CD is an independent and impartial magazine and is the medium of communication between foreign representatives of international and UN-organisations based in Vienna and the Austrian political classes, business, culture and tourism. CD features up-to-date information about and for the diplomatic corps, international organisations, society, politics, business, tourism, fashion and culture. Furthermore CD introduces the new ambassadors in Austria and informs about designations, awards and top-events. Interviews with leading personalities, country reports from all over the world and the presentation of Austria as a host country complement the wide range oft he magazine.
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
5
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.
10
12
30
44
50
54
62
68
70
74
80
84
88
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.
92
98
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.
3
6
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.
LE
BULLETIN
IN LE BULLETIN ERFAHREN
SIE, WER DIE NEU
AKKREDITIERTEN
BOTSCHAFTER IN
ÖSTERREICH SIND UND
WELCHE OFFIZIELLEN
EMPFÄNGE UND EVENTS IN
DEN VERGANGENEN DREI
MONATEN STATTGEFUN-
DEN HABEN.
LE BULLETIN TELLS YOU WHO
THE NEWLY ACCREDITED
AMBASSADORS TO AUSTRIA
ARE AND WHICH OFFICIAL
RECEPTIONS AND EVENTS
TOOK PLACE IN THE PAST
FEW MONTHS.
LE BULLETIN CREDENTIALS
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
11
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
13
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
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
–
3
.
F E B R
R
U A
INTENDANT ROLANDO VILLAZÓN
16 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN
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,
Levin, Lonquich, Maintz, Ottensamer, Schiff,
Soltani, Tjeknavorian, Uchida Szene Carlus
Padrissa (La Fura dels Baus) u. a.
www.mozartwoche.at
Tickets: +43-662-87 31 54
Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018
Konzerte Mozartwoche
Wissenschaft
Museen
17
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
McEntee, Irish Minister of
European Affairs (3rd r.).
INTERNATIONALE
APOTHEKE
INTERNATIONAL
PHARMACY
YOUR INTERNATIONAL
HEALTH EXPERT SINCE 1870
March 2018
IACA
On the occasion of the 7 th anniversary of the organisation, a reception was held at
the International Anti-Corruption Academy‘s seat at Laxenburg in Lower Austria.
Wir stehen für Engagement, Service und Leistung
in Sachen Gesundheit, Schönheit und
Wohlbefinden. Im Sinne unseres Mottos „Gesund
werden und Gesund bleiben“ betreuen
wir all unsere Kunden mit fachlicher Kompetenz
in über 13 Sprachen.
We stand for commitment, service and efficiency
concerning health, beauty and
well-being. According to our motto “get well
and stay well” we care for all our customers
with competence speaking more than 13 languages.
Kärntner Ring 17, 1010 Wien
T: (+43 1) 512 28 25
F: (+43 1) 512 28 25 – 9
www.internationale-apotheke.at
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN
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
19
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
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
21
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
Clarity within
the shortest time
H.E. Mohammed Abu
Zafar and his wife
Salma Ahmed Zafar
Radiology Nuclear medicine PET/CT MRI
Your thyroid in our hands
Early diagnostis and therapy allows an
excellent prognosis on thyroid disorders
such as multinodular goiter, Thyroiditis,
Hashimoto, Graves’ disease and even thyroid
cancer. We ensure, in case of suspicious
findings, a clear and secure diagnosis using
the latest technology and established
top-medicine, within a few hours or days.
We accompany you from the suspicion to
the diagnosis and if necessary through
therapy.
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN
PHOTOS: JOE HAIDER
– Sonography including elastography
– Scintigraphy
– Laboratory tests
– Fine needle biopsies of cancer suspicious
thyroid nodules
– Thyroid medication
– Radioiodine therapy
– Iodine 123-full body scintigraphy after
rhTSH-stimulation
– F18-FDG PET/CT
For appointments +43 1 408 12 82
22 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018
or use our free call back service
www.radiology-center.com/call-back-service
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
Liechtenstein.
