V4 countries closer together.<br />
The successful activities of the V4F have<br />
shown that the Visegrád cooperation does<br />
not only take place on a political or economic<br />
level, but also on a social level. This<br />
aspect is very important to us.<br />
János Perényi: We also share this Visegrád<br />
Fund with other countries and it<br />
works fabulously. Not just within the Visegrád<br />
Group, but, for example, with the<br />
countries of the Western Balkans. I would<br />
also like to emphasise that it is completely<br />
wrong to view the Visegrád Group as an<br />
alternative or even as a rejection of the European<br />
Union. On the contrary.<br />
Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: The V4 functions<br />
within the EU and wants to contribute<br />
its part to the integration process. Despite<br />
the fact that they were forcefully<br />
separated from the European integration<br />
process for a long time, the Central European<br />
countries belong to Europe. Their citizens<br />
are Europeans. According to surveys,<br />
between 80% and 90% of Poles<br />
support their country’s membership in the<br />
EU. In the 1980s, Pope John Paul II spoke<br />
in favour of unity on the European continent.<br />
He repeatedly spoke of the two lungs<br />
of Europe, both of which are needed in order<br />
to breathe. He repeated these words in<br />
1988, before the fall of the Iron Curtain,<br />
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
even in the European Parliament, to emphasise<br />
the necessity of European integration.<br />
In many countries, especially in Germany and in<br />
many parts of the population of other countries,<br />
there is the impression that the Visegrád<br />
countries reject the EU allocation plan for<br />
refugees. And that your countries’ separate<br />
approach to the refugee question has led to less<br />
of an integration and perhaps to a somewhat<br />
separate bloc within the EU. What policies and<br />
measures are your countries pursuing?<br />
János Perényi: Let’s go back to 2015,<br />
which was a symbolic year. The migration<br />
process is a process that has taken decades<br />
in Western Europe. And the problems with<br />
multicultural societies had already started<br />
to become apparent and were, from our<br />
point of view, neglected by the Western European<br />
political system. That is our first<br />
point. We don’t want anything to be forced<br />
onto us, we want to be able to make our<br />
“We are now working on an agency that will be truly responsible for border<br />
control and we are investing a lot of money in it.“<br />
Cool head<br />
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www.konrad-partners.com<br />
56 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
LE MONDE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - V4<br />
“We are confident in Austria‘s ability<br />
to play an honest broker staking out<br />
common ground for the EU to deliver<br />
better wherever we need action at<br />
European level.“<br />
own decisions. And as per our estimate, the<br />
integration process of migrants has not<br />
succeeded in Western Europe. This is an<br />
important argument. Politically speaking,<br />
the EU’s government leaders came to the<br />
agreement in June 2015 that the allocation<br />
of migrants could only occur on a voluntary<br />
basis. Two months later, the interior ministers<br />
voted on the <strong>issue</strong>. That was unacceptable<br />
and a breach of trust.<br />
Ivana Červenková: During the era of socialism,<br />
we didn’t have a multicultural society<br />
as such. Following the fall of the Iron<br />
Curtain, we opened up and now have a lot<br />
of people from Ukraine and Vietnam who<br />
live with us and are very well integrated.<br />
But: The number one priority is to secure<br />
the external border, so that we can control<br />
who comes into our country. Quotas just<br />
aren’t a practical approach here. They split<br />
the EU states. The people who came to us<br />
wanted to continue to Germany or to Austria<br />
and didn’t even want to stay in the<br />
Czech Republic. We want to find a joint solution<br />
that is acceptable to all countries.<br />
For example, we favour aid on site, in war<br />
zones or in underdeveloped regions - with<br />
financial resources for third countries,<br />
countries of origin or migration countries.<br />
János Perényi: The inflows from the<br />
summer of 2015 were a shock to all of us.<br />
The Ambassadors‘ Summit took place<br />
at The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna.<br />
The European Union was in no way prepared<br />
for such a number of people.<br />
Peter Mišík: What became apparent was<br />
that the system wasn’t working in that particular<br />
situation. The European Commission<br />
didn’t think the problem through well<br />
enough and came up with the recommendation<br />
to solve the problem by way of migration<br />
quotas. Back then, we said that this<br />
wasn’t going to work. You cannot force<br />
people to go to this or that country within<br />
the Schengen system. That also led to that<br />
cliché that we failed to act in solidarity, because<br />
we wouldn’t accept a solution like<br />
that. Even though today, everyone knows<br />
that it just wasn’t a good solution.<br />
As a political topic, the <strong>issue</strong> of migration now<br />
wins elections in many parts of Europe.<br />
Ivana Červenková: Yes, exactly. We can<br />
see in Austria, the Czech Republic or other<br />
European countries that this is becoming a<br />
major topic.<br />
Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: Successful integration<br />
is a daunting task for all countries.<br />
Poland doesn’t shut itself off to migration<br />
or to the support for migrants. More than a<br />
million people from Eastern Europe, especially<br />
from Ukraine, but also from war zones,<br />
have come to us in the last few years. In<br />
terms of residence permits granted for<br />
work-related purposes, Poland is number<br />
one on the list and surpasses other EU<br />
member states. Poland has allocated<br />
493,000 work-related residence permits, 28<br />
EU member states in total only 847,000<br />
permits. Poland supports the immigration<br />
of people who want to work and want to<br />
integrate through work, too.<br />
Peter Mišík: Our citizens have great<br />
trust in the European Union. But the people<br />
also feel that a well-functioning European<br />
Union without adequate security is<br />
unimaginable.<br />
János Perényi: It’s why there is a great<br />
consensus among our governments, in<br />
terms of the need for efficient control of the<br />
external borders.<br />
Ivana Červenková: Exactly, this is the<br />
number one priority.<br />
János Perényi: We are now working on<br />
an agency that will be truly responsible for<br />
border control and we are investing a lot of<br />
money in it. We have around 98% agreement<br />
within the European Union in terms<br />
of what needs to be done. We aren’t of the<br />
same opinion when it comes to mandatory<br />
quotas.<br />
Could a new type of development aid be of help?<br />
Aiding development in the countries where<br />
people are coming from so that they no longer<br />
have a reason to leave? The EU’s development<br />
funds up until now, which are rather generous in<br />
comparison to the USA, don’t seem to have done<br />
much.<br />
Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: Climate<br />
change, famine and a lack of drinking water<br />
– these problems are closely interwoven<br />
with one another and should also be part of<br />
the solution. These are problems that Europe<br />
cannot solve on its own. To truly solve<br />
these <strong>issue</strong>s, we will need involvement<br />
from all continents. Personally, I am of the<br />
opinion that more should be invested in<br />
education, especially in the developing<br />
countries.<br />
János Perényi: On a global level, there<br />
are different discussions taking place<br />
around development aid – the world would<br />
end up looking really different than 20 ye-<br />
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
ars ago. The governments in Africa and<br />
Asia, for example, should do everything<br />
within their power so that young people<br />
don’t lose hope. If those governments are<br />
interested in offering their people better<br />
educations and better employment opportunities<br />
– if this is truly in their interest –<br />
then us Visegrád countries would make a<br />
great partner for them. This could lead to<br />
responsible, lasting and sustainable partnerships.<br />
What are your expectations regarding the<br />
Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU?<br />
Peter Mišík: First of all I am confident<br />
that the high-class and very experienced<br />
Austrian diplomacy will prove its qualities<br />
also during the forthcoming Presidency of<br />
the Council of the EU. Since there are<br />
very complicated <strong>issue</strong>s on the table, such<br />
as Brexit, migration or Multiannual Financial<br />
Framework 2<strong>02</strong>0-2<strong>02</strong>7, I expect the<br />
AUSTRIA CONNECT<br />
WIR BAUEN BRÜCKEN IN DIE WELT<br />
ZENTRALEUROPA<br />
LATEINAMERIKA<br />
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND<br />
GULF<br />
UNITED KINGDOM<br />
IBERISCHE HALBINSEL<br />
NORDAMERIKA<br />
CHINA<br />
“The future of any country depends on its youth. We need to invest more into<br />
excellent universities and science and we should support new ideas.“<br />
AUSSENWIRTSCHAF T AUSTRIA<br />
Vernetzen Sie sich auf unseren weltweit stattfindenden Konferenzen<br />
mit Top-Managern und Experten, den Leitern österreichischer<br />
Niederlassungen sowie Österreichern im jeweiligen Exportmarkt!<br />
wko.at/aussenwirtschaft/austriaconnect<br />
58 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
LE MONDE ROUNDTABLE<br />
DISCUSSION – V4<br />
FACTS<br />
The Visegrád Group<br />
Occasionally also referred to as the<br />
Visegrád countries and known under the<br />
term V4, the group consists of the Central<br />
European countries of Poland, the Czech<br />
Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Their name<br />
originates from the Hungarian city of<br />
Visegrád at the Danube Bend. In October<br />
1335, it was the location of a summit<br />
between the Hungarian King Charles of<br />
Anjou, Casimir the Great of Poland and<br />
John of Bohemia, who came with his son<br />
Charles (Charles later became his successor<br />
as the King of Bohemia, King of Germany<br />
and, from 1355, Holy Roman Emperor<br />
Charles IV).<br />
On 15 February 1991, a free-trade<br />
agreement was agreed upon in Visegrád<br />
between the founding nations of Poland,<br />
Hungary and Czechoslovakia in order to<br />
solve, in a cooperative manner, the<br />
common problems that followed the fall of<br />
the Eastern Bloc and the end of the Cold<br />
War.<br />
Effective on 14 May 1999, the<br />
international Visegrád Fund was founded in<br />
Bratislava with the group’s member<br />
nations. The fund is financed by all<br />
members and supports cultural projects<br />
and also awards scholarships to students,<br />
graduates and scientists for the sake of<br />
academic exchange. On the initiative of the<br />
Visegrád Fund, the international Visegrád<br />
Day is celebrated every year on 15 February.<br />
Austrian Presidency to maintain the unity<br />
of the European Union in these difficult<br />
times. I also believe in the capacity of the<br />
Austrian Presidency of the Council of the<br />
EU to come with well balanced proposals<br />
that will take into account the positions of<br />
the member states. Therefore, the willingness<br />
of the Austrian Presidency to be ready<br />
to listening to the opinions and expectations<br />
of the Member States will be very helpful<br />
and conducive towards finding compromises.<br />
Ivana Červenková: To echo my Slovak<br />
colleague, we are confident in Austria’s ability<br />
to play an honest broker staking out<br />
common ground for the EU to deliver better<br />
wherever we need action at European<br />
level. We wholeheartedly support the Austrian<br />
Presidency’s priorities, namely the efforts<br />
to make us fitter for the digital era and<br />
advance Western Balkan countries on their<br />
path toward EU membership. In line with<br />
what Chancellor Kurz declared on Europe<br />
Day, we also understand Austrian<br />
Presidency’s focus on securing external<br />
borders as a way to maintain the EU’s historic<br />
achievement of unhindered Schengen<br />
travel without border checks. Moreover, we<br />
are looking forward to Austrian Presidency<br />
adding further impetus to the Czech-Slovak-Austrian<br />
trilateral dubbed Slavkov, or<br />
Austerlitz, cooperation.<br />
What are your hopes for young people, growing<br />
up in your country?<br />
Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: As for the<br />
young generations, born in the free Poland,<br />
the biggest priorities are education, stable<br />
labour market and the standard of living.<br />
And current Poland is going in this direction<br />
consequently, overcoming the lost decades<br />
of socialism forced by the Soviet Union.<br />
The fight for freedom which was the<br />
priority for my generation, hopefully does<br />
not exist as the young people live in democracy<br />
now.<br />
Peter Mišík: The future of any country<br />
depends on its youth. Therefore it is in our<br />
utmost interest to create such conditions<br />
that will motivate the young people to remain<br />
in their own country in order to contribute<br />
to its development and prosperity.<br />
We need to invest more into excellent universities<br />
and science, we should support<br />
new ideas, innovations and create good<br />
economic and social incentives for young<br />
people and families. At the same time, we<br />
should provide the necessary framework<br />
through respecting rule of law and fighting<br />
against corruption.<br />
In the times of hoaxes and information<br />
wars we have to strengthen education that<br />
is based on critical thinking which is the<br />
source of success of our civilisation. Our<br />
young people should be proud of their<br />
countries, the European values and ready<br />
to contribute to the further development of<br />
the democratic, peaceful and prosperous<br />
European Union.<br />
Ivana Červenková: It is critical to any<br />
country’s social contract for the youth to<br />
have reason to believe they will be better off<br />
than their parents. I am happy to note that<br />
the Czech youth do, living in a country that<br />
is free, peaceful, prosperous and secure.<br />
That is not to say we cannot do more to<br />
support them. And in at least one respect,<br />
we needn’t look for inspiration any further<br />
than our neighbours. In terms of smoothing<br />
transition from school into work, we can<br />
take a cue from the Austrian dual education<br />
system to perfect our own vocational<br />
training. That Austrian example goes to<br />
show that even though our youth do very<br />
well by Europe-wide comparison, resting<br />
on laurels is no option.<br />
PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
Bild: Kästenbauer/Ettl<br />
Winzige Teilchen mit großer Wirkung<br />
Tiny Particles With Big Impact<br />
Die Partikeltherapie ist eine innovative, komplementäre Form der Strahlentherapie zur Krebsbehandlung. In Österreich kommt sie am<br />
MedAustron Zentrum in Wiener Neustadt zur Anwendung. | Particle therapy is an innovative, complementary type of radiotherapy<br />
for cancer treatment. In Austria, the therapy is available at the MedAustron center in Wiener Neustadt.<br />
Die Ionen- oder Partikeltherapie ist eine evolutionäre<br />
Form der Strahlentherapie, die vor allem<br />
für Tumoren verwendet wird, die gegen konventionelle<br />
Strahlung resistent sind oder die in der<br />
Nähe von strahlungsempfindlichen Organen<br />
liegen. Die Bestrahlung erfolgt mittels geladener<br />
Teilchen, die ihre Strahlendosis großteils im<br />
Tumor deponieren und dadurch das umliegende<br />
Gewebe besser schonen. Auf diese Weise können<br />
Nebenwirkungen und Langzeitschäden reduziert<br />
und die Strahlendosis für aggressive Tumore erhöht<br />
werden.<br />
MedAustron ist nur eines von wenigen Zentren weltweit,<br />
deren Anlage verschiedene Arten von geladenen<br />
Teilchen generieren kann: Protonen und Kohlenstoffionen.<br />
Dazu ist komplexe Technik nötig,<br />
die in enger Zusammenarbeit mit dem Europäischen<br />
Kernforschungszentrum CERN entwickelt<br />
wurde. Ein Teilchenbeschleuniger beschleunigt<br />
die geladenen Teilchen auf bis zu zwei Drittel der<br />
Lichtgeschwindigkeit, bevor diese in die Bestrahlungsräume<br />
und dort millimetergenau auf den<br />
Tumor gelenkt werden.<br />
Seit Ende 2016 werden bei MedAustron Patientinnen<br />
und Patienten behandelt, darunter auch Kinder. Die<br />
Behandlung erstreckt sich über einen Zeitraum von<br />
mehreren Wochen, in denen täglich eine ambulante<br />
Bestrahlung erfolgt. Parallel zum Klinikbetrieb werden<br />
die Behandlungsmodalitäten erweitert und die<br />
Anlage für Forschung auf den Gebieten der Strahlenbiologie<br />
und der (medizinischen) Strahlenphysik<br />
genutzt.<br />
◆<br />
Ion beam therapy or particle therapy is an evolution<br />
of radiation therapy and is mainly used for<br />
tumors which are resistant to conventional radiation,<br />
or are located in a delicate anatomical position.<br />
The therapy uses charged particles, which deposit<br />
their energy (for the most part) directly in the tumor.<br />
Thus, side effects and long-term effects can be<br />
significantly reduced, and the radiation dose for<br />
aggressive tumors can be increased. MedAustron<br />
is one of only a few centers worldwide that is able<br />
to generate two different kinds of charged particles:<br />
protons and carbon ions.<br />
In order to achieve this, complex technology is<br />
necessary, which was developed in cooperation<br />
with the European Organization for Nuclear Research<br />
CERN: a particle accelerator is used to accelerate<br />
the particles up to two thirds of the speed of<br />
light before they enter the treatment rooms, where<br />
they emit their energy directly to the tumor volume<br />
with millimeter-precision.<br />
MedAustron started treating patients, including<br />
children, in late 2016. In the outpatient clinic, patients<br />
receive one irradiation session daily over the<br />
course of several weeks. In parallel, not only the<br />
treatment modalities are being expanded step by<br />
step, but also non-clinical research is conducted in<br />
the fiels of radiobiology and (medical) radiation<br />
biology.<br />
60 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
www.facebook.com/medaustron<br />
www.medaustron.at
LE MONDE EUROPEAN YEAR OF CULTURAL HERITAGE <strong>2018</strong><br />
1<br />
Where the past meets the future<br />
In May 2017, the European Union declared the year <strong>2018</strong> as „European Year of Cultural Heritage“ (EYCH)<br />
in which 32 countries take part with a total of 10,150 events. Cercle Diplomatique presents five nations<br />
and places worth visiting and experiencing.<br />
2<br />
Text: Daniela Pötzl<br />
3<br />
4<br />
Cultural heritage is at the heart of the European<br />
way of life. It defines who we are and<br />
creates a sense of belonging” said Tibor Navracsics,<br />
the EU Commissioner for Education, Culture,<br />
Youth, and Sport, during the official launch of<br />
the EYCH last December at the European Culture<br />
Forum in Milan.<br />
The purpose of this year is to raise awareness of<br />
the social and economic importance of cultural heritage.<br />
Thousands of initiatives and events across Europe<br />
provide throughout the whole year <strong>2018</strong> the<br />
possibility to involve citizens from all backgrounds.<br />
The aim is to reach out to the widest possible audience,<br />
in particular children and young people, local<br />
communities and people who are rarely in touch<br />
with culture, to promote a common sense of ownership.<br />
According to the recent Eurobarometer survey, 8<br />
out of 10 Europeans think cultural heritage is not<br />
only important to them personally, but also to their<br />
community, region, country and the European Union<br />
as a whole. The survey also shows that 9 in 10<br />
think cultural heritage should be taught in schools.<br />
To make sure the EU efforts leave an imprint beyond<br />
<strong>2018</strong>, the Commission, in collaboration with the<br />
Council of Europe, UNESCO, and other partners,<br />
will be running ten long-term impact projects. These<br />
will include activities with schools, research on innovative<br />
solutions for re-using heritage buildings or the<br />
fight against illicit trafficking of cultural goods.<br />
europa.eu/cultural-heritage/european-year-cultural-heritage_de<br />
5<br />
PHOTOS: FOTOLIA; VISITFLANDERS.COM<br />
1 | Poland<br />
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of the<br />
country. Moreover, its historical Old Town was<br />
designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<br />
warsawtour.pl<br />
2 | Slovenia<br />
Driving on the river Ljubljanica with a boat is a<br />
marvellous experience in Ljubljana, the capital.<br />
visitljubljana.com<br />
3 | Bulgaria<br />
The capital Sofia has been an area of human<br />
habitation since at least 7000 BC.<br />
bulgariatravel.org<br />
4 | Belgium<br />
Brussels hosts the official seats of the<br />
European Commission, the Council of the<br />
European Union, and the European Council, as<br />
well as a seat of the European Parliament.<br />
visit.brussels<br />
5 | Hungary<br />
Budapest attracts 4.4 million international<br />
visitors per year, making it the 25th most<br />
popular city in the world.<br />
budapest.com<br />
62 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
63
LE MONDE EUROPEAN YEAR OF CULTURAL HERITAGE <strong>2018</strong><br />
Poland: Remembering the restoration<br />
<strong>2018</strong> is not only the European Year of Cultural Heritage. For Poland it also marks the restoration of Poland‘s<br />
sovereignty as the Second Polish Republic in 1918 from the German, Austrian and Russian Empires.<br />
Slovenia: Getting to know one‘s heritage<br />
The celebration of the European Year of Cultural Heritage will take place with numerous activities, which main<br />
events are focused on the promotion of heritage, also among young people.<br />
PHOTOS: MARTA NAE, KARL PEHERSTORFER, WARSAW RISING MUSEUM, BEIGESTELLT<br />
In November 1918, after 123 years of absence<br />
on European political maps, Poland<br />
regained its independence. This was<br />
mainly due to the perseverance and dedication<br />
of the active part of Polish society,<br />
who, during the period of servitude, passed<br />
down their allegiance to the language and<br />
national culture to new generations of<br />
young Poles.<br />
On the occasion of the 100 th anniversary<br />
of the restoration of Poland’s sovereignty,<br />
the Polish Institute in Vienna has prepared<br />
a rich program. Numerous projects are intended<br />
to commemorate these crucial<br />
events in the Polish history. The events are<br />
meant to be thought-provoking – about<br />
how independence can be understood and<br />
what an enormous importance for modern<br />
states it has, also with respect to current<br />
challenges.<br />
The promotional action „Free Pegasus“ deserves special<br />
attention. The original visual identification of EYCH in<br />
Poland has been created by Krzysztof Radoszek.<br />
The following are amongst the most important<br />
projects planned by the Institute in<br />
upcoming months to commemorate the<br />
100th anniversary of the rebirth of Poland<br />
and promote Polish cultural heritage: the<br />
scientific conference “Parliaments and<br />
Constitutions in Poland and Austria 1918-<br />
1921“, organised in June in cooperation<br />
with the Hans Kelsen Institute, the University<br />
of Vienna and the Scientific Centre of<br />
the Polish Academy of Sciences in Vienna<br />
as well as the exhibition “Fight for freedom.<br />
Warsaw Uprising 1944“ presented from<br />
July until September in cooperation with<br />
and in the seat of the Museum of Military<br />
History in Vienna. From mid-June until<br />
mid-September the gallery p_art, located<br />
at the Polish Institute Vienna, is hosting the<br />
exhibition “The Best Polish Illustrators:<br />
POSTER“, presented in cooperation with<br />
the Polish foundation SLOW. Furthermore,<br />
Poland has been chosen the guest country<br />
during this year’s edition of Austria’s largest<br />
design festival, Vienna Design Week, starting<br />
on 29 September, with most interesting<br />
works of Polish design to be presented.<br />
In Poland over 70 activities will be implemented<br />
under the patronage of European<br />
Year of Cultural Heritage. The institution<br />
responsible for supporting<br />
organisations in carrying out EYCH initiatives<br />
is the International Cultural Center in<br />
Cracow. The activities are addressed to the<br />
general public, primarily to children and<br />
youth, decision makers and representatives<br />
of the business world. The involvement of<br />
these groups in heritage protection and<br />
encouraging the cooperation of entities<br />
operating in various sectors (environmental<br />
protection, business, the cultural and<br />
creative sector, tourism, etc.) are given the<br />
highest priority.<br />
More information can be found on the<br />
official website of the Polish EYCH<br />
erdk<strong>2018</strong>.pl/en<br />
From top:<br />
Exhibition „Fight<br />
for Freedom“ at<br />
the Warsaw Rising<br />
Museum; the<br />
Polish Institute in<br />
Vienna is hosting<br />
the exhibition „The<br />
Best Polish Illustrators:<br />
POSTER!“;<br />
Poland will be the<br />
guest country<br />
during the Vienna<br />
Design Week<br />
<strong>2018</strong>; inside the<br />
and outside view<br />
of the Polish<br />
Institute Vienna.<br />
From top to<br />
bottom: The<br />
Memorial Church<br />
of the Holy Spirit<br />
in Javorca;<br />
Bled island in Lake<br />
Bled with the<br />
Pilgrimage Church<br />
of the Assumption<br />
of Maria;<br />
lovely Piran on the<br />
Slovenian adriatic<br />
coast.<br />
To enthrall and inspire young people to<br />
get interested in their heritage, numerous<br />
avtivities are carried out the whole<br />
year, like Cultural bazaar, Europe at school,<br />
the European Cultural Heritage Days as<br />
well as the Cultural Heritage Week.<br />
A traveling exhibition about the Slovene<br />
intangible heritage is visiting Slovenia‘s<br />
embassies. It features 25 cultural heritage<br />
units which are listed in the National register<br />
of the intangible heritage of Slovenia,<br />
including, for example, the Skofja Loka<br />
passion plays and door-to-door rounds of<br />
Kurenti, which both are registered on the<br />
UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible<br />
Cultural Heritage of Humanity.<br />
Lipica, home of the famous Lipizzaner<br />
horse breed from the 16th century, has also<br />
a remarkable significance as a cultural, historical<br />
and natural heritage for Slovenia<br />
and Europe.<br />
The Slovenian cultural heritage is another<br />
award richer this year. The Memorial<br />
Church of the Holy Spirit in Javorca received<br />
the European Heritage Label this year.<br />
This mainly wooden church represents an<br />
exceptional example of European cultural<br />
heritage and an architectutal pearl in an<br />
outstanding Alpine cultural landscape. The<br />
church is also included in the Path of Peace,<br />
which leads from the Alps to the Adriatic.<br />
In addition to this church, the Franja Partisan<br />
Hospital is also included on the list<br />
since 2015.<br />
One of the most beautiful towns on the<br />
Slovenian coast grew with the help of salt.<br />
The Piran salt pans, where the world-class<br />
fleur de sel (flower of salt) is still produced<br />
today by using age-old methods, were the<br />
reason why the picturesque Mediterranean<br />
walled town flourished. The old port town<br />
with remnants of a medieval wall is protected<br />
as a cultural and historical monument.<br />
Narrow streets with closely constructed<br />
houses descending from the hill and its<br />
Lipica harbours one of the oldest stud farms in the<br />
world with a tradition dating back to 1580.<br />
church to the central square on the coast<br />
emphasise its Mediterranean character.<br />
The coastal town, which developed under<br />
the influence of Venice, is considered to be<br />
one of the most authentic and most photogenic<br />
motifs on the Adriatic coast.<br />
Slovenian cultural heritage is an integral<br />
part of the “Green, Active, Healthy“ brand<br />
in Slovenia, in which movable and immovable<br />
cultural heritage with traditional and<br />
exquisite food, picturesque vineyards as<br />
well as hearty people and beautiful landscape<br />
and nature with the highest rate of<br />
biodiversity in the world.<br />
Part of the diverse natural heritage in<br />
Slovenia are spas, parks, walking and cycling<br />
trails, such as the Triglav natural park,<br />
the Kocevje virgin forrest with bears, the<br />
carstic caves of Postojnska jama with the<br />
cave-dwelling salamander Proteus and<br />
Skocjanske jame.<br />
The Ljubljana marsh nature park with<br />
prehistoric crannogs in the Slovenian capital,<br />
combines rich traditional and cultural<br />
heritage, as well as the Idrija Mercury mine<br />
world heritage site and Idrija bobbin lace.<br />
In addition, the territory of Slovenia is<br />
also rich in archeological sites such as the<br />
paleolitical flute, found in 1995.<br />
PHOTOS: FRANCI FERJAN, MARKO GREGO-TOLMINSKI, JACOB RIGLIN, ALENKA ÊTRUKELJ<br />
64 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
65
LE MONDE EUROPEAN YEAR OF CULTURAL HERITAGE <strong>2018</strong><br />
Bulgaria: A painting transfers geography<br />
The exhibition ‘European Dialogues’ marks the 70 th anniversary of the foundation of the National Gallery.<br />
During that period, it established itself as a leading cultural institute during the decades.<br />
Hungary: A unique architectural art monument<br />
The Esterházy palace in Fertőd is one of the most extraordinary historical art monuments in Hungary and is<br />
waiting for visitors in its regained late magnificence.<br />
The exhibition ‘European Dialogues’<br />
also illustrates the ‘geography’ and the<br />
intensity of the gallery’s participation in the<br />
broad spectrum of European cultural relations<br />
during this time. From over 200 presentations<br />
outside the country of collections<br />
and works owned by the gallery, 76<br />
artefacts from 40 exhibitions were selected<br />
that exemplify Bulgarian contacts with different<br />
European cultural institutions. The<br />
first exhibitions abroad were organised in<br />
the 1950s in the countries of Eastern Europe.<br />
The tendency to present Bulgarian art<br />
in all its varieties was particularly strong in<br />
the 1970s and 1980s. The exhibition of<br />
‘Vladimir Dimitrov–The Master’ in 1973<br />
was the first presentation of a Bulgarian artist<br />
at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris.<br />
During those two decades, the National<br />
Gallery displayed its collections all over<br />
Europe. Although different in character,<br />
they revealed the wealth of Bulgarian art:<br />
the National Revival print and the advanced<br />
professionalism of Bulgarian contemporary<br />
graphic artists as well as the mastery<br />
of the artists of the 1930s and 1940s.<br />
The first appearance, in 1972, of Franz<br />
von Stuck’s painting, ‘Lucifer’, in an international<br />
exhibition in Berlin, increased interest<br />
in the <strong>issue</strong>s of Symbolism and the<br />
creativity of the artist has predetermined<br />
its inclusion in numerous exhibitions even<br />
today. For ‘European Dialogues’, exhibitions<br />
and works were chosen that also reveal<br />
the changes in attitude towards the<br />
past and present – both paintings will also<br />
be presented at Haus Wittgenstein, the Bulgarian<br />
Cultural Institute in Vienna.<br />
Top:<br />
“Whitening<br />
Cloth“, by<br />
Vladimir<br />
Dimitrov<br />
(around 1930)<br />
Right:<br />
“Lucifer“, by<br />
Franz von Stuck<br />
(1890–91)<br />
After having<br />
been abandoned<br />
for 100 years,<br />
Esterházy palace<br />
is open to the<br />
public in its<br />
splendour again.<br />
From top: Outside<br />
view of the palace,<br />
the garden and the<br />
Sala terrena.<br />
The real golden age of Eszterháza was<br />
created by Nicolas Esterházy I. in the 18 th<br />
century. He visited the palace of Versailles<br />
twice in his lifetime and felt rich enough to<br />
build his own “Hungarian Versailles“.<br />
His in-house orchestra was conducted<br />
by the famous Austrian composer Joseph<br />
Haydn who spent 24 years in Eszterháza.<br />
Nicolas was the captain of The Hungarian<br />
Noble Guards. Maria Theresa, the Queen<br />
of Hungary paid a visit to Eszterháza in<br />
September 1773. When Nicolas died in<br />
1790, pomp and happy life also ended here.<br />
The palace was partially abandoned for<br />
hundred years.<br />
Around 1900, Duke Miklós Esterházy<br />
IV and his wife, Countess Margit Cziráky<br />
renovated the palace and moved into it.<br />
This time was the 2 nd golden age of the palace<br />
which then suffered additional damages<br />
during World War II. The palace was<br />
occupied by the German military headquarter<br />
and a Russian military hospital.<br />
Renovation of the ruined building began in<br />
1957, after the revolution of 1956. Today,<br />
the Hungarian state is its owner.<br />
Currently in the central part of the museum<br />
the already renovated Summer-time dining<br />
room, the sala terrena, the main dining<br />
room and the ceremonial hall, the chapel<br />
and the Chinese cabinet are visitable. The<br />
rosegarden of Countess Cziráky is located<br />
next to the french and english garden and<br />
open to the public in high season as well.<br />
PHOTOS: ESTERHÀZY PALACE<br />
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, WHITE LIGHT, LOUISE MERTENS<br />
Belgium: Flemish Masters and city reflections<br />
Flanders invites to experience two Old Flemish Masters, Peter Paul Rubens and Peter Bruegel the Elder. On the<br />
other hand, the newly opened DIVA Museum in Antwerp and Bruges Triennal <strong>2018</strong> offer new insights.<br />
This year is the year of the famous painter<br />
Peter Paul Rubens. In no other city<br />
in the world will you find as many tangible<br />
reminders of him as in Antwerp, for he<br />
spent most of his life living and working<br />
there. It was where he received his training,<br />
where he experienced family joys and sorrows,<br />
and where he welcomed princes and<br />
dignitaries as a diplomat for the Low Countries.<br />
It was also the place where he did his<br />
painting, becoming by popular acclaim,<br />
the greatest painter of his era. His presence<br />
is still keenly felt in the city.<br />
2019 sees the 450 th anniversary of the<br />
death of Pieter Bruegel the Elder. To<br />
