CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 03/2018

Autumn 2018
Nr. 3 | September – November
International Affairs Global Business Exclusive Lifestyle
cercle-diplomatique.com
TSCHECHISCHE REPUBLIK
BLÜTEZEIT NÖRDLICH VON ÖSTERREICH
CZECH REPUBLIC
BLOSSOMING TIMES
NORTH OF AUSTRIA

DER NEUE PEUGEOT 508
WHAT DRIVES YOU?
EDITORIAL
Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser! | Dear Readers!
NIGHT VISION
EDLE MATERIALIEN
PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®
DER NEUESTEN GENERATION
PHOTO: OURIEL MORGENSZTERN
Geht es Ihnen auch so? Wann immer man sich
im Ausland befindet und auf die Frage, woher
man denn sei, antwortet: „Aus Wien“,
bringt man sein Gegenüber unweigerlich zum
Schwelgen und Schwärmen. Und hört dann sogleich
als begeisterte Antwort: „Ah, die Stadt der tollen
Bauwerke, der phantastischen Museen und Kulturevents.
Und erst die gute Küche und diese Mehlspeisen!“
Kein Wunder also, dass Österreichs Hauptstadt
erstmals nach sieben Jahren in der Studie des renommierten
britischen Wirtschaftsmagazins „Economist“
es nun geschafft hat, Melbourne, die Millionenmetropole
an der Südost-Küste Australiens, vom
ersten auf den zweiten Platz zu verweisen und jetzt
als weltweit lebenswerteste Stadt firmiert.
Eine ganz besondere Ehre haben auch wir zu vermelden:
Stattliche sieben Automarken dürfen wir in
dieser Ausgabe als unsere hochkarätigen Geschäftspartner
begrüßen. Wir freuen uns über das Vertrauen
und die Auszeichnung, als engagierte Drehscheibe
zwischen Diplomatie, Politik und Wirtschaft auch in
Zukunft zu agieren.
Unsere Coverstory ist diesmal der Tschechischen
Republik gewidmet (ab S. 34). Der prosperierende
Nachbar Österreichs mit einer langen, wechselvollen
Geschichte bietet Besuchern neben anmutigen Burgen
und Schlössern sowie geschmackvollen Biersorten
viele Ziele, die es zu besuchen lohnt.
Unsere Serie über engagierte Honorarkonsule in
Österreich wird diesmal mit einem Interview des
ehemaligen Landeshauptmanns von Niederösterreich,
Erwin Pröll fortgesetzt (S. 84).
Wien bietet höchste Maßstäbe in der Gesundheitsvorsorge,
wo künstliche Intelligenz und interdisziplinäre
Ansätze den medizinischen Standard vorantreiben
(ab S. 88).
Neue Verfahren und technische Entwicklungen
gibt es auch in der Kunstwelt: Da entlocken sie den
Alten Meistern in Österreichs Museen hochspannende
Erkenntnisse über ihren Erschaffungsprozess
(S. 116).
Ab Erscheinen dieser Ausgabe ist in 114 bzw. 121
Tagen Weihnachten und Silvester. Damit Sie die Feiertage
auch stilvoll verbringen können, haben wir für
Sie die tollen Angebote der Wiener Top-Hotellerie
zusammengestellt (ab S. 100).
Can you relate? Whenever we are abroad, get
asked where we are from and answer with
”from Vienna“, the other person immediately
begins to revel and enthuse. Overjoyed, they respond,
”Ah, the city of magnificent architecture, brilliant
museums and cultural events. And the food! And
those pastries!“
And so, it should really come as no surprise that
Austria’s capital has, for the first time in seven years,
managed to push Melbourne, the metropolis on
Australia’s south-east coast, off the first and onto the
second place in a major new study by the renowned
British magazine “The Economist“, cementing its
place as the most liveable city in the world.
And then we also have a great honour of our own
to announce: With this issue, we are counting no less
than seven carmakers amongst our illustrious business
partners. We take delight in their confidence in
our magazine and the ability to continue to act as a
major hub for diplomacy, politics and business in the
future.
This time, our cover story is dedicated to the
Czech Republic (from p. 34). Next to charming castles
and palaces as well as tasteful beers, Austria’s prospering
neighbour with a long, eventful history has
countless destinations on offer that are worth exploring.
Our series on dedicated honorary consuls in Austria
will be continued with an interview with the former
governor of Lower Austria, Erwin Pröll (p. 84).
Vienna provides top-notch standards in health
care, where artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary
approaches are pushing the boundaries of medicine
(from p. 88).
New processes and technical developments are
also redesigning the art world. They are used to provide
fascinating new insights into the creative processes
of the old masters in Austria’s museums (p. 116).
Upon the release of this issue, Christmas Day and
New Year’s Eve will respectively be 114 and 121 days
away. In order to allow you to spend the holidays as
stylishly as possible, we have put together a great selection
of Viennese top hotels for you (from p. 100).
Herzlichst, | Yours,
Andrea Fürnweger
Herausgeberin | Editor
Mag. Alexander Bursky
Herausgeber | Editor
Alle Ausstattungsdetails sind modellabhängig serienmäßig, nicht verfügbar oder gegen Aufpreis erhältlich. Symbolfoto.
Gesamtverbrauch: 3,7 – 5,7 l /100 km; CO 2 -Emission: 98 – 131 g / km.

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE –
ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE
Nr. 3xy
Ausgabe | Issue 03/2016
September – November
CONTENTS
Cover story
CZECH REPUBLIC
Seite | page 34
Drei Jahrzehnte nach dem
Fall des Eisernen Vorhangs
präsentiert sich die
Tschechische Republik als
modernes und weltoffenes
Mitglied Europas.
Beautiful, modern, open to
the world and well
respected member of the EU
- that‘s the Czech Republic,
almost three decades after
communism vanished.
08
10
34
48
56
60
62
66
72
78
84
88
94
96
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 Tschechische Republik | Cover story Czech Republic
Blühende Zeiten im Norden von Österreich. Blossoming times north of Austria.
Nigeria
Der afrikanische Riese. The African giant.
Interview
Der britische Botschafter im Gespräch. The British Ambassador in a talk.
Essay
Christine Bauer-Jelinek über die Macht der Sprache.
Christine Bauer-Jelinek about the power of words.
News
Neuigkeiten aus aller Welt. Latest update from around the globe.
L‘AUTRICHE
Interview
Harald Mahrer, Präsident der Wirtschaftskammer Österreich.
Harald Mahrer, President of the Austrian Economic Chamber.
IACA
Wien, Hauptstadt der Korruptionsbekämpfung. Vienna, capital in fighting corruption.
Private banking
Zeit ist Geld. Time is money.
Honorarkonsul | Honorary duty
Erwin Pröll vermittelt für Slowenien. Erwin Pröll on duty for Slovenia.
Gesundheit | Health
Medizin nach Maß. Bespoke medicine.
Zukunftslabor | Future Lab
Mirko Warschun über die Zukunft des Einkaufens. Mirko Warschun on the future of shopping.
Wirtschaftsnews | Business news
Neues aus Österreich. News from Austria.
122
124
126
130
136
138
142
144
148
150
152
156
168
Austria‘s EU-Presidency 2018 - Art & Culture
Österreich in Brüssels Kulturinstitutionen. Austrian Art goes Brussels.
Botschafter der Musik | Ambassadors of Music
Mezzosopran Joyce DiDonato. Mezzo soprano Joyce DiDonato.
Kunst | Arts
Kulturelle Highlights im Herbst. Cultural highlights in autumn.
Vorsorgewohnungen | Investment properties
Anlage mit Aussicht. Asset with a view.
Lifestyle News
Trends für den Herbst. Trends for the autumn season.
Ambassador‘s Drive
Der Botschafter des Libanon auf CD-Testfahrt.
The Ambassador of Lebanon performs a test drive for CD.
Motor
4 x SUV.
Weekender
Das böhmische Karlsbad – der Salon Europas.
Karlovy Vary in western Bohemia - the spa of Europe.
Upcoming
Wo es uns gefällt. Where we love to be.
Buchempfehlungen | Must read
Lesenswertes aus aller Welt. Book tips from around the world.
Mein Wien | My Vienna
Der Botschafter von Kenia. The Ambassador of Kenya.
LES RENDEZVOUS
Veranstaltungen | Events
Exklusive Veranstaltungen im Fokus. Exclusive events in focus.
LE GUIDE
Adressen | Addresses
Nützliche Adressen für die internationale Gesellschaft.
Useful addresses for the international community.
GENDER ERKLÄRUNG
Im gesamten Magazin wird bei
den deutschsprachigen Texten
aus Gründen der besseren
Lesbarkeit bei geschlechtsspezifischen
Begriffen die maskuline
Form verwendet. Diese Form
versteht sich explizit als
geschlechtsneutral.
100
108
110
114
116
SAVOIR VIVRE
Weihnachten & Silvester in Wien | Christmas & New Year‘s Eve in Vienna
Festliche Momente. Festive moments.
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 Generaldirektor Christian Zandonella im The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna.
Lunch with General Manager Christian Zandonella at The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna.
Museen und Digitalisierung | Museums and Digitalisation
Durchleuchtete Meisterwerke. Illuminated masterpieces.
3
4
169
Titelbild | Cover
Der Fluss Vltava bei Sonnenaufgang, Prag.
River Vltava at Dusk, Prague.
Editorial
Inhalt | Contents
Impressum | Imprint
COVERPHOTO: FOTOLIA/IAN WOOLCOCK; PHOTO: CZECHTOURISM.CZ
Die Malá Strana in Prag. | Prague, Malá Strana.