Right: H.E. Talya
Lador-Fresher
fuel consumption V-Class combined 6,8–7,5 l/100 km, CO 2
emission 179–199 g/km*
Because even the best boss could do
with a bit of assistance sometimes.
With an extensive range of driver-assistance systems, the V-Class is always ready
for the task ahead. It offers invaluable support for the challenges of each working day.
The 360° camera and the Active Parking Assist are there when you need them, so you can
relax and focus on the job at hand. Find out more at your Mercedes-Benz partner or online at
v-class.mercedes-benz.com
Starting at € 51.339,–
including Austrian NoVA & VAT
* The values given were determined according to the prescribed measuring method. These are the „NEFC CO 2
values“ within the meaning
of Article 2 Number 1 of the Austrian Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The details do not relate to a single vehicle and are not
part of the offer, but serve to compare different vehicle types. The values vary depending on the selected optional equipment.
Feel free to contact our Diplomatic Sales Experts:
24 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN
Autorisierter Mercedes-Benz
Vertriebs- und Servicepartner
1104 Wien, Troststrasse 109–111
Tel. 01/60 1 75-0
Internet: www.wiesenthal.at
Mr Clemens Neukomm
Troststrasse 109–111, 1104 Wien
T: +43 1 60 176-90 46
clemens.neukomm@wiesenthal.at
Mr Ingobert Könczöl
Troststrasse 109–111, 1104 Wien
T: +43 1 60 176-254 90 41
ingobert.koenczoel@wiesenthal.at
Mr Adrian Cyrus
Donaustadtstrasse 51, 1220 Wien
T: +43 1 202 53 31-73 43
adrian.cyrus@wiesenthal.at
LE BULLETIN REVIEW
May 2018
Poland
On the occasion of the 100 th Independence Day a reception was held at
the Embassy.
AN ITALIAN STORY. A GLOBAL ICON.
DISCOVER OUR SPECIAL OFFERS FOR DIPLOMATS.
UP TO 25 % SPECIAL DISCOUNT
for diplomats, consuls and consular staff as well as employees
of international institutions in official function.
Top: H.E. Jolanta Roza
Kozlowska and H.E. Adam
Bugajski (very left)
May 2018
Russian Federation
The end of the Second World War 73 years ago was honoured with a wreathlaying
ceremony, followed by a reception at the Embassy.
Maserati Ghibli
25 % Special discount
Starting from 43.096,– € (excl. NoVA / VAT)
Maserati Quattroporte
25 % Special discount
Starting from 62.193,– € (excl. NoVA / VAT)
Maserati Levante
15 % Special discount
Starting from 52.057,– € (excl. NoVA / VAT)
Engine: V6 60° 2987 cm 3 ; Fuel consumption (combined):
9,7 – 5,9 (l / 100 km); CO2-emissions (combined):
226 – 158 g / km; Efficiency class: F – B. Determined in
accordance with EU directives. 1999 / 94 / EG
Engine: V6 60° 2987 cm 3 ; Fuel consumption (combined):
10,7 – 6,2 (l / 100 km); CO2-emissions (combined):
226 – 158 g / km; Efficiency class: G – B. Determined in
accordance with EU directives. 1999 / 94 / EG
Engine: V6 60° 2987 cm 3 ; Fuel consumption (combined):
10,9 – 7,2 (l / 100 km); CO2- emissions (combined):
253 – 189 g / km; Efficiency class: G – B. Determined in
accordance with EU directives.1999 / 94 / EG
275HP – 430HP
275HP – 530HP
275HP – 430HP
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN
Maserati sales & service partners
GEORG PAPPAS AUTOMOBIL GMBH
INNSBRUCKER BUNDESSTRASSE 111, 5020 SALZBURG
Phone: 0662-4484-5305 / info.salzburg@pappas.at
PAPPAS AUTO GMBH
MOMMSENGASSE 26, 1040 WIEN
Phone: 01-505 46 11 0 / info.wien4@pappas.at
H.E. Dmitry Lyubinskiy (r.)