mark the occasion the Kunsthistorisches<br />
Museum Vienna is dedicating the world’s<br />
first ever major monograph exhibition to<br />
the artist widely regarded as the 16 th<br />
century’s greatest Flemish painter, to be<br />
seen from October <strong>2018</strong>–January 2019.<br />
Clearly fascinated by nature, humanity<br />
and humour, he doesn’t quite fit the mold<br />
of one or another ‘type’ of artist. And the<br />
European Year of Cultural Heritage offers<br />
the possibility to experience Bruegel and<br />
his legacy all over Flanders and, especially,<br />
Brussels.<br />
Turning from Old Flemish Masters to<br />
contemporary times: The Province of<br />
Antwerp’s former Diamond Museum and<br />
Silver Museum have joined forces – since<br />
this May, DIVA is Antwerp’s brand-new<br />
museum for silver, jewellery and diamonds.<br />
Worth a visit is also Bruges Triennial <strong>2018</strong>:<br />
Liquid City has invited international artists<br />
and architects to reflect on how flexible, a<br />
historic city like Bruges can be.<br />
Right and below:<br />
Just opened this<br />
May, DIVA,<br />
Antwerp‘s<br />
brand-new museum<br />
for silver, jewellery<br />
and diamonds shows<br />
beauty in jewellery.<br />
Our HOtel at tHe center Of yOur jOurney<br />
66 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
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LE MONDE ESSAY<br />
Networks of Diplomats, Networks<br />
of the World<br />
MARKUS KORNPROBST<br />
holds a M.A. in Political<br />
Studies of the University of<br />
Cape Town and a Ph.D. in<br />
Political Science of the<br />
University of Toronto. Since<br />
2009, he is Professor and<br />
Chair of Political Science<br />
and International Relations<br />
at the Vienna School of<br />
International Studies. His<br />
research and teaching<br />
interests are: International<br />
Peace and Security;<br />
International Relations<br />
Theory; Political Agency and<br />
Practical Reason;<br />
Governance and Diplomacy;<br />
Nuclear Non-proliferation;<br />
Crisis Management;<br />
European Politics and<br />
African Politics.<br />
da-vienna.ac.at<br />
Diplomacy has penetrated more and more <strong>issue</strong> areas, including human rights,<br />
development, environment, health and migration.<br />
Andrew Schoultz’s painting “Crisis“ boasts<br />
many colourful lines on a black and grey<br />
background. Some of these are symmetrical<br />
and span the entire painting, almost like frames.<br />
Others are broken and look much more chaotic.<br />
They are reminiscent of whirlwinds that threaten to<br />
sweep everything into a dark hole. I suppose that this<br />
painting captures quite well how many of us think<br />
about international politics in our days: hoping for<br />
order, being bewildered by complexity, and perceiving<br />
increasing chaos. Albert-László Barabási sums<br />
this up very well: ‘We are surrounded by systems that<br />
are hopelessly complicated.’<br />
But ‘hopelessly complicated’ is a poor guide for<br />
action. More and more scientists, Barabási very<br />
much included, attempt to get at this complexity by<br />
relying on a metaphor, i.e. the network. Simply put, a<br />
network consists of nodes and ties. Seen through this<br />
lens, the internet is about webpages (nodes) and hyperlinks<br />
(ties), a power grid about generators (nodes)<br />
and transmission lines (ties), and so on. Social<br />
scientists, too, write about networks. Organizations<br />
are networks in which individuals are linked together<br />
by their daily interaction. Communication<br />
networks are constituted by channels of communication<br />
connecting actors. The small world phenomenon<br />
is a particularly interesting finding. In its popularised<br />
form, for instance the play Six Degrees of<br />
Separation by John Guare, it postulates that linkages<br />
from any person in the world to any other one, are at<br />
most six steps away.<br />
Juxtapose these insights from network theory to<br />
simplistic views of diplomacy as they often prevail in<br />
the media, among political elites and even in academia.<br />
There is the assumption that just a few militarily<br />
powerful states matter. When it comes to these few<br />
states, it is only their leaders that have agency. And, if<br />
the world is lucky, these leaders succeed to reach<br />
some kind of agreement behind closed doors about<br />
how to manage a crisis, resolve a conflict, and keep<br />
international order afloat.<br />
To be sure, this simplistic view of diplomacy as<br />
statecraft of the powerful is not entirely wrong. During<br />
a major military crisis when war and peace are<br />
at stake, the leaders of militarily powerful states tend<br />
to have plenty of agency. But there is much more to<br />
diplomacy than acute military crises.<br />
The last decades have witnessed a proliferation of<br />
diplomatic actors, <strong>issue</strong>s and processes. It is no longer<br />
just state representatives that populate the diplomatic<br />
stage. There are business and citizen diplomats,<br />
celebrity and science diplomats, music and<br />
sports diplomats, and so on. Diplomacy has penetrated<br />
more and more <strong>issue</strong> areas, including human<br />
rights, development, environment, health and migration.<br />
Diplomatic interaction patterns range from<br />
coercive diplomacy via bargaining to deliberation.<br />
More or less strategic forms of deliberation potentially<br />
reach deep. They do not just affect decisions and<br />
actions but even the understandings upon which<br />
such decisions and actions are based.<br />
Diplomatic actors spin more and more networks<br />
with more and more actors, using more and more<br />
differentiated modes of communication and aiming<br />
to control, steer, foster or even eliminate more and<br />
more networks other than diplomatic ones. To give<br />
just a few examples, diplomatic networks attempt to<br />
understand and do away with networks that constitute<br />
pandemics and international terrorism as much<br />
as they seek to grasp and foster global finance and<br />
trade networks for their advantage. Words such as<br />
‘understand’ and ‘grasp’ are to be taken seriously in<br />
this context. Given the complexities of all of these<br />
networks – diplomatic and non-diplomatic – sense<br />
making has become an ever more important challenge<br />
for diplomacy.<br />
Diplomacy has survived and remained functional<br />
to this present day because it has always succeeded to<br />
reinvent itself. It seems to me that we have again<br />
reached a point where such reinvention is necessary<br />
(and, indeed, has already begun). There are at least<br />
five reasons for drawing from the network metaphor<br />
to reflect about adaptations of diplomacy: First, thinking<br />
about network diplomacy cautions against assumptions<br />
that big events always have big causes.<br />
Networks may fall prey to cascading failures. The<br />
origins of these failures can be small and locally<br />
highly limited. But these origins then cascade,<br />
causing a major system failure.<br />
Second, the network metaphor encourages us to<br />
think more carefully about power. There is power in<br />
having ties. Note that it is not to be taken for granted<br />
that the state with the most military capabilities is<br />
also always the state with the most ties. Ties always<br />
have to be fostered. This ranges from more tangible<br />
dimensions, for example taking advantage of technological<br />
innovations, to more intangible ones such as<br />
PHOTO: DIPLOMATISCHE AKADEMIE WIEN/PILO PICHLER<br />
keeping up one’s authority and appeal.<br />
Third, the network metaphor reminds us that<br />
today’s diplomacy requires taking a host of different<br />
actors seriously. It is not just ties from foreign ministry<br />
to foreign ministry that count. Other ministries<br />
and agencies, representatives of international organizations<br />
and non-governmental actors (profit and<br />
non-profit) matter a great deal, too. They also<br />
amount to important nodes in the network; having<br />
ties to them multiplies opportunities to leave a mark.<br />
Fourth, the metaphor makes us think harder<br />
about what ties are to be put to use and how. It is, for<br />
instance, no coincidence that science diplomacy has<br />
become a buzzword. Expert knowledge moulds our<br />
grasp of the world. Having ready access to it and<br />
being able to diffuse it to a broader audience yields<br />
opportunities to exert influence.<br />
Fifth, the pace of network diplomacy is different.<br />
Once diplomats use windows of opportunity skilfully,<br />
initiatives can generate a velocity that is not found<br />
in traditional forms of diplomacy. This is tied to the<br />
small world effect. Networks can be put to use<br />
quickly to achieve a major – even global – reach.<br />
Diplomacy thus understood is anything but exclusive.<br />
It presupposes active state institutions as<br />
much as active civil society actors. It requires actors<br />
that do not shy away from acquiring knowledge that<br />
transcends academic disciplines as well as skills sets.<br />
And, perhaps most of all, it cannot work without actors<br />
who are willing to enter more open forms of<br />
communication. We’ll always disagree upon many<br />
things. Contestation is, to a considerable extent, the<br />
name of the game. But we also have a lot to figure out<br />
together.<br />
BOOKTIP<br />
Understanding International Diplomacy<br />
Theory, Practice and Ethics, 2nd Edition<br />
Markus Kornprobst<br />
First published in 2013, this book provides a comprehensive<br />
introduction to the study of international diplomacy, covering<br />
both theory and practice. This second edition has been revised<br />
and updated, with new material<br />
on such key contemporary <strong>issue</strong>s<br />
as Syria, Ukraine, migration and<br />
the South China Sea.<br />
Routledge, ISBN : 978113871734<br />
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Stadtteil Wilten am Veldidenapark.<br />
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Ihnen Spaß und Freude bereitet.<br />
“Da lässt sich`s leben!”, ist die<br />
Philosophie des Hauses.<br />
WIEN | SALZBURG | INNSBRUCK<br />
The Senior Citizens Residence is<br />
located in the Wilten district of<br />
Innsbruck next to Veldidena Park.<br />
The first-rate urban location, the<br />
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veldidenapark@seniorenresidenzen.co.at<br />
www.seniorenresidenzen.co.at<br />
68<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
LE MONDE NEWS<br />
Latest update from around the globe<br />
Text: Daniela Pötzl<br />
Grant<br />
OFID supports WHO<br />
PHOTOS:FOTOLIA, OFID<br />
Statistics<br />
Nest squatters in the EU<br />
The citizens of Malta keep living in their parents’ home for the longest<br />
time of all the countries in the EU. According to new data by Eurostat,<br />
they only left home at the age of 32.2 on average in 2017. The EU<br />
average is 26 years. The first to leave mummy’s watchful eye are the<br />
Swedes, with 21 years. With 25.2 years, the Austrians are below the EU<br />
average. After Malta, the longest nest squatters live in Croatia (31.9<br />
years), Slovakia (30.8 years) and Italy (30.1 years).<br />
ec.europa.eu/eurostat/<br />
OFID – the OPEC Fund for International Development – has signed a US$ 1 million grant<br />
agreement recently with the World Health Organization (WHO) for an initiative aimed at<br />
eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like River Blindness in seven African countries.<br />
The agreement was signed by Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, and<br />
Suleiman J Al-Herbish (picture), OFID Director-General. At the signing ceremony, Al-Herbish<br />
outlined OFID’s long-standing partnership with WHO, which dates back to 1979 and<br />
emphasized that the majority of this aid was directed to low-income African countries.<br />
ofid.org<br />
Urban development<br />
Amsterdam puts brakes on tourism<br />
According to a plan by Amsterdam’s newly elected city<br />
government, the capital city of the Netherlands wants to restrict<br />
tourism for the sake of its residents. Amsterdam’s tourism<br />
industry has been booming in the last few years. According to<br />
Amsterdam’s city government, however, the city is primarily a city<br />
for “living and working”. Tourism comes second. This is why<br />
short-term rentals are soon going to be restricted in order to<br />
prevent an increasing number of residential properties from<br />
turning into holiday apartments. Additionally, the visitor tax is<br />
going to increase starting in 2019, and measures will be pursued<br />
in order to restrict the number of hotel rooms in the city.<br />
amsterdam.nl<br />
Fund<br />
Education in emergencies<br />
The European Commission has adopted a new policy framework that<br />
aims to increase humanitarian funding for education in emergencies<br />
due to conflict, forced displacement, violence, climate change and<br />
disaster to 10% of its overall humanitarian aid budget as of 2019. The<br />
EU‘s largest ever humanitarian programme for education in emergencies<br />
worth €84 million is currently the “Conditional Cash Transfer for<br />
Education“ programme in Turkey that helps put 290,000 refugee<br />
children into school.<br />
ec.europa.eu<br />
When the sun is shining in Vienna, the desire<br />
for a place in the open air increases. Enjoy the<br />
warm days of summer with a glass of sparkling<br />
Moët & Chandon Champagne – pure, on ice<br />
or as a cocktail at the Am Hof Schanigarten on<br />
the Bognergasse, right in the heart of Vienna.<br />
Along with the champagne, small, light snacks<br />
from the kitchen are served. An absolute must<br />
for all lovers of sweet treats are the different<br />
ice cream creations – from the classic ice<br />
cream, to sherbet, to granite, each and every<br />
taste is satisfied. The Am Hof Schanigarten<br />
is open daily from 9.00am to 10.00pm.<br />
70 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
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Summer is here:<br />
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VIENNA<br />
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L'AUTRICHE<br />
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L’AUTRICHE DREHT SICH<br />
ALLES UM DEN STANDORT<br />
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BEDEUTUNG AUF DEM<br />
INTERNATIONALEN<br />
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THE NAME SAYS IT ALL.<br />
IN L’AUTRICHE THE FOCUS IS<br />
ON AUSTRIA, ITS ECONOMY<br />
AND ITS ROLE ON THE<br />
INTERNATIONAL STAGE.<br />
Rudolfi nerhaus is Austria’s most prestigious Private<br />
Hospital for international patients.<br />
The Rudolfi nerhaus Outpatient Clinic in cooperation<br />
with the Rudolfi nerhaus Centers of Excellence offers<br />
medical care at a highest international level –<br />
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Its prime location, state-of-the-art evidenced based<br />
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Rudolfi nerhaus<br />
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www.rudolfinerhaus.at
L’AUTRICHE INTERVIEW<br />
Gernot Blümel<br />
„Wir wollen eine EU, die stärker ist in großen Fragen.“<br />
”We want an EU that is stronger when it comes to big questions.“<br />
Gernot Blümel ist Minister für die EU, Kunst, Kultur und Medien. Im Interview mit Cercle<br />
Diplomatique nimmt er zum Ausbau der Breitbandkapazitäten, zur Position Österreichs in der<br />
EU und Übernahme der EU-Ratspräsidentschaft Stellung.<br />
Gernot Blümel is Minister for the EU, Arts, Culture and Media. In the interview<br />
with Cercle Diplomatique, he comments on the expansion of broadband capacities, the position<br />
of Austria in the EU and the assumption of the EU Council Presidency.<br />
Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />
„Europa, das schützt“ – könnten Sie bitte die Inhalte, die<br />
hinter diesem Motto der dritten österreichischen<br />
EU-Präsidentschaft stehen, genauer schildern? Insbesondere<br />
die Position Österreichs zum Thema legale und<br />
illegale Migration, respektive die angestrebte Mittlerrolle<br />
zwischen teils sehr unterschiedlichen Standpunkten zu<br />
diesem Thema innerhalb der EU-Mitgliedsstaaten.<br />
Gernot Blümel: Unsere Schwerpunkte sind Sicherheit<br />
& Kampf gegen illegale Migration, Wohlstand<br />
& Wettbewerbsfähigkeit sowie Stabilität in der<br />
Nachbarschaft. Das alles fällt unter das Dach des<br />
Schutzes. Genau darum geht es uns, genau das erwarten<br />
die Menschen zu Recht von der Europäischen<br />
Union. Wir wollen eine EU, die stärker ist in<br />
großen Fragen, wo sich die Bürgerinnen und Bürger<br />
zu Recht eine Antwort von der EU erwarten. Dazu<br />
zählen für mich Bereiche wie die Außen-, Sicherheits-<br />
und Verteidigungspolitik, der Schutz der Außengrenzen,<br />
Digitalisierung oder Wettbewerbsfähigkeit.<br />
Dafür sollte sich die EU in anderen Fragen<br />
zurücknehmen, die besser direkt vor Ort geregelt<br />
werden können.<br />
Der österreichische EU-Vorsitz wird zu einem<br />
herausfordernden Zeitpunkt stattfinden – BREXIT,<br />
der mehrjährige Finanzrahmen und allgemein in einer<br />
Zeit der Debatte um die Zukunft der EU. Es ist<br />
daher wichtig, in dieser Phase geeint zu bleiben. Hier<br />
braucht es eine grundsätzliche Mittlerrolle.<br />
jüngst kritisierten Rückstand beim Ausbau der Breitbandkapazitäten<br />
als zentraler Beitrag zur Qualität des<br />
Wirtschaftsstandortes aufholen?<br />
Österreich wird während seiner Präsidentschaft<br />
die wichtigsten Dossiers zum digitalen Binnenmarkt<br />
weiter vorantreiben und auch hier dem Prinzip der<br />
Subsidiarität folgen. Welche Themen können einzelne<br />
Länder und Regionen besser lösen; in welchen<br />
Bereichen braucht es gemeinsame Antworten?<br />
Die Bundesregierung hat sich in ihrem Regierungsprogramm<br />
zum Ziel gesetzt, Österreich bis<br />
Anfang 2<strong>02</strong>1 zum 5G-Pilotland zu machen und dazu<br />
bereits in den ersten Wochen eine nationale 5G-Strategie<br />
verabschiedet. Diese 5G-Strategie enthält 34<br />
konkrete Maßnahmen in den Handlungsfeldern Infrastruktur<br />
und Anwendungen, mit denen einerseits<br />
deutliche Erleichterungen wie auch Kostensenkungen<br />
des Ausbaus der digitalen Infrastruktur und andererseits<br />
die zentrale Entwicklung von 5G-Diensten<br />
und -Anwendungen unterstützt werden.<br />
Österreich kann im internationalen Wettbewerb<br />
nur dann erfolgreich sein, wenn die auf Basis der<br />
neuen Schlüsseltechnologien entwickelten Anwendungen<br />
und Dienste möglichst allen Menschen im<br />
Bundesminister Blümel<br />
bei einem Arbeitsbesuch<br />
in Straßburg, hier beim<br />
Empfang der Österreicher<br />
im Europäischen Parlament.<br />
Federal Minister Blümel at a<br />
working visit at Strasbourg,<br />
here pictured at a reception<br />
for Austrian citizens at the<br />
European Parliament.<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
PHOTOS: ANDY WENZEL/ BKA<br />
Das österreichische EU-Präsidentschaftsprogramm sieht<br />
auch die Sicherung und den Schutz des Wohlstands vor und<br />
es wurde insbesondere auf den digitalen Binnenmarkt und<br />
regulatorischen Umgang mit Internetkonzernen hingewiesen.<br />
Was steht hier konkret auf Österreichs Agenda,<br />
welche Maßnahmen sollen in diesem Bereich gesetzt und<br />
vorangetrieben werden und wie will Österreich seinen<br />
GERNOT BLÜMEL<br />
Bundesminister Gernot Blümel<br />
bei einem Arbeitsbesuch in<br />
Straßburg.<br />
Federal Minister Gernot Blümel<br />
during a working visit in<br />
Strasbourg.<br />
absolvierte ein Studium der Philosophie an der Universität Wien (Magister<br />
phil.) und der Université de Bourgogne in Dijon sowie ein Studium an der<br />
Executive Academy der Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien (MBA). Seit Jänner<br />
<strong>2018</strong> ist er Minister für die EU, Kunst, Kultur und Medien.<br />
graduated in Philosophy at the University of Vienna (Magister phil.) and<br />
the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon as well as at the Executive Academy<br />
of the Vienna University of Economics and Business (MBA). Since January<br />
<strong>2018</strong>, he is Minister for the EU, Arts, Culture and Media.<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
75
L’AUTRICHE INTERVIEW<br />
„In Sachen Brexit<br />
dürfen wir uns<br />
keinesfalls auseinander<br />
dividieren<br />
lassen.“<br />
“In terms of Brexit,<br />
we can absolutely<br />
not let any divisions<br />
among us.“<br />
Land zur Verfügung stehen, jeder an der Digitalisierung<br />
aktiv teilhaben kann und eine breite Nutzung<br />
erfolgt. Mit dieser 5G-Strategie soll bis Ende 2<strong>02</strong>0<br />
das Ziel einer nahezu flächendeckenden Verfügbarkeit<br />
mit ultraschnellen Breitbandanschlüssen (100<br />
Mbit/s) verwirklicht werden. Gleichzeitig soll die<br />
Markteinführung von 5G in allen Landeshauptstädten<br />
erfolgen. Bis Ende 2<strong>02</strong>3 sollen 5G-Dienste auf<br />
den Hauptverkehrsverbindungen nutzbar sein und<br />
bis Ende 2<strong>02</strong>5 soll das Ziel einer nahezu flächendeckenden<br />
Verfügbarkeit von 5G verwirklicht werden.<br />
In die Zeit der österreichischen EU-Präsidentschaft fallen<br />
auch die finalen Brexit-Verhandlungen und die Verhandlungen<br />
hinsichtlich des mehrjährigen EU-Finanzrahmens 2<strong>02</strong>1<br />
bis 2<strong>02</strong>7. Welche Inputs und Beiträge kann und wird<br />
Österreich bei diesen beiden Themen geben?<br />
In Sachen Brexit dürfen wir uns keinesfalls auseinanderdividieren<br />
lassen. Als EU27 haben wir mit<br />
dem EU-Chefverhandler Michel Barnier einen guten<br />
Vertreter unserer Interessen. Wie sich die Verhandlungen<br />
weiter entwickeln werden, kann niemand<br />
so genau abschätzen. Es wurden gute<br />
Fortschritte erzielt, aber es gibt – so wie die Frage der<br />
Grenzregelung zwischen Irland und Nordirland –<br />
noch einige Hürden.<br />
Der mehrjährige Finanzrahmen der EU, der den<br />
Fokus der EU für die nächsten sieben Jahre festlegt,<br />
ist ein weiteres wichtiges Thema, das uns vor allem in<br />
der Zeit unserer EU-Ratspräsidentschaft und vermutlich<br />
darüber hinaus vor besondere Herausforderungen<br />
stellen wird. Die Herangehensweise, dass<br />
eine Lücke, die durch den Brexit entsteht, einfach<br />
gestopft wird, ist für Österreich nicht die richtige.<br />
Diese Zeit der Umbrüche bietet vor allem Gelegenheit<br />
im System und an der Struktur zu sparen. Das ist<br />
der österreichische Standpunkt, den wir mit anderen<br />
Nettozahlern bereits besprechen. Anschließend wird<br />
eine gemeinsame Lösung unter den EU27 gesucht<br />
werden.<br />
Österreich gilt als Unterstützer der Westbalkan-Länder<br />
hinsichtlich ihrer EU-Beitrittsperspektive. Inwiefern und<br />
mit welchen Maßnahmen kann, will und wird Österreich die<br />
Westbalkan-Staaten auf ihrem Weg in die EU unterstützen?<br />
Wichtig ist, dass den Westbalkanländern eine realistische<br />
Beitrittsperspektive geboten wird. EU-<br />
Kommissar Hahn hält 2<strong>02</strong>5 für eine realistisch-optimistische<br />
Richtschnur dafür. Österreich wird diese<br />
Länder weiterhin bei der Annäherung begleiten.<br />
Wenn die österreichische Bevölkerung diesen Annäherungsprozess,<br />
was Rechtsstaatlichkeit, Wettbewerbsfähigkeit<br />
und Meinungsfreiheit betrifft, positiv<br />
erlebt, sehe ich kein Hindernis.<br />
Ist die diplomatische Bühne Österreich als Verhandlungsstandort<br />
durch die gescheiterte Syrien-Initiative<br />
geschwächt und inwiefern kann die EU-Präsidentschaft<br />
dazu beitragen, insbesondere den Amtssitz Wien, der bei<br />
den Bewerbungen für EMA und EBA ebenfalls nicht<br />
besonders gut abgeschnitten hat, zu stärken und zu<br />
festigen?<br />
Österreich war, ist und wird immer Brückenbauer<br />
sein, weil wir in erster Linie mit jedem den Dialog<br />
suchen. Darüber hinaus werden wir während unserer<br />
Ratspräsidentschaft auch wieder ein Ort des Dialogs<br />
sein. Nach derzeitigem Planungsstand werden<br />
13 informelle Ministerräte in ganz Österreich stattfinden.<br />
Insgesamt wird es rund 300 geplante Vorsitzveranstaltungen<br />
in Österreich und 130 im Austria<br />
Center Vienna geben. Am 19. Juni wird auch die<br />
Präsidentenkonferenz des Europäischen Parlaments<br />
in Wien stattfinden. Außerdem ist es natürlich auch<br />
wichtig auf politischer Ebene Menschen zu verbinden.<br />
Sie sind auch für ein kulturelles Rahmenprogramm, das Österreichs<br />
EU-Präsidentschaft begleiten soll, verantwortlich.<br />
Was werden die Highlights und herausragenden Angebote<br />
in dieser Hinsicht sein?<br />
Der österreichische Ratsvorsitz ist für uns eine<br />
Gelegenheit, den Ruf Österreichs als Kunst- und<br />
Kulturnation weiter zu festigen. Es gibt nicht viele<br />
PHOTOS: ANDY WENZEL/ BKA, DRAGAN TATIC<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
Bereiche, in denen Österreich Weltspitze ist – Kunst<br />
& Kultur ist aber einer davon.<br />
Das kulturelle Rahmenprogramm wird ein breites<br />
Spektrum aus unterschiedlichen Bereichen abdecken:<br />
Von der Musik über die bildende bis zur darstellenden<br />
Kunst. Besondere Highlights sind dabei<br />
das Konzert der Wiener Philharmoniker in Brüssel<br />
und die Belvedere-Ausstellung „Beyond Klimt. New<br />
Horizons in Central Europe 1914-1938“ im Palais<br />
des Beaux-Arts de Bruxelles (BOZAR).<br />
”A Europe that protects“ — could you please elaborate on<br />
the content behind the theme of the third Austrian EU<br />
Presidency? Especially Austria’s position in regard to legal<br />
and illegal immigration, considering the aspired middle way<br />
within the sometimes very conflicting viewpoints on the<br />
subject among EU member states.<br />
Gernot Blümel: Our focus is security and the<br />
fight against illegal migration, prosperity and competitiveness,<br />
as well as stability in the region. All of<br />
this falls under protection. This is what matters most<br />
to us and in fact this is what people rightfully expect<br />
of the European Union. We want an EU that is stronger<br />
when it comes to big questions where citizens<br />
rightfully expect an answer from the EU. For me, this<br />
includes areas such as foreign policy, security and<br />
defence, the protection of external borders, digitalisation<br />
or competitiveness. On the other hand, it<br />
would be best for the EU to retreat in cases where it<br />
may be better to handle <strong>issue</strong>s on a more local level.<br />
The Austrian EU Presidency will also take place<br />
during a rather challenging period - Brexit, the Multiannual<br />
Financial Framework of the EU and the debate<br />
about the future of the EU in general. Thus, it is<br />
important to remain unified during times like this. A<br />
mediating role is essential here.<br />
The programme of the Austrian EU Presidency also has<br />
security and the protection of prosperity on the agenda and<br />
there has been a special focus on the digital domestic market<br />
and the regulation of internet companies. What concrete<br />
actions is Austria planning, what measures should be taken<br />
in this area and how is Austria going to catch up in terms of<br />
the recently criticised lag in the extension of its broadband<br />
network as a key component in the quality of the overall<br />
economic state?<br />
Throughout its Presidency, Austria will continue<br />
to promote the most important dossiers concerning<br />
the digital domestic market and suggest additional<br />
subsidiaries in this sector. What <strong>issue</strong>s are better<br />
tackled by the individual provinces and regions?<br />
Which <strong>issue</strong>s require joint initiatives?<br />
The Federal Government has made it part of its<br />
governing programme to make Austria a 5G pilot<br />
country by the beginning of 2<strong>02</strong>1 and has already<br />
passed a national 5G strategy within its first weeks of<br />
governing. This 5G strategy contains 34 concrete<br />
measures in the areas of infrastructure and application<br />
which will, on the one hand, significantly simplify<br />
and reduce the costs of the expansion of the digital<br />
infrastructure and, on the other hand, support the<br />
centralised development of 5G services and applications.<br />
Austria will only be successful in international<br />
competition if the applications and services developed<br />
based on the new key technologies are available<br />
to all of the people in the country, when everyone<br />
can actively participate in the process of digitalisation<br />
and broad usership follows. With this 5G strategy,<br />
nearly total coverage of ultra-fast broadband connections<br />
(100 Mbit/s) is envisioned by the end of<br />
2<strong>02</strong>0. By the end of 2<strong>02</strong>3, 5G services are to become<br />
available across the main traffic connections and by<br />
the end of 2<strong>02</strong>5, the goal of nearly total 5G coverage<br />
is to be realised.<br />
Minister Gernot Blümel (2.v.r.) bei der Pressekonferenz zur EU-<br />
Ratspräsidentschaft Österreichs, mit Bundeskanzler Sebastian Kurz<br />
(Mitte) und Ministerin Karin Kneissl, im heurigen März in Wien.<br />
Minister Gernot Blümel (2nd from r.) at the press conference on the EU<br />
Council Presidency of Austria, with Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz<br />
(middle) and Minister Karin Kneissl, this March in Vienna.<br />
76 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
77
L’AUTRICHE INTERVIEW<br />
„Österreich war,<br />
ist und wird immer<br />
Brückenbauer sein.“<br />
“Austria has been,<br />
is and will always be<br />
a builder of bridges.“<br />
be around 300 planned council events in Austria and<br />
130 at the Austria Centre Vienna. On 19 June, the<br />
Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament<br />
will also be hosted by Vienna. It goes without<br />
saying that it is also important to connect on a political<br />
level.<br />
You are also responsible for a cultural framework that<br />
Austria’s EU Presidency is set to accompany. What are going<br />
to be the highlights and the most significant offers here?<br />
The Austrian Council Presidency is an opportunity<br />
for us to further cement Austria’s reputation as<br />
an art and culture nation. There aren’t many areas<br />
where Austria leads the world – but art & culture is<br />
certainly one of them.<br />
The cultural framework will cover a broad spectrum<br />
of various themes: from music to the visual and<br />
the performance arts. Special highlights will be the<br />
concert by the Vienna Philharmonic in Brussels and<br />
the Belvedere exhibition “Beyond Klimt. New Horizons<br />
in Central Europe 1914-1938“ at the Palais des<br />
Beaux-Arts de Bruxelles (BOZAR).<br />
Bundesminister Gernot Blümel startete sein Arbeitsjahr diesen<br />
Jänner mit einer Reise nach Brüssel, im Bild beim Presse-Statement.<br />
Federal Minister Gernot Blümel started his working year with a trip to<br />
Brussels this January, pictured while the press statement.<br />
During the Austrian EU Presidency, we will see the Brexit negotiations<br />
as well as the negotiations pertaining to the Multiannual<br />
Financial Framework from 2<strong>02</strong>1 to 2<strong>02</strong>7. What inputs<br />
and contributions will Austria make concerning these two<br />
subjects?<br />
In terms of Brexit, we can absolutely not let any<br />
divisions arise among us. As the EU27, we have EU<br />
Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier on our side to represent<br />
our interests. Nobody can say how exactly<br />
the negotiations are going to play out. Good progress<br />
has been made, however, there are still several obstacles<br />
left, such as the border between Ireland and<br />
Northern Ireland.<br />
The Multiannual Financial Framework of the EU,<br />
which will determine the EU’s focus for the next seven<br />
years, is an additional important subject, and<br />
will likely pose as a special challenge, particularly<br />
during our EU Council Presidency. The approach of<br />
assuming that the gap created through Brexit can<br />
simply be plugged is not shared by Austria. This current<br />
period of upheaval provides the opportunity to<br />
make savings both in terms of the system as well as<br />
the structure.<br />
This is Austria’s view, which we are already discussing<br />
with all the remaining net contributors. Subsequently,<br />
we will look for a joint solution among the<br />
EU27.<br />
Austria is considered a supporter of the Western Balkan<br />
countries in regard to their EU membership accession. To<br />
what extent and through what measures will Austria give<br />
support to the countries of the Western Balkans on their path<br />
toward EU accession?<br />
What is important is that the countries of the<br />
Western Balkans are offered a realistic chance for<br />
membership. EU Commissioner Hahn sees 2<strong>02</strong>5 as a<br />
realistic and optimistic guide. Austria is going to<br />
continue to support these countries in their rapprochement.<br />
If the Austrian population sees this rapprochement<br />
process as a positive factor in terms of the<br />
rule of law, competitiveness and freedom of expression,<br />
then I don’t see any obstacles.<br />
Has Austria’s image as a diplomatic stage and centre for<br />
negotiation been weakened by the failed Syria initiative? And<br />
to what extent can the EU Presidency contribute to<br />
improving the situation, especially in regard to Vienna as a<br />
headquarter city, as it didn’t do particularly well when it<br />
came to the applications to host EMA and EBA?<br />
Austria has been, is and will always be a builder of<br />
bridges, for we always strive for dialogue with everyone<br />
first. Additionally, we will, once again, be a hub<br />
for dialogue during our Council Presidency. As per<br />
current planning, 13 informal councils of ministers<br />
are set to take place across Austria. In total, there will<br />
PHOTOS: ANDY WENZEL/ BKA<br />
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78 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
L’AUTRICHE LEGAL SYSTEM<br />
Christian W. Konrad<br />
„Wien bietet internationale Standards in Sachen Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit.“<br />
“When it comes to arbitration, Vienna is on par with international standards.”<br />
Der Wiener Rechtsanwalt macht sich für Österreichs Hauptstadt als<br />
Mittelpunkt für internationale Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit stark.<br />
The Viennese lawyer takes a stance in favour of Austria’s capital city<br />
as a hub for international arbitration.<br />
Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />
PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
Beschreiben Sie doch bitte zuerst Ihr umfassendes<br />
Tätigkeitsfeld.<br />
Christian W. Konrad: Wir sind als<br />
Kanzlei seit fast zehn Jahren am Markt und<br />
haben uns vom ersten Moment an auf internationale<br />
Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit spezialisiert.<br />
Internationale Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit<br />
ist eine alternative Streitbeilegung<br />
außerhalb staatlicher Gerichte. Schiedsgerichte<br />
sind international immer stärker im<br />
Kommen, ich sehe da einen ganz klaren<br />
Trend in der Wirtschaft.<br />