DER NEUE JAGUAR I-PACE
DER ERSTE
VOLLELEKTRISCHE JAGUAR
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.
ENTWICKELT FÜR DIE ZUKUNFT –
GEBAUT IN ÖSTERREICH
Überzeugen Sie sich selbst bei einer Probefahrt.
jaguar.at
1
Mehr Informationen zu Jaguar Care unter: jaguar.at/JaguarCare
Jaguar I-PACE Stromverbrauch in kWh/100 km: 24,2–21,2 (komb.); CO2-Emissionen in g/km: 0 (komb.), nach WLTP.
Weitere Informationen unter www.autoverbrauch.at

LE BULLETIN CREDENTIALS
Wir begrüßen die neuen Botschafter herzlich in Österreich: Willkommen!
We cordially welcome the new Ambassadors to Austria!
Teodolinda Rosa
Rodrigues Coelho
H. E. H. E. H. E.
Elena Rafti
Mansoor Ahmad
Khan
Ambassador of the Republic of Angola Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus Ambassador of the Republic of Pakistan
Credentials: May 2018 Credentials: July 2018 Credentials: July 2018
Anabella Guardia de
Rubinoff
H. E. H. E. H. E.
Mohamed Mezghani
Trevor D. Traina
Ambassador of the Republic of Panama Ambassador of the Republic of Tunesia Ambassador of the Republic of the United
States of America
Credentials: May 2018 Credentials: May 2018 Credentials: May 2018
Born on August 2, 1959
Education
2004: Graduation in Diplomatic Practice and Negotiation
- United Nations Institute for Training and Research in
New York
1989: Degree in Law: Agostinho Neto University: Luanda
1977: Basic Course on Foreign Trade
Professional Career
2016: America Director - Ministry of External Relations
2011: January: Ambassador
2010: December: Director for Europe - Ministry of External
Relations
2003: Minister Counsellor - Permanent Mission of Angola
to the UN: New York
2000: Counselor - Head of the SADC Department
(Southern African Development Community) - Regional
Integration Directorate - Ministry of External Affairs
1994: 2nd Secretary - Embassy of Angola in the Republic
of Botswana
1993: 2nd Secretary - Embassy of Angola in Federative
Republic of Brazil
1989: Diplomatic Attaché: Legal and Consular Affairs
Directorate: Ministry of External Relations
1980: Planning Office - Ministry of Provincial Coordination
1977: Joined the civil service as an employee in the
National Export - Department of the Ministry of Foreign
Trade
Born on January 18, 1969
Married, two children
Education
Master of Philosophy in Sociology and Politics, University
of Cambridge, B.A (First Class Honours) in International
Relations, University of Kent
Professional Career
2018: Ambassador designated to the Republic of Austria
2014-2018: Head of the Task Force on the National Security
Strategy, an inter-agency Task Force mandated in 2016 by
the Council of Ministers to draft the first National Security
Strategy of the Republic of Cyprus, Head of Security Policy
Department, Political Affairs Division, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Nicosia. The Department is responsible for CSDP,
Disarmament and Non-Proliferation and bilateral security
relations.
2010-2014: Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Republic
of Cyprus to Germany
2007-2010: Counsellor for External Relations, Permanent
Representation of Cyprus to the EU, Brussels, Acting
Representative of Cyprus to the Political and Security
Committee, Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the
EU, Brussels
2006-2007: Chargée d‘affaires a.i and Deputy Head of
Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus to Belgium
2004-2006: Bilateral Affairs Division, Western Balkan
Desk, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nicosia
2000-2004: Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the
Republic of Cyprus to Denmark
1998-2000: Attachée, European Affairs Division, Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, Nicosia
Born 1962
Education
Masters from the University of Westminster (London).
Professional Career
2018: Ambassador of Pakistan to Austria with concurrent
accreditation of Slovakia. Permanent Representative of
Pakistan to UN and other International Organisations
Embassies of Pakistan in Harare, Kabul and New Delhi, the
last two in the capacity of Deputy Head of Mission
Permanent Mission of Pakistan to UN, Geneva
Administrative, bilateral and multilateral assignments at
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Heading Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey Division at the
Headquarters
PHOTOS: CLEMENS SCHWARZ & CARINA KARLOVITS & DANIEL TRIPPOLT/ HBF
Born 1958
Married, two children
Professional Career
2018: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to
Austria, Permanent Representative to the United Nations
and other International Organisations in Vienna
Ambassador of the National Council for Foreign Affairs
(CONAREX), the consultation instance of the Ministry of
Foreing Affairs of Panama, related to the Panamanian
foreign policy, chaired by the Vice-president of Panama
and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Isabel Saint Malo de
Alvarado
2011-2018: Member of the Board of Directors of the
Democracy and Freedom Foundation of Panama, whose
flagship project is the Museum of Freedom and Human
Rights in Panama City
Founder and member of the Board of Directors of the
Association of Women Corporate Directors of Panama
(WCD-Panamá)
1996-2001: Member of the Board of Directors of
Corporación La Prensa, Editorial Director and publisher of
the newspaper La Prensa
2000-2001: Elected president of the Board of Directors
Born on November 4, 1959
Married, two children
Education
1987: National Institute of Administration (ENA) in with the
high rank of Counsellor of Public Services. Economic
Counsellor Section at the Prime Minister’s Office in his
capacity as Counsellor responsible for the coordination
and follow up of the IMF “Structural Adjustment
Programme”
1998: Brussels’ Institute of European Studies
Professional Career
2016: Ambassador, General Director of Political and
Economic Affairs and Cooperation with Europe, the
European Union and the Mediterranean
Member of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Cabinet
2013-2016: Ambassador of Tunisia to Spain
2012-2013: Director of Relations with the European
countries not members of the European Union and Russia
at the General Directorate of Europe at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs
2010-2012: GM of a Euro-Mediterranean company
specialized in Logistics and international transport
2007-2010: Ambassador, General Consul of Tunisia to Marseille
2005-2007: Ambassador of Tunisia to Malta
2001-2005: Official Representative to the Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Director of Relations with the European
Union and the Mediterranean
1993- 1999: Minister Counsellor, Deputy Ambassador of
Tunisia to the European Union in Brussels
1992- 1993: Director in charge of the Relations with the
European Economic Community, European Organisms and
Mediterranean Institutions at the General Directorate of
Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Born on May 16, 1968
Married, two children
Education
Bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a special
diploma in social studies from Saint Catherine’s College at
Oxford in the United Kingdom
Master’s degree in business administration from the Haas
School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley
Professional Career
2018: United States Ambassador to the Republic of
Austria.
1999-2018: Founder of CompareNet, Inc., Chairman of
StepUp Commerce, Founder of Schema Logic, Co-Founder
of DriverSide, Founder of Traina Interactive
Charitable boards including the Haas School of Business at
the University of California Berkeley, the Fine Arts
Museums of San Francisco, the Princeton University Art
Museum, the Gladstone Institute for Medical Research,
San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral, and Venetian Heritage
8 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
9