Your contact: David Nia
Phone: 0662-4484-5305 / david.nia@pappas.at
Your contact: Alexander Frybert
Phone: 01-505 46 11 41 / alexander.frybert@pappas.at
Maserati service partners
PAPPAS IN 8051 GRAZ, 6060 HALL IN TIROL, 4030 LINZ
pappas.at
26 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018
W I E N E R P R I V A T K L I N I K
LE
MONDE
VIENNA PRIVATE HOSPITAL
RECOMMENDED BY LEADING DOCTORS
© karlheinzfessl.com
FIRST CLASS PRIVATE HEALTHCARE
The VIENNA PRIVATE HOSPITAL – situated in the centre of
Vienna in ultimate proximity to the University Hospital offers
highest medical competence with the leading specialists from
a great variety of fields. Built in 1871, the Vienna Private
Hospital became the flagship in the private healthcare sector.
The Vienna Private Hospital successfully combines decades of
clinical experience with the state-of-the-art scientific methods
in modern medicine.
With a variety of interdisciplinary medical centres of excellence
our hospital provides medical expertise, equipped with the modern
technology (PET/CT, multi-slice SPECT/CT) at the highest level.
STATE OF THE ART MEDICINE, ELEGANCE AND LUXURY – IN THE HEART OF VIENNA
Multilingual expert staff ensures convalescence in a luxurious
ambience in the Art Nouveau style. Our excellent cuisine meets
the individual culinary, religious and ethnic needs of our patients.
Welcome in The Vienna Private Hospital – Your Health is Our Passion!
MAIN MEDICAL FIELDS
Cardiology • Angiology • Cardiac Surgery • Obesity Management
Weight Loss surgery • Endocrinology/Metabolic diseases Abdominal
Surgery • Vascular surgery Neurosurgery • Brachial Plexus
and Peripheral Nerve Surgery • Reconstructive Surgery Oral
and maxillofacial Facial Reconstruction Surgery • Orthopaedics
surgery • Bone Tumor Surgery • Minimal invasive Implants
& Prosthetics Surgery • Trauma surgery • Physical medicine and
rehabilitation • Rheumatology • Immunology • Ophthalmology
Pulmonology • Gynaecology • Urology • Check-Ups
1090 Vienna/Austria · Pelikangasse 15 · Phone: +43 1 40 180-8700 · Fax: +43 1 40 180-2254 · Mail: info@wpk.at
HIER FINDEN SIE EINE REIHE
HOCHINTERESSANTER
BERICHTE ÜBER DIE
LÄNDER DIESER WELT UND
IHRE VERTRETUNGEN IN
ÖSTERREICH, GESPICKT MIT
INTERVIEWS UND
STELLUNGNAHMEN VON
EXPERTEN AUS DEM IN-
UND AUSLAND.
HERE YOU WILL FIND A
NUMBER OF HIGHLY
INTERESTING REPORTS ON
THE COUNTRIES OF THE
WORLD AND THEIR
REPRESENTATIONS IN
AUSTRIA, PEPPERED WITH
INTERVIEWS AND EXPERTS’
OPINIONS FROM AUSTRIA
AND ABROAD.
LE MONDE 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
31
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-
g
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
33
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
35
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
e
r
e
yüks
e
l
e
n bayraq, bir daha enm
“The flag once raised, will never fall!”
e
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.
Register now: www.alpbach.org
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
41
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.
www.mondigroup.com
www.sappi.com
it to connect
with customers
in new ways as
part of an exciting,
sustainable future
for woodfibre.
Alongside print
Let’s start
sharing a
new story.
Every business
has its own story
to tell, and its own
future to pursue.
At Sappi, we are
taking our expertise
in pulp and paper
production
and using
and paper,
we are working to
develop creative
applications and
technologies to benefit
your business – ranging
from innovations in
packaging and woodfibrereinforced
commercial
materials to forestderived
bioproducts.
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
49
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
51
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
53
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).