Wie laufen solche Fälle ab?<br />
Schiedsverfahren gibt es in unterschiedlichen<br />
Ausformungen. Eine breite Unterscheidung<br />
wäre zum einen zwischen der<br />
klassischen Handelsschiedsgerichtsbarkeit<br />
und zum anderen der Investitionsschiedsgerichtsbarkeit.<br />
Bei der einen tragen zwei<br />
Vertragsparteien zumeist eine kommerzielle<br />
Streitigkeit aus einem Vertrag aus. Bei<br />
der anderen begehrt ein privater Investor<br />
Rechtsschutz gegen einen Gaststaat in dem<br />
eine erhebliche Investition getätigt wurde.<br />
Denke Sie aber auch an die Verfahren zwischen<br />
Staaten selbst in denen etwa Landesgrenzen<br />
oder Wasserreserven in Streit stehen.<br />
Welche Rolle haben Sie dabei?<br />
Einerseits bieten wir unsere Dienste als<br />
klassische Parteienvertreter an, das bedeutet,<br />
wenn unsere Mandanten Ansprüche<br />
durchsetzen und vollstrecken wollen oder<br />
sich auch entsprechend zur Wehr setzen<br />
müssen. Aber ich stehe auch persönlich als<br />
Schiedsrichter in solchen Streitfällen zur<br />
Verfügung. Für mich ist es ein Herzensanliegen,<br />
dass wir die Vorteile der Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit<br />
bekannt und erkennbar machen.<br />
Ich bin fest davon überzeugt, dass<br />
dies der Streitbeilegungsmechanismus der<br />
Zukunft ist. Und es ist mir wichtig, Wien<br />
und seine Bedeutung als einen Sitz für solche<br />
Verfahren herauszustreichen.<br />
Wie schlägt sich Wien als Standort für<br />
Schiedsgerichte?<br />
Wien steht in großer Konkurrenz zu anderen<br />
bekannten Schiedsorten. Die<br />
Schweiz gilt schon seit Jahren als beliebter<br />
Ort für die Austragung von Schiedsverfahren.<br />
Von den europäischen Städten liegt<br />
London (trotz Brexit) immer noch gut im<br />
Rennen. Zu erwähnen ist dann natürlich<br />
auch Paris, mit der ICC, der Internationalen<br />
Handelskammer, die dort ihren Hauptsitz<br />
hat. Aber ich glaube, dass Wien es geschafft<br />
hat, in den vergangenen Jahren von<br />
sich reden zu machen.<br />
Wo liegen die Stärken der Stadt?<br />
Erstens - und das ist der juristische Gesichtspunkt<br />
- hat man einen intelligenten<br />
und modernen gesetzlichen Rahmen geschaffen.<br />
Die großen Schiedsrechtsnovellen<br />
im Jahr 2006 und 2013 haben dazu geführt,<br />
dass wir das juristische Grundgerüst,<br />
das es für solche Verfahren braucht, auf<br />
einen internationalen Standard gebracht<br />
haben. Dabei ist vor allem die Beseitigung<br />
des dreigliedrigen Instanzenzuges für Aufhebungsklagen<br />
zu nennen. Seit der 2013<br />
Novelle besteht fast durchgängig eine<br />
exklusive Zuständigkeit des Obersten<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
CHRISTIAN W. KONRAD<br />
80 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
ist österreichischer Rechtsanwalt, Englischer Solicitor und Euroadvokat in der Slowakei und der<br />
Tschechischen Republik. Seine Spezialgebiete sind Wirtschaftsrecht, internationales Recht und<br />
internationale Handels- und Investitionsschiedsgerichtsbarkeit. Seine Kanzlei „Konrad & Partners“<br />
hat neben Wien auch Büros in Prag, Bratislava, Skopje und London.<br />
is an Austrian Rechtsanwalt, a Solicitor of England and Wales and admitted as Euroadvokat in the<br />
Slovak Republic and Czech Republic. He specializes in commercial & corporate law, public<br />
international law and international commercial and investment arbitration. Next to Vienna, his law<br />
firm “Konrad & Partners“ also has offices in Prague, Bratislava, Skopje and London.<br />
konrad-partners.com<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
81
L’AUTRICHE XYXY<br />
„Schiedsgerichte müssen<br />
internationales Recht schaffen.“<br />
”Arbitration courts must abide by<br />
international law.”<br />
Der Rechtsanwalt Christian W. Konrad (rechts) von<br />
„Konrad & Partners“ im CD-Interview.<br />
The lawyer Christian W. Konrad (right) from<br />
“Konrad & Partners“ in the interview with CD.<br />
Gerichtshofes bei Fragen zur Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit.<br />
Das spart Zeit und Kosten.<br />
Zusätzlich hat Österreich es insgesamt geschafft,<br />
sich innerhalb der europäischen<br />
Konkurrenz von Schiedsplätzen zu behaupten.<br />
Dies fördert ganz besonders auch<br />
die Spezialisierung der hier tätigen Rechtsanwaltskanzleien.<br />
Auch die privaten und<br />
öffentlichen Universitäten in Österreich<br />
haben auf diese Entwicklung reagiert und<br />
bieten spezielle internationale Ausbildungen<br />
in diesem Rechtsgebiet an.<br />
Schiedsgerichte sind medial gerade rund um das<br />
Handelsabkommen TTIP immer wieder heftig<br />
kritisiert worden. Zu Unrecht?<br />
Dass sich multinationale Konzerne<br />
Rechtsprechung untereinander ausmachen<br />
und dann Staaten unter Druck setzen können,<br />
entspricht nicht den Tatsachen.<br />
Investitionsschiedsgerichtsbarkeit hat<br />
mit Intransparenz überhaupt nichts zu tun.<br />
Diese Verfahren werden sogar meist unter<br />
Beteiligung der interessierten Öffentlichkeit<br />
geführt. Der Vorwurf, dass Staaten immer<br />
mehr den Interessen privater Investoren<br />
dienen und regelmäßig horrende<br />
Schadenersatzforderungen zu bedienen<br />
haben, ist haltlos. Da reicht ein Blick in die<br />
Statistik: Staaten sind in der Mehrzahl der<br />
Fälle die Gewinner solcher Verfahren,<br />
nicht die Verlierer. Diese Schiedsgerichte<br />
müssen natürlich auch internationales<br />
Recht schaffen. Hier ist ein Ausgleich zu<br />
finden zwischen den legitimen Interessen<br />
und Erwartungen ausländischer Investoren<br />
und denen eines Staates.<br />
Kommen eigentlich alle Schiedsrichter aus dem<br />
Rechtsbereich?<br />
Durchaus nicht. Gerade internationale<br />
Diplomaten werden zusehend gerne als<br />
Schiedsrichter benannt. Ich nehme an, weil<br />
man ihnen natürlich auch ein gewisses<br />
Vermittlungsgeschick nahelegt. Auch als<br />
Zeugen habe ich namhafte Würdenträger<br />
Auswärtiger Dienste persönlich schon erlebt,<br />
vor allem bei Investitionsschutzfällen.<br />
Und vergessen Sie nicht, dass gewisse internationale<br />
Organisationen die Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit<br />
für interne Streitigkeiten verwenden,<br />
wenn sie diese bewusst nicht vor<br />
nationalen Gerichten austragen wollen. Ich<br />
bin mir sicher, dass viele Ihrer Leserinnen<br />
und Leser damit schon einmal Erfahrungen<br />
machen konnten.<br />
CD: Please begin by briefly describing the range<br />
of your work-related activities.<br />
Christian Konrad: We have been active<br />
as a law firm for nearly ten years and<br />
have specialised in international arbitration<br />
from the very beginning. International<br />
arbitration is an alternative form of dispute<br />
resolution, outside of the official court system.<br />
Arbitration courts are gaining traction<br />
internationally, and I can see a clear<br />
trend in the business world.<br />
What do those kinds of cases look like?<br />
There are different types of arbitration<br />
cases. One distinctive difference would be<br />
between classic commercial arbitration<br />
and, on the other hand, investment arbitration.<br />
In the case of the former, two contracting<br />
parties settle a usually commercial dispute<br />
on the basis of a contract. In the case<br />
of the latter, a private investor requests legal<br />
protection against a host country where<br />
a significant investment has been made.<br />
There are also legal proceedings between<br />
two countries, where national borders or<br />
water reserves may be the subjects of the<br />
dispute.<br />
What role do you play in all of this?<br />
On the one hand, we offer our services<br />
as a classic counsel, in other words, we assist<br />
our clients if they seek to assert and<br />
enforce claims or must defend themselves.<br />
However, I am also personally available as<br />
an arbitrator in such cases. It is very important<br />
to me that we raise awareness about<br />
the benefits of arbitration. I am convinced<br />
that this is the dispute resolution mechanism<br />
of the future. And it is just as important<br />
to me to emphasise Vienna and its significance<br />
as a seat for such proceedings.<br />
How does Vienna compete as a hub for arbitration<br />
courts?<br />
Vienna is in strong competition with<br />
other known arbitration seats. Switzerland<br />
has been a popular destination for arbitra-<br />
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
tion proceedings for many years. Among<br />
European cities, London (despite Brexit)<br />
still remains a popular choice. Paris must,<br />
of course, also be mentioned, with the ICC,<br />
the International Chamber of Commerce,<br />
which has its headquarters there. But I believe<br />
that Vienna has been able to expand<br />
its reputation in the past few years.<br />
What are some of the city’s main strengths?<br />
First – and this is the legal aspect – an<br />
intelligent and modern legal framework is<br />
present. The big arbitration law amendments<br />
from the years 2006 and 2013 have<br />
led to the legal framework required for<br />
such cases having been elevated to an international<br />
level. What should be highlighted<br />
especially is the elimination of the tripartite<br />
court system for annulments. Since the<br />
2013 amendment, the supreme court is almost<br />
exclusively responsible for questions<br />
concerning arbitration. This saves time and<br />
money. Additionally, Austria has managed<br />
to assert itself against its European arbitration<br />
competitors. This promotes specialisation<br />
among the active law firms here. Private<br />
and public universities in Austria have<br />
also responded to this development and are<br />
beginning to offer special international<br />
education and training in this legal area.<br />
www.wohntraum-hietzing.at<br />
Arbitration courts have been heavily criticised in<br />
the media, especially in terms of the TTIP trade<br />
agreement. Unfairly so?<br />
The notion that multinational corporations<br />
are settling dispensation of justice<br />
among one another and then pressuring<br />
governments does not conform to reality.<br />
Investment arbitration has nothing to<br />
do with a lack of transparency. These proceedings<br />
are usually even held with the attendance<br />
of interested members of the public.<br />
The accusation that governments are<br />
merely serving the interests of private investors<br />
and simultaneously have to pay<br />
massive damage claims is baseless. All that<br />
is needed is a look at the statistics. Governments<br />
tend to be the winners of such proceedings,<br />
not the losers. Naturally, these<br />
arbitration courts must abide by international<br />
law, too. Here, a balance needs to be<br />
found between the legitimate interests and<br />
expectations of foreign investors and those<br />
of governments.<br />
Do all arbitrators come from a legal background?<br />
Not at all. International diplomats in<br />
particular are often chosen as arbitrators.<br />
I assume that this is the case because of<br />
their diplomatic and mediating abilities.<br />
I have also seen notable dignitaries from the<br />
diplomatic service acting as witnesses, especially<br />
in investment protection cases. And<br />
don’t forget that certain international organisations<br />
are using arbitration for internal<br />
disputes, especially if they don’t want to resolve<br />
them through their national courts.<br />
I am certain that many of your readers will<br />
have had some experience with this.<br />
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82 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
L’AUTRICHE HONORARY DUTY<br />
Heinrich Schaller<br />
„Wir werden in Tschechien als Freunde gesehen.“<br />
”In the Czech Republic, we are regarded as friends.“<br />
FACTS &<br />
FIGURES<br />
Der Chef der Raiffeisenlandesbank<br />
Oberösterreich ist Honorarkonsul für<br />
Tschechien und plädiert für den Ausbau<br />
der S 10 nach Böhmen.<br />
The head of the Raiffeisenlandesbank<br />
Oberösterreich is an Honorary Consul for<br />
the Czech Republic and makes the case<br />
for the expansion of the S 10 to Bohemia.<br />
Text: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />
Am 10. März 2017 erhielt Heinrich Schaller,<br />
Generaldirektor der Raiffeisen Landesbank<br />
Oberösterreich AG das Dekret, als Honorarkonsul<br />
für Tschechien in Linz tätig zu werden. Er<br />
setzt damit eine mehrfache Tradition fort. Schon sein<br />
Vorgänger Ludwig Scharinger war dies 23 Jahre lang.<br />
Und zweitens war in den Jahren vor 1989 der Grenz-<br />
Vorhang zwischen Oberösterreich und Südböhmen<br />
nicht ganz so eisern wie es aussah. Vor allem die Bauern<br />
kauften – für die Mühlviertler Brauereien - Hopfen<br />
in Südböhmen, und gut versteckt in diesen Hängern<br />
gab es auch einen „informellen Waren-Handel“<br />
über Stacheldraht und Befestigungen hinweg …<br />
Am 2. Dezember 1989 gingen auch an der 133 Kilometer<br />
langen Grenze Oberösterreichs zur damaligen<br />
Tschechoslowakei die Grenzbalken endgültig<br />
hoch. Dass sich Industrie-Regionen wie Tschechien<br />
und Oberösterreich gut verstehen werden, war von<br />
vorne herein klar. 1991 eröffnete die Raiffeisen Landesbank<br />
Oberösterreich ihre erste Filiale in Budweis.<br />
„Wir werden in Tschechien als Freunde gesehen“,<br />
sagt Heinrich Schaller heute. Als Investor ist Österreich<br />
Nummer 2 in Tschechien, 14 Prozent aller<br />
Auslands-Investitionen kommen aus Österreich<br />
(Nummer 1 sind die Niederlande, aber auch unter<br />
deren Holdings befinden sich österreichische Unternehmen).<br />
Dass sich der Banker Schaller daher vor<br />
allem als „Wirtschafts-Konsul“ betrachtet, kann wenig<br />
verwundern. Zwar unterstützt das Konsulat, das<br />
ein Büro in der Linzer Zentrale der Raiffeisenbank<br />
betreibt, nach wie tschechische Staatsbürger, die<br />
konsularische Hilfe benötigen, aber der Hauptaugenmerk<br />
liegt in der Verbreiterung der wirtschaftlichen<br />
Zusammenarbeit. Schallers Lieblingsprojekt:<br />
Die sogenannte „S 10“, eine Schnellstraße, die von<br />
Linz kommend derzeit in Freistadt (37 Kilometer<br />
PHOTOS: ERWIN WIMMER, MICHAEL STROBL, FOTOLIA/ RALF WERNER FROELICH, WIKIPEDIA<br />
Seit März 2017 ist Heinrich Schaller Honorarkonsul.<br />
Since March 2017, Heinrich Schaller is Honorary Consul.<br />
nördlich von Linz) endet. „Der Ausbau würde den<br />
Handel mit Böhmen beschleunigen. Es geht mir vor<br />
allem darum, die Verkehrswege zu stärken, das würde<br />
auch Betriebsansiedlungen beiderseits der Staatsgrenze<br />
erleichtern“, sagte Schaller. Die Investition für<br />
die paar Kilometer zur Grenze auf österreichischer<br />
Seite wären – so Schaller – „überschaubar“. Die Planungen<br />
auf tschechischer Seite sind hingegen nicht<br />
so leicht zu durchschauen. „Mir wurde von tschechischer<br />
Seite gesagt, es gibt Überlegungen, vielleicht<br />
auch Planungen“, so Schaller.<br />
Von Freistadt ins böhmische Budweis sind es 58<br />
Straßenkilometer, also auch nicht die Welt. Eine<br />
schnelle Verbindung zwischen Linz und Budweis<br />
würde wohl wirtschaftlich einen ähnlichen Effekt<br />
haben wie die legendäre Pferde-Eisenbahn zwischen<br />
beiden Städten, die um 1830 errichtet wurde, und<br />
Salz nach Norden karrte – viele Händler und Fabrikanten<br />
folgten. Diese Pferdeeisenbahn war die zweite<br />
Eisenbahnstrecke, die auf europäischen Festland<br />
errichtet worden war. In den 1870er Jahren wurde<br />
die Strecke unter Dampf gesetzt.<br />
„Im Herbst <strong>2018</strong>“, sagt Schaller, „soll in der österreichischen<br />
Botschaft in Prag für Raiffeisen Oberösterreich<br />
ein Empfang organisiert werden, bei dem<br />
sich österreichische und tschechische Unternehmer,<br />
Manager und Politiker austauschen können.“<br />
Denn die RLB OÖ, wie das bekannte Firmenkürzel<br />
lautet, ist nicht nur noch mit 25 Prozent an der<br />
tschechischen Raiffeisen-Tochter beteiligt, sondern<br />
betreibt selbst noch eine Leasing- und Immobilien-<br />
Gesellschaft in Tschechien.<br />
Politisch will Schaller zu den Unbilden der tschechischen<br />
Regierungsbildung „keine Wertung vornehmen.<br />
Aber eine lange Zeit ohne Regierung ist in<br />
keinem Land positiv.“ Dafür sieht er wirtschaftspolitisch<br />
Tschechien ebenso als Freund.<br />
Angesprochen auf die Beteiligung der tschechischen<br />
Sazka-Gruppe an den Casinos Austria meint<br />
der Honorarkonsul lakonisch: „Warum sollten<br />
Tschechen nicht als Investor in Österreich auftreten?<br />
Heimische Unternehmen haben das umgekehrt ja<br />
auch gemacht.“<br />
Eine kluge diplomatische Antwort, wie es einem<br />
Honorarkonsul geziemt …<br />
1991 eröffnete die<br />
Raiffeisen Landesbank<br />
OÖ ihre erste Filiale in<br />
Budweis.<br />
In 1991, Raiffeisen<br />
Landesbank Upper Austria<br />
opened its first branch in<br />
České Budějovice.<br />
Wirtschaftswunder Tschechien | The Czech Republic, an<br />
economic miracle<br />
Ein Wirtschaftswachstum von 4,5 Prozent, eine Arbeitslosenrate von 2,9 Prozent,<br />
Exportwachstum zirka neun Prozent: Tschechiens Wirtschaftsdaten für 2017 erinnern an<br />
längst vergangene Wirtschaftswunder-Daten. Tatsächlich brummt die Wirtschaft in Tschechien,<br />
das Lohnwachstum für qualifizierte Mitarbeiter lag 2017 bei 15 Prozent – und die<br />
Inflationsrate bei 2,5 Prozent. Das Bruttoinlandsprodukt pro Kopf lag bei 37.150 Dollar, das<br />
Land hat 10,6 Millionen Einwohner. Die Wirtschaftsbeziehungen zwischen Tschechien und<br />
Österreich entwickeln sich dementsprechend. Die Gesamtexporte nach Tschechien stiegen<br />
2017 um 9,9 Prozent, die Gesamtimporte um neun Prozent. Beide liegen um 6,4 Milliarden<br />
Euro. Tschechien ist damit der sechstgrößte Handelspartner Österreichs. Österreich ist mit<br />
Direktinvestitionen in Umfang von 13 Milliarden Nummer 2 als Auslandsinvestor. Österreichische<br />
Unternehmen beschäftigen in Tschechien 95.000 Mitarbeiter. Für <strong>2018</strong> ist ein Rückgang<br />
des Wachstums auf 3,6 Prozent prognostiziert, gleichzeitig sinkt die Arbeitslosenrate weiter.<br />
Das Fehlen qualifizierter Arbeitskräfte ist in Tschechien mittlerweile ein ökonomisches<br />
Problem, manche Firmen müssen deswegen Aufträge ablehnen, daher auch der Rückgang der<br />
Wachstumszahlen. Probleme hat am ehesten die Bauwirtschaft, da die öffentliche Hand<br />
sowohl im Wohn- als auch Straßenbau zurückhaltend ist. Dafür hat das Nachbarland einen<br />
Budgetüberschuss von umgerechnet zwei Milliarden Euro aufzuweisen, die staatliche<br />
Schuldenquote liegt bei 35 Prozent. Analysten warnten vor einer Überhitzung der Konjunktur.<br />
An economic growth rate of 4.5 percent, an unemployment rate of 2.9 percent. Export growth<br />
approximately nine percent: The Czech Republic’s economic data values for 2017 are<br />
reminiscent the of long-forgotten numbers from the economic miracle era. The Czech Republic’s<br />
economy is booming indeed, wage growth for qualified employees was at 15 percent in 2017<br />
— and the inflation rate at 2.5 percent. GDP per capita was 37,150 USD, whilst the country has a<br />
population of 10.6 million. The economic relations between the Czech Republic and Austria have<br />
been developing accordingly. In 2017, total exports to the Czech Republic grew by 9.9 percent,<br />
total imports by nine percent. Both are around 6.4 billion euro. This makes the Czech Republic<br />
Austria’s sixth biggest trading partner. Austria, with direct investments of 13 billion, is the<br />
number two foreign investor. Austrian enterprises employ 95,000 workers in the Czech<br />
Republic. For <strong>2018</strong>, a decline in growth to 3.6 is expected, whilst the unemployment rate will<br />
continue to fall. The lack of qualified workers has become an economic problem in the Czech<br />
Republic, due to which some companies now<br />
have to reject contracts, thus the decline in<br />
growth. The biggest problems can be seen in the<br />
construction industry, as the public sector is<br />
restrained both in terms of housing as well as<br />
road construction. In turn, Austria’s neighbour<br />
has a converted budget surplus of two billion<br />
euro, government debt is at 35 percent. Analysts<br />
warn that the economy may overheat eventually.<br />
Personenverkehr I. Klasse auf der Strecke<br />
Linz–Budweis, Zeichnung von A. Krúzner<br />
Passenger traffic 1st class on the route<br />
Linz-České Budějovice, drawing by A. Krúzner.<br />
84 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
85
L’AUTRICHE HONORARY DUTY<br />
PROMOTION<br />
In Prag, der Hauptstadt der<br />
Tschechischen Republik:<br />
Panorama-Ansicht des<br />
Vltava Flusses vom Letna<br />
Park aus betrachtet.<br />
In Prague, the capital of the<br />
Czech Republic: panoramic<br />
view of the Vltava river,<br />
looked upon from Letna Park.<br />
On 10 March 2017, Heinrich Schaller, General<br />
Director of the Raiffeisen Landesbank Oberösterreich<br />
AG, received a decree to become<br />
an honorary consul for the Czech Republic in Linz. In<br />
doing so, he is continuing a manifold tradition. First,<br />
because his predecessor Ludwig Scharinger acted in<br />
the same position for 23 years. And second, because<br />
in the years before 1989, the iron curtain on the border<br />
between Upper Austria and South Bohemia no<br />
longer seemed quite as solid as it once did. It was especially<br />
farmers who were purchasing hops in South<br />
Bohemia for the breweries in the Mühlviertel region.<br />
Well hidden in these trailers was also an “unofficial<br />
goods market“ that reached well beyond the barbed<br />
wire and fortifications …<br />
On 2 December 1989, the barriers were finally removed<br />
from the 133-kilometre-long border between<br />
Upper Austria and the former Czechoslovakia. The<br />
fact that the industry-heavy regions of the Czech Republic<br />
and Upper Austria would get along seemed<br />
clear from the very beginning. In 1991, Raiffeisen<br />
Landesbank Oberösterreich opened its first branch<br />
in České Budějovice. ”In the Czech Republic, we are<br />
regarded as friends,“ Heinrich Schaller says today.<br />
Austria is the number-two investor in the Czech Republic,<br />
14 per of all foreign investments come from<br />
Austria (the Netherlands are number one, although<br />
there are Austrian companies among their holdings).<br />
The fact that Schaller, being a banker, mainly sees<br />
himself as an “economic consul“ should thus come as<br />
no surprise. Although the consulate, which operates<br />
an office at Raiffeisenbank’s headquarters in Linz,<br />
continues to support Czech citizens in need of consular<br />
help, its primary task is focused on expanding<br />
economic cooperation. Schaller’s favourite project is<br />
the so-called “S 10“, a motorway extending from<br />
Linz to Freistadt (37 kilometres north of Linz). ”The<br />
expansion would accelerate trade with Bohemia.<br />
Heinrich Schaller (2.v.r.) wurde am 10. März 2017 das Dekret,<br />
als Honorarkonsul für Tschechien in Linz tätig zu werden, von<br />
Martin Smolek (3.v.r.), stellvertretender Außenminister<br />
Tschechiens, überreicht. On March 10, 2017 Heinrich Schaller<br />
received the decree to become honorary consul for the Czech<br />
Republic in Linz, by Deputy Foreign Minister Martin Smolek of<br />
the Czech Republic.<br />
What’s especially important to me is the strengthening<br />
of the traffic routes, which also make business<br />
expansion on both sides of the borders easier,“ says<br />
Schaller. On the Austrian side, investments for the<br />
handful of kilometres toward the border would – according<br />
to Schaller – be “manageable“. The planning<br />
on the Czech side, on the other hand, could be a little<br />
less manageable. ”I was told from the Czech side<br />
that there are considerations, perhaps even plans,“<br />
says Schaller.<br />
It’s around 58 road kilometres from Freistadt to<br />
the Bohemian České Budějovice, which isn’t very far.<br />
A fast connection between Linz and České<br />
Budějovice would likely have a similar economic impact<br />
as the legendary horse-drawn railway connection<br />
between the two cities, which was created in<br />
1830 in order to ship salt up north – many merchants<br />
and manufacturers followed. This horse-drawn railway<br />
was the second railway line that was built on<br />
European mainland. In the 1870s, the line started to<br />
be serviced by a train that used steam rather than<br />
horses.<br />
”In the autumn of <strong>2018</strong>,“ says Schaller, ”there will<br />
be a reception of Raiffeisen Oberösterreich at the<br />
Austrian embassy in Prague, which will give Austrian<br />
and Czech entrepreneurs, managers and politicians<br />
the opportunity to mix and mingle.“<br />
The RLB OÖ (the company’s well-known acronym)<br />
does not only own 25 percent of the Czech<br />
Raiffeisen subsidiary, but also operates its own leasing<br />
and real estate company in the Czech Republic.<br />
Politically, and especially in regard to the difficulties<br />
in the formation of the new Czech government,<br />
Schaller does not ”want to make a judgement. But an<br />
extended period of time without a government<br />
wouldn’t have a positive effect on any country.“ Nevertheless,<br />
he also sees the Czech Republic as a friend<br />
in economic terms. In response to a question about<br />
the Czech Sazka Group’s stake in Casinos Austria, the<br />
Honorary Consul remarks laconically, ”Why wouldn’t<br />
the Czechs invest in Austria? Our domestic companies<br />
have done the same thing vice versa, after all.“<br />
A smart and diplomatic answer, as one would expect<br />
from an Honorary Consul.<br />
PHOTOS: FOTOLIA/ SERGEY BOGOMYAKO, MICHAEL STROBL<br />
ENTGELTLICHE EINSCHALTUNG • PHOTO: BMDW/ADOBE STOCK<br />
Austrian Presidency of the Council<br />
of the EU - Challenges and Chances<br />
ahead<br />
Driven by the motto “A Europe that protects” Austria<br />
will - for the third time after 1998 and 2006 - take<br />
over the Presidency of the Council of the European<br />
Union in July <strong>2018</strong>. This occasion entails not only<br />
the opportunity to steer discussions in the EU but<br />
also many demanding tasks and responsibilities.<br />
The Austrian Presidency is a common endeavour of<br />
the entire Federal Government. A creative spirit of<br />
high motivation has been tangible already in the<br />
run-up to the comprehensive task ahead, which<br />
comprises two substantial challenges at EU level:<br />
First, the negotiation on the withdrawal of the United<br />
Kingdom from the EU (BREXIT), which should<br />
be concluded by October <strong>2018</strong>, and second, the negotiations<br />
for the new Multiannual Financial Framework<br />
after 2<strong>02</strong>0.<br />
In line with the motto, the Austrian Presidency will<br />
focus on three areas: Security and fight against illegal<br />
migration, prosperity and competitiveness through<br />
digitalisation as well as stability in the neighbourhood<br />
– rapprochement of the Western Balkans/<br />
South-East Europe to the EU.<br />
Against this background, the Austrian Presidency<br />
will also aim at advancing the discussion on the principle<br />
of subsidiarity, enshrined in Article 5(3) of the<br />
Treaty on European Union. It serves to ensure that<br />
the EU only intervenes if it is able to act more effectively<br />
than EU countries at their respective national<br />
or local levels.<br />
However, Austria has not been completely unlimited<br />
in shaping its 6-month programme: Three member<br />
states, a so-called “trio”, consisting of the preceding,<br />
current and succeeding Presidencies, work together<br />
closely, with the current trio made up of Estonia,<br />
Bulgaria and Austria. Austria’s programme is therefore<br />
based on the common agenda of the trio, determining<br />
the major topics that will be addressed by the<br />
Council over the 18-month period.<br />
Within the competence of the Austrian Federal Ministry<br />
for Digital and Economic Affairs, one of the<br />
priorities will be the progress of the Digital Single<br />
Market. It can provide up to € 415 billion per year to<br />
Europe’s economy and offers new opportunities to<br />
businesses and consumers. Today, 70% of Austrian<br />
consumers shop online, but only 15% of Austrian<br />
SMEs sell online. The Austrian Presidency will support<br />
SMEs in their digital transformation in order to<br />
stay competitive and to keep pace with the digital<br />
economy.<br />
Another priority of the Austrian Federal Ministry<br />
for Digital and Economic Affairs will be the creation<br />
of a renewed EU-industrial policy aiming at a continuous<br />
transition towards a sustainable and low carbon<br />
industry. This new policy must be in line with<br />
other important policy areas such as energy, climate<br />
and environment. The transition should encourage<br />
innovation and modernisation efforts within the<br />
sector without impeding energy-intensive industries.<br />
A particular focus will be put on the potential of<br />
the digital transformation and new technologies,<br />
such as Artificial Intelligence, as a driving force for a<br />
reindustrialisation of Europe.<br />
Austria has been known for its dual education system,<br />
which has acted as a best practice model for<br />
other European countries in the past. During its Presidency,<br />
Austria will also strive for an expansion of<br />
the dual education system, especially with regard to<br />
digital skills. Clear emphasis will be placed on dual<br />
education at informal council meetings, and the constructive<br />
discussion on the New Skills Agenda will<br />
be continued.<br />
Taking over the Presidency goes hand in hand with a<br />
large number of complex and challenging dossiers<br />
and additional duties in the service of the European<br />
Union. The two main tasks of the Presidency include<br />
planning and chairing the meetings in the Council<br />
and its preparatory bodies as well as representing the<br />
Council in its relations with other EU institutions.<br />
The Presidency must always act as an honest and<br />
neutral intermediary. After Austria, the next trio will<br />
take over: Romania (first half of 2019), Finland (second<br />
half of 2019) and Croatia (first half of 2<strong>02</strong>0).<br />
INFO<br />
For further information<br />
please visit the following<br />
website:<br />
www.eu<strong>2018</strong>.at<br />
86 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
L‘AUTRICHE BUSINESS<br />
Neues aus Österreich<br />
News from Austria<br />
Text: Daniela Pötzl<br />
Wirtschaft | Economy<br />
Neuer WK-Präsident | New President of the Austrian Federal<br />
Economic Chamber<br />
Harald Mahrer, davor Staatssekretär und zuletzt Präsident des Österreichischen Wirtschaftsbundes,<br />
folgte per 18. Mai <strong>2018</strong> auf Christoph Leitl, der das Amt seit 2000 innehatte und nun seit<br />
Jahresbeginn Präsident der Europäischen Wirtschaftskammern (Eurochambres) ist. Der neue<br />
WKÖ-Präsident will „Wirtschaft neu denken“: Die Zukunft der Wirtschaftskammer sieht er in<br />
effizienten Strukturen, exzellentem Mitgliederservice und starken Positionen für Reformen.<br />
Schwerpunkte will er vor allem in den Bereichen Digitalisierung, Weiterbildung und Außenwirtschaft<br />
setzen.<br />
On 18 May <strong>2018</strong>, Harald Mahrer, previously Secretary of State and most recently President of the<br />
Österreichischer Wirtschaftsbund (Austrian Economic Association), succeeded Christoph Leitl,<br />
who had held the office since 2000 and has been the new President of Eurochambres since the<br />
beginning of the year. The new President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber wants to<br />
“rethink business“: He sees the future of the Federal Economic Chamber in efficient structures,<br />
excellent member services and strong takes on reform. The primary focus will lie on topics such<br />
as digitalisation, further education and foreign trade.<br />
wko.at<br />
Christoph Leitl,<br />
Wirtschaftsministerin<br />
Margarete Schramböck<br />
und der neue WKÖ-<br />
Präsident Harald Mahrer<br />
(von links).<br />
Christoph Leitl, Minister<br />
of Economic Affairs<br />
Margarete Schramböck<br />
and the new President of<br />
the Austrian Federal<br />
Economic Chamber Harald<br />
Mahrer (from left).<br />
Immobilien | Property<br />
International im Büro | International offices<br />
Nach der Etablierung ihrer beiden Retailmarken Stop Shop und<br />
Vivo! führte die Immofinanz 2016 mit myhive auch für ihre<br />
Büroimmobilien ein internationales Markenkonzept ein. Dabei<br />
steht der Name für ein umfangreiches Qualitäts- und Serviceversprechen:<br />
Die Büros punkten mit zahlreichen Serviceleistungen,<br />
bester Infrastruktur und bieten Raum für ein kommunikatives und<br />
lebendiges Miteinander der Mieter – als Netzwerk für geschäftlich<br />
wie privat.<br />
Following the establishment of the two retail brands Stop Shop and<br />
Vivo!, Immofinanz introduced myhive, a new international brand<br />
concept for their office properties, in 2016. The brand name stands for<br />
a broad and extensive quality and service programme: The offices<br />
score with countless services, state-of-the-art infrastructure and offer<br />
space for lively interactions between tenants – resulting in new<br />
private as well as business networks alike.<br />
myhive-offices.com<br />
PHOTOS: PHOTONEWS.AT/GEORGES SCHNEIDER, AUSTRIAN AIRLINES, MARTIN HÖRMANDINGER, IMMOFINANZ<br />
Technologie | Technology<br />
Infineon baut Chipfabrik | Infineon to build a<br />
chip factory<br />
Die Infineon Technologies AG wird eine neue Fabrik für Leistungshalbleiter<br />
errichten. Am Standort Villach wird neben der bestehenden Fertigung<br />
eine vollautomatisierte Chipfabrik für die Fertigung auf 300 Millimeter-<br />
Dünnwafern gebaut. Bundeskanzler Sebastian Kurz und die Infineon-<br />
Vorstandsvorsitzenden Reinhard Ploss (r.) und Sabine Herlitschka stellten<br />
das Projekt in Wien vor. Über einen Zeitraum von sechs Jahren sind<br />
Investitionen von insgesamt rund 1,6 Milliarden Euro geplant. Durch die<br />
neue, hocheffiziente Fabrik werden rund 400 neue, hochqualifizierte<br />
Arbeitsplätze entstehen.<br />
Infineon Technologies AG is building a new power semiconductor factory.<br />
Next to the existing production, a new and fully automated chip factory for<br />
the manufacture of 300-millimetre thin-wafers will be built in the location of<br />
Villach. Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and the Infineon chairmen Reinhard<br />
Ploss (r.) and Sabine Herlitschka introduced the project in Vienna. Investments<br />
of around 1.6 billion euro are planned throughout a time span of six years. The<br />
new and highly efficient factory will create around 400 new, high-skill jobs.<br />
infineon.com/austria<br />
2016 93%<br />
2017 100%<br />
25 YEARS<br />
Luftfahrt | Aviation<br />
Mit der AUA nach Tokio | Taking AUA to Tokyo<br />
Seit Mitte Mai geht es mit dem größten Flugzeug der Austrian Airlines Flotte, einer<br />
Boeing 777, wieder in Japans Hauptstadt. Bis zu 57.000 Passagiere sollen bis Jahresende<br />
mit einem Austrian Airlines Flug auf dieser Strecke unterwegs sein. Neben der Attraktivität<br />
für Touristen bietet die Strecke zwischen Wien und Tokio auch hohes Potenzial an<br />
Transferpassagieren nach Prag, Zagreb, Innsbruck und Mailand. Die Flugdauer von Wien<br />