LE BULLETIN REVIEW
Official receptions
Find more
photos online
cercle-diplomatique.com
May 2018
Presentation of the summer issue of „Cercle Diplomatique“
at the Imperial Riding School Renaissance Hotel Vienna
Many Ambassadors, officials and company representatives gave the editors, Andrea Fürnweger and Alexander Bursky,
the honour to welcome the second issue of 2018 with the cover story on Azerbaijan, enjoying delicious food and pleasant encounters.
The Ambassador of Azerbaijan and guest of honour, H.E. Galib
Israfilov (2nd l.) was welcomed by Thomas van Opstal, General
Manager Imperial Riding School Renaissance Hotel Vienna and
CD‘s editors, Andrea Fürnweger (2nd r.) and Alexander Bursky (r.).
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN
After the musical performance of two young students of
Amadeus International School, the guests could then spend
a few pleasant hours under the motto „grill & chill“ in the
beautiful garden of the hotel. Picture above, left: Angelika
Mayer-Horngacher, Marketing Director Sales & Maeketing
Marriott.
10 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
11

LE BULLETIN REVIEW
May 2018
Czech Republic
On occasion of the 50 th anniversary of Prague Spring in 1968, a festive reception with
historic film documents was held at the Vienna City Hall.
H.E. Ivana Červenková
with the former Mayor of
Vienna, Michael Häupl,
who is the President of
the Austrian-Czech
Society (both below).
fuel consumption Marco Polo HORIZON combined 6,9–7,9 l/100 km,
CO 2
emission 182–209 g/km*
From Monday till Funday.
The Marco Polo HORIZON. Perfect for the ride to the office - or into the blue.
May 2018
100 years Baltic States
To celebrate the 100 th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia
and the Republic of Lithuania, a concert was given at the Vienna City Hall.
Marco Polo HORIZON 200 d, long
Starting at € 59.331,–
including Austrian NoVA & VAT
* The values given were determined according to the prescribed measuring method. These are the „NEFC CO 2
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part of the offer, but serve to compare different vehicle types. The values vary depending on the selected optional equipment.
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN
Feel free to contact our Diplomatic Sales Experts:
Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen (middle) with his
wife Doris Schmidauer (4 th left) and H.E. Rein Oidekivi from Estonia
(2 nd right), H.E. Loreta Zakareviciene from Lithuania (2nd left) and
H.E. Veronika Erte from Latvia (4 th r.).
12 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
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
Argentina
On the occasion of National Day, a reception was held at the residence.
May 2018
Italy
National Day was celebrated with the opening of
the art exhibition “Tesori Recuperati“ at the KHM.
Left: H.R. Rafael Mariano
Grossi (middle) and his
wife Cinthia Echavarria
Grossi.
Left: H.E. Sergio Barbanti.
The art exhibition displayed
some cultural items, recovered
by Italian Carabinieri for the
protection of cultural heritage.
May 2018
Armenia
The 100 th anniversary of the First Armenian Republic was celebrated with the
opening of an exhibition and a concert at the Mekhitarist Monastery of Vienna.
Top: H.E. Arman Kirakossian (left)
PHOTOS: JOE HAIDER, DODGE & BURN
PHOTOS: JOE HAIDER
TIMELESS
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AND STYLE
SINCE 1836
1010 Vienna, Austria
Weihburggasse 27
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14 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
STORES. AUCTIONS. HUNTING. MANUFACTURE.

LE BULLETIN REVIEW
May 2018
Azerbaijan
The 100 th National Day was celebrated at Palais Liechtenstein, also with the then
just published edition of Cercle Diplomatique with its cover story on Azerbaijan.
AN ITALIAN STORY. A GLOBAL ICON.
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Left: H.E. Galib Israfilov with
Farah Aslanova and CD editor
Alexander Bursky.
Right: The famous opera singer
Anna Netrebko performed at the
event.
June 2018
Georgia
On the occasion of the 100 th National Day, a reception was held at the
Vienna City Hall.
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Left: Maka Botchorishvili,
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PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN, JOE HAIDER
Die Angaben zu Kraftstoffverbrauch und CO 2
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16 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

LE BULLETIN REVIEW
June 2018
Russian Federation
On the occasion of National Day, a reception was held at the Embassy.
Left: H.E. Dmitry
Lyubinskiy (very left)
welcomed with his wife
(2nd l.) the guests.
June 2018
United Kingdom
The 92 nd birthday of Her Majesty Queen Eilzabeth II was celebrated with a
great garden party at the residence.
Left: H.E. Leigh Turner (2 nd
l.) with H.E. Sian MacLeod
(Head of the UK Delegation
to the OSCE; 2 nd r.)
and David Hall, UK Resident
Rep. to the IAEA (l.).
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June 2018
Luxemburg
National Day was celebrated with a reception at the Embassy.
Left: H.E. Marc Ungeheuer (r.) with Lili
Shan.
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN, JOE HAIDER
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN, CARINA KARLOVITS & PETER LECHNER/ HBF
June 2018
Official working visit of President Putin
The Russian President Vladimir Putin met the Austrian Federal President
Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna.
Clockwise from top: President Vladimir Putin and
President Alexander Van der Bellen; the reception with
military honours and a visit of the KHM, where both
Presidents opened the exhibition “Old Masters from the
Hermitage“.
Singerstrasse 21 / 25,
Apartments & Hotel
1010 Vienna
Tel.: +43 (0)1 514 49 0
apartments@singerstrasse2125.at
www.singerstrasse2125.at
18 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
19

LE BULLETIN REVIEW
June 2018
Diplomatic spring excursion to Lower Austria
The beautiful Wachau valley was this year‘s place of action for the traditional excursion on
invitation of Karin Kneissl, Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs.
NEW URBAN
PERSPECTIVES
Close to the city center
Minister Karin Kneissl (above, first row left,
middle) together with Martin Eichtinger
(next to her r.), Member of the Provincial
Government in Lower Austria, took a big
group of diplomats to Lower Austria and
showed them the company Biomin, took a
boat tour on the Danube, enjoyed lunch at
Hotel Schloss Dürnstein, took a stroll in
Dürnstein and went to Schloss Grafenegg.
Heating energy demand Ø 26.81 kWh/m 2 .a
COMPLETION:
MARCH
2019
PHOTOS: MAHMOUD/BM FÜR EUROPA, INTEGRATION & ÄUSSERES
SMART CITY LIVING
Timeless modern living with smart furnishings, in one of the most attractive neighborhoods of Vienna close to the city
center. A future-oriented concept by world renowned architect Renzo Piano, with imposing views starting at first floor
level, in the immediate vicinity of the magnificent Belvedere Palace and adjoining large parks.
ARCHITECTURE
+ World renowned architect
+ Fascinating views
+ Prestigious lobby
+ Smart overall concept
FEATURES
+ Balcony, loggia or terrace
+ Smart home shading system
+ Underfloor heating & ceiling cooling
+ Stylish, high-quality bath oases
MOBILITY
+ City center within walking distance
+ Convenient transport connections
+ In-house E-car-sharing
+ In-house charge points & City bikes
SERVICE
+ Digital concierge
+ In-house fitness room
+ Parcel boxes in the lobby
+ Access barriers for security
For more details see: www.parkapartments.at/en
FIND OUT MORE !
Freyung 3, staircase 1/1st floor, 1010 Vienna
Mo - Fr : 9am - 5pm or by appointment
Telephone: +43 1 908 19 19
E-mail: parkapartments@signa.at
360° tour: www.parkapartments.at/D07
A PROJECT BY
20 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

