cercle-diplomatique-issue-02-2018

Summer 2018

Nr. 2 | Juni – August | June – August

International Affairs Global Business Exclusive Lifestyle

cercle-diplomatique.com

ASERBAIDSCHAN

BRÜCKE ZWISCHEN OST UND WEST

AZERBAIJAN BRIDGE

BETWEEN EAST AND WEST

EDITORIAL

Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser! | Dear Readers!

Emocijanogavalmore

Def.: The incredibly refreshing feeling when

Croatian waves kiss your toes for the first

time, stirring your emotions in a way you

previously thought impossible.

derived from Croatian

PHOTO: OURIEL MORGENSZTERN.

Die Produktion einer unserer Magazin-Ausgaben

ist stets eine schöne Aufgabe für das

gesamte Team. Diesmal war diese von viel

Traurigkeit und Trauer überschattet, denn wir mussten

vom plötzlichen Ableben unseres Autors Rainer

Himmelfreundpointner nach kurzer, schwerer

Krankheit erfahren. Er war nicht nur einer der besten

Wirtschaftsjournalisten des Landes, sondern vor allem

unser umfassend gebildeter, die Dinge auf den

Punkt bringender und lieber Team-Kollege. Wir verabschieden

uns von ihm ab Seite 4.

Aserbaidschan, dem diesmal unsere Cover-Story

ab Seite 30 gewidmet ist, feiert heuer seinen 100. Jahrestag

der Volksrepublik. Wir sind stolz darauf, beim

feierlichen Empfang mit dabei zu sein und im Palais

Liechtenstein mit dieser Ausgabe dort aufzuliegen.

Auch Astana hat ein Jubiläum zu feiern. Die

Hauptstadt von Kasachstan wird heuer jugendliche

20 Jahre alt, zu lesen ab Seite 50.

Südafrika, das heuer den Vorsitz der BRICS Gruppe

führt, ist nicht nur touristisch gesehen ein faszinierendes

Land, ab Seite 44. Zudem luden wir Wiens

Botschafter bei einem unserer zahlreichen Eigenevents

zu einer beeindruckenden Vorstellung von

„Afrika! Afrika!“ ein, bei der auch der südafrikanische

Botschafter, S.E. Tebogo Seokolo (im Interview

ab S. 48) anwesend war.

Neben unserem online News-Channel, den wir

seit Oktober aktuell betreiben, stellen wir nun gleich

nach den Akkreditierungen die neuen bilateralen

Botschafter in Wien auf unserer Homepage vor.

Neu in unserem Magazin ist auch das redaktionelle

Format, in dem wir in Zukunft Honorarkonsule

vor den Vorhang bitten und persönlich vorstellen

wollen. Den Anfang macht Heinrich Schaller - der

Chef der Raiffeisen Landesbank Oberösterreich ist

Honorarkonsul der Tschechischen Republik in Oberösterreich,

ab S. 84.

Und für den Fall, dass Sie den Sommer über Zeit

finden, die Stadt Wien noch besser zu erkunden, sei

Ihnen die Geschichte über jüdische Kultur in Österreich

(ab Seite 92) ans Herz gelegt.

Wir wünschen Ihnen einen schönen Sommer in

spannenden Zeiten, wenn mit diesem Juli Österreich

die EU-Ratspräsidentschaft übernimmt.

The production of our magazine issues is always

an exciting task for the whole team. This

time, however, the process was overcast by

tremendous sadness and sorrow, for we had to learn

of the sudden passing of our author Rainer Himmelfreundpointner,

following a brief and severe illness.

He was not only one of the best business journalists

in the country, but a widely educated, precise and beloved

team colleague in particular. We bid farewell to

him from page 4.

Azerbaijan, to which this issue’s cover story (from

page 30) is dedicated this time around, is celebrating

the 100 th birthday of its democratic republic this year.

We are proud to attend the festivities and will be present

at the Palais Liechtenstein with this issue of our

magazine.

Astana also has a reason to celebrate. The capital

city of Kazakhstan is turning 20 years young this year,

find out more starting on page 50.

South Africa, which is presiding over the BRICS

group this year, is not just a fascinating country if you

are a tourist – read more on page 44. We also invited

Vienna’s Ambassadors to a brilliant performance of

“Afrika! Afrika!“ at one of our many events, at which

the South African Ambassador H.E. Tebogo Seokolo

(interview starting on p. 48) was present as well.

Next to our online news channel that we have

been running since October, we also introduce the

new bilateral Ambassadors to Vienna on our website

once accreditation is complete.

Another addition is our new editorial format,

where we will be asking honorary consuls onto the

stage for a personal introduction. The first is Heinrich

Schaller – the Head of Raiffeisen Landesbank

Oberösterreich is an Honorary Consul of the Czech

Republic to Upper Austria, read more from page 84.

And just in case you find the extra time to explore

Vienna in a little more depth during the summer, we

highly recommend the story about Jewish culture in

Austria (starting on page 92).

We wish you a wonderful summer during these

exciting times, especially when Austria assumes the

EU Council Presidency this July.

Herzlichst, | Warmly,

RESIDENCES SENIA

Andrea Fürnweger

Herausgeberin | Editor

Invest in your Croatian dream property and benefit from all the advantages

of the Falkensteiner Hotel group, such as 5* hotel and concierge service or

access to the wellness & spa area. www.premiumliving.com

Mag. Alexander Bursky

Herausgeber | Editor

NACHRUF OBITUARY

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner (1961-2018)

Ein letzter Gruß an unsere Edelfeder. Wir vermissen Dich!

A final goodbye to our favourite wordsmith. We miss you!

Unser Autor und lieber Kollege ist nach kurzer, schwerer Krankeit am 15. Mai 2018 verstorben.

Our author and dear colleague has died after a brief, severe illness on 15 May 2018.

PHOTO: ROIS & STUBENRAUCH

Einen Nachruf zu schreiben ist ein

mieser Job. Immer. Besonders aber

dann, wenn es sich um die Erinnerung

an jemanden handelt, der nicht nur

ein lieber Kollege war, sondern auch jemand,

den man als einen sehr guten

Freund und engen Wegbegleiter bezeichnen

kann. Man schreibt ihn dann voller

Trauer, weil man einen Menschen verliert,

den man über die Jahre lieb gewonnen hat,

voller Wut, weil man feststellt, dass man

einem unberechenbaren Schicksal ausgeliefert

ist, und voller Zorn, weil einer der

ganz Guten wieder einmal viel zu früh abberufen

wurde.

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner, den alle

auf Grund seines außergewöhnlich langen

Namens nur kurz und prägnant HFP genannt

haben, war einer der profiliertesten

Journalisten Österreichs. Und einer der

produktivsten. Er hat im Lauf der Jahre

nicht nur für so ziemlich alle wichtigen österreichischen

und für viele renommierte

internationale Zeitungen und Zeitschriften

gearbeitet, er hat auch als Chefredakteur

die eine oder andere Zeitschrift betreut

und er hat Bücher zu ganz unterschiedlichen

Themen geschrieben – über Wirtschaft

und Justiz ebenso wie über die „Dos

& Don’ts auf der ganzen Welt“. Für seine

Arbeit wurde er mit zahlreichen Preisen

ausgezeichnet.

Das Magazin Cercle Diplomatique hat

er nach dem Relaunch vor fast vier Jahren,

nahezu ab der ersten Stunde als Autor und

als Ideengeber begleitet. Wie kein anderer

hat er die Zeitschrift geprägt. Er hatte die

Begabung, auch komplizierteste Zusammenhänge

verständlich zu formulieren. Er

verstand es, mit seinem Charme auch

schwierige Gesprächspartner zu spannenden

und erhellenden Gesprächen zu verführen

und elegant größere Diskussionsrunden

zu moderieren.

Vor allem aber wird uns Rainer in Erinnerung

bleiben als ungemein sympathischer,

intelligenter, neugieriger und humorvoller

Gesprächspartner. Es war immer

ein Vergnügen, sich mit ihm auf einen

Plausch im Kaffeehaus zu treffen; man hat

ihm dann auch gerne verziehen, dass er

jene Lokale bevorzugte, in denen noch fleißig

geraucht werden durfte. Der Bogen der

Gesprächsthemen spannte sich von internationaler

Politik über aktuelle Wirtschaftsskandale

bis hin zu Kulturereignissen

und unterhaltsamem Tratsch aus der

Medien- und aus der Politikszene. Es war

immer ein Vergnügen. Diese Stunden werden

uns in guter Erinnerung bleiben.

Am Ende eines Nachrufs steht dann

meist der Satz: Wir werden ihn nicht vergessen.

Das ist manchmal nur so hingeschrieben

und schnell wird zur Tagesordnung

übergegangen. Hier, bei Cercle

Diplomatique, wird das nicht der Fall sein.

Kann es auch gar nicht. Noch sehr lange

wird, wenn wieder einmal ein besonders

schwieriges, komplexes Thema, das enorme

Sachkenntnis verlangt, einen Autor

sucht, uns allen durch den Kopf schießen:

Da müsste jetzt der Rainer ran.

Writing an obituary is always a

miserable task. Always. But

it’s especially the case when

it’s about the memory of someone who was

not just a dear colleague, but also a very

good friend and a close companion. So, you

write the obituary, filled with sadness, as

you have lost a person whom you have

grown very fond of over the years. And you

write with anger, as you realise the unpredictable

manner in which fate can strike,

and with wrath, for he was, once again, one

of the good ones who was taken from us

way too soon.

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner, who, as

a result of his exceptionally long name was

concisely called HFP, was one of Austria’s

most distinguished journalists. And one of

the most productive ones, too. Throughout

the years, he not only worked for most of

Austria’s important and renowned international

newspapers and magazines, but also

supervised several magazines as Editor in

Chief and wrote books on a whole number

of different topics – about business and justice,

as well as the “Dos & Don’ts of the

Whole World”. For his work, he was awarded

countless prizes and awards.

After the relaunch of the magazine Cercle

Diplomatique four years ago, he accompanied

the magazine as an author as well as

a general source of ideas almost from the

very beginning. He was able to formulate

even the most complex ideas in a digestible

manner. He knew how to use his charm to

draw even the most difficult of dialogue

partners into exciting and enlightening

conversations and could moderate large

discussion panels in the most elegant way.

But above all, we will remember Rainer

as an incredibly likeable, intelligent, curious

and humorous conversation partner. It was

always a pleasure to meet him at a café for a

quick chat; you could easily forgive him that

he usually selected those establishments

that still permitted smoking. The talking

points ranged from international politics

and contemporary business scandals to cultural

events and even entertaining gossip

from the world of media and politics. It was

always a pleasure. We will remember those

hours for a long time.

At the end of many obituaries, one will

usually find a sentence like this: ‘We will not

forget him’. Sometimes, this is only said as a

formality, and things quickly go back to

normal. Here, at Cercle Diplomatique, that

won’t be the case. It couldn’t be the case. For

a long, long time to come, whenever there

will be one of those particularly complex

subjects requiring an author with in-depth

expertise, we will all be thinking one and

the same thing: That would have been a job

for Rainer.

4 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE –

ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE

Nr. 315

Ausgabe | Issue 02/2018

Juni - August / June - August

CONTENTS

Cover story

AZERBAIJAN

Seite | page 30

Das an Erdöl reiche Land am

Kaspischen Meer feiert

heuer seinen 100. Jahrestag

der Unabhängigkeit.

Azerbaijan, the oil-rich

country at the Caspian Sea,

is celebrating its 100 years

of independence.

LE BULLETIN

Die neuen Botschafter | The new Ambassadors

Akkreditierungen durch Bundespräsident Alexander Van der Bellen.

Accreditation by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen.

Offizielle Empfänge | Official Receptions

Die großen Empfänge der vergangenen Wochen. The great receptions of the last few weeks.

LE MONDE

Coverstory Azerbaijan | Cover story Azerbaijan

Brücke zwischen Ost und West. Bridge between East and West.

Südafrika | South Africa

Willkommen in der „Regenbogen-Nation“! Welcome to the “Rainbow Nation“!

Astana

Stadt der Zukunft. City of the future.

Gipfeltreffen der Botschafter | The Ambassadors‘ Summit

4 Visegrád-Länder im Gespräch. 4 Ambassadors of the Visegrád Group in a talk.

Europäisches Kulturerbe 2018 | European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018

Wo die Vergangenheit die Zukunft trifft. Where the past meets the future.

Essay

Markus Kornprobst über die vernetzte Welt der Diplomatie.

Markus Kornprobst on the networks of diplomats.

News

Neuigkeiten aus aller Welt. Latest update from around the globe.

L‘AUTRICHE

Interview

Gernot Blümel, Minister für die EU, Kunst, Kultur und Medien.

Gernot Blümel, Minister for the EU, Arts, Culture and Media.

Interview

Christian W. Konrad über die Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit. Christian Konrad on arbitration.

Honorarkonsul | Honorary duty

Heinrich Schaller vermittelt für Tschechien. Heinrich Schaller in duty for the Czech Republic.

Wirtschaftsnews | Business news

Neues aus Österreich. News from Austria.

112

118

124

128

130

134

136

140

142

144

148

160

Immobilien | Property

Wohnjuwelen. Residential gems.

City Apartments

Neues Zuhause auf Zeit. A new home from home.

Lifestyle

Ab ins Freie. Into the wild.

Lifestyle News

Trends für den Sommer. Trends for the summer season.

Ambassador‘s Drive

Italiens Botschafter auf CD-Testfahrt. Italy‘s Ambassador on a test drive.

Motor

Effizienz, Emotionen, Extreme. Efficiency, emotion, extremes.

Weekender

Kultur, Entertainment und Wellness in Budapest.

Culture, entertainment and wellness in Budapest.

Upcoming

Wo es uns gefällt. Where we love to be.

Buchempfehlungen | Must read

Lesenswertes über Österreich. Book tips about Austria.

Mein Wien | My Vienna

Der Botschafter von Belgien. The Ambassador of Belgium.

LES RENDEZVOUS

Veranstaltungen | Events

Exklusive Veranstaltungen im Fokus. Exclusive events in focus.

LE GUIDE

Adressen | Addresses

Nützliche Adressen für die internationale Gesellschaft.

Useful addresses for the international community.

GENDER ERKLÄRUNG

Im gesamten Magazin wird bei

den deutschsprachigen Texten

aus Gründen der besseren

Lesbarkeit bei geschlechtsspezifischen

Begriffen die maskuline

Form verwendet. Diese Form

versteht sich explizit als

geschlechtsneutral.

100

104

106

110

SAVOIR VIVRE

Jüdische Kultur in Wien | Jewish culture Vienna

Vom Wiener Salon bis New Klezmer. From Viennese salons to neo-klezmer.

Botschafter der Musik | Ambassadors of Music

Bassbariton Adam Plachetka. Bass-baritone Adam Plachetka.

Kunst | Arts

Kulturelle Highlights im Sommer. Cultural highlights in summer.

Connaisseur | Connoisseur

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

Reise | Travel

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

Table Talk

Zum Lunch mit Generaldirektorin Simone Dulies im Hotel Bristol Vienna.

Lunch with General Manager Simone Dulies at the Hotel Bristol Vienna.

161

Titelbild | Cover

Icheri Sheher (Alte Stadt) von Baku, Azerbaijan.

Icheri Sheher (Old Town) of Baku, Azerbaijan.

Editorial

Inhalt | Contents

Impressum | Imprint

COVERPHOTO: FOTOLIA/ ELENA PETROVA; PHOTO: FOTOLIA/ VADIM NEFEDOV

Die Moschee der Märtyrer und moderne Glas-Architektur in Baku.

Mosque of the Martyrs and modern glass central business district skyscrapers in Baku.

BULLETIN

IN LE BULLETIN ERFAHREN

SIE, WER DIE NEU

AKKREDITIERTEN

BOTSCHAFTER IN

ÖSTERREICH SIND UND

WELCHE OFFIZIELLEN

EMPFÄNGE UND EVENTS IN

DEN VERGANGENEN DREI

MONATEN STATTGEFUN-

DEN HABEN.

LE BULLETIN TELLS YOU WHO

THE NEWLY ACCREDITED

AMBASSADORS TO AUSTRIA

ARE AND WHICH OFFICIAL

RECEPTIONS AND EVENTS

TOOK PLACE IN THE PAST

FEW MONTHS.

LE BULLETIN CREDENTIALS

Wir begrüßen die neuen Botschafter herzlich in Österreich: Willkommen!

We cordially welcome the new Ambassadors to Austria!

Carlos Alberto

Játiva Naranjo

Ambassador of the

Republic of Ecuador

H. E. H. E. H. E.

Jabir Habeb Jabir

Hemaidawi

Ambassador of the

Republic of Iraq

Dato Ganeson Al

Sivagurunathan

Ambassador of the

Monarchy of Malaysia

Credentials: April 2018 Credentials: April 2018 Credentials: April 2018

Sebastian Schoenaich-Carolath

Ambassador of the

Sovereign Order of Malta

H. E. H. E. H. E. H. E.

Željko

Perović

Ambassador of the

Republic of Montenegro

Kjersti Ertresvaag

Andersen

Ambassador of the

Republic of Norway

Ivana

Červenková

Ambassador of the

Czech Republic

Credentials: April 2018 Credentials: April 2018 Credentials: April 2018 Credentials: April 2018

Born on 25 August, 1959

Married, two children

Education

JD in Law from the Pontifical Catholic

University of Ecuador. Attorney, Pontifical

Catholic University of Ecuador. Licensed in

law, Pontifical Catholic University of

Ecuador. Diplom d’etudes superior

diplomacy

Professional Career

2018: Ambassador of Ecuador to the

Republic of Austria and Permanent

Representative of Ecuador to the

International Organizations in Vienna

2017: Under-Secretary of North America

and Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2016 Director of Regional Integration

2015: Director of Bilateral Relations

between Mexico and Central America and

the Caribbean

2009-2015: Ambassador of Ecuador to

France

2007: Under-Secretary of Multilateral

Affairs

2008: Under-Secretary of Bilateral

Relations

2003-2005: Ambassador of Ecuador to

Sweden

2000-2003: Deputy Ambassador of

Ecuador to the United States

Born on 27 July, 1955

Education

1980: Bachelor of Political Sciences from

the College of LAW, Political Science

1986-1991: University of Baghdad, PhD in

Political Sciences from Great Britain

Professional Career

2018: Iraqi Ambassador to the Rep. Austria

2013-2017: Iraqi Ambassador to Tunisia

2012: Iraqi Ambassador to Washington DC

2010: Ambassador in the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs

2006: member of Iraqi Parliament

1992-2005: Assistant Professor in the

College of Political Sciences University of

Baghdad

Born on 13 January, 1968

Married, one son

Education

1995: Diploma in Public Administration,

Institute Tadbiran Awam Negara, Malaysia

1993: Advance Diploma in Business and

Management, Swansea Institute of Higher

Education, University of Wales, UK

1992: Bachelor of Arts Hons – History,

University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Professional Career

2015-2018: Undersecretary for East Asia

Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

Malaysia. Undersecretary for Africa Division,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia

2011-2015: Ambassador of Malaysia to Chile

2008- 2011: Undersecretary for Multilateral

Political Division, Min. of FA, Malaysia

2004-2008: Counselor, Permanent

Mission of Malaysia to the UN, New York

2002-2004: Principal Assistant Secretary,

Multilateral Economic and Environment

Division, Ministry of FA, Malaysia

2000-2002: Assistant Secretary,

Development and Environmental Affairs,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia

1996-2000: Second Secretary and Head of

Chancery - Malaysian High Commission in

Papua New Guinea

1995- 1996: Assistant Secretary, East Asia,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

PHOTOS: RIGEAUD, CARINA KARLOVITS & DANIEL TRIPPOLT/HBF

Born on September 17 in Vienna

Married, seven children

Education

2011–2012: Advanced Management

Program, IESE Business School, Barcelona

1978-1983: University of Applied Sciences,

Diploma Industrial Engineering (Dipl.Ing.),

Munich

1976–1978: Advanced Technical College,

Munich

Professional Career

2015– 2017: CEO, HETA Asset Resolution

AG, Klagenfurt, Austria

2012–2015: CEO, DZ Polska, Poland

2002–2011: CEO, Kölner Bank, Germany

1992-2002: Ulmer Volksbank, Germany

1983-1992: Team Head, Corporate Clients,

Trainee and several Branches, Deutsche

Bank, Germany

1981-1982: Allianz, Paris, France

1979-1980: Siemens South Africa

1976–1978: Army, First Lieutenant

Born on November 15, 1954

Married, two children

Education

1974-1978: Faculty of Law, Belgrade

Professional Career

2015-2018: Ambassador, Permanent

Representative to the UN, New York

2015: Ambassador of Montenegro to the

Costa Rica and to the Republic of Cuba

2014: Ambassador of Montenegro in the

Portuguese Republic

2013: Ambassador of Montenegro in the

Kingdom of Spain

2012: General Director for Bilateral Affairs,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European

Integration of Montenegro

2008-2012: Ambassador of Montenegro in

the Republic of Albania

2003-2006: Deputy Minister in the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia and

Montenegro

2000-2003: Head of Montenegrin Mission

for Cooperation with UN, in New York

1999-2000: Special Adviser to the Minister

of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro

1992-1998: Adviser in the Federal Ministry

for Foreign Affairs of SFRY

1990-1992: Adviser in the Office for

Research and Documentation

Born on May 1st, 1969

Married, three children

Education

1997: Political Science, University of Oslo

1993: History, Political Science and

Geography. University of Oslo and London

1989: Examen Artium, Stavanger Cathedral

School, Stavanger, Norway

1987: High School Diploma, University High

School, Morgantown, West-Virginia, USA

Professional Career

2018: Ambassador to the Republic of

Austria and Permanent Representative to

the International Organisations in Vienna

2014: Director General, Department of UN

and Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of

Foreign Affairs

2010-2014: Chief of Staff to the Foreign

Minister, Deputy Director General,

Secretariat for the Foreign Minister,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chief of Staff to

Foreign Ministers Støre, Eide and Brende.

2006–2010: Deputy Director General and

Assistant Director General, UN Affairs

2002-2006: Advisor, Secretariat for the

Foreign Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1999-2001: Second Secretary, Norwegian

Embassy in Berlin, Germany

1997-1999: Foreign Service Trainee

Born on February 12, 1962

Education

1985: J.D. (Juris Doctor)

1980–1984: Charles University of Prague,

Faculty of Law

Professional Career

2018: Embassy of the Czech Republic in

Vienna (Austria)

2015-2017: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2014–2015: Director General of Section of

the Minister, Head of Office of the Minister

2010–2014: Embassy of the CR in Vienna

2006–2010: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Head of Department of International Law

2001–2006: Embassy of the Czech

Republic in Bern (Switzerland)

2000–2001: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Advisor to the Deputy Minister of the

Multilateral Section

1999–2000: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Advisor to the General Director of the

Legal and Consular Section

1995–1999: Embassy of the CR in Bonn

1992–1995: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Head of Unit, Department of Intern. Law

1991–1992: Ministry of Justice Desk Officer,

Department of International Law

10 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE BULLETIN REVIEW

Official receptions

Find more

photos online

cercle-diplomatique.com

March 2018

Presentation of the spring issue of „Cercle Diplomatique“

at Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn

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

the honour to welcome the first issue of 2018 with the cover story on Finnland, enjoying delicious food and pleasant encounters.

The Ambassador of Finnland, H.E. Hannu Veikko Kyröläinen

(2nd left) was welcomed by Hermann Gruber, Sales & Marketing

Manager Austria Trend Hotels, and CD‘s editors, Andrea

Fürnweger and Alexander Bursky.

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN

Many guests followed the invitation and enjoyed the

Imperial ambiance as well as a delicious buffet at the venue

close to Schönbrunn Palace.

12 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE BULLETIN REVIEW

February 2018

Kuwait

The 57 th Independence Day and the 27 th Anniversary of Liberation were celebrated with

a reception at Wiener Börsensäle.

February 2018

Russian Federation

The Day of the Homeland Defenders was honoured

with wreath-laying ceremonies and a reception.

Top: H.E. Mikhail Ulyanov

(2nd left), H.E. Alexander

Lukashevich (middle) and H.E.

Dmitry Lyubinskiy (very left).

H.E. Sadiq M. Marafi with

Hager Gewefel.

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN

TIMELESS

QUALITY

AND STYLE

SINCE 1836

1010 Vienna, Austria

Weihburggasse 27

www.jse.wien

14 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

STORES. AUCTIONS. HUNTING. MANUFACTURE.

LE BULLETIN REVIEW

February 2018

Kosovo

The 10 th Independence Day was celebrated with a reception at the Haus der Industrie.

February 2018

Dominican Republic

The 174 th Independence Day and the uptaking of diplomatic relations

between the Dominican Republic and Austria 80 years ago were honoured.

H.E. Lourdes Victoria-

Kruse asked to a

reception at k47 Vienna.

H.E. Sami Ukelli and his wife

Brikena Keco Ukelli.

M O Z A R T W O C H E

2 0 1 9

2 4

. J Ä

N N

E R

–

F E B R

U A

INTENDANT ROLANDO VILLAZÓN

16 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN

Dirigenten Albrecht, Antonini, Bolton, Haitink,

Herreweghe, Manning, Minasi, Orozco-Estrada,

De la Parra, Rousset, Schiff, Ticciati, Vinikour

Orchester Camerata Salzburg, Cappella Andrea

Barca, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Giardino

Armonico, Les Talens Lyriques, Mahler Chamber

Orchestra, Mozart Kinderorchester, Mozarteumorchester

Salzburg, Orchester Wiener

Akademie, Orchestre des Champs-Élysées,

Sinfonieorchester der Universität Mozarteum,

Wiener Philharmoniker Sänger Aikin, Alder,

Bartoli, Bemsch, Brower, Di Pierro, Erdmann,

Forsythe, Gansch, Hoffman, Iervolino, Karg,

Kohlhepp, Mühlemann, Pape, Peretyatko,

Peter, Piau, Pizzolato, Plachetka, Pucalkova,

Said, Schweinester, Semenzato, Stagg,

Stoyanova, Stražanac, Thammathi, Vargas,

Villazón, Zaïcik Solisten Ahss, Barenboim,

Capuçon, Deutsch, Deyneka, Grosz, Hauzel,

Honeck, Jansen, Klieser, Kraggerud, Kromer,

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Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

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LE BULLETIN REVIEW

March 2018

Bulgaria

On the occasion of National Day a reception was held at the Embassy.

March 2018

Ireland

Green was the colour of the Day, when St. Patrick‘s Day was celebrated at

the residence.

Left: H.E. Ivan Sirakov

(right) with H.E. Svetoslav

Spassov (2nd left).

Left: H.E. Tom Hanney (left)

with his wife Paula Fitzmaurice

Hanney (2nd left) and

their guest of honour, Helen

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European Affairs (3rd r.).

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PHOTOS: DODGE&BURN

Dean and Executive Secretary of the IACA, Martin Kreutner with

Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs,

Karin Kneissl.

18 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE BULLETIN REVIEW

March 2018

Greece

On the occasion of National Day, “Greek Gravures Panorama”, an exhibition of the

Kolliali collection, was shown at the residence.

March 2018

Pakistan

National Day was celebrated with a reception at the InterContinental Vienna.

Left: H.E. Chryssoula

Aliferi (2nd right) also

said goodbye at the event

as she is leaving Vienna.

Left: H.E. Ayesha Riyaz

March 2018

Tunisia

On occasion of National Day and the centenary of the Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, a

tribute exhibition by Tunisian artist Meriem Bouderbala was opened at Kunstforum.

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN

Chargé d‘Affaires Khalil Tazarki (2nd r.) and next to him the Tunisian

artist Meriem Bouderbala.

20 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE BULLETIN REVIEW

March 2018

Bangladesh

The 48 th Independence Day was celebrated at the Vienna Marriott Hotel.

April 2018

Togo

On the occasion of National Day a reception was held.

Left: Honorary Consul

Erich Szabo with his wife

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22 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

or use our free call back service

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Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018 23

LE BULLETIN REVIEW

April 2018

Israel

To commemorate the 70 th Independence Day, a reception was held at the Gartenpalais

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24 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN

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LE BULLETIN REVIEW

May 2018

Poland

On the occasion of the 100 th Independence Day a reception was held at

the Embassy.

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AND ABROAD.

LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN

AZER BAIJAN

BRIDGE

BETWEEN EAST

AND WEST

As Azerbaijan, the oil-rich country at the Caspian Sea,

is celebrating its 100 years of independence, the world realizes

how much this secular, modern islamic state could play

a role model in the Muslim world and the

greater Middle East region as well.

Text: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner

PHOTO: FOTOLIA

A panorama view of the capital of

Baku at sunset.

30 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN

A stunning view of

Nakhchivan and the

Alindja Fortress

(11 th -13 th century)

near Djulfa city.

Early morning in Baku.

The International Mugham Center of Azerbaijan.

FACTS &

FIGURES

The ”Heydar Aliyev Centre“ in

Baku, built between 2007 and 2012

according to the construction plan

by architect Zaha Hadid.

PHOTOS: NAZIM GURBANOV, SERGEI KIVRIN, LYOKIN, İRS ZEITSCHRIFT

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, some hundred

years ago: Large-scale oil exploration had turned

the historical city on the shores of the

Caspian Sea into an industrial Eldorado which attracted

investors like the Nobel brothers or parts of

the Rothschild family who made fortunes dwelling

the industrial oil belt, known as the Black City, established

around Baku.

To get an imagination of the outstanding international

role Baku has played at the time, just take a

look into the contemporary report ”From Constantinople

to the Home of Omar Khayyam“ by A.V. Williams

Jackson of Columbia University: ”Baku is a city

founded upon oil, for to its inexhaustible founts of

naphtha it owes its very existence, its maintenance,

its prosperity...“ At present, Baku produces one fifth

of the oil that is used in the world, and the immense

output in crude petroleum from this single city, far

surpasses that in any other district where oil is found.

Verily, the words of the scriptures find illustration

here: 'The rock poured me out rivers of oil“, the work

reads. And goes on: ”Oil is in the air one breathes, in

one's nostrils, in one's eyes, in the water of the morning

bath (though not in the drinking water, for that

is brought in bottles from distant mineral springs),

in one's starched linen – everywhere. This is the impression

one carries away from Baku, and it is certainly

true in the environs.“

One century ago, the Azerbaijanis finally took

control not only over their natural resources, but

over their national fate at all. On May 28th, 1918, the

independence of the ”Azerbaijan Democratic Republic“

(ADR) was declared – a new nation which actually

was the first modern parliamentary republic in

the Muslim world.

Among the important accomplishments of the

Parliament was the extension of suffrage to women,

making Azerbaijan the first Muslim nation to grant

women equal political rights with men. Another important

accomplishment of ADR was the establishment

of Baku State University, which was the first

modern-type university founded in the Muslim East.

”The establishment of the first Azerbaijan Democratic

Republic 100 years ago, has laid a solid basis

for a free society and an independent country where

people independent of their religion, ethnicity, sex or

any political affiliation can live and prosper“, says

Galib Israfilov, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to

Austria about this only 23 months lasting first republic

(see also interview starting at page 38). ”We are

happy that we are among the first who granted the

right to vote to women during this first republic,

even ahead of many European countries. This short

period – only 23 months – has made a significant

contribution in the perception of national identity of

Azerbaijanis. It has established the vision for a future

of the Azerbaijan nation which is closely related to

values of humanity such as peace, dignity, freedom

and independence. And for a Muslim society in the

beginning of the 20th century, to cherish these noble

ideas of humanity and to promote them, was very

brave.“

Baku today: the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan,

as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea

and of the Caucasus region, with a population of nearly

2.4 million people, is still (and again) the scientific,

cultural and industrial center of Azerbaijan –

after 71 years as a Soviet Socialist Republic and a

newly declared independence from Soviet Union on

October 18th, 1991.

The Baku International Sea Trade Port is capable

of handling two million tons of general and dry bulk

cargoes per year. Also, the inner city of Baku, along

with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower,

were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in

2000. And according to the Lonely Planet's ranking,

Baku is also among the world's top ten destinations

for urban nightlife.

Plus, in recent years, Baku has become an important

venue for international events. It hosted the 57th

Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, the 2015 European

Games, the 2016 European Grand Prix, the 4th Islamic

Solidarity Games and Azerbaijan Grand Prix in

2017, and will host UEFA Euro 2020. The city is bidding

for Expo 2025 against Yekaterinburg, Russia

and Osaka, Japan.

So, as Azerbaijan is celebrating its 100 years of independence

as of May 28th, 2018, in the coming

months, its population is extremely proud that that

third republic is indeed built on many of the achievements

of the first. Subsequently, the constitution of

Azerbaijan does not declare an official religion and

all major political forces in the country are secularist.

However, the majority of the population are of Muslim

background. Most Azerbaijanis, however, do not

actively practice any religion, with 53 percent stating

religion has little to no importance in their lives, according

to Pew Research Center and Gallup polls.

Azerbaijan has a high level of human develop-

AZERBAIJAN

Official Name:

Republic of Azerbaijan

Capital: Baku

Official language:

Azerbaijani

Government: Unitary

presidential republic

- President: Ilham Aliyev

- Prime Minister: Novruz

Mammadov

Area: 86,600 km2

Population: 9,898,1 mln.

(2017)

Ethnic groups:

91.60% Azerbaijani,

2 % Lezgian,

1.3% Armenian,

1.34% Russian,

1.26% Talysh,

2.5% others

Religion: 96% Islam

4 % Christian, Jewish, Bahai,

Krishna

Currency: Manat (AZN)

GDP: 40.750 billion $

GDP per capita: 4186 $

Formation:

28 May 1918: Democratic

Republic

28 April 1920: Soviet

Socialist Republic

18 October 1991 Azerbaijan

Republic

Data is taken from the State

Statistical Committee of the

Republic of Azerbaijan,

based on 2017

A skyline view of Baku, the

capital of Azerbaijan by the

Caspian Sea.

Baku is located on the Caspian Sea, where

sailing boats are cruising.

The Mausoleum of Momine Khatun was

built in the 12th century, Nakhchivan

city, Azerbaijan.

Shaki is in northern Azerbaijan on the

southern part of the Greater Caucasus

mountain range.

Left:

The ”Grandmothers“, a folklore

group in the Lenkoran district.

Right:

Beautiful landscape at

Shuvelan.

32 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN

President Ilham Aliyev

Celebrating centennial of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic

with remarkable achievements

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, İlham Aliyev.

On May 28th the people of Azerbaijan proudly

commemorate the centennial of the Azerbaijan

Democratic Republic (ADR). May 28 of 1918 is the day

of declaration of independence by the first Republic

of Azerbaijan and is officially observed as the

Republic Day.

At that time, Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was

destined to live as an independent State for only 23

months during the years 1918-1920. Over such a

short-lived period of time it has achieved remarkable

progress in the political, economic and social spheres

and has entered into world history as the first secular,

democratic State in the whole Islamic East.

ADR’s Declaration of Independence proclaimed,

inter alia, guarantees of civil rights and liberties to all

its citizens irrespective of nationality, religious

affiliation, gender or ethnic background – the ideals

that the people of Azerbaijan cherish today. Due to

actively pursued foreign policy ADR was able to

establish diplomatic relations with 16 countries.

The National Council (Parliament) of ADR

operated for just 17 months, but was able to adopt

around 230 legislative acts, including the law granting

women to the right to vote and to participate in the

political life of the country, much earlier than many

European nations.

Throughout the past century the people of

Azerbaijan preserved its determination to restore its

statehood and independence – the goal it attained in

1991.

Today, the Republic of Azerbaijan is a modern,

secular and independent State proud of its history

and looking into the future with great aspirations,

firm on its road to development as a vibrant,

multicultural society.

The people of Azerbaijan commemorate the

centennial of ADR with remarkable achievements.

Azerbaijan’s success today is an outcome of

comprehensive reform programme implemented over

the past decades. The economic figures for 2017

speak volumes.

The development of non-oil sector of the

economy is the priority of the Government. Over the

last year the non-oil sector of the economy grew by

2.7 per cent, the non-oil sector in industry by 3.7 per

cent and in agriculture by 4.1 per cent.

Azerbaijan invests heavily in building its transport

and transit potential and implements a number of

large-scale infrastructure projects in the country and

across the region along the East-West and

North-South axes. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway

successfully commissioned last year connected the

growing Asian markets with consumers in Europe and

vice versa. Over the past years, Azerbaijan built 6

international airports, 11,000 kilometers of modern

highways and roads. Azerbaijan has the biggest trade

fleet in the Caspian Sea with 270 vessels.

Azerbaijan contributes to the energy security of

Europe and is a substantial contributor to – and

enabler of – the Southern Gas Corridor, which will

bring alternative gas supply to the European market.

Another priority sector is telecommunication.

Implementation of the State program on establishment

and development of space industry in

Azerbaijan gave additional impetus to the development

of this sphere. With launching of two

telecommunication and earth observation satellites

“Azerspace” and “Azersky” our country joined the

world’s space club. Third satellite “Azerspace-2” will

be launched soon.

Particular attention is given to strengthening of

the industrial base of Azerbaijan with focus on fuel

and energy, chemistry, mechanical engineering,

metallurgy, food industry, light industry and other

areas. The main objective of the state policy in the

field of industry for the medium term is ensuring of

steady and rapid production growth, structural

improvement and increasing efficiency. The main

activities include modernization and reconstruction of

industrial sites, increasing the competitiveness of

national products and development of the processing

industry. There are five industrial parks the Sumgait

Chemical Industrial Park, industrial parks in Garadagh,

Balakhany, Mingachevir and Pirallakhi settlements, as

well as Neftchala, Hajigabul and Masalli industrial

districts, in Azerbaijan. This is underpinned by our

policy and the confidence of foreign and local

investors, because investment is made only in stable

countries. According to the Davos Forum, we are

ranked in 35th place in the world in terms of

economic competitiveness.

A drastic reduction of poverty and unemployment

is a testimony that we are on the right track. The

level of poverty in Azerbaijan is 5.4 percent and the

level of unemployment is 5 percent. In the last 15

years our population grew by 1.5 million people.

Therefore, creating jobs for us is a permanent

process. Last year alone we created 177,000

permanent jobs.

Particular attention has been paid to good

economic governance through improving legislative

framework and regulatory system, protection of

investment, elimination of bureaucratic obstacles

simplifying customs procedures and creating tax

incentives. A number of steps have been taken to

streamline procedures, making it easier to incorporate

and register a new business in Azerbaijan, including

by introducing e-registry and simplifying licensing

procedures for entrepreneurs. The Government has

been implementing large-scale programmes for

strengthening the rule of law, providing facilitated

access to public services. Azerbaijan is proud to have

created its national brand – ASAN Service – an

innovative national model of public service delivery,

where numerous services by government agencies are

delivered in an efficient and transparent way from

PHOTOS: NAMIK, AZERTAG – ASERBAIDSCHANISCHE STAATLICHE NACHRICHTENAGENTUR, İRS ZEITSCHRIFT, LYOKIN

one-stop shops throughout the country, called ASAN

Service centres.

I consider that high voters turnout and my

reelection to the next term in office as the President

as vote of confidence of the people of Azerbaijan to

reform program of my government.

Apart from connecting geographically Europe and

Asia due to its strategic geographic location in the

Caucasus isthmus, our nation’s deep-rooted traditions

of multiculturalism and tolerance, manifested in

peaceful coexistence of Muslims, orthodox Christians,

Catholics and Jews, makes Azerbaijan a cultural

bridge between various civilizations – the role widely

recognized throughout the world. The 7th Global

Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, successfully

held in Baku in 2016, is one good example to that end.

Azerbaijan launched Baku process in 2008 as a

platform for a dialogue between cultures and

civilizations. Since 2011, Azerbaijan hosts Baku

International Humanitarian Forum, bringing together

representatives of political scientific and cultural

circles of various countries to discuss a wide range of

global issues in the interest of all humanity and seek

joint solutions.

Since 2000 Azerbaijan has been an active

member of the EXPO movement. Our pavilions

received awards in the last three exhibitions in Milan

in 2015 with more than 3 million visits, in Antalya in

2016 and in Astana in 2017. World Expos are a

showcase for diversity, based on equality and respect

for all cultures. They bring the entire international

community together in a unique space for global

discussion and cooperation. On 18 May 2017 we

submitted Baku’s candidacy to host World Expo 2025.

We believe that Azerbaijan is one of the best places

to host this universal platform. Our theme for EXPO

2025 - ‘Developing human capital, building a better

future’ addresses the great challenge of our time the

impact of technology and increasing connectivity on

humankind. The capital of Azerbaijan Baku

successfully hosted global forums, the Eurovision

Song Contest, the first European Games, the 4th

Games of Islamic Solidarity, the World Chess

Olympiad and others. Holding of EXPO 2025 in Baku

will play an exceptional role in building of commercial,

political and cultural bridge between East and

West, North and South.

I congratulate all Azerbaijanis around the world

with this very important milestone in the development

of independent Azerbaijan.

ment which ranks on par with most Eastern European

countries. It has a high rate of economic development

and literacy, as well as a low rate of

unemployment.

Today, Azerbaijan can be seen as a major driving

force of the whole region“, says Ambassador Israfilov.

”Our country not only is a strong bridge between

the West and the East, but also from North to

South.“ One of the key goals of modern Azerbaijan

has been to manage its potentially high dependence

on the oil- and gas sector which still accounts, according

to economists, for at least 50 percent of its GDP,

– estimated to be around 4,100 US dollars nominal

per person in 2018. Therefore, already back in 1999,

Azerbaijan has established the so called ”State Oil

Fund of Azerbaijan“, or SOFAZ, that has until now

accumulated funds of some 45 billion US dollar, dedicated

for investments into the diversification of the

country's economy.

Focus in recent years has been put on the development

of agriculture, logistics and transport, environmental

technologies as well as information- and

communications technologies. Plus, not to forget

heavy investments into national tourism (to get a

Top: Khinalug, a high mountain

town at an elevation of 2.350 m

above the sea level, with the

picturesque mountain road.

Below: Little Venice.

The Formula One 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Opening Ceremony of the

Islamic Games in Baku,

2017.

34 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN

A memorial of Nizami a famous poet,

born in the city Ganja, Azerbaijan, in

the 12th century.

Top: Beautiful sunset on

Mardakan Beach.

Right: The capital Baku

by night.

visa just takes three hours) with the promotion of big

projects like the European Olympic Games 2015, the

start of the Formula One Grand Prix Azerbaijan in

2016 and the Islamic Olympic Games in 2017.

Apart from this non-oil-diversification, which is

also coined in the strategic ”Vision 2020“ that has

been proclaimed in 2013 in order to react against falling

oil prices, Azerbaijan has surpringly benefited

from the sanctions the European Union has imposed

on Russia and on Iran, too. Ambassador Israfilov:

”This allowed us to increase our exports of products

into the Russian markets as well as into the Iranian

markets. So we invested into production, for instance

of agricultural products.“

Another absolutely outstanding diversification

project is the construction of the city of Alat at the

Caspian Sea. Having started as a shipyard that has

been built together with Singapore and Dutch companies,

already in 2019, the first cruise liner shall be

constructed to travel the Caspian Sea all around

from Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan und Iran.

Alat itself, some 80 kilometers south of Baku, shall be

a super-modern duty-free-destination and more liberal

than Dubai. Plus, as Ambassador Israfilov reports,

Alat will be developed in close cooperation

with the Vienna Institute of Sustainable Development,

and some 20 Austrian professors shall contribute

to the rise of this smart city of the future at the

Caucasus.

Projects like these could very well intensify the

economic relations between Azerbaijan and

Austria which have been severely decreasing in recent

years, expecially in terms of Austrian exports of

goods, which last year reached only some 50 million

Euro, while imports from Azerbaijan, mainly oil and

gas, have jumped over 300 million Euro in 2017.