zum über 9.100 km entfernten Tokio beträgt etwa 11 Stunden.<br />
The biggest plane from the Austrian Airlines fleet, a Boeing 777, has been flying to Japan’s<br />
capital city again since mid-May. By the end of the year, up to 57,000 passengers will have<br />
travelled the route with Austrian Airlines. Next to the appeal to tourists, the route from Vienna<br />
to Tokyo will also come in handy for transfer passengers to Prague, Zagreb, Innsbruck and Milan.<br />
The flight from Vienna to Tokyo is 9,100 kilometres long and lasts for approximately 11 hours.<br />
austrian.com<br />
‘striving for<br />
EXCELLENCE, by<br />
ENGAGING minds,<br />
EXCITING learners,<br />
acting ETHICALLY and<br />
showing EMPATHY’<br />
88 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Ages 3-18<br />
Öffentlichkeitsrecht<br />
Boarding School option available
SAVOIR<br />
VIVRE<br />
IN „SAVOIR VIVRE“ DREHT<br />
SICH ALLES UM DIE SCHÖNEN<br />
DINGE DES LEBENS WIE KULTUR<br />
& REISEN, KULINARIK & HOTELS,<br />
AUTO & SPORT, UHREN &<br />
SCHMUCK, MODE & DESIGN,<br />
WELLNESS & GESUNDHEIT<br />
UND VIELES MEHR.<br />
"SAVOIR VIVRE" FOCUSES ON<br />
THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE SUCH<br />
AS CULTURE & TRAVELLING,<br />
HOTELS & RESTAURANTS, CARS &<br />
SPORTS, WATCHES & JEWELLERY,<br />
FASHION & DESIGN, WELLNESS<br />
& HEALTH AND MUCH MORE.<br />
NEU<br />
Kapstadt<br />
KAP FÜR ENTDECKER<br />
myAustrian fliegt mich mit herzlichem Service nonstop ins eindrucksvolle Kapstadt. Denn die<br />
schönsten Orte sind jene, die mich jeden Tag mit etwas Neuem zum Staunen bringen.<br />
the charming way to fly
SAVOIR VIVRE JEWISH CULTURE VIENNA<br />
Vom Wiener Salon bis New Klezmer<br />
From Viennese salons to neo-klezmer<br />
Text: Evelyn Rois und Bruno Stubenrauch<br />
Ohne den Beitrag jüdischen Kulturschaffens wäre<br />
die Wiener Moderne undenkbar, heute ist die<br />
florierende jüdische Kulturszene wieder selbstbewusster<br />
Bestandteil des Wiener Kulturlebens.<br />
Without the contribution of Jewish culture, the<br />
Viennese Modern Age likely wouldn’t have<br />
happened. Today, the flourishing Jewish cultural<br />
scene is an indispensable part of Vienna’s overall<br />
cultural life.<br />
PHOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
PHOTOS: JÜDISCHES MUSEUM WIEN; SONJA BACHMAYER; CHRISTOFER MEIDINGER; EVA ELLERSDORFER MEISSNEROVA<br />
Teddy Kollek und Franz Vranitzky blicken über<br />
das Häusermeer Jerusalems, das sich unterhalb<br />
des Ölberges erstreckt. Die beiden verbindet<br />
nicht nur ihr hohes politisches Amt (der eine<br />
ist Bürgermeister von Jerusalem, der andere österreichischer<br />
Bundeskanzler) – beide haben ihre Kindheit<br />
und Jugend in Wien verbracht, wie in der Ausstellung<br />
„Teddy Kollek. Der Wiener Bürgermeister von Jerusalem“,<br />
die momentan im Jüdischen Museum Wien<br />
läuft, in Erfahrung zu bringen ist. Die berühmte Fotografie<br />
aus dem Jahr 1993 illustriert die enge Verbindung<br />
zwischen dem jüdischen Wien und Israel. Das<br />
jüdische Wien hat aber nicht nur bei der Staatsgründung<br />
Israels wichtige Impulse geliefert – die einst<br />
größte deutschsprachige Gemeinde der jüdischen<br />
Diaspora stand auch Pate beim großen Aufbruch in<br />
die Moderne am Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts und ist<br />
heute, trotz des schmerzlichen Einschnittes und ihrer<br />
fast kompletten Auslöschung in der Shoah, wieder<br />
ein gewichtiger und umtriebiger Bestandteil des Wiener<br />
Kulturlebens.<br />
Das Jüdische Museum Wien als Ort jüdischer Geschichte<br />
und Gegenwart<br />
„Wiener und jüdische Kultur sind voneinander<br />
nicht zu trennen. Sie sind miteinander verflochten.<br />
Denken wir nur an die Wienerlieder – die meisten<br />
sind von jüdischen Komponisten und Textdichtern<br />
geschrieben, ich nenne pars pro toto Hermann Leopoldi“,<br />
unterstreicht Danielle Spera, Direktorin des<br />
Jüdischen Museums Wien, die entscheidenden, von<br />
Jüdinnen und Juden hervorgebrachten kulturellen<br />
Errungenschaften in Österreich. Das 1988 wiedergegründete<br />
Jüdische Museum Wien, mit den beiden<br />
Standorten Dorotheergasse und Judenplatz, ist ein<br />
wichtiges Zentrum jüdischer Kultur und gibt vielfältige<br />
und spannende Einblicke in die (Wiener) jüdische<br />
Geschichte und Gegenwart. Neben der angesprochenen<br />
Ausstellung zur Person Teddy Kollek<br />
beleuchtet derzeit „The Place to Be“ die Wiener Salons<br />
berühmter jüdischer Gastgeberinnen wie Fanny<br />
Arnstein oder Berta Zuckerkandl und ihre Rolle als<br />
Orte der gesellschaftlichen Emanzipation. Dazu Spera:<br />
„Das Gleichstellungsgesetz unter Kaiser Franz<br />
Joseph sorgte für den Zuzug von tausenden Jüdinnen<br />
und Juden in die boomende Metropole Wien.<br />
Das jüdische Bürgertum hatte entscheidenden Einfluss<br />
auf die Entwicklung und Etablierung eines außergewöhnlich<br />
interessanten Kultur- und Geisteslebens,<br />
einerseits durch das Mäzenatentum,<br />
andererseits durch den herausragenden Anteil von<br />
Jüdinnen und Juden in Wissenschaft und Kunst.“<br />
Die Wiener Moderne, Psychoanalyse und Literatur<br />
Die Erkenntnisse Sigmund Freuds und ihr Einfluss<br />
auf das Werk von Arthur Schnitzler bis Karl<br />
Kraus wird gerade in der Ausstellung „Parallelaktionen.<br />
Freud und die Literaten des Jungen Wien“ im<br />
Sigmund Freud Museum ausgelotet. „Für die moderne<br />
Literatur ist die Errungenschaft der Psychoanalyse<br />
ganz unverzichtbar,“ betont auch der Lyriker<br />
und Schriftsteller Robert Schindel. „Es ist eine der<br />
Aufgaben der Literatur, was ungesagt und unbegriffen<br />
ist, zu Sprache erstarren zu lassen. Ich denke daher,<br />
dass der Beginn der modernen Literatur sehr<br />
viel mit Freud zu tun hat.“ Schindel zählt zur gegenwärtigen<br />
Generation jüdischer Intellektueller in<br />
Wien. Auf die Frage, ob es nach der Katastrophe der<br />
Shoah jemals wieder so etwas wie eine Normalität<br />
geben kann, meint Schindel, dessen Vater im KZ Dachau<br />
ermordet wurde und dessen Mutter Auschwitz<br />
und Ravensbrück überlebte: „Ich kann nicht davon<br />
sprechen, wie es in 400 Jahren sein wird, ob die Shoah<br />
dann die Rolle eines furchtbaren, aber fernen Geschehens<br />
in der Weltgeschichte einnimmt. Jetzt ist es<br />
so, dass natürlich die Shoah nicht nur das jüdische<br />
Wien, sondern Wien überhaupt literarisch dominiert.“<br />
Nach der Veröffentlichung seines zweiten Romans<br />
„Der Kalte“ 2013, der auf 660 Seiten die Verwerfungen<br />
der Waldheim Affäre auslotet, schreibt<br />
der Autor derzeit an einem dritten Roman über das<br />
Leben einer jüdischen Kommunistin im 20. Jahrhundert,<br />
für die auch die eigene Mutter Vorbild<br />
steht. Die hohe Zahl jüdischer Protagonisten der<br />
Aliosha Biz,<br />
Musiker / musician.<br />
Danielle Spera, Direktorin<br />
Jüdisches Museum Wien /<br />
Director Jewish Museum<br />
Vienna.<br />
Robert Schindel,<br />
Autor / author.<br />
Der Wiener Salon (hier der Familie Todesco, Foto vor 1900)<br />
als Zentrum gesellschaftlicher Emanzipation. Aktuelle<br />
Ausstellung Jüdisches Museum Wien.<br />
The Vienna Salon (here of the Todesco family, photo before<br />
1900) as a center of social emancipation. Current exhibition<br />
at the Jewish Museum Vienna.<br />
Das von Rachel Whiteread<br />
gestaltete Mahnmal am Wiener<br />
Judenplatz.<br />
The memorial designed by<br />
Rachel Whiteread at Vienna‘s<br />
Judenplatz.<br />
92 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
93
SAVOIR VIVRE JEWISH CULTURE VIENNA<br />
Berühmte jüdische Gastgeberinnen des Wiener<br />
Salons: Hilde Spiel und Berta<br />
Zuckerkandl.<br />
Famous Jewish hosts of the Vienna Salon: Hilde<br />
Spiel and Berta Zuckerkandl.<br />
Brief Sigmund Freuds an<br />
Arthur Schnitzler, 1922.<br />
Letter from Sigmund Freud to<br />
Arthur Schnitzler, 1922.<br />
Teddy Kollek im Wahlkampf in<br />
Jerusalem, 1965 (oben) und bei der<br />
Eröffnung des Jüdischen Museums<br />
Wien, 1993.<br />
Teddy Kollek in the election campaign<br />
in Jerusalem in 1965 (top) and at the<br />
opening of the Jewish Museum in<br />
Vienna in 1993.<br />
Arthur Schnitzler, 1908.<br />
Wiener Moderne – so wie Freud stammten Arthur<br />
Schnitzler, Felix Salten und Karl Kraus aus dem jüdischen<br />
Bürgertum und auch Hugo von Hofmannsthal<br />
(der sich selbst als katholischen Aristokraten sah)<br />
hatte prominente jüdische Vorfahren – sieht Schindel<br />
im besonderen Naheverhältnis von Judentum<br />
und Sprache begründet: „Das ist ja das ganze Geheimnis,<br />
warum es in Wien der 1920er Jahre eine<br />
derartige Blüte an jüdischer Kultur gegeben hat – die<br />
aber gar nicht unbedingt jüdische Kultur, sondern<br />
einfach deutschsprachige Kultur, gemacht von Juden,<br />
gewesen ist.“<br />
World Fusion: Wiener Klezmer<br />
Ihr fulminantes Comeback hat in den letzten Jahren<br />
die Wiener Klezmer Musik hingelegt. Ein so umtriebiger<br />
wie vielseitiger Protagonist der Szene ist<br />
Aliosha Biz, der mit Formationen von Frejlech bis<br />
Dobrek Bistro auf der Bühne stand und steht und<br />
auch schon mit dem Wiener Oberkantor Shmuel<br />
Barzilai musiziert hat. In Moskau aufgewachsen, wo<br />
er Mitglied des Moskauer Jugendorchesters war, kam<br />
Biz 1989 nach Wien. „Es war eine Art Rückkehr in<br />
die unbekannte Heimat meiner Vorfahren – meine<br />
Großmutter ist gebürtige Wienerin. Erst in Wien<br />
habe ich dann alle diese Arten jüdischer Kultur und<br />
jüdischer Musik für mich entdeckt. Und zu meinem<br />
Glück bin ich genau zu einer Zeit hier angekommen,<br />
als eine regelrechte Explosion an jüdischem Kulturleben<br />
stattgefunden hat!“ Nach Bands wie Geduldig<br />
un Thimann oder dem Timna Brauer & Elias Meiri<br />
Ensemble in den 1970er und 1980er Jahren waren es<br />
vor allem jüdische Zuwanderer aus der damaligen<br />
Sowjetunion wie Roman Grinberg (der aus Moldavien<br />
über den Umweg Israel nach Österreich gekommen<br />
ist), die die Klezmertradition in Wien weiterführten.<br />
„Aber dadurch, dass Wien ein Melting Pot<br />
für sehr viele Kulturen ist, mischt sich in diese Klezmertradition<br />
auch andere Musik: Balkaneinflüsse,<br />
Jazz, orientalische Musik – es wird zu einem ganz<br />
neuen Ding!“ fügt Aliosha Biz an. Bands wie Mandys<br />
Mischpoche oder Hatz & Klok stehen für diesen, mit<br />
den unterschiedlichsten Musiktraditionen verschmolzenen<br />
Wiener Klezmerstil.<br />
Jüdische Kultur in Wien liefert heute wieder einen<br />
vielfältigen Input zum Kulturleben der Stadt,<br />
wie Danielle Spera, die Direktorin des Jüdischen<br />
Museums Wien betont: „Es vergeht kein Tag, an dem<br />
in Wien nicht irgendein jüdisch konnotiertes Kulturereignis<br />
stattfindet!“ Vom KlezMORE Festival über<br />
die Jüdischen Filmwochen bis zum gerade laufenden,<br />
von der Iraelitischen Kultusgemeinde organisierte<br />
Festival der Jüdischen Kultur, inklusive hochkarätiger<br />
Gäste und Straßenfest, gilt es, einen starken<br />
und blühenden Ast des Wiener Kulturlebens mit einer<br />
großen Geschichte und Tradition zu entdecken.<br />
PHOTOS: IMAGNOPICTUREDESK; JMW; SIGMUND FREUD PRIVATSTIFTUNG; ONB; STEFAN FUHR, DAVID RUBINGER, YEDIOTH AHARONOT; VOTAVA PID<br />
Teddy Kollek and Franz Vranitzky gaze at the<br />
dense accumulation of roofs that is the city of<br />
Jerusalem, extending beneath the Mount of<br />
Olives. The two are not only connected due to their<br />
high-ranking political offices (one is the Mayor of<br />
Jerusalem, the other the Austrian Chancellor) – both<br />
have also spent their childhoods in Vienna, as the<br />
”Teddy Kollek. The Viennese Mayor of<br />
Jerusalem“exhibition, currently on display at the Jewish<br />
Museum Vienna, reveals. The famous photograph<br />
from 1993 illustrates the close bond between<br />
Jewish Vienna and Israel. Jewish Vienna not only<br />
lent important momentum to the creation of the State<br />
of Israel – what was once the largest German-speaking<br />
community of the Jewish diaspora also played a<br />
major role during the dawn of Modernism in the<br />
early 20th century. Despite the community’s painful<br />
history and their nearly complete extinction during<br />
the Holocaust, it remains an important and bustling<br />
part of Vienna’s cultural scene to this day.<br />
The Jewish Museum Vienna as a place for Jewish history and<br />
contemporary affairs<br />
”Viennese and Jewish culture can not be separated<br />
from one another. They are interwoven with each<br />
other. Let’s take the “Wienerlieder“ (“Viennese<br />
Songs“), for example – most of them were written by<br />
Jewish composers and lyricists, like Hermann Leopoldi,<br />
to name just one,“ emphasises Danielle Spera,<br />
Director of the Jewish Museum Vienna, as she discusses<br />
the cultural achievements of Austria’s Jewish<br />
community. The Jewish Museum Vienna, founded in<br />
1988, with its two locations at Dorotheergasse and<br />
Judenplatz, is an important hub for Jewish culture<br />
and offers diverse and exciting insights into (Viennese)<br />
Jewish history and contemporary affairs. Next to<br />
the already mentioned exhibition about Teddy Kollek,<br />
there is also “The Place to Be“, which is currently<br />
shedding light on Viennese café salons owned by famous<br />
Jewish hosts, such as Fanny Arnstein or Berta<br />
Zuckerkandl, and their role as spaces for social<br />
emancipation. Spera adds, ”The equality law passed<br />
by Emperor Franz Joseph allowed for the influx of<br />
thousands of Jews into the booming metropolis of<br />
Vienna. The Jewish bourgeoisie had a significant influence<br />
on the development and establishment of a<br />
remarkably interesting cultural and intellectual<br />
scene, on the one hand by way of patronage, and on<br />
the other hand due to the exceptional proportion of<br />
Jews involved in the sciences and arts.“<br />
Paradisus Vindobonensis<br />
Blumenaquarelle<br />
von Anton Hartinger<br />
25. Mai bis 26. August <strong>2018</strong><br />
Kupferstichkabinett<br />
der Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien<br />
zu Gast im Theatermuseum<br />
Lobkowitzplatz 2, 1010 Wien<br />
www.kupferstichkabinett.at<br />
Das Jüdische Museum Wien im Palais Eskeles,<br />
Dorotheergasse.<br />
The Jewish Museum Vienna in the Palais<br />
Eskeles, Dorotheergasse.<br />
94 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Abbildung: Anton Hartinger (Wien 1806 – 1890 ebda.): Lilium speciosum var. punctatum,<br />
Detail, 1843, Aquarell und Deckweiß, Spuren einer Vorzeichnung mit Bleistift, auf Papier<br />
(Beschriftung und Umrahmung mit Bleistift)<br />
© Kupferstichkabinett der Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien
SAVOIR VIVRE JEWISH CULTURE VIENNA<br />
CULTURE<br />
INFO<br />
JÜDISCHE KULTUR IN<br />
WIEN / JEWISH CULTURE IN<br />
VIENNA - HIGHLIGHTS<br />
<strong>2018</strong>:<br />
Teddy Kollek. Der Wiener<br />
Bürgermeister von<br />
Jerusalem<br />
bis 25.11.<strong>2018</strong><br />
The Place to Be. Salons als<br />
Orte der Emanzipation<br />
30.05.-14.10.<strong>2018</strong><br />
Jüdisches Museum Wien<br />
jmw.at<br />
Parallelaktionen. Freud<br />
und die Literaten des<br />
Jungen Wien<br />
bis 31.12.<strong>2018</strong><br />
Sigmund Freud Museum<br />
freud-museum.at<br />
Festival der Jüdischen<br />
Kultur<br />
bis 17.06.<strong>2018</strong><br />
ikg-kultur.at<br />
Machen Sie mich schön,<br />
Madame D’Ora!<br />
13.07. - 29.10.<strong>2018</strong><br />
leopoldmuseum.org<br />
Moderne Jüdische Klänge<br />
– 70 Jahre Israel<br />
01.07.<strong>2018</strong><br />
MuTh / Konzertsaal<br />
muth.at<br />
Großmütterchen Hatz &<br />
Klok; Mandys Mischpoche;<br />
Erwin Steinhauer &<br />
klezmer reloaded<br />
06.07. - 08.07.<strong>2018</strong><br />
schrammelklang.at<br />
Yiddish Tango<br />
Timna Brauer & Elias Meiri<br />
26.08.<strong>2018</strong><br />
kultursommer-semmering.at<br />
Russian Gentlemen Club<br />
feat. A. Biz und R.<br />
Grinberg<br />
11. u. 12.09.<strong>2018</strong><br />
Theater am Spittelberg<br />
r-g-c.at<br />
Jüdisches Filmfestival<br />
Wien<br />
11.-18.10.<strong>2018</strong><br />
jfw.at<br />
Klezmore Festival <strong>2018</strong><br />
10.-25.11.<strong>2018</strong><br />
klezmore-vienna.at<br />
Erwin Steinhauer & klezmer reloaded. Yiddish Tango, Timna<br />
Brauer (oben rechts/ top right).<br />
The Viennese Modern Age, psychoanalysis and literature<br />
The insights of Sigmund Freud and their influence<br />
on the work of Arthur Schnitzler to Karl Kraus<br />
are currently being explored in the exhibition “Parallel<br />
Actions, Freud and the Writers of Young Vienna“<br />
at the Sigmund Freud Museum. ”For modern literature,<br />
the achievements of psychoanalysis are indispensable,“<br />
accentuates the lyricist and author Robert<br />
Schindel. ”One of the tasks of literature is to express<br />
in language what is neither said nor understood. This<br />
is why I think that the beginning of modern literature<br />
owes a lot to Freud.“ Schindel is considered part<br />
of the contemporary generation of Jewish intellectuals<br />
in Vienna. In response to the question whether<br />
something akin to normality can ever return after<br />
the Holocaust, Schindel, whose father was murdered<br />
at the Dachau concentration camp and whose mother<br />
survived Auschwitz and Ravensbrück, says, ”I<br />
can’t say how things are going to look like in 400 years,<br />
whether the Holocaust will then play the role of<br />
a horrific, but far distant event in world history.<br />
Right now, the Holocaust not only dominates Jewish<br />
Vienna, but Vienna’s literature scene in general.“ After<br />
the release of his second novel “Der Kalte“ (“The<br />
Cold One“) in 2013, which dealt with the upheavals<br />
of the Waldheim Affair across 660 pages, the author<br />
is currently working on a third novel about the life of<br />
a female Jewish communist in the 20th century, for<br />
whom his own mother stood as a role model. The<br />
high number of Jewish protagonists in the Viennese<br />
Modern Age – such as Freud, Arthur Schnitzler, Felix<br />
Salten and Karl Kraus had their origins in Jewish<br />
bourgeoisie, and even Hugo von Hofmannsthal<br />
(who saw himself as a Catholic aristocrat) had prominent<br />
Jewish ancestors – is a result of Judaism’s special<br />
relationship with language, says Schindel. ”This<br />
is the reason why there was such a blossoming of Jewish<br />
culture in Vienna in the 1920s – which wasn’t<br />
even necessarily Jewish culture, but simply Germanspeaking<br />
culture, made by Jews.“<br />
Fusion of worlds: Viennese klezmer<br />
Viennese klezmer music has made a great comeback<br />
in the last few years. One of the protagonists in<br />
this scene, who is as restless as he is eclectic, is Aliosha<br />
Biz, who has been performing on stage with<br />
groups like Frejlech and Dobrek Bistro and has even<br />
played with Vienna’s chief cantor Shmuel Barzilai.<br />
Having grown up in Moscow, where he was a member<br />
of the Moscow Youth Orchestra, Biz came to Vienna<br />
in 1989. ”It was like returning to the unknown<br />
ancestral homeland – my grandmother was born in<br />
Vienna. It was only in Vienna that I discovered this<br />
form of Jewish culture and music. And luckily, I arrived<br />
right at the cusp of an explosion of Jewish cultural<br />
life!“ After bands such as Geduldig un Thimann<br />
or the Timna Brauer & Elias Meiri Ensemble in the<br />
1970s and 1980s, it was especially Jewish migrants<br />
from the former Soviet Union, such as Roman Grinberg<br />
(who came to Austria from Moldavia via a detour<br />
in Israel), who kept the klezmer tradition alive<br />
in Vienna. ”Since Vienna is a melting pot of so many<br />
different cultures, klezmer doesn’t shy away from mixing<br />
with other types of music: Balkan influences,<br />
jazz, oriental music - it’s become a completely new<br />
thing!“ Aliosha Biz adds. Bands like Mandys Mischpoche<br />
or Hatz & Klok are the representatives of this<br />
new Viennese klezmer style that has fused various<br />
different musical traditions.<br />
Today, Jewish culture in Vienna once again contributes<br />
to the city’s overall cultural scene, as Danielle<br />
Spera, the Director of the Jewish Museum Vienna,<br />
highlights, ”Not a single day passes during which<br />
there isn’t some kind of Jewish-related cultural event<br />
taking place!“ From the Klezmore Festival, the Jewish<br />
Film Festival Vienna and the Jewish Culture<br />
Festival organised by the Vienna Israelite Community,<br />
which is currently running and includes top-tier<br />
guests and a street festival, there is a sturdy and blossoming<br />
branch of Vienna’s cultural life waiting to be<br />
explored, steeped in history and tradition.<br />
PHOTOS: MAX MOSER; HANS RINGHOFER<br />
PUNCH<br />
SOMMER IM MQ<br />
12.05. – 01.09.<br />
Rosebud<br />
entgeltliche Einschaltung<br />
KULTUR HAT VIELE GESICHTER.<br />
WWW.MQW.AT/SOMMER<br />
#MQSOMMER<br />
Generalsponsor des MQ<br />
Gefördert von<br />
96 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADORS OF MUSIC<br />
Culture Talk Adam Plachetka<br />
Der tschechische Bassbariton Adam Plachetka im Exklusivinterview mit Cercle Diplomatique über seinen Auftritt als Papageno<br />
bei den Salzburger Festspielen, die tschechische Nationaloper Libuše und seine Leidenschaft für Musicals.<br />
In an exclusive interview with Cercle Diplomatique, Czech bass-baritone Adam Plachetka discusses his performance as Papageno at<br />
the Salzburg Festival, the Czech national opera “Libuše“ and his passion for musicals.<br />
Interview: Rois & Stubenrauch<br />
INFO<br />
4<br />
Die Neuinszenierung der Zauberflöte bei den Salzburger<br />
Festspielen – in der Sie den Papageno singen werden –<br />
wagt unter der Regisseurin Lydia Steiner einen frischen<br />
Zugang zur viel gespielten Mozart-Oper. Was für einen<br />
Papageno wird man in Salzburg zu sehen bekommen?<br />
Papageno ist, wie er selber sagt, ein einfacher Mensch. Ich sehe<br />
ihn vor allem menschlich – im guten und schlechten Sinne. Die<br />
Zauberflöte kann man ja auf viele Weisen betrachten und<br />
verschiedene Aspekte betonen. Ich bin auf die Inszenierung von<br />
Lydia Steiner selbst sehr gespannt und glaube, dass mir diese<br />
Zauberflöte eine Chance geben wird, auch neue Zugänge zu<br />
meiner Rolle zu finden.<br />
Trotz ihrer vielen internationalen Engagements sind Sie<br />
ihrer Heimatstadt Prag treu geblieben.<br />
Ich bin in Prag aufgewachsen, habe dort viele Freunde und meine<br />
Frau ist als Sängerin oft in Prag tätig. Was mich zur Prager Oper<br />
zieht, ist das tschechische Repertoire, vor allem Smetana. Ich<br />
werde im September in einer Neuinszenierung von seiner Libuše<br />
singen. Libuše ist unsere Nationaloper und ich finde es<br />
unglaublich, dass ich den Přemysl in einer Inszenierung für das<br />
hundertjährige Jubiläum der Republik verkörpern darf.<br />
Letzten Oktober ist ihre CD „Impossible Dream“ mit<br />
berühmten Broadway Nummern erschienen – was hat es<br />
mit Ihrem Hang zu Musicals auf sich?<br />
Ich mag Musicals sehr und das schon seit einer langen Zeit. Ich<br />
wollte auch, als ich fünfzehn war, Operngesang studieren, um<br />
dann Musicals zu singen. Bald war mir jedoch Oper viel wichtiger<br />
und es ist nie dazu gekommen. Dennoch wollte ich es wenigstens<br />
einmal probieren und habe nun mit dem Prager Radiosinfonieorchester<br />
einen tollen Partner für mein konzertantes Musical-<br />
Programm gefunden. Letzten Sommer haben wir dann die CD<br />
aufgenommen – was mich riesig gefreut hat.<br />
Under the direction of Lydia Steiner, the new production of<br />
“The Magic Flute” at the Salzburg Festival – where you will be<br />
singing Papageno – is taking a fresh approach to one of<br />
Mozart’s most beloved operas. What kind of Papageno are we<br />
going to see in Salzburg?<br />
As he says about himself, Papageno is a simple man. I see him as<br />
someone very human – and that comes with as much bad as<br />
good. The Magic Flute can be interpreted in a multitude of ways.<br />
I myself am very excited about Lydia Steiner’s take on it and<br />
believe that version of The Magic Flute will give me the<br />
opportunity to find a new approach to my role.<br />
Despite your many international engagements, you have<br />
remained faithful to your hometown of Prague.<br />
I grew up in Prague, I have many friends there and my wife –<br />
who is also a singer – is often there for work purposes. What<br />
attracts me to Prague’s opera are the Czech treasures, especially<br />
Smetana. In September, I will be a singing part of a new<br />
production of his opera “Libuše“. It is our national opera and I<br />
am excited that I will have the privilege to play Přemysl on the<br />
occasion of the 100-year anniversary of our republic.<br />
Last October, you released your CD “Impossible Dream” with<br />
several well-known Broadway hits – what attracts you to<br />
musicals?<br />
I like musicals very much, and this has been the case for a long<br />
time. Since I was 15 years old, I wanted to study opera in order to<br />
be able to sing musicals. The opera, however, ended up becoming<br />
much more important to me and so I had to put the musical idea<br />
aside for a while. Nevertheless, I have wanted to try it out at<br />
least once and so I found a great partner for my concertante<br />
musical programme in the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra.<br />
Last Summer, we finally recorded the CD, which was a real joy for<br />
me.<br />
Zauberflöte<br />
Oper von W. A. Mozart<br />
Salzburger Festspiele <strong>2018</strong><br />
Musikalische Leitung:<br />
Constantinos Carydis<br />
Regie: Lydia Steiner<br />
Premiere 27.07.<strong>2018</strong><br />
Libuše<br />
Oper von Bedřich Smetana<br />
Nationaltheater Prag<br />
Dirigent: Jaroslav Kyzlink<br />
Regie: Jan Burian<br />
Premiere: 14.09.<strong>2018</strong><br />
PERSONAL DETAILS<br />
PHOTOS: PAVEL HEJNÝ; DON GIOVANNI, L‘ELISIR D‘AMORE. METROPOLITAN OPERA / MARTY SOHL<br />
Sie zählen mit 33 Jahren zur jungen Generation der<br />
heutigen Opernstars. Wie sehen Sie die Zukunft der Oper?<br />
Ich bin optimistisch. Es wird viel davon gesprochen, dass das<br />
Publikum immer älter wird. Ich sehe das nicht ganz so. Nach der<br />
Schule haben sich nur wenige von meinen Freunden für die Oper<br />
interessiert – wenn ich aber heute Konzerte gebe, sehe ich viele<br />
junge Gesichter im Zuschauerraum. Ich denke ganz allgemein,<br />
dass noch viele Menschen den Weg zur Oper entdecken werden.<br />
Die großen Mozartpartien wie Figaro oder Don Giovanni<br />
zählen zu Ihren Paraderollen – welche Rollen würden Sie<br />
gerne in Zukunft singen?<br />
Ich beginne jetzt, nachdem ich mehr als zehn Jahre hauptsächlich<br />
Mozartpartien gesungen habe, immer mehr den Belcanto zu<br />
entdecken. Dieses Jahr habe ich die erste richtige Baritonrolle –<br />
Riccardo in Bellinis I Puritani – gesungen, und mich dabei sehr<br />
wohlgefühlt. In der kommenden Spielzeit werde ich erstmals die<br />
Titelpartie im Barbier von Sevilla verkörpern. Ich denke also, dass<br />
das der richtige Weg ist und ich mehr ins italienische Fach<br />
wechseln werde.<br />
With your 33 years, you’re considered to be part of the<br />
younger generation of today’s opera stars. How do you see the<br />
future of the opera?<br />
I’m optimistic. There is a lot of talk about the audience becoming<br />
older. I don’t see it that way. After finishing school, only a few of<br />
my friends were interested in the opera – but when I give<br />
concerts today, I see plenty of young faces in the audience. In<br />
broad terms, I think that many more people will be developing a<br />
taste for the opera in the coming years.<br />
The great Mozart roles, like Figaro or Don Giovanni, are among<br />
your best-known – what type of roles would you like to sing in<br />
the future?<br />
After 10 years of primarily singing Mozart roles, I am starting<br />
to discover Belcanto more and more. This year, I sang my first<br />
real baritone role – Riccardo in Bellini’s “I Puritani” – and felt<br />
very comfortable in it. In the coming season, I will perform the<br />
title role in “The Barber of Seville” for the first time. So, I think<br />
that this is the right path for me, to slowly move into the<br />
Italian craft.<br />
Adam Plachetka zählt mit 33<br />
Jahren zur jungen Riege der<br />
Opernstars.<br />
At the age of 33, Adam<br />
Plachetka belongs to the young<br />
band of opera stars.<br />
Adam Plachetka debütierte 2005 nach der Ausbildung am Konservatorium seiner<br />
Heimatstadt am Prager Nationaltheater. Bereits 2007 folgte ein Engagement bei<br />
den Salzburger Festspielen, wo der tschechische Bassbariton seither regelmäßig zu<br />
Gast ist. 2010 wurde der Opern-Jungstar ins Ensemble der Wiener Staatsoper<br />
aufgenommen. In der kommenden Saison ist Adam Plachetka unter anderem bei<br />
den Salzburger Festspielen, an der Metropolitan Opera New York und an der Opéra<br />
National de Paris zu hören.<br />
Following his training at the Prague Conservatory and his winning of Antonin<br />
Dvorak‘s International Singing Competition, Adam Plachetka debuted at Prague’s<br />
National Theatre in 2005. Since 2007, the Czech bass-baritone has been a regular<br />
guest at the Salzburg Festival, and in 2010, Plachetka became part of the ensemble<br />
of the Vienna State Opera. In the coming season, Adam Plachetka will, among other<br />
roles, sing as Papageno at the Salzburg Festival, at the Metropolitan Opera New<br />
York and at the Opéra National de Paris.<br />
salzburgerfestspiele.at<br />
narodni-divadlo.cz<br />
adamplachetka.com<br />
98 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
99
SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS<br />
Kultur-Highlights Sommer <strong>2018</strong><br />
Cultural highlights summer <strong>2018</strong><br />
Gustav Klimt, Sitzendes<br />
junges Mädchen, um 1894.<br />
Seated young girl, around<br />
1894.<br />
Text: Evelyn Rois<br />
Gustav Klimt Superstar<br />
Diesen Sommer feiert das Leopold Museum Gustav Klimt mit<br />
einer große Schau anlässlich des Jubiläumsjahres zur Wiener<br />
Moderne. Die hochkarätigen Bestände der Sammlung Leopold<br />
und ausgewählte Leihgaben zeichnen vom 22.06.–04.11.<strong>2018</strong> den<br />
künstlerischen Werdegang Klimts vom späten Historismus zum<br />
bedeutendsten Vertreter des Jugendstils nach. Besonderes<br />
Highlight: Die Präsentation seines letzten, unvollendet<br />
gebliebenen Meisterwerks „Die Braut“ im Kontext von<br />
Werkzeichnungen und dem heute einzig erhaltenen Skizzenbuch<br />
des Malerfürsten.<br />
This summer, the Leopold Museum is set to celebrate Gustav<br />
Klimt with a large exhibition on the occasion of the anniversary<br />
year of Viennese Modernism. From 22.06. to 04.11.<strong>2018</strong>, brilliant<br />
pieces from the Leopold Collection, as well as selected loan items,<br />
will trace Klimt’s artistic career from the late historicist period to<br />
becoming one of the most significant representatives of the art<br />
nouveau movement. A special highlight: The presentation of his<br />
final and incomplete masterpiece “The Bride” in the context of<br />
various sketches, as well as the master’s only remaining<br />
sketchbook.<br />
leopoldmuseum.org<br />
PHOTOS: LEOPOLD MUSEUM WIEN; RMN-GRAND PALAIS, MUSÉE DU LOUVRE; E. ELLERSDORFER MEISSNEROVA; A. DACOS; C. SCHOPPE; T. BRÖNNER; J. DIMMOCK<br />
Der Glanz des Ostens |<br />
The glow of the East<br />
Kultur unter Sternen |<br />
Culture under the stars<br />
Das Wiener Museumsquartier<br />
bespielt auch <strong>2018</strong> die lauen<br />
Sommerabende wieder mit einem<br />
prallen Kulturangebot – vieles<br />
davon unter freiem Himmel und bei<br />
freiem Eintritt! Das breit gestreute<br />
Programm in Wiens größtem<br />
Freiluftwohnzimmer reicht vom<br />
Literaturfestival „O-Töne“, das an<br />
acht Abenden im Juli und August<br />
den Haupthof zur Bühne für das<br />
aktuelle literarische Schaffen<br />
Österreichs macht, über klassische<br />
Konzertabende, etwa beim mdw<br />
Chamber Open Air (29.06.) oder<br />
mit dem European Union Youth<br />
Orchestra (22.08.) bis zu den<br />
Open-Air-Filmfestivals frame[o]ut<br />
und Architektur.Film.Sommer.<br />
In <strong>2018</strong>, the Vienna Museumsquartier<br />
will, once again, provide a<br />
brilliant culture offer throughout<br />
the mild summer evenings — many<br />
of them under the open sky and<br />
with free entry! The extensive<br />
programme at Vienna’s biggest<br />
open-air living room reaches from<br />
the “O-Töne” literature festival,<br />
turning the main court into a stage<br />
of Austria’s contemporary literature<br />
scene on eight evenings in July and<br />
August, classical concert evenings,<br />
such as the mdw Chamber Open Air<br />
(29.06.) or the European Union<br />
Youth Orchestra (22.08.), to the<br />
frame[o]ut open-air film festival as<br />
well as Architektur.Film.Sommer.<br />
mqw.at<br />
Das legendäre Südbahnhotel.<br />
The legendary Südbahnhotel.<br />
Belle Époque am Semmering | at the Semmering<br />
Birgit Minichmayr, Karl Markovics (Fotos oben), Maria Bill, Claus Peymann, Angelika<br />
Kirchschlager, Roland Neuwirth, Elisabeth Leonskaja ...! Äußerst prominent besetzt lädt<br />
der Kultursommer Semmering vom 30.06.–<strong>02</strong>.09.<strong>2018</strong> zu einem Reigen von Lesungen,<br />
Theater, Klassik und Klezmer bis Chanson. Die Spielorte Kurhaus Semmering und das<br />
legendäre Südbahnhotel lassen die großen Zeiten von Wiens Zauberberg wieder<br />
aufleben.<br />
Birgit Minichmayr, Claus Peymann, Maria Bill, Peter Simonischek, Angelika<br />
Kirchschlager, Roland Neuwirth, Elisabeth Leonskaja ...! The line-up of the<br />
Kultursommer Semmering event from 30.06. to <strong>02</strong>.09.<strong>2018</strong> is filled with celebrities<br />
and invites visitors to a wide range of readings, theatre, classical music, as well as<br />
klezmer and chanson performances. The Kurhaus Semmering and legendary<br />
Südbahnhotel venues are set to revive the grandiose days of Vienna’s Zauberberg.<br />
kultursommer-semmering.at<br />
Kaiser Herakleios als<br />
Kreuzfahrer.<br />
Emperor Heraclius as<br />
Crusader.<br />
Über Jahrhunderte war das Byzantinische Reich und seine Hauptstadt Konstantinopel ein Sehnsuchtsort des Westens. Die Ausstellung „Byzanz & der Westen. 1000<br />
vergessene Jahre“ auf der Schallaburg in Niederösterreich folgt bis zum 11.11.<strong>2018</strong> den Wegen von französischen Rittern, byzantinischen Prinzessinnen, Händlern und<br />
Kreuzfahrern und lässt diese Faszination, anhand von wertvollen Exponaten aus namhaften Sammlungen wie dem Pariser Musée du Louvre oder dem Israel Museum in<br />
Jerusalem, wieder aufleben.<br />
For centuries, the Byzantine Empire and its capital Constantinople were a place of longing for the West. The exhibition “The Byzantine Empire & the West. 1000 Forgotten<br />
Years” at Schallaburg Castle in Lower Austria will trace the steps of French knights, Byzantine princesses, merchants and sailors until 11.11.<strong>2018</strong>, reviving fascination in the era<br />
through precious exhibits from renowned collections, such as the Parisian Musée du Louvre or the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.<br />
schallaburg.at<br />
Entlang der Donau |<br />
Along the Danube<br />
Inge Morath (1923–20<strong>02</strong>), Pionierin<br />
der Dokumentarfotografie und erstes<br />