LE BULLETIN REVIEW
June 2018
Sovereign Order of Malta
On the occasion of the Celebration Day of the Sovereign Order of Malta,
a reception was held at the St. Johanns Club.
June 2018
Summer garden party of the Chancellor
Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz invited to a summery
garden party at Palais Schönburg.
VIENNA
Rudolfinerhaus
Vienna´s Leading Private Hospital
Left: Chancellor Kurz with
CD‘s editor Andrea
Fürnweger.
Below: Companions and
friends celebrated until
late night.
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.
Top: The Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of
Malta, H.E. Sebastian Prinz von Schoenaich-Carolath.
(right).
Centers of Excellence
General Surgery
Internal Medicine & Cardiology
Orthopedics & Trauma Surgery
Urology
Neurology
Gynaecology & Obstetrics
June 2018
Slovenia
The National Day was celebrated with a reception.
Top: H.E. Ksenija Skrilec (l.) with the
Honorary Consul of Slovenia, Erwin Pröll.
PHOTOS: JOE HAIDER, MARKO‘S PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOS:PHILIPP LIPIARSKI
22 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
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
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
23

LE BULLETIN REVIEW
June 2018
USA
On the occasion of the 242 nd Independence Day, the traditional garden
party was held at the residence.
June 2018
Croatia
National Day, the 5 th anniversary of the joining of the EU as well as the Day of the
Armed Forces were celebrated at the Gloriette Cafe in Schloss Schönbrunn.
Top: H.E. Trevor Traina (middle), Nicole
Shampaine (Chargé d‘Affaires
International Organisations) and Harry
R. Kamian (Chargé d‘Affaires OSCE; r.).
Top: H.E. Vesna
Cvjetković.
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN, JOE HAIDER
PHOTOS: JOE HAIDER
24 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
25

LE BULLETIN REVIEW
June 2018
Apostolic Nuntiature
On the occasion of the 5 th anniversary of the election of Pope Franciscus, the Apostolic Nuntio
H.E. Archbishop Peter Stephan Zurbriggen invited to a reception at the Apostolic Nuntiature.
June 2018
Canada
National Day was celebrated with the traditional garden party at the residence.
We care for you
Left: The Apostolic Nuntio
H.E. Archbishop Peter
Stephan Zurbriggen with His
Eminence Cardinal Christoph
Schönborn (left).
Left: H.E. Heidi Hulan
Radiology Nuclear medicine PET/CT MRI
June 2018
Belarus
To celebrate Independence Day, a garden party was given at the Embassy.
Left: H.E. Alena Kupchyna (middle)
PHOTOS:JOE HAIDER
PHOTOS: JOE HAIDER, BUN DESHEER/PUSCH
June 2018
New General Chief of Staff
Robert Brieger is the new General Chief of Staff at the Austrian Armed
Forces.
A clear and safe diagnostic
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Early diagnostis and therapy allows an
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We ensure, in case of suspicious findings
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We accompany you from the suspicion to
the diagnosis and if necessary through
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– Sonography of the male urogenital tract
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– Multiparametric MRI with PIRADS
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– Scintigraphy for bone metastasis
– Computed Tomography
– PSMA Scan
– Choline PET/CT
– MRI guided transrectal fusion biopsy
Federal Minister of Defence, Mario
Kunasek with the new General Chief
of Staff, Robert Brieger (right).
For appointments +43 1 408 12 82
26 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
or use our free call back service
www.radiology-center.com/call-back-service
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018 27

LE BULLETIN REVIEW
July 2018
Mongolia
On the occasion of the National Day and the 55 th anniversary of the uptaking of diplomatic
relations with Austria, a reception was given at the Weltmuseum Wien.
July 2018
Egypt
National Day was celebrated with a reception at the Embassy.
Striving for
a top career?
Left: H.E. Battungalag
Gankhuurai with
H.E. Emil Brix, Director
of the Diplomatic
Academy Vienna.
Top: H.E. Omar Amer Youssef with his wife.
The guest of honour was Pope Tawadros II, Patriarch of Alexandria
and church leader of the Coptic-Orthodox Church (bottom, middle).
July 2018
Official visit of Iranian President Rohani
Hassan Rohani, the Iranian President, came to Vienna in order to meet
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen.
Right, on top: President Hassan Rohani meets Federal
President Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna‘s Hofburg.
For 160 years, Austria and Iran have diplomatic relations.
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN,CARINA KARLOVITS & PETER LECHNER/ HBF
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN
July 2018
A new Professor
Stefaan Missinne, President of the Austrian-Belgian Society, was awarded
the professional title Professor.
Left: Stefaan Missine (right) with H.E. Jürgen Meindl, Director
General of the Directorate of Arts and Culture at the Federal
Chancellery of Austria. Right: The Professor‘s wife, Andrea (right).
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28 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
29

LE BULLETIN REVIEW
July 2018
France
On the occasion of National Day, a reception was held at the magnificent Embassy.
August 2018
Niger
The National Day was celebrated with a reception.
Left: H.E. Francois
Saint-Paul (middle)
with Austrian State
Secretary of the Interior,
Karoline Edtstadler
(2 nd r.) and his wife (r.).
Top: Klaus Krebs, Honorary Consul of Niger (middle).
INTERNATIONALE
APOTHEKE
INTERNATIONAL
PHARMACY
July 2018
Cape Verde
National Day was celebrated with the traditional garden reception.
August 2018
Bolivia
On the occasion of National Day, a reception was held
at the Viennese church St. Elisabeth.
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T: (+43 1) 512 28 25
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www.internationale-apotheke.at
Left: Honorary Consul of Cape Verde,
Wolfgang Meixner (right).
PHOTOS: DODGE& BURN
PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN
H.E. Victor Alfredo Veltzè Michel with Honorary
Consul of Bolivia in Upper Austria, Cecilia Baldivieso
de Witzany (very left).
30 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
31

LE
MONDE
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
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 CZECH REPUBLIC
CZECH REPUBLIC
BLOSSOMING
TIMES NORTH
OF AUSTRIA
Interested in observing a country that is booming in the true sense of the meaning?
Then you should take a closer look to the Czech Republic. What the Czechs have
achieved in the past three decades is a success story, that couldn't be written in a more
appropriate way.
Text: Klaus Puchleitner
PHOTO: CZECHTOURISM.CZ
Blooming and booming – not only is Prague
the capital of the Czech Republic, it also
serves as a perfect role model for what you
might call true economic prosperity.
34 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
35