54
Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018
55
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.“
Cool head
in heated disputes
We are an international law firm
providing legal services in all areas of
dispute resolution, with a particular focus
on international arbitration
VIENNA PRAGUE SKOPJE BRATISLAVA LONDON
www.konrad-partners.com
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
WIR BAUEN BRÜCKEN IN DIE WELT
ZENTRALEUROPA
LATEINAMERIKA
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
GULF
UNITED KINGDOM
IBERISCHE HALBINSEL
NORDAMERIKA
CHINA
“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
Vernetzen Sie sich auf unseren weltweit stattfindenden Konferenzen
mit Top-Managern und Experten, den Leitern österreichischer
Niederlassungen sowie Österreichern im jeweiligen Exportmarkt!
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
1
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.
2
Text: Daniela Pötzl
3
4
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
5
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
63
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
65
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
the ring, Vienna´s casual luxury Hotel
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
Die Residenz liegt im Innsbrucker
Stadtteil Wilten am Veldidenapark.
Der hervorragende urbane
Standort, die hochwertige Ausstattung
sowie der ausgezeichnete
Standard in Betreuung und
Service machen das Haus so begehrenswert.
Das Innsbrucker
Stadtzentrum erreichen Sie in
wenigen Minuten.
Wir erledigen für Sie lästige
Pflichten des Alltags, damit Sie
verstärkt das tun können, was
Ihnen Spaß und Freude bereitet.
“Da lässt sich`s leben!”, ist die
Philosophie des Hauses.
WIEN | SALZBURG | INNSBRUCK
The Senior Citizens Residence is
located in the Wilten district of
Innsbruck next to Veldidena Park.
The first-rate urban location, the
high-quality facilities and the
excellent standard of care and
service, account for the attractiveness
of the residence. The Innsbruck city
centre is just a few minutes away.
We take care of the chores of
daily life, so that you can do more
of the things that you enjoy doing.
“Live is good here”, this is our motto!
Residenz Veldidenapark
A-6020 Innsbruck, Neuhauserstrasse 5
Tel. +43 (0)512 / 5302
veldidenapark@seniorenresidenzen.co.at
www.seniorenresidenzen.co.at
68
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
Suleiman J Al-Herbish (picture), OFID Director-General. At the signing ceremony, Al-Herbish
outlined OFID’s long-standing partnership with WHO, which dates back to 1979 and
emphasized that the majority of this aid was directed to low-income African countries.
ofid.org
Urban development
Amsterdam puts brakes on tourism
According to a plan by Amsterdam’s newly elected city
government, the capital city of the Netherlands wants to restrict
tourism for the sake of its residents. Amsterdam’s tourism
industry has been booming in the last few years. According to
Amsterdam’s city government, however, the city is primarily a city
for “living and working”. Tourism comes second. This is why
short-term rentals are soon going to be restricted in order to
prevent an increasing number of residential properties from
turning into holiday apartments. Additionally, the visitor tax is
going to increase starting in 2019, and measures will be pursued
in order to restrict the number of hotel rooms in the city.
amsterdam.nl
Fund
Education in emergencies
The European Commission has adopted a new policy framework that
aims to increase humanitarian funding for education in emergencies
due to conflict, forced displacement, violence, climate change and
disaster to 10% of its overall humanitarian aid budget as of 2019. The
EU‘s largest ever humanitarian programme for education in emergencies
worth €84 million is currently the “Conditional Cash Transfer for
Education“ programme in Turkey that helps put 290,000 refugee
children into school.
ec.europa.eu
When the sun is shining in Vienna, the desire
for a place in the open air increases. Enjoy the
warm days of summer with a glass of sparkling
Moët & Chandon Champagne – pure, on ice
or as a cocktail at the Am Hof Schanigarten on
the Bognergasse, right in the heart of Vienna.
Along with the champagne, small, light snacks
from the kitchen are served. An absolute must
for all lovers of sweet treats are the different
ice cream creations – from the classic ice
cream, to sherbet, to granite, each and every
taste is satisfied. The Am Hof Schanigarten
is open daily from 9.00am to 10.00pm.