weibliches Mitglied der berühmten<br />
Fotoagentur Magnum, unternahm<br />
zwischen 1958 und 1994 mehrere Reisen<br />
auf und entlang der Donau.<br />
Im Sommer 2014 begaben sich acht<br />
zeitgenössische Fotografinnen auf die<br />
Spuren der österreichischen Fotokünstlerin<br />
und dokumentierten, über 2800<br />
Kilometer durch 10 Länder, aktuelle<br />
Lebensthemen entlang des Flusses. Die<br />
Landesgalerie Linz zeigt nun bis<br />
16.09.<strong>2018</strong> in der Ausstellung<br />
„Donaureise. Auf den Spuren von Inge<br />
Morath“ die Arbeiten der Fotografinnen,<br />
ergänzt durch ausgewählte Fotografien<br />
von Inge Morath.<br />
Inge Morath (1923-20<strong>02</strong>), documentary<br />
photography pioneer and the first female<br />
member of the famous Magnum photo<br />
agency, embarked on several journeys<br />
along the Danube between 1958 and 1994.<br />
In the summer of 2014, eight contemporary<br />
female photographers began to retrace<br />
the Austrian’s photo artist’s journeys -<br />
spanning more than 2,800 kilometres and<br />
10 countries - and document life along the<br />
river. The Landesgalerie Linz will now<br />
display the works of the photographers in<br />
the exhibition “Journey on the Danube.<br />
Following the Traces of Inge Morath” until<br />
16.09.<strong>2018</strong>, complemented with selected<br />
photographs by Inge Morath herself.<br />
landesmuseum.at<br />
Jessica Dimmock, aus der Serie<br />
„Untitled“, 2014 / from the series<br />
“Untitled“, 2014.<br />
100 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 101
SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS<br />
Hoher Besuch | High-ranking visit<br />
Beginn einer neuen Ära | The beginning of a new era<br />
Stars beim JazzFest<br />
Wien / Stars at the<br />
JazzFest Vienna: Corinne<br />
Bailey, Baldachin Trio,<br />
Kris Kristofferson, Maja<br />
Jaku.<br />
Jazz and the City<br />
Gewohnt stilsicher präsentiert sich das JazzFest Wien vom 15.06.–10.07.<strong>2018</strong>: Von Kris Kristofferson in der<br />
Wiener Stadthalle über die grandiose Caro Emerald oder das Duo Till Brönner & Dieter Ilg in der Wiener<br />
Staatsoper, Mammal Hands aus der ostenglischen Universitätsstadt Norwich im Porgy & Bess bis zum<br />
Ausnahmetrompeter Thomas Gansch im Jazzland reicht der weit gespannte Bogen.<br />
Between 15.06 and 10.07.<strong>2018</strong>, the JazzFest Vienna will, once again, present itself as stylish as always: The<br />
broad programme reaches all the way from Kris Kristofferson at the Wiener Stadthalle, the grandiose Carl<br />
Emerald and the duo Till Brönner & Dieter Ilg at the Vienna State Opera, Mammal Hands from the<br />
East-Anglian university city of Norwich at the Porgy & Bess jazz club to the brilliant trumpeter Thomas<br />
Gansch at Jazzland.<br />
jazzfest.wien<br />
Vivian Maier, Florida, 1957;<br />
New York, 1955 (unten).<br />
Unterwegs mit der Rolleiflex<br />
| On the go with the Rolleiflex<br />
Ein zufälliger Kauf einiger Kisten voll mit Negativen auf einer<br />
Zwangsauktion führte zur posthumen Weltkarriere der bis<br />
dato völlig unbekannten amerikanischen Fotografin Vivian<br />
Maier. Die grandiosen Straßenszenen aus New York und<br />
Chicago, die Maier ab den 1950er Jahren mit ihrer Rolleiflex<br />
aufgenommen hat, sind nun erstmals in Österreich in der<br />
Ausstellung „Vivian Maier, Out of the Shadows“ vom<br />
29.05.–19.08.<strong>2018</strong> im Fotomuseum Westlicht in Wien zu<br />
sehen.<br />
A coincidental purchase of a few boxes filled with negatives<br />
at a court-ordered auction led to the posthumous world<br />
career of the American photographer Vivian Maier, who<br />
was unknown at the time. The brilliant street shots from<br />
New York and Chicago, which Maier had been taking with<br />
her Rolleiflex since the 1950s, will now be presented in<br />
Austria for the very first time at the exhibition “Vivian<br />
Maier, Out of the Shadows” at the WestLicht photography<br />
museum in Vienna, from 29.05 to 19.08.<strong>2018</strong>.<br />
westlicht.com<br />
PHOTOS: A. VALENTI; BALDACHIN TRIO/MGMT; A. NEWELL; M. JAKU/MGMT; ESTATE OF VIVIAN MAIER, COURTESY OF MALOOF COLLECTION AND H. GREENBERG GALLERY, NY; ST. PETERSBURG,<br />
STAATLICHE EREMITAGE; UNIVERSALMUSEUM JOANNEUM<br />
Die Eremitage St. Petersburg gibt eines ihrer seltenen Gastspiele und kommt mit 16<br />
bedeutenden Gemälden der Kunstgeschichte nach Wien ins Kunsthistorische Museum, wo<br />
sie (diese streichen) Werken aus der Sammlung des KHM gegenüber gestellt werden. Unter<br />
den „Gästen“: Ambrosius Holbeins Bildnis eines zwanzigjährigen Mannes, ein großformatiges<br />
Selbstportrait von Anthonis van Dyck oder Tintorettos dramatischer Heiliger Georg. Die<br />
Ausstellung „Die Eremitage zu Gast. Meisterwerke von Botticelli bis van Dyck“ läuft vom<br />
06.06.–<strong>02</strong>.09.<strong>2018</strong> in Wien, im Herbst wird sie dann in St. Petersburg zu sehen sein.<br />
The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is making one of its rare trips abroad and<br />
will bring 16 significant paintings from throughout the history of art to Vienna’s<br />
Kunsthistorisches Museum, where they will be<br />
positioned alongside works from the KHM’s own<br />
collection. Among the “guests”: Ambrosius<br />
Holbein’s Portrait of a Young Man, a large<br />
self-portrait by Anthony van Dyck or Tintoretto’s<br />
dramatic St. George. The exhibition “Old Masters<br />
from the Hermitage. Masterpieces from Botticelli<br />
to van Dyck” will be on in Vienna from 06.06. to<br />
<strong>02</strong>.09.2019. Starting in autumn, it can be seen in<br />
St. Petersburg. khm.at<br />
A. Holbein, Bildnis eines<br />
zwanzigjährigen Mannes,<br />
1518.<br />
Portrait of a twenty-yearold<br />
man, 1518.<br />
Der Friede von Passarowitz (heute Požarevac, Serbien) beendete 1718 die<br />
militärischen Auseinandersetzungen des Venezianisch-Österreichischen<br />
Türkenkrieges und markiert den Beginn von Wirtschaftsbeziehungen<br />
zwischen der Habsburgermonarchie und dem Osmanischen Reich<br />
einhergehend mit dem Aufbau einer diplomatischen Infrastruktur mit<br />
Botschaften und Konsulaten. Die Ausstellung „Wir und Passarowitz. 300<br />
Jahre Auswirkungen auf Europa“ im Landeszeughaus des Universalmuseum<br />
Joanneum in Graz untersucht (bis 04.11.<strong>2018</strong>) den epochalen Friedensund<br />
Handelsvertrag auf seine Nachwirkungen in die Gegenwart.<br />
In 1718, the Treaty of Passarowitz (today Požarevac, Serbia) ended the<br />
military conflicts of the Ottoman-Venetian War and marked the<br />
initiation of economic relations between the Habsburg Monarchy and<br />
the Ottoman Empire, beginning with the construction of a diplomatic<br />
infrastructure consisting of<br />
embassies and consulates. The<br />
exhibition “The Impact of<br />
Passarowitz. 300 Years of<br />
Continuity in Europe” at the<br />
Universalmuseum Joanneum’s<br />
Styrian Armoury in Graz will<br />
explore the epochal peace and<br />
trade agreement, as well as its<br />
impact on the present, until<br />
04.11.<strong>2018</strong>.<br />
museum-joanneum.at<br />
1<strong>02</strong> Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
SAVOIR VIVRE CONNOISSEUR<br />
Essen und trinken mit Stil<br />
Wine and dine in style<br />
Text: Daniela Pötzl<br />
Kochen ist Kunst | Cooking as art<br />
TOP 5 OPENINGS<br />
Neu in Wien | New in Vienna<br />
Top-Koch Günzel ist zurück!<br />
Top chef Günzel is back!<br />
aend.at<br />
Drink pink<br />
Roséweine sind nicht nur allein bei<br />
den Damen beliebt und eignen sich<br />
daher optimal als Mitbringsel für die<br />
sommerliche Garten- oder Grillparty.<br />
„Fräulein Rosé von Döbling 2017“ ist<br />
ein reinsortiger Pinot Noir aus Wiener<br />
Weingärten vom Weingut Mayer am<br />
Pfarrplatz und punktet mit feinen<br />
Aromen von Erdbeer-Rhabarber.<br />
Rosé wines are not just popular with<br />
the ladies but are also something<br />
great to bring along to a garden<br />
party or barbeque on a hot summer<br />
day. “Fräulein Rosé von Döbling<br />
2017” is a pure Pinot Noir from the<br />
Mayer am Pfarrplatz winery in<br />
Vienna and scores with its splendid<br />
strawberry-rhubarb aromas.<br />
shop.pfarrplatz.com<br />
Saurer Trend<br />
Sour trend<br />
Unternehmer und Kunstliebhaber Martin Ho hat einen neuen Küchenchef verpflichtet:<br />
Sören Herzig übernimmt die konzeptionelle und kreative Neuausrichtung des DOTS in der<br />
Wiener Mariahilfer Straße. Der gebürtige Deutsche, der zuvor bei Juan Amador groß<br />
aufkochte, war zuletzt im Restaurant Aï. Sein neues Konzept beschreibt er so: mit<br />
„französischer Tradition, japanischer Demut, österreichischer Qualität und vietnamesischer<br />
Passion und Leidenschaft“.<br />
Entrepreneur and art lover Martin Ho has hired a new chef: Sören Kerzig is now<br />
assuming the conceptual and creative redirection of DOTS at Vienna’s Mariahilfer<br />
Strasse. The German chef, who had previously worked with Juan Amador, was most<br />
recently at the Aï restaurant. He describes his new concept as follows: with “French<br />
tradition, Japanese humility, Austrian quality and Vietnamese passion and fervour.”<br />
dotsgroup.eu<br />
Zeit für Champagner | Time for champagne<br />
Moët & Chandon Champagner kann man pur, auf Eis oder als Cocktail trinken – besonders<br />
schön gelingt dies im „Am Hof Schanigarten“ des Hotels Park Hyatt Vienna in der<br />
Bognergasse. Begleitend werden kleine und feine Snacks gereicht. Der Schanigarten ist<br />
täglich von 9.00 bis 22 Uhr geöffnet. Der Sommer kann kommen!<br />
Moët & Chandon champagne can be enjoyed pure, on ice or as a cocktail — and this is<br />
done particularly well at the Park Hyatt Vienna’s “Am Hof Schanigarten” at Bognergasse.<br />
Neat little snacks are also served on the side. It is open daily from 09:00 until<br />
22:00. Let the summer in!<br />
parkhyattvienna.com<br />
Einfachheit als indisches<br />
Mantra Simplicity as an<br />
Indian mantra<br />
in-dish.at<br />
Tartines und tolle Weine<br />
Tartines and great wines<br />
alma-gastrotheque.at<br />
Pop-up an der Alten Donau<br />
Pop-up at Alte Donau<br />
cafe-wien.at<br />
Wiens erste Piadineria<br />
Vienna’s first piadineria<br />
bocconcino.eatbu.com<br />
Der Morgen beginnt mit Schwung | Start the morning with a bounce<br />
Seit sieben Jahren hat sich yamm! am Schottentor mit seiner modernen, leichten Küche etabliert. Jetzt geht man einen Schritt<br />
weiter und ergänzt das Angebot mit einer Frühstücks- und Abendkarte.<br />
Lust auf einen typischen New Yorker Bagel? Bei yamm! kommt dieser mit Eierspeis, knackigen Gurken und Avocado gefüllt daher<br />
und nimmt am Weg auch noch einen cremigen Mungobohnen-Dip und frische Gemüsesticks mit. Einen Green Smoothie gibt es<br />
als Begleitung dazu.<br />
Die Kreativität von Chefkoch Markus Krenn kann man nun auch am Abend als kulinarische Raffinessen aus dem „Gemüsekist‘l à la<br />
carte“ genießen. „Wir setzen auf regionale Zutaten, die wir von ausgewählten Lieferanten beziehen. Außerdem gibt es davon<br />
stets einen hohen Bio-Anteil, der uns besonders wichtig ist“, so Krenn.<br />
For the past seven years, yamm! at Schottentor has slowly but surely established itself with its both contemporary and light<br />
cuisine. Now, the popular eatery is making another step forward and will begin complementing its offer with a breakfast and<br />
evening menu.<br />
Up for a typical New York bagel? At yamm!, you will be served the classic dish with scrambled eggs, crunchy cucumber and<br />
avocado, as well with a creamy mung bean dip and fresh veggie sticks on the side. A fresh green smoothie completes the<br />
experience. And now, you will finally also be able to flavour chef Markus Krenn’s creations in the evening, namely in the form<br />
of a creative, culinarily exciting new menu. “We’re betting on local ingredients, which we are sourcing from selected<br />
producers only. Many of our ingredients are also organic, which is something that’s very important to us,” says Krenn.<br />
yamm.at<br />
Fast in Vergessenheit geratenes<br />
traditionelles Küchenwissen findet<br />
erneut Einkehr in heimische Küchen.<br />
Zur Haltbarmachung wird wieder<br />
eingekocht, eingelegt und fermentiert<br />
wie in alten Zeiten. Die natürlich<br />
gebraute Sojasauce von Kikkoman ist<br />
ein Beispiel für ein Fermentationsprodukt,<br />
das sich auch für den Ansatz<br />
eines Gemüse-Mix im Glas bestens<br />
eignet.<br />
Nearly forgotten traditional cooking<br />
techniques are being rediscovered<br />
right at home. Canning, pickling and<br />
fermenting like in the good old days.<br />
Kikkoman’s naturally brewed soy<br />
sauce is an example of a fermented<br />
product that would also act as a<br />
great base for pickled veggies in<br />
a jar.<br />
kikkoman.at<br />
FOTOS: WWW.PIXELCOMA.AT, MAYER AM PFARRPLATZ WINERY, DOTS GROUP, KIKKOMAN, FOTOLIA, BOCCONCINO<br />
GENIESSEN SIE DEN UNTERSCHIED.<br />
TASTE THE DIFFERENCE.<br />
104 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Besuchen Sie uns / Visit us: Josefstädter Straße 10-12, 1080 Wien, T. +43 1 205 99-0, www.flemings-hotels.com
SAVOIR VIVRE TRAVEL<br />
Fernweh<br />
Itchy Feet<br />
Die besten Hotels und Restaurants aus aller Welt. | The best hotels and restaurants around the world.<br />
Text: Gerald Sturz<br />
Singapur /Singapore<br />
Atlas Bar<br />
Als Geburtsort des Singapore Sling hat Singapur<br />
Cocktail-Geschichte geschrieben. Dass es außer der<br />
Long Bar im Raffles Hotel kaum eine nennenswerte<br />
Bar gab, war eine andere Geschichte. Doch das hat<br />
sich in jüngster Zeit gewaltig geändert. Einer der<br />
spektakulärsten Bar-Neuzugänge ist die Atlas Bar im<br />
Parkview Square Building. Sie beeindruckt mit der<br />
weltgrößten Gin-Auswahl, angeblich sind mehr als<br />
1.000 Varianten hier zu verkosten. Und die Barkeeper,<br />
das stellt man bald fest, verstehen ganz hervorragend<br />
ihr Handwerk.<br />
Singapore has already made cocktail history as the<br />
birthplace of the Singapore Sling. The circumstance<br />
that there hasn’t been another bar worth naming<br />
other than the Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel is another<br />
story. But this has completely changed in recent<br />
times. One of the most spectacular new additions to<br />
Singapore’s bar scene is the Atlas Bar in the Parkview<br />
Square Building. It impresses with the world’s biggest<br />
gin selection - supposedly, more than 1,000 types are<br />
available for sampling. And, as you will soon realise,<br />
the barkeepers know exactly what they are doing.<br />
atlasbar.sg<br />
Kopenhagen / Copenhagen<br />
Radisson Collection Royal Hotel<br />
Als Update und nicht als Relaunch will das gefragte Design-Duo Space Copenhagen verstehen, was sie mit<br />
dem Radisson Royal Hotel Copenhagen angestellt haben. Wie auch immer: Sie haben diesem legendären<br />
Hotel, das von dem großen dänischen Designer Arne Jacobsen in den 1950er Jahren so sehr bis ins kleinste<br />
Detail gestaltet wurde, dass man es nahezu als Gesamtkunstwerk bezeichnen kann, und das vermutlich das<br />
erste Designhotel der Welt war, eine Verjüngungskur verpasst, die man durchaus als sehr gelungen<br />
bezeichnen kann. Sehr, sehr stylisch ist nun das, was es zu sehen gibt.<br />
The sought-after designer duo Space Copenhagen sees their take on the Radisson Royal Hotel Copenhagen<br />
as more of an update than a relaunch. Whatever it may be: The legendary hotel, designed by Arne Jacobsen<br />
in the 1950s with so much attention to detail that it can very well be referred to as a complete work of art,<br />
and which was likely the first design hotel in the world, has undergone a successful rejuvenation treatment.<br />
The result is very, very stylish.<br />
radissoncollection.com<br />
Mauritius<br />
Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Resort & Spa<br />
106 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Das Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa gilt als das romantischste<br />
Hotel auf Mauritius. Aber nicht nur das. Kein anderes Resort auf der Insel hat ein so<br />
großes kulinarisches Angebot. Es verfügt über feinsten weißen Sandstrand, eine<br />
türkisfarbene Lagune mit kristallklarem Wasser und einen 35 Hektar großen<br />
tropischen Garten. Und dann ist da noch die Lage an der Nordwestküste von<br />
Mauritius. Sie garantiert gigantische Sonnenuntergänge! So verbindet das Resort<br />
tropische Eleganz, Modernität, Komfort und Privatsphäre. All das macht den<br />
zeitlosen Charme des Luxushotels aus. Gäste können aus sieben verschiedenen<br />
Zimmerkategorien – Suiten und Villen – wählen, die über die üppige Gartenanlage<br />
verteilt liegen. Selbstverständlich bietet das Resort eine große Auswahl an Landund<br />
Wassersportaktivitäten. Seit November 2017 ermöglicht das Resort dank seiner<br />
Partnerschaft mit dem „Mont Choisy Le Golf“ 18-Loch Golfplatz, dem ersten im<br />
Norden der Insel, auch Golfen.<br />
The Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa is considered the most<br />
romantic hotel in Mauritius. But that’s not all that there is to it. No other resort on<br />
the island offers such a broad culinary selection. It calls a beach made up of the<br />
finest white sand, a turquoise lagoon with crystal-clear water and a 35-hectaresized<br />
tropical garden its own. And then there is the incredible location on Mauritius’<br />
north-western coast, which promises unforgettable sunsets! Thus, the resort<br />
combines tropical elegance, modernity, comfort and privacy. All of these elements<br />
combined create the luxury hotel’s unique charm. Guests can choose from seven<br />
different room categories – suites and villas – which are spread across the lush<br />
gardens. Naturally, the resort also provides a wide selection of land and water<br />
sports activities. Since November 2017, thanks to its partnership with the “Mont<br />
Choisy Le Golf“ 18-hole golf course, the resort also offers golf on this first course in<br />
the north of the island.<br />
beachcomber-hotels.com<br />
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT<br />
London<br />
Duddell’s Restaurant<br />
Das mit zwei Michelin-Sternen ausgezeichnete Restaurant Duddell’s in Hongkongs Central District ist ein<br />
Hotspot für Gourmets und Kunstliebhaber. Nun gibt es eine Filiale in London in der St. Thomas Church, am<br />
Fuß des Shard-Hochhauses, ganz in der Nähe des Borough Markets. Wie das Mutterhaus im Fernen Osten<br />
begeistert es mit tollem Design und überzeugt bei Lunch oder Dinner mit ausgezeichneter und authentischer<br />
kantonesischer Küche und den besten (handgefertigten) Dim Sums der Stadt.<br />
Duddell’s in Hongkong’s Central District has been awarded two Michelin Stars and is a hotspot for gourmets<br />
and art enthusiasts. Now, a new branch has opened in London’s St. Thomas Church at the foot of the Shard,<br />
near Borough Market. Like the parent establishment in the far east, it impresses with its brilliant interior<br />
design and also with authentic Cantonese cuisine for lunch or dinner, not to forget the best (hand-made)<br />
dim sum in the city.<br />
duddells.co
SAVOIR VIVRE TRAVEL<br />
ALL AROUND RELAXED<br />
IN A DREAMLIKE ENVIRONMENT<br />
Osaka<br />
Conrad Osaka<br />
Austrian Airlines hat soeben die Strecke von Wien nach Tokio wieder in ihr Programm aufgenommen und man<br />
sollte die Gelegenheit wahrnehmen, Japan mit all seinen eindrucksvollen Sehenswürdigkeiten kennenzulernen.<br />
Osaka, die dynamische Wirtschaftsmetropole, sollte auf jeden Fall eine Station auf einer Rundreise sein. Die<br />
perfekte Unterkunft: das erst kürzlich eröffneten Conrad Hotel. Von der Lobby mit den riesigen Fensterflächen<br />
hoch oben im Nakanoshima Tower und von den Zimmern kann man einen einzigartigen Blick auf den Hochhausdschungel<br />
von der Stadt werfen. Hier liegt einem Osaka zu Füßen. Dass in diesem Hotel auch sonst alles vom<br />
Feinsten ist, versteht sich von selbst.<br />
Austrian Airlines has just begun offering flights from Vienna to Tokyo again – and therefore, the chance to<br />
experience Japan with all its incredible sights should not be missed. Osaka, the dynamic business metropolis,<br />
should undoubtedly be part of any cross-country trip. The perfect accommodation: the recently opened Conrad<br />
Hotel. Standing in the lobby with the massive windows high up in the Nakanoshima Tower or in the rooms, you<br />
get a brilliant view of one of Japan’s major concrete jungles. Here, Osaka lies at your feet. The fact that everything<br />
else is also top-notch in this hotel goes without saying.<br />
conradhotels.com<br />
Florenz /Florence<br />
Gucci Osteria<br />
Man sollte sich vom Namen nicht täuschen<br />
lassen. Garten gibt es im Gucci Garden keinen.<br />
Neben einem Gucci-Museum und einem<br />
Gucci-Verkaufsraum gibt es aber auch eine<br />
Gucci Osteria und an der sollte kein Weg<br />
vorbeiführen, wenn man wieder einmal in<br />
Florenz ist. Sie wird nämlich von Massimo<br />
Bottura geführt, dessen Restaurant Osteria<br />
Francescana in Modena neulich zum besten der<br />
Welt gekürt wurde. Es ist ein Erlebnis.<br />
Don’t let the name deceive you – there is no<br />
garden in the Gucci Garden. Nevertheless, there<br />
is a Gucci Osteria next to the Gucci Museum and<br />
the Gucci Store, and you shouldn’t miss it under<br />
any circumstances if you are already paying a<br />
visit to Florence. It is, after all, run by Massimo<br />
Bottura, whose restaurant Osteria Francescana<br />
in Modena was recently named the best<br />
restaurant in the world. It’s an experience.<br />
gucci.com<br />
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT<br />
With ROBINSON you can leave everyday life<br />
behind in the most beautiful way. Culinary delights,<br />
wellness and sporting activities are essential<br />
for those holidaymakers seeking relaxation. And<br />
what better place is there to enjoy such moments<br />
than at a ROBINSON Club? The premium resort<br />
holiday provider understands the needs of its guests<br />
like no other and offers a wide variety of possibilities<br />
to satisfy them and more besides. Providing guests<br />
with quality time to unwind and feel completely at<br />
ease is a key factor in the ROBINSON philosophy.<br />
Experiencing the latest trend sports with like-minded<br />
people seems suddenly so easy and fun. The activity<br />
classes held in the consistently high-quality gyms<br />
ROBINSON Club Khao Lak<br />
ROBINSON Club Cala Serena<br />
ROBINSON Club Cala Serena<br />
are complemented by a variety of offers such as the<br />
GroupFitness or Body&Mind programmes. With time<br />
afterwards to revitalize and relax in the WellFit ® -Spa.<br />
The WellFood ® concept, specially devised and<br />
patented by ROBINSON, consists of trend-oriented<br />
and innovative cuisine which provides energy and balance<br />
for the body and soul while allowing the palate<br />
to delight in a unique taste experience. WellFood ®<br />
is not the only experience to savour at ROBINSON,<br />
the many varied buffets and specialty restaurants,<br />
weekly festive gala buffets, live cooking and late<br />
breakfast are also guaranteed to put a smile on<br />
one’s face. Locally sourced products have absolute<br />
priority, ensuring fresh local produce rich in vitamins<br />
is on the menu every day. Cooked and served<br />
by master craftsman in a wonderful atmosphere!<br />
Individual wishes are commonplace at ROBINSON,<br />
whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan or susceptible to<br />
food intolerances, ROBINSON aims to please every<br />
guest and treat them all to culinary delights of the<br />
highest level.<br />
For all those sunseekers looking for a warm and inviting<br />
destination in winter, the legendary ROBINSON<br />
Club Jandia Playa on Fuerteventura will be opening<br />
its doors in December after extensive renovations.<br />
An absolute must-see is the sheltered rooftop bar<br />
with infinity pool located on top of the 11-storey<br />
main house “Torre”, where guests can enjoy aromatic<br />
and refreshing cocktails. Guests can reflect<br />
on the day in the new bar as the sun sinks slowly<br />
into the sea soothed by the magnificent view over<br />
the ocean and the town of Morro Jable. The unique,<br />
endless sandy beach and beachfront location are<br />
perfect for those who love sun and watersports all<br />
year round. The club resort’s WellFit ® spa unites<br />
a Finnish sauna with a wonderful sauna garden<br />
including pool, massage and beauty rooms. Why<br />
not enjoy an outdoor massage today? Masseurs,<br />
physiotherapists and beauticians pamper the guests<br />
and ensure their absolute well-being. Experience a<br />
spa and relaxation holiday of a very special kind.<br />
In addition to the comprehensive WellFit ® programmes,<br />
ROBINSON also offers special event weeks in<br />
which not only the latest trends in fitness and spa<br />
are presented, but also functional training, yoga and<br />
Pilates events. For those who want to recharge their<br />
batteries, the “YOGA, four seasons” event and the<br />
“Mindbody Rejuvenation Week” are the ideal choice.<br />
The wonderful and dynamic setting of the<br />
ROBINSON Club Cala Serena on Majorca provides<br />
the ideal backdrop for “YOGA, four seasons”, during<br />
which from 8 July, <strong>2018</strong> until 15 July, <strong>2018</strong> the four<br />
fundamental opposites in yoga: strength & flexibility,<br />
stability & agility, concentration & release, exertion<br />
& relaxation are effectively linked together.<br />
“Time out for emotions – time out for me” is the<br />
prevailing theme at the “Mindbody Rejuvenation<br />
Week” at the ROBINSON Club Khao Lak in Thailand<br />
from 5 July, <strong>2018</strong> until 15 July, <strong>2018</strong>. Holistic and<br />
intelligent methods for the body, mind and soul will<br />
be shown and tested in a casual and relaxed setting.<br />
Why can’t I let go? Am I really satisfied with life? Experienced<br />
and intuitive coaches for body movement<br />
and communication will be on hand to offer ways to<br />
reflect and rediscover oneself.<br />
Advice and bookings at your local TUI shop or at<br />
www.robinson.com<br />
© Robinson Club 4/4<br />
108 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Illustration: new main building in ROBINSON Club Jandia Playa
SAVOIR VIVRE TABLE TALK<br />
Zum Lunch im Hotel Bristol Vienna | Lunch at the Hotel Bristol Vienna<br />
Generaldirektorin Simone Dulies lud zum Mittagessen im Hotel Bristol.<br />
General Manager Simone Dulies invited to lunch at the Hotel Bristol.<br />
Text: Daniela Pötzl<br />
Schöner Anblick. Das Hotel Bristol, im linken<br />
Bild rechts, betrachtet vom Nachbarn aus, der<br />
Wiener Staatsoper. Im eleganten Ambiente kann<br />
man in der Bristol Lounge speisen oder auf<br />
einen Drink verweilen (rechts).<br />
Beautiful view. The Hotel Bristol, on the right<br />
side of the picture on the left, as seen from its<br />
neighbour, the Vienna State Opera. Enjoy fine<br />
dining or a refreshing drink in the elegant<br />
ambience of the Bristol Lounge (right).<br />
SIMONE DULIES<br />
Generaldirektorin Simone Dulies im Gespräch<br />
mit CD Chefredakteurin Daniela Pötzl.<br />
General Director Simone Dulies in conversation<br />
with CD Editor-in-Chief Daniela Pötzl.<br />
PHOTOS : H HOTEL BRISTOL, LUKAS KIRCHGASSER, INGE PRADER, MARION HOFER, PICTURESBORN<br />
Das Bristol ist ein Wiener Traditionshotel.<br />
Und wurde mehr als 120<br />
Jahre hindurch immer von Männern<br />
geleitet. Bis Simone Dulies kam und<br />
nun seit August 2015 Generaldirektorin im<br />
Haus gegenüber der Staatsoper ist. Sie<br />
führt ein Team von 140 Mitarbeitern aus<br />
rund 40 Nationen. Die gebürtige Rheinländerin<br />
stammt aus Erkelenz, einer Stadt mit<br />
rund 44.500 Einwohnern, nahe Mönchengladbach.<br />
„Eigentlich wollte ich ja Tierärztin oder<br />
Staatsanwältin werden“, erzählt sie lachend.<br />
Schon als Kind sei sie viel mit ihren Eltern<br />
herumgereist und absolvierte mit 15 Jahren<br />
ein Praktikum in einem Mönchengladbacher<br />
Hotel. „Ich war im Einkauf tätig und<br />
musste Zimmer putzen“, erzählt sie. Ihre<br />
Lehre zur Hotelfachfrau startete sie nach<br />
der Matura im Swissotel Düsseldorf, wo sie<br />
danach noch rund ein Jahr an der Rezeption<br />
arbeitete. Schnell wurde der Weg international,<br />
danach ging Simone Dulies nach<br />
Newport Beach in Kalifornien zu Four<br />
Seasons. Einige amerikanische Jahre folgten:<br />
im ebenfalls kalifornischen Westin<br />
South Coast Plaza, bis das bekannte W<br />
New York für zwei Jahre ihre neue Wirkungsstätte<br />
wurde.<br />
2007 kehrte sie nach Europa zurück -<br />
von Stationen in Turnberry (Schottland),<br />
über Bratislava in der Slowakei und die ungarische<br />
Haupstadt Budapest. Von diesen<br />
hat die große Tierfreundin auch zwei<br />
schwarze Kater aus Schottland, einen Schäfer-Husky-Mischlingshund<br />
namens Brix<br />
aus Bratislava und einen dritten Kater aus<br />
Budapest, alle aus Tierheimen, mitgebracht.<br />
„Ich besitze auch ein Pferd“, erklärt<br />
sie weiter. „Daher lebe ich vor den Toren<br />
Wiens, quasi am Land“, erzählt sie, während<br />
wir beide das vegane Tagesgericht<br />
„Geschmorter Glockenpfeffer - Kichererbse/Curry/Gurke“<br />
bestellen. Simone Dulies<br />
entschied sich aus ihrer „Liebe zu Tieren<br />
und zur Umwelt“ 2015 für den Veganismus.<br />
„Hin und wieder koche ich auch, das<br />
ist sehr entspannend“, stellt sie fest.<br />
Wie schwierig es mitunter sein kann,<br />
mit einem Tier zu verreisen, hat sie selbst<br />
schon öfter erlebt. Im Hotel Bristol werden<br />
Tiere jedoch besonders geschätzt.<br />
„Neben unseren Hausgästen kehren<br />
auch viele Wienerinnen und Wiener gerne<br />
mit ihrem Hund auf einen Kaffee bei uns<br />
ein“, freut sich Dulies. Neben den Fellnasen<br />
seien aber auch Katzen, Kaninchen, Schildkröten<br />
und sogar Schlangen willkommen.<br />
Mit dem Programm „Salon Opéra“, das<br />
mit namhaften Künstlern zu den Premieren<br />
der Wiener Staatsoper stattfindet,<br />
kommen ebenfalls neue Gäste ins Haus:<br />
Für die Großen wird Afternoon Tea und<br />
Sekt geboten, für die Kleinen Mittagessen<br />
und ein Schmink-Workshop. Und alle Papas<br />
und Opas werden heuer am 10. Juni<br />
beim Vatertags-Brunch, zudem mit einer<br />
Carrera-Bahn im Restaurant verwöhnt.<br />
In ihrer Freizeit zieht Frau Direktor<br />
dann ihre Tanzschuhe an und wiegt sich im<br />
Walzer- oder Sambaschritt. Professionell,<br />
versteht sich. Österreichische Staatsmeisterin<br />
der Senioren 2016 im Ballroom Dancing<br />
ist sie bereits.<br />
The Bristol is a hotel with Viennese<br />
heritage. Throughout its more than<br />
120-year-long history, it was, however,<br />
always led by a man. Until there was<br />
Simone Dulies, who assumed the position<br />
of the General Director of the establishment<br />
located right across the Vienna State<br />
Opera. She heads a team of 140 employees<br />
from around 40 different nations. The Rhineland<br />
native is from Erkelenz, Germany, a<br />
city with around 44,500 inhabitants, near<br />
Mönchengladbach.<br />
”Originally, I wanted to be a veterinarian<br />
or public prosecutor,“ she says with a<br />
laugh. She spent much of her childhood<br />
travelling with her parents and completed<br />
an internship at a hotel in Mönchengladbach<br />
when she was just 15 years old. ”I<br />
worked in purchasing and had to clean<br />
rooms,“ she says. After finishing school,<br />
she started training at the Swissotel Düsseldorf<br />
to become a hotel manager, where she<br />
began working at the reception after<br />
around a year. Her path soon took her abroad<br />
and Simone Dulies ended up joining<br />
the Four Seasons in Newport Beach, California.<br />
Several years in America followed:<br />
first at the Westin South Coast Plaza in California,<br />
then the well-known W New York<br />
for another two years.<br />
In 2007, she returned to Europe – from<br />
stations in Turnberry (Scotland), Bratislava<br />
in Slovakia and then to the Hungarian capital<br />
city, Budapest. While there, the animal<br />
lover picked up two black tomcats in<br />
Scotland, a shepherd/husky mix called Brix<br />
in Bratislava and a third tomcat in Budapest,<br />
all of them from shelters. ”I also have<br />
a horse,“ she continues. ”That is why I live<br />
at the gates of Vienna, basically in the<br />
countryside,“ she says, as we both opt for<br />
the vegan meal of the day, “Braised bell<br />
pepper – chickpeas/curry/cucumber“.<br />
Since 2015, Simone Dulies has been living<br />
and eating vegan, basing her decision on<br />
her “love of animals and the environment.“<br />
From time to time, ”I like to cook myself,<br />
which is very relaxing,“ she says.<br />
And she has experienced just how difficult<br />
it can be to travel with a pet several<br />
times over. Animals are very much welcome<br />
at the Hotel Bristol.<br />
”Next to our visiting guests, many locals<br />
like to come to us for a coffee, together with<br />
their four-legged friend,“ Dulies remarks.<br />
Besides pooches, cats, bunnies, tortoises<br />
and even snakes are welcome.<br />
Similarly, the “Salon Opéra“ programme,<br />
taking place with well-known artists<br />
on the premiere days of the Vienna State<br />
Opera, likewise brings new guests into the<br />
establishment. Adults are treated with afternoon<br />
tea and champagne, while the little<br />
ones get to enjoy a kids’ lunch and participate<br />
in a make-up workshop. And this year,<br />
on 10 June, all daddies and grand-daddies<br />
will be treated with a Carrera race track for<br />
the restaurant’s Father’s Day brunch.<br />
In her leisure time, the General Director<br />
likes it a little more athletic. This is when<br />
she puts on her dancing shoes and graces<br />
the dance floor with her waltz and samba<br />
moves. Professionally, of course. She happens<br />
to be the 2016 Austrian Senior National<br />
Champion in ballroom dancing.<br />
ist in Erkelenz, nahe Mönchengladbach, im Rheinland aufgewachsen und machte nach der<br />
Matura eine Lehre zur Hotelfachfrau. Ihre berufliche Karriere führte sie nach Düsseldorf,<br />
Kalifornien, New York, Schottland, Bratislava und Budapest. Seit August 2015 ist sie<br />
Generaldirektorin im Hotel Bristol Wien.<br />
grew up in Erkelenz in Rhineland, near Mönchengladbach, and began training to become a hotel<br />
manager after completing school. Her professional career has taken her to Dusseldorf, California,<br />
New York, Scotland, Bratislava and Budapest. Since August 2015, she has been the General Director<br />
at the Hotel Bristol Vienna.<br />
INFO:<br />
HOTEL BRISTOL,<br />
A LUXURY COLLECTION<br />
HOTEL, VIENNA<br />
Kärntner Ring 1, 1010 Wien<br />
bristolvienna.com<br />
#bristolvienna<br />
Köstlich & vegan. Wer süße Desserts liebt, muss<br />
als Veganer im Hotel Bristol nicht darauf<br />
verzichten - besonders köstlich gelingt hier der<br />
Kaiserschmarrn, ganz ohne Eier.<br />
Delicious & vegan. If you have a sweet tooth,<br />
then you’re not going to miss out at the Hotel<br />
Bristol as a vegan – the Kaiserschmarrn is<br />
particularly great, even without eggs.<br />
Exklusive Besonderheiten. Der „Salon Opéra“<br />
bietet diverse Veranstaltungen zu den Premieren<br />
der Wiener Staatsoper für Jung & Alt (ganz links).<br />
Ein Hundeleben ist im Hotel Bristol besonders<br />
komfortabel. Exclusive features. The “Salon<br />
Opéra“ offers various events accompanying the<br />