Despite that, there is definitely some room for improvement

of Austrian export figures. Azerbaijan

counts as a strategic trade and investment market

and, according to the Austrian Chamber of Commerce,

in 2016, has been the number 5 of the former

Soviet Union markets for Austrian exporters after

Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan und Belarus. As of now,

14 Austrian companies are active in Azerbaijan,

being engaged in joint-ventures, subsidiaries or re-

PHOTOS: SERGEI KIVRIN, LYOKIN

presenta tions – for example Siemens, Waagner-Biro

or Liebherr.

As a matter of fact, says Rudolf Lukavsky, Austria's

Commercial Counsellor covering Azerbaijan (see

also page 41) reports, the major business chances for

Austrian companies could be found in the many diversification

projects and also in the privatisation of

big industries. The modernisation of agriculture, especially

in the sectors of food processing and the development

of breeding farms, would be areas in

which foreign direct investment can find attractive

fiscal support. Recent best practice examples would

be the construction of a bitumen factory for SOCAR,

the delivery of special breeding cattle and a water

pumping system for an industrial factory.

And then, apart from China itself, there is maybe

no other country which has more pushed forward Xi

Jingpin's „One Belt, One Road“ mega-project. Just

end of October last year, Azerbaijan's President Ilham

Aliyev together with the Turkish President Recep

Tayyip Erdogan and Giorgi Kvirikashvili, the Prime

Minister from Georgia, have opened a 826

kilometer railroad transit from Baku to Tiflis to Kars.

The Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, located on the south-eastern foothills of the

Great Caucasus Mountain ridge.

“Bir k

yüks

n bayraq, bir daha enm

“The flag once raised, will never fall!”

z!”

This year we celebrate a remarkable page in our history - the 100 th

anniversary of establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

Diversity &

Resilience

European Forum Alpbach

15.–31.8.2018 | #efa18 | www.alpbach.org

It’s time to break new ground.

Get a glimpse into Europe’s future together

with renowned speakers from across the world.

I belong to the generation of young Azerbaijanis who has got advanced

education and started his business career in leading European financial

structures. It is a great pleasure to see that, as in the times of ADR,

nowadays the Government invests in young and bright Azerbaijanis by

sending them to study in leading European universities. Such a policy,

besides promoting Azerbaijani values and traditions in foreign countries

and serving as a bridge-builder among different cultural backgrounds,

has a strong potential of becoming a solid basis for long-term relations

between Azerbaijan and other countries in future.

As an established entrepreneur in Austria, striving to promote bilateral

trade and economic relations with Azerbaijan, I would like to congratulate

my fellow Azerbaijanis living in Austria and across the world with

such an outstanding achievement as the Centennial Anniversary of the

Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. I encourage every Azerbaijani to contribute

to consolidation of independent and democratic Republic of

Azerbaijan and rally around our tricolor flag.

Nariman Bakhishev, MBA, CFC CEO of Private Equity Fund in Austria

and prior to 2014 was a manager at Bank Austria in Vienna.

PHOTO: DODGE & BURN

LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN

Baku is located 28 metres below

sea level, which makes it the

lowest lying national capital in

the world and also the largest

city in the world located below

sea level.

The beautiful

Maiden Tower in

the heart of Baku,

one of the many

historical sites in

the capital of

Azerbaijan.

EXCLUSIVE

CONDOMINIUMS

IN VIENNA

The Heydal Aliyev

İnternational Airport

in Baku.

Azerbaijan has contributed the biggest part of this

one-billion-dollar-investment, which shortens down

the time of travel between China and Europe to 15

days compared to sea transit and cuts the costs by half

compared to air transport. ”Our aim“, says Ambassador

Israfilov to sum up these One-Belt- One-Roadambitions

of his country, ”is to transform Azerbaijan

into a 5-Star-Kervanseray along the new Silk Road.“

The biggest obstacle for the country on this path

certainly would be the conflict between Armenia

and Azerbaijan about the Nagorno-Karabakh

region, landlocked in the South Caucasus region and

internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan. This

region is populated with the Armenian ethnic majority

and Azerbaijan has lost control over the region

since 1992.

With ceasefire reached in 1994 representatives of

the government of Armenia and Azerbaijan have

been holding peace talks mediated by OSCE Minsk

Group. Despite the ceasefire having been established

in May 1994, fatalities due to armed conflicts between

Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers continued

with the last big incident in April 2016, with at least

30 soldiers killed.

The conflict, which roughly covers some 20 percent

of Azerbaijan's territory, has created not only

many victims on both sides but close to one million

of refugees, both from Armenian soil as well as from

the Nagorno-Karabakh and seven other surrounding

regions of Azerbaijan which the country has to

shoulder also in terms of social and security costs. In

the interview with Cercle Diplomatique, Ambassador

Israfilov is opening a door to his Armenian

neighbours: ”To resolve the conflict, Armenia has to

bring back its troops to the military barracks. Then

we can talk about rights, about the privileges or the

volume of autonomy.“ As of now, there are only just

a few signs that Nikol Pashinyan, the newly elected

Prime Minister of Armenia has similar ambitions.

Just early May, he said in a news conference that he

was ready for more talks with Azerbaijan but wanted

the separatists to take part, too.

But to be honest, this dispute will supposedly be

drawn into the background in the upcoming days

and months. Be it at the 100 years of independence

celebration at the Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna,

where you might hold this magazine in your hands.

Or be it at one of the many cultural und economic

exhibitions and events which will demonstrate the

close ties between Austria and Azerbaijan which

date back to the times of the Habsburg monarchy.

As the center piece of one of these cooperations

features a rare meteorite with a core of solid iron, having

crashed down on the territory of Azerbaijan

years ago. As to demonstrate the friendship between

these two countries, the government of Azerbaijan

donated piece of this stone of space to the Natural

History Museum of Vienna both for exhibition and

for joint research project.

PHOTOS: NAZIM GURBANOV, SERGEI KIVRIN, LYOKIN

50–230

SQUARE METRES

AUTUMN

2019

PLANNED COMPLETION

Tel. +43 1 224 227 100

info@lindengasse.co.at

38 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN | INTERVIEW

H.E. Galib Israfilov

“Azerbaijan not only is a strong bridge from the East to the West,

but from the North to the South as well.“

On the occasion of the celebrations of the country‘s “100 Years of Independence“, the Ambassador of

Azerbaijan sits down to discuss the far-reaching values of its First Republic‘s open society that are still

fundamental for today‘s modern powerhouse at the Caspian Sea.

Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA

CD: Ambassador Israfilov, on the 28 th of May,

2018, the Republic of Azerbaijan is celebrating its

“100 Years of Independence“. Can you please lay

out the historic circumstances of the independence

and the subsequent history of Azerbaijan?

Galib Israfilov: We are currently living

in the Third Republic of Azerbaijan, which

is celebrating the 27 th anniversary of its restored

independence. The establishment of

the First Azerbaijan Democratic Republic

100 years ago, has laid a solid basis for a free

society and an independent country where

people – independent of their religion, ethnicity,

sex or any political affiliation – can

live and prosper. We are happy that we were

among the first states which granted the

right to vote to women during the First Republic,

even ahead of many European countries.

Although short-lived – only 23 months

– the First Republic has made a significant

contribution to the perception of national

identity of Azerbaijanis. It has established

the vision for a future of the Azerbaijani nation

which is closely linked with the values

of humanity such as peace, dignity, democracy,

freedom and independence. And for a

Muslim society in the beginning of 20th

century, to cherish these noble ideas of humanity

and to promote them, was very brave.

At the Versailles Peace Conference, the

Azerbaijan statehood was recognised, and

both Azerbaijan and Georgia were officially

allowed to join the nations. Countries recognised

our borders, our territory, our

government and our nation. So for us that

period of 100 Years of Independence is a solid

foundation of placing Azerbaijan as the

first democratic state on the political map of

the region.

Can you give us an impression of Azerbaijan

around 1918 to 1920, when your capital Baku had

roughly as many inhabitants as Vienna, around

two million people, and the rich oil and gas

resources have turned it into one of the most

vibrant places of that time?

By the end of the 19 th century and the beginning

of the 20 th century, we were a multiethnic,

multi-religious and multi-confessional

society and this inclusiveness also

allowed Baku to be recognised as one of the

world’s most dynamically developing cosmopolitan

cities. For example, the Rothschild

family or the Noble brothers, the later

founders of the Noble Prize, have benefitted

a lot from Azerbaijani oil industries. The

problem for us was that we have never been

in full command of our oil and gas resources,

until we became independent in 1918.

What will be the highlights of the 100 Years

Independence Celebration?

Along with the celebration on May 28 th as

the National Day, we plan a number of

events and this will also continue throughout

the year. One of them will be an official

reception on May 29 th , in Vienna. We plan to

bring Azerbaijani culture, music, food, Jazz

and singers. There will be a presentation of

the 100-year-old history of Azerbaijan, the

architecture and establishment of the First

Republic. After these launching events, we

have plans to arrange a number of trips to

Azerbaijan. One of them had already taken

place, as my wife Farah had taken spouses of

Ambassadors, accredited to Austria, for a

one week-tour to Baku and other beautiful

cities of Azerbaijan. We are planning also to

present a research book about the architecture

of Baku at the end of the 19 th and beginning

20 th centuries. Also, we plan to do a

number of concerts, especially dedicated to

the composers of that period of time. What

we want is to show the world a centenniallong

nurtured experience of Azerbaijan as a

country of multiculturalism, tolerance and

non-discrimination. We want to prove that

an inclusive society like ours can be a source

of inspiration for a country. So multiculturalism

is state policy of Azerbaijan and this is a

rather unique experience that we would like

to share.

How would you judge the relationship between

Austria and Azerbaijan today?

Azerbaijan is a strategic trade partner for

Austria in the Caucasus region and since an

Embassy of Austria was opened in 2010 in

Baku, our economic relations have increased.

We have some 14 Austrian companies

with a strong presence in Azerbaijan like

Siemens, Waagner Biro, Strabag, Doppelmayr,

Red Bull or Swarovski. We also put an

emphasis on diversification of our trade relations,

which is still dominated by the oiland

gas-sector.

It makes up nearly all of Austria‘s imports, some

300 million Euro, from Azerbaijan. But our

exports have fallen in 2016 by a third, and rose

back again in 2017. Why are the Austrian

businesses have been going back?

There are many reasons for that. First of all,

the market in Azerbaijan is very competitive.

There are many big European companies

from Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany or

the UK, or even the US, which are having

more long-term relationships with our private

and public sectors. Nevertheless, we are

FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY

H.E. GALIB ISRAFILOV

Having studied international relations at Baku State

University and at Georgetown University, Ambassador

Israfilov, a father of three sons, has been in

diplomatic services for Azerbaijan to Washington,

New York and now Vienna, where he presented his

credentials already back in the year 2011.

40 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN | INTERVIEW

LE MONDE EXPERT´S VIEW

“We do not have anything against

the Armenian nation. But to resolve

the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh,

Armenia has to bring back its

troops to the military barracks.“

Azerbaijan – where tourism has

increased

Rudolf Lukavsky, Commercial Counsellor for Azerbaijan

encouraging Austrian companies to do more

business in our country. Azerbaijan possesses

a unique geostrategic advantage, being

situated at the crossroads of East and West.

We have invested a lot into establishing transit

and transportation corridors in Azerbaijan

and a number of mega-projects were realised

by the will of three neighbouring

countries in the energy and transport sectors.

In fact, these projects have not only

linked three countries – Azerbaijan, Georgia,

and Turkey, they have not only bridged

the European and Asian railroads, making

them twice shorter than current connections

and cheaper than the current prices for bringing

goods from East to West. These projects

have brought a lot of positive dynamic and

development to the Caspian region, exposed

it to cooperation, transformed it into one of

the central logistic and industrial hubs and

integrated it into European and Asian markets.

By the way, it is the same transit link we

also provide for Russia and Iran. Therefore,

Azerbaijan not only is a strong bridge between

the East and West, but also from North

to South. Our priority is to strengthen good

neighbourly relations with our direct neighbours

and neighbouring regions, based on

mutual respect and account of the interests.

And this is what we are doing through our

independent policy. So for over the last 100

years, we have never been as strong and independent

as we are now. We are in full

command of our economy, political relationship

and our people and region benefit

from it. This is the clear vision for the future

of Azerbaijan.

The most burdened relationship is with your

neighbour Armenia because of the Armenian

Galib Israfilov, the Ambassador of the

Republic of Azerbaijan, during the

interview with Cercle Diplomatique.

Nagorno-Karabakh settlement on the territory of

Azerbaijan which has been heavily disputed for

some 150 years now. Also the ceasefire of 1994

has been broken many times, the latest incident

was in 2016. What is the current situation

between Azerbaijan and Armenia?

The conflict is one of the biggest injustices

committed against us. It could have brought

Azerbaijan almost at the brink of existential

threat, if it were not the late President Heydar

Aliyev, who managed to stop the

bloodshed and to establish cease-fire. We

have now close to one million of refugees,

both from Armenian soil as well as from the

Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding

regions of Azerbaijan. 20 percent of the territory

of Azerbaijan is under occupation

and all the cultural, political, and ethnic affiliation

of these territories with Azerbaijan

are now being attempted to be erased. There

were several fact-finding missions of the

OSCE to these territories which recognised

the fact that there are attempts to resettle

Armenians into these territories, that our

names, our cultural heritage, our landmarks

are being completely changed. This is the

biggest challenge for security. The United

Nations Security Council has adopted four

resolutions demanding immediate, unconditional

and complete withdrawal of occupying

forces from Azerbaijan. But so far, Armenia

has not implemented any of these

resolutions for 24 years now. They have violated

them because the Armenian troops

are deeply inside in the Azerbaijani territory.

So, the status quo is unsustainable as it

has no future. We in Azerbaijan want this

region to become free of foreign military

troops, we want it to become free of occupation,

of conflicts, but this is not in the

mindsets of the current Armenian government.

What could be a solution?

Our independence, our nation can not be

overwhelmed by the conflict. So we develop

and strengthen our country in the 80 percent

of our territory. Those 20 percent, we

see them as temporarily occupied and we

wish to resolve this conflict peacefully. We

up to now have close to 30,000 Armenians

living in Baku, in mixed marriages, working

even in government offices and we do not

have anything against the Armenian nation.

To resolve the conflict, Armenia has to

bring back its troops to the military barracks.

This is what the Security Council is

also demanding. Once the troops are withdrawn

and the territories are liberated, Armenians

of Nagorno-Karabakh can restore

their relationship with Azerbaijanis of Nagorno-Karabakh.

And for doing so, the military

occupation factor has to be off the table

and then we can talk about equal rights

for both communities, we can talk about

the privileges, the volume of autonomy, but

they can not do it under the gun. If Armenians

are afraid of security of Armenians in

the Nagorno-Karabakh region, there is an

option of international peace-keeping force

that can be deployed. We will stay where we

are and our militaries will not move inside

the region, but the occupied territories have

to be liberated. We want to rehabilitate those

territories. We will invest into Karabakh,

into the other occupied territories to rebuild

the infrastructure, to bring back the

refugees, the internally displaced persons

and to allow them restoring their normal

life. The current territory which is now occupied

is close to 18,000 km2 and only

about 30,000 Armenian civilians live in that

territory. If you get rid of the troops then

there is enough land for everyone. We will

not expel anyone, there will be a peace-keeping

force, but our people have to return

back. If we speak of the rights of the Armenian

population, we have to, of course, see

equal rights of Azerbaijanis of the Nagorno-

Karabakh as well.

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA

PHOTO: VALERI ANGELOV

Rudolf Lukavsky is

currently Austria‘s

Commercial Counsellor

for Azerbaijan, working

from Moscow. Prior to

coming to Russia in

2016, he held posts in

Cairo and Bucarest.

Major global projects have promoted the country as an attractive travel destination.

In general, it can be said that in 2018 an economic recovery is

expected in Azerbaijan. This year a GDP growth of 1.6% is

predicted, while the GDP fell by -0.5% in 2017 and shrank by

-3.1% in 2016. However, Azerbaijan‘s growth rates correlate

with oil and gas export revenues and it is estimated that the oil

industry has a share of 50 % of the GDP. In addition, incoming

tourism has significantly increased in the last years, with major

projects such as the European Olympic Games in 2015, the Formula 1 Grand Prix

Azerbaijan since 2016 and the Islamic Olympic Games in 2017. These important

global events have promoted Azerbaijan as an attractive destination.

Azerbaijan‘s main trading partners were Italy (31.9%) in 2017, followed by Turkey

(9.9%), Israel (4.6%), Russia (4.2%), the Czech Republic (4%) and Canada (3.8%).

On the import side, Russia was the main supplier (17.7%), followed by Turkey

(14.5%), China (9.7%), the USA (8.2%) and Ukraine (5.2%).However, the Azerbaijani

economy is largely dominated by revenues from oil and gas exports. In 2017,

Azerbaijan has exported around USD 16.1 bn. and the share of oil and gas products in

total exports is still more than 88%. The total trade volume in 2017 between Austria

and Azerbaijan has reached around EUR 421.8 mil. EUR 59.5 mil. was accounted by

Austrian exports and EUR 362.3 mil. by imports from Azerbaijan. In comparison to

the previous year, the trading volume between the two states increased by 92.3%. In

2017, Azerbaijan‘s imports increased by +124.4% and Austrian exports to Azerbaijan

by +1.1%. In 2017, Azerbaijan was the fifth most important CIS market for Austrian

exports after Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Austrian export structure to Azerbaijan did not change much in the last years.

The main export products are machinery and equipment. Pharmaceuticals and

beverages form the second most important group of export goods, followed by the

third largest export group, optical instruments and live animals. Azerbaijan remains

a classic supplier of raw materials to Austria and therefor it mainly imports mineral

fuels from Azerbaijan. Mineral fuels account for around 99.8% of total imports.

Unfortunately, Austrian investments are still weakly established. Approximately 14

Austrian companies are currently represented in Azerbaijan through subsidiaries,

joint ventures or representations with an investment volume of approximately USD

0.7 mil. Mostly these are larger companies, such as Siemens, Waagner-Biro or

Liebherr, who have already been active in Azerbaijan for years. The areas of

telecommunications, infrastructure, renewable energy and the privatization of

large-scale industry would open up attractive opportunities for the market entry of

Austrian companies. In addition, Azerbaijan is particularly looking for knowledge

transfer in the industries of mechanical engineering, chemicals, building materials,

textiles, motor vehicles and food industry. Besides that, there are good business

opportunities for Austrian companies in the modernization of agriculture, for

example in the area of food processing, feed production or the establishment of

breeding farms. In general, foreign investment is desired and promoted by

Azerbaijan. There are special economic zones or industrial parks that offer

attractive investment incentives. In addition, the Republic of Austria supports

Austrian investors in Azerbaijan with the Austrian-Azerbaijani investment

protection and double taxation treaties.

The new location for all bar fans in

Vienna: 26°EAST. Creative

cocktails, fine spirits and champagne

are on the menu of the new bar in

Palais Hansen Kempinski. For snacks

the team serves international bar

bites, such as varenyky, dim sum,

samosas, oysters and lobster. Live

music or DJ from Tuesday to Sunday.

Monday to Sunday, 17:00-02:00

26°EAST Bar & Champagne, Schottenring 26, 1010 Viena

+43 1 236 1000 8088

www.26east.at

42 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE SOUTH AFRICA

Welcome to the “Rainbow Nation“!

Female workers are slicing the

mangoes which are later on

washed and packed on trays

for drying.

FACTS &

FIGURES

Xyx yxy xyxyxyxyx yxyxyxyxyxyx yxyxyxyxy xyxyxyxyxyx

yxyxyxyxyxyxyx yxyxyxyxyxyx

yxyxyxyxyxyxyxyxyxyx

Text: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner

PHOTOS: FOTOLIA,CHRIS KICRHHOFF, MAURIZIO DE MATTEI

There is hardly any other state in the world to

be found where more than 10 languages are

also the country’s official languages. There, it

is said, you have landed right in the middle of the

rainbow, consequently South Africa is often called

the “Rainbow Nation“. Many different ethnic groups

live here together, in the special focus of the international

public after the end of apartheid. It was Archbishop

Desmond Tutu who coined the term describing

post-apartheid South Africa, after the country’s

first fully democratic election in 1994. Living together

are coloured, whites, and several other ethnic

groups who all represent their own culture.

From hard times to good vibes – South Africa has

gone a long way to be the country it represents today.

Among the key sectors that keep South Africa’s economic

engine running are manufacturing, wholesale

and retail trade, financial services, transport, mining,

agriculture and tourism.

The mining sector is an integral part of South

Africa’s economy. Recent decades, however, have

seen a structural shift in output. Since the early

1990s, economic growth has been driven mainly by

the tertiary sector, which includes wholesale and retail

trade, tourism and communications.

Now, and empowered by the newly elected President

Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa is moving towards

becoming a knowledge-based economy, with a

greater focus on technology, e-commerce, financial

and other services.

Only this April, President Ramaphosa has successfully

secured 50 million pounds of funding from

the United Kingdom – to help South Africa improve

its business environment, making it more attractive

to investors with the aim of creating jobs and opportunities.

This agreement was reached between the

President and the British Prime Minister Theresa

May.

This investment by the UK followed the President’s

announcement that South Africa would be hosting a

major investment conference in early autumn 2018,

which aims to raise over one trillion rand in new investments

over five years.

”The investment conference, which will involve

domestic and international investors in equal mea-

South Africa

Official name:

Republic of South Africa

Capital and largest city:

Pretoria (administrative)

Cape Town (legislative)

Bloemfontein (judicial)

The Constitutional Court is

based in Johannesburg

(largest city).

Official languages: English,

isiZulu, isiXhosa,

isiNdebele, Afrikaans,

Siswati, Sepedi, Sesotho,

Setswana, Tshivenda,

Xitsonga

Ethnic groups:

Zulu (21%),Xhosa (17%),

Sotho (15%), Tswana,

Venda, Ndebele, Swasi,

Pedi.

Government:

Constitutional multiparty

democracy with three

spheres - national,

provincial and local

government.

President:

Cyril Ramaphosa

Vice President:

David Mabuza

Area: 1,221,037 km 2

Population:

57,31 million

(UN estimate)

GDP: $280.37 billion

(2017 estimate)

GDP per capita: 5.273,59 $

(2016, nominal)

Currency: Rand (ZAR)

View of Cape Town.

A breathtaking view of Table Mountain – a flat-topped

mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking

the city of Cape Town. It is a significant tourist

attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or

hiking to the top. The mountain forms part of the

Table Mountain National Park. Table Mountain is also

known as home to a large array of fauna and flora.

44 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE SOUTH AFRICA

The South African coastline

stretches more than 2,500

kilometres.

sure, is not intended merely as a forum to discuss the

investment climate. Given the current rates of investment,

this is an ambitious but realisable target that

will provide a significant boost to our economy,“ said

Ramaphosa.

Yet, tourism as well is a huge factor, taking so

many tourists coming from all over the world to South

Africa. From the Cape West Coast on the desert

border with Namibia to northern KwaZulu-Natal,

the South African coastline stretches more than

2,500 kilometres and boasts some of the most beautiful

beach landscapes in the world. And hiking is

one of the sports not to be missed by travellers enjo-

ying lush forests, rugged shorelines, mountain

streams, waterfalls and fragrant fynbos. The Otter

Trail along the Tsitsikamma coast is probably the

most popular hike in the country.

One might choose to start the South African tour

in Pretoria, Cape Town or Bloemfontein. You have

landed in Johannesburg, for it is the biggest city of

South Africa and known as a vibrant and dynamic

place with a throbbing pulse and an awesome sense

of rhythm.

Johannesburg is also known as Jozi, Joburg or

JHB and is the major international gateway into South

Africa. There, it seems that everyone is on the

move – doing business, jogging, going to the gym,

cycling, enjoying life, eating out, and attending

shows, movies and exhibitions.

Regarding food, South Africa is triply blessed: A

long and varied coastline supplies the country with

an astonishing amount and variety of seafood. The

fertile soils and wonderful climate work together to

produce an enormous range of agricultural products.

South Africa’s history has endowed the country with

a population with such diverse cultural backgrounds

PHOTOS: WAYNE KEET

that fusion in cuisine is hardly anything new. You

will find a whole range of restaurants serving

anything from hamburgers to sushi, but let’s focuse

on specialities: The seafood in South Africa is legendary,

and is best sampled at one of the West Coast’s

open air restaurants – sometimes not much more

than simple shelters on the beach. As well as mussels,

fish stew, grilled fish and lobster, you may be offered

pickled fish – a well-loved dish which you’ll also find

in some traditional Cape Malay restaurants. Other

Malay specialities include fruity, spicy but not overpowering

curries, the traditional fish dish smoorsnoek,

koeksisters (a sweet, syrupy treat), bobotie (a spicy

mince dish), and some Indian specialities, such as

rotis and samosas, with a local twist.

Giving just a last little advice: Bring your golf

clubs as the Rainbow Country is going to make you

swing! And if you would like to highlight your journey

with something extraordinary beautiful, watch a

performance by the Lippizaner horses on a Sunday

morning, at their premises in Kyalami. There you can

enjoy the precious animals which you otherwise can

experience only in Austria.

At the fun park.

A history of sustainable growth

Photo: Mondi Group

Mondi is a global packaging and paper group with roots in South Africa.

Like the company itself, the name Mondi is also South African in origin,

coming from the Mondia whitei flower that grows in the hills near Durban

where the first paper mill was located. The name was chosen to reflect

Mondi’s commitment to the environment, which has only grown stronger in

the 50 years since its founding. Today Mondi embeds the principles of sustainability

in everything it does – from forestry, pulp and paper to sophisticated

packaging for consumer and industrial use. It develops and manufactures

innovative, sustainable packaging and paper solutions that answer industry

trends and address global challenges. The Group employs around 26,000

people at more than 100 operations in over 30 countries. It has a dual listing

on the Johannesburg and London Stock Exchanges and is a member of their

sustainability indices. From this solid foundation, Mondi looks forward to

another 50 years of sustainable growth.

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LE MONDE SOUTH AFRICA | INTERVIEW

H.E. Tebogo Seokolo

“South Africa is Austria‘s main trading partner in Africa.“

The Ambassador of South Africa to Austria is providing insights

into his country‘s economic relations and regards culture and

music as a vital link between the two countries.

Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner

H.E. TEBOGO SEOKOLO

FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA

CD: Excellency, could you please give a survey of

the state of the bilateral relations between South

Africa & Austria?

Tebogo Seokolo: Cooperation in science

and technology is one of the flagship programmes

between South Africa and Austria.

In 2016, the two countries concluded a

Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific

and Technological Cooperation in order

to: (a) contribute to scientific advancement

in both countries by funding

researchers mobility in the frame of joint

research (b) provide an opportunity for

young researchers in the two countries to

meet and interact (c) support the advancement

of basic research and to (d) contribute

meaningfully to research capacity development.

What is important about this

programme of cooperation is that it is

jointly equally financed by both countries.

Recently, in 2017, the bilateral relations

between the two countries were enhanced

with the visit to South Africa by Former

Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and

current Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz who

was accompanied by a a high-level delegation

of Austrian companies led by the Austrian

Chamber of Commerce.

Visiting each other’s countries is another

key contributor to fruitful relations.

We have witnessed a growing increase of

Austrians visiting South Africa. In 2017, a

total number of 29,602 tourists from Austria

visited South Africa and this number is

expected to grow with the introduction of a

direct flight from Vienna to Cape Town by

Austrian Airlines in October this year.

South African Airways (SAA) also services

the Austrian tourism market via a

code-sharing arrangement with the Lufthansa

Group and flies from Munich and

Frankfurt to Johannesburg.

In addition, there is also an intensive cooperation

in the field of culture.

Particularly music is one area with great

potential. A number of young South African

musicians, mostly in the classical genre,

are placed in various institutions and

opera houses in Austria. The trailblazer in

this area is none other than the late indomitable

Johan Botha, a South African tenor

who settled in Austria in the early

1990s. The high-point in the South Africa-

Austria cooperation in the field of music

was in 2015 the hosting of the “Tribute to

Nelson Mandela Concert“ which featured

both Johan Botha and Pretty Yende, supported

by the Vienna Chamber Orchestra

conducted by Stefan Vladar. It was the late

Johan Botha’s wish to make this collaboration

an annual event, alternating between

South Africa and Austria - this however,

was not to be. I am glad that the newly

elected President, His Excellency, Mr Cyril

Ramaphosa has on 28 April 2018 bestowed

on Johan Botha (posthumously) the Order

of Ikhamanga for his excellent contribution

to opera music and putting South Africa

on the world stage.

What is the state of economic relations between

South Africa & Austria - could you please give us

a short overview of Austrian companies active in

South Africa as well as South African investment

activities in Austria?

South Africa is Austria’s main trading

partner in Africa. One third of Austria’s

exports to Africa are with South Africa.

According to the SA Reserve Bank’s

Quarterly Report from December 2017,

South African total direct investments in

Austria in 2016 amounted to Euro 3.4 billion,

while the Austrian direct investments

to South Africa amounted to Euro 758 million.

According to the Austrian National

Bank report, Austrian total direct investments

in South Africa in 2016 amounted to

Euro 220 million.

Mondi, whose head office in Vienna is

responsible for the rest of the world excluding

Africa, has invested US$ 250 million

in the Austrian paper and pulp sector, including

shares in Austria’s largest private

company Patria Paper. In 2014, Mondi invested

a further Euro 24 million in its plant

in Frantschach, Carinthia. Sappi Ltd. owns

a paper mill in Gratkorn, Styria. Sasol Wax

GmbH has a small plant in Linz, Upper

Austria. In 2013, Steinhoff International

bought the furniture group Kika-Leiner. In

2014, Dimension Data SA acquired 100%

of the NextiraOne Austria.

About 79 Austrian companies are directly

involved in South Africa, of which 16

have direct investment, 51 have distribution

and sales offices and 12 are involved in

projects, training and other services.

Among the top investors are Voestalpine,

Alpla, Christof Industries, Constantia Flexibles,

Benteler International, Doka, Efkon/Strabag,

Plasser&Theurer, Tyrolit, Andritz,

Agrana, Kapsch TrafficCom and

Swarovski (Tyrolit).

The economy of South Africa has been catching

up again in 2017, but it still has to overcome

many problematic issues of the former Zuma

administration. What are the major pillars of

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic strategy

and his goal to attract more investments in the

coming years?

The President and government have announced

a strong intention to attract

around 100 billion US dollars worth of investments

into the economy in the next five

years. In this regard, later this year, South

Africa will host a major International Investment

Conference, which will bring together

potential investors from both South

Africa and abroad. Among some of the

strong attributes which we believe count in

on South Africa’s favour, include the fact

that the country has stable institutions, a

thriving democracy as well as an independent

judiciary.

South Africa has an advanced financial

sector and a sound regulatory and legal

framework. Furthermore, South Africa recognizes

that to attract more investments,

it needs to invest in its infrastructure. That

is why in recent years, the country has upgraded

and continues to upgrade its infrastructure

especially in the fields of energy,

road, rail and ports. South Africa has also

established special economic zones which

offer a range of incentives. These special

economic zones are becoming manufacturing

hubs thus significantly boosting the

country’s export capacity.

The Ambassador of South Africa to Austria, Slovakia

and Slovenia also serves as the Permanent

Representative to the UN and International

Organisations which include among others the IAEA,

UNODC, UNIDO, CTBTO and UNOOSA.

48 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE 20 TH ANNIVERSARY OF ASTANA

City of the future

The headquarters of the oil

company KazMunayGas.

FACTS &

FIGURES

This year, Astana is celebrating its 20 th birthday.

Within a very short period of time, Kazakhstan’s

capital city has developed into an internationally

renowned hub for politics and culture, business and

the sciences.

Text: Gerald Sturz

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT/BOTSCHAFT VON KASACHSTAN

Early morning in Astana. Slowly, the limousine,

bringing the visitor from the airport to his hotel,

glides through the capital city’s streets. Past

towers that look like football cups, a giant pyramid

and various golden monuments. Bewildered, the visitor

rubs his eyes. Is what he is seeing merely a hallucination?

Perhaps caused by the little sleep he managed

to catch on the airplane, the early hour, the slight jetlag?

Buildings are passing by him that make him

think he’s found himself in some kind of futuristic

city, a metropolis of tomorrow, a kind of grand, visionary

project.

Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital city, is indeed a modern

city. Perhaps the most modern capital city in the

world. And this year, it is celebrating its 20th birthday.

A steppe village called Akmola used to stand in its

place before President Nursultan Nazarbayev decided

to move the capital from the strategically inconvenient

Almaty to the north.

It required an iron will, immense assertiveness and

impressive resources to realise a project like Astana.

President Nursultan Nazarbayev had all of this.

Astana’s architectural concept is actually based on

one of the President’s own ideas. He called for the development

of a unique style that would harmoniously

connect the cultural traditions of the East with those

of the West. In fact, the architect who designed the

masterplan was Kishō Kurokawa from Japan. Dozens

of famous architects and hundreds of domestic and

foreign construction companies participated in the

building of the new Kazakh capital.

On 6 July 1994, Astana was declared the new capital

of Kazakhstan and in the summer of 1998, Astana

was first presented internationally.

This is an important date in Kazakhstan’s history

as an independent nation. A new political centre was

constructed right in the heart of the Eurasian continent

and was ultimately declared a “World City” by

UNESCO. “We can say that Kazakhstan’s capital city

has been a triumph of our independence. Astana is

our symbol that looks toward the future, connected to

our history, culture and our worldview,” says President

Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Today, Astana is a modern and safe city. It is the

centre of culture, education and business. Astana has

also become attractive to tourists. The city boasts a

unique energy. Various new and quite exceptional objects

of world culture were erected here, such as the

Astana Opera, the National Museum, the Palace of

Astana

Official name:

Astana.

Astana is the Kazakh word for

capital city

Astana is the capital city of

the Republic of Kazakhstan .

Population: 1,000,000. This

makes Astana the second largest

city in Kazakhstan after Almaty.

Today, representatives from over

100 nationalities live in the city.

History: Astana has had many

different names throughout time.

The municipality that was founded

in its place in 1832 was called

Akmolinsk until 1961, Tselinograd

until 1992, Akmola until 1998.

Infrastructure:

Astana is an important

transportation hub. The city is

located on the New Silk Road that

connects China with Europe. The

airport is located 15 kilometres

south of the city. It is the base of

Air Astana. It offers countless

international connections to

Europe.

Economy:

Most notably, Astana harbours

the headquarters of the most

important Kazakh state-owned

enterprises. Among them are the

“KazMunayGas” oil company,

“GE Transportation” locomotive

assembly plant and helicopter

assembly plant of “Eurocopter”.

The “KazakhTelecom”, the

“Eurasian Resources Group”

mining company and the private

credit institution “Tsesnabank”

also have their bases here.

Astana: Kazakhstan‘s new capital.

Visionary project.

View of the center of

Astana. In the foreground is

the Baiterek monument.

Nazarbayev Center.

50 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE 20 TH ANNIVERSARY OF ASTANA

In the evening, the sights of the city are spectacularly

illuminated.

Arts and entertainment:

a fountain in front of the

National Museum and the

Khan Shatyr shopping and

entertainment center.

Independence, Central Concert Hall and the Kazak

Eli and Máńgilik El monuments. The tower that looks

like a football cup is the 97-metre-high Baiterek Tower.

It is the architectural symbol of the city as well as

its landmark. It is intended to symbolise the “Tree of

Life”. According to an old Kazakh legend, it is the tree

in whose treetop the miracle bird Samruk laid a golden

egg, containing the wishes and expectations of

the people – and their future. Up in the tower’s panorama

sphere, one can find the open hand of the president,

chiselled into marble. “Put your hand into that

of the President,” the young women in the red uniforms

say as they welcome visitors exiting the elevator.

“Make a wish, and perhaps you will see your

dreams come true”.

Another iconic building in the city is the pyramid,

known as the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. It

was designed by the British star architect Norman

Foster and is marked by its surprising formal simplicity

and its elaborate and exquisite furnishing. The

interior contains event halls, a theatre and exhibition

rooms. Khan Shatyr, the futuristic shopping and entertainment

centre, was also built in accordance with

Norman Foster’s designs. It is the largest pavilionroof

dome in the world. And now, another one of

Lord Foster’s grandiose ideas is being realised: the

Abu Dhabi Plaza. It is like a city within the city and

will include Central Asia’s tallest 88-floor skyscraper,

hotels, a traditional Kazakh bazar and a huge winter

garden the size of a football field.

But it is not just its architectural achievements that

make Astana so unique. In the 20 years of its existence,

the city has become a major hub for politics,

business, science and research. Today, it is a major

centre in the Eurasian region, hosting various forums,

conferences and other events with international significance.

Thus, Astana was the host of the 2010

OSCE Summit, where the historical “Declaration of

Astana” was signed, in which the summit’s participants

emphasised the commitments, principles and

values anchored within the Helsinki Final Act and the

Charter of Paris for a New Europe and other documents

by the organisation. Kazakhstan’s capital also

held large events for the Conference on Interaction

and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, the Organisation

for Islamic Cooperation, the Shanghai Cooperation

Organisation and the Congress of Leaders

of World and Traditional Religions. Here, Kazakhstan’s

experience as a multi-national and multi-religious

state that has managed to maintain inter-ethnic stability

is important. As is well known, this is the most

important factor when it comes to ensuring a

country’s security.

In 2012, Astana was declared a Culture and Arts

Capital of the Turkic World. This designation made it

possible for the city to act as a bridge between the Eastern

and the Western civilisations, as an instrument

for the creation of communication between the cultures

and to be a role model for tolerance. In October

2018, representatives of the world religions will meet

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT/BOTSCHAFT VON KASACHSTAN

in Astana for the VI Congress of Leaders of World

and Traditional Religions. The capital city was thus

able to establish itself as a platform for peace negotiations

and dialogue between the world religions of Islam,

Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism

and Hinduism.

The most significant event, however, was the execution

of the EXPO 2017 in Astana, centred around

the subject of “Future Energy”. The event brought together

the greatest talents and leaders from the areas

of energy conservation as well as new developments

and technologies to be employed for renewable energy

sources — sun and wind energy, as well as hydropower

— from around the world.

Similarly, the Astana Economic Forum (AEF) is an

annual platform for dialogue with the goal of finding

effective solutions to the most important economic

and social challenges of the present. The forum

gathers leading statesmen, international experts, scientists,

politicians, public individuals as well as representatives

from various financial institutions and the

business world, and is the biggest forum of its kind in

Eurasia. The main organiser of the event is the Eurasian

Economic Club of Scientists, which was founded

in 2008 on the initiative of President Nursultan

Nazarbayev as an instrument for detecting the mechanisms

that could help overcome the global financial

and economic crisis. Today, the association includes

academics and experts, global thinkers,

politicians, leaders of international organisations, re-

search institutions and business representatives from

over 120 countries around the globe.

And thus, there will likewise be a series of international

and bilateral meetings this year. One of these

conventions will be the Austrian-Kazakh Economic

Forum, organised in cooperation with the Austrian

Federal Economic Chamber. Between 25 and 28 June,

various “Green Technologies made in Austria” will be

presented by regional Austrian business representatives

to Kazakh partners as part of the forum.

This way, Astana has managed to make a big impression

on visitors, statesmen from all over the world

and many decision-makers from business. Alfred Gusenbauer,

the former Chancellor of Austria, put it as

follows, “It is quite astonishing how Astana has managed

to become such a lively city in such a short period

of time. It is 20 years old. In terms of history, that’s not

a long time at all. It’s a blip in time. I know of no other

example where a new capital city developed as quickly

as Astana.” Richard Schenz, Vice President of the

Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, has also been

impressed by Astana. “First, because it was a brave

decision by Kazakhstan’s President to found a new capital

city in a strategically more advantageous position.

And second, because the city appeals to me. It has

beautiful and innovative architecture. You can truly

take in the works of the world’s greatest architects.”

And thus, President Nursultan Nazarbayev wish to

make Astana into a triumph of Kazakhstans’ independence

has come true.

One of the futuristic buildings of Astana is Norman

Foster‘s The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.

Astana has established itself as a political, economic and

interreligious center of Eurasia.

52 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - V4

Ambassadors‘ Summit #7

“We have similar stories and have chosen a shared path toward integration .“

Founded after the fall of the Iron Curtain, the Visegrád Group consists of the

Central European countries of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and

Hungary. In Cercle Diplomatique’s seventh Ambassadors’ Summit, the four

Ambassadors of the “V4“ countries joined the discussion about not only

Europe’s migration issues but also their hopes for their countries’ youth.

Moderated by Rainer

Himmelfreundpointner

H.E. PETER MIŠÍK

H.E. IVANA ČERVENKOVÁ

PHOTOS: XYXXYXYXY

H.E. JOLANTA RÓŻA KOZŁOWSKA

H.E. JÁNOS PERÉNYI

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA

The Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to

Austria and Permanent Representative to the

UN in Vienna since October 2017, prior has

served as Political Director (Ministry of Foreign

and European Affairs; 2015) and Director of the

Foreign Relations Department (Office of the

President, 2014-2015).

The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to

Austria and Permanent Representative to the

UN in Vienna presented her credentials this

April. Before that, she has served as Deputy

Minister of Chancery of the Ministry and Head

of Chancery Office at the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs (2015-2017).

The Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to

Austria also acts as Permanent Representative

to the United Nations in Vienna. Before she has

joined the Vienna Embassy in December 2017,

she has served as CEO at the Fundacja

Uniwersytecka (Branch of KUL, the Catholic

University in Lublin).

The Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary to

Austria and Permanent Representative to the UN

in Vienna took his post in December 2014. Prior

to this, he has served as Hungarian Ambassador

to Morocco (2011-2014) and as Councillor at the

Hungarian Embassy in Paris (2009-2011).

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - V4

“The V4 functions within the EU and

wants to contribute its part to the

integration process.“

CD: The Visegrád Group goes way back and was

founded after the fall of the Iron Curtain. In the

beginning, its activities were largely centred

around questions pertaining to the economy and

economic cooperation, until 1999, when the topics

were further examined in depth. May I ask you for

your take on the Visegrád Group?

Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: The presidents

of what were still three countries at the

time – Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary

– met in Visegrád, Hungary in 1991 in

order to sign the Visegrád Declaration. It

was a symbolic location, because it was also

where the kings of Poland, Czechia and

Hungary met in the 14th century and put

aside their differences to form a pact. The

declaration of 1991 set out the exact aims

of the cooperation which would later become

the V4. Economic collaboration was,

of course, an important part of the agreement.

In 1992, the Central European Free

Trade Agreement was founded, though the

countries’ primary motivation was the mutual

support in the transformation and democratisation

process, as well as the integration

into the structures of the EU and

NATO. Similar experience and goals

brought the countries together back then

and they still form part of the foundation

for our cooperation.

Ivana Červenková: We have similar stories

and have chosen a shared path toward

integration. Our cooperation is not limited

to politics, but we also seek to deepen it in

the areas of business and culture. Between

1993 and 1997, this collaboration was not

as deep as we had just separated from Slovakia.

But in the years 1998 and 2004, before

joining NATO and the European Union

respectively, we realised that it would be

better to stand for a common position regarding

our interests within the European

Union.

János Perényi: In 1991, the primarily

goal of the countries was for the Soviet troops

to leave. The departure from the Warsaw

Pact and the integration process into

the transatlantic organisations were prepared.

For a few years, our countries acted

more like competitors. Cooperation was

sporadic, sometimes more, sometimes less,

and then became more profound again following

a summit in Bratislava. Since then,

one might say that the group has become

stronger, and since the financial and migration

crises, we have moved even closer together.

Peter Mišík: In the 1990s, we were in a

specific situation, and Visegrád ended up

becoming incredibly important for us. In

1997, the Czech Republic, Poland and

Hungary were invited to join NATO, whilst

Slovakia was not. We also started much later

with the negotiations to join the EU.