LE MONDE CZECH REPUBLIC
Tourism has become an asset to the Czech economy –
the development of golf courses shows that.
Pleasure grounds also indicate that the grey
times of former communism are long gone.
FACTS &
FIGURES
Prague, seen from the old fortress on
a hill overlooking the city, the so
called "Hradčany Castle". It houses
the offices of the country's president.
PHOTOS: FOTOLIA, CZECHTOURISM.CZ
Way back, when everything was still grey –
but with a slight trace of light rising on a
remote horizon, more or less a first sign
of what might lie ahead: That was the city of Prague
in the year 1989, when communism was already
close to its final vanishing point in then Czechoslovakia.
Cars were cruising through the town with posters
pinned on their side windows that showed a picture
of the writer Václav Havel, combined with the
one sentence, that stood as a promise for better times
to come: "Havel na Hrad", it said. The Czechs almost
unitedly stood behind their popular hero and claimed
that he should become the next president of
their country. And as a matter of fact, the iconical
writer became president and moved into the
Hradčany Castle, the old fortress on top of a hill
overlooking Prague, that still serves as official residence
of the country's leaders. During his presidency,
Havel paved the way for the old Czechoslovakia
on its path to the booming times of today.
What followed was a load of rememberable events
such as the seperation of the country into two independent
states – today's Czech Republic and the Republic
of Slovakia. It was the kind of seperation that
might serve as a role model for the coming asunder
of states: no weapons, no revolution, no troubles, no
major problems, just gentle negotiations between
two future friends – or even more, two brothers.
Since then, especially one of those brothers, the
Czech Republic, has done extremely well – and today
ranks as nothing less than one of Europe's best performing
countries, speaking in economic terms.
There are blossoming times taking place just north of
the Austrian border.
Today, nothing is grey in the streets of Prague
anymore, there is bright light instead, there are colourful
scenes everywhere of what you might call
flowering life. Everything is blooming nowadays in
the capital of the Czech Republic as well as in the
whole country, not only if you go there in springtime.
Economic figures show an ongoing steep ascent
for years. Companies are prospering, the labour
force is growing, there is enough money on the market
and people are doing well in general. Long forgotten
are the dark days of former communism, cherished
is today's presence of wealth as a respected
member of the European Union and therefore as a
fully integrated part of the community of countries
that belong to the western world.
The Czech gross domestic product recently rose
by 2.3 percent in the second quarter of this year,
compared to the second quarter of 2017. That's truly
not bad in times that still suffer from the aftermath of
a worldwide economic crisis that kept the European
Union in stranglehold for almost a decade. The general
unemployment rate of the aged 15 to 64 years
reached 2.4 percent in June 2018 and therefore decreased
by 0.6 percent. The male unemployment
rate, seasonally adjusted, attained 1.9 percent, the
female unemployment rate was 2.9 percent. Those
are sensationally low figures, so to speak. And that's
really good news to the Czech people.
Funny enough though, those figures induce a
very unique kind of problem that stands for the prosperity
of the country: It is really hard these days to
find workmen. Qualified personnel is rare. This even
somewhat retardes the general growth to a certain
extend. For instance, there are many Austrian companies
who wish to intensify their engagement in the
Czech Republic, but find themselves somewhat challenged
by detecting employees. Nevertheless, there
are enough success stories of Austrian firms maintaining
branches or factories in the Czech Republic.
And vice versa: Czech firms are beginning to
strive to the Austrian market. Not too many right at
the moment – there could be more, says Ivana
Červenková, the Czech Ambassador in Vienna (see
interview on page 42) – but their number is increasing.
For instance, Sazka – the Czech lottery company
that holds many branches all across Europe – has
become a major shareholer of Casinos Austria,
Austria's traditional lottery enterprise. As beacons
might serve, also some small Czech companies that
do business in IT, produce apps or invent new technological
solutions to various problems of daily life.
24 Czech firms has ABA, the Austrian Business
Agency that helps companies from abroad with settling
their business in Austria, brought to the country
in the past five years. This means capital expenditures
of approximately 16 million Euros, almost 450
new jobs have been provided in Austria by those
Czech companies.
They would be most welcome in Austria, confirms
a spokeswoman of ABA and stresses out that
one is trying to put aside as many potential obstacles
as possible. No stumbling blocks should hinder
Czech firms on their way to the Austrian market.
Although it is undeniable that there still are some
obstacles remaining. For instance, the Czech embas-
CZECH REPUBLIC
Official Name:
Česká republika
Capital: Prague
Government: The Czech Republic
is a pluralist multi-party
parliamentary representative
democracy, with the president as
head of state and prime minister
as head of government.
- President: Miloš Zeman
- Prime Minister: Andrej Babiš
Area: 78,866 sqkm 2
Population: 10,611,000 (2016
estimate)
Religion: 44.7% -undeclared
34.5% Irreligion
10.5% Catholicism
1.0% Protestantism
Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)
GDP: $368.659 billion (nominal,
2017 estimate)
GDP per capita: $36,784
(nominal, 2017 estimate)
Formation:
1 January 1993
(former Czechoslovakia, founded
on 28 October 1918, was
seperated into Czech Republic
and Republic of Slovakia)
Name:
The traditional English name
"Bohemia" derives from Latin
"Boiohaemum". The current
name comes from the Polish
ethnonym associated with the
area, which ultimately comes
from the Czech word Čech.
CZECH REPUBLIC.
The country is doing well
after the separation from
its brother Slovakia.
Beautiful, modern, open to the world and
well respected member of the EU - that's
the Czech Republic, almost three decades
after communism vanished.
Not only perform the Czechs of
today well, speaking in
economic terms - but also are
they fulfilling traditional rituals.
36
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018 37

LE MONDE CZECH REPUBLIC
CZECH
SCIENCE &
HISTORY
It is not only for the tasty food,
that more and more tourists are
pouring into the country.
Home of innovative
people
There are many famous
Czechs, no matter if you
look at science, entertainment
or sports. There is the
singer Karel Gott for
example, or there was the
footballer Antonin Panenka,
who lived in Austria for
years and played for
Vienna's football club
"Rapid Vienna". But
primarily, there are many
Czech scientists, inventors
and musicians that
advanced developments of
mankind in many ways -
some of them are not so
well known. For instance,
there was Jakob Christoph
Rad, who invented the cube
sugar. Or Otto Wichterle, a
chemist, who is best known
for his invention of modern
soft contact lenses. And not
to forget the great
composer Antonín Dvořák.
Creative Czechs out of
history: Jakob Christoph
Rad, Antonín Dvořák and
Otto Wichterle (from left).
Out of a fairy tale - the Czech
Republic holds many places that
might well play a leading part in
some ancient novel or play.
sy claims that the EU's "Posting of Workers Directive"
is handled quite strictly by the Austrian government,
so that it is difficult for Czech companies to
operate in the Austrian market on the basis of the
knowledge and workforce of their Czech employees.
But undoubtedly, the Czech Republic and Austria
are closest friends.
ABA and its Czech counterpart, the agency
CzechTrade, are doing their best to support and
strengthen business between the two countries. Especially
in this year 2018, when the Czech Republic
has to celebrate a lot. For instance, it is 25 years that
the comparably young state was founded, when
Czechoslovakia came asunder. And it is 100 years
that old Czechoslovakia was founded. 50 years ago
the so called "Prague Spring" took place, when Austria
played an important role by opening its borders
to Czech refugees fleeing communism.
Therefore, Austria is celebrating together with
Czech officials, at least a little bit. There are ongoing
celebrations in Vienna and other cities to remember
the various events that took place years and decades
ago. Ambassador Červenková talks about the celebrations
in her interview with CD, to be found from
page 42 on. However, the Czech Republic and Austria
are demonstrating their close friendship in this
very special year of 2018.
Talking about being special: The Czech Republic
not only has been very successful in developing
new business after defiantly saying good-bye to communistic
influence decades ago. It has also made use
of the beauty of its country by developing tourism.
There are amazing places waiting for guests from abroad,
and Czech officials know well how to promote
them – and they do.
Want a short summing up of what to visit when in
the country?
First of all, of course, there is its capital. Prague is
nothing less than a magical city that looks spectacular
in every reason and every season. Admired for
the beauty of its well-preserved Old Town, romantic
narrow pathways, an amazing variety of architectural
styles, still affordable prices and delicious cuisine, it
can easily cater to the wanderlust needs of every type
of traveller. It is not at all by accident that Prague is
often called "The City of the Thousand Spires".
But of course, there is more – much more.
The beauty of the country is truly stunning in
many ways and many places. For instance, there is
PHOTOS: CZECHTOURISM.CZ, WIKIPEDIA
Kutná Hora, that at first glance might seem like a
quiet Central Bohemian town like any other. But
however, it is one of the most visited destinations in
the country and a unique highlight of the Czech Republic
because of its splendid architecture that is protected
by UNESCO.
Or there is Český Krumlov, that has one of the best
preserved medieval city cores in the whole Europe
and is looking like a little fairy tale city. There is the so
called "Bohemian Switzerland", a region named due
to its resemblance to Swiss landscapes. Bohemian
Switzerland is a magnificent area of charming valleys,
long forest walks, picturesque panoramas and giant
rock formations. Or there is Pilsen, with its worldfamous
pale lager Pilsner beer, that was first produced
in this town 175 years ago.
Or there is ... You could never stop listing the
sights, beauties and places that tourists should go to
when travelling to the Czech Republic.
No wonder that tourism has increased a lot during
the past decades. Far more than ten million visitors
arrived in the Czech Republic during last year – and
AUSTRIA CONNECT
WIR BAUEN BRÜCKEN IN DIE WELT
ZENTRALEUROPA
LATEINAMERIKA
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
GULF
UNITED KINGDOM
IBERISCHE HALBINSEL
NORDAMERIKA
CHINA
SUB-SAHARA AFRIKA
stayed for at least one night. And their number is increasing
rapidly. It is for the beauty of the country they
come – or for the food, for recreation, for comparably
new sports like Golf or for other leisurely activities.
Therefore, the development of appropriate facilities like
golf courses, leisure centers or spas or the building of
new hotels is also growing rapidly. Today, total bed capacity
in the Czech Republic is around 500,000. This index
is dominated by Prague with a bed capacity by around
75,000 beds. 45 percent of bed capacity of the Czech
Republic belong to centres of town and cultural-educational
tourism, 20 percent to mountain tourism centres,
17 percent to summer water recreation centres, 8 percent
to spa centres and 10 percent to other tourism centres,
located mainly in rural areas.
However – it doesn't matter whether you want to
play golf, go hiking, do business, visit magical places
that might well play a leading part in some ancient
novel, or simply relax: The Czech Republic has come
a long way from former grey communism to the sparkling
little gem it is today, situated right in the middle
of Europe, just north of the Austrian border.
An amazing place to go: the
"Bohemian Switzerland".
Many visitors from abroad
come and are truly bewitched
by the beauty of nature.
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38
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