70 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018
AM HOF SCHANIGARTEN
Tel. +43 (0) 1 22740 1183, vienna.park@hyatt.com
www.parkhyattvienna.com
Summer is here:
The “Moët & Chandon” Champagne Bar Am Hof
VIENNA
Rudolfinerhaus
Vienna´s Leading Private Hospital
L'AUTRICHE
DER NAME IST
PROGRAMM. IN
L’AUTRICHE DREHT SICH
ALLES UM DEN STANDORT
ÖSTERREICH, SEINE
WIRTSCHAFT UND SEINE
BEDEUTUNG AUF DEM
INTERNATIONALEN
PARKETT.
THE NAME SAYS IT ALL.
IN L’AUTRICHE THE FOCUS IS
ON AUSTRIA, ITS ECONOMY
AND ITS ROLE ON THE
INTERNATIONAL STAGE.
Rudolfi nerhaus is Austria’s most prestigious Private
Hospital for international patients.
The Rudolfi nerhaus Outpatient Clinic in cooperation
with the Rudolfi nerhaus Centers of Excellence offers
medical care at a highest international level –
without waiting time.
Its prime location, state-of-the-art evidenced based
medicine and personal nursing care makes it
Vienna’s leading private hospital.
Centers
of Excellence
General Surgery
Internal Medicine & Cardiology
Orthopedics & Trauma Surgery
Urology
Neurology
Gynaecology & Obstetrics
Outpatient Day Clinic
Rudolfi nerhaus
Privatklinik GmbH
Billrothstraße 78 1190 Vienna
+43 (0)1 360 36-6468
ambulanzint@rudolfi nerhaus.at
Mon – Fri from 8am to 8pm
Sat from 8am to 12pm
www.rudolfinerhaus.at
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
75
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
77
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
Lower Austria
– top location for business and research
For more than 50 years, ecoplus, the Business
Agency of Lower Austria, has been a reliable
partner in the business world. We consult and
support companies when it comes to settling
and expanding, offer regional support, enable
inter-company cooperations and branch
networks, and assist with research and
development. We act as an interface between
business and politics, companies and administrations,
investors and initiators of regional and
international projects.
The private company structure of ecoplus
ensures the necessary speed and flexibility.
Decades of experience, a highly specialised
team and a broad network establishes
custom-tailored services and results.
www.ecoplus.at/en
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
81
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.
A GREEN OASIS
IN VIENNA
Condominiums from 57 m 2 to 156 m 2
Enjoy the view from the top or relax in your
own garden in one of Vienna‘s greenest areas!
COMISSION FREE
SABINE ANZELETTI | Tel. 0664 816 34 85
sabine.anzeletti@hyponoe-immobilien.at
www.wohntraum-hietzing.at
HWB 37,99 | fGEE 0,74
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
85
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
& REISEN, KULINARIK & HOTELS,
AUTO & SPORT, UHREN &
SCHMUCK, MODE & DESIGN,
WELLNESS & GESUNDHEIT
UND VIELES MEHR.
"SAVOIR VIVRE" FOCUSES ON
THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE SUCH
AS CULTURE & TRAVELLING,
HOTELS & RESTAURANTS, CARS &
SPORTS, WATCHES & JEWELLERY,
FASHION & DESIGN, WELLNESS
& HEALTH AND MUCH MORE.
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
93
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)
© Kupferstichkabinett der Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien
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
4
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
99
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
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
© Robinson Club 4/4
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
PHOTO © OLIVER GAST
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
Luxury Furniture
CLASSICAL TO CONTEMPORARY
COMMERCIAL TO RESIDENTIAL
HOTELS
COMPLETE RENOVATION PROJECTS
INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE SUITES
999 Stück umfasst die schmucke Limited Edition „Gustav Klimt“ von Frey Wille. Sie ist inspiriert von der
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
CLASSICAL TO CONTEMPORARY
COMMERCIAL TO RESIDENTIAL
HOTEL
COMPLETE RENOVATION PROJECTS
INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE SUITES
Luxury Furniture
CLASSICAL TO CONTEMPORARY
Cengarle Home Furnishing GmbH Nibelungengasse 7/19, 1010 Wien info@cengarlegroup.com www.cengarlegroup.com
Cengarle Home Furnishing GmbH
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:
© Klaus Vyhnalek, Katharina Gossow
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.