Thus, it became very important to us to

maintain a good working relationship and

dialogue within the Visegrád Group back

then. This really helped us, especially when

it came to catching up with what we had

missed. Even within the EU, we look for topics

where we have a common interest and

try to articulate and enforce them. But it’s

not just about us, about our four countries,

we take a stance for common European solutions.

In other words, Visegrád is not an

alternative, but an instrument that should

aid the European Union and make it more

efficient. And this is our philosophy, too.

Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: The International

Visegrád Fund was created in 2000 in

order to finance different projects intended

to bring the V4 countries closer together.

The successful activities of the V4F have

shown that the Visegrád cooperation does

not only take place on a political or economic

level, but also on a social level. This

aspect is very important to us.

János Perényi: We also share this Visegrád

Fund with other countries and it

works fabulously. Not just within the Visegrád

Group, but, for example, with the

countries of the Western Balkans. I would

also like to emphasise that it is completely

wrong to view the Visegrád Group as an

alternative or even as a rejection of the European

Union. On the contrary.

Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: The V4 functions

within the EU and wants to contribute

its part to the integration process. Despite

the fact that they were forcefully

separated from the European integration

process for a long time, the Central European

countries belong to Europe. Their citizens

are Europeans. According to surveys,

between 80% and 90% of Poles

support their country’s membership in the

EU. In the 1980s, Pope John Paul II spoke

in favour of unity on the European continent.

He repeatedly spoke of the two lungs

of Europe, both of which are needed in order

to breathe. He repeated these words in

1988, before the fall of the Iron Curtain,

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA

even in the European Parliament, to emphasise

the necessity of European integration.

In many countries, especially in Germany and in

many parts of the population of other countries,

there is the impression that the Visegrád

countries reject the EU allocation plan for

refugees. And that your countries’ separate

approach to the refugee question has led to less

of an integration and perhaps to a somewhat

separate bloc within the EU. What policies and

measures are your countries pursuing?

János Perényi: Let’s go back to 2015,

which was a symbolic year. The migration

process is a process that has taken decades

in Western Europe. And the problems with

multicultural societies had already started

to become apparent and were, from our

point of view, neglected by the Western European

political system. That is our first

point. We don’t want anything to be forced

onto us, we want to be able to make our

“We are now working on an agency that will be truly responsible for border

control and we are investing a lot of money in it.“

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56 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - V4

“We are confident in Austria‘s ability

to play an honest broker staking out

common ground for the EU to deliver

better wherever we need action at

European level.“

own decisions. And as per our estimate, the

integration process of migrants has not

succeeded in Western Europe. This is an

important argument. Politically speaking,

the EU’s government leaders came to the

agreement in June 2015 that the allocation

of migrants could only occur on a voluntary

basis. Two months later, the interior ministers

voted on the issue. That was unacceptable

and a breach of trust.

Ivana Červenková: During the era of socialism,

we didn’t have a multicultural society

as such. Following the fall of the Iron

Curtain, we opened up and now have a lot

of people from Ukraine and Vietnam who

live with us and are very well integrated.

But: The number one priority is to secure

the external border, so that we can control

who comes into our country. Quotas just

aren’t a practical approach here. They split

the EU states. The people who came to us

wanted to continue to Germany or to Austria

and didn’t even want to stay in the

Czech Republic. We want to find a joint solution

that is acceptable to all countries.

For example, we favour aid on site, in war

zones or in underdeveloped regions - with

financial resources for third countries,

countries of origin or migration countries.

János Perényi: The inflows from the

summer of 2015 were a shock to all of us.

The Ambassadors‘ Summit took place

at The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna.

The European Union was in no way prepared

for such a number of people.

Peter Mišík: What became apparent was

that the system wasn’t working in that particular

situation. The European Commission

didn’t think the problem through well

enough and came up with the recommendation

to solve the problem by way of migration

quotas. Back then, we said that this

wasn’t going to work. You cannot force

people to go to this or that country within

the Schengen system. That also led to that

cliché that we failed to act in solidarity, because

we wouldn’t accept a solution like

that. Even though today, everyone knows

that it just wasn’t a good solution.

As a political topic, the issue of migration now

wins elections in many parts of Europe.

Ivana Červenková: Yes, exactly. We can

see in Austria, the Czech Republic or other

European countries that this is becoming a

major topic.

Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: Successful integration

is a daunting task for all countries.

Poland doesn’t shut itself off to migration

or to the support for migrants. More than a

million people from Eastern Europe, especially

from Ukraine, but also from war zones,

have come to us in the last few years. In

terms of residence permits granted for

work-related purposes, Poland is number

one on the list and surpasses other EU

member states. Poland has allocated

493,000 work-related residence permits, 28

EU member states in total only 847,000

permits. Poland supports the immigration

of people who want to work and want to

integrate through work, too.

Peter Mišík: Our citizens have great

trust in the European Union. But the people

also feel that a well-functioning European

Union without adequate security is

unimaginable.

János Perényi: It’s why there is a great

consensus among our governments, in

terms of the need for efficient control of the

external borders.

Ivana Červenková: Exactly, this is the

number one priority.

János Perényi: We are now working on

an agency that will be truly responsible for

border control and we are investing a lot of

money in it. We have around 98% agreement

within the European Union in terms

of what needs to be done. We aren’t of the

same opinion when it comes to mandatory

quotas.

Could a new type of development aid be of help?

Aiding development in the countries where

people are coming from so that they no longer

have a reason to leave? The EU’s development

funds up until now, which are rather generous in

comparison to the USA, don’t seem to have done

much.

Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: Climate

change, famine and a lack of drinking water

– these problems are closely interwoven

with one another and should also be part of

the solution. These are problems that Europe

cannot solve on its own. To truly solve

these issues, we will need involvement

from all continents. Personally, I am of the

opinion that more should be invested in

education, especially in the developing

countries.

János Perényi: On a global level, there

are different discussions taking place

around development aid – the world would

end up looking really different than 20 ye-

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA

ars ago. The governments in Africa and

Asia, for example, should do everything

within their power so that young people

don’t lose hope. If those governments are

interested in offering their people better

educations and better employment opportunities

– if this is truly in their interest –

then us Visegrád countries would make a

great partner for them. This could lead to

responsible, lasting and sustainable partnerships.

What are your expectations regarding the

Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU?

Peter Mišík: First of all I am confident

that the high-class and very experienced

Austrian diplomacy will prove its qualities

also during the forthcoming Presidency of

the Council of the EU. Since there are

very complicated issues on the table, such

as Brexit, migration or Multiannual Financial

Framework 2020-2027, I expect the

AUSTRIA CONNECT

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ZENTRALEUROPA

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AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

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UNITED KINGDOM

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“The future of any country depends on its youth. We need to invest more into

excellent universities and science and we should support new ideas.“

AUSSENWIRTSCHAF T AUSTRIA

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mit Top-Managern und Experten, den Leitern österreichischer

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wko.at/aussenwirtschaft/austriaconnect

58 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE ROUNDTABLE

DISCUSSION – V4

FACTS

The Visegrád Group

Occasionally also referred to as the

Visegrád countries and known under the

term V4, the group consists of the Central

European countries of Poland, the Czech

Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Their name

originates from the Hungarian city of

Visegrád at the Danube Bend. In October

1335, it was the location of a summit

between the Hungarian King Charles of

Anjou, Casimir the Great of Poland and

John of Bohemia, who came with his son

Charles (Charles later became his successor

as the King of Bohemia, King of Germany

and, from 1355, Holy Roman Emperor

Charles IV).

On 15 February 1991, a free-trade

agreement was agreed upon in Visegrád

between the founding nations of Poland,

Hungary and Czechoslovakia in order to

solve, in a cooperative manner, the

common problems that followed the fall of

the Eastern Bloc and the end of the Cold

War.

Effective on 14 May 1999, the

international Visegrád Fund was founded in

Bratislava with the group’s member

nations. The fund is financed by all

members and supports cultural projects

and also awards scholarships to students,

graduates and scientists for the sake of

academic exchange. On the initiative of the

Visegrád Fund, the international Visegrád

Day is celebrated every year on 15 February.

Austrian Presidency to maintain the unity

of the European Union in these difficult

times. I also believe in the capacity of the

Austrian Presidency of the Council of the

EU to come with well balanced proposals

that will take into account the positions of

the member states. Therefore, the willingness

of the Austrian Presidency to be ready

to listening to the opinions and expectations

of the Member States will be very helpful

and conducive towards finding compromises.

Ivana Červenková: To echo my Slovak

colleague, we are confident in Austria’s ability

to play an honest broker staking out

common ground for the EU to deliver better

wherever we need action at European

level. We wholeheartedly support the Austrian

Presidency’s priorities, namely the efforts

to make us fitter for the digital era and

advance Western Balkan countries on their

path toward EU membership. In line with

what Chancellor Kurz declared on Europe

Day, we also understand Austrian

Presidency’s focus on securing external

borders as a way to maintain the EU’s historic

achievement of unhindered Schengen

travel without border checks. Moreover, we

are looking forward to Austrian Presidency

adding further impetus to the Czech-Slovak-Austrian

trilateral dubbed Slavkov, or

Austerlitz, cooperation.

What are your hopes for young people, growing

up in your country?

Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: As for the

young generations, born in the free Poland,

the biggest priorities are education, stable

labour market and the standard of living.

And current Poland is going in this direction

consequently, overcoming the lost decades

of socialism forced by the Soviet Union.

The fight for freedom which was the

priority for my generation, hopefully does

not exist as the young people live in democracy

now.

Peter Mišík: The future of any country

depends on its youth. Therefore it is in our

utmost interest to create such conditions

that will motivate the young people to remain

in their own country in order to contribute

to its development and prosperity.

We need to invest more into excellent universities

and science, we should support

new ideas, innovations and create good

economic and social incentives for young

people and families. At the same time, we

should provide the necessary framework

through respecting rule of law and fighting

against corruption.

In the times of hoaxes and information

wars we have to strengthen education that

is based on critical thinking which is the

source of success of our civilisation. Our

young people should be proud of their

countries, the European values and ready

to contribute to the further development of

the democratic, peaceful and prosperous

European Union.

Ivana Červenková: It is critical to any

country’s social contract for the youth to

have reason to believe they will be better off

than their parents. I am happy to note that

the Czech youth do, living in a country that

is free, peaceful, prosperous and secure.

That is not to say we cannot do more to

support them. And in at least one respect,

we needn’t look for inspiration any further

than our neighbours. In terms of smoothing

transition from school into work, we can

take a cue from the Austrian dual education

system to perfect our own vocational

training. That Austrian example goes to

show that even though our youth do very

well by Europe-wide comparison, resting

on laurels is no option.

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA

Bild: Kästenbauer/Ettl

Winzige Teilchen mit großer Wirkung

Tiny Particles With Big Impact

Die Partikeltherapie ist eine innovative, komplementäre Form der Strahlentherapie zur Krebsbehandlung. In Österreich kommt sie am

MedAustron Zentrum in Wiener Neustadt zur Anwendung. | Particle therapy is an innovative, complementary type of radiotherapy

for cancer treatment. In Austria, the therapy is available at the MedAustron center in Wiener Neustadt.

Die Ionen- oder Partikeltherapie ist eine evolutionäre

Form der Strahlentherapie, die vor allem

für Tumoren verwendet wird, die gegen konventionelle

Strahlung resistent sind oder die in der

Nähe von strahlungsempfindlichen Organen

liegen. Die Bestrahlung erfolgt mittels geladener

Teilchen, die ihre Strahlendosis großteils im

Tumor deponieren und dadurch das umliegende

Gewebe besser schonen. Auf diese Weise können

Nebenwirkungen und Langzeitschäden reduziert

und die Strahlendosis für aggressive Tumore erhöht

werden.

MedAustron ist nur eines von wenigen Zentren weltweit,

deren Anlage verschiedene Arten von geladenen

Teilchen generieren kann: Protonen und Kohlenstoffionen.

Dazu ist komplexe Technik nötig,

die in enger Zusammenarbeit mit dem Europäischen

Kernforschungszentrum CERN entwickelt

wurde. Ein Teilchenbeschleuniger beschleunigt

die geladenen Teilchen auf bis zu zwei Drittel der

Lichtgeschwindigkeit, bevor diese in die Bestrahlungsräume

und dort millimetergenau auf den

Tumor gelenkt werden.

Seit Ende 2016 werden bei MedAustron Patientinnen

und Patienten behandelt, darunter auch Kinder. Die

Behandlung erstreckt sich über einen Zeitraum von

mehreren Wochen, in denen täglich eine ambulante

Bestrahlung erfolgt. Parallel zum Klinikbetrieb werden

die Behandlungsmodalitäten erweitert und die

Anlage für Forschung auf den Gebieten der Strahlenbiologie

und der (medizinischen) Strahlenphysik

genutzt.

◆

Ion beam therapy or particle therapy is an evolution

of radiation therapy and is mainly used for

tumors which are resistant to conventional radiation,

or are located in a delicate anatomical position.

The therapy uses charged particles, which deposit

their energy (for the most part) directly in the tumor.

Thus, side effects and long-term effects can be

significantly reduced, and the radiation dose for

aggressive tumors can be increased. MedAustron

is one of only a few centers worldwide that is able

to generate two different kinds of charged particles:

protons and carbon ions.

In order to achieve this, complex technology is

necessary, which was developed in cooperation

with the European Organization for Nuclear Research

CERN: a particle accelerator is used to accelerate

the particles up to two thirds of the speed of

light before they enter the treatment rooms, where

they emit their energy directly to the tumor volume

with millimeter-precision.

MedAustron started treating patients, including

children, in late 2016. In the outpatient clinic, patients

receive one irradiation session daily over the

course of several weeks. In parallel, not only the

treatment modalities are being expanded step by

step, but also non-clinical research is conducted in

the fiels of radiobiology and (medical) radiation

biology.

60 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

www.facebook.com/medaustron

www.medaustron.at

LE MONDE EUROPEAN YEAR OF CULTURAL HERITAGE 2018

Where the past meets the future

In May 2017, the European Union declared the year 2018 as „European Year of Cultural Heritage“ (EYCH)

in which 32 countries take part with a total of 10,150 events. Cercle Diplomatique presents five nations

and places worth visiting and experiencing.

Text: Daniela Pötzl

Cultural heritage is at the heart of the European

way of life. It defines who we are and

creates a sense of belonging” said Tibor Navracsics,

the EU Commissioner for Education, Culture,

Youth, and Sport, during the official launch of

the EYCH last December at the European Culture

Forum in Milan.

The purpose of this year is to raise awareness of

the social and economic importance of cultural heritage.

Thousands of initiatives and events across Europe

provide throughout the whole year 2018 the

possibility to involve citizens from all backgrounds.

The aim is to reach out to the widest possible audience,

in particular children and young people, local

communities and people who are rarely in touch

with culture, to promote a common sense of ownership.

According to the recent Eurobarometer survey, 8

out of 10 Europeans think cultural heritage is not

only important to them personally, but also to their

community, region, country and the European Union

as a whole. The survey also shows that 9 in 10

think cultural heritage should be taught in schools.

To make sure the EU efforts leave an imprint beyond

2018, the Commission, in collaboration with the

Council of Europe, UNESCO, and other partners,

will be running ten long-term impact projects. These

will include activities with schools, research on innovative

solutions for re-using heritage buildings or the

fight against illicit trafficking of cultural goods.

europa.eu/cultural-heritage/european-year-cultural-heritage_de

PHOTOS: FOTOLIA; VISITFLANDERS.COM

1 | Poland

Warsaw is the capital and largest city of the

country. Moreover, its historical Old Town was

designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

warsawtour.pl

2 | Slovenia

Driving on the river Ljubljanica with a boat is a

marvellous experience in Ljubljana, the capital.

visitljubljana.com

3 | Bulgaria

The capital Sofia has been an area of human

habitation since at least 7000 BC.

bulgariatravel.org

4 | Belgium

Brussels hosts the official seats of the

European Commission, the Council of the

European Union, and the European Council, as

well as a seat of the European Parliament.

visit.brussels

5 | Hungary

Budapest attracts 4.4 million international

visitors per year, making it the 25th most

popular city in the world.

budapest.com

62 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE EUROPEAN YEAR OF CULTURAL HERITAGE 2018

Poland: Remembering the restoration

2018 is not only the European Year of Cultural Heritage. For Poland it also marks the restoration of Poland‘s

sovereignty as the Second Polish Republic in 1918 from the German, Austrian and Russian Empires.

Slovenia: Getting to know one‘s heritage

The celebration of the European Year of Cultural Heritage will take place with numerous activities, which main

events are focused on the promotion of heritage, also among young people.

PHOTOS: MARTA NAE, KARL PEHERSTORFER, WARSAW RISING MUSEUM, BEIGESTELLT

In November 1918, after 123 years of absence

on European political maps, Poland

regained its independence. This was

mainly due to the perseverance and dedication

of the active part of Polish society,

who, during the period of servitude, passed

down their allegiance to the language and

national culture to new generations of

young Poles.

On the occasion of the 100 th anniversary

of the restoration of Poland’s sovereignty,

the Polish Institute in Vienna has prepared

a rich program. Numerous projects are intended

to commemorate these crucial

events in the Polish history. The events are

meant to be thought-provoking – about

how independence can be understood and

what an enormous importance for modern

states it has, also with respect to current

challenges.

The promotional action „Free Pegasus“ deserves special

attention. The original visual identification of EYCH in

Poland has been created by Krzysztof Radoszek.

The following are amongst the most important

projects planned by the Institute in

upcoming months to commemorate the

100th anniversary of the rebirth of Poland

and promote Polish cultural heritage: the

scientific conference “Parliaments and

Constitutions in Poland and Austria 1918-

1921“, organised in June in cooperation

with the Hans Kelsen Institute, the University

of Vienna and the Scientific Centre of

the Polish Academy of Sciences in Vienna

as well as the exhibition “Fight for freedom.

Warsaw Uprising 1944“ presented from

July until September in cooperation with

and in the seat of the Museum of Military

History in Vienna. From mid-June until

mid-September the gallery p_art, located

at the Polish Institute Vienna, is hosting the

exhibition “The Best Polish Illustrators:

POSTER“, presented in cooperation with

the Polish foundation SLOW. Furthermore,

Poland has been chosen the guest country

during this year’s edition of Austria’s largest

design festival, Vienna Design Week, starting

on 29 September, with most interesting

works of Polish design to be presented.

In Poland over 70 activities will be implemented

under the patronage of European

Year of Cultural Heritage. The institution

responsible for supporting

organisations in carrying out EYCH initiatives

is the International Cultural Center in

Cracow. The activities are addressed to the

general public, primarily to children and

youth, decision makers and representatives

of the business world. The involvement of

these groups in heritage protection and

encouraging the cooperation of entities

operating in various sectors (environmental

protection, business, the cultural and

creative sector, tourism, etc.) are given the

highest priority.

More information can be found on the

official website of the Polish EYCH

erdk2018.pl/en

From top:

Exhibition „Fight

for Freedom“ at

the Warsaw Rising

Museum; the

Polish Institute in

Vienna is hosting

the exhibition „The

Best Polish Illustrators:

POSTER!“;

Poland will be the

guest country

during the Vienna

Design Week

2018; inside the

and outside view

of the Polish

Institute Vienna.

From top to

bottom: The

Memorial Church

of the Holy Spirit

in Javorca;

Bled island in Lake

Bled with the

Pilgrimage Church

of the Assumption

of Maria;

lovely Piran on the

Slovenian adriatic

coast.

To enthrall and inspire young people to

get interested in their heritage, numerous

avtivities are carried out the whole

year, like Cultural bazaar, Europe at school,

the European Cultural Heritage Days as

well as the Cultural Heritage Week.

A traveling exhibition about the Slovene

intangible heritage is visiting Slovenia‘s

embassies. It features 25 cultural heritage

units which are listed in the National register

of the intangible heritage of Slovenia,

including, for example, the Skofja Loka

passion plays and door-to-door rounds of

Kurenti, which both are registered on the

UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible

Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Lipica, home of the famous Lipizzaner

horse breed from the 16th century, has also

a remarkable significance as a cultural, historical

and natural heritage for Slovenia

and Europe.

The Slovenian cultural heritage is another

award richer this year. The Memorial

Church of the Holy Spirit in Javorca received

the European Heritage Label this year.

This mainly wooden church represents an

exceptional example of European cultural

heritage and an architectutal pearl in an

outstanding Alpine cultural landscape. The

church is also included in the Path of Peace,

which leads from the Alps to the Adriatic.

In addition to this church, the Franja Partisan

Hospital is also included on the list

since 2015.

One of the most beautiful towns on the

Slovenian coast grew with the help of salt.

The Piran salt pans, where the world-class

fleur de sel (flower of salt) is still produced

today by using age-old methods, were the

reason why the picturesque Mediterranean

walled town flourished. The old port town

with remnants of a medieval wall is protected

as a cultural and historical monument.

Narrow streets with closely constructed

houses descending from the hill and its

Lipica harbours one of the oldest stud farms in the

world with a tradition dating back to 1580.

church to the central square on the coast

emphasise its Mediterranean character.

The coastal town, which developed under

the influence of Venice, is considered to be

one of the most authentic and most photogenic

motifs on the Adriatic coast.

Slovenian cultural heritage is an integral

part of the “Green, Active, Healthy“ brand

in Slovenia, in which movable and immovable

cultural heritage with traditional and

exquisite food, picturesque vineyards as

well as hearty people and beautiful landscape

and nature with the highest rate of

biodiversity in the world.

Part of the diverse natural heritage in

Slovenia are spas, parks, walking and cycling

trails, such as the Triglav natural park,

the Kocevje virgin forrest with bears, the

carstic caves of Postojnska jama with the

cave-dwelling salamander Proteus and

Skocjanske jame.

The Ljubljana marsh nature park with

prehistoric crannogs in the Slovenian capital,

combines rich traditional and cultural

heritage, as well as the Idrija Mercury mine

world heritage site and Idrija bobbin lace.

In addition, the territory of Slovenia is

also rich in archeological sites such as the

paleolitical flute, found in 1995.

PHOTOS: FRANCI FERJAN, MARKO GREGO-TOLMINSKI, JACOB RIGLIN, ALENKA ÊTRUKELJ

64 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE EUROPEAN YEAR OF CULTURAL HERITAGE 2018

Bulgaria: A painting transfers geography

The exhibition ‘European Dialogues’ marks the 70 th anniversary of the foundation of the National Gallery.

During that period, it established itself as a leading cultural institute during the decades.

Hungary: A unique architectural art monument

The Esterházy palace in Fertőd is one of the most extraordinary historical art monuments in Hungary and is

waiting for visitors in its regained late magnificence.

The exhibition ‘European Dialogues’

also illustrates the ‘geography’ and the

intensity of the gallery’s participation in the

broad spectrum of European cultural relations

during this time. From over 200 presentations

outside the country of collections

and works owned by the gallery, 76

artefacts from 40 exhibitions were selected

that exemplify Bulgarian contacts with different

European cultural institutions. The

first exhibitions abroad were organised in

the 1950s in the countries of Eastern Europe.

The tendency to present Bulgarian art

in all its varieties was particularly strong in

the 1970s and 1980s. The exhibition of

‘Vladimir Dimitrov–The Master’ in 1973

was the first presentation of a Bulgarian artist

at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris.

During those two decades, the National

Gallery displayed its collections all over

Europe. Although different in character,

they revealed the wealth of Bulgarian art:

the National Revival print and the advanced

professionalism of Bulgarian contemporary

graphic artists as well as the mastery

of the artists of the 1930s and 1940s.

The first appearance, in 1972, of Franz

von Stuck’s painting, ‘Lucifer’, in an international

exhibition in Berlin, increased interest

in the issues of Symbolism and the

creativity of the artist has predetermined

its inclusion in numerous exhibitions even

today. For ‘European Dialogues’, exhibitions

and works were chosen that also reveal

the changes in attitude towards the

past and present – both paintings will also

be presented at Haus Wittgenstein, the Bulgarian

Cultural Institute in Vienna.

Top:

“Whitening

Cloth“, by

Vladimir

Dimitrov

(around 1930)

Right:

“Lucifer“, by

Franz von Stuck

(1890–91)

After having

been abandoned

for 100 years,

Esterházy palace

is open to the

public in its

splendour again.

From top: Outside

view of the palace,

the garden and the

Sala terrena.

The real golden age of Eszterháza was

created by Nicolas Esterházy I. in the 18 th

century. He visited the palace of Versailles

twice in his lifetime and felt rich enough to

build his own “Hungarian Versailles“.

His in-house orchestra was conducted

by the famous Austrian composer Joseph

Haydn who spent 24 years in Eszterháza.

Nicolas was the captain of The Hungarian

Noble Guards. Maria Theresa, the Queen

of Hungary paid a visit to Eszterháza in

September 1773. When Nicolas died in

1790, pomp and happy life also ended here.

The palace was partially abandoned for

hundred years.

Around 1900, Duke Miklós Esterházy

IV and his wife, Countess Margit Cziráky

renovated the palace and moved into it.

This time was the 2 nd golden age of the palace

which then suffered additional damages

during World War II. The palace was

occupied by the German military headquarter

and a Russian military hospital.

Renovation of the ruined building began in

1957, after the revolution of 1956. Today,

the Hungarian state is its owner.

Currently in the central part of the museum

the already renovated Summer-time dining

room, the sala terrena, the main dining

room and the ceremonial hall, the chapel

and the Chinese cabinet are visitable. The

rosegarden of Countess Cziráky is located

next to the french and english garden and

open to the public in high season as well.

PHOTOS: ESTERHÀZY PALACE

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, WHITE LIGHT, LOUISE MERTENS

Belgium: Flemish Masters and city reflections

Flanders invites to experience two Old Flemish Masters, Peter Paul Rubens and Peter Bruegel the Elder. On the

other hand, the newly opened DIVA Museum in Antwerp and Bruges Triennal 2018 offer new insights.

This year is the year of the famous painter

Peter Paul Rubens. In no other city

in the world will you find as many tangible

reminders of him as in Antwerp, for he

spent most of his life living and working

there. It was where he received his training,

where he experienced family joys and sorrows,

and where he welcomed princes and

dignitaries as a diplomat for the Low Countries.

It was also the place where he did his

painting, becoming by popular acclaim,

the greatest painter of his era. His presence

is still keenly felt in the city.

2019 sees the 450 th anniversary of the

death of Pieter Bruegel the Elder. To

mark the occasion the Kunsthistorisches

Museum Vienna is dedicating the world’s

first ever major monograph exhibition to

the artist widely regarded as the 16 th

century’s greatest Flemish painter, to be

seen from October 2018–January 2019.

Clearly fascinated by nature, humanity

and humour, he doesn’t quite fit the mold

of one or another ‘type’ of artist. And the

European Year of Cultural Heritage offers

the possibility to experience Bruegel and

his legacy all over Flanders and, especially,

Brussels.

Turning from Old Flemish Masters to

contemporary times: The Province of

Antwerp’s former Diamond Museum and

Silver Museum have joined forces – since

this May, DIVA is Antwerp’s brand-new

museum for silver, jewellery and diamonds.

Worth a visit is also Bruges Triennial 2018:

Liquid City has invited international artists

and architects to reflect on how flexible, a

historic city like Bruges can be.

Right and below:

Just opened this

May, DIVA,

Antwerp‘s

brand-new museum

for silver, jewellery

and diamonds shows

beauty in jewellery.

Our HOtel at tHe center Of yOur jOurney

66 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

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Kärntner Ring 8, 1010 Vienna | info@theringhotel.com | T + 43 (1) 22122

F + 43 (1) 22122-900 | www.theringhotel.com | www.ateight-restaurant.com

LE MONDE ESSAY

Networks of Diplomats, Networks

of the World

MARKUS KORNPROBST

holds a M.A. in Political

Studies of the University of

Cape Town and a Ph.D. in

Political Science of the

University of Toronto. Since

2009, he is Professor and

Chair of Political Science

and International Relations

at the Vienna School of

International Studies. His

research and teaching

interests are: International

Peace and Security;

International Relations

Theory; Political Agency and

Practical Reason;

Governance and Diplomacy;

Nuclear Non-proliferation;

Crisis Management;

European Politics and

African Politics.

da-vienna.ac.at

Diplomacy has penetrated more and more issue areas, including human rights,

development, environment, health and migration.

Andrew Schoultz’s painting “Crisis“ boasts

many colourful lines on a black and grey

background. Some of these are symmetrical

and span the entire painting, almost like frames.

Others are broken and look much more chaotic.

They are reminiscent of whirlwinds that threaten to

sweep everything into a dark hole. I suppose that this

painting captures quite well how many of us think

about international politics in our days: hoping for

order, being bewildered by complexity, and perceiving

increasing chaos. Albert-László Barabási sums

this up very well: ‘We are surrounded by systems that

are hopelessly complicated.’

But ‘hopelessly complicated’ is a poor guide for

action. More and more scientists, Barabási very

much included, attempt to get at this complexity by

relying on a metaphor, i.e. the network. Simply put, a

network consists of nodes and ties. Seen through this

lens, the internet is about webpages (nodes) and hyperlinks

(ties), a power grid about generators (nodes)

and transmission lines (ties), and so on. Social

scientists, too, write about networks. Organizations

are networks in which individuals are linked together

by their daily interaction. Communication

networks are constituted by channels of communication

connecting actors. The small world phenomenon

is a particularly interesting finding. In its popularised

form, for instance the play Six Degrees of

Separation by John Guare, it postulates that linkages

from any person in the world to any other one, are at

most six steps away.

Juxtapose these insights from network theory to

simplistic views of diplomacy as they often prevail in

the media, among political elites and even in academia.

There is the assumption that just a few militarily

powerful states matter. When it comes to these few

states, it is only their leaders that have agency. And, if

the world is lucky, these leaders succeed to reach

some kind of agreement behind closed doors about

how to manage a crisis, resolve a conflict, and keep

international order afloat.

To be sure, this simplistic view of diplomacy as

statecraft of the powerful is not entirely wrong. During

a major military crisis when war and peace are

at stake, the leaders of militarily powerful states tend

to have plenty of agency. But there is much more to

diplomacy than acute military crises.

The last decades have witnessed a proliferation of

diplomatic actors, issues and processes. It is no longer

just state representatives that populate the diplomatic

stage. There are business and citizen diplomats,

celebrity and science diplomats, music and

sports diplomats, and so on. Diplomacy has penetrated

more and more issue areas, including human

rights, development, environment, health and migration.

Diplomatic interaction patterns range from

coercive diplomacy via bargaining to deliberation.

More or less strategic forms of deliberation potentially

reach deep. They do not just affect decisions and

actions but even the understandings upon which

such decisions and actions are based.

Diplomatic actors spin more and more networks

with more and more actors, using more and more

differentiated modes of communication and aiming

to control, steer, foster or even eliminate more and

more networks other than diplomatic ones. To give

just a few examples, diplomatic networks attempt to

understand and do away with networks that constitute

pandemics and international terrorism as much

as they seek to grasp and foster global finance and

trade networks for their advantage. Words such as

‘understand’ and ‘grasp’ are to be taken seriously in

this context. Given the complexities of all of these

networks – diplomatic and non-diplomatic – sense

making has become an ever more important challenge

for diplomacy.

Diplomacy has survived and remained functional

to this present day because it has always succeeded to

reinvent itself. It seems to me that we have again

reached a point where such reinvention is necessary

(and, indeed, has already begun). There are at least

five reasons for drawing from the network metaphor

to reflect about adaptations of diplomacy: First, thinking

about network diplomacy cautions against assumptions

that big events always have big causes.

Networks may fall prey to cascading failures. The

origins of these failures can be small and locally

highly limited. But these origins then cascade,

causing a major system failure.

Second, the network metaphor encourages us to

think more carefully about power. There is power in

having ties. Note that it is not to be taken for granted

that the state with the most military capabilities is

also always the state with the most ties. Ties always

have to be fostered. This ranges from more tangible

dimensions, for example taking advantage of technological

innovations, to more intangible ones such as

PHOTO: DIPLOMATISCHE AKADEMIE WIEN/PILO PICHLER

keeping up one’s authority and appeal.

Third, the network metaphor reminds us that

today’s diplomacy requires taking a host of different

actors seriously. It is not just ties from foreign ministry

to foreign ministry that count. Other ministries

and agencies, representatives of international organizations

and non-governmental actors (profit and

non-profit) matter a great deal, too. They also

amount to important nodes in the network; having

ties to them multiplies opportunities to leave a mark.

Fourth, the metaphor makes us think harder

about what ties are to be put to use and how. It is, for

instance, no coincidence that science diplomacy has

become a buzzword. Expert knowledge moulds our

grasp of the world. Having ready access to it and

being able to diffuse it to a broader audience yields

opportunities to exert influence.

Fifth, the pace of network diplomacy is different.

Once diplomats use windows of opportunity skilfully,

initiatives can generate a velocity that is not found

in traditional forms of diplomacy. This is tied to the

small world effect. Networks can be put to use

quickly to achieve a major – even global – reach.

Diplomacy thus understood is anything but exclusive.

It presupposes active state institutions as

much as active civil society actors. It requires actors

that do not shy away from acquiring knowledge that

transcends academic disciplines as well as skills sets.

And, perhaps most of all, it cannot work without actors

who are willing to enter more open forms of

communication. We’ll always disagree upon many

things. Contestation is, to a considerable extent, the

name of the game. But we also have a lot to figure out

together.

BOOKTIP

Understanding International Diplomacy

Theory, Practice and Ethics, 2nd Edition

Markus Kornprobst

First published in 2013, this book provides a comprehensive

introduction to the study of international diplomacy, covering

both theory and practice. This second edition has been revised

and updated, with new material

on such key contemporary issues

as Syria, Ukraine, migration and

the South China Sea.

Routledge, ISBN : 978113871734

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Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LE MONDE NEWS

Latest update from around the globe

Text: Daniela Pötzl

Grant

OFID supports WHO

PHOTOS:FOTOLIA, OFID

Statistics

Nest squatters in the EU

The citizens of Malta keep living in their parents’ home for the longest

time of all the countries in the EU. According to new data by Eurostat,

they only left home at the age of 32.2 on average in 2017. The EU

average is 26 years. The first to leave mummy’s watchful eye are the

Swedes, with 21 years. With 25.2 years, the Austrians are below the EU

average. After Malta, the longest nest squatters live in Croatia (31.9

years), Slovakia (30.8 years) and Italy (30.1 years).

ec.europa.eu/eurostat/

OFID – the OPEC Fund for International Development – has signed a US$ 1 million grant

agreement recently with the World Health Organization (WHO) for an initiative aimed at

eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like River Blindness in seven African countries.

The agreement was signed by Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, and

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emphasized that the majority of this aid was directed to low-income African countries.

ofid.org

Urban development

Amsterdam puts brakes on tourism

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L’AUTRICHE INTERVIEW

Gernot Blümel

„Wir wollen eine EU, die stärker ist in großen Fragen.“

”We want an EU that is stronger when it comes to big questions.“

Gernot Blümel ist Minister für die EU, Kunst, Kultur und Medien. Im Interview mit Cercle

Diplomatique nimmt er zum Ausbau der Breitbandkapazitäten, zur Position Österreichs in der

EU und Übernahme der EU-Ratspräsidentschaft Stellung.

Gernot Blümel is Minister for the EU, Arts, Culture and Media. In the interview

with Cercle Diplomatique, he comments on the expansion of broadband capacities, the position

of Austria in the EU and the assumption of the EU Council Presidency.

Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner

„Europa, das schützt“ – könnten Sie bitte die Inhalte, die

hinter diesem Motto der dritten österreichischen

EU-Präsidentschaft stehen, genauer schildern? Insbesondere

die Position Österreichs zum Thema legale und

illegale Migration, respektive die angestrebte Mittlerrolle

zwischen teils sehr unterschiedlichen Standpunkten zu

diesem Thema innerhalb der EU-Mitgliedsstaaten.

Gernot Blümel: Unsere Schwerpunkte sind Sicherheit

& Kampf gegen illegale Migration, Wohlstand

& Wettbewerbsfähigkeit sowie Stabilität in der

Nachbarschaft. Das alles fällt unter das Dach des

Schutzes. Genau darum geht es uns, genau das erwarten

die Menschen zu Recht von der Europäischen

Union. Wir wollen eine EU, die stärker ist in

großen Fragen, wo sich die Bürgerinnen und Bürger

zu Recht eine Antwort von der EU erwarten. Dazu

zählen für mich Bereiche wie die Außen-, Sicherheits-

und Verteidigungspolitik, der Schutz der Außengrenzen,

Digitalisierung oder Wettbewerbsfähigkeit.

Dafür sollte sich die EU in anderen Fragen

zurücknehmen, die besser direkt vor Ort geregelt

werden können.

Der österreichische EU-Vorsitz wird zu einem

herausfordernden Zeitpunkt stattfinden – BREXIT,

der mehrjährige Finanzrahmen und allgemein in einer

Zeit der Debatte um die Zukunft der EU. Es ist

daher wichtig, in dieser Phase geeint zu bleiben. Hier

braucht es eine grundsätzliche Mittlerrolle.

jüngst kritisierten Rückstand beim Ausbau der Breitbandkapazitäten

als zentraler Beitrag zur Qualität des

Wirtschaftsstandortes aufholen?

Österreich wird während seiner Präsidentschaft

die wichtigsten Dossiers zum digitalen Binnenmarkt

weiter vorantreiben und auch hier dem Prinzip der

Subsidiarität folgen. Welche Themen können einzelne

Länder und Regionen besser lösen; in welchen

Bereichen braucht es gemeinsame Antworten?

Die Bundesregierung hat sich in ihrem Regierungsprogramm

zum Ziel gesetzt, Österreich bis

Anfang 2021 zum 5G-Pilotland zu machen und dazu

bereits in den ersten Wochen eine nationale 5G-Strategie

verabschiedet. Diese 5G-Strategie enthält 34

konkrete Maßnahmen in den Handlungsfeldern Infrastruktur

und Anwendungen, mit denen einerseits

deutliche Erleichterungen wie auch Kostensenkungen

des Ausbaus der digitalen Infrastruktur und andererseits

die zentrale Entwicklung von 5G-Diensten

und -Anwendungen unterstützt werden.

Österreich kann im internationalen Wettbewerb

nur dann erfolgreich sein, wenn die auf Basis der

neuen Schlüsseltechnologien entwickelten Anwendungen

und Dienste möglichst allen Menschen im

Bundesminister Blümel

bei einem Arbeitsbesuch

in Straßburg, hier beim

Empfang der Österreicher

im Europäischen Parlament.

Federal Minister Blümel at a

working visit at Strasbourg,

here pictured at a reception

for Austrian citizens at the

European Parliament.

FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY

PHOTOS: ANDY WENZEL/ BKA

Das österreichische EU-Präsidentschaftsprogramm sieht

auch die Sicherung und den Schutz des Wohlstands vor und

es wurde insbesondere auf den digitalen Binnenmarkt und

regulatorischen Umgang mit Internetkonzernen hingewiesen.

Was steht hier konkret auf Österreichs Agenda,

welche Maßnahmen sollen in diesem Bereich gesetzt und

vorangetrieben werden und wie will Österreich seinen

GERNOT BLÜMEL

Bundesminister Gernot Blümel

bei einem Arbeitsbesuch in

Straßburg.

Federal Minister Gernot Blümel

during a working visit in

Strasbourg.

absolvierte ein Studium der Philosophie an der Universität Wien (Magister

phil.) und der Université de Bourgogne in Dijon sowie ein Studium an der

Executive Academy der Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien (MBA). Seit Jänner

2018 ist er Minister für die EU, Kunst, Kultur und Medien.

graduated in Philosophy at the University of Vienna (Magister phil.) and

the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon as well as at the Executive Academy

of the Vienna University of Economics and Business (MBA). Since January

2018, he is Minister for the EU, Arts, Culture and Media.

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

L’AUTRICHE INTERVIEW

„In Sachen Brexit

dürfen wir uns

keinesfalls auseinander

dividieren

lassen.“

“In terms of Brexit,

we can absolutely

not let any divisions

among us.“

Land zur Verfügung stehen, jeder an der Digitalisierung

aktiv teilhaben kann und eine breite Nutzung

erfolgt. Mit dieser 5G-Strategie soll bis Ende 2020

das Ziel einer nahezu flächendeckenden Verfügbarkeit

mit ultraschnellen Breitbandanschlüssen (100

Mbit/s) verwirklicht werden. Gleichzeitig soll die

Markteinführung von 5G in allen Landeshauptstädten

erfolgen. Bis Ende 2023 sollen 5G-Dienste auf

den Hauptverkehrsverbindungen nutzbar sein und

bis Ende 2025 soll das Ziel einer nahezu flächendeckenden

Verfügbarkeit von 5G verwirklicht werden.

In die Zeit der österreichischen EU-Präsidentschaft fallen

auch die finalen Brexit-Verhandlungen und die Verhandlungen

hinsichtlich des mehrjährigen EU-Finanzrahmens 2021

bis 2027. Welche Inputs und Beiträge kann und wird

Österreich bei diesen beiden Themen geben?

In Sachen Brexit dürfen wir uns keinesfalls auseinanderdividieren

lassen. Als EU27 haben wir mit

dem EU-Chefverhandler Michel Barnier einen guten

Vertreter unserer Interessen. Wie sich die Verhandlungen

weiter entwickeln werden, kann niemand

so genau abschätzen. Es wurden gute

Fortschritte erzielt, aber es gibt – so wie die Frage der

Grenzregelung zwischen Irland und Nordirland –

noch einige Hürden.

Der mehrjährige Finanzrahmen der EU, der den

Fokus der EU für die nächsten sieben Jahre festlegt,

ist ein weiteres wichtiges Thema, das uns vor allem in

der Zeit unserer EU-Ratspräsidentschaft und vermutlich

darüber hinaus vor besondere Herausforderungen

stellen wird. Die Herangehensweise, dass

eine Lücke, die durch den Brexit entsteht, einfach

gestopft wird, ist für Österreich nicht die richtige.

Diese Zeit der Umbrüche bietet vor allem Gelegenheit

im System und an der Struktur zu sparen. Das ist

der österreichische Standpunkt, den wir mit anderen

Nettozahlern bereits besprechen. Anschließend wird

eine gemeinsame Lösung unter den EU27 gesucht

werden.

Österreich gilt als Unterstützer der Westbalkan-Länder

hinsichtlich ihrer EU-Beitrittsperspektive. Inwiefern und

mit welchen Maßnahmen kann, will und wird Österreich die

Westbalkan-Staaten auf ihrem Weg in die EU unterstützen?

Wichtig ist, dass den Westbalkanländern eine realistische

Beitrittsperspektive geboten wird. EU-

Kommissar Hahn hält 2025 für eine realistisch-optimistische

Richtschnur dafür. Österreich wird diese

Länder weiterhin bei der Annäherung begleiten.

Wenn die österreichische Bevölkerung diesen Annäherungsprozess,

was Rechtsstaatlichkeit, Wettbewerbsfähigkeit

und Meinungsfreiheit betrifft, positiv

erlebt, sehe ich kein Hindernis.

Ist die diplomatische Bühne Österreich als Verhandlungsstandort

durch die gescheiterte Syrien-Initiative

geschwächt und inwiefern kann die EU-Präsidentschaft

dazu beitragen, insbesondere den Amtssitz Wien, der bei

den Bewerbungen für EMA und EBA ebenfalls nicht

besonders gut abgeschnitten hat, zu stärken und zu

festigen?

Österreich war, ist und wird immer Brückenbauer

sein, weil wir in erster Linie mit jedem den Dialog

suchen. Darüber hinaus werden wir während unserer

Ratspräsidentschaft auch wieder ein Ort des Dialogs

sein. Nach derzeitigem Planungsstand werden

13 informelle Ministerräte in ganz Österreich stattfinden.