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ŠKODA FABIA.
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LE MONDE CZECH REPUBLIC | INTERVIEW
H.E. Ivana Červenková
“Our relations are at an all time high, better than ever.“
2018 is a very special year, regarding the relations between the Czech Republic and Austria. There are a
load of anniversaries to celebrate. Czech Ambassador Ivana Červenková is talking to CD about them.
Interview: Klaus Puchleitner
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY
PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA
CD: 2018 is the “year of anniversaries“ for the
Czech Republic – we have 50 years of Prague
Spring, 400 years since the famous second
defenestration of Prague, it is 25 years that the
Czech Republic was founded, and it is 100 years
that former Czechoslovakia was founded. Do you
feel somewhat special in this year 2018?
Červenková: Most certainly is is a challenge
for an Ambassador to celebrate all
this – and coming to Austria a little bit
more than half a year ago, I spent quite a lot
of time thinking how to celebrate those jubilees.
It was perfectly clear to me right
from the beginning, that there had to be an
event held together with the government of
the Republic of Slovakia. So last April, we
had a grand concert with the Ambassador
of Slovakia in the Karlskirche to celebrate
100 years of former Czechoslovakia. And I
decided to do some very special celebrations
to honour the 50-years-jubilee of
Prague Spring, because of the important
role Austria was playing back then. Just remember,
how helpful the then Austrian
Ambassador in Prague, Rudolf Kirchschläger,
was acting when allowing Czechoslovakian
people to get to Austria by providing
them with visas in a most generous
way. We celebrated that together with Michael
Häupl, the former mayor of Vienna,
in Vienna‘s townhall. I just felt we had to do
this as a late thank-you-gift for everything
Austria had done - and for Mr Häupl,
whom I consider a very good friend of the
Czech Republic. He is also President of the
Austrian Czech Society. It was a great event
with even some contemporary witnesses
also being present.
But there will be further and ongoing celebrations
this fall, we assume?
In November, the Czech Philharmonic
Orchestra is coming to Vienna, they will be
performing in the Musikverein. We will celebrate
this as a tribute to the year 1918,
when Czechoslovakia was founded. Our
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš as well as
Austria‘s chancellor Sebastian Kurz have
already promised to consider attending the
event. And there will be some additional
celebrations.
Which anniversary is more important to the Czech
people – 5o years of Prague Spring or 100 years
of Czechoslovakia?
That is a tough question. After all, 1918
was the year when Czechoslovakia as an
independent state was brought to life, still
today this is special to the Czech people.
Because former Czechoslovakia was based
on the same democratic principles that
now form the basis of today‘s Czech Republic.
Our government still emphasizes that
many things it does today somehow relate
to the way Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk was
acting, the first President of former
Czechoslovakia. And the year 1968 was
also very important to the Czechoslovakian
people, there was hope that a new way of
dealing with communism might brighten
their lives in a certain way and that Alexander
Dubček might succeed in his striving to
reform the political system of former
Czechoslovakia. Both dates, 1918 und
1968, are still very special to the people also
in today‘s Czech Republic.
... and there is also the jubilee of the seperation of
the Czech Republic and the Republic of Slovakia.
Of course. Both countries are still the
closest friends today. This seperation 25 years
ago might well serve as a blueprint for
states how to part in an amicable, respectful
and truly untroubled way. We‘ll have
upcoming events to celebrate this as well.
Now let‘s take a look at the new Czech Republic –
what would you say are the main achievements of
this young state, what can you be proud of?
There are lots of things. Remember
from where we started and what we have
today: We are a fully accepted and well respected
member of the European Union, we
founded the Višegrad-group to build an
additional structure that could serve as an
important contact for the EU – and for
NATO as well. The Czech live in a free,
blossoming democratic society, they are
free to travel in whichever way they like –
those are things that didn‘t go without saying
only some decades ago. Our economy
is booming, standard of living is comparably
high. And many other things. Yes, we
have achieved quite a lot indeed, that we
can be more than proud of.
What is it that the Czech Republic holds within its
skills that makes it such successful as a state?
There are other countries of former Eastern
Europe and former Warsaw Pact that seem to
perfom in a way not nearly as successful as you
do. Democratic freedom, freedom of press and so
on, are not a matter of course everywhere in
Eastern Europe. Obviously you did better ...
That‘s not easy to say. We clearly have to
respect the fact that in those countries you
might mention, there have been free and
democratic elections taking place. The people
there voted for whatever government
they got. It is not on us to deliver judgements
about the outcome of free elections
and about ways, democratically elected
governments of independent states are acting.
We mustn‘t do that.
H.E. IVANA ČERVENKOVÁ
was born in České Budějovice. Only since April 2018,
she is the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to
Austria. Before coming to Vienna, she served as
Deputy Minister of Chancery of the Ministry and Head
of Chancery Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
42 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
43