premiere days of the Vienna State Opera for both<br />
young & old (at the very left). A dog’s life is made<br />
especially comfortable at the Hotel Bristol.<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
111
SAVOIR VIVRE PROPERTY<br />
Wohnjuwelen<br />
Residential gems<br />
Text: Michaela Hocek<br />
Luxusgut und Spekulationsobjekt: Zwei Begriffe, die auf Edelsteine wie Immobilien<br />
gleichermaßen passen. In Wien und Umgebung sind viele Schätze zu finden.<br />
Luxury commodity and added value over time: two ways to describe<br />
precious gems as well as real estate. In Vienna and its surrounding<br />
communities, treasures hide in plain sight.<br />
Sotheby’s und Christie’s schreiben immer wieder<br />
Schlagzeilen mit Rekordauktionen und historischen<br />
Finessen zu exzeptionellen Edelsteinen.<br />
Im letzten Jahr beispielsweise wechselte mit dem<br />
„Grand Mazarin“ ein pinkfarbener Diamant den Besitzer,<br />
der vor Jahrhunderten bereits in der mit Sicherheit<br />
überdimensionierten Schmuckschatulle von<br />
Sonnenkönig Ludwig XIV. zu liegen kam. Der 59,60<br />
Karat schwere „Pink Star“ wurde mit dem aktuellen<br />
Auktionsergebnis von 67 Millionen Euro zum teuersten<br />
Diamant aller Zeiten. Auf Riesenecho stieß 2011<br />
auch die Versteigerung von Liz Taylors Schmuck kurz<br />
nach ihrem Tod. Eine von ihr bei der Oscar-Verleihung<br />
1957 getragene Tiara übertraf das Sechsfache<br />
des Schätzpreises. Insgesamt wurde ein Erlös von 89<br />
Millionen Euro erzielt. Bevor Sie sich jetzt wundern,<br />
wieweit diese Fakten mit unserer aktuellen Immobiliengeschichte<br />
in Zusammenhang stehen, wollen wir<br />
nur ein Schlagwort beiläufig erwähnen: Emotion!<br />
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT<br />
Lupenreine Wohnjuwelen<br />
Sowohl Schmuck als auch das Zuhause sind Ausdruck<br />
der eigenen Persönlichkeit. Sie wecken Gefühle<br />
und spiegeln ohne Worte die Individualität des<br />
Besitzers wider. Daher lohnt es sich, nach kostbaren<br />
Exemplaren zu suchen und überlegt zu investieren.<br />
Begehrenswerte Luxusobjekte, die demnächst fertig<br />
werden oder aktuell bezugsfertig sind, existieren.<br />
Eine Auswahl mit Fokus auf Wien und Umgebung<br />
zeigen wir auf den folgenden Seiten. Denn hier konzentrieren<br />
sich begehrte Zielregionen im Immobilienbereich,<br />
die auch im Hinblick auf wertsteigernde<br />
Investitionen interessant sind, da regelmäßig Quadratmeter-Höchstpreise<br />
für Eigentumsobjekte erzielt<br />
werden. Zwei spannende Wohnprojekte in Wieden<br />
hat beispielsweise Realtrade im Portfolio. Bereits in<br />
diesem Sommer wird „The Secret Garden“ fertiggestellt,<br />
der mit Luxusresidenzen inmitten eines Gartens<br />
im ehemaligen Pálffy Palais repräsentative<br />
Wohnintimität mit zentraler Lage an der Prinz-Eugen-Straße<br />
bietet. Die aufwändige Revitalisierung<br />
unterstreicht den Charme des historischen Gründerzeithauses.<br />
Im Spätherbst 2019 werden die ersten<br />
REALTRADE „NEW PRESTIGE“<br />
In der Wiedner Wohllebengasse 3–5 werden Luxusresidenzen mit<br />
Wohnflächen von 30 bis 138 m2 teilweise mit Eigengarten, Balkon<br />
und Dachterrassen mit 360-Grad-Blick geschaffen.<br />
At Wiedner Wohllebengasse 3–5, luxury residences are being created<br />
with floor plans from 30 to 138 m2, partially with private garden,<br />
balcony and roof terrace with a 360-degree view.<br />
112 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
113
SAVOIR VIVRE PROPERTY<br />
im Wienerwald spezialisiert: „Unsere Kunden wollen<br />
aufgrund der höheren Lebensqualität und des<br />
besseren Preis-Leistungsverhältnisses vermehrt aufs<br />
Land. Dafür werden längere Anfahrtswege in die<br />
Stadt und zur Arbeit gerne in Kauf genommen.“ Obwohl<br />
die Preise für Immobilien in Wien nicht mehr<br />
so stark wie in den vergangenen Jahren steigen, sind<br />
gute Lagen weiterhin extrem teuer. Die bessere Lebensqualität<br />
in Verbindung mit sehr guter öffentlicher<br />
und PKW-Verkehrsanbindung wird geschätzt.<br />
Die Kunden haben sehr konkrete Vorstellungen, wie<br />
ihre Traumimmobilie aussehen soll. Das zeigt sich in<br />
der Nachfrage nach ausgefallenen und sehr hochwertigen<br />
Objekten, z. B. einem Bauernhof nahe der<br />
Stadtgrenze sowie nahegelegenen Freizeitmöglichkeiten<br />
wie Reitstall oder Golfplatz.<br />
HYPO NÖ REAL CONSULT „WOHNTRAUM HIETZING“<br />
In einer charmanten Villengegend mit der Nähe zur Natur durch den Lainzer Tiergarten zu leben, ist der Luxus des urbanen<br />
Lifestyles.<br />
A charming villa district with close access to nature in form of the Lainzer Tiergarten, offering all the luxuries of the urban lifestyle.<br />
Sotheby’s and Christie’s are always making big<br />
headlines with their record sales and their historical<br />
expertise when it comes to exceptional<br />
gems. Last year, for example, a pink diamond called<br />
the “Grand Mazarin”, which hundreds of years ago<br />
GLORIT ANDREAS HOFER-STRASSE IN KLOSTERNEUBURG<br />
In der Nähe von Wien wird hier in Grünruhelagen mit Blick auf das Stift auf Eigengrund in<br />
vollunterkellerten Einzelhäusern gewohnt.<br />
Located near Vienna, these cellared detached homes on freehold land offer lush green surroundings<br />
and a gorgeous view of the Monastery.<br />
Eigentümer das Wohnprojekt „New Prestige“ beleben.<br />
Auch hier wurde ein imposanter Altbau inmitten<br />
des Wiener Botschaftsviertels in Belvedere-Nähe<br />
an die hohen Ansprüche des urbanen Wohnens angepasst.<br />
Fischgrätparkett, Holzkastenfenster und<br />
Deckenhöhen von beinahe vier Metern ermöglichen<br />
herrschaftliches Residieren mit allem luxuriösen<br />
Komfort der Jetztzeit.<br />
Luxus Grünruhelage<br />
Eine Besonderheit an Wien ist das Wohnen in der<br />
Stadt mitten im Grünen. Dieses begehrte Wohnprofil<br />
erfüllt das bereits bezugsfertige Projekt der Hypo<br />
NÖ Real Consult „Wohntraum Hietzing“. Auf dem<br />
Grundstück der Eigentumsobjekte befindet sich ein<br />
Mammutbaum, der seit 1939 unter Naturschutz<br />
steht, und der Lainzer Tiergarten ist ebenfalls nur<br />
einen Steinwurf entfernt. In Kombination mit großzügigen<br />
Grundrissen und erstklassiger Ausstattung<br />
sowie Tiefgarage sind die zehn Geschosswohnungen<br />
und zwei Penthäuser mit vorgelagerten Terrassen<br />
und Wienblick in Ober St. Veit ein Musterbeispiel<br />
urbanen Lebens.<br />
Abseits der Großstadt<br />
In Klosterneuburg realisiert Glorit als einer der<br />
größten privaten Bauträger im Großraum Wien, der<br />
sich als Premiumbauträger positioniert hat und als<br />
„Top Developer 2017“ ausgezeichnet wurde, Einzelhäuser<br />
in der Andreas Hofer-Straße. Neben hochwertiger<br />
Ausstattung und dem Bau auf Eigengrund<br />
sind vor allem die idyllische Grünruhelage im Sachsenviertel<br />
und der einzigartige Ausblick auf das Stift<br />
Klosterneuburg überzeugende Argumente für den<br />
Eigentumserwerb außerhalb Wiens. Weitere Wohnungen<br />
in der Schauergasse und der Josef-Brenner-<br />
Straße profitieren ebenso von der guten Infrastruktur<br />
und der Nähe zur Bundeshauptstadt. Aufgrund<br />
der hohen Nachfrage hat Glorit hier mehrere Projekte<br />
in der jüngeren Vergangenheit umgesetzt. Die Eigentümer<br />
profitieren indes von der starken Steigerung<br />
der Grundstückspreise in den vergangenen<br />
Jahren. Weltweit gibt es nicht viele Regionen, wo das<br />
Wohnen in einem Weinbaugebiet mit unkomplizierter,<br />
öffentlicher und rascher Verkehrsanbindung an<br />
eine Innenstadt möglich ist.<br />
Ruraler Profit<br />
Den Kundenwunsch nach Mehrwert abseits des<br />
Stadtzentrums unter der Prämisse der guten Anbindung<br />
haben auch die Professionalisten der Dräxler<br />
Immobilientreuhand erkannt und sich auf Objekte<br />
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT<br />
IMPERIAL PALATIAL VILLA<br />
FOR SALE IN HIETZING’S COTTAGE AREA<br />
FLOOR SPACE: 1.049M2 GARDEN: 1.000M2 GARAGE: 409M2<br />
WWW.PALAISWIEN.AT<br />
+43 [1] 586 27 40<br />
OFFICE@THURN.AT<br />
FURTHER PROPERTIES CAN BE FOUND AT<br />
114 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
WWW.THURN.AT<br />
PHOTO © OLIVER GAST
SAVOIR VIVRE PROPERTY<br />
Info<br />
BÖRSEPLATZ 1 Skyview<br />
Penthouses, Imperial<br />
Lofts, Luxury Apartments<br />
boerseplatz1.com<br />
EHL IMMOBILIEN<br />
ehl.at<br />
GLORIT Andreas<br />
Hofer-Straße, Schauerstraße,<br />
Brennerstraße<br />
Klosterneuburg<br />
glorit.at<br />
HYPO NOE REAL CONSULT<br />
wohntraum-hietzing.at<br />
OTTO IMMOBILIEN Vienna<br />
Prime Residence<br />
otto.at<br />
REALTRADE New Prestige,<br />
The Secret Garden<br />
newprestige.at, the-secretgarden.at<br />
RUDI DRÄXLER IMMOBI-<br />
LIENTREUHAND<br />
Immobilien im Wienerwald<br />
haus-haus.at<br />
SORAVIA Post Palais,<br />
Triiiple, Danube Flats<br />
soravia.at<br />
STRABAG REAL ESTATE<br />
Über den Linden<br />
lindengasse.co.at<br />
THURN & BAUER<br />
Immobiliengruppe<br />
thurn.at<br />
DRÄXLER IMMOBILIENTREUHAND HIGH-TECH-VILLA IN PENZING<br />
Luxuriöses Domizil mit kontrollierter Wohnraumlüftung, Wellness-Oase und beheizbarem Salzwasser-Pool.<br />
Luxurious domicile with controllable housing ventilation, wellness oasis and heated saltwater pool.<br />
had belonged to the Sun King Louis XIV of France,<br />
changed owners. The 59.60-carat stone became the<br />
most expensive diamond of all time with an auction<br />
price of 67 million euro. A similar media response<br />
followed the auction of Liz Taylor’s jewellery shortly<br />
after her death. A tiara, worn by the actress at the<br />
1957 Academy Awards, ended up selling for six times<br />
the estimated price. In total, proceeds of 89 million<br />
euro were made. Before you start wondering what, if<br />
anything, these facts and numbers have to do with<br />
our present real estate story, we’ll just drop one little<br />
keyword: emotion!<br />
Flawless residential gems<br />
Both jewellery and the home are expressions of<br />
one’s personality. They trigger feelings and, without<br />
words, reflect the individuality of their owner. This<br />
is why it pays off to be on the lookout for precious<br />
specimens and invest carefully. There are many desirable<br />
luxury properties that are about to be completed<br />
or are ready for occupation already. On the following<br />
pages, we will present a selection with a<br />
focus on Vienna and the city’s surroundings. For<br />
there is a dense concentration of properties in desirable<br />
destinations here, which are also interesting in<br />
terms of long-term investing, since square-metre<br />
prices for property objects are always on the rise.<br />
Realtrade, for example, currently has two particularly<br />
exciting residential projects in their portfolio.<br />
“The Secret Garden” is set to be completed this sum-<br />
mer already, offering luxurious residential intimacy<br />
with a central location at Prinz-Eugen-Straße amid<br />
a lush garden in the former Pálffy Palais. The extensive<br />
revitalisation work underscores the charm of<br />
the historic “Gründerzeit” building. In late autumn<br />
2019, on the other hand, the first set of owners will<br />
be moving into the “New Prestige” residential project.<br />
Here, we have another impressive historic building<br />
amid Vienna’s diplomatic quarter near the Belvedere,<br />
retrofitted to meet contemporary living<br />
standards. Herringbone parquet flooring, wooden<br />
frame windows and nearly four-metre-tall ceilings<br />
allow for imperial living standards with all the comforts<br />
of the present.<br />
Luxury green oasis<br />
One of the many special things about Vienna is<br />
the ability to live surrounded by a lush, green environment.<br />
This desirable residential profile is covered<br />
by the “Wohntraum Hietzing” project by<br />
Hypo NÖ Real Consult, which is now ready for<br />
occupancy. On the property’s plot, one can find a<br />
sequoia tree that has been protected since 1939,<br />
and the Lainzer Tiergarten is also no more than a<br />
stone’s throw away. In combination with the generous<br />
floor plans and the top-notch furnishing,<br />
as well as an underground car park, the ten apartments<br />
and two penthouses in Ober St. Veit with<br />
extended terraces and gorgeous views of Vienna<br />
are prime examples of urban living.<br />
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT<br />
HWB EG-5.St. 18,20 (B) | HWB DG 43,35 (B)<br />
Away from the city<br />
In Klosterneuburg, Glorit, not only one of<br />
Vienna’s biggest property developers but also a premium<br />
developer that has been awarded the title<br />
“Top Developer 2017”, is realising detached houses<br />
at Andreas Hofer-Straße. Next to excellent furnishing<br />
and construction on freehold land, it is especially<br />
the idyllic natural environment in Sachsenviertel<br />
and the unique view of the Klosterneuburg<br />
Monastery that speak for a property acquisition<br />
outside of Vienna’s city limits. Additional apartments<br />
at Schauergasse and Josef-Brenner-Straße<br />
likewise benefit from fantastic infrastructure and<br />
close proximity to the nation’s capital. Due to high<br />
demand, Glorit has realised several projects like<br />
this in recent times. Owners are benefiting from the<br />
increasing property prices in the last few years.<br />
There aren’t many residential destinations in the<br />
world that offer living in a wine-growing region<br />
with quick and easy public transport connections to<br />
a major city centre.<br />
Modern Wohnen<br />
mit Alt-Wien<br />
Charme.<br />
WOHLLEBENGASSE 3-5<br />
1040 WIEN<br />
♦<br />
♦<br />
♦<br />
♦<br />
♦<br />
Repräsentative Eigentumswohnungen<br />
im Botschaftviertel am Schloss Belvedere<br />
30m 2 bis 138m 2 mit exklusiver Ausstattung<br />
Eigengärten, Terrassen oder Balkone<br />
Moderne Penthäuser mit 360° Panoramablick<br />
Hauseigene Tiefgarage<br />
WWW.NEWPRESTIGE.AT<br />
Rural profit<br />
The customer desire for more smart investments<br />
outside of the city centre with the promise of good<br />
transport connections has also been recognised by the<br />
property pros at Dräxler Immobilientreuhand, who<br />
specialise in objects in the Vienna Woods. “Due to the<br />
higher standard of living and the improved price-performance<br />
ratio, more and more of our clients want to<br />
move to greener places in the outskirts. To do this,<br />
they are perfectly willing to accept longer commutes<br />
to the city and the workplace. Although property prices<br />
in Vienna aren’t rising as steeply as they did a few<br />
years ago, good locations remain very expensive. The<br />
improved quality of life, as well as the excellent public<br />
transport and traffic connections, are valued especially.<br />
Customers have very concrete wishes and expectations<br />
of what their dream home is supposed to<br />
look like. This becomes especially clear when looking<br />
at the demand for more eccentric and high-end objects,<br />
such as farmsteads near the city limits, as well as<br />
leisure features, like riding stables or golf courses.<br />
116 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
EXKLUSIVER VERKAUF<br />
REALTRADE Immobilienvermittlung<br />
+43 (0) 1 535 01 13 16 living@newprestige.at
SAVOIR VIVRE CITY APARTMENTS<br />
Neues Zuhause auf Zeit<br />
A new home from home<br />
Text: Michaela Hocek<br />
City Apartments sind die gemütlich-luxuriöse Antwort auf<br />
die Frage nach sympathischen Unterkünften auf Zeit mit<br />
Mehrwert.<br />
City apartments are the cosy and luxurious response to the<br />
demand for comfortable temporary residences with extra<br />
benefits.<br />
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, KLIMPT<br />
Wer sich länger aus beruflichen oder privaten<br />
Gründen in einer fremden Stadt<br />
aufhält, lebt nicht gerne aus dem Koffer<br />
in einem relativ knapp bemessenem Hotelzimmer.<br />
Wien hat hier vor allem im innerstädtischen Bereich<br />
schöne Alternativen zu bieten. Als Urlaubs- und<br />
Kongressstadt ist die Bundeshauptstadt eine Ganzjahresdestination,<br />
die die Zahl der verfügbaren Zimmer<br />
und Apartments weiter nach oben schnellen<br />
lässt. Gäste der sogenannten City-Apartments schätzen<br />
die Nähe zum Zentrum und den Sehenswürdigkeiten.<br />
Infrastruktur und Shopping-Möglichkeiten<br />
sind weitere Entscheidungskriterien. Ein nicht zu<br />
unterschätzender Faktor ist allerdings auch das<br />
Ruhe- und Rückzugsbedürfnis nach Seminaren oder<br />
City-Trips.<br />
Hoher Servicecharakter<br />
Diesem werden beispielsweise die Unterkünfte in<br />
der „Singerstrasse 21/25“ gerecht. Diese Adresse wurde<br />
1995 als erstes Apartmenthaus in der Wiener Innenstadt<br />
bekannt. Vor drei Jahren wurde umfassend<br />
renoviert. Die Ausstattung mit diversen Jugendstilelementen<br />
stieß auf positives Feedback. Heute kann<br />
der Gast zwischen kleinem Studio mit 31m2 bis zum<br />
City Penthouse mit 160m2 wählen. Letzteres hat neben<br />
drei Schlafzimmern einen beeindruckenden<br />
Blick von der Terrasse auf den Stephansdom zu bieten.<br />
Eine Gelegenheit, die sonst nur sehr wohlsituierten<br />
Wohnungsbesitzern vorbehalten ist, da City-<br />
Apartments meist in Lagen zu finden sind, wo<br />
Immobilien mit Rekordpreisen den Eigentümer<br />
wechseln. Direktor Wolfgang Epple erläutert die Vorzüge<br />
seiner City-Apartments: „Unsere hohe, ganzjährige<br />
Auslastung ist ein Ausdruck hoher Servicekompetenz:<br />
Unsere Rezeption ist 24 Stunden besetzt.<br />
Zusätzlich verfügt unser Haus über einen Konferenzraum<br />
für maximal zehn Personen und einen Frühstücksraum<br />
mit Buffetfrühstück täglich von 6.30 bis<br />
„Die Anzahl, der in<br />
Wien verfügbaren<br />
Zimmer und<br />
Apartments steigt<br />
ständig.“<br />
“The number of rooms<br />
and apartments in<br />
Vienna is continuously<br />
increasing.”<br />
Wolfgang Epple<br />
Direktor Singerstrasse 21/25<br />
General Manager at<br />
Singerstrasse 21/25<br />
SINGERSTRASSE 21/25<br />
Diplomaten, Geschäftsleute, Künstler und Langzeittouristen<br />
residieren gerne an dieser Adresse in der<br />
Wiener Innenstadt.<br />
Diplomats, business people, artists and long-term tourists<br />
like to stay at this address in Vienna’s city centre.<br />
118 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 119
SAVOIR VIVRE CITY APARTMENTS<br />
verleihen.“ Neu ist auch das Konzept, die Räumlichkeiten<br />
für Seminare, Meetings und Workshops für 10<br />
bis 14 Personen zu nützen. Dafür kann kurzerhand<br />
die Art Suite in ein Besprechungszimmer umgewandelt<br />
werden. Catering ist in den VCA Vienna City<br />
Apartments ebenso möglich wie kulinarische Höhenflüge<br />
mit einem Privatkoch.<br />
HOCH 33<br />
100 Serviced Apartments in fünf Kategorien werden im Sommer im aufstrebenden Stadtentwicklungsgebiet Monte Laa eröffnet.<br />
100 serviced apartments in five different categories are set to open at Monte Laa, the emerging urban development zone, this summer.<br />
If you have to stay in an unfamiliar city for an extended<br />
period of time for either business or pleasure,<br />
you may not want to spend much of your<br />
stay in a small hotel room. Vienna has plenty of great<br />
alternatives to offer, especially in the city centre. As a<br />
popular holiday and conference destination, Austria’s<br />
capital is visited throughout the year, significantly<br />
increasing the number of available rooms and apartments.<br />
Guests at the so-called city apartments appreciate<br />
the proximity to the centre and attractions. Infrastructure<br />
and shopping opportunities are<br />
additional criteria. Another factor that shouldn’t be<br />
underestimated is also the need for relaxation and<br />
deceleration after seminars or trips to the city.<br />
LIV’IN RESIDENCE BY FLEMING‘S<br />
Die Josefstädter Apartments, in einem Gründerzeithaus aus dem Jahr 1900, sind ein Highlight in<br />
Sachen Komfort und Architektur.<br />
The Josefstadt apartments in a “Gründerzeit” building from 1900 are a highlight in terms of comfort<br />
and architecture.<br />
„Diesen Sommer eröffnen<br />
wir mit HOCH<br />
33 bereits unseren<br />
vierten Standort.“<br />
“This summer, we are<br />
opening HOCH 33,<br />
which is already our<br />
fourth location.”<br />
Helga Mayer<br />
Geschäftsführerin room4rent<br />
Managing director at room4rent<br />
10.30 Uhr. Unsere 37 Tiefgaragenplätze mit einem<br />
Aufzug direkt zu den Apartments sowie der Wäscheraum<br />
werden von unseren Gästen sehr geschätzt.“<br />
Innovative Standorte<br />
room4rent ist ein Anbieter von Serviced Apartments<br />
in Wien, der eine digitalorientierte Strategie<br />
verfolgt: „Wohnen auf Zeit“ lässt sich hier problemlos<br />
über eine komfortable Buchungsplattform realisieren.<br />
Neben dem Wohnraum stehen Serviceleistungen<br />
wie hauseigener Concierge, Wäscheservice<br />
oder Wellness- und Fitnesszonen zur Verfügung.<br />
Individuelle Wünsche können zusätzlich gebucht<br />
werden. Viele Einheiten verfügen über Loggia, Balkon<br />
oder Terrasse. Die Standorte sind breit gestreut<br />
und vorzugsweise in U-Bahnnähe. Nach dem Storchengrund<br />
in der Nähe der Längenfeldgasse, dem<br />
Messecarrée Nord nahe der Krieau und dem Leopoldtower<br />
in Floridsdorf steht demnächst die Eröffnung<br />
von „HOCH 33“ in der Laaer-Berg-Straße 47A<br />
in Favoriten an. „Wir freuen uns schon sehr, diesen<br />
Sommer die ersten Mieter an unserem bereits vierten<br />
Standort begrüßen zu dürfen“, so Helga Mayer,<br />
Geschäftsführerin von room4rent. Ebenfalls in Wien<br />
verstreut sind die 70 Unterkünfte der „IG City Apartments“,<br />
die den Anforderungen verschiedenster<br />
Zielgruppen gerecht werden. Ein Highlight ist beispielsweise<br />
der Outdoor-Pool im OrchideenPark in<br />
Döbling. 24-Stunden-Online-Check-In, Concierge,<br />
Fitness-Bereich oder Business-Corner sind weitere<br />
Beispiele für Gesamtkonzepte, die das rasche Eingewöhnen<br />
in neuer Umgebung erleichtern.<br />
Absolute Kundenorientierung<br />
Residiert man bei Alfred Krammer und Barbara<br />
Krammer-Punzet in einem der Vienna City Apartments<br />
stellt sich schon kurz nach dem Check-In ein<br />
Wohngefühl der Extraklasse ein. „Wir bieten Serviceleistungen<br />
wie man sie von Hotels gewöhnt ist in<br />
einer Beletage mit einzigartigem Ambiente. Auf den<br />
ersten Blick entdeckt der Gast bei uns kein Bett. Unsere<br />
Zimmer sind mit viel Holz eingerichtet. WLAN<br />
und Apple 4K TV sind technische Annehmlichkeiten.<br />
Auf unserer ständigen Suche nach Neuem sind<br />
wir zwei außergewöhnlichen Künstlerinnen – Kim<br />
Okura und Noémi Kiss – begegnet, die nun unseren<br />
Zimmern mit einzigartigen Bildern und kunstvollen<br />
Vintage-Wandteppichen einzigartigen Charakter<br />
PHOTOS: CLAUDIOANDERWALD.COM, HNP, LUKAS ILGNER, BEIGESTELLT<br />
120 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
SAVOIR VIVRE CITY APARTMENTS<br />
IG CITY APARTMENTS<br />
In Döbling, Mariahilf, Alsergrund, Leopoldstadt und Innere Stadt finden sich 70 Residenzen, die sich an Business-Kunden oder<br />
Privatpersonen richten, die für einige Wochen oder Monate in Wien wohnen möchten.<br />
70 residences aimed at business clients and private individuals who want to spend a few weeks or months in Vienna can be found<br />
across Döbling, Mariahilf, Alsergrund, Leopoldstadt and the city centre.<br />
onal examples of the overall concept, intended to<br />
make settling into the local environment easier.<br />
Strong customer focus<br />
If you choose to stay with Alfred Krammer and<br />
Barbara Krammer-Punzet in one of the Vienna City<br />
Apartments, you will experience first-class residential<br />
perks soon after checking in. ”We provide the<br />
kinds of services you might be used to from hotels in<br />
a bel étage with a unique ambience. The first thing<br />
our guests will notice with us won’t be the bed. Our<br />
rooms are furnished with plenty of wood. Wireless<br />
internet and Apple 4K TV are among the technical<br />
amenities. On our continuous search for novelties,<br />
we came across two exceptional artists – Kim Okura<br />
and Noémi Kiss – who have added an exciting character<br />
to our rooms with unique images and artful<br />
vintage wallpapers.“ What’s also new is the ability to<br />
use the premises for meetings and workshops for 10<br />
to 14 persons. To do so, the Art Suite can quickly be<br />
transformed into a meeting room. Catering and even<br />
culinary journeys with a private chef are also available<br />
at VCA Vienna City Apartments.<br />
VCA VIENNA CITY APARTMENTS<br />
Neu ist das Konzept der „Business-Etage“ für Seminare. Schon<br />
längst beliebt ist bei Gästen die VIP-Karte mit individuellen<br />
Kooperationen wie z. B. dem Sacher-Spa.<br />
The “Business Floor” is a new approach to seminars. The VIP<br />
Card with individual partnerships with the Sacher Spa and many<br />
other businesses has been very popular with guests.<br />
Info<br />
Links zu empfehlenswerten<br />
City-Apartments für einige<br />
Urlaubstage oder<br />
Business-bedingte<br />
Kurzaufenthalte:<br />
Links to recommended city<br />
apartments for a quick<br />
holiday or business-related<br />
stay:<br />
apartment.co.at<br />
flemings-hotels.com<br />
ig-city-apartments.com<br />
my-place.at<br />
riemergasse.at<br />
room4rent.at<br />
singerstrasse2125.at<br />
schottenring33.com<br />
Quality service<br />
Some of the apartments that meet these criteria<br />
can be found at ‘Singerstraße 21/25’. In 1995, this<br />
address became known as the first apartment building<br />
in Vienna’s city centre. Three years ago, it was<br />
extensively renovated. The furnishing, consisting of<br />
various art nouveau elements, was warmly received.<br />
Today, guests can choose from a 31m2 studio to a<br />
160m2 city penthouse. Next to three bedrooms, the<br />
latter also offers an impressive view of St. Stephen’s<br />
Cathedral from the balcony. This privilege is normally<br />
reserved for specially situated apartment owners,<br />
for city apartments tend to be found where properties<br />
change hands at record prices. Director<br />
Wolfgang Epple elaborates on the advantages of his<br />
city apartments: ”Our year-round high occupancy<br />
rate is an expression of our dedication to service. The<br />
reception is staffed 24/7. Additionally, the building<br />
offers a conference room for up to 10 persons, as well<br />
as a breakfast room with a buffet from 06:30 until<br />
10:30. Our 37 underground parking spaces are appreciated<br />
immensely by our guests, as is the elevator<br />
that leads directly from the parking lots to the apartments,<br />
and also the laundry room.“<br />
Innovative locations<br />
room4rent is a serviced apartments provider in<br />
Vienna that pursues a digitally oriented strategy.<br />
“Temporary residences“ can be organised hassle-free<br />
via an easy-to-use booking platform. Next to the living<br />
space itself, there are also several services that<br />
are offered, such as an in-house concierge, laundry<br />
services or a dedicated wellness area and a gym. Individual<br />
requests can also be booked. Several units have<br />
loggias, balconies or terraces. The locations are spread<br />
out widely across the city, predominantly with nearby<br />
access to the underground transport system. After<br />
Storchengrund near Längenfeldgasse, Messecarrée<br />
Nord near Krieau and the Leopoldtower in Floridsdorf,<br />
the opening of ‘HOCH 33’ at Laaer-Berg-Straße<br />
47A is next in line. ”We are very excited to welcome<br />
the first tenants this summer to what is already our<br />
fourth location,“ says Helga Mayer, managing director<br />
at room4rent. Likewise spread out across Vienna<br />
are the 70 residences of ‘IG City Apartments’, which<br />
tries to meet the requirements of several different target<br />
groups. One of the highlights is the outdoor pool<br />
at OrchideenPark in Döbling. 24-hour online checkin,<br />
a concierge, gym and a business corner are additi-<br />
PHOTOS: FOTOSTUDIO AUGUST LECHNER,VIENNA, WWW.360PERSPEKTIVEN.AT, AK (2)<br />
YOUR PRIVATE HIDEAWAY IN SOUTH STYRIA<br />
The lifestyle and wine region of South Styria is a sun-drenched oasis filled with a zest for life.<br />
Here, Barbara and Andreas Reinisch welcome their guests to their private hideaway. Enjoy your<br />
holiday moments in soothing privacy, with gorgeous views, fine cuisine and exquisite wines.<br />
• Panorama loft with private spa and infinity swimming pond, exclusive for two guests<br />
• Romanic country house and three new luxury country chalets for 2-6 persons each,<br />
each with private spa and one chalet with own horse paddock<br />
• 15,000 m 2 idyllic park facility with relaxation oases, 600 m 2 natural swimming pond, sauna<br />
and fitness area and “sparkling” champagne lounge<br />
• Wine cellar, Barbara’s private dining, candlelight dinner and barbecue<br />
• Golfing deluxe: custom golfing package and scenic golf courses nearby<br />
• Vineyard experience: with horse-drawn carriage, e-bike, free use of BMW/Mini, motorcycle<br />
or tractor, balloon rides, helicopter flights, horseback riding, hiking (solo or with alpacas),<br />
gourmet picnic in vineyard, snowshoe hiking and cross-country skiing during winter<br />
• Massages or spending the day in the bathrobe whilst enjoying the art of idleness<br />
GOLDEN HILL COUNTRY CHALETS & SUITES<br />
MMag. Dr. Barbara Reinisch & Andreas Reinisch<br />
Member of the HIDEAWAYS HOTELS Collection<br />
Steinfuchsweg 2, 8505 St. Nikolai im Sausal, Austria<br />
Phone: +43 (0)650 350 59 36<br />
welcome@golden-hill.at | www.golden-hill.at<br />
122 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE<br />
Ab ins Freie<br />
Into the wild<br />
Text: Michaela Hocek<br />
Charmanter Nestcharakter<br />
Charming nest vibes<br />
Die Sitzmöbel „Orbitry“ von Paolo Lenti, aus einer Stahlkonstruktion in Verbindung mit zweifarbigem<br />
Garn, sind um die eigene Achse schwenkbar. Das Sitzkissen ist aus Polyurethan-Schaum und<br />
Polyester-Fasern gefertigt. Die Flechtoptik, bunten Kissen und grünen Farbnuancen verleihen der<br />
Kollektion erfrischende Leichtigkeit.<br />
The “Orbitry“ seating furniture by Paola Lenti, which consists of a steel structure combined with<br />
bicoloured yarn, can pivot around its own axis. The cushion is made from polyurethane foam and<br />
polyester fibres. The woven look, the colourful cushions and the green colour tones provide the<br />
collection with a refreshing sense of lightness.<br />
paolalenti.it<br />
Outdoor-Stimmungslicht<br />
Outdoor mood light<br />
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT<br />
„Battery“ von Kartell kommt bis zu acht<br />
Stunden ohne Stromversorgung aus, ist somit<br />
die ideale Lichtquelle für den Outdoor-Bereich<br />
und kann leicht versetzt werden. Geladen wird<br />
die Leuchte mit facettierter Oberfläche aus<br />
transparentem PMMA, die in ansprechenden<br />
Farbvarianten erhältlich ist, bequem über die<br />
Steckdose.<br />
Erhältlich bei Kartell Flagshipstore, Opernring<br />
17, 1010 Wien<br />
“Battery“ by Kartell can last for up to eight<br />
hours without a direct power supply, making it<br />
the ideal outdoor light source that is also very<br />
mobile. The lamp has a faceted surface made<br />
from transparent PMMA and is available in<br />
various colours. It can be charged quickly and<br />
easily via the power outlet.<br />
Available at the Kartell flagship store,<br />
Opernring 17, 1010 Vienna<br />
Leben unter freiem Himmel<br />
Life under the open sky<br />
Das oberösterreichische Unternehmen<br />
Screenroom hat sich auf Freiräume, die keine<br />
Baugenehmigung erfordern, spezialisiert. Dazu<br />
zählen Pergolen, Markisen, Lamellendächer,<br />
Outdoorküchen, Carports, Terrassenüberdachungen,<br />
Faltdächer, Zipscreens u. v. m. Starkes<br />
Know-how ist im Bereich der Reflexion von<br />
Sonneneinstrahlung vorhanden, was für ein<br />
angenehmes Raumklima sorgt.<br />
The Upper Austrian company Screenroom has<br />
specialised in open spaces that do not require a<br />
building permit. This includes pergolas,<br />
awnings, slatted roofs, outdoor kitchens,<br />
carports, terrace roofs, folding roofs, zip screens<br />
and others. The company has significant<br />
expertise when it comes to the reflection of<br />
sunlight, which creates a comfortable indoor<br />
climate.<br />
screenroom.at<br />
Terrasse mit Spa-Flair<br />
Terrace with spa flair<br />
Wind- und wetterfeste Outdoor-Whirlpools<br />
mit Blick in die freie Natur und wohltuender<br />
Wassermassage fördern den Stressabbau.<br />
Bei Villeroy & Boch können die JetPaks<br />
individuell angeordnet werden, um<br />
bestimmte Muskelgruppen zu erreichen.<br />
Wind and weather-resistant outdoor jacuzzis<br />
with views of the outdoors and soothing<br />
water massages promote stress relief. The<br />
JetPaks can be ordered individually at<br />
Villeroy & Boch to target certain muscle<br />
groups.<br />
villeroyboch.de/whirlpools<br />
124 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 125
SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE<br />
Bezahlte Anzeige<br />
Garten mit Charakter<br />
A garden with character<br />
Christiane und Jörg Zecha stehen für perfekt<br />
abgestimmte Details und langfristige,<br />
individuelle Planungen in der Gartenarchitektur<br />
und Terrassengestaltung. Erreicht wird<br />
dies durch durchdachte Sichtachsen,<br />
Blütenreihenfolgen und das Abstimmen des<br />
Wuchsverhaltens der Bepflanzungen.<br />
When it comes to garden architecture and<br />
terrace design, Christiane and Jörg Zecha<br />
value perfectly harmonised details and<br />
long-term, custom-tailored planning. This is<br />
achieved by way of carefully thought-through<br />
visual axes, flower arrangements and the<br />
coordination of the growth behaviours of the<br />
various plants.<br />
begruender.at<br />
MALEN<br />
WIE IN<br />
FLORENZ.<br />
Multifunktionales<br />
Kochvergnügen<br />
Multifunctional cooking fun<br />
LEBEN<br />
Ein Gartenaccessoire, das im Sommer und Winter<br />
Freude bereitet, ist der Multifunktionsgriller von<br />
Funco. Er kann als Kohle-, Gas- oder Elektrogrill<br />
betrieben werden und ist außerdem noch als<br />
Getränkekühler, Suppen- oder Punschkoch<br />
einsetzbar. Als Steh- oder Sitzvariante ist er ein<br />
zentrales Element für kulinarische Outdoor-<br />
Treffen der besonderen Art.<br />
The multifunctional grill by Funco is a garden<br />
accessory that offers good times during both<br />
summer and winter alike. It can be used as a<br />
coal, gas or electric grill and can even cool beverages<br />
and act as a soup or punch cooker. With<br />
settings for both standing and sitting, it quickly<br />
becomes an indispensable companion to any<br />
outdoor meet-up. funco.at<br />
126 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Wozu in die Ferne schweifen? Wien legt großen Wert auf einen offenen Zugang zu Kunst<br />
und Kultur sowie ein vielfältiges und interessantes Angebot. Neben den zahlreichen<br />
Wiener Museen und Sammlungen können viele Veranstaltungen kostenfrei besucht<br />
werden. Das gilt auch im Wien Museum, im ZOOM Kindermuseum und in der Kunsthalle<br />
Wien für alle Dauer- und Sonderausstellungen für Jugendliche unter 19 Jahren.<br />
Darüber hinaus kann das MUSA ohne Altersbeschränkung kostenlos besucht werden.<br />
Kultur zum Nulltarif unter www.kultur.wien.at/veranstaltungen/nulltarif.html<br />
Alle Museen und Sammlungen unter www.museen.wien.at<br />
Lebendig. Vielseitig. Weltoffen.
SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE<br />
Auszeit im Sommer<br />
Summer time-out<br />
Text: Michaela Hocek<br />
Edel & maritim<br />
Exquisite & maritime<br />
Luxuriöser Schlafkomfort<br />
Luxurious sleeping comfort<br />
Im „Seidenkleid Pura“ von Bogner Woman<br />
mit Gürtel und raffinierten Längsstreifen in<br />
sattem Blau, Rot und Weiß macht man<br />
nicht nur an Bord einer Segelyacht,<br />
sondern auch bei einem Stadtspaziergang<br />
oder auf Reisen eine gute Figur.<br />
Dressed in Bogner Woman’s “Pura“<br />
silk dress – with its clever vertical<br />
stripes and belt in lush blue, red<br />
and white colours – you will not<br />
only stun on board of a sailing<br />
yacht, but also during a walk<br />
around the city or while<br />
travelling.<br />
bogner.com<br />
Superfood der Schönheit |<br />
The superfood of beauty<br />
Mit der Demeter Kosmetikmarke dieNikolai werden aus<br />
Safran, Traubenkernen, Lindenblüten und Rebwasser<br />
regionale Kostbarkeiten aus der Wachau zu hochwertigen<br />
bio-dynamischen Pflegeprodukten verarbeitet.<br />
The Demeter-certified cosmetics brand dieNikolai refines<br />
saffron, grape seeds, lime blossoms, grape water and<br />
other natural treasures from Austria’s Wachau Valley<br />
into bio-dynamic care products.<br />
dienikolai.at<br />
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT<br />
1918 legte Swiss Sense-Gründer Piet<br />
Diks den Grundstein für die heutigen<br />
Boxspringbetten, die die niederländischen<br />
Marke anbietet. Das 100-Jahr-<br />
Jubiläum des Unternehmens wird mit<br />
einer Limited Edition-Kollektion,<br />
bestehend aus drei Modellen gefeiert<br />
– in gewohnter Swiss Sense-Qualität<br />
und mit natürlichen Materialien.<br />
In 1918, Swiss Sense founder Piet Diks<br />
laid the foundations for today's<br />
box-spring beds, which the Dutch<br />
brand offers. The company is<br />
celebrating its 100 th anniversary with a<br />
limited edition collection consisting of<br />
three different models – with the usual<br />
Swiss Sense quality and using natural<br />
materials.<br />
swisssense.at<br />
Uhr mit Geschichte | A watch with history<br />
Seit den 1950er Jahren ist die Kollektion „Memovox<br />
Polaris“ von Jaeger-LeCoultre nicht mehr aus der<br />
Welt der Uhren wegzudenken. Das aktuelle<br />
Modell „Deep Sea“ mit überarbeitetem<br />
Gehäusedesign geht auf die weltweit erste<br />
Taucheruhr mit Alarmfunktion zurück, die die<br />
Manufaktur 1959 präsentierte.<br />
Since the 1950s, it’s been difficult for<br />
watch enthusiasts to imagine a world<br />
without Jaeger-LeCoultre’s “Memovox<br />
Polaris“ collection. The current “Deep<br />
Sea“ model, with its reworked case<br />
design, pays tribute to the world’s first<br />
diving watch with alarm function, which<br />
the manufacturer introduced in 1959.<br />
jaegerlecoultre.com<br />
Charme des Jugendstils | The charm of Art Nouveau<br />
Unretuschiert schön | Unretouched<br />
and beautiful<br />
Die Sommerkampagne <strong>2018</strong> von Popp & Kretschmer<br />
stand unter dem Motto „Ganz ohne Photoshop“ und<br />
zeigt die Models Michaela Hlaváčková und Marina<br />
Lindskjold in edlen Roben weiblich und selbstbewusst<br />
– wie Fashionistas im echten Leben.<br />
Popp & Kretschmer’s <strong>2018</strong> summer campaign was<br />
announced under the headline “Completely without<br />
Photoshop“ and presented the feminine and confident<br />
models Michaela Hlavácková and Marina Lindskjold in<br />
fine robes – like real-life fashionistas.<br />
popp-kretschmer.at<br />
Luxury Furniture<br />
CLASSICAL TO CONTEMPORARY<br />
COMMERCIAL TO RESIDENTIAL<br />
HOTELS<br />
COMPLETE RENOVATION PROJECTS<br />
INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE SUITES<br />
999 Stück umfasst die schmucke Limited Edition „Gustav Klimt“ von Frey Wille. Sie ist inspiriert von der<br />
unverkennbaren Bildsprache des Wiener Ausnahmekünstlers, speziell vom dreiteiligen Wandmosaik<br />
„Stoclet-Fries“ der gleichnamigen Brüsseler Villa.<br />
Frey Wille’s new “Gustav Klimt“ limited edition collection includes 999 pieces. Inspired by the exceptional<br />
Viennese artist’s unmistakable visual style, it is especially Klimt’s three-part “Stoclet-Frieze“wall mosaic in the<br />
villa in Brussels of the same name that is referenced. freywille.at<br />
128 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
CLASSICAL TO CONTEMPORARY<br />
COMMERCIAL TO RESIDENTIAL<br />
HOTEL<br />
COMPLETE RENOVATION PROJECTS<br />
INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE SUITES<br />
Luxury Furniture<br />
CLASSICAL TO CONTEMPORARY<br />
Cengarle Home Furnishing GmbH Nibelungengasse 7/19, 1010 Wien info@cengarlegroup.com www.cengarlegroup.com<br />
Cengarle Home Furnishing GmbH<br />
Nibelungengasse 7/19, 1010 Wien
SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADOR´S DRIVE<br />
Auf der Straße: Maserati Quattroporte. Am Steuer: S.E. Sergio Barbanti<br />
On the road: Maserati Quattroporte. At the steering wheel: H.E. Sergio Barbanti<br />
Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />
Der Botschafter von Italien auf CD-Testfahrt.<br />
The Ambassador of Italy performs a test drive for CD.<br />
Sergio Barbanti, der neue Botschafter von Italien in Wien,<br />
hatte gleich zwei Limos von Maserati für den diesmaligen<br />
Ambassador's Drive zur Auswahl – den spritzigen Ghibli und<br />
den wuchtigen Quattroporte.<br />
Sergio Barbanti, Italy's new Ambassador to Austria, could<br />
choose between two Maserati limos for this <strong>issue</strong>'s<br />
Ambassador's Drive – the nitty-gritty Ghibli and the mighty<br />
Quattroporte.<br />
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
Es herrscht Hochbetrieb im Hof des ehrwürdigen<br />
Palais Metternich im dritten Wiener Gemeindebezirk,<br />
dem Sitz der italienischen Botschaft<br />
in Wien. Dienstautos werden in die Garage<br />
verfrachtet, der Fotograf baut eine mächtige Lichtanlage<br />
auf, rasch noch ein paar störende Gegenstände<br />
versteckt, und dann heißt es: Bühne frei für zwei<br />
Spitzenboliden aus dem Hause Maserati – den taufrischen<br />
Ghibli GranLusso und den wuchtigen Quattroporte.<br />
Diese beiden exquisiten Luxus-Limousinen<br />
stehen dem neuen italienischen Botschafter Sergio<br />
Barbanti für den nunmehr bereits neunten<br />
„Ambassador's Drive“ von „Cercle Diplomatique“<br />
zur Auswahl.<br />
Wenn man dem gebürtigen Mailänder, von Kopf<br />
bis Fuß ein Signore der alten Schule, eines auf den<br />
ersten Blick ansieht, dann seine Leidenschaft für das<br />
schöne Auto an und für sich, Segment alte mechanische<br />
Meisterwerke. „Ich habe schon als Kind mit<br />
Modellautos gespielt“, erzählt er begeistert. „Die Faszination<br />
für diese Maschinen – ihr Tempo, ihre<br />
Kraft, ihr Lärm – hat mich nie mehr losgelassen.“<br />
Sein erstes Auto, erinnert er sich, war ein Autobianchi,<br />
ein kleiner, schnittiger Flitzer, und nichts habe<br />
mehr Spaß gemacht, also ihn Gang für Gang, immer<br />
mit Zwischengas, Hände und Füße wie in einem<br />
Tanz vereint, durch die Straßen zu treiben. „Die besten<br />
dieser Oldtimer waren wie Kunst“, sagt Barbanti.<br />
„Und die Mechaniker wie Spitzendoktoren. Mal sehen,<br />
was die neuen können.“<br />
Sagt's, wirft einen respektvollen, aber nicht ausreichend<br />
bewundernden Blick auf den Ghibli Gran-<br />
Lusso, murmelt ein paar lobende Worte über dessen<br />
edles Interieur von Ermenegildo Zegna, und steigt<br />
aber dann ohne großes Zögern in den Quattroporte,<br />
die doch etwas stärkere Maschine, ein. Zuerst einmal<br />
lässt Brabanti, der seinen gelernten Beruf als Rechtsanwalt<br />
für eine diplomatische Karriere aufgegeben<br />
hat („zu langweilig“), seinen Maserati so richtig aufheulen,<br />
und nach ein paar Dröhnungen legt er los in<br />
Richtung Gasometer, dieser „tollen Architektur“<br />
130 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADOR´S DRIVE<br />
Barbanti zwischen den Maseratis<br />
Ghibli GranLusso (links) und Quattroporte<br />
– eine schwere Wahl.<br />
Tough choice – Barbanti took the<br />
Quattroporte for the test drive, not<br />
the Ghibli GranLusso (left).<br />
nahe der Botschaft. Überkommt ihn da gar ein fast<br />
kindliches Vergnügen, als er am freien Rennweg<br />
kräftig ins Pedal tritt und die Tourennadel hochtreibt?<br />
Umspielt hier nicht ein kleines Grinsen seine<br />
Lippen, wie er einem BMW oder Mercedes die Gurke<br />
gibt? Sicher ist: Brabanti liebt diesen Maserati –<br />
„ein richtiges Spaß-Auto“, urteilt er.<br />
Der Botschafter lässt seine bisherigen diplomatischen<br />
Berufungen – Simbabwe, Washington, Madrid,<br />
Montenegro – Revue passieren und bleibt<br />
schließlich an seiner letzten Position vor seiner Entsendung<br />
nach Österreich hängen.<br />
Vier Jahre lang war Barbanti in der Generalinspektion<br />
im Außenministerium in Rom tätig, zuletzt<br />
als stellvertretender Generalinspektor. Er erzählt von<br />
ernsthaft detaillierten Fragenbögen, die Botschaften<br />
penibel beantworten müssen, von Punktevergaben<br />
und Rechnungsprüfungen, von einem kaum bekannten<br />
Job eines Botschafters als Kontrolleur. Denn<br />
er ist schon auf dem Weg zur Garage, wo er stolz<br />
zwei Objekte seiner anderen Leidenschaft präsentiert<br />
– für ihn maßgeschneiderte Fahrräder aus dem<br />
Hause Lamborghini, auf denen er Wien durchmisst.<br />
Wenn er nicht lieber doch seinen Sportwagen<br />
nimmt.<br />
For the first time in the “Ambassador's Drive“<br />
series, our test-driver could choose between<br />
two exquisite luxury limos – a Maserati Ghibli<br />
GranLusso and a Maserati Quattroporte. Without<br />
much tatitata Signor Sergio Barbanti, the Ambassador<br />
of Italy to Austria since mid-2017, left the Ghibli<br />
INFO:<br />
pappas.at<br />
132 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
Botschafter Sergio Barbanti im Gespräch mit Pappas-Markenleiter Alexander Frybert und CD-Autor<br />
Rainer Himmelfreundpointner vor einem Gemälde von Luca Giordano in der italienischen Botschaft<br />
(oben), bei einem Zwischenstopp vor dem Gasometer und mit seinem maßgeschneiderten Citybike<br />
von Lamborghini.<br />
Ambassador Sergio Barbanti with Alexander Frybert, brand manager of the Pappas Group, and CDauthor<br />
Rainer Himmelfreundpointner beneath a wonderful painting by Luca Giordano in the Italian<br />
Embassy, during a short stop in fornt of the Viennese Gasometer und proudly presenting his bespoke<br />
city-bike manufactured for him by Lamborghini.<br />
Maserati Ghibli GranLusso – die Ikone auf vier Rädern<br />
Maserati Ghibli GranLusso – the icon on four wheels<br />
Die Sportslimousine Ghibli ist das meistverkaufte Maserati-Modell aller Zeiten. Seit 2013 wurden über 70.000<br />
Exemplare in 70 Ländern ausgeliefert. Für den Ghibli gibt es nun zwei neue, unverkennbare Ausstattungslinien:<br />
GranLusso und GranSport. Der Ghibli GranLusso zeichnet sich durch neue Details beim Exterieur und<br />
durch ein luxuriöses Interieur mit Seide von Ermenegildo Zegna aus. Der Ghibli GranSport knüpft hingegen an<br />
die Rennsporttradition von Maserati an.<br />
The Ghibli sports-limo is regarded as the best-selling Maserati model of all times. Since its introduction in<br />
2013, more than 70,000 vehicles have been shipped to 70 countries. Now, Maserati has introduced two new<br />
distinctive Ghibli versions – the GranLusso (pictured above) and the Gran Sport. Connoisseurs are especially<br />
overwhelmed by the luxury interior of the GranLusso by Ermenegildo Zegna.<br />
Technische Daten Technical data<br />
Motor Engine<br />
3,0-Liter-V6 Turbo Twin<br />
Antrieb Drive<br />
Allrad-, Hinterradantrieb/four-wheel, back-wheel drive<br />
kW (PS) kw (HP) 316/430 (max.)<br />
High Speed<br />
286 km/h<br />
Kraftstoffverbrauch 8,9l/100 km<br />
Fuel consumption (combined)<br />
Preis Price<br />
ab | from € 77.000,– (inkl./ incl. NoVA & 20% Mwst./ VAT)<br />
“Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy.”<br />
Thomas Jefferson<br />
At AMADEUS Internaonal School Vienna, character development is<br />
emphasized just as strongly as educaonal development. We realize that<br />
educaon is not just learning facts and increasing skill levels, but also the<br />
culvaon of a person as a whole. Students are in the most impressionable<br />
years of their lives and we want to support them in growing up to be the<br />
empathec, socially responsible leaders that our world needs.<br />
Founders Dr. Wilson and Karen Goh believe strongly in the power and<br />
importance that a creave educaon plays in the development of students.<br />
They have dedicated their lives to the supporng the creave educaon of<br />
young people, both through the founding of AMADEUS Internaonal School<br />
Vienna and its Music & Arts Academy and their work with the Goh Family<br />
Collecon - a collecon of string instruments from some of the most<br />
important makers in history. The instruments are available for loan to<br />
promising young musicians. The recipients of instruments from the Goh<br />
Family Collecon must seek out opportunies to do their part for the<br />
beerment of society through their musical performances.<br />
This emphasis on holisc educaon was recently recognized when the Goh<br />
family and the AMADEUS Internaonal School were honored by receiving the<br />
Flame of Peace award from the Habsburg-Lothringen family for their<br />
contribuon to world peace through the educaon of internaonal-minded,<br />
compassionate individuals.<br />
The Flame of Peace is granted to individuals and organizaons by the<br />
Associaon for the Promoon of Peace, which was founded in 2007 by Herta<br />
Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen. The mission of the organizaon is to<br />
promote and reward peace by creang a space for conflict management<br />
dialogue and peace-creang ideas.<br />
for the Quattroporte, certainly the stronger machine,<br />
behind in the court of the former Palais Metternich-<br />
Embassy in Vienna's 3rd district and headed for the<br />
Gasometer, one of his favourite places here. To cut a<br />
long story short: Barbanti, a lawyer-turned-diplomat<br />
born in Milano, has fallen in love with this Maserati<br />
– “a real fun-car“, he says.<br />
When he let the engine roar, his ears began to<br />
smile. When he hit the gas pedal at the free Rennweg,<br />
his heart jumped with joy. And when he overtook a<br />
BMW 5 on the way back, wasn't there a twinkle in<br />
his eye? “Already as a child, I have been playing with<br />
model cars“, Barbanti recalls with a still boiling passion.<br />
“The fascination for mechanical machines –<br />
their speed, their power, their noise – has never left<br />
me.“ It was in this Maserati Quattroporte where he<br />
has once again experienced “this dance of hands and<br />
feet, just like in the old times of the oldtimers“.<br />
Such were the topics that dominated CD's 9th test<br />
drive. And he was more than happy to show his two<br />
bespoke bicycles tailored for him by Lamborghini.<br />
For cruising Vienna, he said. And if it's raining, there<br />
is always his sports car available in the garage.<br />
L-R: Karen Goh, Sandor Habsburg-Lothringen, Herta Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen,<br />
Chris Greulich, Wilson Goh<br />
The vision of the AMADEUS and Goh's is to create a more peaceful world<br />
through educaon, music and the arts. To commemorate the honor of<br />
being recipients of the Flame of Peace, the Habsburg-Lothringens, the<br />
Gohs and the AMADEUS community came together to plant a rose bush<br />
in the newly established Garden of Peace on the AMADEUS campus. It is<br />
our hope that peace will bloom in the lives of all who pass through<br />
AMADEUS’s doors and that peacefulness will be shared with the world.<br />
For more informaon about AMADEUS Internaonal School Vienna and<br />
our programs, visit our website at www.amadeus-vienna.com or email us<br />
at info@amadeus-vienna.com.<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 133
SAVOIR VIVRE MOTOR<br />
Vier Bestseller in neuem Gewand<br />
Four bestsellers with new looks<br />
Text: Rois & Stubenrauch<br />
VW Touareg:<br />
Innovativer, kantiger, komfortabler<br />
More innovation, more comfort, more edge<br />
Das Erfolgsmodell von VW geht in die dritte Runde – mit geschärftem Design und einem satten Paket an innovativen Assistenzsystemen.<br />
Von der Infrarot-unterstützten Nachtsichtfunktion bis zum Stauassistenten, der selbstständig bremst, beschleunigt und<br />
lenkt, enthält der neue Touareg alles, was VW momentan diesbezüglich aufzubieten hat. Eine Spur größer ist der SUV auch<br />
geworden, was sich insbesondere beim auf beachtliche 810 l angewachsenen Kofferraum bemerkbar macht. Extras wie Allradlenkung<br />
oder Luftfederung erhöhen den Fahrkomfort. Gelenkt wird das VW-Flaggschiff aus<br />
dem Innovision Cockpit via riesigem Touch-Display mit integrierter Gestensteuerung. Motor Engine<br />
V6 TDI<br />
VW’s success model goes into the third round – with a sharpened design and a rich set of Antrieb Drive<br />
Allrad 4Motion / Four-wheel 4Motion<br />
innovative assistance systems. From the infrared-supported night vision function to the kW (PS) kw (HP) 210 (286)<br />
traffic assistant that automatically brakes, accelerates and steers, the new Touareg packs Hubraum Capacity<br />
2.967 ccm<br />
everything that VW currently has to offer in this area. The SUV has also gotten a tad<br />
Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 6,9 l/100 km (Diesel)<br />
bigger, which becomes especially apparent when looking at the impressive 810-litre<br />
Preis | Price ab | from € 72.690,–<br />
luggage compartment. Additional extras, such as four-wheel drive and air suspension<br />
improve driving comfort even more. VW’s flagship is steered from the Innovision Cockpit<br />
via the giant touch display with integrated gesture control.<br />
Peugeot 508: Neustart in der Premiumliga | Reboot in the<br />
premium segment<br />
Audi A6: Präzisionsarbeit aus Nekarsulm | Precision work<br />
from Neckarsulm<br />
Radikal neues Design, bissige Frontpartie, Fastback und neue Motorisierung – der<br />
Peugeot 508 erfindet sich komplett neu und wandelt sich zum kraftvoll-sportlichen<br />
Hightech Coupé. Ein markantes Lichtdesign, rahmenlose Türen, digitales<br />
Cockpit und ein luxuriöser Innenraum komplettieren den neuen Stil. Der neue 508<br />
stammt übrigens zur Gänze aus französischer Produktion – in den Worten von<br />
Peugeot: „Origine France Garantie“.<br />
A radical new design, snappy front, fastback and a new engine – the Peugeot 508<br />
reinvents itself completely, becoming a powerful yet racy high-tech coupé. A<br />
striking lighting design, frameless doors, a digital cockpit and a luxurious interior<br />
complement the new style. The new 508 was, incidentally, made in France from<br />
beginning to end – “Origine France Garantie“, in the words of Peugeot.<br />
Motor Engine<br />
R4 und R6 Diesel, R6 Benziner - R4 and R6 diesel, R6 petrol<br />
Antrieb Drive<br />
Allrad 4Matic / Four-wheel 4Matic<br />
kW (PS) kw (HP) 180 - 270+16 (245 - 367+22)<br />
Hubraum Capacity<br />
1.950 - 2.999 ccm<br />
Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 5,7 - 5,3 (Diesel) / 7,5 (Benziner/petrol) l/100 km<br />
Preis Price ab | from € 71.300,–<br />
Mercedes-Benz CLS: Eine Stilikone startet durch | A style icon takes off<br />
Im Herbst 2017 stellte Mercedes-Benz an der LA Auto Show die dritte Generation seines CLS vor: Das neue Design des viertürigen Coupés beeindruckt mit einer markanten<br />
Frontpartie, seinem nach vorn geneigten Kühlergrill – was auch unter der schönen Bezeichnung Sharknose firmiert – und langgezogenen Scheinwerfern. Schmale Seitenfenster<br />
und die flache Silhouette betonen den sportlichen Charakter der Stilikone aus Stuttgart. Unter der mächtigen Motorhaube des CLS sorgt eine neue Motorengeneration für<br />
dynamische Fahrleistung und bringt in der stärksten Variante als Sechszylinder Benziner satte 367 PS plus 22 PS elektrischer Extraschub auf die Straße.<br />
During autumn of 2017, Mercedes-Benz presented the third generation of its CLS at the LA Auto Show: The four-door coupé’s new design impresses with its striking front, its<br />
forward-tilted grille – also known under the descriptive name “sharknose“ – and the extended headlights. The narrow side windows and the flat silhouette accentuate the<br />
sporty character of the style icon from Stuttgart. And underneath the CLS’ mighty hood, a new generation of engines enables dynamic driving and, in its strongest variation,<br />
offers a six-cylinder petrol engine with 367 hp and an additional electric boost of 22 hp.<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
PHOTOS: DAIMLER AG, PICTURESERVICE VOLKSWAGEN AG, PEUGEOT KOMMUNIKATION, AUDI AG<br />
Die bereits achte Generation von Audis äußerst erfolgreichen Business-Limousine<br />
feierte im März diesen Jahres am Genfer Autosalon ihre Premiere. Ihre klare,<br />
athletische Designsprache, ein volldigitaler Innenraum und höchste Präzision bei<br />
den Details zeichnen den Klassiker der Business-Klasse aus. Die neue, dynamische<br />
Allradlenkung bringt sportliche Lenkansprache und Fahrstabilität unter einen Hut<br />
und reduziert den Wendekreis des neuen Audi A6 um bis zu 1,1 Meter. Gefertigt<br />
wird der A6 im Werk Nekarsulm.<br />
The eighth generation of Audi’s exceptionally successful business limousine will be<br />
celebrating its premiere at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Its clear and athletic<br />
design, the fully digital interior and its extreme precision in every corner are details<br />
that define this business class classic. The new, dynamic four-wheel drive brings<br />
both easy steering as well as driving stability under a single roof, reducing the new<br />
Audi A6’s turning circle to just 1.1 metres. The A6 is manufactured at Audi’s factory<br />
in Neckarsulm.<br />
Motor Engine<br />
V6 Diesel und Benziner / V6 diesel and petrol<br />
Antrieb Drive<br />
Allrad quattro / Four-wheel quattro<br />
kW (PS) kw (HP) 210 - 250 (286 - 340)<br />
Hubraum Capacity<br />
2.967 - 2.995 ccm<br />
Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 5,8 - 5,5 (Diesel) / 7,1 - 6,7 (Benziner/petrol) l/100 km<br />
Preis | Price ab | from € 65.500,-<br />
Motor Engine<br />
R4 Diesel und Benziner / R4 diesel and petrol<br />
Antrieb Drive<br />
Vorderradantrieb / Front-wheel drive<br />
kW (PS) kw (HP) 96 - 165 (130 - 225)<br />
Hubraum Capacity<br />
1.499 - 1.997 ccm<br />
Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 4,7 - 3,8 (Diesel) / 5,7 - 5,4 (Benziner/petrol) l/100 km<br />
Preis | Price Peugeot 508 First Edition ab | from € 49.950,–<br />
134 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 135
SAVOIR VIVRE WEEKENDER<br />
BUDAPEST<br />
An der blauen Donau<br />
By the blue Danube<br />
Text: Gerald Sturz<br />
Wien und Budapest verbindet eine lange gemeinsame<br />
Geschichte. Heute wetteifern die beiden Städte darum, wer<br />
von beiden die Schönere ist. Ein Lokalaugenschein.<br />
Vienna and Budapest are connected through a long and<br />
shared history. Today, the two cities compete with one<br />
another about which of the two cities is more<br />
beautiful – here, a small review.<br />
Buda und Pest.<br />
Buda and Pest.<br />
Mehrere Brücken überqueren<br />
die Donau und verbinden die<br />
beiden Stadthälften. Eine<br />
davon ist die Freiheitsbrücke.<br />
Several bridges cross the<br />
Danube and connect the two<br />
halves of the city. One of them<br />
is the Liberty Bridge.<br />
PHOTOS: HELLOHUNGARY.COM<br />
Kultur, Entertainment und Wellness: das Riesenrad, der Palast<br />
der Künste und eine Badelandschaft (im Uhrzeigersinn).<br />
Culture, entertainment and wellness: the ferris wheel, the Palace<br />
of Arts and a bathing area (clockwise).<br />
Wien und Budapest sind wie zwei Geschwister,<br />
die so viel gemeinsam haben:<br />
eine lange gemeinsame Geschichte und<br />
zahllose kulturelle, politische und gesellschaftliche<br />
Berührungspunkte. Und die, wie das bei Geschwistern<br />
nun mal so üblich ist, in steter Konkurrenz<br />
sind. Wer von beiden ist die Schönere, fragen<br />
sie sich? Wer sieht besser aus? Wer hat mehr zu<br />
bieten? Einst waren Wien und Budapest die beiden<br />
Metropolen der Habsburger Doppelmonarchie.<br />
Die eine vom Kaiserreich Österreich, die andere<br />
vom Königreich Ungarn. Von Cisleithanien beziehungsweise<br />
von Transleithanien, wie es damals<br />
hieß. Jede der beiden Städte kann vortreffliche Argumente<br />
ins Spiel bringen, die sie ins bessere Licht<br />
rücken lassen. Doch es gibt ein Argument, das alle<br />
anderen zu übertreffen scheint und dieses Argument,<br />
das muss man auch als Österreicher neidlos<br />
zugeben, spricht für Budapest. Budapest liegt<br />
nämlich tatsächlich an der Donau. Mitten durch<br />
die Stadt fließt der Strom. Rechts ist Buda, links ist<br />
Pest. Und jede dieser beiden Stadthälften hat sich<br />
ihre einzigartige Persönlichkeit bewahrt.<br />
Blicken wir also zuerst nach rechts. Nach Buda.<br />
Es ist eine hügelige Gegend. Der Burgberg und der<br />
Gellértberg sind die bekanntesten Erhebungen.<br />
Der Gellért ist der höchste dieser Hügel und so ist<br />
er wohl der beste Ort, um sich einen Überblick<br />
über die Stadt zu verschaffen. Hier oben liegt einem<br />
die Stadt tatsächlich zu Füßen. Direkt unter<br />
einem die Donau, die Elisabethbrücke, dahinter<br />
das Pester Ufer mit dem Parlamentsgebäude, den<br />
Türmen der Kirchen und der schönen Dachlandschaft.<br />
Wenn man Glück hat, dann reicht der Blick<br />
weit über die Stadt hinaus. Es ist ein wunderbarer<br />
Ausblick, bei dem Instagrammer vor Glück gar<br />
nicht mehr den Finger vom Auslöser ihrer Kamera<br />
oder ihres iPhones bekommen. Es fällt einem<br />
schwer, sich loszureißen.<br />
Der Namen Gellért hat aber auch aus einem anderen<br />
Grund einen ausgezeichneten Ruf. Das Hotel<br />
Gellért (danubiushotels.hu) ist Budapests<br />
prächtigstes Hotel. Eine Institution. Eine Art-nouveau-Extravaganza.<br />
Ein Mythos. Erbaut wurde es<br />
zwischen 1912 und 1918 zusammen mit dem Gellértbad<br />
im Stil der Wiener Secession. Üppig ausgestattete<br />
Innenräume, nahezu altmodische Eleganz,<br />
die Erinnerung an einstige Größe. Und von den<br />
Steinbalkonen blickt man auf die Donau. Das Bad<br />
sollte man besuchen, auch wenn man nicht im Hotel<br />
absteigt. Es ist traditioneller Budapester Lifestyle.<br />
Das Burgviertel wird von einer mittelalterlichen<br />
Festungsanlage definiert, in der einst die ungarischen<br />
Könige residierten. Hier finden sich<br />
nicht nur historische Bauten, sondern neuerdings<br />
auch Galerien und Design Stores, Restaurants und<br />
Cafés. Die Fischerbastei, die erst Anfang des 20.<br />
Jahrhunderts errichtet wurde, die also nie irgendeinen<br />
militärischen Zweck erfüllte, ist ein beliebtes<br />
Ausflugsziel der Budapester. Kein Wunder bei dem<br />
Blick, den man von hier oben hat. Hier befindet<br />
sich auch das Hilton Hotel (hiltonhotels.com), das<br />
in die Überreste eines Dominikanerklosters eingepasst<br />
wurde, und in seiner gelungenen Synthese<br />
von Alt und Neu wohl eines der besten und luxuriösesten<br />
Hotels der Stadt ist.<br />
Die Rollen von Buda und Pest sind auch heute<br />
noch gut verteilt. Buda hat Geschichte, Eleganz<br />
und ein eher ruhigeres Tempo. Pest hingegen ist<br />
voller Leben, hat seine hippen Ecken und sucht<br />
nach einem modernen Lifestyle. Mehrere Brücken<br />
verbinden die beiden Stadtteile. Die schönsten unter<br />
ihnen sind die Kettenbrücke, die als ein Wahrzeichen<br />
Budapests gilt und als erste die beiden<br />
Stadthälften miteinander verbunden hat, und die<br />
Elisabethbrücke.<br />
Die interessantesten Bezirke von Pest sind die<br />
Innenstadt, das Jüdische Viertel und die Josefstadt.<br />
136 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 137
SAVOIR VIVRE WEEKENDER<br />
Der Burggarten mit seiner<br />
Neorenaissance-Architektur und<br />
der Gloriette.<br />
The garden of the castle with its<br />
neo-renaissance architecture and<br />
the gloriette.<br />
Budapester Potpourri:<br />
ein Einkaufszentrum, das<br />
„Der Wal“ genannt wird, eine<br />
beschauliche Gasse im Vorort<br />
Szentendre und das Hotel Gellért<br />
(von links nach rechts).<br />
Budapest medley:<br />
a shopping center called „The<br />
Whale“, a quiet alley in the<br />
suburb of Szentendre and Hotel<br />
Gellért (from left to right).<br />
Ein Klassiker: das<br />
Restaurant Gundel.<br />
A classic: the restaurant<br />
Gundel.<br />
HOTELTIPP<br />
RADISSON BLU BÉKE<br />
HOTEL<br />
Das Gebäude ist ein<br />
historischer Prachtbau, die<br />
Zimmer sind modern, hell,<br />
freundlich und überraschen<br />
mit starken Farbakzenten.<br />
Nicht nur Geschäftsreisende<br />
werden mit diesem Haus ihre<br />
Freude haben, sondern auch<br />
alle, die hier sind, um die<br />
Stadt zu besichtigen. Die Lage<br />
in unmittelbarer Nähe zum<br />
Westbahnhof ist dabei sehr<br />
hilfreich.<br />
Located in a splendid historic<br />
building, the hotel’s rooms are<br />
modern, bright, friendly and<br />
surprise with strong colour<br />
accents. Not only business<br />
travellers will have a brilliant<br />
time at this hotel, but also<br />
those who have simply come<br />
here to see the city. The<br />
location’s close proximity to<br />
the Western Railway Station<br />
comes in quite handy for this<br />
reason.<br />
radissonblue.com<br />
danubiushotels.hu<br />
Zu sehen und zu besichtigen gibt es in Pest eine<br />
Menge. Eine kleine Auswahl: die Sankt-Stephans-<br />
Kirche, die Budapests Basilika ist; das Museum der<br />
Bildenden Künste, das mit Arbeiten von Tizian,<br />
Tintoretto, Goya, El Greco, Raffael Albrecht Dürer<br />
zu den besten Europas zählt; die im byzantinischmaurischen<br />
Stil errichtete Synagoge in der Dohány<br />
utca, die die größte Europas ist; der Franziskanerplatz<br />
mit der Franziskanerkirche; das legendäre<br />
Kaffeehaus Gerbeaud, wo man unbedingt eine<br />
wunderbare Dobos-Torte verkosten sollte und die<br />
eindrucksvolle Markthalle. Auf jeden Fall sollte<br />
man einen Spaziergang entlang der Donau unternehmen.<br />
Am Ende der Andrássy út, einem großzügigen<br />
Boulevard, befindet sich der Heldenplatz und dahinter<br />
der Stadtwald. Das ist eine riesige Parkanlage<br />
mit einem Zoo, mit einem Vergnügungspark,<br />
mit künstlichem See, Heilbad und mit der Burg<br />
Vajdahunyad. Der Városliget, wie der Stadtwald<br />
auf Ungarisch heißt, ist für die Budapester in etwa<br />
das, was der Prater für die Wiener ist. Es ist auch<br />
ein guter Ort, um Hunger zu haben. Am Rand des<br />
Stadtwaldes steht nämlich eines von Budapests<br />