Insgesamt wird es rund 300 geplante Vorsitzveranstaltungen

in Österreich und 130 im Austria

Center Vienna geben. Am 19. Juni wird auch die

Präsidentenkonferenz des Europäischen Parlaments

in Wien stattfinden. Außerdem ist es natürlich auch

wichtig auf politischer Ebene Menschen zu verbinden.

Sie sind auch für ein kulturelles Rahmenprogramm, das Österreichs

EU-Präsidentschaft begleiten soll, verantwortlich.

Was werden die Highlights und herausragenden Angebote

in dieser Hinsicht sein?

Der österreichische Ratsvorsitz ist für uns eine

Gelegenheit, den Ruf Österreichs als Kunst- und

Kulturnation weiter zu festigen. Es gibt nicht viele

PHOTOS: ANDY WENZEL/ BKA, DRAGAN TATIC

FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY

Bereiche, in denen Österreich Weltspitze ist – Kunst

& Kultur ist aber einer davon.

Das kulturelle Rahmenprogramm wird ein breites

Spektrum aus unterschiedlichen Bereichen abdecken:

Von der Musik über die bildende bis zur darstellenden

Kunst. Besondere Highlights sind dabei

das Konzert der Wiener Philharmoniker in Brüssel

und die Belvedere-Ausstellung „Beyond Klimt. New

Horizons in Central Europe 1914-1938“ im Palais

des Beaux-Arts de Bruxelles (BOZAR).

”A Europe that protects“ — could you please elaborate on

the content behind the theme of the third Austrian EU

Presidency? Especially Austria’s position in regard to legal

and illegal immigration, considering the aspired middle way

within the sometimes very conflicting viewpoints on the

subject among EU member states.

Gernot Blümel: Our focus is security and the

fight against illegal migration, prosperity and competitiveness,

as well as stability in the region. All of

this falls under protection. This is what matters most

to us and in fact this is what people rightfully expect

of the European Union. We want an EU that is stronger

when it comes to big questions where citizens

rightfully expect an answer from the EU. For me, this

includes areas such as foreign policy, security and

defence, the protection of external borders, digitalisation

or competitiveness. On the other hand, it

would be best for the EU to retreat in cases where it

may be better to handle issues on a more local level.

The Austrian EU Presidency will also take place

during a rather challenging period - Brexit, the Multiannual

Financial Framework of the EU and the debate

about the future of the EU in general. Thus, it is

important to remain unified during times like this. A

mediating role is essential here.

The programme of the Austrian EU Presidency also has

security and the protection of prosperity on the agenda and

there has been a special focus on the digital domestic market

and the regulation of internet companies. What concrete

actions is Austria planning, what measures should be taken

in this area and how is Austria going to catch up in terms of

the recently criticised lag in the extension of its broadband

network as a key component in the quality of the overall

economic state?

Throughout its Presidency, Austria will continue

to promote the most important dossiers concerning

the digital domestic market and suggest additional

subsidiaries in this sector. What issues are better

tackled by the individual provinces and regions?

Which issues require joint initiatives?

The Federal Government has made it part of its

governing programme to make Austria a 5G pilot

country by the beginning of 2021 and has already

passed a national 5G strategy within its first weeks of

governing. This 5G strategy contains 34 concrete

measures in the areas of infrastructure and application

which will, on the one hand, significantly simplify

and reduce the costs of the expansion of the digital

infrastructure and, on the other hand, support the

centralised development of 5G services and applications.

Austria will only be successful in international

competition if the applications and services developed

based on the new key technologies are available

to all of the people in the country, when everyone

can actively participate in the process of digitalisation

and broad usership follows. With this 5G strategy,

nearly total coverage of ultra-fast broadband connections

(100 Mbit/s) is envisioned by the end of

2020. By the end of 2023, 5G services are to become

available across the main traffic connections and by

the end of 2025, the goal of nearly total 5G coverage

is to be realised.

Minister Gernot Blümel (2.v.r.) bei der Pressekonferenz zur EU-

Ratspräsidentschaft Österreichs, mit Bundeskanzler Sebastian Kurz

(Mitte) und Ministerin Karin Kneissl, im heurigen März in Wien.

Minister Gernot Blümel (2nd from r.) at the press conference on the EU

Council Presidency of Austria, with Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz

(middle) and Minister Karin Kneissl, this March in Vienna.

76 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

L’AUTRICHE INTERVIEW

„Österreich war,

ist und wird immer

Brückenbauer sein.“

“Austria has been,

is and will always be

a builder of bridges.“

be around 300 planned council events in Austria and

130 at the Austria Centre Vienna. On 19 June, the

Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament

will also be hosted by Vienna. It goes without

saying that it is also important to connect on a political

level.

You are also responsible for a cultural framework that

Austria’s EU Presidency is set to accompany. What are going

to be the highlights and the most significant offers here?

The Austrian Council Presidency is an opportunity

for us to further cement Austria’s reputation as

an art and culture nation. There aren’t many areas

where Austria leads the world – but art & culture is

certainly one of them.

The cultural framework will cover a broad spectrum

of various themes: from music to the visual and

the performance arts. Special highlights will be the

concert by the Vienna Philharmonic in Brussels and

the Belvedere exhibition “Beyond Klimt. New Horizons

in Central Europe 1914-1938“ at the Palais des

Beaux-Arts de Bruxelles (BOZAR).

Bundesminister Gernot Blümel startete sein Arbeitsjahr diesen

Jänner mit einer Reise nach Brüssel, im Bild beim Presse-Statement.

Federal Minister Gernot Blümel started his working year with a trip to

Brussels this January, pictured while the press statement.

During the Austrian EU Presidency, we will see the Brexit negotiations

as well as the negotiations pertaining to the Multiannual

Financial Framework from 2021 to 2027. What inputs

and contributions will Austria make concerning these two

subjects?

In terms of Brexit, we can absolutely not let any

divisions arise among us. As the EU27, we have EU

Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier on our side to represent

our interests. Nobody can say how exactly

the negotiations are going to play out. Good progress

has been made, however, there are still several obstacles

left, such as the border between Ireland and

Northern Ireland.

The Multiannual Financial Framework of the EU,

which will determine the EU’s focus for the next seven

years, is an additional important subject, and

will likely pose as a special challenge, particularly

during our EU Council Presidency. The approach of

assuming that the gap created through Brexit can

simply be plugged is not shared by Austria. This current

period of upheaval provides the opportunity to

make savings both in terms of the system as well as

the structure.

This is Austria’s view, which we are already discussing

with all the remaining net contributors. Subsequently,

we will look for a joint solution among the

EU27.

Austria is considered a supporter of the Western Balkan

countries in regard to their EU membership accession. To

what extent and through what measures will Austria give

support to the countries of the Western Balkans on their path

toward EU accession?

What is important is that the countries of the

Western Balkans are offered a realistic chance for

membership. EU Commissioner Hahn sees 2025 as a

realistic and optimistic guide. Austria is going to

continue to support these countries in their rapprochement.

If the Austrian population sees this rapprochement

process as a positive factor in terms of the

rule of law, competitiveness and freedom of expression,

then I don’t see any obstacles.

Has Austria’s image as a diplomatic stage and centre for

negotiation been weakened by the failed Syria initiative? And

to what extent can the EU Presidency contribute to

improving the situation, especially in regard to Vienna as a

headquarter city, as it didn’t do particularly well when it

came to the applications to host EMA and EBA?

Austria has been, is and will always be a builder of

bridges, for we always strive for dialogue with everyone

first. Additionally, we will, once again, be a hub

for dialogue during our Council Presidency. As per

current planning, 13 informal councils of ministers

are set to take place across Austria. In total, there will

PHOTOS: ANDY WENZEL/ BKA

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78 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

L’AUTRICHE LEGAL SYSTEM

Christian W. Konrad

„Wien bietet internationale Standards in Sachen Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit.“

“When it comes to arbitration, Vienna is on par with international standards.”

Der Wiener Rechtsanwalt macht sich für Österreichs Hauptstadt als

Mittelpunkt für internationale Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit stark.

The Viennese lawyer takes a stance in favour of Austria’s capital city

as a hub for international arbitration.

Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA

Beschreiben Sie doch bitte zuerst Ihr umfassendes

Tätigkeitsfeld.

Christian W. Konrad: Wir sind als

Kanzlei seit fast zehn Jahren am Markt und

haben uns vom ersten Moment an auf internationale

Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit spezialisiert.

Internationale Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit

ist eine alternative Streitbeilegung

außerhalb staatlicher Gerichte. Schiedsgerichte

sind international immer stärker im

Kommen, ich sehe da einen ganz klaren

Trend in der Wirtschaft.

Wie laufen solche Fälle ab?

Schiedsverfahren gibt es in unterschiedlichen

Ausformungen. Eine breite Unterscheidung

wäre zum einen zwischen der

klassischen Handelsschiedsgerichtsbarkeit

und zum anderen der Investitionsschiedsgerichtsbarkeit.

Bei der einen tragen zwei

Vertragsparteien zumeist eine kommerzielle

Streitigkeit aus einem Vertrag aus. Bei

der anderen begehrt ein privater Investor

Rechtsschutz gegen einen Gaststaat in dem

eine erhebliche Investition getätigt wurde.

Denke Sie aber auch an die Verfahren zwischen

Staaten selbst in denen etwa Landesgrenzen

oder Wasserreserven in Streit stehen.

Welche Rolle haben Sie dabei?

Einerseits bieten wir unsere Dienste als

klassische Parteienvertreter an, das bedeutet,

wenn unsere Mandanten Ansprüche

durchsetzen und vollstrecken wollen oder

sich auch entsprechend zur Wehr setzen

müssen. Aber ich stehe auch persönlich als

Schiedsrichter in solchen Streitfällen zur

Verfügung. Für mich ist es ein Herzensanliegen,

dass wir die Vorteile der Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit

bekannt und erkennbar machen.

Ich bin fest davon überzeugt, dass

dies der Streitbeilegungsmechanismus der

Zukunft ist. Und es ist mir wichtig, Wien

und seine Bedeutung als einen Sitz für solche

Verfahren herauszustreichen.

Wie schlägt sich Wien als Standort für

Schiedsgerichte?

Wien steht in großer Konkurrenz zu anderen

bekannten Schiedsorten. Die

Schweiz gilt schon seit Jahren als beliebter

Ort für die Austragung von Schiedsverfahren.

Von den europäischen Städten liegt

London (trotz Brexit) immer noch gut im

Rennen. Zu erwähnen ist dann natürlich

auch Paris, mit der ICC, der Internationalen

Handelskammer, die dort ihren Hauptsitz

hat. Aber ich glaube, dass Wien es geschafft

hat, in den vergangenen Jahren von

sich reden zu machen.

Wo liegen die Stärken der Stadt?

Erstens - und das ist der juristische Gesichtspunkt

- hat man einen intelligenten

und modernen gesetzlichen Rahmen geschaffen.

Die großen Schiedsrechtsnovellen

im Jahr 2006 und 2013 haben dazu geführt,

dass wir das juristische Grundgerüst,

das es für solche Verfahren braucht, auf

einen internationalen Standard gebracht

haben. Dabei ist vor allem die Beseitigung

des dreigliedrigen Instanzenzuges für Aufhebungsklagen

zu nennen. Seit der 2013

Novelle besteht fast durchgängig eine

exklusive Zuständigkeit des Obersten

FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY

CHRISTIAN W. KONRAD

80 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

ist österreichischer Rechtsanwalt, Englischer Solicitor und Euroadvokat in der Slowakei und der

Tschechischen Republik. Seine Spezialgebiete sind Wirtschaftsrecht, internationales Recht und

internationale Handels- und Investitionsschiedsgerichtsbarkeit. Seine Kanzlei „Konrad & Partners“

hat neben Wien auch Büros in Prag, Bratislava, Skopje und London.

is an Austrian Rechtsanwalt, a Solicitor of England and Wales and admitted as Euroadvokat in the

Slovak Republic and Czech Republic. He specializes in commercial & corporate law, public

international law and international commercial and investment arbitration. Next to Vienna, his law

firm “Konrad & Partners“ also has offices in Prague, Bratislava, Skopje and London.

konrad-partners.com

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

L’AUTRICHE XYXY

„Schiedsgerichte müssen

internationales Recht schaffen.“

”Arbitration courts must abide by

international law.”

Der Rechtsanwalt Christian W. Konrad (rechts) von

„Konrad & Partners“ im CD-Interview.

The lawyer Christian W. Konrad (right) from

“Konrad & Partners“ in the interview with CD.

Gerichtshofes bei Fragen zur Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit.

Das spart Zeit und Kosten.

Zusätzlich hat Österreich es insgesamt geschafft,

sich innerhalb der europäischen

Konkurrenz von Schiedsplätzen zu behaupten.

Dies fördert ganz besonders auch

die Spezialisierung der hier tätigen Rechtsanwaltskanzleien.

Auch die privaten und

öffentlichen Universitäten in Österreich

haben auf diese Entwicklung reagiert und

bieten spezielle internationale Ausbildungen

in diesem Rechtsgebiet an.

Schiedsgerichte sind medial gerade rund um das

Handelsabkommen TTIP immer wieder heftig

kritisiert worden. Zu Unrecht?

Dass sich multinationale Konzerne

Rechtsprechung untereinander ausmachen

und dann Staaten unter Druck setzen können,

entspricht nicht den Tatsachen.

Investitionsschiedsgerichtsbarkeit hat

mit Intransparenz überhaupt nichts zu tun.

Diese Verfahren werden sogar meist unter

Beteiligung der interessierten Öffentlichkeit

geführt. Der Vorwurf, dass Staaten immer

mehr den Interessen privater Investoren

dienen und regelmäßig horrende

Schadenersatzforderungen zu bedienen

haben, ist haltlos. Da reicht ein Blick in die

Statistik: Staaten sind in der Mehrzahl der

Fälle die Gewinner solcher Verfahren,

nicht die Verlierer. Diese Schiedsgerichte

müssen natürlich auch internationales

Recht schaffen. Hier ist ein Ausgleich zu

finden zwischen den legitimen Interessen

und Erwartungen ausländischer Investoren

und denen eines Staates.

Kommen eigentlich alle Schiedsrichter aus dem

Rechtsbereich?

Durchaus nicht. Gerade internationale

Diplomaten werden zusehend gerne als

Schiedsrichter benannt. Ich nehme an, weil

man ihnen natürlich auch ein gewisses

Vermittlungsgeschick nahelegt. Auch als

Zeugen habe ich namhafte Würdenträger

Auswärtiger Dienste persönlich schon erlebt,

vor allem bei Investitionsschutzfällen.

Und vergessen Sie nicht, dass gewisse internationale

Organisationen die Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit

für interne Streitigkeiten verwenden,

wenn sie diese bewusst nicht vor

nationalen Gerichten austragen wollen. Ich

bin mir sicher, dass viele Ihrer Leserinnen

und Leser damit schon einmal Erfahrungen

machen konnten.

CD: Please begin by briefly describing the range

of your work-related activities.

Christian Konrad: We have been active

as a law firm for nearly ten years and

have specialised in international arbitration

from the very beginning. International

arbitration is an alternative form of dispute

resolution, outside of the official court system.

Arbitration courts are gaining traction

internationally, and I can see a clear

trend in the business world.

What do those kinds of cases look like?

There are different types of arbitration

cases. One distinctive difference would be

between classic commercial arbitration

and, on the other hand, investment arbitration.

In the case of the former, two contracting

parties settle a usually commercial dispute

on the basis of a contract. In the case

of the latter, a private investor requests legal

protection against a host country where

a significant investment has been made.

There are also legal proceedings between

two countries, where national borders or

water reserves may be the subjects of the

dispute.

What role do you play in all of this?

On the one hand, we offer our services

as a classic counsel, in other words, we assist

our clients if they seek to assert and

enforce claims or must defend themselves.

However, I am also personally available as

an arbitrator in such cases. It is very important

to me that we raise awareness about

the benefits of arbitration. I am convinced

that this is the dispute resolution mechanism

of the future. And it is just as important

to me to emphasise Vienna and its significance

as a seat for such proceedings.

How does Vienna compete as a hub for arbitration

courts?

Vienna is in strong competition with

other known arbitration seats. Switzerland

has been a popular destination for arbitra-

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA

tion proceedings for many years. Among

European cities, London (despite Brexit)

still remains a popular choice. Paris must,

of course, also be mentioned, with the ICC,

the International Chamber of Commerce,

which has its headquarters there. But I believe

that Vienna has been able to expand

its reputation in the past few years.

What are some of the city’s main strengths?

First – and this is the legal aspect – an

intelligent and modern legal framework is

present. The big arbitration law amendments

from the years 2006 and 2013 have

led to the legal framework required for

such cases having been elevated to an international

level. What should be highlighted

especially is the elimination of the tripartite

court system for annulments. Since the

2013 amendment, the supreme court is almost

exclusively responsible for questions

concerning arbitration. This saves time and

money. Additionally, Austria has managed

to assert itself against its European arbitration

competitors. This promotes specialisation

among the active law firms here. Private

and public universities in Austria have

also responded to this development and are

beginning to offer special international

education and training in this legal area.

www.wohntraum-hietzing.at

Arbitration courts have been heavily criticised in

the media, especially in terms of the TTIP trade

agreement. Unfairly so?

The notion that multinational corporations

are settling dispensation of justice

among one another and then pressuring

governments does not conform to reality.

Investment arbitration has nothing to

do with a lack of transparency. These proceedings

are usually even held with the attendance

of interested members of the public.

The accusation that governments are

merely serving the interests of private investors

and simultaneously have to pay

massive damage claims is baseless. All that

is needed is a look at the statistics. Governments

tend to be the winners of such proceedings,

not the losers. Naturally, these

arbitration courts must abide by international

law, too. Here, a balance needs to be

found between the legitimate interests and

expectations of foreign investors and those

of governments.

Do all arbitrators come from a legal background?

Not at all. International diplomats in

particular are often chosen as arbitrators.

I assume that this is the case because of

their diplomatic and mediating abilities.

I have also seen notable dignitaries from the

diplomatic service acting as witnesses, especially

in investment protection cases. And

don’t forget that certain international organisations

are using arbitration for internal

disputes, especially if they don’t want to resolve

them through their national courts.

I am certain that many of your readers will

have had some experience with this.

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82 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

L’AUTRICHE HONORARY DUTY

Heinrich Schaller

„Wir werden in Tschechien als Freunde gesehen.“

”In the Czech Republic, we are regarded as friends.“

FACTS &

FIGURES

Der Chef der Raiffeisenlandesbank

Oberösterreich ist Honorarkonsul für

Tschechien und plädiert für den Ausbau

der S 10 nach Böhmen.

The head of the Raiffeisenlandesbank

Oberösterreich is an Honorary Consul for

the Czech Republic and makes the case

for the expansion of the S 10 to Bohemia.

Text: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner

Am 10. März 2017 erhielt Heinrich Schaller,

Generaldirektor der Raiffeisen Landesbank

Oberösterreich AG das Dekret, als Honorarkonsul

für Tschechien in Linz tätig zu werden. Er

setzt damit eine mehrfache Tradition fort. Schon sein

Vorgänger Ludwig Scharinger war dies 23 Jahre lang.

Und zweitens war in den Jahren vor 1989 der Grenz-

Vorhang zwischen Oberösterreich und Südböhmen

nicht ganz so eisern wie es aussah. Vor allem die Bauern

kauften – für die Mühlviertler Brauereien - Hopfen

in Südböhmen, und gut versteckt in diesen Hängern

gab es auch einen „informellen Waren-Handel“

über Stacheldraht und Befestigungen hinweg …

Am 2. Dezember 1989 gingen auch an der 133 Kilometer

langen Grenze Oberösterreichs zur damaligen

Tschechoslowakei die Grenzbalken endgültig

hoch. Dass sich Industrie-Regionen wie Tschechien

und Oberösterreich gut verstehen werden, war von

vorne herein klar. 1991 eröffnete die Raiffeisen Landesbank

Oberösterreich ihre erste Filiale in Budweis.

„Wir werden in Tschechien als Freunde gesehen“,

sagt Heinrich Schaller heute. Als Investor ist Österreich

Nummer 2 in Tschechien, 14 Prozent aller

Auslands-Investitionen kommen aus Österreich

(Nummer 1 sind die Niederlande, aber auch unter

deren Holdings befinden sich österreichische Unternehmen).

Dass sich der Banker Schaller daher vor

allem als „Wirtschafts-Konsul“ betrachtet, kann wenig

verwundern. Zwar unterstützt das Konsulat, das

ein Büro in der Linzer Zentrale der Raiffeisenbank

betreibt, nach wie tschechische Staatsbürger, die

konsularische Hilfe benötigen, aber der Hauptaugenmerk

liegt in der Verbreiterung der wirtschaftlichen

Zusammenarbeit. Schallers Lieblingsprojekt:

Die sogenannte „S 10“, eine Schnellstraße, die von

Linz kommend derzeit in Freistadt (37 Kilometer

PHOTOS: ERWIN WIMMER, MICHAEL STROBL, FOTOLIA/ RALF WERNER FROELICH, WIKIPEDIA

Seit März 2017 ist Heinrich Schaller Honorarkonsul.

Since March 2017, Heinrich Schaller is Honorary Consul.

nördlich von Linz) endet. „Der Ausbau würde den

Handel mit Böhmen beschleunigen. Es geht mir vor

allem darum, die Verkehrswege zu stärken, das würde

auch Betriebsansiedlungen beiderseits der Staatsgrenze

erleichtern“, sagte Schaller. Die Investition für

die paar Kilometer zur Grenze auf österreichischer

Seite wären – so Schaller – „überschaubar“. Die Planungen

auf tschechischer Seite sind hingegen nicht

so leicht zu durchschauen. „Mir wurde von tschechischer

Seite gesagt, es gibt Überlegungen, vielleicht

auch Planungen“, so Schaller.

Von Freistadt ins böhmische Budweis sind es 58

Straßenkilometer, also auch nicht die Welt. Eine

schnelle Verbindung zwischen Linz und Budweis

würde wohl wirtschaftlich einen ähnlichen Effekt

haben wie die legendäre Pferde-Eisenbahn zwischen

beiden Städten, die um 1830 errichtet wurde, und

Salz nach Norden karrte – viele Händler und Fabrikanten

folgten. Diese Pferdeeisenbahn war die zweite

Eisenbahnstrecke, die auf europäischen Festland

errichtet worden war. In den 1870er Jahren wurde

die Strecke unter Dampf gesetzt.

„Im Herbst 2018“, sagt Schaller, „soll in der österreichischen

Botschaft in Prag für Raiffeisen Oberösterreich

ein Empfang organisiert werden, bei dem

sich österreichische und tschechische Unternehmer,

Manager und Politiker austauschen können.“

Denn die RLB OÖ, wie das bekannte Firmenkürzel

lautet, ist nicht nur noch mit 25 Prozent an der

tschechischen Raiffeisen-Tochter beteiligt, sondern

betreibt selbst noch eine Leasing- und Immobilien-

Gesellschaft in Tschechien.

Politisch will Schaller zu den Unbilden der tschechischen

Regierungsbildung „keine Wertung vornehmen.

Aber eine lange Zeit ohne Regierung ist in

keinem Land positiv.“ Dafür sieht er wirtschaftspolitisch

Tschechien ebenso als Freund.

Angesprochen auf die Beteiligung der tschechischen

Sazka-Gruppe an den Casinos Austria meint

der Honorarkonsul lakonisch: „Warum sollten

Tschechen nicht als Investor in Österreich auftreten?

Heimische Unternehmen haben das umgekehrt ja

auch gemacht.“

Eine kluge diplomatische Antwort, wie es einem

Honorarkonsul geziemt …

1991 eröffnete die

Raiffeisen Landesbank

OÖ ihre erste Filiale in

Budweis.

In 1991, Raiffeisen

Landesbank Upper Austria

opened its first branch in

České Budějovice.

Wirtschaftswunder Tschechien | The Czech Republic, an

economic miracle

Ein Wirtschaftswachstum von 4,5 Prozent, eine Arbeitslosenrate von 2,9 Prozent,

Exportwachstum zirka neun Prozent: Tschechiens Wirtschaftsdaten für 2017 erinnern an

längst vergangene Wirtschaftswunder-Daten. Tatsächlich brummt die Wirtschaft in Tschechien,

das Lohnwachstum für qualifizierte Mitarbeiter lag 2017 bei 15 Prozent – und die

Inflationsrate bei 2,5 Prozent. Das Bruttoinlandsprodukt pro Kopf lag bei 37.150 Dollar, das

Land hat 10,6 Millionen Einwohner. Die Wirtschaftsbeziehungen zwischen Tschechien und

Österreich entwickeln sich dementsprechend. Die Gesamtexporte nach Tschechien stiegen

2017 um 9,9 Prozent, die Gesamtimporte um neun Prozent. Beide liegen um 6,4 Milliarden

Euro. Tschechien ist damit der sechstgrößte Handelspartner Österreichs. Österreich ist mit

Direktinvestitionen in Umfang von 13 Milliarden Nummer 2 als Auslandsinvestor. Österreichische

Unternehmen beschäftigen in Tschechien 95.000 Mitarbeiter. Für 2018 ist ein Rückgang

des Wachstums auf 3,6 Prozent prognostiziert, gleichzeitig sinkt die Arbeitslosenrate weiter.

Das Fehlen qualifizierter Arbeitskräfte ist in Tschechien mittlerweile ein ökonomisches

Problem, manche Firmen müssen deswegen Aufträge ablehnen, daher auch der Rückgang der

Wachstumszahlen. Probleme hat am ehesten die Bauwirtschaft, da die öffentliche Hand

sowohl im Wohn- als auch Straßenbau zurückhaltend ist. Dafür hat das Nachbarland einen

Budgetüberschuss von umgerechnet zwei Milliarden Euro aufzuweisen, die staatliche

Schuldenquote liegt bei 35 Prozent. Analysten warnten vor einer Überhitzung der Konjunktur.

An economic growth rate of 4.5 percent, an unemployment rate of 2.9 percent. Export growth

approximately nine percent: The Czech Republic’s economic data values for 2017 are

reminiscent the of long-forgotten numbers from the economic miracle era. The Czech Republic’s

economy is booming indeed, wage growth for qualified employees was at 15 percent in 2017

— and the inflation rate at 2.5 percent. GDP per capita was 37,150 USD, whilst the country has a

population of 10.6 million. The economic relations between the Czech Republic and Austria have

been developing accordingly. In 2017, total exports to the Czech Republic grew by 9.9 percent,

total imports by nine percent. Both are around 6.4 billion euro. This makes the Czech Republic

Austria’s sixth biggest trading partner. Austria, with direct investments of 13 billion, is the

number two foreign investor. Austrian enterprises employ 95,000 workers in the Czech

Republic. For 2018, a decline in growth to 3.6 is expected, whilst the unemployment rate will

continue to fall. The lack of qualified workers has become an economic problem in the Czech

Republic, due to which some companies now

have to reject contracts, thus the decline in

growth. The biggest problems can be seen in the

construction industry, as the public sector is

restrained both in terms of housing as well as

road construction. In turn, Austria’s neighbour

has a converted budget surplus of two billion

euro, government debt is at 35 percent. Analysts

warn that the economy may overheat eventually.

Personenverkehr I. Klasse auf der Strecke

Linz–Budweis, Zeichnung von A. Krúzner

Passenger traffic 1st class on the route

Linz-České Budějovice, drawing by A. Krúzner.

84 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

L’AUTRICHE HONORARY DUTY

PROMOTION

In Prag, der Hauptstadt der

Tschechischen Republik:

Panorama-Ansicht des

Vltava Flusses vom Letna

Park aus betrachtet.

In Prague, the capital of the

Czech Republic: panoramic

view of the Vltava river,

looked upon from Letna Park.

On 10 March 2017, Heinrich Schaller, General

Director of the Raiffeisen Landesbank Oberösterreich

AG, received a decree to become

an honorary consul for the Czech Republic in Linz. In

doing so, he is continuing a manifold tradition. First,

because his predecessor Ludwig Scharinger acted in

the same position for 23 years. And second, because

in the years before 1989, the iron curtain on the border

between Upper Austria and South Bohemia no

longer seemed quite as solid as it once did. It was especially

farmers who were purchasing hops in South

Bohemia for the breweries in the Mühlviertel region.

Well hidden in these trailers was also an “unofficial

goods market“ that reached well beyond the barbed

wire and fortifications …

On 2 December 1989, the barriers were finally removed

from the 133-kilometre-long border between

Upper Austria and the former Czechoslovakia. The

fact that the industry-heavy regions of the Czech Republic

and Upper Austria would get along seemed

clear from the very beginning. In 1991, Raiffeisen

Landesbank Oberösterreich opened its first branch

in České Budějovice. ”In the Czech Republic, we are

regarded as friends,“ Heinrich Schaller says today.

Austria is the number-two investor in the Czech Republic,

14 per of all foreign investments come from

Austria (the Netherlands are number one, although

there are Austrian companies among their holdings).

The fact that Schaller, being a banker, mainly sees

himself as an “economic consul“ should thus come as

no surprise. Although the consulate, which operates

an office at Raiffeisenbank’s headquarters in Linz,

continues to support Czech citizens in need of consular

help, its primary task is focused on expanding

economic cooperation. Schaller’s favourite project is

the so-called “S 10“, a motorway extending from

Linz to Freistadt (37 kilometres north of Linz). ”The

expansion would accelerate trade with Bohemia.

Heinrich Schaller (2.v.r.) wurde am 10. März 2017 das Dekret,

als Honorarkonsul für Tschechien in Linz tätig zu werden, von

Martin Smolek (3.v.r.), stellvertretender Außenminister

Tschechiens, überreicht. On March 10, 2017 Heinrich Schaller

received the decree to become honorary consul for the Czech

Republic in Linz, by Deputy Foreign Minister Martin Smolek of

the Czech Republic.

What’s especially important to me is the strengthening

of the traffic routes, which also make business

expansion on both sides of the borders easier,“ says

Schaller. On the Austrian side, investments for the

handful of kilometres toward the border would – according

to Schaller – be “manageable“. The planning

on the Czech side, on the other hand, could be a little

less manageable. ”I was told from the Czech side

that there are considerations, perhaps even plans,“

says Schaller.

It’s around 58 road kilometres from Freistadt to

the Bohemian České Budějovice, which isn’t very far.

A fast connection between Linz and České

Budějovice would likely have a similar economic impact

as the legendary horse-drawn railway connection

between the two cities, which was created in

1830 in order to ship salt up north – many merchants

and manufacturers followed. This horse-drawn railway

was the second railway line that was built on

European mainland. In the 1870s, the line started to

be serviced by a train that used steam rather than

horses.

”In the autumn of 2018,“ says Schaller, ”there will

be a reception of Raiffeisen Oberösterreich at the

Austrian embassy in Prague, which will give Austrian

and Czech entrepreneurs, managers and politicians

the opportunity to mix and mingle.“

The RLB OÖ (the company’s well-known acronym)

does not only own 25 percent of the Czech

Raiffeisen subsidiary, but also operates its own leasing

and real estate company in the Czech Republic.

Politically, and especially in regard to the difficulties

in the formation of the new Czech government,

Schaller does not ”want to make a judgement. But an

extended period of time without a government

wouldn’t have a positive effect on any country.“ Nevertheless,

he also sees the Czech Republic as a friend

in economic terms. In response to a question about

the Czech Sazka Group’s stake in Casinos Austria, the

Honorary Consul remarks laconically, ”Why wouldn’t

the Czechs invest in Austria? Our domestic companies

have done the same thing vice versa, after all.“

A smart and diplomatic answer, as one would expect

from an Honorary Consul.

PHOTOS: FOTOLIA/ SERGEY BOGOMYAKO, MICHAEL STROBL

ENTGELTLICHE EINSCHALTUNG • PHOTO: BMDW/ADOBE STOCK

Austrian Presidency of the Council

of the EU - Challenges and Chances

ahead

Driven by the motto “A Europe that protects” Austria

will - for the third time after 1998 and 2006 - take

over the Presidency of the Council of the European

Union in July 2018. This occasion entails not only

the opportunity to steer discussions in the EU but

also many demanding tasks and responsibilities.

The Austrian Presidency is a common endeavour of

the entire Federal Government. A creative spirit of

high motivation has been tangible already in the

run-up to the comprehensive task ahead, which

comprises two substantial challenges at EU level:

First, the negotiation on the withdrawal of the United

Kingdom from the EU (BREXIT), which should

be concluded by October 2018, and second, the negotiations

for the new Multiannual Financial Framework

after 2020.

In line with the motto, the Austrian Presidency will

focus on three areas: Security and fight against illegal

migration, prosperity and competitiveness through

digitalisation as well as stability in the neighbourhood

– rapprochement of the Western Balkans/

South-East Europe to the EU.

Against this background, the Austrian Presidency

will also aim at advancing the discussion on the principle

of subsidiarity, enshrined in Article 5(3) of the

Treaty on European Union. It serves to ensure that

the EU only intervenes if it is able to act more effectively

than EU countries at their respective national

or local levels.

However, Austria has not been completely unlimited

in shaping its 6-month programme: Three member

states, a so-called “trio”, consisting of the preceding,

current and succeeding Presidencies, work together

closely, with the current trio made up of Estonia,

Bulgaria and Austria. Austria’s programme is therefore

based on the common agenda of the trio, determining

the major topics that will be addressed by the

Council over the 18-month period.

Within the competence of the Austrian Federal Ministry

for Digital and Economic Affairs, one of the

priorities will be the progress of the Digital Single

Market. It can provide up to € 415 billion per year to

Europe’s economy and offers new opportunities to

businesses and consumers. Today, 70% of Austrian

consumers shop online, but only 15% of Austrian

SMEs sell online. The Austrian Presidency will support

SMEs in their digital transformation in order to

stay competitive and to keep pace with the digital

economy.

Another priority of the Austrian Federal Ministry

for Digital and Economic Affairs will be the creation

of a renewed EU-industrial policy aiming at a continuous

transition towards a sustainable and low carbon

industry. This new policy must be in line with

other important policy areas such as energy, climate

and environment. The transition should encourage

innovation and modernisation efforts within the

sector without impeding energy-intensive industries.

A particular focus will be put on the potential of

the digital transformation and new technologies,

such as Artificial Intelligence, as a driving force for a

reindustrialisation of Europe.

Austria has been known for its dual education system,

which has acted as a best practice model for

other European countries in the past. During its Presidency,

Austria will also strive for an expansion of

the dual education system, especially with regard to

digital skills. Clear emphasis will be placed on dual

education at informal council meetings, and the constructive

discussion on the New Skills Agenda will

be continued.

Taking over the Presidency goes hand in hand with a

large number of complex and challenging dossiers

and additional duties in the service of the European

Union. The two main tasks of the Presidency include

planning and chairing the meetings in the Council

and its preparatory bodies as well as representing the

Council in its relations with other EU institutions.

The Presidency must always act as an honest and

neutral intermediary. After Austria, the next trio will

take over: Romania (first half of 2019), Finland (second

half of 2019) and Croatia (first half of 2020).

INFO

For further information

please visit the following

website:

www.eu2018.at

86 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

L‘AUTRICHE BUSINESS

Neues aus Österreich

News from Austria

Text: Daniela Pötzl

Wirtschaft | Economy

Neuer WK-Präsident | New President of the Austrian Federal

Economic Chamber

Harald Mahrer, davor Staatssekretär und zuletzt Präsident des Österreichischen Wirtschaftsbundes,

folgte per 18. Mai 2018 auf Christoph Leitl, der das Amt seit 2000 innehatte und nun seit

Jahresbeginn Präsident der Europäischen Wirtschaftskammern (Eurochambres) ist. Der neue

WKÖ-Präsident will „Wirtschaft neu denken“: Die Zukunft der Wirtschaftskammer sieht er in

effizienten Strukturen, exzellentem Mitgliederservice und starken Positionen für Reformen.

Schwerpunkte will er vor allem in den Bereichen Digitalisierung, Weiterbildung und Außenwirtschaft

setzen.

On 18 May 2018, Harald Mahrer, previously Secretary of State and most recently President of the

Österreichischer Wirtschaftsbund (Austrian Economic Association), succeeded Christoph Leitl,

who had held the office since 2000 and has been the new President of Eurochambres since the

beginning of the year. The new President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber wants to

“rethink business“: He sees the future of the Federal Economic Chamber in efficient structures,

excellent member services and strong takes on reform. The primary focus will lie on topics such

as digitalisation, further education and foreign trade.

wko.at

Christoph Leitl,

Wirtschaftsministerin

Margarete Schramböck

und der neue WKÖ-

Präsident Harald Mahrer

(von links).

Christoph Leitl, Minister

of Economic Affairs

Margarete Schramböck

and the new President of

the Austrian Federal

Economic Chamber Harald

Mahrer (from left).

Immobilien | Property

International im Büro | International offices

Nach der Etablierung ihrer beiden Retailmarken Stop Shop und

Vivo! führte die Immofinanz 2016 mit myhive auch für ihre

Büroimmobilien ein internationales Markenkonzept ein. Dabei

steht der Name für ein umfangreiches Qualitäts- und Serviceversprechen:

Die Büros punkten mit zahlreichen Serviceleistungen,

bester Infrastruktur und bieten Raum für ein kommunikatives und

lebendiges Miteinander der Mieter – als Netzwerk für geschäftlich

wie privat.

Following the establishment of the two retail brands Stop Shop and

Vivo!, Immofinanz introduced myhive, a new international brand

concept for their office properties, in 2016. The brand name stands for

a broad and extensive quality and service programme: The offices

score with countless services, state-of-the-art infrastructure and offer

space for lively interactions between tenants – resulting in new

private as well as business networks alike.

myhive-offices.com

PHOTOS: PHOTONEWS.AT/GEORGES SCHNEIDER, AUSTRIAN AIRLINES, MARTIN HÖRMANDINGER, IMMOFINANZ

Technologie | Technology

Infineon baut Chipfabrik | Infineon to build a

chip factory

Die Infineon Technologies AG wird eine neue Fabrik für Leistungshalbleiter

errichten. Am Standort Villach wird neben der bestehenden Fertigung

eine vollautomatisierte Chipfabrik für die Fertigung auf 300 Millimeter-

Dünnwafern gebaut. Bundeskanzler Sebastian Kurz und die Infineon-

Vorstandsvorsitzenden Reinhard Ploss (r.) und Sabine Herlitschka stellten

das Projekt in Wien vor. Über einen Zeitraum von sechs Jahren sind

Investitionen von insgesamt rund 1,6 Milliarden Euro geplant. Durch die

neue, hocheffiziente Fabrik werden rund 400 neue, hochqualifizierte

Arbeitsplätze entstehen.

Infineon Technologies AG is building a new power semiconductor factory.

Next to the existing production, a new and fully automated chip factory for

the manufacture of 300-millimetre thin-wafers will be built in the location of

Villach. Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and the Infineon chairmen Reinhard

Ploss (r.) and Sabine Herlitschka introduced the project in Vienna. Investments

of around 1.6 billion euro are planned throughout a time span of six years. The

new and highly efficient factory will create around 400 new, high-skill jobs.

infineon.com/austria

2016 93%

2017 100%

25 YEARS

Luftfahrt | Aviation

Mit der AUA nach Tokio | Taking AUA to Tokyo

Seit Mitte Mai geht es mit dem größten Flugzeug der Austrian Airlines Flotte, einer

Boeing 777, wieder in Japans Hauptstadt. Bis zu 57.000 Passagiere sollen bis Jahresende

mit einem Austrian Airlines Flug auf dieser Strecke unterwegs sein. Neben der Attraktivität

für Touristen bietet die Strecke zwischen Wien und Tokio auch hohes Potenzial an

Transferpassagieren nach Prag, Zagreb, Innsbruck und Mailand. Die Flugdauer von Wien

zum über 9.100 km entfernten Tokio beträgt etwa 11 Stunden.

The biggest plane from the Austrian Airlines fleet, a Boeing 777, has been flying to Japan’s

capital city again since mid-May. By the end of the year, up to 57,000 passengers will have

travelled the route with Austrian Airlines. Next to the appeal to tourists, the route from Vienna

to Tokyo will also come in handy for transfer passengers to Prague, Zagreb, Innsbruck and Milan.

The flight from Vienna to Tokyo is 9,100 kilometres long and lasts for approximately 11 hours.

austrian.com

‘striving for

EXCELLENCE, by

ENGAGING minds,

EXCITING learners,

acting ETHICALLY and

showing EMPATHY’

88 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Ages 3-18

Öffentlichkeitsrecht

Boarding School option available

SAVOIR

VIVRE

IN „SAVOIR VIVRE“ DREHT

SICH ALLES UM DIE SCHÖNEN

DINGE DES LEBENS WIE KULTUR

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SCHMUCK, MODE & DESIGN,

WELLNESS & GESUNDHEIT

UND VIELES MEHR.

"SAVOIR VIVRE" FOCUSES ON

THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE SUCH

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SPORTS, WATCHES & JEWELLERY,

FASHION & DESIGN, WELLNESS

& HEALTH AND MUCH MORE.

NEU

Kapstadt

KAP FÜR ENTDECKER

myAustrian fliegt mich mit herzlichem Service nonstop ins eindrucksvolle Kapstadt. Denn die

schönsten Orte sind jene, die mich jeden Tag mit etwas Neuem zum Staunen bringen.

the charming way to fly

SAVOIR VIVRE JEWISH CULTURE VIENNA

Vom Wiener Salon bis New Klezmer

From Viennese salons to neo-klezmer

Text: Evelyn Rois und Bruno Stubenrauch

Ohne den Beitrag jüdischen Kulturschaffens wäre

die Wiener Moderne undenkbar, heute ist die

florierende jüdische Kulturszene wieder selbstbewusster

Bestandteil des Wiener Kulturlebens.

Without the contribution of Jewish culture, the

Viennese Modern Age likely wouldn’t have

happened. Today, the flourishing Jewish cultural

scene is an indispensable part of Vienna’s overall

cultural life.

PHOTOS: XYXXYXYXY

PHOTOS: JÜDISCHES MUSEUM WIEN; SONJA BACHMAYER; CHRISTOFER MEIDINGER; EVA ELLERSDORFER MEISSNEROVA

Teddy Kollek und Franz Vranitzky blicken über

das Häusermeer Jerusalems, das sich unterhalb

des Ölberges erstreckt. Die beiden verbindet

nicht nur ihr hohes politisches Amt (der eine

ist Bürgermeister von Jerusalem, der andere österreichischer

Bundeskanzler) – beide haben ihre Kindheit

und Jugend in Wien verbracht, wie in der Ausstellung

„Teddy Kollek. Der Wiener Bürgermeister von Jerusalem“,

die momentan im Jüdischen Museum Wien

läuft, in Erfahrung zu bringen ist. Die berühmte Fotografie

aus dem Jahr 1993 illustriert die enge Verbindung

zwischen dem jüdischen Wien und Israel. Das

jüdische Wien hat aber nicht nur bei der Staatsgründung

Israels wichtige Impulse geliefert – die einst

größte deutschsprachige Gemeinde der jüdischen

Diaspora stand auch Pate beim großen Aufbruch in

die Moderne am Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts und ist

heute, trotz des schmerzlichen Einschnittes und ihrer

fast kompletten Auslöschung in der Shoah, wieder

ein gewichtiger und umtriebiger Bestandteil des Wiener

Kulturlebens.

Das Jüdische Museum Wien als Ort jüdischer Geschichte

und Gegenwart

„Wiener und jüdische Kultur sind voneinander

nicht zu trennen. Sie sind miteinander verflochten.