LE MONDE CZECH REPUBLIC
| INTERVIEW
PROMOTION
“The strict implementation of
the European Posting of Workers
Directive by Austrian authorities
is doubtlessly one of the very few
problems between our countries.“
Lottery operators cannot stand still
What about the relations between the Czech
Republic and Austria – is there a special bond
between the two states because of all the historic
events they share?
I like the thougt of a renaissance of the
special relations between the Czech Republic
and Austria, taking place in recent years
and being still underway. Our interactions
are just marvellous, we conduct a dynamic
political dialoque on various levels. Our
prime minister and the Austrian chancellor
are meeting quite often. Besides, there are
various additional formats where the representatives
of our two countries are meeting
and talking. For instance there is Slavkov,
a format where representatives of
Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic
are meeting on a regular basis. There is yet
another format that brings also governors
of Austria and the Czech Republic together.
And so on.
When it comes to economic development – how
are Czech companies doing here in Austria?
The trading volume between our two
countries is good. We are talking about 12
billion of Euros per year and I assume, the
Czech Republic is one of the most important
trading partners of Austria, and Austria
is quite important to the Czech Republic.
After all, Austria is the forth biggest
investor in the Czech Republic, more than
1,000 Austrian companies are present with
us. On the other hand, only a little bit over
300 Czech companies are currently present
in Austria. It is not too easy to establish
business in the Austrian market, but I must
admit that this is getting better. For instance,
talking about Sazka Group that now
holds major share of Casinos Austria, this
is a true success story. There are some other
Czech companies as well that perform in a
sufficient way here in Austria, for instance
a company that invented an application for
gas stations – or another one that invented
an application that, in case of emergency,
allows you to alarm life saving services
much quicker and more efficiently. And
many others.
Despite the Czech companies that already are
doing well in Austria, why is it that only 300 of
them are here - while 1,000 or more Austrian
companies are performing in the Czech Republic?
I truly wish that there would be a significant
higher number of Czech companies
being able to establish business in Austria.
It will be one of my major tasks to incresase
the number of Czech companies here, I am
therefore constantly meeting with CEOs
and general managers and with our five honorary
consuls here in Austria in order to
proceed promoting business engagements.
Problems are, that it surely takes accurate
and costly preparations coming to Austria,
and it also requires financial power, since
taxes and fees are really high. Therefore, it
might hardly be profitable for small companies
to establish a branch in Austria.
Maybe the EU-reform of the Posting of Workers
Directive plays a certain role as well?
Yes. We do have problems with the regulations
of the Posting of Workers Directive
that is implemented very strictly by
Austrian authorities and makes it very,
very expensive to employ Czech people in
Austrian branches of Czech companies. We
actually believe that Austrians are in fact
acting more draconically that the directive
is suggesting – for sure more draconic than
the Czechs are. There is currently a complaint
pending with the European Court of
Justice. This is doubtlessly one of the very
few problems between our two countries.
We understand that Austrian companies in the
Czech Republic do have certain problems finding
workers or employees because there simply are
none available on the labour market ...
You know that our economic growth is
really high and unemployment is really low
at the time. The Czech Republic fortunately
is an ideal example, a role model within the
European Union, when it comes to economic
development. So the search for employees
is not only a problem for Austrian
companies, it is a challenge for Czech companies
as well. But I must say, let‘s be glad
that we are facing this problem – and that
Czech economy is blossoming. We do alreday
perfom various programmes to deal
with the actual shortness of labour force.
Can you provide us with any details?
There are many people from Ukraine,
joining the Czech labour force and we are
stepping up efforts to improve knowledge,
qualifications and skills of those people in
order to make them fit for the Czech labour
market. We are also doing that for Vietnamese
people that are also coming into our
country. There are many Ukranians and
Vietnamese in the Czech Republic.
What are the reasons for the blossoming Czech
economy?
(Laughs) The reasons? Let me say this:
We are simply performing well and in a
skilled way. No, seriously: Our Prime Minister
Babiš keeps saying that he strives to
guide the Czech Republic using the former
Czechoslovakia of Masaryk as a role model.
Perhaps this is one of the secrets why
my country currently is doing so well. After
so many years under communistic regimes
we have finally found ourselves and prove
that we are a fully functioning country
>
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA
ENTGELTLICHE WERBUNG
Robert Chvátal (49) is the CEO of SAZKA Group. Under his leadership SAZKA Group has grown
into Europe‘s largest lottery company. Robert and his team are passionate about ensuring that lottery
products and channels adapt to keep up to date in an increasingly interconnected and digital world.
Robert spent 6 years of his professional life working in Austria. His previous job was CEO of
T-Mobile Austria (2007 -2012).
What are the characteristics of the Austrian betting and
lottery market?
The Austrian gaming market is one of Europe’s larger markets and
is estimated to be worth around €1.5bn of gross revenues. Austrians
tend to play traditional lottery games and online is responsible
for approximately 15 per cent of the market and this share is expected
to grow to around 18 per cent by 2022.
Austria has a highly cultivated and transparent regulatory framework
for legal gaming with high level of taxation but SAZKA Group
prefers to operate in these stable environments.
Austrians are considered to be particularly enthusiastic
when it comes to lotteries — is that true and if so why?
Absolutely, Austrians prefer lotteries over other forms of gaming.
There is no doubt that Austria is a healthy mature market and one
where SAZKA Group with its focus on lotteries can add considerable
value.
What are the key differences between the various lottery
markets?
From our perspective, differences in the way countries respond to
lotteries are cultural. Italians and Greeks love to visit and spend
time in their local betting shops which often double as cafes. Northern
European countries have adopted online channels more enthusiastically.
Austria is somewhere in-between and that is great
as there is a room for us to develop both land-based and digital
channels.
What are SAZKA Group’s plans for Austria and the other
markets that you are operational in?
Our strategy in all our markets is to strengthen the most iconic and
trusted brands. Well-known brands are a lottery company’s greatest
assets. In Austria, we are looking to invest in the customer
experience by enhancing existing games, expanding online opportunities
and giving significant amounts back to local communities.
In the coming years, lottery operators must shift from performing
the function of organising the weekly draws to a multichannel offering
of appealing products. We will continue to dedicate significant
resources to innovation across our markets to ensure that our
lotteries keep up with digital and societal change.
What is the future of SAZKA’s involvement with Casinos
Austria and the Austrian Lotteries?
With both companies, SAZKA Group remains committed to the
traditional brands and games while focusing on a new generation
of players through new channels, for example, win2day and other
innovative products.
How big is the lottery business in the markets that you are
currently operational in?
There are several ways to look at this. In absolute figures, Italy is by
far the largest market in Europe. Our other three lottery markets,
Austria, Czech Republic, and Greece are similar in size. When you
look at lottery spend as percentage of GDP, the most enthusiastic
players are in Greece and Italy. The growth of online has been the
key trend in the gaming industry over the past five years and Lottery
has been the fastest growing online category.
In your view, how will the European sports betting scene
develop in the next couple of years?
Sports betting is going increasingly digital, there is no doubt about
that. We find that the quality of the platform and credibility of the
sports betting companies are the main factors for success. Earlier
this year, we successfully acquired the number one sports-betting
company in Croatia, which will help us to strengthen our position
and international expertise in this area.
Sports betting makes up a significant amount of our online revenue.
The growth prospects of the sports betting industry are very
good – particularly due to the increasing popularity of betting on
the go using mobile phones.
Where will SAZKA Group be in five years?
Our strategy is centred on the following areas: We plan to offer
new and innovative lottery products while focusing on further expansion
into digital gaming. We will achieve this through introducing
new technologies to enhance our digital offering and new
lottery and gaming products from other markets. We need to be
the front-runners in innovation and in delivering what our customers
want. SAZKA Group’s top priority will of course continue to
be our commitment to the responsible gaming principles and corporate
citizenship as one of Austria’s largest taxpayers.
Robert Chvátal (49), SAZKA Group
CEO. The company is currently active
in six European countries: Austria,
Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic,
Greece and Italy.
44 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