schönsten und besten Restaurants: das Gundel<br />
(gundel.hu). Hier wird klassische ungarische Küche<br />
auf einem zeitgemäßen und modernen Niveau<br />
zubereitet. Die Gänseleber ist weltberühmt. Man<br />
sollte sie kennenlernen.<br />
Vienna and Budapest are like two siblings<br />
that have a lot in common: a long, shared<br />
history, as well as countless cultural, political<br />
and social points of contact. And, as is often<br />
the case with siblings, they are frequently in competition<br />
with one another. Which of the two is<br />
more beautiful, they ask themselves. Which looks<br />
better? Which has more to offer? There was a time<br />
when Vienna and Budapest were the two metropolitan<br />
cities of the Habsburg Dual Monarchy, one<br />
belonging to the Austrian Empire, the other to the<br />
Kingdom of Hungary. The respective capitals of<br />
Cisleithania and Transleithania, as they were called<br />
back then. Each of the two cities could come up<br />
with a long list of arguments that will make it look<br />
a little better than the other. But, there is one argument<br />
that sur-passes all the others, and this argument<br />
– and any Austrian will have to admit – favours<br />
Budapest. For Budapest is actually located<br />
right by the Danube. The river passes right through<br />
the city, with Buda on the right side, Pest on the<br />
left. And each of the two city halves has maintained<br />
its unique and extraordinary personality to<br />
this day.<br />
Let’s start by looking at the right side, at Buda.<br />
It’s a hilly terrain. Castle Hill and Gellért Hill are<br />
the two most recognisable elevations. Gellért Hill<br />
is the highest of the hills and thus probably the<br />
best spot to get a good view of the city. Up here, the<br />
city is literally at one’s feet. And right underneath<br />
is the Danube, the Elisabeth Bridge, and behind it,<br />
Pest’s river bank with the Parliament building, the<br />
church towers and the beautiful roofscape. If<br />
you’re lucky, then the panorama reaches far beyond<br />
the city limits. It’s a beautiful view, which<br />
keeps the fingers of avid Instagrammers glued to<br />
the shut-ter releases of their smartphones. It is difficult<br />
to break free from its spell.<br />
However, the name Gellért also enjoys an excellent<br />
reputation for another reason entirely. The<br />
Ho-tel Gellért (danubiushotels.hu) is Budapest’s<br />
most magnificent hotel. An institution. An art<br />
nouveau extravaganza. A myth. Together with the<br />
Gellért Spa, the hotel was constructed between<br />
1912 and 1918 in the style of the Vienna Secession.<br />
Opulently furnished rooms, nearly old-fashioned<br />
ele-gance, reminders of the glories of the past. And<br />
from the stone balcony, one likewise has a perfect<br />
view of the Danube. The spa should be visited even<br />
if not staying at the hotel itself, for it is part of the<br />
traditional Budapest lifestyle.<br />
The Castle Quarter is defined by its medieval<br />
fortress, which was once inhabited by Hungarian<br />
kings. Here, one will not only find historic buildings,<br />
but more recently also new galleries and designer<br />
stores, restaurants and cafes. The<br />
Fisherman’s Bastion, only built in the beginning of<br />
the 20th century and thus never used for any kind<br />
of military purpose, is a popular trip destination<br />
for Budapest’s locals. And it should come as no<br />
PHOTOS: HELLOHUNGARY.COM, GUNDEL GRUPPE <strong>2018</strong><br />
The Original<br />
Gundel Experience<br />
www.gundel.hu reservations@gundel.hu +36 1 889 8111<br />
Gundel Károly St 4, H-1146 Budapest, Hungary<br />
surprise when one considers the view that presents<br />
itself from this spot. The Hilton Hotel (hiltonhotels.com)<br />
is also located here and was fitted into<br />
the re-mains of an old Dominican monastery, making<br />
the excellent synthesis between old and new<br />
one of the best and most luxurious hotels in the<br />
city.<br />
The roles of Buda and Pest remain quite divided<br />
to this day. Buda has history, elegance and a slower<br />
rhythm. Pest, on the other hand, is full of zest, has<br />
many hip places and aspires toward a modern lifestyle.<br />
The two city halves are connected by several<br />
bridges. The most gorgeous among them is the<br />
Chain Bridge, one of Budapest’s landmarks and the<br />
first bridge to connect the two halves with one<br />
another, and the Elisabeth Bridge.<br />
The most interesting districts in Pest are the Inner<br />
City, the Jewish Quarter and Joseph Town.<br />
There is so much to see and do in Pest. Just a small<br />
sample: St. Stephen’s Basilica; the Museum of Fine<br />
Arts (considered one of the best in Europe with<br />
works by Tizian, Tintoretto, Goya, El Greco, Raphael<br />
and Albrecht Dürer); the Dohány Street Synagogue<br />
(built in the Byzantine-Moorish style and<br />
the biggest synagogue in Europe); the Square of<br />
the Franciscans with the Franciscan Church; the<br />
legendary Café Gerbeaud, where you absolutely<br />
must sample a piece of Dobos torte and the impressive<br />
Great Market Hall. A walk along the Danube<br />
should likewise be part of any itinerary.<br />
At the end of the Andrássy út, a wide boulevard,<br />
you will find the Heroes’ Square, and behind it the<br />
City Park. It’s a massive complex with its own zoo,<br />
amusement park, artificial lake, traditional spa<br />
and the Vajdahunyad Castle. Városliget, as the City<br />
Park is called in Hungarian, is to Budapest’s locals<br />
what the Prater is to the Viennese. It’s also a good<br />
place if you’re hungry. At the edge of the City Park,<br />
you will find one of Budapest’s finest restaurants:<br />
the Gundel (gundel.hu). Here, classic Hungarian<br />
cuisine is prepared in accordance with contemporary<br />
standards. The foie gras is world-renowned<br />
and you should definitely not miss out on this culinary<br />
treat.<br />
Die Zahnradbahn auf den Burgberg und die<br />
Fußgängerzone mit der Sankt-Stephans-<br />
Basilika im Hintergrund. The cog railway to the<br />
castle hill and the pedestrian area with<br />
St. Stephen‘s Basilica in the background.<br />
RADISSON BLU BÉKE HOTEL<br />
The 105-year-old hotel celebrated the anniversary of its iconic<br />
building with spectacular transformation: the rooms and the<br />
ground floor with the Zsolnay Café was reborn in the spirit of<br />
tradition and renewal.<br />
Teréz krt. 43., H-1067 Budapest, Hungary<br />
danubiushotels.com<br />
138 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
DHG RAdisson hird_95x125.indd 1<br />
5/11/18 11:21 AM
SAVOIR VIVRE UPCOMING<br />
Wo es uns gefällt<br />
Where we love to be<br />
Erlebnistourismus | Adventure tourism<br />
Das Weinviertel vollends genießen | Taking in the Weinviertel region<br />
Spitzenköche servieren auf langen, weiß gedeckten Tafeln unter freiem Himmel und inmitten der<br />
Landschaft beste Gerichte. Die Winzer aus der Region liefern die harmonierenden Weine. Da darf das<br />
„Pfefferl“ im Grünen Veltliner auf keinen Fall fehlen, wenn bei „Tafeln im Weinviertel“ an malerischen<br />
Plätzen Hof gehalten wird – in der Kellergasse, zwischen den Reben, in märchenhaften Schlosshöfen oder<br />
mit Blick ins weite Land. Die 5-Gang-Menüs werden mit regionalen Produkten wie Wild, Zwiebel, Kürbis,<br />
Erdäpfel zubereitet – dabei kann man dem Koch großteils direkt vor Ort über die Schulter schauen. Die<br />
Veranstaltungsserie mit 26 Terminen zwischen 15. Juni und 24. August <strong>2018</strong> in verschiedenen Locations ist<br />
ein besonderes und kommunikatives Erlebnis. Und ein Gesamtkunstwerk nicht nur für den Gaumen,<br />
sondern auch für Auge und Ohr.<br />
Top chefs serve their exquisite creations across extended tables set in white, right under the open sky<br />
and amid a gorgeous landscape. The local winemakers have provided the fitting wines. And just as<br />
crucial is the touch of peppery spice in the Grüner Veltliner wine, when “Tafeln im Weinviertel” hosts<br />
their guests for a session of fine dining at one of their picturesque locations – outside of wine cellars,<br />
among grapevines, in magical palace courtyards or with mesmerising views of the countryside. The<br />
5-course menus are prepared with local produce such as game, onions, pumpkin, potatoes – and the<br />
chefs will even let you glance over their shoulder as they work. The series with 26 different events<br />
between 15 June and 24 August <strong>2018</strong> at various locations is a quite exceptional and communicative<br />
experience. It’s not unlike a work of art – not just for the palate, but for all the senses.<br />
tafeln-im-weinviertel.at<br />
Text: Daniela Pötzl<br />
Bio-Pioniere | Organic pioneers<br />
Urlaub im Jubeljahr<br />
| A holiday in the<br />
anniversary year<br />
Gegründet 1928 als Bad mit<br />
eigener Heilquelle, führt die<br />
Familie Daberer ihr Bio-Hotel<br />
heuer nun seit 40 Jahren. Das<br />
4-Sterne Superior-Haus der<br />
Top-Pioniere wurde 2017<br />
intensiv umgestaltet. Neben<br />
44 Zimmern mit heimischem<br />
Holz und toller Aussicht sind<br />
auch die Küche und der<br />
Spa-Bereich mit der<br />
entzückenden Waldsauna (im<br />
Bild) nicht nur im Sommer eine<br />
Reise wert.<br />
Originally founded as a spa<br />
with its own healing spring in<br />
1928, the Daberer Family has<br />
now been running their<br />
organic hotel for the past 40<br />
years. In 2017, the 4-star<br />
superior establishment was<br />
extensively remodelled. Next<br />
to 44 rooms furnished with<br />
domestic wood and offering<br />
magnificent views, the<br />
restaurant and the spa area<br />
with its delightful forest sauna<br />
(pictured) likewise make any<br />
visit pay off, and not just in<br />
the summer.<br />
biohotel-daberer.at<br />
PHOTOS: WEINVIERTEL TOURISMUS/ WURNIG, BIO HOTEL DABERER, HOTEL PALAIS HANSEN<br />
KEMPINSKI, FOTOLIA, BEIGESTELLT<br />
Trinkkultur | Fine drinking<br />
Edle Inhalte | Exquisite content<br />
Nobles im Glas wird auf der Barkarte der 26° EAST<br />
Bar im Hotel Palais Hansen Kempinski hochgehalten.<br />
Der ungewöhnliche Name verrät das Konzept:<br />
Die Signature Cocktails sind von Ländern entlang<br />
des 26. östlichen Längengrads inspiriert – und von<br />
der Bar-Adresse. Neben schottischen und<br />
japanischen Whiskys, werden auch einzelne Gläser<br />
aus der Magnum-Flasche Champagner ausgeschenkt.<br />
Da kann man dann stilvoll gleich auf den<br />
fünften Hotel-Geburtstag anstoßen.<br />
A good glass with precious content is the number<br />
one priority at the 26° EAST Bar at the Hotel Palais<br />
Hansen Kempinski. The unusual name reveals its<br />
theme: The signature cocktails have been inspired<br />
by countries along the 26th eastern degree of<br />
longitude – as well as by the bar’s address. Next to<br />
Scottish and Japanese whiskies, individual glasses<br />
are also poured straight from the magnum bottle<br />
of champagne. Why not take the opportunity and<br />
clink glasses on the occasion of the hotel’s fifth<br />
birthday?<br />
kempinski.com/vienna<br />
Urlaub mit Stil<br />
Musikerziehung | Musical education<br />
Musik durch Englisch, Englisch durch<br />
Musik | Music through English, English<br />
through Music<br />
Eine Sprache durch Musik lernen – das bietet die internationale<br />
Wiener Musikschule „Musical Munchkins“, gegründet 2003 von<br />
der Pianistin Isabella Tabibian Cho, für Kinder und Erwachsene.<br />
Das Programm bietet durch die Anwendung von Musikinstrumenten<br />
wie Klavier die Möglichkeit, Musik und Sprache<br />
zeitgleich zu erlernen. Verwendet wird eigens erstelltes<br />
Lehrmaterial, die Unterrichtssprache ist Englisch. Pädagogisch<br />
verbindlich ist die aktive Teilnahme eines Elternteils oder<br />
Erziehungsberechtigten, der das Kind in den Unterrichtseinheiten<br />
begleitet.<br />
Learning a language with music – this is exactly what is offered<br />
by the “Musical Munchkins” international music school,<br />
founded in 2003 in Vienna by the pianist Isabella Tabibian Cho<br />
for children and adults alike. By employing musical instruments<br />
like the piano, the programme makes it possible to learn music<br />
and languages at the same time. The school uses its own<br />
specially created curriculum, whilst the language of instruction<br />
is English. The active participation of a parent or a legal guardian<br />
who accompanies the child to individual lessons is<br />
pedagogically uniting.<br />
musicalmunchkins.eu<br />
140 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Lassen Sie sich verwöhnen. In einem der besten Hotels in Österreich, am Turracher See in Kärnten, auf belebenden 1.763 Metern Seehöhe. Die Besonderheiten?<br />
Das beheizte See-Bad, der Chinaturm mit Teehaus, der Hamam, das abwechslungsreiche Aktiv-Programm. Freuen Sie sich auf regionale und vegane<br />
Gaumenfreuden und auf über 100 fabelhafte Inklusivleistungen.<br />
www.hochschober.com
SAVOIR VIVRE MUST READ<br />
Lesenswertes über Österreich<br />
Books on Austria worth reading<br />
Text: Gerald Sturz<br />
Fine hotels<br />
selected by<br />
<strong>CERCLE</strong><br />
<strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong><br />
ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL<br />
can also be found in these exclusive hotels:<br />
© Klaus Vyhnalek, Katharina Gossow<br />
Andreas Nierhaus / Eva-Maria Orosz<br />
(Herausgeber)<br />
Otto Wagner<br />
Österreichische Nationalbibliothek<br />
(Herausgeber)<br />
Schatzkammer des<br />
Wissens<br />
Peter Payer<br />
Quer durch Wien<br />
Bodo Hell / Peter M. Kubelka / Elsbeth<br />
Wallnöfer<br />
Wilder Dachstein<br />
Wien steht in diesem Jahr ganz im Zeichen der<br />
Wiener Moderne, die am Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts<br />
die Stadt zu einem kulturellen und intellektuellen<br />
Laboratorium machte. Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt,<br />
Kolo Moser und Otto Wagner waren vier der<br />
bedeutendsten Protagonisten; sie alle starben im Jahr<br />
1918. Zum hundertsten Todestag werden sie<br />
entsprechend gewürdigt. Dieser prächtige Bildband<br />
begleitet die Ausstellung, die zurzeit im Wien<br />
Museum zu sehen ist, und zeigt Otto Wagner nicht<br />
nur als Architekten der Stadtbahn, der Postsparkasse,<br />
der Kirche am Steinhof und vieler anderer bedeutender<br />
Bauten, sondern auch als Stadtplaner, der das<br />
Aussehen von Wien bis heute mehr geprägt hat als<br />
irgendein anderer Architekt und Planer.<br />
This year, Vienna celebrates the legacy of ‘Wiener<br />
Moderne’ or Viennese Modernism, which in the early<br />
20th century transformed the city into a cultural and<br />
intellectual laboratory. Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt,<br />
Kolo Moser and Otto Wagner were four of the<br />
movement’s key figures; they all died in the year 1918.<br />
The 100th anniversary of their deaths marks an<br />
appropriate time to honour their legacy once more.<br />
This gorgeous illustrated book is a companion to the<br />
exhibition which can currently be seen at the Vienna<br />
Museum, presenting Otto Wagner not just as the<br />
architect of the Wiener Stadtbahn, the Austrian Postal<br />
Savings Bank, the Church of St. Leopold and many<br />
other significant buildings, but also as an urban<br />
planner who shaped Vienna’s appearance more than<br />
any other architect.<br />
–<br />
Residenz Verlag<br />
€ 50,00<br />
Jubiläen allerorts. Die Österreichische Nationalbibliothek<br />
in der Wiener Hofburg wird heuer 650 Jahre alt.<br />
Dieses hervorragend illustrierte Buch begleitet die<br />
Jubliäumsausstellung, die noch bis 13. Jänner 2019 in<br />
der Nationalbibliothek zu sehen ist, und vermittelt<br />
einen Überblick über die Kostbarkeiten der<br />
Sammlung. Die prächtige Handschriften und<br />
Frühdrucke, Papyri, Musiknoten, Landkarten, Fotos<br />
und Grafiken bilden nicht nur eine „Schatzkammer des<br />
Wissens“, sie erzählen auch 650 Jahre Kultur- und<br />
Mediengeschichte, wie sie kaum eine andere<br />
Bibliothek zu erzählen vermag.<br />
Anniversaries abound. The Austrian National Library<br />
in Vienna’s Hofburg is turning 650 this year. This<br />
excellent illustrated book is a companion to the<br />
Library’s anniversary exhibition, which can still be<br />
seen until 13 January 2019, and provides an overview<br />
of the collection’s many treasures. The precious<br />
manuscripts and early prints, papyri, musical notes,<br />
maps, photos and graphics not only make up a<br />
“Treasury of Knowledge”, they also tell a 650-yearold<br />
story of culture and media in a way that no other<br />
library could tell.<br />
–<br />
Kremayr & Scheriau<br />
€ 29,90<br />
Wie kein anderer erforscht der Historiker Peter Payer<br />
Wiener Alltagsgeschichten, historische ebenso wie<br />
aktuelle. Dieses Buch versammelt kurze Essays,<br />
überraschende und spannende Beobachtungen sowie<br />
Wahrnehmungen wenig beachteter Phänomene. Der<br />
Autor erzählt von Monumentaluhren, Paternostern,<br />
Wetterhäuschen, Hollywoodschaukeln, der Ring- und<br />
der Mariahilfer Straße, Balkonen als Bühnen im<br />
öffentlichen Raum und dem Tourismus im Wandel der<br />
Zeit. Und von Wien bei Nacht. Doch Peter Payer blickt<br />
nicht nur zurück. Auch die Frage, wie Wien in Zukunft<br />
aussehen und klingen wird, treibt ihn um.<br />
Whether historical or contemporary, nobody explores<br />
stories from everyday life in Vienna the way historian<br />
Peter Payer does. This book brings together short<br />
essays, surprising and exciting observations and<br />
thoughts on frequently overlooked phenomena. He<br />
tells stories of monumental clocks, paternosters,<br />
weather houses, canopy swings, the Vienna<br />
Ringstrasse boulevard and Mariahilferstrasse,<br />
balconies as stages in public spaces and tourism<br />
through the ages. And of Vienna by night. But Peter<br />
Payer doesn’t just look back on the past. The question<br />
of what Vienna will look and sound like in the future<br />
also drives him.<br />
–<br />
Czernin Verlag<br />
€ 23,00<br />
Einem der eindrucksvollsten Gebirgsmassive<br />
Österreichs ist dieses wunderbare Buch gewidmet:<br />
dem Dachstein, der sich an der Grenze von Steiermark<br />
und Oberösterreich befindet. Wintersportler wissen<br />
diese Region wegen seiner ausgezeichneten Skipisten<br />
zu schätzen. Im Sommer locken Wege und Umwege,<br />
überlaufene und völlig verlassene Routen Kletterer,<br />
Wanderer und Abenteurer an. Der Schriftsteller und<br />
Alpenhirt Bodo Hell, die Volkskundlerin Elsbeth<br />
Wallnöfer und der Fotograf Peter M. Kubelka zeichnen<br />
ein faszinierendes Bild dieser Gebirgskette, erzählen<br />
vom Leben auf der Alm, von den Schönheiten der<br />
Landschaft, von Hüttengaudi und von Traditionen. Ein<br />
schönes und verführerisches Buch.<br />
This book is dedicated to Austria’s most impressive<br />
massif: the Dachstein, located at the border between<br />
Styria and Upper Austria. Winter sports enthusiasts<br />
know to appreciate this region with its many excellent<br />
skiing slopes. During summer, various trails, a<br />
multitude of detours, crowded and completely<br />
desolate routes attract climbers, hikers and<br />
adventurers. Writer and alpine herdsman Bodo Hell,<br />
ethnologist Elsbeth Wallnöfer and photographer Peter<br />
M. Kubelka join forces to create a fascinating picture<br />
of the mountain range, describing everyday life on the<br />
mountain pasture, the gorgeous landscapes, the<br />
‘Hüttengaudi’ mountain hut parties and the traditions.<br />
A beautiful and enticing book.<br />
–<br />
Verlag Anton Pustet<br />
€ 29,00<br />
General Manager<br />
Isabella Wexberg<br />
LENIKUS Hotel- und Gastronomiebetriebs<br />
GmbH<br />
Lichtensteg 2, A -1010 Vienna<br />
T +43 532 22 40<br />
F +43 1 532 22 50 599<br />
office@lenikushotels.com<br />
lenikushotels.com<br />
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<strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong> - ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL<br />
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Fleming‘s Deluxe Hotel l Golden Hill Country Chalets & Suites l Hotel de France Wien l Hotel Goldener<br />
Hirsch A Luxury Collection Hotel Salzburg l Gradonna****s Mountain Resort l Hilton Danube l Hilton<br />
Vienna Plaza l Hilton Vienna l Hotel Imperial A Luxury Collection l Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof<br />
l Imperial Riding School Renaissance Hotel Vienna l Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol l Kitzbühel Country<br />
Club l Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort l Hotel Lamée l Le Meridien Vienna l Luxuslodge<br />
„Zeit zum Leben“ l MGallery by Sofitel Hotel am Konzerthaus Vienna l Park Hyatt Vienna l Palais<br />
Hansen Kempinski Vienna l Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol l Austria Trend Hotel Park Royal Palace Vienna<br />
l Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn l The Ritz-Carlton Vienna l Sacher Salzburg l Sacher Wien l<br />
Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna l Schloss Fuschl, A Luxury Collection Resort & SPA l Romantik<br />
Hotel Schloss Pichlarn l The Guesthouse Vienna l Austria Trend Hotel Schloss Lebenberg l The Ring,<br />
Vienna‘s Casual Luxury Hotel l Hotel Topazz l Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom l Stanglwirt l Vienna<br />
Marriott Hotel l Vila Vita Pannonia l Warmbaderhof<br />
Would you like to belong to these exclusive hotels?<br />
If so, please contact us!<br />
office@firstclassmedia.at<br />
ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL<br />
142 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>
SAVOIR VIVRE MY VIENNA<br />
H.E. Baron Willem Van de Voorde<br />
Botschafter von Belgien | Ambassador of Belgium<br />
Interview: Daniela Pötzl<br />
Top in Wien | Top in Vienna<br />
PERSONAL DETAILS<br />
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA (4), WIEN TOURISMUS/ CHRISTIAN STEMPER; PETER RIGAUD, WIENER ALPEN/ FRANZ ZWICKL<br />
Sie sind nun seit fast vier Jahren in Wien. Welche<br />
Orte in der Stadt haben Sie in dieser Zeit besonders<br />
liebgewonnen?<br />
Ich mag die gelegentlichen Spaziergänge und Erkundungstouren,<br />
oft mit dem Fahrrad in der Innenstadt, in ruhigen<br />
und kleinen Straßen und in kopfsteingepflasterten Gassen.<br />
Alle 20 Meter entdeckt man ein besonderes Geschäft, eine<br />
Galerie, Boutique oder ein Restaurant. Ein weiterer Favorit<br />
ist die Freudenau mit ihrem ländlichen Charakter im<br />
östlichen Prater. Unvergesslich sind auch Besuche der<br />
umfangreichen Sammlungen des Kunsthistorischen<br />
Museums und des Museums für Angewandte Kunst (MAK),<br />
die beide mit Sammlungen alter flämischer Meister oder<br />
des belgischen Jugendstils beeindrucken. Darüber hinaus<br />
genieße ich eine ganz besondere Gegend sehr, und zwar<br />
die äußeren Hänge in den Weinbergen Richtung<br />
Kahlenberg und Leopoldsberg, mit Blick auf die Stadt und<br />
die mächtige Donauebene, mit Blick bis zu den Hügeln von<br />
Bratislava – einer anderen Hauptstadt, in der ich aktiv war.<br />
Was macht Wien aus Ihrer Sicht so einzigartig?<br />
Wien versteht es, durch die Organisation von ausgewählten<br />
öffentlichen (oder privaten) Veranstaltungen seine Bürger<br />
und Besucher zu unterhalten - meist auf eine freundliche,<br />
entspannte und doch sehr professionelle Art. All das wird<br />
immer wieder in der beachtlichen und umfangreichen<br />
Ballsaison unter Beweis gestellt. Ich nahm an einigen<br />
Bällen teil, und diese freudige, überschäumende Atmosphäre<br />
veranschaulicht für mich diesen Zugang. Es ist, wie das<br />
Leben auch, ähnlich einer Theaterinszenierung, aber hier<br />
eben kompetent und durchdacht in Szene gesetzt!<br />
Wien ist eine wundervolle Stadt, perfekt gelegen zwischen<br />
verschiedenen Welten, die Berge in der Nähe, mit einem<br />
reichen kulturellen Erbe und einer endlosen Vielfalt an<br />
gemütlichen Cafés, in die man einfach hineingehen kann,<br />
um Zeitungen zu lesen ...<br />
Welche Parallelen sehen Sie zwischen Belgien und<br />
Österreich?<br />
Sowohl Belgien als auch Österreich sind Grenzländer und<br />
strategisch günstig gelegen: ob entlang wichtiger Seewege<br />
oder an Häfen (Belgien) oder in der Mitte des Kontinents<br />
(Österreich), mit seinen bedeutenden Pässen und Flüssen.<br />
Beide Länder beherbergen wichtige internationale<br />
Organisationen. Beide Länder genießen das Leben,<br />
schätzen gutes Essen und Kultur: der belgische burgundische<br />
Lebensstil oder die österreichische Genusskultur.<br />
Daher ist es nicht überraschend, dass Österreicher und<br />
Belgier auch in Ehen gut miteinander harmonieren: von<br />
1477 (Kaiser Maximilian I. mit Maria von Burgund) bis<br />
heute (Prinzessin Astrid von Belgien und Lorenz<br />
Habsburg-Lothringen), um die prominentesten zu nennen.<br />
Haben Sie einen Lieblingsort, den Sie uns verraten?<br />
Meine bevorzugten Fluchtstätten sind die unteren Pisten<br />
des Schneebergs bei Puchberg oder in Losenheim. Dort<br />
habe ich die Gelegenheit, für ein paar Stunden wegzukommen,<br />
eine gute Wanderung zu machen und dann frisches<br />
Bier und eine saftige Wurst auf der Terrasse der Edelweißhütte<br />
zu mir zu nehmen – am liebsten in der Sonne, wie ich<br />
es zum Glück einige Male erlebt habe.<br />
You have now lived in Vienna for almost four years.<br />
Which parts of the city have you grown particularly<br />
fond of during your time here?<br />
I like the occasional walks, often by bike in the inner city, in<br />
quiet and small streets, often cobble stoned alleys, and you<br />
discover a new special shop every 20 meters, or a gallery,<br />
boutique or restaurant. Another favourite is the countryside<br />
feeling of the Freudenau area in the far East end of the<br />
Prater. Unforgettable, too, are visits to the rich collections<br />
of the Kunsthistorisches Museum and of the Museum für<br />
Angewandte Kunst (MAK), both of which have astonishing<br />
collections of old Flemish masters or Belgian art nouveau.<br />
A last area which I enjoy very much is the outer slopes in<br />
the vineyards towards the Kahlenberg and the Leopoldsberg,<br />
with views across the city and the mighty plain of the<br />
Danube, where the eye reaches as far as the Bratislava hills<br />
– another capital where I have been active.<br />
In your view, what makes Vienna so unique?<br />
Vienna is excellent in entertaining its citizens and visitors,<br />
mostly in a friendly, relaxed yet very professional way, with<br />
a speckless organisation of public (or private) events. All<br />
this comes together in the impressive and extensive ball<br />
season. I participated in some of them and that joyful,<br />
exuberant atmosphere etipomises this state of mind and<br />
affairs for me. It is also somehow a piece of theatre, as life<br />
usually is, but played with a lot of seriousness and professionalism<br />
here!<br />
Vienna is a wonderful city, perfectly located between<br />
different worlds, the mountains at a stone‘s throw, with a<br />
rich cultural heritage and an endless variety of cosy cafés<br />
which you can just visit to read newspapers ...<br />
Which parallels do you recognise between Belgium and<br />
Austria?<br />
Both Belgium and Austria are border countries and<br />
strategically located: whether along important sea routes<br />
or harbours (Belgium), or in the middle of the continent<br />
with dominating, important mountain passes or rivers<br />
(Austria). Both countries host important international<br />
organisations. We both enjoy life, good food and culture:<br />
the Belgian Burgundian life style or the Austrian<br />
Genusskultur... Not surprising also that Austrians and<br />
Belgians are a good match in marriages: from 1477<br />
(Emperor Maximilian I with Mary of Burgund) to today<br />
(Princess Astrid of Belgium and Lorenz Habsburg-<br />
Lothringen), to name but the most prominent.<br />
Do you have a favourite place in Vienna or Austria and<br />
where is it?<br />
My favourite escape zones are the lower slopes of the<br />
Schneeberg at Puchberg or in Losenheim. There, I have the<br />
chance to get away for a few hours, make a good climb and<br />
then have fresh beer and a juicy sausage on the terrace of<br />
the Edelweißhütte – preferably in the sun, as I was lucky to<br />
experience a few times.<br />
Blick auf das Kunsthistorische<br />
und das Naturhistorische<br />
Museum Wien, Wiener<br />
Kaffeehaus-Atmosphäre im Café<br />
Sperl und die Edelweißhütte am<br />
Schneeberg (von oben nach<br />
unten).<br />
View of the Kunsthistorisches<br />
Museum and the Museum of<br />
Natural History Vienna, Viennese<br />
coffeehouse atmosphere at the<br />
Café Sperl and the Edelweißhütte,<br />
located on the Schneeberg (from<br />
top to bottom).<br />
S.E. Baron Willem Van de Voorde wurde in Brüssel geboren und studierte Rechtswissenschaften in Löwen und<br />
London sowie Philosophie und Politikwissenschaften in Brüssel. Seit September 2014 ist er Botschafter von Belgien in<br />
Wien. Davor war er in Brüssel, Berlin und Tokio stationiert. Er ist verheiratet und Vater von vier Kindern.<br />
H.E. Baron Willem Van de Voorde was born in Brussels and studied law in Leuven and London as well as philosophy<br />
and political science in Brussels. He has been Ambassador of Belgium in Vienna since September 2014. Previously, he<br />
served in Brussels, Berlin and Tokyo. He is married and the father of four children.<br />
Der Botschafter in der Botschaft,<br />
exquisites Interieur und mit seiner<br />
Ehefrau, Kristin Van de Voorde-<br />
Heidbüchel (von oben nach unten).<br />
The Ambassador at the embassy,<br />
exquisite interior and with his wife,<br />
Kristin Van de Voorde-Heidbüchel.<br />
144 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />
Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 145
im morgengrau<br />
DAS OPERNHAUS<br />
beyond | Herwig Zens<br />
SAISON<br />
Händel<br />
ALCINA<br />
Stefan Gottfried | Tatjana Gürbaca<br />
Concentus Musicus Wien<br />
Arnold Schoenberg Chor<br />
Marlis Petersen, David Hansen, Rainer Trost,<br />
Katarina Bradic, Mirella Hagen, Florian Köfler<br />
Premiere: 15. September <strong>2018</strong><br />
Purcell<br />
DIE ZAUBERINSEL *<br />
Markellos Chryssicos | Jean Renshaw<br />
Bach Consort Wien<br />
Junges Ensemble Theater an der Wien<br />
Premiere: 29. September <strong>2018</strong><br />
Rossini<br />
GUILLAUME TELL<br />
Diego Matheuz | Torsten Fischer<br />
Wiener Symphoniker | Arnold Schoenberg Chor<br />
Christoph Pohl, John Osborn, Jane Archibald,<br />
Edwin Crossley-Mercer, Ante Jerkunica<br />
Premiere: 13. Oktober <strong>2018</strong><br />
Händel<br />
TESEO<br />
René Jacobs | Moshe Leiser & Patrice Ca