Denken wir nur an die Wienerlieder – die meisten

sind von jüdischen Komponisten und Textdichtern

geschrieben, ich nenne pars pro toto Hermann Leopoldi“,

unterstreicht Danielle Spera, Direktorin des

Jüdischen Museums Wien, die entscheidenden, von

Jüdinnen und Juden hervorgebrachten kulturellen

Errungenschaften in Österreich. Das 1988 wiedergegründete

Jüdische Museum Wien, mit den beiden

Standorten Dorotheergasse und Judenplatz, ist ein

wichtiges Zentrum jüdischer Kultur und gibt vielfältige

und spannende Einblicke in die (Wiener) jüdische

Geschichte und Gegenwart. Neben der angesprochenen

Ausstellung zur Person Teddy Kollek

beleuchtet derzeit „The Place to Be“ die Wiener Salons

berühmter jüdischer Gastgeberinnen wie Fanny

Arnstein oder Berta Zuckerkandl und ihre Rolle als

Orte der gesellschaftlichen Emanzipation. Dazu Spera:

„Das Gleichstellungsgesetz unter Kaiser Franz

Joseph sorgte für den Zuzug von tausenden Jüdinnen

und Juden in die boomende Metropole Wien.

Das jüdische Bürgertum hatte entscheidenden Einfluss

auf die Entwicklung und Etablierung eines außergewöhnlich

interessanten Kultur- und Geisteslebens,

einerseits durch das Mäzenatentum,

andererseits durch den herausragenden Anteil von

Jüdinnen und Juden in Wissenschaft und Kunst.“

Die Wiener Moderne, Psychoanalyse und Literatur

Die Erkenntnisse Sigmund Freuds und ihr Einfluss

auf das Werk von Arthur Schnitzler bis Karl

Kraus wird gerade in der Ausstellung „Parallelaktionen.

Freud und die Literaten des Jungen Wien“ im

Sigmund Freud Museum ausgelotet. „Für die moderne

Literatur ist die Errungenschaft der Psychoanalyse

ganz unverzichtbar,“ betont auch der Lyriker

und Schriftsteller Robert Schindel. „Es ist eine der

Aufgaben der Literatur, was ungesagt und unbegriffen

ist, zu Sprache erstarren zu lassen. Ich denke daher,

dass der Beginn der modernen Literatur sehr

viel mit Freud zu tun hat.“ Schindel zählt zur gegenwärtigen

Generation jüdischer Intellektueller in

Wien. Auf die Frage, ob es nach der Katastrophe der

Shoah jemals wieder so etwas wie eine Normalität

geben kann, meint Schindel, dessen Vater im KZ Dachau

ermordet wurde und dessen Mutter Auschwitz

und Ravensbrück überlebte: „Ich kann nicht davon

sprechen, wie es in 400 Jahren sein wird, ob die Shoah

dann die Rolle eines furchtbaren, aber fernen Geschehens

in der Weltgeschichte einnimmt. Jetzt ist es

so, dass natürlich die Shoah nicht nur das jüdische

Wien, sondern Wien überhaupt literarisch dominiert.“

Nach der Veröffentlichung seines zweiten Romans

„Der Kalte“ 2013, der auf 660 Seiten die Verwerfungen

der Waldheim Affäre auslotet, schreibt

der Autor derzeit an einem dritten Roman über das

Leben einer jüdischen Kommunistin im 20. Jahrhundert,

für die auch die eigene Mutter Vorbild

steht. Die hohe Zahl jüdischer Protagonisten der

Aliosha Biz,

Musiker / musician.

Danielle Spera, Direktorin

Jüdisches Museum Wien /

Director Jewish Museum

Vienna.

Robert Schindel,

Autor / author.

Der Wiener Salon (hier der Familie Todesco, Foto vor 1900)

als Zentrum gesellschaftlicher Emanzipation. Aktuelle

Ausstellung Jüdisches Museum Wien.

The Vienna Salon (here of the Todesco family, photo before

1900) as a center of social emancipation. Current exhibition

at the Jewish Museum Vienna.

Das von Rachel Whiteread

gestaltete Mahnmal am Wiener

Judenplatz.

The memorial designed by

Rachel Whiteread at Vienna‘s

Judenplatz.

92 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

SAVOIR VIVRE JEWISH CULTURE VIENNA

Berühmte jüdische Gastgeberinnen des Wiener

Salons: Hilde Spiel und Berta

Zuckerkandl.

Famous Jewish hosts of the Vienna Salon: Hilde

Spiel and Berta Zuckerkandl.

Brief Sigmund Freuds an

Arthur Schnitzler, 1922.

Letter from Sigmund Freud to

Arthur Schnitzler, 1922.

Teddy Kollek im Wahlkampf in

Jerusalem, 1965 (oben) und bei der

Eröffnung des Jüdischen Museums

Wien, 1993.

Teddy Kollek in the election campaign

in Jerusalem in 1965 (top) and at the

opening of the Jewish Museum in

Vienna in 1993.

Arthur Schnitzler, 1908.

Wiener Moderne – so wie Freud stammten Arthur

Schnitzler, Felix Salten und Karl Kraus aus dem jüdischen

Bürgertum und auch Hugo von Hofmannsthal

(der sich selbst als katholischen Aristokraten sah)

hatte prominente jüdische Vorfahren – sieht Schindel

im besonderen Naheverhältnis von Judentum

und Sprache begründet: „Das ist ja das ganze Geheimnis,

warum es in Wien der 1920er Jahre eine

derartige Blüte an jüdischer Kultur gegeben hat – die

aber gar nicht unbedingt jüdische Kultur, sondern

einfach deutschsprachige Kultur, gemacht von Juden,

gewesen ist.“

World Fusion: Wiener Klezmer

Ihr fulminantes Comeback hat in den letzten Jahren

die Wiener Klezmer Musik hingelegt. Ein so umtriebiger

wie vielseitiger Protagonist der Szene ist

Aliosha Biz, der mit Formationen von Frejlech bis

Dobrek Bistro auf der Bühne stand und steht und

auch schon mit dem Wiener Oberkantor Shmuel

Barzilai musiziert hat. In Moskau aufgewachsen, wo

er Mitglied des Moskauer Jugendorchesters war, kam

Biz 1989 nach Wien. „Es war eine Art Rückkehr in

die unbekannte Heimat meiner Vorfahren – meine

Großmutter ist gebürtige Wienerin. Erst in Wien

habe ich dann alle diese Arten jüdischer Kultur und

jüdischer Musik für mich entdeckt. Und zu meinem

Glück bin ich genau zu einer Zeit hier angekommen,

als eine regelrechte Explosion an jüdischem Kulturleben

stattgefunden hat!“ Nach Bands wie Geduldig

un Thimann oder dem Timna Brauer & Elias Meiri

Ensemble in den 1970er und 1980er Jahren waren es

vor allem jüdische Zuwanderer aus der damaligen

Sowjetunion wie Roman Grinberg (der aus Moldavien

über den Umweg Israel nach Österreich gekommen

ist), die die Klezmertradition in Wien weiterführten.

„Aber dadurch, dass Wien ein Melting Pot

für sehr viele Kulturen ist, mischt sich in diese Klezmertradition

auch andere Musik: Balkaneinflüsse,

Jazz, orientalische Musik – es wird zu einem ganz

neuen Ding!“ fügt Aliosha Biz an. Bands wie Mandys

Mischpoche oder Hatz & Klok stehen für diesen, mit

den unterschiedlichsten Musiktraditionen verschmolzenen

Wiener Klezmerstil.

Jüdische Kultur in Wien liefert heute wieder einen

vielfältigen Input zum Kulturleben der Stadt,

wie Danielle Spera, die Direktorin des Jüdischen

Museums Wien betont: „Es vergeht kein Tag, an dem

in Wien nicht irgendein jüdisch konnotiertes Kulturereignis

stattfindet!“ Vom KlezMORE Festival über

die Jüdischen Filmwochen bis zum gerade laufenden,

von der Iraelitischen Kultusgemeinde organisierte

Festival der Jüdischen Kultur, inklusive hochkarätiger

Gäste und Straßenfest, gilt es, einen starken

und blühenden Ast des Wiener Kulturlebens mit einer

großen Geschichte und Tradition zu entdecken.

PHOTOS: IMAGNOPICTUREDESK; JMW; SIGMUND FREUD PRIVATSTIFTUNG; ONB; STEFAN FUHR, DAVID RUBINGER, YEDIOTH AHARONOT; VOTAVA PID

Teddy Kollek and Franz Vranitzky gaze at the

dense accumulation of roofs that is the city of

Jerusalem, extending beneath the Mount of

Olives. The two are not only connected due to their

high-ranking political offices (one is the Mayor of

Jerusalem, the other the Austrian Chancellor) – both

have also spent their childhoods in Vienna, as the

”Teddy Kollek. The Viennese Mayor of

Jerusalem“exhibition, currently on display at the Jewish

Museum Vienna, reveals. The famous photograph

from 1993 illustrates the close bond between

Jewish Vienna and Israel. Jewish Vienna not only

lent important momentum to the creation of the State

of Israel – what was once the largest German-speaking

community of the Jewish diaspora also played a

major role during the dawn of Modernism in the

early 20th century. Despite the community’s painful

history and their nearly complete extinction during

the Holocaust, it remains an important and bustling

part of Vienna’s cultural scene to this day.

The Jewish Museum Vienna as a place for Jewish history and

contemporary affairs

”Viennese and Jewish culture can not be separated

from one another. They are interwoven with each

other. Let’s take the “Wienerlieder“ (“Viennese

Songs“), for example – most of them were written by

Jewish composers and lyricists, like Hermann Leopoldi,

to name just one,“ emphasises Danielle Spera,

Director of the Jewish Museum Vienna, as she discusses

the cultural achievements of Austria’s Jewish

community. The Jewish Museum Vienna, founded in

1988, with its two locations at Dorotheergasse and

Judenplatz, is an important hub for Jewish culture

and offers diverse and exciting insights into (Viennese)

Jewish history and contemporary affairs. Next to

the already mentioned exhibition about Teddy Kollek,

there is also “The Place to Be“, which is currently

shedding light on Viennese café salons owned by famous

Jewish hosts, such as Fanny Arnstein or Berta

Zuckerkandl, and their role as spaces for social

emancipation. Spera adds, ”The equality law passed

by Emperor Franz Joseph allowed for the influx of

thousands of Jews into the booming metropolis of

Vienna. The Jewish bourgeoisie had a significant influence

on the development and establishment of a

remarkably interesting cultural and intellectual

scene, on the one hand by way of patronage, and on

the other hand due to the exceptional proportion of

Jews involved in the sciences and arts.“

Paradisus Vindobonensis

Blumenaquarelle

von Anton Hartinger

25. Mai bis 26. August 2018

Kupferstichkabinett

der Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien

zu Gast im Theatermuseum

Lobkowitzplatz 2, 1010 Wien

www.kupferstichkabinett.at

Das Jüdische Museum Wien im Palais Eskeles,

Dorotheergasse.

The Jewish Museum Vienna in the Palais

Eskeles, Dorotheergasse.

94 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Abbildung: Anton Hartinger (Wien 1806 – 1890 ebda.): Lilium speciosum var. punctatum,

Detail, 1843, Aquarell und Deckweiß, Spuren einer Vorzeichnung mit Bleistift, auf Papier

(Beschriftung und Umrahmung mit Bleistift)

SAVOIR VIVRE JEWISH CULTURE VIENNA

CULTURE

INFO

JÜDISCHE KULTUR IN

WIEN / JEWISH CULTURE IN

VIENNA - HIGHLIGHTS

2018:

Teddy Kollek. Der Wiener

Bürgermeister von

Jerusalem

bis 25.11.2018

The Place to Be. Salons als

Orte der Emanzipation

30.05.-14.10.2018

Jüdisches Museum Wien

jmw.at

Parallelaktionen. Freud

und die Literaten des

Jungen Wien

bis 31.12.2018

Sigmund Freud Museum

freud-museum.at

Festival der Jüdischen

Kultur

bis 17.06.2018

ikg-kultur.at

Machen Sie mich schön,

Madame D’Ora!

13.07. - 29.10.2018

leopoldmuseum.org

Moderne Jüdische Klänge

– 70 Jahre Israel

01.07.2018

MuTh / Konzertsaal

muth.at

Großmütterchen Hatz &

Klok; Mandys Mischpoche;

Erwin Steinhauer &

klezmer reloaded

06.07. - 08.07.2018

schrammelklang.at

Yiddish Tango

Timna Brauer & Elias Meiri

26.08.2018

kultursommer-semmering.at

Russian Gentlemen Club

feat. A. Biz und R.

Grinberg

11. u. 12.09.2018

Theater am Spittelberg

r-g-c.at

Jüdisches Filmfestival

Wien

11.-18.10.2018

jfw.at

Klezmore Festival 2018

10.-25.11.2018

klezmore-vienna.at

Erwin Steinhauer & klezmer reloaded. Yiddish Tango, Timna

Brauer (oben rechts/ top right).

The Viennese Modern Age, psychoanalysis and literature

The insights of Sigmund Freud and their influence

on the work of Arthur Schnitzler to Karl Kraus

are currently being explored in the exhibition “Parallel

Actions, Freud and the Writers of Young Vienna“

at the Sigmund Freud Museum. ”For modern literature,

the achievements of psychoanalysis are indispensable,“

accentuates the lyricist and author Robert

Schindel. ”One of the tasks of literature is to express

in language what is neither said nor understood. This

is why I think that the beginning of modern literature

owes a lot to Freud.“ Schindel is considered part

of the contemporary generation of Jewish intellectuals

in Vienna. In response to the question whether

something akin to normality can ever return after

the Holocaust, Schindel, whose father was murdered

at the Dachau concentration camp and whose mother

survived Auschwitz and Ravensbrück, says, ”I

can’t say how things are going to look like in 400 years,

whether the Holocaust will then play the role of

a horrific, but far distant event in world history.

Right now, the Holocaust not only dominates Jewish

Vienna, but Vienna’s literature scene in general.“ After

the release of his second novel “Der Kalte“ (“The

Cold One“) in 2013, which dealt with the upheavals

of the Waldheim Affair across 660 pages, the author

is currently working on a third novel about the life of

a female Jewish communist in the 20th century, for

whom his own mother stood as a role model. The

high number of Jewish protagonists in the Viennese

Modern Age – such as Freud, Arthur Schnitzler, Felix

Salten and Karl Kraus had their origins in Jewish

bourgeoisie, and even Hugo von Hofmannsthal

(who saw himself as a Catholic aristocrat) had prominent

Jewish ancestors – is a result of Judaism’s special

relationship with language, says Schindel. ”This

is the reason why there was such a blossoming of Jewish

culture in Vienna in the 1920s – which wasn’t

even necessarily Jewish culture, but simply Germanspeaking

culture, made by Jews.“

Fusion of worlds: Viennese klezmer

Viennese klezmer music has made a great comeback

in the last few years. One of the protagonists in

this scene, who is as restless as he is eclectic, is Aliosha

Biz, who has been performing on stage with

groups like Frejlech and Dobrek Bistro and has even

played with Vienna’s chief cantor Shmuel Barzilai.

Having grown up in Moscow, where he was a member

of the Moscow Youth Orchestra, Biz came to Vienna

in 1989. ”It was like returning to the unknown

ancestral homeland – my grandmother was born in

Vienna. It was only in Vienna that I discovered this

form of Jewish culture and music. And luckily, I arrived

right at the cusp of an explosion of Jewish cultural

life!“ After bands such as Geduldig un Thimann

or the Timna Brauer & Elias Meiri Ensemble in the

1970s and 1980s, it was especially Jewish migrants

from the former Soviet Union, such as Roman Grinberg

(who came to Austria from Moldavia via a detour

in Israel), who kept the klezmer tradition alive

in Vienna. ”Since Vienna is a melting pot of so many

different cultures, klezmer doesn’t shy away from mixing

with other types of music: Balkan influences,

jazz, oriental music - it’s become a completely new

thing!“ Aliosha Biz adds. Bands like Mandys Mischpoche

or Hatz & Klok are the representatives of this

new Viennese klezmer style that has fused various

different musical traditions.

Today, Jewish culture in Vienna once again contributes

to the city’s overall cultural scene, as Danielle

Spera, the Director of the Jewish Museum Vienna,

highlights, ”Not a single day passes during which

there isn’t some kind of Jewish-related cultural event

taking place!“ From the Klezmore Festival, the Jewish

Film Festival Vienna and the Jewish Culture

Festival organised by the Vienna Israelite Community,

which is currently running and includes top-tier

guests and a street festival, there is a sturdy and blossoming

branch of Vienna’s cultural life waiting to be

explored, steeped in history and tradition.

PHOTOS: MAX MOSER; HANS RINGHOFER

PUNCH

SOMMER IM MQ

12.05. – 01.09.

Rosebud

entgeltliche Einschaltung

KULTUR HAT VIELE GESICHTER.

WWW.MQW.AT/SOMMER

#MQSOMMER

Generalsponsor des MQ

Gefördert von

96 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADORS OF MUSIC

Culture Talk Adam Plachetka

Der tschechische Bassbariton Adam Plachetka im Exklusivinterview mit Cercle Diplomatique über seinen Auftritt als Papageno

bei den Salzburger Festspielen, die tschechische Nationaloper Libuše und seine Leidenschaft für Musicals.

In an exclusive interview with Cercle Diplomatique, Czech bass-baritone Adam Plachetka discusses his performance as Papageno at

the Salzburg Festival, the Czech national opera “Libuše“ and his passion for musicals.

Interview: Rois & Stubenrauch

INFO

Die Neuinszenierung der Zauberflöte bei den Salzburger

Festspielen – in der Sie den Papageno singen werden –

wagt unter der Regisseurin Lydia Steiner einen frischen

Zugang zur viel gespielten Mozart-Oper. Was für einen

Papageno wird man in Salzburg zu sehen bekommen?

Papageno ist, wie er selber sagt, ein einfacher Mensch. Ich sehe

ihn vor allem menschlich – im guten und schlechten Sinne. Die

Zauberflöte kann man ja auf viele Weisen betrachten und

verschiedene Aspekte betonen. Ich bin auf die Inszenierung von

Lydia Steiner selbst sehr gespannt und glaube, dass mir diese

Zauberflöte eine Chance geben wird, auch neue Zugänge zu

meiner Rolle zu finden.

Trotz ihrer vielen internationalen Engagements sind Sie

ihrer Heimatstadt Prag treu geblieben.

Ich bin in Prag aufgewachsen, habe dort viele Freunde und meine

Frau ist als Sängerin oft in Prag tätig. Was mich zur Prager Oper

zieht, ist das tschechische Repertoire, vor allem Smetana. Ich

werde im September in einer Neuinszenierung von seiner Libuše

singen. Libuše ist unsere Nationaloper und ich finde es

unglaublich, dass ich den Přemysl in einer Inszenierung für das

hundertjährige Jubiläum der Republik verkörpern darf.

Letzten Oktober ist ihre CD „Impossible Dream“ mit

berühmten Broadway Nummern erschienen – was hat es

mit Ihrem Hang zu Musicals auf sich?

Ich mag Musicals sehr und das schon seit einer langen Zeit. Ich

wollte auch, als ich fünfzehn war, Operngesang studieren, um

dann Musicals zu singen. Bald war mir jedoch Oper viel wichtiger

und es ist nie dazu gekommen. Dennoch wollte ich es wenigstens

einmal probieren und habe nun mit dem Prager Radiosinfonieorchester

einen tollen Partner für mein konzertantes Musical-

Programm gefunden. Letzten Sommer haben wir dann die CD

aufgenommen – was mich riesig gefreut hat.

Under the direction of Lydia Steiner, the new production of

“The Magic Flute” at the Salzburg Festival – where you will be

singing Papageno – is taking a fresh approach to one of

Mozart’s most beloved operas. What kind of Papageno are we

going to see in Salzburg?

As he says about himself, Papageno is a simple man. I see him as

someone very human – and that comes with as much bad as

good. The Magic Flute can be interpreted in a multitude of ways.

I myself am very excited about Lydia Steiner’s take on it and

believe that version of The Magic Flute will give me the

opportunity to find a new approach to my role.

Despite your many international engagements, you have

remained faithful to your hometown of Prague.

I grew up in Prague, I have many friends there and my wife –

who is also a singer – is often there for work purposes. What

attracts me to Prague’s opera are the Czech treasures, especially

Smetana. In September, I will be a singing part of a new

production of his opera “Libuše“. It is our national opera and I

am excited that I will have the privilege to play Přemysl on the

occasion of the 100-year anniversary of our republic.

Last October, you released your CD “Impossible Dream” with

several well-known Broadway hits – what attracts you to

musicals?

I like musicals very much, and this has been the case for a long

time. Since I was 15 years old, I wanted to study opera in order to

be able to sing musicals. The opera, however, ended up becoming

much more important to me and so I had to put the musical idea

aside for a while. Nevertheless, I have wanted to try it out at

least once and so I found a great partner for my concertante

musical programme in the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Last Summer, we finally recorded the CD, which was a real joy for

me.

Zauberflöte

Oper von W. A. Mozart

Salzburger Festspiele 2018

Musikalische Leitung:

Constantinos Carydis

Regie: Lydia Steiner

Premiere 27.07.2018

Libuše

Oper von Bedřich Smetana

Nationaltheater Prag

Dirigent: Jaroslav Kyzlink

Regie: Jan Burian

Premiere: 14.09.2018

PERSONAL DETAILS

PHOTOS: PAVEL HEJNÝ; DON GIOVANNI, L‘ELISIR D‘AMORE. METROPOLITAN OPERA / MARTY SOHL

Sie zählen mit 33 Jahren zur jungen Generation der

heutigen Opernstars. Wie sehen Sie die Zukunft der Oper?

Ich bin optimistisch. Es wird viel davon gesprochen, dass das

Publikum immer älter wird. Ich sehe das nicht ganz so. Nach der

Schule haben sich nur wenige von meinen Freunden für die Oper

interessiert – wenn ich aber heute Konzerte gebe, sehe ich viele

junge Gesichter im Zuschauerraum. Ich denke ganz allgemein,

dass noch viele Menschen den Weg zur Oper entdecken werden.

Die großen Mozartpartien wie Figaro oder Don Giovanni

zählen zu Ihren Paraderollen – welche Rollen würden Sie

gerne in Zukunft singen?

Ich beginne jetzt, nachdem ich mehr als zehn Jahre hauptsächlich

Mozartpartien gesungen habe, immer mehr den Belcanto zu

entdecken. Dieses Jahr habe ich die erste richtige Baritonrolle –

Riccardo in Bellinis I Puritani – gesungen, und mich dabei sehr

wohlgefühlt. In der kommenden Spielzeit werde ich erstmals die

Titelpartie im Barbier von Sevilla verkörpern. Ich denke also, dass

das der richtige Weg ist und ich mehr ins italienische Fach

wechseln werde.

With your 33 years, you’re considered to be part of the

younger generation of today’s opera stars. How do you see the

future of the opera?

I’m optimistic. There is a lot of talk about the audience becoming

older. I don’t see it that way. After finishing school, only a few of

my friends were interested in the opera – but when I give

concerts today, I see plenty of young faces in the audience. In

broad terms, I think that many more people will be developing a

taste for the opera in the coming years.

The great Mozart roles, like Figaro or Don Giovanni, are among

your best-known – what type of roles would you like to sing in

the future?

After 10 years of primarily singing Mozart roles, I am starting

to discover Belcanto more and more. This year, I sang my first

real baritone role – Riccardo in Bellini’s “I Puritani” – and felt

very comfortable in it. In the coming season, I will perform the

title role in “The Barber of Seville” for the first time. So, I think

that this is the right path for me, to slowly move into the

Italian craft.

Adam Plachetka zählt mit 33

Jahren zur jungen Riege der

Opernstars.

At the age of 33, Adam

Plachetka belongs to the young

band of opera stars.

Adam Plachetka debütierte 2005 nach der Ausbildung am Konservatorium seiner

Heimatstadt am Prager Nationaltheater. Bereits 2007 folgte ein Engagement bei

den Salzburger Festspielen, wo der tschechische Bassbariton seither regelmäßig zu

Gast ist. 2010 wurde der Opern-Jungstar ins Ensemble der Wiener Staatsoper

aufgenommen. In der kommenden Saison ist Adam Plachetka unter anderem bei

den Salzburger Festspielen, an der Metropolitan Opera New York und an der Opéra

National de Paris zu hören.

Following his training at the Prague Conservatory and his winning of Antonin

Dvorak‘s International Singing Competition, Adam Plachetka debuted at Prague’s

National Theatre in 2005. Since 2007, the Czech bass-baritone has been a regular

guest at the Salzburg Festival, and in 2010, Plachetka became part of the ensemble

of the Vienna State Opera. In the coming season, Adam Plachetka will, among other

roles, sing as Papageno at the Salzburg Festival, at the Metropolitan Opera New

York and at the Opéra National de Paris.

salzburgerfestspiele.at

narodni-divadlo.cz

adamplachetka.com

98 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS

Kultur-Highlights Sommer 2018

Cultural highlights summer 2018

Gustav Klimt, Sitzendes

junges Mädchen, um 1894.

Seated young girl, around

1894.

Text: Evelyn Rois

Gustav Klimt Superstar

Diesen Sommer feiert das Leopold Museum Gustav Klimt mit

einer große Schau anlässlich des Jubiläumsjahres zur Wiener

Moderne. Die hochkarätigen Bestände der Sammlung Leopold

und ausgewählte Leihgaben zeichnen vom 22.06.–04.11.2018 den

künstlerischen Werdegang Klimts vom späten Historismus zum

bedeutendsten Vertreter des Jugendstils nach. Besonderes

Highlight: Die Präsentation seines letzten, unvollendet

gebliebenen Meisterwerks „Die Braut“ im Kontext von

Werkzeichnungen und dem heute einzig erhaltenen Skizzenbuch

des Malerfürsten.

This summer, the Leopold Museum is set to celebrate Gustav

Klimt with a large exhibition on the occasion of the anniversary

year of Viennese Modernism. From 22.06. to 04.11.2018, brilliant

pieces from the Leopold Collection, as well as selected loan items,

will trace Klimt’s artistic career from the late historicist period to

becoming one of the most significant representatives of the art

nouveau movement. A special highlight: The presentation of his

final and incomplete masterpiece “The Bride” in the context of

various sketches, as well as the master’s only remaining

sketchbook.

leopoldmuseum.org

PHOTOS: LEOPOLD MUSEUM WIEN; RMN-GRAND PALAIS, MUSÉE DU LOUVRE; E. ELLERSDORFER MEISSNEROVA; A. DACOS; C. SCHOPPE; T. BRÖNNER; J. DIMMOCK

Der Glanz des Ostens |

The glow of the East

Kultur unter Sternen |

Culture under the stars

Das Wiener Museumsquartier

bespielt auch 2018 die lauen

Sommerabende wieder mit einem

prallen Kulturangebot – vieles

davon unter freiem Himmel und bei

freiem Eintritt! Das breit gestreute

Programm in Wiens größtem

Freiluftwohnzimmer reicht vom

Literaturfestival „O-Töne“, das an

acht Abenden im Juli und August

den Haupthof zur Bühne für das

aktuelle literarische Schaffen

Österreichs macht, über klassische

Konzertabende, etwa beim mdw

Chamber Open Air (29.06.) oder

mit dem European Union Youth

Orchestra (22.08.) bis zu den

Open-Air-Filmfestivals frame[o]ut

und Architektur.Film.Sommer.

In 2018, the Vienna Museumsquartier

will, once again, provide a

brilliant culture offer throughout

the mild summer evenings — many

of them under the open sky and

with free entry! The extensive

programme at Vienna’s biggest

open-air living room reaches from

the “O-Töne” literature festival,

turning the main court into a stage

of Austria’s contemporary literature

scene on eight evenings in July and

August, classical concert evenings,

such as the mdw Chamber Open Air

(29.06.) or the European Union

Youth Orchestra (22.08.), to the

frame[o]ut open-air film festival as

well as Architektur.Film.Sommer.

mqw.at

Das legendäre Südbahnhotel.

The legendary Südbahnhotel.

Belle Époque am Semmering | at the Semmering

Birgit Minichmayr, Karl Markovics (Fotos oben), Maria Bill, Claus Peymann, Angelika

Kirchschlager, Roland Neuwirth, Elisabeth Leonskaja ...! Äußerst prominent besetzt lädt

der Kultursommer Semmering vom 30.06.–02.09.2018 zu einem Reigen von Lesungen,

Theater, Klassik und Klezmer bis Chanson. Die Spielorte Kurhaus Semmering und das

legendäre Südbahnhotel lassen die großen Zeiten von Wiens Zauberberg wieder

aufleben.

Birgit Minichmayr, Claus Peymann, Maria Bill, Peter Simonischek, Angelika

Kirchschlager, Roland Neuwirth, Elisabeth Leonskaja ...! The line-up of the

Kultursommer Semmering event from 30.06. to 02.09.2018 is filled with celebrities

and invites visitors to a wide range of readings, theatre, classical music, as well as

klezmer and chanson performances. The Kurhaus Semmering and legendary

Südbahnhotel venues are set to revive the grandiose days of Vienna’s Zauberberg.

kultursommer-semmering.at

Kaiser Herakleios als

Kreuzfahrer.

Emperor Heraclius as

Crusader.

Über Jahrhunderte war das Byzantinische Reich und seine Hauptstadt Konstantinopel ein Sehnsuchtsort des Westens. Die Ausstellung „Byzanz & der Westen. 1000

vergessene Jahre“ auf der Schallaburg in Niederösterreich folgt bis zum 11.11.2018 den Wegen von französischen Rittern, byzantinischen Prinzessinnen, Händlern und

Kreuzfahrern und lässt diese Faszination, anhand von wertvollen Exponaten aus namhaften Sammlungen wie dem Pariser Musée du Louvre oder dem Israel Museum in

Jerusalem, wieder aufleben.

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

Years” at Schallaburg Castle in Lower Austria will trace the steps of French knights, Byzantine princesses, merchants and sailors until 11.11.2018, reviving fascination in the era

through precious exhibits from renowned collections, such as the Parisian Musée du Louvre or the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

schallaburg.at

Entlang der Donau |

Along the Danube

Inge Morath (1923–2002), Pionierin

der Dokumentarfotografie und erstes

weibliches Mitglied der berühmten

Fotoagentur Magnum, unternahm

zwischen 1958 und 1994 mehrere Reisen

auf und entlang der Donau.

Im Sommer 2014 begaben sich acht

zeitgenössische Fotografinnen auf die

Spuren der österreichischen Fotokünstlerin

und dokumentierten, über 2800

Kilometer durch 10 Länder, aktuelle

Lebensthemen entlang des Flusses. Die

Landesgalerie Linz zeigt nun bis

16.09.2018 in der Ausstellung

„Donaureise. Auf den Spuren von Inge

Morath“ die Arbeiten der Fotografinnen,

ergänzt durch ausgewählte Fotografien

von Inge Morath.

Inge Morath (1923-2002), documentary

photography pioneer and the first female

member of the famous Magnum photo

agency, embarked on several journeys

along the Danube between 1958 and 1994.

In the summer of 2014, eight contemporary

female photographers began to retrace

the Austrian’s photo artist’s journeys -

spanning more than 2,800 kilometres and

10 countries - and document life along the

river. The Landesgalerie Linz will now

display the works of the photographers in

the exhibition “Journey on the Danube.

Following the Traces of Inge Morath” until

16.09.2018, complemented with selected

photographs by Inge Morath herself.

landesmuseum.at

Jessica Dimmock, aus der Serie

„Untitled“, 2014 / from the series

“Untitled“, 2014.

100 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018 101

SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS

Hoher Besuch | High-ranking visit

Beginn einer neuen Ära | The beginning of a new era

Stars beim JazzFest

Wien / Stars at the

JazzFest Vienna: Corinne

Bailey, Baldachin Trio,

Kris Kristofferson, Maja

Jaku.

Jazz and the City

Gewohnt stilsicher präsentiert sich das JazzFest Wien vom 15.06.–10.07.2018: Von Kris Kristofferson in der

Wiener Stadthalle über die grandiose Caro Emerald oder das Duo Till Brönner & Dieter Ilg in der Wiener

Staatsoper, Mammal Hands aus der ostenglischen Universitätsstadt Norwich im Porgy & Bess bis zum

Ausnahmetrompeter Thomas Gansch im Jazzland reicht der weit gespannte Bogen.

Between 15.06 and 10.07.2018, the JazzFest Vienna will, once again, present itself as stylish as always: The

broad programme reaches all the way from Kris Kristofferson at the Wiener Stadthalle, the grandiose Carl

Emerald and the duo Till Brönner & Dieter Ilg at the Vienna State Opera, Mammal Hands from the

East-Anglian university city of Norwich at the Porgy & Bess jazz club to the brilliant trumpeter Thomas

Gansch at Jazzland.

jazzfest.wien

Vivian Maier, Florida, 1957;

New York, 1955 (unten).

Unterwegs mit der Rolleiflex

| On the go with the Rolleiflex

Ein zufälliger Kauf einiger Kisten voll mit Negativen auf einer

Zwangsauktion führte zur posthumen Weltkarriere der bis

dato völlig unbekannten amerikanischen Fotografin Vivian

Maier. Die grandiosen Straßenszenen aus New York und

Chicago, die Maier ab den 1950er Jahren mit ihrer Rolleiflex

aufgenommen hat, sind nun erstmals in Österreich in der

Ausstellung „Vivian Maier, Out of the Shadows“ vom

29.05.–19.08.2018 im Fotomuseum Westlicht in Wien zu

sehen.

A coincidental purchase of a few boxes filled with negatives

at a court-ordered auction led to the posthumous world

career of the American photographer Vivian Maier, who

was unknown at the time. The brilliant street shots from

New York and Chicago, which Maier had been taking with

her Rolleiflex since the 1950s, will now be presented in

Austria for the very first time at the exhibition “Vivian

Maier, Out of the Shadows” at the WestLicht photography

museum in Vienna, from 29.05 to 19.08.2018.

westlicht.com

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,

STAATLICHE EREMITAGE; UNIVERSALMUSEUM JOANNEUM

Die Eremitage St. Petersburg gibt eines ihrer seltenen Gastspiele und kommt mit 16

bedeutenden Gemälden der Kunstgeschichte nach Wien ins Kunsthistorische Museum, wo

sie (diese streichen) Werken aus der Sammlung des KHM gegenüber gestellt werden. Unter

den „Gästen“: Ambrosius Holbeins Bildnis eines zwanzigjährigen Mannes, ein großformatiges

Selbstportrait von Anthonis van Dyck oder Tintorettos dramatischer Heiliger Georg. Die

Ausstellung „Die Eremitage zu Gast. Meisterwerke von Botticelli bis van Dyck“ läuft vom

06.06.–02.09.2018 in Wien, im Herbst wird sie dann in St. Petersburg zu sehen sein.

The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is making one of its rare trips abroad and

will bring 16 significant paintings from throughout the history of art to Vienna’s

Kunsthistorisches Museum, where they will be

positioned alongside works from the KHM’s own

collection. Among the “guests”: Ambrosius

Holbein’s Portrait of a Young Man, a large

self-portrait by Anthony van Dyck or Tintoretto’s

dramatic St. George. The exhibition “Old Masters

from the Hermitage. Masterpieces from Botticelli

to van Dyck” will be on in Vienna from 06.06. to

02.09.2019. Starting in autumn, it can be seen in

St. Petersburg. khm.at

A. Holbein, Bildnis eines

zwanzigjährigen Mannes,

1518.

Portrait of a twenty-yearold

man, 1518.

Der Friede von Passarowitz (heute Požarevac, Serbien) beendete 1718 die

militärischen Auseinandersetzungen des Venezianisch-Österreichischen

Türkenkrieges und markiert den Beginn von Wirtschaftsbeziehungen

zwischen der Habsburgermonarchie und dem Osmanischen Reich

einhergehend mit dem Aufbau einer diplomatischen Infrastruktur mit

Botschaften und Konsulaten. Die Ausstellung „Wir und Passarowitz. 300

Jahre Auswirkungen auf Europa“ im Landeszeughaus des Universalmuseum

Joanneum in Graz untersucht (bis 04.11.2018) den epochalen Friedensund

Handelsvertrag auf seine Nachwirkungen in die Gegenwart.

In 1718, the Treaty of Passarowitz (today Požarevac, Serbia) ended the

military conflicts of the Ottoman-Venetian War and marked the

initiation of economic relations between the Habsburg Monarchy and

the Ottoman Empire, beginning with the construction of a diplomatic

infrastructure consisting of

embassies and consulates. The

exhibition “The Impact of

Passarowitz. 300 Years of

Continuity in Europe” at the

Universalmuseum Joanneum’s

Styrian Armoury in Graz will

explore the epochal peace and

trade agreement, as well as its

impact on the present, until

04.11.2018.

museum-joanneum.at

102 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

SAVOIR VIVRE CONNOISSEUR

Essen und trinken mit Stil

Wine and dine in style

Text: Daniela Pötzl

Kochen ist Kunst | Cooking as art

TOP 5 OPENINGS

Neu in Wien | New in Vienna

Top-Koch Günzel ist zurück!

Top chef Günzel is back!

aend.at

Drink pink

Roséweine sind nicht nur allein bei

den Damen beliebt und eignen sich

daher optimal als Mitbringsel für die

sommerliche Garten- oder Grillparty.

„Fräulein Rosé von Döbling 2017“ ist

ein reinsortiger Pinot Noir aus Wiener

Weingärten vom Weingut Mayer am

Pfarrplatz und punktet mit feinen

Aromen von Erdbeer-Rhabarber.

Rosé wines are not just popular with

the ladies but are also something

great to bring along to a garden

party or barbeque on a hot summer

day. “Fräulein Rosé von Döbling

2017” is a pure Pinot Noir from the

Mayer am Pfarrplatz winery in

Vienna and scores with its splendid

strawberry-rhubarb aromas.

shop.pfarrplatz.com

Saurer Trend

Sour trend

Unternehmer und Kunstliebhaber Martin Ho hat einen neuen Küchenchef verpflichtet:

Sören Herzig übernimmt die konzeptionelle und kreative Neuausrichtung des DOTS in der

Wiener Mariahilfer Straße. Der gebürtige Deutsche, der zuvor bei Juan Amador groß

aufkochte, war zuletzt im Restaurant Aï. Sein neues Konzept beschreibt er so: mit

„französischer Tradition, japanischer Demut, österreichischer Qualität und vietnamesischer

Passion und Leidenschaft“.

Entrepreneur and art lover Martin Ho has hired a new chef: Sören Kerzig is now

assuming the conceptual and creative redirection of DOTS at Vienna’s Mariahilfer

Strasse. The German chef, who had previously worked with Juan Amador, was most

recently at the Aï restaurant. He describes his new concept as follows: with “French

tradition, Japanese humility, Austrian quality and Vietnamese passion and fervour.”

dotsgroup.eu

Zeit für Champagner | Time for champagne

Moët & Chandon Champagner kann man pur, auf Eis oder als Cocktail trinken – besonders

schön gelingt dies im „Am Hof Schanigarten“ des Hotels Park Hyatt Vienna in der

Bognergasse. Begleitend werden kleine und feine Snacks gereicht. Der Schanigarten ist

täglich von 9.00 bis 22 Uhr geöffnet. Der Sommer kann kommen!

Moët & Chandon champagne can be enjoyed pure, on ice or as a cocktail — and this is

done particularly well at the Park Hyatt Vienna’s “Am Hof Schanigarten” at Bognergasse.

Neat little snacks are also served on the side. It is open daily from 09:00 until

22:00. Let the summer in!

parkhyattvienna.com

Einfachheit als indisches

Mantra Simplicity as an

Indian mantra

in-dish.at

Tartines und tolle Weine

Tartines and great wines

alma-gastrotheque.at

Pop-up an der Alten Donau

Pop-up at Alte Donau

cafe-wien.at

Wiens erste Piadineria

Vienna’s first piadineria

bocconcino.eatbu.com

Der Morgen beginnt mit Schwung | Start the morning with a bounce

Seit sieben Jahren hat sich yamm! am Schottentor mit seiner modernen, leichten Küche etabliert. Jetzt geht man einen Schritt

weiter und ergänzt das Angebot mit einer Frühstücks- und Abendkarte.

Lust auf einen typischen New Yorker Bagel? Bei yamm! kommt dieser mit Eierspeis, knackigen Gurken und Avocado gefüllt daher

und nimmt am Weg auch noch einen cremigen Mungobohnen-Dip und frische Gemüsesticks mit. Einen Green Smoothie gibt es

als Begleitung dazu.

Die Kreativität von Chefkoch Markus Krenn kann man nun auch am Abend als kulinarische Raffinessen aus dem „Gemüsekist‘l à la

carte“ genießen. „Wir setzen auf regionale Zutaten, die wir von ausgewählten Lieferanten beziehen. Außerdem gibt es davon

stets einen hohen Bio-Anteil, der uns besonders wichtig ist“, so Krenn.

For the past seven years, yamm! at Schottentor has slowly but surely established itself with its both contemporary and light

cuisine. Now, the popular eatery is making another step forward and will begin complementing its offer with a breakfast and

evening menu.

Up for a typical New York bagel? At yamm!, you will be served the classic dish with scrambled eggs, crunchy cucumber and

avocado, as well with a creamy mung bean dip and fresh veggie sticks on the side. A fresh green smoothie completes the

experience. And now, you will finally also be able to flavour chef Markus Krenn’s creations in the evening, namely in the form

of a creative, culinarily exciting new menu. “We’re betting on local ingredients, which we are sourcing from selected

producers only. Many of our ingredients are also organic, which is something that’s very important to us,” says Krenn.

yamm.at

Fast in Vergessenheit geratenes

traditionelles Küchenwissen findet

erneut Einkehr in heimische Küchen.

Zur Haltbarmachung wird wieder

eingekocht, eingelegt und fermentiert

wie in alten Zeiten. Die natürlich

gebraute Sojasauce von Kikkoman ist

ein Beispiel für ein Fermentationsprodukt,

das sich auch für den Ansatz

eines Gemüse-Mix im Glas bestens

eignet.

Nearly forgotten traditional cooking

techniques are being rediscovered

right at home. Canning, pickling and

fermenting like in the good old days.

Kikkoman’s naturally brewed soy

sauce is an example of a fermented

product that would also act as a

great base for pickled veggies in

a jar.

kikkoman.at

FOTOS: WWW.PIXELCOMA.AT, MAYER AM PFARRPLATZ WINERY, DOTS GROUP, KIKKOMAN, FOTOLIA, BOCCONCINO

GENIESSEN SIE DEN UNTERSCHIED.

TASTE THE DIFFERENCE.

104 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Besuchen Sie uns / Visit us: Josefstädter Straße 10-12, 1080 Wien, T. +43 1 205 99-0, www.flemings-hotels.com

SAVOIR VIVRE TRAVEL

Fernweh

Itchy Feet

Die besten Hotels und Restaurants aus aller Welt. | The best hotels and restaurants around the world.

Text: Gerald Sturz

Singapur /Singapore

Atlas Bar

Als Geburtsort des Singapore Sling hat Singapur

Cocktail-Geschichte geschrieben. Dass es außer der

Long Bar im Raffles Hotel kaum eine nennenswerte

Bar gab, war eine andere Geschichte. Doch das hat

sich in jüngster Zeit gewaltig geändert. Einer der

spektakulärsten Bar-Neuzugänge ist die Atlas Bar im

Parkview Square Building. Sie beeindruckt mit der

weltgrößten Gin-Auswahl, angeblich sind mehr als

1.000 Varianten hier zu verkosten. Und die Barkeeper,

das stellt man bald fest, verstehen ganz hervorragend

ihr Handwerk.