PHOTOS: SANDRO ZANZINGER © BELVEDERE, WIEN, DODGE & BURN, ADRIAN ALMASAN
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
Mehr Technologie
für Verwöhnte !
Seit Jahren investiert Berger massiv
in die Zukunft und setzt seinen
Wachstumskurs vor allem im hochwertigen
Katalog- und Magazindruck fort. Kontaktieren
Sie uns und erfahren Sie mehr!
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
NEW!
24-hour online booking
www.zwd.at
LE
GUIDE
EINE NÜTZLICHE
ÜBERSICHT ÜBER DIE
WICHTIGSTEN ADRESSEN
FÜR DIE INTERNATIONALE
GEMEINSCHAFT.
A USEFUL OVERVIEW
OF THE MOST IMPORTANT
ADDRESSES FOR THE
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.
IMPLANTOLOGY | FULL CERAMICS | PROPHYLAXIS
A modern dental clinic with experienced specialists in
implantology and in-house dental technology. Complete
care with special methodologies for anxious patients.
BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY TEETH
ARE OUR SPECIALITY.
Complete dental restoration:
• Ceramic fillings
• Ceramic crowns
• Dental implants
• Cosmetic dentistry with veneers
• Tooth conservation via tooth canal treatment
• White teeth bleaching
• Professional dental cleaning
• Highly qualified, motivated team
O P E N I N G H O U R S : MO - FR, 8.00 am - 6.00 pm
C O N T A C T : Zahnklinik Wien Döbling, Sieveringerstraße 17, 1190 Vienna, +43 1 320 97 97, office@zwd.at, www.zwd.at
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
CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE – ECONOMIQUE et
TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL
International Affairs • Global Business • Exclusive
Lifestyle
CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE is Austria‘s leading and
only bilingual medium for the diplomatic corps,
leading officials of international organisations and
for the majority of decision-makers from politics,
business, tourism and art & culture in Austria.
Publisher:
Andrea Fürnweger, Mag. Alexander Bursky
Media Owner, Publisher & Producer:
FCM firstclassmedia GmbH
Pokornygasse 17/2, A-1190 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 934 65 94, Fax: -4
E-mail: office@firstclassmedia.at
cercle-diplomatique.com
Managing Directors:
Andrea Fürnweger, Mag. Alexander Bursky
Advertising Sales:
Mag. Alexander Bursky, Andrea Fürnweger,
Michaela Hirsch/Agentur Hirsch, Mag. Tzvetana
Tomova, Mag. Dr. Johanna Wall/Agentur Wall,
Michael Wolfbeisser
Back Office, Production &
Print Documentation:
office@firstclassmedia.at
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
Print:
Berger Druck, Wiener Strasse 80, 3580 Horn
Frequency of Publication:
4 x p.a., 40.000 copies
Subscription:
Issue price €10, annual subscription €36
(within Austria)
All articles in CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE are
copyrighted. Further utilization and reproduction
of text, photographs and layout without written
permission of the publisher and the designers is
prohibited and punishable by law. No liability is
assumed for unsolicited manuscripts, pictures, etc.
received. The author bears responsibility for articles
which identify anyone or anything by name. The
views expressed in the articles do not necessarily
reflect those of the publisher or editors. All articles
contained in this magazine serve informational
purposes and freedom of expression only.
Price list valid from 1 January 2018.
Disclosure:
Published according to § 25 media law and always
available at www.cercle-diplomatique.com/impressum
Foreign and Austrian Embassies:
For the lists of foreign Embassies in Austria, the Austrian Embassies abroad
and the Foreign Trade Centers of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce,
please visit our website at:
www.cercle-diplomatique.com/vertretungen
160 Cercle Diplomatique 2/2018
VIENNA’S ONLY
ARMOURED CAR & STAFF ALL-INCLUSIVE
SECURITY SERVICE
www.derfahnder.at
FACTS & FIGURES
Total alles über Österreich
The complete Austria
Die verbreitetsten Vornamen in Österreich. | The most popular first names in Austria.
14
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