Singapore has already made cocktail history as the

birthplace of the Singapore Sling. The circumstance

that there hasn’t been another bar worth naming

other than the Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel is another

story. But this has completely changed in recent

times. One of the most spectacular new additions to

Singapore’s bar scene is the Atlas Bar in the Parkview

Square Building. It impresses with the world’s biggest

gin selection - supposedly, more than 1,000 types are

available for sampling. And, as you will soon realise,

the barkeepers know exactly what they are doing.

atlasbar.sg

Kopenhagen / Copenhagen

Radisson Collection Royal Hotel

Als Update und nicht als Relaunch will das gefragte Design-Duo Space Copenhagen verstehen, was sie mit

dem Radisson Royal Hotel Copenhagen angestellt haben. Wie auch immer: Sie haben diesem legendären

Hotel, das von dem großen dänischen Designer Arne Jacobsen in den 1950er Jahren so sehr bis ins kleinste

Detail gestaltet wurde, dass man es nahezu als Gesamtkunstwerk bezeichnen kann, und das vermutlich das

erste Designhotel der Welt war, eine Verjüngungskur verpasst, die man durchaus als sehr gelungen

bezeichnen kann. Sehr, sehr stylisch ist nun das, was es zu sehen gibt.

The sought-after designer duo Space Copenhagen sees their take on the Radisson Royal Hotel Copenhagen

as more of an update than a relaunch. Whatever it may be: The legendary hotel, designed by Arne Jacobsen

in the 1950s with so much attention to detail that it can very well be referred to as a complete work of art,

and which was likely the first design hotel in the world, has undergone a successful rejuvenation treatment.

The result is very, very stylish.

radissoncollection.com

Mauritius

Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Resort & Spa

106 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Das Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa gilt als das romantischste

Hotel auf Mauritius. Aber nicht nur das. Kein anderes Resort auf der Insel hat ein so

großes kulinarisches Angebot. Es verfügt über feinsten weißen Sandstrand, eine

türkisfarbene Lagune mit kristallklarem Wasser und einen 35 Hektar großen

tropischen Garten. Und dann ist da noch die Lage an der Nordwestküste von

Mauritius. Sie garantiert gigantische Sonnenuntergänge! So verbindet das Resort

tropische Eleganz, Modernität, Komfort und Privatsphäre. All das macht den

zeitlosen Charme des Luxushotels aus. Gäste können aus sieben verschiedenen

Zimmerkategorien – Suiten und Villen – wählen, die über die üppige Gartenanlage

verteilt liegen. Selbstverständlich bietet das Resort eine große Auswahl an Landund

Wassersportaktivitäten. Seit November 2017 ermöglicht das Resort dank seiner

Partnerschaft mit dem „Mont Choisy Le Golf“ 18-Loch Golfplatz, dem ersten im

Norden der Insel, auch Golfen.

The Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa is considered the most

romantic hotel in Mauritius. But that’s not all that there is to it. No other resort on

the island offers such a broad culinary selection. It calls a beach made up of the

finest white sand, a turquoise lagoon with crystal-clear water and a 35-hectaresized

tropical garden its own. And then there is the incredible location on Mauritius’

north-western coast, which promises unforgettable sunsets! Thus, the resort

combines tropical elegance, modernity, comfort and privacy. All of these elements

combined create the luxury hotel’s unique charm. Guests can choose from seven

different room categories – suites and villas – which are spread across the lush

gardens. Naturally, the resort also provides a wide selection of land and water

sports activities. Since November 2017, thanks to its partnership with the “Mont

Choisy Le Golf“ 18-hole golf course, the resort also offers golf on this first course in

the north of the island.

beachcomber-hotels.com

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

London

Duddell’s Restaurant

Das mit zwei Michelin-Sternen ausgezeichnete Restaurant Duddell’s in Hongkongs Central District ist ein

Hotspot für Gourmets und Kunstliebhaber. Nun gibt es eine Filiale in London in der St. Thomas Church, am

Fuß des Shard-Hochhauses, ganz in der Nähe des Borough Markets. Wie das Mutterhaus im Fernen Osten

begeistert es mit tollem Design und überzeugt bei Lunch oder Dinner mit ausgezeichneter und authentischer

kantonesischer Küche und den besten (handgefertigten) Dim Sums der Stadt.

Duddell’s in Hongkong’s Central District has been awarded two Michelin Stars and is a hotspot for gourmets

and art enthusiasts. Now, a new branch has opened in London’s St. Thomas Church at the foot of the Shard,

near Borough Market. Like the parent establishment in the far east, it impresses with its brilliant interior

design and also with authentic Cantonese cuisine for lunch or dinner, not to forget the best (hand-made)

dim sum in the city.

duddells.co

SAVOIR VIVRE TRAVEL

ALL AROUND RELAXED

IN A DREAMLIKE ENVIRONMENT

Osaka

Conrad Osaka

Austrian Airlines hat soeben die Strecke von Wien nach Tokio wieder in ihr Programm aufgenommen und man

sollte die Gelegenheit wahrnehmen, Japan mit all seinen eindrucksvollen Sehenswürdigkeiten kennenzulernen.

Osaka, die dynamische Wirtschaftsmetropole, sollte auf jeden Fall eine Station auf einer Rundreise sein. Die

perfekte Unterkunft: das erst kürzlich eröffneten Conrad Hotel. Von der Lobby mit den riesigen Fensterflächen

hoch oben im Nakanoshima Tower und von den Zimmern kann man einen einzigartigen Blick auf den Hochhausdschungel

von der Stadt werfen. Hier liegt einem Osaka zu Füßen. Dass in diesem Hotel auch sonst alles vom

Feinsten ist, versteht sich von selbst.

Austrian Airlines has just begun offering flights from Vienna to Tokyo again – and therefore, the chance to

experience Japan with all its incredible sights should not be missed. Osaka, the dynamic business metropolis,

should undoubtedly be part of any cross-country trip. The perfect accommodation: the recently opened Conrad

Hotel. Standing in the lobby with the massive windows high up in the Nakanoshima Tower or in the rooms, you

get a brilliant view of one of Japan’s major concrete jungles. Here, Osaka lies at your feet. The fact that everything

else is also top-notch in this hotel goes without saying.

conradhotels.com

Florenz /Florence

Gucci Osteria

Man sollte sich vom Namen nicht täuschen

lassen. Garten gibt es im Gucci Garden keinen.

Neben einem Gucci-Museum und einem

Gucci-Verkaufsraum gibt es aber auch eine

Gucci Osteria und an der sollte kein Weg

vorbeiführen, wenn man wieder einmal in

Florenz ist. Sie wird nämlich von Massimo

Bottura geführt, dessen Restaurant Osteria

Francescana in Modena neulich zum besten der

Welt gekürt wurde. Es ist ein Erlebnis.

Don’t let the name deceive you – there is no

garden in the Gucci Garden. Nevertheless, there

is a Gucci Osteria next to the Gucci Museum and

the Gucci Store, and you shouldn’t miss it under

any circumstances if you are already paying a

visit to Florence. It is, after all, run by Massimo

Bottura, whose restaurant Osteria Francescana

in Modena was recently named the best

restaurant in the world. It’s an experience.

gucci.com

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

With ROBINSON you can leave everyday life

behind in the most beautiful way. Culinary delights,

wellness and sporting activities are essential

for those holidaymakers seeking relaxation. And

what better place is there to enjoy such moments

than at a ROBINSON Club? The premium resort

holiday provider understands the needs of its guests

like no other and offers a wide variety of possibilities

to satisfy them and more besides. Providing guests

with quality time to unwind and feel completely at

ease is a key factor in the ROBINSON philosophy.

Experiencing the latest trend sports with like-minded

people seems suddenly so easy and fun. The activity

classes held in the consistently high-quality gyms

ROBINSON Club Khao Lak

ROBINSON Club Cala Serena

are complemented by a variety of offers such as the

GroupFitness or Body&Mind programmes. With time

afterwards to revitalize and relax in the WellFit ® -Spa.

The WellFood ® concept, specially devised and

patented by ROBINSON, consists of trend-oriented

and innovative cuisine which provides energy and balance

for the body and soul while allowing the palate

to delight in a unique taste experience. WellFood ®

is not the only experience to savour at ROBINSON,

the many varied buffets and specialty restaurants,

weekly festive gala buffets, live cooking and late

breakfast are also guaranteed to put a smile on

one’s face. Locally sourced products have absolute

priority, ensuring fresh local produce rich in vitamins

is on the menu every day. Cooked and served

by master craftsman in a wonderful atmosphere!

Individual wishes are commonplace at ROBINSON,

whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan or susceptible to

food intolerances, ROBINSON aims to please every

guest and treat them all to culinary delights of the

highest level.

For all those sunseekers looking for a warm and inviting

destination in winter, the legendary ROBINSON

Club Jandia Playa on Fuerteventura will be opening

its doors in December after extensive renovations.

An absolute must-see is the sheltered rooftop bar

with infinity pool located on top of the 11-storey

main house “Torre”, where guests can enjoy aromatic

and refreshing cocktails. Guests can reflect

on the day in the new bar as the sun sinks slowly

into the sea soothed by the magnificent view over

the ocean and the town of Morro Jable. The unique,

endless sandy beach and beachfront location are

perfect for those who love sun and watersports all

year round. The club resort’s WellFit ® spa unites

a Finnish sauna with a wonderful sauna garden

including pool, massage and beauty rooms. Why

not enjoy an outdoor massage today? Masseurs,

physiotherapists and beauticians pamper the guests

and ensure their absolute well-being. Experience a

spa and relaxation holiday of a very special kind.

In addition to the comprehensive WellFit ® programmes,

ROBINSON also offers special event weeks in

which not only the latest trends in fitness and spa

are presented, but also functional training, yoga and

Pilates events. For those who want to recharge their

batteries, the “YOGA, four seasons” event and the

“Mindbody Rejuvenation Week” are the ideal choice.

The wonderful and dynamic setting of the

ROBINSON Club Cala Serena on Majorca provides

the ideal backdrop for “YOGA, four seasons”, during

which from 8 July, 2018 until 15 July, 2018 the four

fundamental opposites in yoga: strength & flexibility,

stability & agility, concentration & release, exertion

& relaxation are effectively linked together.

“Time out for emotions – time out for me” is the

prevailing theme at the “Mindbody Rejuvenation

Week” at the ROBINSON Club Khao Lak in Thailand

from 5 July, 2018 until 15 July, 2018. Holistic and

intelligent methods for the body, mind and soul will

be shown and tested in a casual and relaxed setting.

Why can’t I let go? Am I really satisfied with life? Experienced

and intuitive coaches for body movement

and communication will be on hand to offer ways to

reflect and rediscover oneself.

Advice and bookings at your local TUI shop or at

www.robinson.com

108 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Illustration: new main building in ROBINSON Club Jandia Playa

SAVOIR VIVRE TABLE TALK

Zum Lunch im Hotel Bristol Vienna | Lunch at the Hotel Bristol Vienna

Generaldirektorin Simone Dulies lud zum Mittagessen im Hotel Bristol.

General Manager Simone Dulies invited to lunch at the Hotel Bristol.

Text: Daniela Pötzl

Schöner Anblick. Das Hotel Bristol, im linken

Bild rechts, betrachtet vom Nachbarn aus, der

Wiener Staatsoper. Im eleganten Ambiente kann

man in der Bristol Lounge speisen oder auf

einen Drink verweilen (rechts).

Beautiful view. The Hotel Bristol, on the right

side of the picture on the left, as seen from its

neighbour, the Vienna State Opera. Enjoy fine

dining or a refreshing drink in the elegant

ambience of the Bristol Lounge (right).

SIMONE DULIES

Generaldirektorin Simone Dulies im Gespräch

mit CD Chefredakteurin Daniela Pötzl.

General Director Simone Dulies in conversation

with CD Editor-in-Chief Daniela Pötzl.

PHOTOS : H HOTEL BRISTOL, LUKAS KIRCHGASSER, INGE PRADER, MARION HOFER, PICTURESBORN

Das Bristol ist ein Wiener Traditionshotel.

Und wurde mehr als 120

Jahre hindurch immer von Männern

geleitet. Bis Simone Dulies kam und

nun seit August 2015 Generaldirektorin im

Haus gegenüber der Staatsoper ist. Sie

führt ein Team von 140 Mitarbeitern aus

rund 40 Nationen. Die gebürtige Rheinländerin

stammt aus Erkelenz, einer Stadt mit

rund 44.500 Einwohnern, nahe Mönchengladbach.

„Eigentlich wollte ich ja Tierärztin oder

Staatsanwältin werden“, erzählt sie lachend.

Schon als Kind sei sie viel mit ihren Eltern

herumgereist und absolvierte mit 15 Jahren

ein Praktikum in einem Mönchengladbacher

Hotel. „Ich war im Einkauf tätig und

musste Zimmer putzen“, erzählt sie. Ihre

Lehre zur Hotelfachfrau startete sie nach

der Matura im Swissotel Düsseldorf, wo sie

danach noch rund ein Jahr an der Rezeption

arbeitete. Schnell wurde der Weg international,

danach ging Simone Dulies nach

Newport Beach in Kalifornien zu Four

Seasons. Einige amerikanische Jahre folgten:

im ebenfalls kalifornischen Westin

South Coast Plaza, bis das bekannte W

New York für zwei Jahre ihre neue Wirkungsstätte

wurde.

2007 kehrte sie nach Europa zurück -

von Stationen in Turnberry (Schottland),

über Bratislava in der Slowakei und die ungarische

Haupstadt Budapest. Von diesen

hat die große Tierfreundin auch zwei

schwarze Kater aus Schottland, einen Schäfer-Husky-Mischlingshund

namens Brix

aus Bratislava und einen dritten Kater aus

Budapest, alle aus Tierheimen, mitgebracht.

„Ich besitze auch ein Pferd“, erklärt

sie weiter. „Daher lebe ich vor den Toren

Wiens, quasi am Land“, erzählt sie, während

wir beide das vegane Tagesgericht

„Geschmorter Glockenpfeffer - Kichererbse/Curry/Gurke“

bestellen. Simone Dulies

entschied sich aus ihrer „Liebe zu Tieren

und zur Umwelt“ 2015 für den Veganismus.

„Hin und wieder koche ich auch, das

ist sehr entspannend“, stellt sie fest.

Wie schwierig es mitunter sein kann,

mit einem Tier zu verreisen, hat sie selbst

schon öfter erlebt. Im Hotel Bristol werden

Tiere jedoch besonders geschätzt.

„Neben unseren Hausgästen kehren

auch viele Wienerinnen und Wiener gerne

mit ihrem Hund auf einen Kaffee bei uns

ein“, freut sich Dulies. Neben den Fellnasen

seien aber auch Katzen, Kaninchen, Schildkröten

und sogar Schlangen willkommen.

Mit dem Programm „Salon Opéra“, das

mit namhaften Künstlern zu den Premieren

der Wiener Staatsoper stattfindet,

kommen ebenfalls neue Gäste ins Haus:

Für die Großen wird Afternoon Tea und

Sekt geboten, für die Kleinen Mittagessen

und ein Schmink-Workshop. Und alle Papas

und Opas werden heuer am 10. Juni

beim Vatertags-Brunch, zudem mit einer

Carrera-Bahn im Restaurant verwöhnt.

In ihrer Freizeit zieht Frau Direktor

dann ihre Tanzschuhe an und wiegt sich im

Walzer- oder Sambaschritt. Professionell,

versteht sich. Österreichische Staatsmeisterin

der Senioren 2016 im Ballroom Dancing

ist sie bereits.

The Bristol is a hotel with Viennese

heritage. Throughout its more than

120-year-long history, it was, however,

always led by a man. Until there was

Simone Dulies, who assumed the position

of the General Director of the establishment

located right across the Vienna State

Opera. She heads a team of 140 employees

from around 40 different nations. The Rhineland

native is from Erkelenz, Germany, a

city with around 44,500 inhabitants, near

Mönchengladbach.

”Originally, I wanted to be a veterinarian

or public prosecutor,“ she says with a

laugh. She spent much of her childhood

travelling with her parents and completed

an internship at a hotel in Mönchengladbach

when she was just 15 years old. ”I

worked in purchasing and had to clean

rooms,“ she says. After finishing school,

she started training at the Swissotel Düsseldorf

to become a hotel manager, where she

began working at the reception after

around a year. Her path soon took her abroad

and Simone Dulies ended up joining

the Four Seasons in Newport Beach, California.

Several years in America followed:

first at the Westin South Coast Plaza in California,

then the well-known W New York

for another two years.

In 2007, she returned to Europe – from

stations in Turnberry (Scotland), Bratislava

in Slovakia and then to the Hungarian capital

city, Budapest. While there, the animal

lover picked up two black tomcats in

Scotland, a shepherd/husky mix called Brix

in Bratislava and a third tomcat in Budapest,

all of them from shelters. ”I also have

a horse,“ she continues. ”That is why I live

at the gates of Vienna, basically in the

countryside,“ she says, as we both opt for

the vegan meal of the day, “Braised bell

pepper – chickpeas/curry/cucumber“.

Since 2015, Simone Dulies has been living

and eating vegan, basing her decision on

her “love of animals and the environment.“

From time to time, ”I like to cook myself,

which is very relaxing,“ she says.

And she has experienced just how difficult

it can be to travel with a pet several

times over. Animals are very much welcome

at the Hotel Bristol.

”Next to our visiting guests, many locals

like to come to us for a coffee, together with

their four-legged friend,“ Dulies remarks.

Besides pooches, cats, bunnies, tortoises

and even snakes are welcome.

Similarly, the “Salon Opéra“ programme,

taking place with well-known artists

on the premiere days of the Vienna State

Opera, likewise brings new guests into the

establishment. Adults are treated with afternoon

tea and champagne, while the little

ones get to enjoy a kids’ lunch and participate

in a make-up workshop. And this year,

on 10 June, all daddies and grand-daddies

will be treated with a Carrera race track for

the restaurant’s Father’s Day brunch.

In her leisure time, the General Director

likes it a little more athletic. This is when

she puts on her dancing shoes and graces

the dance floor with her waltz and samba

moves. Professionally, of course. She happens

to be the 2016 Austrian Senior National

Champion in ballroom dancing.

ist in Erkelenz, nahe Mönchengladbach, im Rheinland aufgewachsen und machte nach der

Matura eine Lehre zur Hotelfachfrau. Ihre berufliche Karriere führte sie nach Düsseldorf,

Kalifornien, New York, Schottland, Bratislava und Budapest. Seit August 2015 ist sie

Generaldirektorin im Hotel Bristol Wien.

grew up in Erkelenz in Rhineland, near Mönchengladbach, and began training to become a hotel

manager after completing school. Her professional career has taken her to Dusseldorf, California,

New York, Scotland, Bratislava and Budapest. Since August 2015, she has been the General Director

at the Hotel Bristol Vienna.

INFO:

HOTEL BRISTOL,

A LUXURY COLLECTION

HOTEL, VIENNA

Kärntner Ring 1, 1010 Wien

bristolvienna.com

#bristolvienna

Köstlich & vegan. Wer süße Desserts liebt, muss

als Veganer im Hotel Bristol nicht darauf

verzichten - besonders köstlich gelingt hier der

Kaiserschmarrn, ganz ohne Eier.

Delicious & vegan. If you have a sweet tooth,

then you’re not going to miss out at the Hotel

Bristol as a vegan – the Kaiserschmarrn is

particularly great, even without eggs.

Exklusive Besonderheiten. Der „Salon Opéra“

bietet diverse Veranstaltungen zu den Premieren

der Wiener Staatsoper für Jung & Alt (ganz links).

Ein Hundeleben ist im Hotel Bristol besonders

komfortabel. Exclusive features. The “Salon

Opéra“ offers various events accompanying the

premiere days of the Vienna State Opera for both

young & old (at the very left). A dog’s life is made

especially comfortable at the Hotel Bristol.

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

111

SAVOIR VIVRE PROPERTY

Wohnjuwelen

Residential gems

Text: Michaela Hocek

Luxusgut und Spekulationsobjekt: Zwei Begriffe, die auf Edelsteine wie Immobilien

gleichermaßen passen. In Wien und Umgebung sind viele Schätze zu finden.

Luxury commodity and added value over time: two ways to describe

precious gems as well as real estate. In Vienna and its surrounding

communities, treasures hide in plain sight.

Sotheby’s und Christie’s schreiben immer wieder

Schlagzeilen mit Rekordauktionen und historischen

Finessen zu exzeptionellen Edelsteinen.

Im letzten Jahr beispielsweise wechselte mit dem

„Grand Mazarin“ ein pinkfarbener Diamant den Besitzer,

der vor Jahrhunderten bereits in der mit Sicherheit

überdimensionierten Schmuckschatulle von

Sonnenkönig Ludwig XIV. zu liegen kam. Der 59,60

Karat schwere „Pink Star“ wurde mit dem aktuellen

Auktionsergebnis von 67 Millionen Euro zum teuersten

Diamant aller Zeiten. Auf Riesenecho stieß 2011

auch die Versteigerung von Liz Taylors Schmuck kurz

nach ihrem Tod. Eine von ihr bei der Oscar-Verleihung

1957 getragene Tiara übertraf das Sechsfache

des Schätzpreises. Insgesamt wurde ein Erlös von 89

Millionen Euro erzielt. Bevor Sie sich jetzt wundern,

wieweit diese Fakten mit unserer aktuellen Immobiliengeschichte

in Zusammenhang stehen, wollen wir

nur ein Schlagwort beiläufig erwähnen: Emotion!

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

Lupenreine Wohnjuwelen

Sowohl Schmuck als auch das Zuhause sind Ausdruck

der eigenen Persönlichkeit. Sie wecken Gefühle

und spiegeln ohne Worte die Individualität des

Besitzers wider. Daher lohnt es sich, nach kostbaren

Exemplaren zu suchen und überlegt zu investieren.

Begehrenswerte Luxusobjekte, die demnächst fertig

werden oder aktuell bezugsfertig sind, existieren.

Eine Auswahl mit Fokus auf Wien und Umgebung

zeigen wir auf den folgenden Seiten. Denn hier konzentrieren

sich begehrte Zielregionen im Immobilienbereich,

die auch im Hinblick auf wertsteigernde

Investitionen interessant sind, da regelmäßig Quadratmeter-Höchstpreise

für Eigentumsobjekte erzielt

werden. Zwei spannende Wohnprojekte in Wieden

hat beispielsweise Realtrade im Portfolio. Bereits in

diesem Sommer wird „The Secret Garden“ fertiggestellt,

der mit Luxusresidenzen inmitten eines Gartens

im ehemaligen Pálffy Palais repräsentative

Wohnintimität mit zentraler Lage an der Prinz-Eugen-Straße

bietet. Die aufwändige Revitalisierung

unterstreicht den Charme des historischen Gründerzeithauses.

Im Spätherbst 2019 werden die ersten

REALTRADE „NEW PRESTIGE“

In der Wiedner Wohllebengasse 3–5 werden Luxusresidenzen mit

Wohnflächen von 30 bis 138 m2 teilweise mit Eigengarten, Balkon

und Dachterrassen mit 360-Grad-Blick geschaffen.

At Wiedner Wohllebengasse 3–5, luxury residences are being created

with floor plans from 30 to 138 m2, partially with private garden,

balcony and roof terrace with a 360-degree view.

112 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

113

SAVOIR VIVRE PROPERTY

im Wienerwald spezialisiert: „Unsere Kunden wollen

aufgrund der höheren Lebensqualität und des

besseren Preis-Leistungsverhältnisses vermehrt aufs

Land. Dafür werden längere Anfahrtswege in die

Stadt und zur Arbeit gerne in Kauf genommen.“ Obwohl

die Preise für Immobilien in Wien nicht mehr

so stark wie in den vergangenen Jahren steigen, sind

gute Lagen weiterhin extrem teuer. Die bessere Lebensqualität

in Verbindung mit sehr guter öffentlicher

und PKW-Verkehrsanbindung wird geschätzt.

Die Kunden haben sehr konkrete Vorstellungen, wie

ihre Traumimmobilie aussehen soll. Das zeigt sich in

der Nachfrage nach ausgefallenen und sehr hochwertigen

Objekten, z. B. einem Bauernhof nahe der

Stadtgrenze sowie nahegelegenen Freizeitmöglichkeiten

wie Reitstall oder Golfplatz.

HYPO NÖ REAL CONSULT „WOHNTRAUM HIETZING“

In einer charmanten Villengegend mit der Nähe zur Natur durch den Lainzer Tiergarten zu leben, ist der Luxus des urbanen

Lifestyles.

A charming villa district with close access to nature in form of the Lainzer Tiergarten, offering all the luxuries of the urban lifestyle.

Sotheby’s and Christie’s are always making big

headlines with their record sales and their historical

expertise when it comes to exceptional

gems. Last year, for example, a pink diamond called

the “Grand Mazarin”, which hundreds of years ago

GLORIT ANDREAS HOFER-STRASSE IN KLOSTERNEUBURG

In der Nähe von Wien wird hier in Grünruhelagen mit Blick auf das Stift auf Eigengrund in

vollunterkellerten Einzelhäusern gewohnt.

Located near Vienna, these cellared detached homes on freehold land offer lush green surroundings

and a gorgeous view of the Monastery.

Eigentümer das Wohnprojekt „New Prestige“ beleben.

Auch hier wurde ein imposanter Altbau inmitten

des Wiener Botschaftsviertels in Belvedere-Nähe

an die hohen Ansprüche des urbanen Wohnens angepasst.

Fischgrätparkett, Holzkastenfenster und

Deckenhöhen von beinahe vier Metern ermöglichen

herrschaftliches Residieren mit allem luxuriösen

Komfort der Jetztzeit.

Luxus Grünruhelage

Eine Besonderheit an Wien ist das Wohnen in der

Stadt mitten im Grünen. Dieses begehrte Wohnprofil

erfüllt das bereits bezugsfertige Projekt der Hypo

NÖ Real Consult „Wohntraum Hietzing“. Auf dem

Grundstück der Eigentumsobjekte befindet sich ein

Mammutbaum, der seit 1939 unter Naturschutz

steht, und der Lainzer Tiergarten ist ebenfalls nur

einen Steinwurf entfernt. In Kombination mit großzügigen

Grundrissen und erstklassiger Ausstattung

sowie Tiefgarage sind die zehn Geschosswohnungen

und zwei Penthäuser mit vorgelagerten Terrassen

und Wienblick in Ober St. Veit ein Musterbeispiel

urbanen Lebens.

Abseits der Großstadt

In Klosterneuburg realisiert Glorit als einer der

größten privaten Bauträger im Großraum Wien, der

sich als Premiumbauträger positioniert hat und als

„Top Developer 2017“ ausgezeichnet wurde, Einzelhäuser

in der Andreas Hofer-Straße. Neben hochwertiger

Ausstattung und dem Bau auf Eigengrund

sind vor allem die idyllische Grünruhelage im Sachsenviertel

und der einzigartige Ausblick auf das Stift

Klosterneuburg überzeugende Argumente für den

Eigentumserwerb außerhalb Wiens. Weitere Wohnungen

in der Schauergasse und der Josef-Brenner-

Straße profitieren ebenso von der guten Infrastruktur

und der Nähe zur Bundeshauptstadt. Aufgrund

der hohen Nachfrage hat Glorit hier mehrere Projekte

in der jüngeren Vergangenheit umgesetzt. Die Eigentümer

profitieren indes von der starken Steigerung

der Grundstückspreise in den vergangenen

Jahren. Weltweit gibt es nicht viele Regionen, wo das

Wohnen in einem Weinbaugebiet mit unkomplizierter,

öffentlicher und rascher Verkehrsanbindung an

eine Innenstadt möglich ist.

Ruraler Profit

Den Kundenwunsch nach Mehrwert abseits des

Stadtzentrums unter der Prämisse der guten Anbindung

haben auch die Professionalisten der Dräxler

Immobilientreuhand erkannt und sich auf Objekte

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

IMPERIAL PALATIAL VILLA

FOR SALE IN HIETZING’S COTTAGE AREA

FLOOR SPACE: 1.049M2 GARDEN: 1.000M2 GARAGE: 409M2

WWW.PALAISWIEN.AT

+43 [1] 586 27 40

OFFICE@THURN.AT

FURTHER PROPERTIES CAN BE FOUND AT

114 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

WWW.THURN.AT

SAVOIR VIVRE PROPERTY

Info

BÖRSEPLATZ 1 Skyview

Penthouses, Imperial

Lofts, Luxury Apartments

boerseplatz1.com

EHL IMMOBILIEN

ehl.at

GLORIT Andreas

Hofer-Straße, Schauerstraße,

Brennerstraße

Klosterneuburg

glorit.at

HYPO NOE REAL CONSULT

wohntraum-hietzing.at

OTTO IMMOBILIEN Vienna

Prime Residence

otto.at

REALTRADE New Prestige,

The Secret Garden

newprestige.at, the-secretgarden.at

RUDI DRÄXLER IMMOBI-

LIENTREUHAND

Immobilien im Wienerwald

haus-haus.at

SORAVIA Post Palais,

Triiiple, Danube Flats

soravia.at

STRABAG REAL ESTATE

Über den Linden

lindengasse.co.at

THURN & BAUER

Immobiliengruppe

thurn.at

DRÄXLER IMMOBILIENTREUHAND HIGH-TECH-VILLA IN PENZING

Luxuriöses Domizil mit kontrollierter Wohnraumlüftung, Wellness-Oase und beheizbarem Salzwasser-Pool.

Luxurious domicile with controllable housing ventilation, wellness oasis and heated saltwater pool.

had belonged to the Sun King Louis XIV of France,

changed owners. The 59.60-carat stone became the

most expensive diamond of all time with an auction

price of 67 million euro. A similar media response

followed the auction of Liz Taylor’s jewellery shortly

after her death. A tiara, worn by the actress at the

1957 Academy Awards, ended up selling for six times

the estimated price. In total, proceeds of 89 million

euro were made. Before you start wondering what, if

anything, these facts and numbers have to do with

our present real estate story, we’ll just drop one little

keyword: emotion!

Flawless residential gems

Both jewellery and the home are expressions of

one’s personality. They trigger feelings and, without

words, reflect the individuality of their owner. This

is why it pays off to be on the lookout for precious

specimens and invest carefully. There are many desirable

luxury properties that are about to be completed

or are ready for occupation already. On the following

pages, we will present a selection with a

focus on Vienna and the city’s surroundings. For

there is a dense concentration of properties in desirable

destinations here, which are also interesting in

terms of long-term investing, since square-metre

prices for property objects are always on the rise.

Realtrade, for example, currently has two particularly

exciting residential projects in their portfolio.

“The Secret Garden” is set to be completed this sum-

mer already, offering luxurious residential intimacy

with a central location at Prinz-Eugen-Straße amid

a lush garden in the former Pálffy Palais. The extensive

revitalisation work underscores the charm of

the historic “Gründerzeit” building. In late autumn

2019, on the other hand, the first set of owners will

be moving into the “New Prestige” residential project.

Here, we have another impressive historic building

amid Vienna’s diplomatic quarter near the Belvedere,

retrofitted to meet contemporary living

standards. Herringbone parquet flooring, wooden

frame windows and nearly four-metre-tall ceilings

allow for imperial living standards with all the comforts

of the present.

Luxury green oasis

One of the many special things about Vienna is

the ability to live surrounded by a lush, green environment.

This desirable residential profile is covered

by the “Wohntraum Hietzing” project by

Hypo NÖ Real Consult, which is now ready for

occupancy. On the property’s plot, one can find a

sequoia tree that has been protected since 1939,

and the Lainzer Tiergarten is also no more than a

stone’s throw away. In combination with the generous

floor plans and the top-notch furnishing,

as well as an underground car park, the ten apartments

and two penthouses in Ober St. Veit with

extended terraces and gorgeous views of Vienna

are prime examples of urban living.

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

HWB EG-5.St. 18,20 (B) | HWB DG 43,35 (B)

Away from the city

In Klosterneuburg, Glorit, not only one of

Vienna’s biggest property developers but also a premium

developer that has been awarded the title

“Top Developer 2017”, is realising detached houses

at Andreas Hofer-Straße. Next to excellent furnishing

and construction on freehold land, it is especially

the idyllic natural environment in Sachsenviertel

and the unique view of the Klosterneuburg

Monastery that speak for a property acquisition

outside of Vienna’s city limits. Additional apartments

at Schauergasse and Josef-Brenner-Straße

likewise benefit from fantastic infrastructure and

close proximity to the nation’s capital. Due to high

demand, Glorit has realised several projects like

this in recent times. Owners are benefiting from the

increasing property prices in the last few years.

There aren’t many residential destinations in the

world that offer living in a wine-growing region

with quick and easy public transport connections to

a major city centre.

Modern Wohnen

mit Alt-Wien

Charme.

WOHLLEBENGASSE 3-5

1040 WIEN

♦

Repräsentative Eigentumswohnungen

im Botschaftviertel am Schloss Belvedere

30m 2 bis 138m 2 mit exklusiver Ausstattung

Eigengärten, Terrassen oder Balkone

Moderne Penthäuser mit 360° Panoramablick

Hauseigene Tiefgarage

WWW.NEWPRESTIGE.AT

Rural profit

The customer desire for more smart investments

outside of the city centre with the promise of good

transport connections has also been recognised by the

property pros at Dräxler Immobilientreuhand, who

specialise in objects in the Vienna Woods. “Due to the

higher standard of living and the improved price-performance

ratio, more and more of our clients want to

move to greener places in the outskirts. To do this,

they are perfectly willing to accept longer commutes

to the city and the workplace. Although property prices

in Vienna aren’t rising as steeply as they did a few

years ago, good locations remain very expensive. The

improved quality of life, as well as the excellent public

transport and traffic connections, are valued especially.

Customers have very concrete wishes and expectations

of what their dream home is supposed to

look like. This becomes especially clear when looking

at the demand for more eccentric and high-end objects,

such as farmsteads near the city limits, as well as

leisure features, like riding stables or golf courses.

116 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

EXKLUSIVER VERKAUF

REALTRADE Immobilienvermittlung

+43 (0) 1 535 01 13 16 living@newprestige.at

SAVOIR VIVRE CITY APARTMENTS

Neues Zuhause auf Zeit

A new home from home

Text: Michaela Hocek

City Apartments sind die gemütlich-luxuriöse Antwort auf

die Frage nach sympathischen Unterkünften auf Zeit mit

Mehrwert.

City apartments are the cosy and luxurious response to the

demand for comfortable temporary residences with extra

benefits.

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, KLIMPT

Wer sich länger aus beruflichen oder privaten

Gründen in einer fremden Stadt

aufhält, lebt nicht gerne aus dem Koffer

in einem relativ knapp bemessenem Hotelzimmer.

Wien hat hier vor allem im innerstädtischen Bereich

schöne Alternativen zu bieten. Als Urlaubs- und

Kongressstadt ist die Bundeshauptstadt eine Ganzjahresdestination,

die die Zahl der verfügbaren Zimmer

und Apartments weiter nach oben schnellen

lässt. Gäste der sogenannten City-Apartments schätzen

die Nähe zum Zentrum und den Sehenswürdigkeiten.

Infrastruktur und Shopping-Möglichkeiten

sind weitere Entscheidungskriterien. Ein nicht zu

unterschätzender Faktor ist allerdings auch das

Ruhe- und Rückzugsbedürfnis nach Seminaren oder

City-Trips.

Hoher Servicecharakter

Diesem werden beispielsweise die Unterkünfte in

der „Singerstrasse 21/25“ gerecht. Diese Adresse wurde

1995 als erstes Apartmenthaus in der Wiener Innenstadt

bekannt. Vor drei Jahren wurde umfassend

renoviert. Die Ausstattung mit diversen Jugendstilelementen

stieß auf positives Feedback. Heute kann

der Gast zwischen kleinem Studio mit 31m2 bis zum

City Penthouse mit 160m2 wählen. Letzteres hat neben

drei Schlafzimmern einen beeindruckenden

Blick von der Terrasse auf den Stephansdom zu bieten.

Eine Gelegenheit, die sonst nur sehr wohlsituierten

Wohnungsbesitzern vorbehalten ist, da City-

Apartments meist in Lagen zu finden sind, wo

Immobilien mit Rekordpreisen den Eigentümer

wechseln. Direktor Wolfgang Epple erläutert die Vorzüge

seiner City-Apartments: „Unsere hohe, ganzjährige

Auslastung ist ein Ausdruck hoher Servicekompetenz:

Unsere Rezeption ist 24 Stunden besetzt.

Zusätzlich verfügt unser Haus über einen Konferenzraum

für maximal zehn Personen und einen Frühstücksraum

mit Buffetfrühstück täglich von 6.30 bis

„Die Anzahl, der in

Wien verfügbaren

Zimmer und

Apartments steigt

ständig.“

“The number of rooms

and apartments in

Vienna is continuously

increasing.”

Wolfgang Epple

Direktor Singerstrasse 21/25

General Manager at

Singerstrasse 21/25

SINGERSTRASSE 21/25

Diplomaten, Geschäftsleute, Künstler und Langzeittouristen

residieren gerne an dieser Adresse in der

Wiener Innenstadt.

Diplomats, business people, artists and long-term tourists

like to stay at this address in Vienna’s city centre.

118 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018 119

SAVOIR VIVRE CITY APARTMENTS

verleihen.“ Neu ist auch das Konzept, die Räumlichkeiten

für Seminare, Meetings und Workshops für 10

bis 14 Personen zu nützen. Dafür kann kurzerhand

die Art Suite in ein Besprechungszimmer umgewandelt

werden. Catering ist in den VCA Vienna City

Apartments ebenso möglich wie kulinarische Höhenflüge

mit einem Privatkoch.

HOCH 33

100 Serviced Apartments in fünf Kategorien werden im Sommer im aufstrebenden Stadtentwicklungsgebiet Monte Laa eröffnet.

100 serviced apartments in five different categories are set to open at Monte Laa, the emerging urban development zone, this summer.

If you have to stay in an unfamiliar city for an extended

period of time for either business or pleasure,

you may not want to spend much of your

stay in a small hotel room. Vienna has plenty of great

alternatives to offer, especially in the city centre. As a

popular holiday and conference destination, Austria’s

capital is visited throughout the year, significantly

increasing the number of available rooms and apartments.

Guests at the so-called city apartments appreciate

the proximity to the centre and attractions. Infrastructure

and shopping opportunities are

additional criteria. Another factor that shouldn’t be

underestimated is also the need for relaxation and

deceleration after seminars or trips to the city.

LIV’IN RESIDENCE BY FLEMING‘S

Die Josefstädter Apartments, in einem Gründerzeithaus aus dem Jahr 1900, sind ein Highlight in

Sachen Komfort und Architektur.

The Josefstadt apartments in a “Gründerzeit” building from 1900 are a highlight in terms of comfort

and architecture.

„Diesen Sommer eröffnen

wir mit HOCH

33 bereits unseren

vierten Standort.“

“This summer, we are

opening HOCH 33,

which is already our

fourth location.”

Helga Mayer

Geschäftsführerin room4rent

Managing director at room4rent

10.30 Uhr. Unsere 37 Tiefgaragenplätze mit einem

Aufzug direkt zu den Apartments sowie der Wäscheraum

werden von unseren Gästen sehr geschätzt.“

Innovative Standorte

room4rent ist ein Anbieter von Serviced Apartments

in Wien, der eine digitalorientierte Strategie

verfolgt: „Wohnen auf Zeit“ lässt sich hier problemlos

über eine komfortable Buchungsplattform realisieren.

Neben dem Wohnraum stehen Serviceleistungen

wie hauseigener Concierge, Wäscheservice

oder Wellness- und Fitnesszonen zur Verfügung.

Individuelle Wünsche können zusätzlich gebucht

werden. Viele Einheiten verfügen über Loggia, Balkon

oder Terrasse. Die Standorte sind breit gestreut

und vorzugsweise in U-Bahnnähe. Nach dem Storchengrund

in der Nähe der Längenfeldgasse, dem

Messecarrée Nord nahe der Krieau und dem Leopoldtower

in Floridsdorf steht demnächst die Eröffnung

von „HOCH 33“ in der Laaer-Berg-Straße 47A

in Favoriten an. „Wir freuen uns schon sehr, diesen

Sommer die ersten Mieter an unserem bereits vierten

Standort begrüßen zu dürfen“, so Helga Mayer,

Geschäftsführerin von room4rent. Ebenfalls in Wien

verstreut sind die 70 Unterkünfte der „IG City Apartments“,

die den Anforderungen verschiedenster

Zielgruppen gerecht werden. Ein Highlight ist beispielsweise

der Outdoor-Pool im OrchideenPark in

Döbling. 24-Stunden-Online-Check-In, Concierge,

Fitness-Bereich oder Business-Corner sind weitere

Beispiele für Gesamtkonzepte, die das rasche Eingewöhnen

in neuer Umgebung erleichtern.

Absolute Kundenorientierung

Residiert man bei Alfred Krammer und Barbara

Krammer-Punzet in einem der Vienna City Apartments

stellt sich schon kurz nach dem Check-In ein

Wohngefühl der Extraklasse ein. „Wir bieten Serviceleistungen

wie man sie von Hotels gewöhnt ist in

einer Beletage mit einzigartigem Ambiente. Auf den

ersten Blick entdeckt der Gast bei uns kein Bett. Unsere

Zimmer sind mit viel Holz eingerichtet. WLAN

und Apple 4K TV sind technische Annehmlichkeiten.

Auf unserer ständigen Suche nach Neuem sind

wir zwei außergewöhnlichen Künstlerinnen – Kim

Okura und Noémi Kiss – begegnet, die nun unseren

Zimmern mit einzigartigen Bildern und kunstvollen

Vintage-Wandteppichen einzigartigen Charakter

PHOTOS: CLAUDIOANDERWALD.COM, HNP, LUKAS ILGNER, BEIGESTELLT

120 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

SAVOIR VIVRE CITY APARTMENTS

IG CITY APARTMENTS

In Döbling, Mariahilf, Alsergrund, Leopoldstadt und Innere Stadt finden sich 70 Residenzen, die sich an Business-Kunden oder

Privatpersonen richten, die für einige Wochen oder Monate in Wien wohnen möchten.

70 residences aimed at business clients and private individuals who want to spend a few weeks or months in Vienna can be found

across Döbling, Mariahilf, Alsergrund, Leopoldstadt and the city centre.

onal examples of the overall concept, intended to

make settling into the local environment easier.

Strong customer focus

If you choose to stay with Alfred Krammer and

Barbara Krammer-Punzet in one of the Vienna City

Apartments, you will experience first-class residential

perks soon after checking in. ”We provide the

kinds of services you might be used to from hotels in

a bel étage with a unique ambience. The first thing

our guests will notice with us won’t be the bed. Our

rooms are furnished with plenty of wood. Wireless

internet and Apple 4K TV are among the technical

amenities. On our continuous search for novelties,

we came across two exceptional artists – Kim Okura

and Noémi Kiss – who have added an exciting character

to our rooms with unique images and artful

vintage wallpapers.“ What’s also new is the ability to

use the premises for meetings and workshops for 10

to 14 persons. To do so, the Art Suite can quickly be

transformed into a meeting room. Catering and even

culinary journeys with a private chef are also available

at VCA Vienna City Apartments.

VCA VIENNA CITY APARTMENTS

Neu ist das Konzept der „Business-Etage“ für Seminare. Schon

längst beliebt ist bei Gästen die VIP-Karte mit individuellen

Kooperationen wie z. B. dem Sacher-Spa.

The “Business Floor” is a new approach to seminars. The VIP

Card with individual partnerships with the Sacher Spa and many

other businesses has been very popular with guests.

Info

Links zu empfehlenswerten

City-Apartments für einige

Urlaubstage oder

Business-bedingte

Kurzaufenthalte:

Links to recommended city

apartments for a quick

holiday or business-related

stay:

apartment.co.at

flemings-hotels.com

ig-city-apartments.com

my-place.at

riemergasse.at

room4rent.at

singerstrasse2125.at

schottenring33.com

Quality service

Some of the apartments that meet these criteria

can be found at ‘Singerstraße 21/25’. In 1995, this

address became known as the first apartment building

in Vienna’s city centre. Three years ago, it was

extensively renovated. The furnishing, consisting of

various art nouveau elements, was warmly received.

Today, guests can choose from a 31m2 studio to a

160m2 city penthouse. Next to three bedrooms, the

latter also offers an impressive view of St. Stephen’s

Cathedral from the balcony. This privilege is normally

reserved for specially situated apartment owners,

for city apartments tend to be found where properties

change hands at record prices. Director

Wolfgang Epple elaborates on the advantages of his

city apartments: ”Our year-round high occupancy

rate is an expression of our dedication to service. The

reception is staffed 24/7. Additionally, the building

offers a conference room for up to 10 persons, as well

as a breakfast room with a buffet from 06:30 until

10:30. Our 37 underground parking spaces are appreciated

immensely by our guests, as is the elevator

that leads directly from the parking lots to the apartments,

and also the laundry room.“

Innovative locations

room4rent is a serviced apartments provider in

Vienna that pursues a digitally oriented strategy.

“Temporary residences“ can be organised hassle-free

via an easy-to-use booking platform. Next to the living

space itself, there are also several services that

are offered, such as an in-house concierge, laundry

services or a dedicated wellness area and a gym. Individual

requests can also be booked. Several units have

loggias, balconies or terraces. The locations are spread

out widely across the city, predominantly with nearby

access to the underground transport system. After

Storchengrund near Längenfeldgasse, Messecarrée

Nord near Krieau and the Leopoldtower in Floridsdorf,

the opening of ‘HOCH 33’ at Laaer-Berg-Straße

47A is next in line. ”We are very excited to welcome

the first tenants this summer to what is already our

fourth location,“ says Helga Mayer, managing director

at room4rent. Likewise spread out across Vienna

are the 70 residences of ‘IG City Apartments’, which

tries to meet the requirements of several different target

groups. One of the highlights is the outdoor pool

at OrchideenPark in Döbling. 24-hour online checkin,

a concierge, gym and a business corner are additi-

PHOTOS: FOTOSTUDIO AUGUST LECHNER,VIENNA, WWW.360PERSPEKTIVEN.AT, AK (2)

YOUR PRIVATE HIDEAWAY IN SOUTH STYRIA

The lifestyle and wine region of South Styria is a sun-drenched oasis filled with a zest for life.

Here, Barbara and Andreas Reinisch welcome their guests to their private hideaway. Enjoy your

holiday moments in soothing privacy, with gorgeous views, fine cuisine and exquisite wines.

• Panorama loft with private spa and infinity swimming pond, exclusive for two guests

• Romanic country house and three new luxury country chalets for 2-6 persons each,

each with private spa and one chalet with own horse paddock

• 15,000 m 2 idyllic park facility with relaxation oases, 600 m 2 natural swimming pond, sauna

and fitness area and “sparkling” champagne lounge

• Wine cellar, Barbara’s private dining, candlelight dinner and barbecue

• Golfing deluxe: custom golfing package and scenic golf courses nearby

• Vineyard experience: with horse-drawn carriage, e-bike, free use of BMW/Mini, motorcycle

or tractor, balloon rides, helicopter flights, horseback riding, hiking (solo or with alpacas),

gourmet picnic in vineyard, snowshoe hiking and cross-country skiing during winter

• Massages or spending the day in the bathrobe whilst enjoying the art of idleness

GOLDEN HILL COUNTRY CHALETS & SUITES

MMag. Dr. Barbara Reinisch & Andreas Reinisch

Member of the HIDEAWAYS HOTELS Collection

Steinfuchsweg 2, 8505 St. Nikolai im Sausal, Austria

Phone: +43 (0)650 350 59 36

welcome@golden-hill.at | www.golden-hill.at

122 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE

Ab ins Freie

Into the wild

Text: Michaela Hocek

Charmanter Nestcharakter

Charming nest vibes

Die Sitzmöbel „Orbitry“ von Paolo Lenti, aus einer Stahlkonstruktion in Verbindung mit zweifarbigem

Garn, sind um die eigene Achse schwenkbar. Das Sitzkissen ist aus Polyurethan-Schaum und

Polyester-Fasern gefertigt. Die Flechtoptik, bunten Kissen und grünen Farbnuancen verleihen der

Kollektion erfrischende Leichtigkeit.

The “Orbitry“ seating furniture by Paola Lenti, which consists of a steel structure combined with

bicoloured yarn, can pivot around its own axis. The cushion is made from polyurethane foam and

polyester fibres. The woven look, the colourful cushions and the green colour tones provide the

collection with a refreshing sense of lightness.

paolalenti.it

Outdoor-Stimmungslicht

Outdoor mood light

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

„Battery“ von Kartell kommt bis zu acht

Stunden ohne Stromversorgung aus, ist somit

die ideale Lichtquelle für den Outdoor-Bereich

und kann leicht versetzt werden. Geladen wird

die Leuchte mit facettierter Oberfläche aus

transparentem PMMA, die in ansprechenden

Farbvarianten erhältlich ist, bequem über die

Steckdose.

Erhältlich bei Kartell Flagshipstore, Opernring

17, 1010 Wien

“Battery“ by Kartell can last for up to eight

hours without a direct power supply, making it

the ideal outdoor light source that is also very

mobile. The lamp has a faceted surface made

from transparent PMMA and is available in

various colours. It can be charged quickly and

easily via the power outlet.

Available at the Kartell flagship store,

Opernring 17, 1010 Vienna

Leben unter freiem Himmel

Life under the open sky

Das oberösterreichische Unternehmen

Screenroom hat sich auf Freiräume, die keine

Baugenehmigung erfordern, spezialisiert. Dazu

zählen Pergolen, Markisen, Lamellendächer,

Outdoorküchen, Carports, Terrassenüberdachungen,

Faltdächer, Zipscreens u. v. m. Starkes

Know-how ist im Bereich der Reflexion von

Sonneneinstrahlung vorhanden, was für ein

angenehmes Raumklima sorgt.

The Upper Austrian company Screenroom has

specialised in open spaces that do not require a

building permit. This includes pergolas,

awnings, slatted roofs, outdoor kitchens,

carports, terrace roofs, folding roofs, zip screens

and others. The company has significant

expertise when it comes to the reflection of

sunlight, which creates a comfortable indoor

climate.

screenroom.at

Terrasse mit Spa-Flair

Terrace with spa flair

Wind- und wetterfeste Outdoor-Whirlpools

mit Blick in die freie Natur und wohltuender

Wassermassage fördern den Stressabbau.

Bei Villeroy & Boch können die JetPaks

individuell angeordnet werden, um

bestimmte Muskelgruppen zu erreichen.

Wind and weather-resistant outdoor jacuzzis

with views of the outdoors and soothing

water massages promote stress relief. The

JetPaks can be ordered individually at

Villeroy & Boch to target certain muscle

groups.

villeroyboch.de/whirlpools

124 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018 125

SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE

Bezahlte Anzeige

Garten mit Charakter

A garden with character

Christiane und Jörg Zecha stehen für perfekt

abgestimmte Details und langfristige,

individuelle Planungen in der Gartenarchitektur

und Terrassengestaltung. Erreicht wird

dies durch durchdachte Sichtachsen,

Blütenreihenfolgen und das Abstimmen des

Wuchsverhaltens der Bepflanzungen.

When it comes to garden architecture and

terrace design, Christiane and Jörg Zecha

value perfectly harmonised details and

long-term, custom-tailored planning. This is

achieved by way of carefully thought-through

visual axes, flower arrangements and the

coordination of the growth behaviours of the

various plants.

begruender.at

MALEN

WIE IN

FLORENZ.

Multifunktionales

Kochvergnügen

Multifunctional cooking fun

LEBEN

Ein Gartenaccessoire, das im Sommer und Winter

Freude bereitet, ist der Multifunktionsgriller von

Funco. Er kann als Kohle-, Gas- oder Elektrogrill

betrieben werden und ist außerdem noch als

Getränkekühler, Suppen- oder Punschkoch

einsetzbar. Als Steh- oder Sitzvariante ist er ein

zentrales Element für kulinarische Outdoor-

Treffen der besonderen Art.

The multifunctional grill by Funco is a garden

accessory that offers good times during both

summer and winter alike. It can be used as a

coal, gas or electric grill and can even cool beverages

and act as a soup or punch cooker. With

settings for both standing and sitting, it quickly

becomes an indispensable companion to any

outdoor meet-up. funco.at

126 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Wozu in die Ferne schweifen? Wien legt großen Wert auf einen offenen Zugang zu Kunst

und Kultur sowie ein vielfältiges und interessantes Angebot. Neben den zahlreichen

Wiener Museen und Sammlungen können viele Veranstaltungen kostenfrei besucht

werden. Das gilt auch im Wien Museum, im ZOOM Kindermuseum und in der Kunsthalle

Wien für alle Dauer- und Sonderausstellungen für Jugendliche unter 19 Jahren.

Darüber hinaus kann das MUSA ohne Altersbeschränkung kostenlos besucht werden.

Kultur zum Nulltarif unter www.kultur.wien.at/veranstaltungen/nulltarif.html

Alle Museen und Sammlungen unter www.museen.wien.at

Lebendig. Vielseitig. Weltoffen.

SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE

Auszeit im Sommer

Summer time-out

Text: Michaela Hocek

Edel & maritim

Exquisite & maritime

Luxuriöser Schlafkomfort

Luxurious sleeping comfort

Im „Seidenkleid Pura“ von Bogner Woman

mit Gürtel und raffinierten Längsstreifen in

sattem Blau, Rot und Weiß macht man

nicht nur an Bord einer Segelyacht,

sondern auch bei einem Stadtspaziergang

oder auf Reisen eine gute Figur.

Dressed in Bogner Woman’s “Pura“

silk dress – with its clever vertical

stripes and belt in lush blue, red

and white colours – you will not

only stun on board of a sailing

yacht, but also during a walk

around the city or while

travelling.

bogner.com

Superfood der Schönheit |

The superfood of beauty

Mit der Demeter Kosmetikmarke dieNikolai werden aus

Safran, Traubenkernen, Lindenblüten und Rebwasser

regionale Kostbarkeiten aus der Wachau zu hochwertigen

bio-dynamischen Pflegeprodukten verarbeitet.

The Demeter-certified cosmetics brand dieNikolai refines

saffron, grape seeds, lime blossoms, grape water and

other natural treasures from Austria’s Wachau Valley

into bio-dynamic care products.

dienikolai.at

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

1918 legte Swiss Sense-Gründer Piet

Diks den Grundstein für die heutigen

Boxspringbetten, die die niederländischen

Marke anbietet. Das 100-Jahr-

Jubiläum des Unternehmens wird mit

einer Limited Edition-Kollektion,

bestehend aus drei Modellen gefeiert

– in gewohnter Swiss Sense-Qualität

und mit natürlichen Materialien.

In 1918, Swiss Sense founder Piet Diks

laid the foundations for today's

box-spring beds, which the Dutch

brand offers. The company is

celebrating its 100 th anniversary with a

limited edition collection consisting of

three different models – with the usual

Swiss Sense quality and using natural

materials.

swisssense.at

Uhr mit Geschichte | A watch with history

Seit den 1950er Jahren ist die Kollektion „Memovox

Polaris“ von Jaeger-LeCoultre nicht mehr aus der

Welt der Uhren wegzudenken. Das aktuelle

Modell „Deep Sea“ mit überarbeitetem

Gehäusedesign geht auf die weltweit erste

Taucheruhr mit Alarmfunktion zurück, die die

Manufaktur 1959 präsentierte.

Since the 1950s, it’s been difficult for

watch enthusiasts to imagine a world

without Jaeger-LeCoultre’s “Memovox

Polaris“ collection. The current “Deep

Sea“ model, with its reworked case

design, pays tribute to the world’s first

diving watch with alarm function, which

the manufacturer introduced in 1959.

jaegerlecoultre.com

Charme des Jugendstils | The charm of Art Nouveau

Unretuschiert schön | Unretouched

and beautiful

Die Sommerkampagne 2018 von Popp & Kretschmer

stand unter dem Motto „Ganz ohne Photoshop“ und

zeigt die Models Michaela Hlaváčková und Marina

Lindskjold in edlen Roben weiblich und selbstbewusst

– wie Fashionistas im echten Leben.

Popp & Kretschmer’s 2018 summer campaign was

announced under the headline “Completely without

Photoshop“ and presented the feminine and confident

models Michaela Hlavácková and Marina Lindskjold in

fine robes – like real-life fashionistas.

popp-kretschmer.at

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unverkennbaren Bildsprache des Wiener Ausnahmekünstlers, speziell vom dreiteiligen Wandmosaik

„Stoclet-Fries“ der gleichnamigen Brüsseler Villa.

Frey Wille’s new “Gustav Klimt“ limited edition collection includes 999 pieces. Inspired by the exceptional

Viennese artist’s unmistakable visual style, it is especially Klimt’s three-part “Stoclet-Frieze“wall mosaic in the

villa in Brussels of the same name that is referenced. freywille.at

128 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

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Nibelungengasse 7/19, 1010 Wien

SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADOR´S DRIVE

Auf der Straße: Maserati Quattroporte. Am Steuer: S.E. Sergio Barbanti

On the road: Maserati Quattroporte. At the steering wheel: H.E. Sergio Barbanti

Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner

Der Botschafter von Italien auf CD-Testfahrt.

The Ambassador of Italy performs a test drive for CD.

Sergio Barbanti, der neue Botschafter von Italien in Wien,

hatte gleich zwei Limos von Maserati für den diesmaligen

Ambassador's Drive zur Auswahl – den spritzigen Ghibli und

den wuchtigen Quattroporte.

Sergio Barbanti, Italy's new Ambassador to Austria, could

choose between two Maserati limos for this issue's

Ambassador's Drive – the nitty-gritty Ghibli and the mighty

Quattroporte.

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA

Es herrscht Hochbetrieb im Hof des ehrwürdigen

Palais Metternich im dritten Wiener Gemeindebezirk,

dem Sitz der italienischen Botschaft

in Wien. Dienstautos werden in die Garage

verfrachtet, der Fotograf baut eine mächtige Lichtanlage

auf, rasch noch ein paar störende Gegenstände

versteckt, und dann heißt es: Bühne frei für zwei

Spitzenboliden aus dem Hause Maserati – den taufrischen

Ghibli GranLusso und den wuchtigen Quattroporte.

Diese beiden exquisiten Luxus-Limousinen

stehen dem neuen italienischen Botschafter Sergio

Barbanti für den nunmehr bereits neunten

„Ambassador's Drive“ von „Cercle Diplomatique“

zur Auswahl.

Wenn man dem gebürtigen Mailänder, von Kopf

bis Fuß ein Signore der alten Schule, eines auf den

ersten Blick ansieht, dann seine Leidenschaft für das

schöne Auto an und für sich, Segment alte mechanische

Meisterwerke. „Ich habe schon als Kind mit

Modellautos gespielt“, erzählt er begeistert. „Die Faszination

für diese Maschinen – ihr Tempo, ihre

Kraft, ihr Lärm – hat mich nie mehr losgelassen.“

Sein erstes Auto, erinnert er sich, war ein Autobianchi,

ein kleiner, schnittiger Flitzer, und nichts habe

mehr Spaß gemacht, also ihn Gang für Gang, immer

mit Zwischengas, Hände und Füße wie in einem

Tanz vereint, durch die Straßen zu treiben. „Die besten

dieser Oldtimer waren wie Kunst“, sagt Barbanti.

„Und die Mechaniker wie Spitzendoktoren. Mal sehen,

was die neuen können.“

Sagt's, wirft einen respektvollen, aber nicht ausreichend

bewundernden Blick auf den Ghibli Gran-

Lusso, murmelt ein paar lobende Worte über dessen

edles Interieur von Ermenegildo Zegna, und steigt

aber dann ohne großes Zögern in den Quattroporte,

die doch etwas stärkere Maschine, ein. Zuerst einmal

lässt Brabanti, der seinen gelernten Beruf als Rechtsanwalt

für eine diplomatische Karriere aufgegeben

hat („zu langweilig“), seinen Maserati so richtig aufheulen,

und nach ein paar Dröhnungen legt er los in

Richtung Gasometer, dieser „tollen Architektur“

130 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADOR´S DRIVE

Barbanti zwischen den Maseratis

Ghibli GranLusso (links) und Quattroporte

– eine schwere Wahl.

Tough choice – Barbanti took the

Quattroporte for the test drive, not

the Ghibli GranLusso (left).

nahe der Botschaft. Überkommt ihn da gar ein fast

kindliches Vergnügen, als er am freien Rennweg

kräftig ins Pedal tritt und die Tourennadel hochtreibt?

Umspielt hier nicht ein kleines Grinsen seine

Lippen, wie er einem BMW oder Mercedes die Gurke

gibt? Sicher ist: Brabanti liebt diesen Maserati –

„ein richtiges Spaß-Auto“, urteilt er.

Der Botschafter lässt seine bisherigen diplomatischen

Berufungen – Simbabwe, Washington, Madrid,

Montenegro – Revue passieren und bleibt

schließlich an seiner letzten Position vor seiner Entsendung

nach Österreich hängen.

Vier Jahre lang war Barbanti in der Generalinspektion

im Außenministerium in Rom tätig, zuletzt

als stellvertretender Generalinspektor. Er erzählt von

ernsthaft detaillierten Fragenbögen, die Botschaften

penibel beantworten müssen, von Punktevergaben

und Rechnungsprüfungen, von einem kaum bekannten

Job eines Botschafters als Kontrolleur. Denn

er ist schon auf dem Weg zur Garage, wo er stolz

zwei Objekte seiner anderen Leidenschaft präsentiert

– für ihn maßgeschneiderte Fahrräder aus dem

Hause Lamborghini, auf denen er Wien durchmisst.

Wenn er nicht lieber doch seinen Sportwagen

nimmt.

For the first time in the “Ambassador's Drive“

series, our test-driver could choose between

two exquisite luxury limos – a Maserati Ghibli

GranLusso and a Maserati Quattroporte. Without

much tatitata Signor Sergio Barbanti, the Ambassador

of Italy to Austria since mid-2017, left the Ghibli

INFO:

pappas.at

132 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA

Botschafter Sergio Barbanti im Gespräch mit Pappas-Markenleiter Alexander Frybert und CD-Autor

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner vor einem Gemälde von Luca Giordano in der italienischen Botschaft

(oben), bei einem Zwischenstopp vor dem Gasometer und mit seinem maßgeschneiderten Citybike

von Lamborghini.

Ambassador Sergio Barbanti with Alexander Frybert, brand manager of the Pappas Group, and CDauthor

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner beneath a wonderful painting by Luca Giordano in the Italian

Embassy, during a short stop in fornt of the Viennese Gasometer und proudly presenting his bespoke

city-bike manufactured for him by Lamborghini.

Maserati Ghibli GranLusso – die Ikone auf vier Rädern

Maserati Ghibli GranLusso – the icon on four wheels

Die Sportslimousine Ghibli ist das meistverkaufte Maserati-Modell aller Zeiten. Seit 2013 wurden über 70.000

Exemplare in 70 Ländern ausgeliefert. Für den Ghibli gibt es nun zwei neue, unverkennbare Ausstattungslinien:

GranLusso und GranSport. Der Ghibli GranLusso zeichnet sich durch neue Details beim Exterieur und

durch ein luxuriöses Interieur mit Seide von Ermenegildo Zegna aus. Der Ghibli GranSport knüpft hingegen an

die Rennsporttradition von Maserati an.

The Ghibli sports-limo is regarded as the best-selling Maserati model of all times. Since its introduction in

2013, more than 70,000 vehicles have been shipped to 70 countries. Now, Maserati has introduced two new

distinctive Ghibli versions – the GranLusso (pictured above) and the Gran Sport. Connoisseurs are especially

overwhelmed by the luxury interior of the GranLusso by Ermenegildo Zegna.

Technische Daten Technical data

Motor Engine

3,0-Liter-V6 Turbo Twin

Antrieb Drive

Allrad-, Hinterradantrieb/four-wheel, back-wheel drive

kW (PS) kw (HP) 316/430 (max.)

High Speed

286 km/h

Kraftstoffverbrauch 8,9l/100 km

Fuel consumption (combined)

Preis Price

ab | from € 77.000,– (inkl./ incl. NoVA & 20% Mwst./ VAT)

“Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy.”

Thomas Jefferson

At AMADEUS Internaonal School Vienna, character development is

emphasized just as strongly as educaonal development. We realize that

educaon is not just learning facts and increasing skill levels, but also the

culvaon of a person as a whole. Students are in the most impressionable

years of their lives and we want to support them in growing up to be the

empathec, socially responsible leaders that our world needs.

Founders Dr. Wilson and Karen Goh believe strongly in the power and

importance that a creave educaon plays in the development of students.

They have dedicated their lives to the supporng the creave educaon of

young people, both through the founding of AMADEUS Internaonal School

Vienna and its Music & Arts Academy and their work with the Goh Family

Collecon - a collecon of string instruments from some of the most

important makers in history. The instruments are available for loan to

promising young musicians. The recipients of instruments from the Goh

Family Collecon must seek out opportunies to do their part for the

beerment of society through their musical performances.

This emphasis on holisc educaon was recently recognized when the Goh

family and the AMADEUS Internaonal School were honored by receiving the

Flame of Peace award from the Habsburg-Lothringen family for their

contribuon to world peace through the educaon of internaonal-minded,

compassionate individuals.

The Flame of Peace is granted to individuals and organizaons by the

Associaon for the Promoon of Peace, which was founded in 2007 by Herta

Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen. The mission of the organizaon is to

promote and reward peace by creang a space for conflict management

dialogue and peace-creang ideas.

for the Quattroporte, certainly the stronger machine,

behind in the court of the former Palais Metternich-

Embassy in Vienna's 3rd district and headed for the

Gasometer, one of his favourite places here. To cut a

long story short: Barbanti, a lawyer-turned-diplomat

born in Milano, has fallen in love with this Maserati

– “a real fun-car“, he says.

When he let the engine roar, his ears began to

smile. When he hit the gas pedal at the free Rennweg,

his heart jumped with joy. And when he overtook a

BMW 5 on the way back, wasn't there a twinkle in

his eye? “Already as a child, I have been playing with

model cars“, Barbanti recalls with a still boiling passion.

“The fascination for mechanical machines –

their speed, their power, their noise – has never left

me.“ It was in this Maserati Quattroporte where he

has once again experienced “this dance of hands and

feet, just like in the old times of the oldtimers“.

Such were the topics that dominated CD's 9th test

drive. And he was more than happy to show his two

bespoke bicycles tailored for him by Lamborghini.

For cruising Vienna, he said. And if it's raining, there

is always his sports car available in the garage.

L-R: Karen Goh, Sandor Habsburg-Lothringen, Herta Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen,

Chris Greulich, Wilson Goh

The vision of the AMADEUS and Goh's is to create a more peaceful world

through educaon, music and the arts. To commemorate the honor of

being recipients of the Flame of Peace, the Habsburg-Lothringens, the

Gohs and the AMADEUS community came together to plant a rose bush

in the newly established Garden of Peace on the AMADEUS campus. It is

our hope that peace will bloom in the lives of all who pass through

AMADEUS’s doors and that peacefulness will be shared with the world.

For more informaon about AMADEUS Internaonal School Vienna and

our programs, visit our website at www.amadeus-vienna.com or email us

at info@amadeus-vienna.com.

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018 133

SAVOIR VIVRE MOTOR

Vier Bestseller in neuem Gewand

Four bestsellers with new looks

Text: Rois & Stubenrauch

VW Touareg:

Innovativer, kantiger, komfortabler

More innovation, more comfort, more edge

Das Erfolgsmodell von VW geht in die dritte Runde – mit geschärftem Design und einem satten Paket an innovativen Assistenzsystemen.

Von der Infrarot-unterstützten Nachtsichtfunktion bis zum Stauassistenten, der selbstständig bremst, beschleunigt und

lenkt, enthält der neue Touareg alles, was VW momentan diesbezüglich aufzubieten hat. Eine Spur größer ist der SUV auch

geworden, was sich insbesondere beim auf beachtliche 810 l angewachsenen Kofferraum bemerkbar macht. Extras wie Allradlenkung

oder Luftfederung erhöhen den Fahrkomfort. Gelenkt wird das VW-Flaggschiff aus

dem Innovision Cockpit via riesigem Touch-Display mit integrierter Gestensteuerung. Motor Engine

V6 TDI

VW’s success model goes into the third round – with a sharpened design and a rich set of Antrieb Drive

Allrad 4Motion / Four-wheel 4Motion

innovative assistance systems. From the infrared-supported night vision function to the kW (PS) kw (HP) 210 (286)

traffic assistant that automatically brakes, accelerates and steers, the new Touareg packs Hubraum Capacity

2.967 ccm

everything that VW currently has to offer in this area. The SUV has also gotten a tad

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 6,9 l/100 km (Diesel)

bigger, which becomes especially apparent when looking at the impressive 810-litre

Preis | Price ab | from € 72.690,–

luggage compartment. Additional extras, such as four-wheel drive and air suspension

improve driving comfort even more. VW’s flagship is steered from the Innovision Cockpit

via the giant touch display with integrated gesture control.

Peugeot 508: Neustart in der Premiumliga | Reboot in the

premium segment

Audi A6: Präzisionsarbeit aus Nekarsulm | Precision work

from Neckarsulm

Radikal neues Design, bissige Frontpartie, Fastback und neue Motorisierung – der

Peugeot 508 erfindet sich komplett neu und wandelt sich zum kraftvoll-sportlichen

Hightech Coupé. Ein markantes Lichtdesign, rahmenlose Türen, digitales

Cockpit und ein luxuriöser Innenraum komplettieren den neuen Stil. Der neue 508

stammt übrigens zur Gänze aus französischer Produktion – in den Worten von

Peugeot: „Origine France Garantie“.

A radical new design, snappy front, fastback and a new engine – the Peugeot 508

reinvents itself completely, becoming a powerful yet racy high-tech coupé. A

striking lighting design, frameless doors, a digital cockpit and a luxurious interior

complement the new style. The new 508 was, incidentally, made in France from

beginning to end – “Origine France Garantie“, in the words of Peugeot.

Motor Engine

R4 und R6 Diesel, R6 Benziner - R4 and R6 diesel, R6 petrol

Antrieb Drive

Allrad 4Matic / Four-wheel 4Matic

kW (PS) kw (HP) 180 - 270+16 (245 - 367+22)

Hubraum Capacity

1.950 - 2.999 ccm

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 5,7 - 5,3 (Diesel) / 7,5 (Benziner/petrol) l/100 km

Preis Price ab | from € 71.300,–

Mercedes-Benz CLS: Eine Stilikone startet durch | A style icon takes off

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

Frontpartie, seinem nach vorn geneigten Kühlergrill – was auch unter der schönen Bezeichnung Sharknose firmiert – und langgezogenen Scheinwerfern. Schmale Seitenfenster

und die flache Silhouette betonen den sportlichen Charakter der Stilikone aus Stuttgart. Unter der mächtigen Motorhaube des CLS sorgt eine neue Motorengeneration für

dynamische Fahrleistung und bringt in der stärksten Variante als Sechszylinder Benziner satte 367 PS plus 22 PS elektrischer Extraschub auf die Straße.

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

forward-tilted grille – also known under the descriptive name “sharknose“ – and the extended headlights. The narrow side windows and the flat silhouette accentuate the

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,

offers a six-cylinder petrol engine with 367 hp and an additional electric boost of 22 hp.

FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY

PHOTOS: DAIMLER AG, PICTURESERVICE VOLKSWAGEN AG, PEUGEOT KOMMUNIKATION, AUDI AG

Die bereits achte Generation von Audis äußerst erfolgreichen Business-Limousine

feierte im März diesen Jahres am Genfer Autosalon ihre Premiere. Ihre klare,

athletische Designsprache, ein volldigitaler Innenraum und höchste Präzision bei

den Details zeichnen den Klassiker der Business-Klasse aus. Die neue, dynamische

Allradlenkung bringt sportliche Lenkansprache und Fahrstabilität unter einen Hut

und reduziert den Wendekreis des neuen Audi A6 um bis zu 1,1 Meter. Gefertigt

wird der A6 im Werk Nekarsulm.

The eighth generation of Audi’s exceptionally successful business limousine will be

celebrating its premiere at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Its clear and athletic

design, the fully digital interior and its extreme precision in every corner are details

that define this business class classic. The new, dynamic four-wheel drive brings

both easy steering as well as driving stability under a single roof, reducing the new

Audi A6’s turning circle to just 1.1 metres. The A6 is manufactured at Audi’s factory

in Neckarsulm.

Motor Engine

V6 Diesel und Benziner / V6 diesel and petrol

Antrieb Drive

Allrad quattro / Four-wheel quattro

kW (PS) kw (HP) 210 - 250 (286 - 340)

Hubraum Capacity

2.967 - 2.995 ccm

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 5,8 - 5,5 (Diesel) / 7,1 - 6,7 (Benziner/petrol) l/100 km

Preis | Price ab | from € 65.500,-

Motor Engine

R4 Diesel und Benziner / R4 diesel and petrol

Antrieb Drive

Vorderradantrieb / Front-wheel drive

kW (PS) kw (HP) 96 - 165 (130 - 225)

Hubraum Capacity

1.499 - 1.997 ccm

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 4,7 - 3,8 (Diesel) / 5,7 - 5,4 (Benziner/petrol) l/100 km

Preis | Price Peugeot 508 First Edition ab | from € 49.950,–

134 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018 135

SAVOIR VIVRE WEEKENDER

BUDAPEST

An der blauen Donau

By the blue Danube

Text: Gerald Sturz

Wien und Budapest verbindet eine lange gemeinsame

Geschichte. Heute wetteifern die beiden Städte darum, wer

von beiden die Schönere ist. Ein Lokalaugenschein.

Vienna and Budapest are connected through a long and

shared history. Today, the two cities compete with one

another about which of the two cities is more

beautiful – here, a small review.

Buda und Pest.

Buda and Pest.

Mehrere Brücken überqueren

die Donau und verbinden die

beiden Stadthälften. Eine

davon ist die Freiheitsbrücke.

Several bridges cross the

Danube and connect the two

halves of the city. One of them

is the Liberty Bridge.

PHOTOS: HELLOHUNGARY.COM

Kultur, Entertainment und Wellness: das Riesenrad, der Palast

der Künste und eine Badelandschaft (im Uhrzeigersinn).

Culture, entertainment and wellness: the ferris wheel, the Palace

of Arts and a bathing area (clockwise).

Wien und Budapest sind wie zwei Geschwister,

die so viel gemeinsam haben:

eine lange gemeinsame Geschichte und

zahllose kulturelle, politische und gesellschaftliche

Berührungspunkte. Und die, wie das bei Geschwistern

nun mal so üblich ist, in steter Konkurrenz

sind. Wer von beiden ist die Schönere, fragen

sie sich? Wer sieht besser aus? Wer hat mehr zu

bieten? Einst waren Wien und Budapest die beiden

Metropolen der Habsburger Doppelmonarchie.

Die eine vom Kaiserreich Österreich, die andere

vom Königreich Ungarn. Von Cisleithanien beziehungsweise

von Transleithanien, wie es damals

hieß. Jede der beiden Städte kann vortreffliche Argumente

ins Spiel bringen, die sie ins bessere Licht

rücken lassen. Doch es gibt ein Argument, das alle

anderen zu übertreffen scheint und dieses Argument,

das muss man auch als Österreicher neidlos

zugeben, spricht für Budapest. Budapest liegt

nämlich tatsächlich an der Donau. Mitten durch

die Stadt fließt der Strom. Rechts ist Buda, links ist

Pest. Und jede dieser beiden Stadthälften hat sich

ihre einzigartige Persönlichkeit bewahrt.

Blicken wir also zuerst nach rechts. Nach Buda.

Es ist eine hügelige Gegend. Der Burgberg und der

Gellértberg sind die bekanntesten Erhebungen.

Der Gellért ist der höchste dieser Hügel und so ist

er wohl der beste Ort, um sich einen Überblick

über die Stadt zu verschaffen. Hier oben liegt einem

die Stadt tatsächlich zu Füßen. Direkt unter

einem die Donau, die Elisabethbrücke, dahinter

das Pester Ufer mit dem Parlamentsgebäude, den

Türmen der Kirchen und der schönen Dachlandschaft.

Wenn man Glück hat, dann reicht der Blick

weit über die Stadt hinaus. Es ist ein wunderbarer

Ausblick, bei dem Instagrammer vor Glück gar

nicht mehr den Finger vom Auslöser ihrer Kamera

oder ihres iPhones bekommen. Es fällt einem

schwer, sich loszureißen.

Der Namen Gellért hat aber auch aus einem anderen

Grund einen ausgezeichneten Ruf. Das Hotel

Gellért (danubiushotels.hu) ist Budapests

prächtigstes Hotel. Eine Institution. Eine Art-nouveau-Extravaganza.

Ein Mythos. Erbaut wurde es

zwischen 1912 und 1918 zusammen mit dem Gellértbad

im Stil der Wiener Secession. Üppig ausgestattete

Innenräume, nahezu altmodische Eleganz,

die Erinnerung an einstige Größe. Und von den

Steinbalkonen blickt man auf die Donau. Das Bad

sollte man besuchen, auch wenn man nicht im Hotel

absteigt. Es ist traditioneller Budapester Lifestyle.

Das Burgviertel wird von einer mittelalterlichen

Festungsanlage definiert, in der einst die ungarischen

Könige residierten. Hier finden sich

nicht nur historische Bauten, sondern neuerdings

auch Galerien und Design Stores, Restaurants und

Cafés. Die Fischerbastei, die erst Anfang des 20.

Jahrhunderts errichtet wurde, die also nie irgendeinen

militärischen Zweck erfüllte, ist ein beliebtes

Ausflugsziel der Budapester. Kein Wunder bei dem

Blick, den man von hier oben hat. Hier befindet

sich auch das Hilton Hotel (hiltonhotels.com), das

in die Überreste eines Dominikanerklosters eingepasst

wurde, und in seiner gelungenen Synthese

von Alt und Neu wohl eines der besten und luxuriösesten

Hotels der Stadt ist.

Die Rollen von Buda und Pest sind auch heute

noch gut verteilt. Buda hat Geschichte, Eleganz

und ein eher ruhigeres Tempo. Pest hingegen ist

voller Leben, hat seine hippen Ecken und sucht

nach einem modernen Lifestyle. Mehrere Brücken

verbinden die beiden Stadtteile. Die schönsten unter

ihnen sind die Kettenbrücke, die als ein Wahrzeichen

Budapests gilt und als erste die beiden

Stadthälften miteinander verbunden hat, und die

Elisabethbrücke.

Die interessantesten Bezirke von Pest sind die

Innenstadt, das Jüdische Viertel und die Josefstadt.

136 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018 137

SAVOIR VIVRE WEEKENDER

Der Burggarten mit seiner

Neorenaissance-Architektur und

der Gloriette.

The garden of the castle with its

neo-renaissance architecture and

the gloriette.

Budapester Potpourri:

ein Einkaufszentrum, das

„Der Wal“ genannt wird, eine

beschauliche Gasse im Vorort

Szentendre und das Hotel Gellért

(von links nach rechts).

Budapest medley:

a shopping center called „The

Whale“, a quiet alley in the

suburb of Szentendre and Hotel

Gellért (from left to right).

Ein Klassiker: das

Restaurant Gundel.

A classic: the restaurant

Gundel.

HOTELTIPP

RADISSON BLU BÉKE

HOTEL

Das Gebäude ist ein

historischer Prachtbau, die

Zimmer sind modern, hell,

freundlich und überraschen

mit starken Farbakzenten.

Nicht nur Geschäftsreisende

werden mit diesem Haus ihre

Freude haben, sondern auch

alle, die hier sind, um die

Stadt zu besichtigen. Die Lage

in unmittelbarer Nähe zum

Westbahnhof ist dabei sehr

hilfreich.

Located in a splendid historic

building, the hotel’s rooms are

modern, bright, friendly and

surprise with strong colour

accents. Not only business

travellers will have a brilliant

time at this hotel, but also

those who have simply come

here to see the city. The

location’s close proximity to

the Western Railway Station

comes in quite handy for this

reason.

radissonblue.com

danubiushotels.hu

Zu sehen und zu besichtigen gibt es in Pest eine

Menge. Eine kleine Auswahl: die Sankt-Stephans-

Kirche, die Budapests Basilika ist; das Museum der

Bildenden Künste, das mit Arbeiten von Tizian,

Tintoretto, Goya, El Greco, Raffael Albrecht Dürer

zu den besten Europas zählt; die im byzantinischmaurischen

Stil errichtete Synagoge in der Dohány

utca, die die größte Europas ist; der Franziskanerplatz

mit der Franziskanerkirche; das legendäre

Kaffeehaus Gerbeaud, wo man unbedingt eine

wunderbare Dobos-Torte verkosten sollte und die

eindrucksvolle Markthalle. Auf jeden Fall sollte

man einen Spaziergang entlang der Donau unternehmen.

Am Ende der Andrássy út, einem großzügigen

Boulevard, befindet sich der Heldenplatz und dahinter

der Stadtwald. Das ist eine riesige Parkanlage

mit einem Zoo, mit einem Vergnügungspark,

mit künstlichem See, Heilbad und mit der Burg

Vajdahunyad. Der Városliget, wie der Stadtwald

auf Ungarisch heißt, ist für die Budapester in etwa

das, was der Prater für die Wiener ist. Es ist auch

ein guter Ort, um Hunger zu haben. Am Rand des

Stadtwaldes steht nämlich eines von Budapests

schönsten und besten Restaurants: das Gundel

(gundel.hu). Hier wird klassische ungarische Küche

auf einem zeitgemäßen und modernen Niveau

zubereitet. Die Gänseleber ist weltberühmt. Man

sollte sie kennenlernen.

Vienna and Budapest are like two siblings

that have a lot in common: a long, shared

history, as well as countless cultural, political

and social points of contact. And, as is often

the case with siblings, they are frequently in competition

with one another. Which of the two is

more beautiful, they ask themselves. Which looks

better? Which has more to offer? There was a time

when Vienna and Budapest were the two metropolitan

cities of the Habsburg Dual Monarchy, one

belonging to the Austrian Empire, the other to the

Kingdom of Hungary. The respective capitals of

Cisleithania and Transleithania, as they were called

back then. Each of the two cities could come up

with a long list of arguments that will make it look

a little better than the other. But, there is one argument

that sur-passes all the others, and this argument

– and any Austrian will have to admit – favours

Budapest. For Budapest is actually located

right by the Danube. The river passes right through

the city, with Buda on the right side, Pest on the

left. And each of the two city halves has maintained

its unique and extraordinary personality to

this day.

Let’s start by looking at the right side, at Buda.

It’s a hilly terrain. Castle Hill and Gellért Hill are

the two most recognisable elevations. Gellért Hill

is the highest of the hills and thus probably the

best spot to get a good view of the city. Up here, the

city is literally at one’s feet. And right underneath

is the Danube, the Elisabeth Bridge, and behind it,

Pest’s river bank with the Parliament building, the

church towers and the beautiful roofscape. If

you’re lucky, then the panorama reaches far beyond

the city limits. It’s a beautiful view, which

keeps the fingers of avid Instagrammers glued to

the shut-ter releases of their smartphones. It is difficult

to break free from its spell.

However, the name Gellért also enjoys an excellent

reputation for another reason entirely. The

Ho-tel Gellért (danubiushotels.hu) is Budapest’s

most magnificent hotel. An institution. An art

nouveau extravaganza. A myth. Together with the

Gellért Spa, the hotel was constructed between

1912 and 1918 in the style of the Vienna Secession.

Opulently furnished rooms, nearly old-fashioned

ele-gance, reminders of the glories of the past. And

from the stone balcony, one likewise has a perfect

view of the Danube. The spa should be visited even

if not staying at the hotel itself, for it is part of the

traditional Budapest lifestyle.

The Castle Quarter is defined by its medieval

fortress, which was once inhabited by Hungarian

kings. Here, one will not only find historic buildings,

but more recently also new galleries and designer

stores, restaurants and cafes. The

Fisherman’s Bastion, only built in the beginning of

the 20th century and thus never used for any kind

of military purpose, is a popular trip destination

for Budapest’s locals. And it should come as no

PHOTOS: HELLOHUNGARY.COM, GUNDEL GRUPPE 2018

The Original

Gundel Experience

www.gundel.hu reservations@gundel.hu +36 1 889 8111

Gundel Károly St 4, H-1146 Budapest, Hungary

surprise when one considers the view that presents

itself from this spot. The Hilton Hotel (hiltonhotels.com)

is also located here and was fitted into

the re-mains of an old Dominican monastery, making

the excellent synthesis between old and new

one of the best and most luxurious hotels in the

city.

The roles of Buda and Pest remain quite divided

to this day. Buda has history, elegance and a slower

rhythm. Pest, on the other hand, is full of zest, has

many hip places and aspires toward a modern lifestyle.

The two city halves are connected by several

bridges. The most gorgeous among them is the

Chain Bridge, one of Budapest’s landmarks and the

first bridge to connect the two halves with one

another, and the Elisabeth Bridge.

The most interesting districts in Pest are the Inner

City, the Jewish Quarter and Joseph Town.

There is so much to see and do in Pest. Just a small

sample: St. Stephen’s Basilica; the Museum of Fine

Arts (considered one of the best in Europe with

works by Tizian, Tintoretto, Goya, El Greco, Raphael

and Albrecht Dürer); the Dohány Street Synagogue

(built in the Byzantine-Moorish style and

the biggest synagogue in Europe); the Square of

the Franciscans with the Franciscan Church; the

legendary Café Gerbeaud, where you absolutely

must sample a piece of Dobos torte and the impressive

Great Market Hall. A walk along the Danube

should likewise be part of any itinerary.

At the end of the Andrássy út, a wide boulevard,

you will find the Heroes’ Square, and behind it the

City Park. It’s a massive complex with its own zoo,

amusement park, artificial lake, traditional spa

and the Vajdahunyad Castle. Városliget, as the City

Park is called in Hungarian, is to Budapest’s locals

what the Prater is to the Viennese. It’s also a good

place if you’re hungry. At the edge of the City Park,

you will find one of Budapest’s finest restaurants:

the Gundel (gundel.hu). Here, classic Hungarian

cuisine is prepared in accordance with contemporary

standards. The foie gras is world-renowned

and you should definitely not miss out on this culinary

treat.

Die Zahnradbahn auf den Burgberg und die

Fußgängerzone mit der Sankt-Stephans-

Basilika im Hintergrund. The cog railway to the

castle hill and the pedestrian area with

St. Stephen‘s Basilica in the background.

RADISSON BLU BÉKE HOTEL

The 105-year-old hotel celebrated the anniversary of its iconic

building with spectacular transformation: the rooms and the

ground floor with the Zsolnay Café was reborn in the spirit of

tradition and renewal.

Teréz krt. 43., H-1067 Budapest, Hungary

danubiushotels.com

138 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

DHG RAdisson hird_95x125.indd 1

5/11/18 11:21 AM

SAVOIR VIVRE UPCOMING

Wo es uns gefällt

Where we love to be

Erlebnistourismus | Adventure tourism

Das Weinviertel vollends genießen | Taking in the Weinviertel region

Spitzenköche servieren auf langen, weiß gedeckten Tafeln unter freiem Himmel und inmitten der

Landschaft beste Gerichte. Die Winzer aus der Region liefern die harmonierenden Weine. Da darf das

„Pfefferl“ im Grünen Veltliner auf keinen Fall fehlen, wenn bei „Tafeln im Weinviertel“ an malerischen

Plätzen Hof gehalten wird – in der Kellergasse, zwischen den Reben, in märchenhaften Schlosshöfen oder

mit Blick ins weite Land. Die 5-Gang-Menüs werden mit regionalen Produkten wie Wild, Zwiebel, Kürbis,

Erdäpfel zubereitet – dabei kann man dem Koch großteils direkt vor Ort über die Schulter schauen. Die

Veranstaltungsserie mit 26 Terminen zwischen 15. Juni und 24. August 2018 in verschiedenen Locations ist

ein besonderes und kommunikatives Erlebnis. Und ein Gesamtkunstwerk nicht nur für den Gaumen,

sondern auch für Auge und Ohr.

Top chefs serve their exquisite creations across extended tables set in white, right under the open sky

and amid a gorgeous landscape. The local winemakers have provided the fitting wines. And just as

crucial is the touch of peppery spice in the Grüner Veltliner wine, when “Tafeln im Weinviertel” hosts

their guests for a session of fine dining at one of their picturesque locations – outside of wine cellars,

among grapevines, in magical palace courtyards or with mesmerising views of the countryside. The

5-course menus are prepared with local produce such as game, onions, pumpkin, potatoes – and the

chefs will even let you glance over their shoulder as they work. The series with 26 different events

between 15 June and 24 August 2018 at various locations is a quite exceptional and communicative

experience. It’s not unlike a work of art – not just for the palate, but for all the senses.

tafeln-im-weinviertel.at

Text: Daniela Pötzl

Bio-Pioniere | Organic pioneers

Urlaub im Jubeljahr

| A holiday in the

anniversary year

Gegründet 1928 als Bad mit

eigener Heilquelle, führt die

Familie Daberer ihr Bio-Hotel

heuer nun seit 40 Jahren. Das

4-Sterne Superior-Haus der

Top-Pioniere wurde 2017

intensiv umgestaltet. Neben

44 Zimmern mit heimischem

Holz und toller Aussicht sind

auch die Küche und der

Spa-Bereich mit der

entzückenden Waldsauna (im

Bild) nicht nur im Sommer eine

Reise wert.

Originally founded as a spa

with its own healing spring in

1928, the Daberer Family has

now been running their

organic hotel for the past 40

years. In 2017, the 4-star

superior establishment was

extensively remodelled. Next

to 44 rooms furnished with

domestic wood and offering

magnificent views, the

restaurant and the spa area

with its delightful forest sauna

(pictured) likewise make any

visit pay off, and not just in

the summer.

biohotel-daberer.at

PHOTOS: WEINVIERTEL TOURISMUS/ WURNIG, BIO HOTEL DABERER, HOTEL PALAIS HANSEN

KEMPINSKI, FOTOLIA, BEIGESTELLT

Trinkkultur | Fine drinking

Edle Inhalte | Exquisite content

Nobles im Glas wird auf der Barkarte der 26° EAST

Bar im Hotel Palais Hansen Kempinski hochgehalten.

Der ungewöhnliche Name verrät das Konzept:

Die Signature Cocktails sind von Ländern entlang

des 26. östlichen Längengrads inspiriert – und von

der Bar-Adresse. Neben schottischen und

japanischen Whiskys, werden auch einzelne Gläser

aus der Magnum-Flasche Champagner ausgeschenkt.

Da kann man dann stilvoll gleich auf den

fünften Hotel-Geburtstag anstoßen.

A good glass with precious content is the number

one priority at the 26° EAST Bar at the Hotel Palais

Hansen Kempinski. The unusual name reveals its

theme: The signature cocktails have been inspired

by countries along the 26th eastern degree of

longitude – as well as by the bar’s address. Next to

Scottish and Japanese whiskies, individual glasses

are also poured straight from the magnum bottle

of champagne. Why not take the opportunity and

clink glasses on the occasion of the hotel’s fifth

birthday?

kempinski.com/vienna

Urlaub mit Stil

Musikerziehung | Musical education

Musik durch Englisch, Englisch durch

Musik | Music through English, English

through Music

Eine Sprache durch Musik lernen – das bietet die internationale

Wiener Musikschule „Musical Munchkins“, gegründet 2003 von

der Pianistin Isabella Tabibian Cho, für Kinder und Erwachsene.

Das Programm bietet durch die Anwendung von Musikinstrumenten

wie Klavier die Möglichkeit, Musik und Sprache

zeitgleich zu erlernen. Verwendet wird eigens erstelltes

Lehrmaterial, die Unterrichtssprache ist Englisch. Pädagogisch

verbindlich ist die aktive Teilnahme eines Elternteils oder

Erziehungsberechtigten, der das Kind in den Unterrichtseinheiten

begleitet.

Learning a language with music – this is exactly what is offered

by the “Musical Munchkins” international music school,

founded in 2003 in Vienna by the pianist Isabella Tabibian Cho

for children and adults alike. By employing musical instruments

like the piano, the programme makes it possible to learn music

and languages at the same time. The school uses its own

specially created curriculum, whilst the language of instruction

is English. The active participation of a parent or a legal guardian

who accompanies the child to individual lessons is

pedagogically uniting.

musicalmunchkins.eu

140 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Lassen Sie sich verwöhnen. In einem der besten Hotels in Österreich, am Turracher See in Kärnten, auf belebenden 1.763 Metern Seehöhe. Die Besonderheiten?

Das beheizte See-Bad, der Chinaturm mit Teehaus, der Hamam, das abwechslungsreiche Aktiv-Programm. Freuen Sie sich auf regionale und vegane

Gaumenfreuden und auf über 100 fabelhafte Inklusivleistungen.

www.hochschober.com

SAVOIR VIVRE MUST READ

Lesenswertes über Österreich

Books on Austria worth reading

Text: Gerald Sturz

Fine hotels

selected by

CERCLE

DIPLOMATIQUE

ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL

can also be found in these exclusive hotels:

Andreas Nierhaus / Eva-Maria Orosz

(Herausgeber)

Otto Wagner

Österreichische Nationalbibliothek

(Herausgeber)

Schatzkammer des

Wissens

Peter Payer

Quer durch Wien

Bodo Hell / Peter M. Kubelka / Elsbeth

Wallnöfer

Wilder Dachstein

Wien steht in diesem Jahr ganz im Zeichen der

Wiener Moderne, die am Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts

die Stadt zu einem kulturellen und intellektuellen

Laboratorium machte. Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt,

Kolo Moser und Otto Wagner waren vier der

bedeutendsten Protagonisten; sie alle starben im Jahr

1918. Zum hundertsten Todestag werden sie

entsprechend gewürdigt. Dieser prächtige Bildband

begleitet die Ausstellung, die zurzeit im Wien

Museum zu sehen ist, und zeigt Otto Wagner nicht

nur als Architekten der Stadtbahn, der Postsparkasse,

der Kirche am Steinhof und vieler anderer bedeutender

Bauten, sondern auch als Stadtplaner, der das

Aussehen von Wien bis heute mehr geprägt hat als

irgendein anderer Architekt und Planer.

This year, Vienna celebrates the legacy of ‘Wiener

Moderne’ or Viennese Modernism, which in the early

20th century transformed the city into a cultural and

intellectual laboratory. Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt,

Kolo Moser and Otto Wagner were four of the

movement’s key figures; they all died in the year 1918.

The 100th anniversary of their deaths marks an

appropriate time to honour their legacy once more.

This gorgeous illustrated book is a companion to the

exhibition which can currently be seen at the Vienna

Museum, presenting Otto Wagner not just as the

architect of the Wiener Stadtbahn, the Austrian Postal

Savings Bank, the Church of St. Leopold and many

other significant buildings, but also as an urban

planner who shaped Vienna’s appearance more than

any other architect.

–

Residenz Verlag

€ 50,00

Jubiläen allerorts. Die Österreichische Nationalbibliothek

in der Wiener Hofburg wird heuer 650 Jahre alt.

Dieses hervorragend illustrierte Buch begleitet die

Jubliäumsausstellung, die noch bis 13. Jänner 2019 in

der Nationalbibliothek zu sehen ist, und vermittelt

einen Überblick über die Kostbarkeiten der

Sammlung. Die prächtige Handschriften und

Frühdrucke, Papyri, Musiknoten, Landkarten, Fotos

und Grafiken bilden nicht nur eine „Schatzkammer des

Wissens“, sie erzählen auch 650 Jahre Kultur- und

Mediengeschichte, wie sie kaum eine andere

Bibliothek zu erzählen vermag.

Anniversaries abound. The Austrian National Library

in Vienna’s Hofburg is turning 650 this year. This

excellent illustrated book is a companion to the

Library’s anniversary exhibition, which can still be

seen until 13 January 2019, and provides an overview

of the collection’s many treasures. The precious

manuscripts and early prints, papyri, musical notes,

maps, photos and graphics not only make up a

“Treasury of Knowledge”, they also tell a 650-yearold

story of culture and media in a way that no other

library could tell.

–

Kremayr & Scheriau

€ 29,90

Wie kein anderer erforscht der Historiker Peter Payer

Wiener Alltagsgeschichten, historische ebenso wie

aktuelle. Dieses Buch versammelt kurze Essays,

überraschende und spannende Beobachtungen sowie

Wahrnehmungen wenig beachteter Phänomene. Der

Autor erzählt von Monumentaluhren, Paternostern,

Wetterhäuschen, Hollywoodschaukeln, der Ring- und

der Mariahilfer Straße, Balkonen als Bühnen im

öffentlichen Raum und dem Tourismus im Wandel der

Zeit. Und von Wien bei Nacht. Doch Peter Payer blickt

nicht nur zurück. Auch die Frage, wie Wien in Zukunft

aussehen und klingen wird, treibt ihn um.

Whether historical or contemporary, nobody explores

stories from everyday life in Vienna the way historian

Peter Payer does. This book brings together short

essays, surprising and exciting observations and

thoughts on frequently overlooked phenomena. He

tells stories of monumental clocks, paternosters,

weather houses, canopy swings, the Vienna

Ringstrasse boulevard and Mariahilferstrasse,

balconies as stages in public spaces and tourism

through the ages. And of Vienna by night. But Peter

Payer doesn’t just look back on the past. The question

of what Vienna will look and sound like in the future

also drives him.

–

Czernin Verlag

€ 23,00

Einem der eindrucksvollsten Gebirgsmassive

Österreichs ist dieses wunderbare Buch gewidmet:

dem Dachstein, der sich an der Grenze von Steiermark

und Oberösterreich befindet. Wintersportler wissen

diese Region wegen seiner ausgezeichneten Skipisten

zu schätzen. Im Sommer locken Wege und Umwege,

überlaufene und völlig verlassene Routen Kletterer,

Wanderer und Abenteurer an. Der Schriftsteller und

Alpenhirt Bodo Hell, die Volkskundlerin Elsbeth

Wallnöfer und der Fotograf Peter M. Kubelka zeichnen

ein faszinierendes Bild dieser Gebirgskette, erzählen

vom Leben auf der Alm, von den Schönheiten der

Landschaft, von Hüttengaudi und von Traditionen. Ein

schönes und verführerisches Buch.

This book is dedicated to Austria’s most impressive

massif: the Dachstein, located at the border between

Styria and Upper Austria. Winter sports enthusiasts

know to appreciate this region with its many excellent

skiing slopes. During summer, various trails, a

multitude of detours, crowded and completely

desolate routes attract climbers, hikers and

adventurers. Writer and alpine herdsman Bodo Hell,

ethnologist Elsbeth Wallnöfer and photographer Peter

M. Kubelka join forces to create a fascinating picture

of the mountain range, describing everyday life on the

mountain pasture, the gorgeous landscapes, the

‘Hüttengaudi’ mountain hut parties and the traditions.

A beautiful and enticing book.

–

Verlag Anton Pustet

€ 29,00

General Manager

Isabella Wexberg

LENIKUS Hotel- und Gastronomiebetriebs

GmbH

Lichtensteg 2, A -1010 Vienna

T +43 532 22 40

F +43 1 532 22 50 599

office@lenikushotels.com

lenikushotels.com

These selected hotels offer

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL

as a special service:

Almdorf Seinerzeit l Hotel Altstadt Radisson Blu l Hotel Astoria l Astoria Relax & Spa-Hotel l

Hotel Bristol A Luxury Collection Hotel Vienna l Austria Trend Hotel Europa l Feriendorf Holzlebn l

Fleming‘s Deluxe Hotel l Golden Hill Country Chalets & Suites l Hotel de France Wien l Hotel Goldener

Hirsch A Luxury Collection Hotel Salzburg l Gradonna****s Mountain Resort l Hilton Danube l Hilton

Vienna Plaza l Hilton Vienna l Hotel Imperial A Luxury Collection l Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof

l Imperial Riding School Renaissance Hotel Vienna l Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol l Kitzbühel Country

Club l Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort l Hotel Lamée l Le Meridien Vienna l Luxuslodge

„Zeit zum Leben“ l MGallery by Sofitel Hotel am Konzerthaus Vienna l Park Hyatt Vienna l Palais

Hansen Kempinski Vienna l Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol l Austria Trend Hotel Park Royal Palace Vienna

l Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn l The Ritz-Carlton Vienna l Sacher Salzburg l Sacher Wien l

Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna l Schloss Fuschl, A Luxury Collection Resort & SPA l Romantik

Hotel Schloss Pichlarn l The Guesthouse Vienna l Austria Trend Hotel Schloss Lebenberg l The Ring,

Vienna‘s Casual Luxury Hotel l Hotel Topazz l Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom l Stanglwirt l Vienna

Marriott Hotel l Vila Vita Pannonia l Warmbaderhof

Would you like to belong to these exclusive hotels?

If so, please contact us!

office@firstclassmedia.at

ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL

142 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

SAVOIR VIVRE MY VIENNA

H.E. Baron Willem Van de Voorde

Botschafter von Belgien | Ambassador of Belgium

Interview: Daniela Pötzl

Top in Wien | Top in Vienna

PERSONAL DETAILS

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA (4), WIEN TOURISMUS/ CHRISTIAN STEMPER; PETER RIGAUD, WIENER ALPEN/ FRANZ ZWICKL

Sie sind nun seit fast vier Jahren in Wien. Welche

Orte in der Stadt haben Sie in dieser Zeit besonders

liebgewonnen?

Ich mag die gelegentlichen Spaziergänge und Erkundungstouren,

oft mit dem Fahrrad in der Innenstadt, in ruhigen

und kleinen Straßen und in kopfsteingepflasterten Gassen.

Alle 20 Meter entdeckt man ein besonderes Geschäft, eine

Galerie, Boutique oder ein Restaurant. Ein weiterer Favorit

ist die Freudenau mit ihrem ländlichen Charakter im

östlichen Prater. Unvergesslich sind auch Besuche der

umfangreichen Sammlungen des Kunsthistorischen

Museums und des Museums für Angewandte Kunst (MAK),

die beide mit Sammlungen alter flämischer Meister oder

des belgischen Jugendstils beeindrucken. Darüber hinaus

genieße ich eine ganz besondere Gegend sehr, und zwar

die äußeren Hänge in den Weinbergen Richtung

Kahlenberg und Leopoldsberg, mit Blick auf die Stadt und

die mächtige Donauebene, mit Blick bis zu den Hügeln von

Bratislava – einer anderen Hauptstadt, in der ich aktiv war.

Was macht Wien aus Ihrer Sicht so einzigartig?

Wien versteht es, durch die Organisation von ausgewählten

öffentlichen (oder privaten) Veranstaltungen seine Bürger

und Besucher zu unterhalten - meist auf eine freundliche,

entspannte und doch sehr professionelle Art. All das wird

immer wieder in der beachtlichen und umfangreichen

Ballsaison unter Beweis gestellt. Ich nahm an einigen

Bällen teil, und diese freudige, überschäumende Atmosphäre

veranschaulicht für mich diesen Zugang. Es ist, wie das

Leben auch, ähnlich einer Theaterinszenierung, aber hier

eben kompetent und durchdacht in Szene gesetzt!

Wien ist eine wundervolle Stadt, perfekt gelegen zwischen

verschiedenen Welten, die Berge in der Nähe, mit einem

reichen kulturellen Erbe und einer endlosen Vielfalt an

gemütlichen Cafés, in die man einfach hineingehen kann,

um Zeitungen zu lesen ...

Welche Parallelen sehen Sie zwischen Belgien und

Österreich?

Sowohl Belgien als auch Österreich sind Grenzländer und

strategisch günstig gelegen: ob entlang wichtiger Seewege

oder an Häfen (Belgien) oder in der Mitte des Kontinents

(Österreich), mit seinen bedeutenden Pässen und Flüssen.

Beide Länder beherbergen wichtige internationale

Organisationen. Beide Länder genießen das Leben,

schätzen gutes Essen und Kultur: der belgische burgundische

Lebensstil oder die österreichische Genusskultur.

Daher ist es nicht überraschend, dass Österreicher und

Belgier auch in Ehen gut miteinander harmonieren: von

1477 (Kaiser Maximilian I. mit Maria von Burgund) bis

heute (Prinzessin Astrid von Belgien und Lorenz

Habsburg-Lothringen), um die prominentesten zu nennen.

Haben Sie einen Lieblingsort, den Sie uns verraten?

Meine bevorzugten Fluchtstätten sind die unteren Pisten

des Schneebergs bei Puchberg oder in Losenheim. Dort

habe ich die Gelegenheit, für ein paar Stunden wegzukommen,

eine gute Wanderung zu machen und dann frisches

Bier und eine saftige Wurst auf der Terrasse der Edelweißhütte

zu mir zu nehmen – am liebsten in der Sonne, wie ich

es zum Glück einige Male erlebt habe.

You have now lived in Vienna for almost four years.

Which parts of the city have you grown particularly

fond of during your time here?

I like the occasional walks, often by bike in the inner city, in

quiet and small streets, often cobble stoned alleys, and you

discover a new special shop every 20 meters, or a gallery,

boutique or restaurant. Another favourite is the countryside

feeling of the Freudenau area in the far East end of the

Prater. Unforgettable, too, are visits to the rich collections

of the Kunsthistorisches Museum and of the Museum für

Angewandte Kunst (MAK), both of which have astonishing

collections of old Flemish masters or Belgian art nouveau.

A last area which I enjoy very much is the outer slopes in

the vineyards towards the Kahlenberg and the Leopoldsberg,

with views across the city and the mighty plain of the

Danube, where the eye reaches as far as the Bratislava hills

– another capital where I have been active.

In your view, what makes Vienna so unique?

Vienna is excellent in entertaining its citizens and visitors,

mostly in a friendly, relaxed yet very professional way, with

a speckless organisation of public (or private) events. All

this comes together in the impressive and extensive ball

season. I participated in some of them and that joyful,

exuberant atmosphere etipomises this state of mind and

affairs for me. It is also somehow a piece of theatre, as life

usually is, but played with a lot of seriousness and professionalism

here!

Vienna is a wonderful city, perfectly located between

different worlds, the mountains at a stone‘s throw, with a

rich cultural heritage and an endless variety of cosy cafés

which you can just visit to read newspapers ...

Which parallels do you recognise between Belgium and

Austria?

Both Belgium and Austria are border countries and

strategically located: whether along important sea routes

or harbours (Belgium), or in the middle of the continent

with dominating, important mountain passes or rivers

(Austria). Both countries host important international

organisations. We both enjoy life, good food and culture:

the Belgian Burgundian life style or the Austrian

Genusskultur... Not surprising also that Austrians and

Belgians are a good match in marriages: from 1477

(Emperor Maximilian I with Mary of Burgund) to today

(Princess Astrid of Belgium and Lorenz Habsburg-

Lothringen), to name but the most prominent.

Do you have a favourite place in Vienna or Austria and

where is it?

My favourite escape zones are the lower slopes of the

Schneeberg at Puchberg or in Losenheim. There, I have the

chance to get away for a few hours, make a good climb and

then have fresh beer and a juicy sausage on the terrace of

the Edelweißhütte – preferably in the sun, as I was lucky to

experience a few times.

Blick auf das Kunsthistorische

und das Naturhistorische

Museum Wien, Wiener

Kaffeehaus-Atmosphäre im Café

Sperl und die Edelweißhütte am

Schneeberg (von oben nach

unten).

View of the Kunsthistorisches

Museum and the Museum of

Natural History Vienna, Viennese

coffeehouse atmosphere at the

Café Sperl and the Edelweißhütte,

located on the Schneeberg (from

top to bottom).

S.E. Baron Willem Van de Voorde wurde in Brüssel geboren und studierte Rechtswissenschaften in Löwen und

London sowie Philosophie und Politikwissenschaften in Brüssel. Seit September 2014 ist er Botschafter von Belgien in

Wien. Davor war er in Brüssel, Berlin und Tokio stationiert. Er ist verheiratet und Vater von vier Kindern.

H.E. Baron Willem Van de Voorde was born in Brussels and studied law in Leuven and London as well as philosophy

and political science in Brussels. He has been Ambassador of Belgium in Vienna since September 2014. Previously, he

served in Brussels, Berlin and Tokyo. He is married and the father of four children.

Der Botschafter in der Botschaft,

exquisites Interieur und mit seiner

Ehefrau, Kristin Van de Voorde-

Heidbüchel (von oben nach unten).

The Ambassador at the embassy,

exquisite interior and with his wife,

Kristin Van de Voorde-Heidbüchel.

144 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018 145

im morgengrau

DAS OPERNHAUS

beyond | Herwig Zens

SAISON

Händel

ALCINA

Stefan Gottfried | Tatjana Gürbaca

Concentus Musicus Wien

Arnold Schoenberg Chor

Marlis Petersen, David Hansen, Rainer Trost,

Katarina Bradic, Mirella Hagen, Florian Köfler

Premiere: 15. September 2018

Purcell

DIE ZAUBERINSEL *

Markellos Chryssicos | Jean Renshaw

Bach Consort Wien

Junges Ensemble Theater an der Wien

Premiere: 29. September 2018

Rossini

GUILLAUME TELL

Diego Matheuz | Torsten Fischer

Wiener Symphoniker | Arnold Schoenberg Chor

Christoph Pohl, John Osborn, Jane Archibald,

Edwin Crossley-Mercer, Ante Jerkunica

Premiere: 13. Oktober 2018

Händel

TESEO

René Jacobs | Moshe Leiser & Patrice Caurier

Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin

Arnold Schoenberg Chor | Christophe Dumaux,

Gaëlle Arquez, Mari Eriksmoen, Robin Johannsen

Premiere: 14. November 2018

Verdi

DON CARLOS *

Matteo Pais | Sébastien Dutrieux

Wiener KammerOrchester

Junges Ensemble Theater an der Wien

Premiere: 28. November 2018

Weber

EURYANTHE

Constantin Trinks | Christof Loy | RSO Wien

Arnold Schoenberg Chor | Jacquelyn Wagner,

Norman Reinhardt, Andrew Foster-Williams,

Theresa Kronthaler, Stefan Cerny

Premiere: 12. Dezember 2018

Purcell

KING ARTHUR

Stefan Gottfried | Sven-Eric Bechtolf

Concentus Musicus Wien

Arnold Schoenberg Chor | Jonathan Lemalu,

Robin Johannsen, Mark Milhofer,

Johannes Bamberger, Dumitru Mădărăśan

Premiere: 17. Januar 2019

Mendelssohn Bartholdy

ELIAS

Jukka-Pekka Saraste | Calixto Bieito

RSO Wien | Arnold Schoenberg Chor

Christian Gerhaher, Maria Bengtsson,

Maximilian Schmitt, Ann-Beth Solvang

Premiere: 16. Februar 2019

Ravel | Offenbach

L’ENFANT | OLYMPIA *

Raphael Schluesselberg | Barbora Horáková-Joly

Wiener KammerOrchester

Junges Ensemble Theater an der Wien

Premiere: 26. Februar 2019

Tschaikowski

DIE JUNGFRAU

VON ORLEANS

Oksana Lyniv | Lotte de Beer

Wiener Symphoniker | Arnold Schoenberg Chor

Oksana Volkova, Daniel Schmutzhard,

Dmitry Golovnin, Willard White, Martin Winkler

Premiere: 16. März 2019

Händel

ORLANDO

Giovanni Antonini | Claus Guth

Il Giardino Armonico

Christophe Dumaux, Florian Boesch,

Anna Prohaska, Giulia Semenzato

Premiere: 14. April 2019

Bernstein

CANDIDE *

Benjamin Bayl | NN

Wiener KammerOrchester

Junges Ensemble Theater an der Wien

Premiere: 30. April 2019

Weber

OBERON

Thomas Guggeis | Nikolaus Habjan

Wiener KammerOrchester

Arnold Schoenberg Chor | Mauro Peter,

Annette Dasch, Daniel Schmutzhard,

Vincent Wolfsteiner, Natalia Kawalek

Premiere: 13. Mai 2019

* Theater an der Wien in der Kammeroper

www.theater-wien.at

NEUE

ABOS

-20%

LES RENDEZ-

VOUS

EIN RÜCKBLICK AUF

GESELLSCHAFTLICHE

EREIGNISSE DER

JÜNGSTEN

VERGANGENHEIT.

A REVIEW OF SOCIAL

EVENTS OF THE RECENT

PAST.

Abo-Hotline: 01/58830-2903

abonnement@theater-wien.at

Änderungen vorbehalten

Hauptsponsor

Theater an der Wien

Theater an der Wien | Linke Wienzeile 6 | 1060 Wien

Tageskasse: Mo- Sa 10 -18 Uhr

www.theater-wien.at

LES RENDEZVOUS EVENTS

Popping of Flashbulbs

Find more

photos online

cercle-diplomatique.com

February 2018

The traditional ball of the OSCE took place at the Hofburg.

The guests enjoyed the event in the festive ambiance.

March 2018

On invitation of the Chinese tourism

board, a gala evening was arranged

where guests could make a virtual

journey through China.

March 2018

The Vienna Private Hospital invited to

a vernissage under the motto “Colour

and Dance“.

Left: Annemarie

Ebm-Schaljo

(right) with the

artist Moje

Menhardt who

exhibited acrylic

paintings and

drawings.

Left: The Chinese Ambassador to Austria, H.E. LI Xiaosi

was also present.

February 2018

The Amadeus International School Vienna organised

a gala concert at the Gläserner Saal of the Musikverein.

The performances of the students as well as of some guest artists

were a great success and fascinated the audience.

PHOTOS: HARALD STOCKINGER, AMADEUS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL VIENNA,

PHOTOS: QIANLI LIU, VERENA PODIWINSKY, WIENER PRIVATKLINIK, MICHEAL HIMML, WALTER HANZMANN

March 2018

The annual exhibition 2018 “Roman

camp Arrianis - the Limes in Klosterneuburg“

at Klosterneuburg Abbey

was officially opened.

The exhibition is open to

interested visitors until

18 November 2018.

Left: Deputy Director Margareta Griessler-Hermann led through the evening and moderated in perfect

Chinese. Right: Secretary General Josef Plank, Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism.

148 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018 149

LES RENDEZVOUS EVENTS

March 2018

The Belvedere and the Belgian Embassy invited to the opening of the exhibition

„Beyond Klimt - New horizons in Central Europe“ in the Lower Belvedere.

April 2018

The Austrian Farmers and Forest Owners Club

invited to the Hotel Imperial Vienna.

Stella Rolig, General Director of the Belvedere, (middle) and

the Belgian Ambassador, H.E. Willem Van de Voorde (2nd

left). The exhibition is a cooperation of the Belvedere in

Vienna and the Center for Fine Arts in Brussels (BOZAR).

Top: The Club‘s President

Ursula Ludwig (left) organised

together with Ali Meyer a

panel discussion, pictured here

also with CD editor Andrea

Fürnweger.

VILA VITA Pannonia ★★★★

The spirit of freedom close to Vienna

The natural, 200 hectare paradise Fertö - Lake Neusiedl in the

middle of a UNESCO World Heritage Site is located only 80 kilometers

from Vienna. VILA VITA Pannonia, the hideaway with a

rural idyll, is sure to provide peaceful relaxation. International

top level hotel services are combined with warm Burgenland

hospitality.

April 2018

The Union of the Consular Corps in Austria (UCCA) asked to a

guided tour at Ögussa.

Accomodation with 4*service

n 127 Pannonian country houses with terrace, furnished

kitchen and 2 bedrooms

n 27 double rooms and 8 spacious Adebar-Suites

Very top: President of U.C.C.A. Honorary General

Consul Wolfgang Andreas Breitenthaler (l.).

Top: Marcus Fasching (middle), CEO of Ögussa, took his time and

informed the interested guests about his company and the process of

precious metal processing.

Congress location

n 770 m² top equipped conference room

n 9 conference rooms in different buildings

Gastronomic choice

n Breakfast and half board restaurant VITAVESTA

n A la carte Restaurant VITATELLA

n Csarda with sun terrace

n Further bars and restaurants in the area

Spa area

n Heated indoor pool, outdoor pool with waterfall shower,

Jacuzzi

n Swimming pond with sauna area

n Steam baths, different types of sauna

n Relaxation beds

n Premium wellness oasis

Leisure facilities

n 600 VILA VITA bicycles for all guests of the hotel

n Eco-touristic center for renewable energy

n Riding stable, tennis courts, minigolf and playgrounds

n 76,4 km of running tracks

n Fitness Center

150 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

VILA VITA Pannonia****

Storchengasse 1 • 7152 Pamhagen • Austria • +43 (0) 21 75/21 80-0

info@vilavitapannonia.at • www.vilavitapannonia.at

Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

151

LES RENDEZVOUS EVENTS

Eigenevent

April 2018

At the 10 th gala evening of the apprentice initiative Amuse Bouche, around 1,200

guests from top gastronomy gathered to honour the best apprentices at the townhall

of Vienna.

Cercle Diplomatique was also present and invited

Ambassadors to Austria in Vienna to a special „CD Lounge“.

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN

Top: Piroska Payr (5th from right), the founder and

coordinator of Amuse Bouche, in the CD Lounge.

152 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LES RENDEZVOUS EVENTS

Eigenevent

April 2018

Cercle Diplomatique had the opportunity to welcome a small group of Ambassadors

to the premiere of the show AFRIKA! AFRIKA! to the Wiener Stadthalle.

April 2018

The new Minister of Finance Hartwig Löger gave a speech in the banqueting

hall of the Raiffeisenbank Klosterneuburg on the subject “Fiscal policy

priorities of the coming years“.

The new production of the

show is based on an idea

by André Heller and was

a complete success.

Right: Guest of honour was

the Ambassador of Egypt,

H.E. Omar Amer Youssef (r.).

Top: The President of

the „Austrian Society

for International

Understanding“, Josef

Höchtl (r.) with the

Minister of Finance,

Hartwig Löger.

April 2018

In the ceremonial hall of the archive of the University of Vienna, the ostrich egg globe by Leonardo

da Vinci from the year 1504, was presented.

PHOTOS:DODGE & BURN, CD, BEIGESTELLT, ALFRED NECHVATAL

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Top: Stefaan Missinne (left) gave a

scientific lecture on the Ostrich egg

globe to members of the Austrian

Society for the History of Science

(ÖWD) and various Ambassadors and

representatives of the diplomatic

corps in Austria.

Ferdinand Berger & Söhne GmbH

Horn | +43 (0) 2982 4161 - 0

Wien | +43 (0) 1 31335 - 0

Vertretungen:

OÖ | Tirol | Stmk.

www.berger.at

154 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

LES RENDEZVOUS EVENTS

TRUST THE NUMBER 1

April 2017

Former Ambassador of Austria in Belgium, Karl Schramek, was awarded the Grand Cross

of the Order of the Crown in the residence of the Belgian Ambassador.

Top: This high Belgian

award was presented by

the Ambassador of the

Kingdom of Belgium to

Austria, Baron Willem Van

de Voorde (left), pictured

here with Karl Schramek.

April 2017

Birgit Sarata, Honorary Vice Consul of Senegal, invited to one

of her wonderful private receptions.

Klimatechnik Klement – Your Daikin Home C°mfort Expert Partner

Outstanding Daikin technology for unparalleled comfort.

Left: Guest of honour was Hans Peter Doskozil, Provincial Councillor

for Culture, Infrastructure and Finances in the Government of

Burgenland, here with the hostess Birgit Sarata.

PHOTOS: JOE HAIDER, DODGE & BURN

n Best indoor climate

n Almost silent, draft-free climate comfort

n Modern design, now in carbon available

n Customer Airbrush finishing by airbrush legend Knud Tiroch possible

n Convenient control via smartphone app

www.klimaklement.at

Klimatechnik Klement GmbH • Nussallee 3/UG • A-3430 Tulln an der Donau

Tel.: +43 (0) 664 / 93 78 911 • office@klimaklement.at • www.klimaklement.at

156 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

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LE GUIDE ADDRESSES

Useful links & addresses

IMPRESSUM

Real Estate Agents

Bernhart Immobilien GmbH

+43 (0)664 440 90 09

bernhart-immobilien.at

Börseplatz1 GmbH & CoKG

+43 1 365 366

boerseplatz1.com

BUWOG

+49 1 878 28 1130

buwog.com

Colliers International Immobilienmakler

GmbH

+43 1 535 53 05 33

andromedatower@colliers.at

6B47 Real Estate Investors AG

Tel +43 1 350 10 100

6B47.com

Immobilienkanzlei Jasmine Kupfer

+43 1 912 43 86

immobilien-kupfer.eu

Immofinanz AG

+43 1 88 090

immofinanz.com

ivv Immobilien Verkauf und

Vermietungs GmbH

+43 1 890 0800 0

ivv.at

Kollitsch Immobilien GmbH

+43 463 260 09 41

kollitsch.eu

OTTO Immobilien GmbH

+43 1 512 77 77

otto.at

Real Treuhand Immobilien Vertriebs

GmbH

+43 1 512 1 512

realtreuhand.at

Realtrade Immobilien

+43 1 535 01 13 16

realtrade-immo.at

Signa Real Estate Management GmbH

+43 599 98 999

austria-campus.at

Seeste Bau AG

+43 2236 865 068

seeste.at

SRE Schottenring 18 Real Estate

GmbH

+43 1 310 A2812 11

www.palais-schottenring.com

The Ambassy Parkside Living

+43 1 365 365

living@theambassy.com

Thurn & Bauer Immobiliengruppe

+43 1 586 27 40

thurn.at

Über den Linden

+43 1 224 227 100

lindengasse.co.at

Wohntraum Hietzing

+43 5 909 10 2240

wohntraum-hietzing.at

Serviced City Apartments

Adagio Vienna City

+43 1 908 303

adagio-city.com

Hotel NH Wien City

+43 1 521 720

nh-hotels.de

IG City Apartments

ig-city-apartments.com

LIV‘iN Residence by Fleming‘s

Wien-Parlament

+43 1 227 37-5555

basedinvienna.at

My place City Centre

My place Riverside

+43 1 317 17 17–75

my-place.at

Room4Rent

+43 1 890 20 10 9000

room4rent.at

Singerstrasse 21/25

+43 1 514 490

singerstrasse2125.at

Top Apartments Vienna

+43 676 780 69 24

top-apartments-vienna.com

VCA Vienna City Apartments

+43 (0)650 443 38 00

Schottenring33.com

viennaresidence

+43 1 307 22 22

viennaresidence.com

Lawyers

Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati

+43 1 514 35-0

chsh.com

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz

+43 1 404 43-0

cms-rrh.com

Dorda Brugger Jordis

+43 1 533 47 95-0

dbj.at

Dr. Gabriele Peterfy, LL.M

+43 1 236 36 39

peterfy-law.com

Konrad & Partners

+43 1 512 95 00

konrad-partners.com

Lansky, Ganzger + Partner

+43 1 533 33 30-0

lansky.at

Schönherr Rechtsanwälte

+43 1 534 37-0

schoenherr.eu

TaylorWessing enwc

+43 1 716 55-0

taylorwessing.com/at/home.html

Health & Private Clinics

Austrian Health-agency for high

quality medicine

+43 1 361 88 66

austrianhealth.at

Goldenes Kreuz Privatklinik

+43 1 40 111-0

goldenes-kreuz.at

International Pharmacy

+43 1 512 28 25

internationale-apotheke.at

Implantologie und Ästhetische Zahnheilkunde

– Dr. Robert Stillmann

+43 676 83 1815 86

stillmann.at

Privatklinik Döbling

+43 1 360 66-5599

privatklinik-doebling.at

RC Radiology Center

+43 1 408 12 82

radiology-center.com

Residenz Josefstadt GmbH

+49 1 890 24 64

residenz-josefstadt.at

Rudolfinerhaus

+43 1 360 36-0

rudolfinerhaus.at

Sanlas Holding

+43 3133 2274-9110

sanlas.at

Senioren Residenzen

+43 1 680 81

seniorenresidenzen.co.at

Service Department for foreign patients

of the Vienna Medical Association

+43 1 513 95 95

aekwien.at

Wiener Privatklinik

+43 1 40 180-0

wiener-privatklinik.com

ZWD Zahnklinik Wien Döbling

+43 1 320 97 97

zwd.at

Useful links & ressources

Emergency numbers

(all without prefix):

Fire-brigade 122

Police 133

Ambulance 144

PHOTO: WIENTOURISMUS/BRYAN DUFFY

City Of Vienna

wien.gv.at/english

Vienna Tourist Board

vienna.info

Immigration & residency

wien.gv.at/english/administration/

civilstatus

Vienna Service Office

(in the UN-center)

vso.wien.at

Vienna Expat Center

A service provided by the City of Vienna:

Schmerlingplatz 3, 1010 Vienna

Tel: +43 1 4000-86949

Info@expatcenter.at

expatcenter.at

Vienna Business Agency

Mariahilfer Strasse 20, 1070 Vienna

viennabusinessagency.at

Transportation

Vienna public transport information

wienerlinien.at

Austrian Federal railways ÖBB

oebb.at

Austrian Airlines

austrian.com

Vienna Airport

viennaairport.com

Avcon Jet AG

avconjet.at

Vienna Airportlines

viennaairportlines.at

CAT (City airport train)

cityairporttrain.com

Taxi 40100

taxi40100.at

Taxi 60160

taxi60160.at

Taxi 31300

taxi31300.at

Austrian Automobilist Club ÖAMTC

(AAA – partner)

oeamtc.at

please call 120 for breakdown-assistance

Maurizius Stipek Mietwagen GmbH

Tel.: +43 676 350 01 70

msm-limousine.at

Security

The Investigator

Tel.: +43 (0) 664 44 99 464

derfahnder.at

4mation

Tel.: +43 (0) 664 124 14 67

4mation.at

International Schools

in Vienna

Vienna International School

Straße der Menschenrechte 1, 1220 Vienna

Tel: +43 1 2035595-0

Fax: +43 1 2030366

vis.ac.at

The American International School

Salmannsdorfer Straße 47, 1190 Vienna

Tel: +43 1 40132-0

Fax: +43 1 40132-5

ais.at

Danube International School Vienna

IB World School Kindergarten/Elementary

School/Secondary School

Josef Gall Gasse 2, 1020 Vienna

Tel: +43 1 7203110

Fax: +43 1 7203110-40

registrar@danubeschool.at

danubeschool.at

Diplomatische Akademie Wien –

Vienna School of International

Studies

Favoritenstrasse 15a, 1040 Vienna

Tel: +43 1 5057272

Fax: +43 1 5042265-116

info@da-vienna.ac.at

da.vienna.ac.at

Amadeus

International School Vienna

Bastiengasse 36-38, Haus 3, 1180 Vienna

Tel.: +43 1 470 30 37-00

amadeus-vienna.com

Vienna Elementary School

Lacknergasse 75, 1180 Vienna

Tel: +43 1 4704600

Fax: +43 1 4704600-99

vienna-elementary-school.at

International Christian School of

Vienna

Wagramer Straße 175, 1220 Vienna

Tel: +43 1 25122-0

Fax: +43 1 25122-518

icsv.at

Lycée Francais de Vienne

• SECONDARY SCHOOL / LYCÉE

Liechtensteinstraße 37A, 1090 Vienna

Tel: +43 1 3172241

Fax: +43 1 3102417

• KINDERGARTEN + PRIMARY SCHOOL /

MATERNELLE ET ELÉMENTAIRE

Grinzingerstraße 95, 1190 Vienna

Tel: +43 1 3701217

Fax: +43 1 3701217-22

(for both): lyceefrancais.at

Svenska Skolan / Swedish School

Scheibelreitergasse, 15, 1190 Vienna

Tel: +43 1 3207980

Fax: +43 1 3207980-20

svenskaskolan.at

Japanese School in Vienna

Prandaugasse 2, 1220 Vienna

Tel: +43 1 2042201-0

Fax: +43 1 2042201-85

japaneseschool.at (Japanese only)

Musical Munchkins Productions

GmbH

English Speaking Music School

Esslinggasse 6, 1010 Wien

Tel: +43 1 239 24 08

office@musicalmunchkins.eu

musicalmunchkins.eu

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Editors:

Mag. Daniela Pötzl (Editor-in-chief)

dani.poetzl@firstclassmedia.at

Mag. Gerald Sturz (Editorial concept)

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner

Mag. Michaela Hocek

Evelyn Rois & Bruno Stubenrauch

Reinhard Göweil

Art Director:

Ralph Manfreda

Graphic Design:

Gabriele Sonnberger

Proofreading:

Transvox Language Services

Translations:

Transvox Language Services

Photographer:

Ouriel Morgensztern, Joe Haider, Dodge and Burn/

Gregor Turecek sponsored by BMW Wien

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contained in this magazine serve informational

purposes and freedom of expression only.

Price list valid from 1 January 2018.

Disclosure:

Published according to § 25 media law and always

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160 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018

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ARMOURED CAR & STAFF ALL-INCLUSIVE

SECURITY SERVICE

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FACTS & FIGURES

Total alles über Österreich

The complete Austria

Die verbreitetsten Vornamen in Österreich. | The most popular first names in Austria.

Damit das Kind einen Namen hat

On a first-name basis

Anna

Karl

Die verbreitetsten Vornamen in Österreich bzw. wie heute Kinder benannt werden. Auch für

Gegenstände und Situationen haben ÖsterreicherInnen mitunter einen Namen parat. /

The most popular first names in Austria, or what people today name their babies. Austrians

also have favourite names for animals, objects and situations.

Renate

Brigitte

Walter

Christine

Gerhard

Franz

Waldi

Ulf

Daniel

Maria

Elisabeth

Helga

Johann

Michael

Hund

Dog

Der höchste Gipfel der Ammergauer Alpen

The highest peak in the Ammergau Alps

Wiener Straßenbahn

Viennese tram

Christian

Josef

Karl

Monika

Andrea

Andreas

Peter

Steffl

Jennifer

Elfriede

Emma

Marie

Jonas

Jakob

Lena

Tobias

Stephansdom

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

… aber Jennifer, aber dalli

(von Jennifer Rush)

Get a move on!

„Da hama an Koal ghabt!“

(Da hatten wir Spaß.)

We had so much fun.

Sophie

Felix

Hannah

Lukas

Marie

Anna

Hansi

David

Elias

Peppi

Alexander

Laura

Mia

Eichhörnchen

Squirrel

Geld

Money

Perücke

Wig

Sarah

Sophia

Maximilian

Paul

BUCHTIPP

Sisi, Falco und die

Sachertorte gehören zu

Österreich wie die Kugel zu

Mozart und die Couch zu

Freud – aber kennen Sie die

korrekten Walzerschritte,

die schrägsten Wunschkennzeichen

und die

abseitigsten Ortsnamen?

Sonja Franzke und die

Buchgestalter-innen von

no.parking übersetzen

nützliches und unnützes

Wissen über Österreich

samt Charakteristischem

und Skurrilem in

unterhaltsame Schaubilder

und bunte Grafiken.

BOOK TIP

Sisi, Wiener Schnitzel and

Sachertorte belong to

Austria like the Mozartkugel

praline to Mozart and

the couch to Freud – but do

you know the right steps

for the waltz, the most

outlandish vanity plates in

Austria and the country´s

out-of-this-world place

names?

Here you´ll find interesting

and fun facts about the

alpine republic packed into

whimsical charts and

unusual graphics.

–

Folio Verlag

folioverlag.com

€ 24,90

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 02/2018

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