LE MONDE CZECH REPUBLIC | INTERVIEW
LE MONDE EXPERT´S VIEW
“For the time being, everthing goes
well economically and the Czech
intend to proceed that way.
We‘re safe and sound right at the
moment.“
One of our most important
business partners
Christian Miller, Commercial Counsellor in Prague
linked to democratic and western principles,
a fully respected and successful member
of the European Union.
Do you feel there are any serious dangers on the
horizon that might challenge or even defy the
successeful Czech economy in the upcoming years?
Of course nobody knows about the future
and you can‘t eliminate the possibility
that some day there might be any kind of
new crisis coming to Europe again – or
even to my country. But for the time being,
everything really goes well and the Czech
intend to proceed that way. We‘re safe and
sound right at the moment ...
Europe is not safe and sound at all when it comes
to migration problems. Facing the many
challenges that current flows of refugees are
provoking in Europe, your country stands aside
with states like Hungary or Poland, that refuse to
integrate migrants with open arms.
That topic is of daily occurence in the
Czech Republic and I know that the Visegrad
states originally took a position that
was not in accord with the German position
for instance. But look what happened,
the situation has changed and as I understand,
Austria and even Germany were reviewing
and reconsidering their position.
Of course, the Czech Republic is a save haven
within the European Union. But let‘s
take the fact that Czech people, maybe due
to decades under communistic regimes,
are not prepared to cope with something
like multicultural societies. One has to take
that in account, one has to respect this.
Remember that our society has been locked
behind a fence for decades. Besides,
we do take lots of immigrants from Ukraine
and Vietnam. But those are in one way
or another similar cultures or at least cultures
not completely alien to what Czech
people are used do. Ukranians and Vietnamese
integrate very well into our society.
Isn‘t it somewhat surprising that especially the
Czech people, who did benefit in such a
tremendous way from the Austrian willingness to
integrate refugees in the year 1968, now are that
dismissive against refugees from Syria,
Afghanistan or similar countries?
People simply suffer from fear when
they hear about those terrorist attacks all
over Europe. Besides, there have been
many people coming to the Czech Republic
as refugees not even wanting to stay with
us. There are many cases in which we took
refugees and helped in many ways only to
find out that they didn‘t even want to stay
with us but simply wanted to transfer to
Germany.
The Czech Republic is also engaging in
Europe‘s Frontex activities, we have sent
more than 300 Czech police agents to
Frontex over the past years to serve there
and help secure the European borders. And
not to forget that there are lots of immigrants
coming not as refugees but only for
economic reasons and therefore are falling
for tractors. The whole subject matter is
very complex.
So how to proceed?
The European governments and the EU
are currently trying to find new solutions
to strengthen the European solidarity and
deal with the subject in a more efficient
way. Especially Austria, that as you know
holds the presidency of the EU at the moment,
is pushing that forward.
Does the Czech republic fulfill the guidelines of
the EU regarding the Dublin agreement?
No, that was a big problem, we have
been taken to court together with Hungary
because of that. But now, as I said, the whole
situation is changing, we are looking for
a new general solution to the problem on a
European level.
If you were granted with a wishing well regarding
the relations between the Czech Republic and
Austria, what would that be?
The two states of ours have been living
in cohabitation for so many years, not to
talk about the former monarchy, we have
so many things in common, we do share so
many historic events – and I am glad being
able to say that our bilateral relations right
at the monent are at an all time high, better
than ever, with just some minor challenges
to discuss. So there is only one thing left
that I might point out as a personal wish: I
would be glad if the traffic links between
our countries would finally be put to a better
status. If you could drive from Prague to
Vienna by car, using an uninterrupted
highway, that would be great.
Ivana Červenková, the Ambassador of
the Czech Republic, during the interview
with Cercle Diplomatique, in the
beautiful Czech Embassy in Vienna‘s 14 th
district.
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA
PHOTO: WKÖ
Christian Miller
serves currently as
Austria‘s Commercial
Counsellor in the Czech
Republic and is
delegated by the
Austrian Economic
Chamber to its Prague
COTTON
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The Czech Republic is a country with extremely close ties to Austria
The Czech Republic has always been a country with
extremely close ties to Austria.
In the past, it was the industrial heart of the Austrian
Hungarian Empire and today it is one of our most important
business partners.
Since 1993, when Czechoslovakia split into the two
o ffi c e . independent states Slovakia and the Czech Republic bilateral
trade developed extremely dynamic. The trade volume grew
nearly eightfold from 1,5 bn. EUR to 11,6 bn. in 2017. This puts
the Czech Republic into the sixth position of our most
important trade partners; just behind China.
Austrian exports increased from 0,8 bn. EUR to 5,3 bn. and imports from the
Czech Republic rose from 0,7 bn. to 6,3 bn in 2017. EUR. From the point of view
of our exports the Czech Republic is Austria´s sixth most important export destination
worldwide, its fourth most important within the European Union and the
most important in Central and Eastern Europe.
The kind of commodities exported and imported are quite similar.
On both sides, the share of machinery, transport equipment and industrial
supplies is extremely high. They cover more or less 70% of all goods exchanged.
Speaking of foreign trade, trade in services is often not mentioned.
Compared to trade in goods they are lower, but their development has been even
more dynamic during recent years and reached a volume of 2,8 bn. last year.
Besides tourism and transport, corporate services are the main items exchanged.
Both of our countries are not only highly interconnected in the area of bilateral
trade but also in foreign direct investment.
During my assignment here in Prague, I have the pleasure to participate at quite
an impressive number of 20 or even 25 years anniversaries of Austrian
companies. 20 or 25 years is not only an impressive period but also a clear
indication, that Austrian companies were early movers and one of the first to
invest.
They saw the potential the country and its people had and put trust into their
ability. Today there are 1.800 operational Austrian businesses in the country
employing about 100.000 people.
Besides some large investments in the banking, insurance and real estate sector
there are numerous Austrian investments in production and trade. Austrian FDI
in the Czech Republic amounts to approximately 14,4 bn. EUR making it our third
most important FDI destination.
For quite some time it seemed, that foreign direct investment is a one-way road
from Austria to the Czech Republic. However recently more and more Czech
companies expand their activities to and in Austria. They open branch offices or
invest in existing enterprises.
The development of bilateral economic relations between our two countries can
be best described as a success story.
I am nevertheless convinced that it will continue to prosper and intensify even
more in the future.
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46 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
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LE MONDE NIGERIA
The African giant
Right: The Nigerian National
Mosque in Abuja was built 1984.
Very right: The Farin Ruwa
Waterfalls in
Nasarawa State, one of the
highest falls in Nigeria.
FACTS &
FIGURES
With a population of 180 million inhabitants, Nigeria is on a
good way to diversify its economy.
Text: Gerhard Bitzan
PHOTOS: ISTOCK, NIGERIAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
For an average Austrian the dimensions of Nigeria
are hard to imagine. The country occupies a
total landmass of about one million square kilometres,
that’s about a fifth of the size of the whole
European Union. Currently, this African giant has a
population of more than 180 million and is thus the
most populous nation in Africa. By 2050, the population
is projected to reach 400 million, moving the
country to the third position in the international population
ranking.
Economically, Nigeria is ranked largest in Africa,
its GDP averaging 400billion US Dollars. The country
also has an astonishing diversity of culture, religions,
languages and people – over 250 ethnic nationalities
inhabit the land.
Considering that Nigeria is such a big and versatile
country, it is a bit surprising that Austrians know
very little about it and this knowledge is often reduced
to news about the Islamic extremist group, Boko
Haram. Similarily, the knowledge about Austria in
Nigeria is also quite minimal. ”Many Nigerians link
Austria to Mozart and even to Arnie – but the modern
Austria is quite different,“ said a representative
of the Austrian Government at the Austrian-Nigerian
Business Forum, that recently took place in Vienna.
This forum was organised to facilitate business
between these two countries and to show the potentials
of Nigeria’s economy.
Nigeria possesses a natural array of cultural diversity,
with rich food, dance, folk art and music. As a
large country, spanning at least two major climate
belts, Nigeria has also beautiful landscapes comprising
majorily the savannah-type drylands in its Northern
parts and rain-forest type vegetation in Southern
Nigeria. There are many different types of natural and
man-made tourist attractions, including wild-life.
From cultural sites like the Yoruba shrines to historic
places like the slave ports and to big natural
parks, by visiting Nigeria one can find a glimpse of
African cultures.
You can even find traces from Austria. For example,
Susanne Wenger, an artist from Graz, went to
Nigeria in 1950, dedicated her life to the Yoruba culture
and became a priest. During her lifetime, she
wrote a number of works about the Yoruba land and
its deities and held many exhibitions themed around
the Yoruba culture. After her death in 2009, her
house in Oshogbo became a point of interest for visitors.
Lagos, the former capital city until 1991, when
Abuja became the capital, is undoubtedly a hotspot
for business, but also for art and music. In Lagos, you
find the ancient Badagry slaveports, the shrine of the
infamous Fela Anikulapo Kuti – the founder of Juju
music – as well as many other historic sites. Abuja is
also home to Zuma Rock – a 725m tall monolithic
rock that is pictured on the national currency, the
Naira.
One way in which the Embassy in Austria hopes
to spread information about Nigeria’s cultural heritage
is through organising annual cultural carnivals.
The Embassy recently organised one with a drums
exhibition in Vienna which colourfully showed the
cultural heritage of Nigeria. Such a festival will be
held every year around June/July. ”We want to showcase
the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and we ask
the Austrians to come and see,“ says Nigeria’s Ambassador
in Austria, Vivian Okeke.
In the economic sector, the Austrian-Nigerian relations
are quite good, but they are very much dependent
on the state of the Nigerian economy. Due to oil
revenues, Nigeria enjoyed an economic boom for
decades from its independence in the year 1960. But
by 2016, when the prices of crude oil started to fall,
the economy fell into a recession. Today, however, the
economy is back to a growth rate of about 2 percent,
owing to the diversification policy of the Nigerian
government and to the gradual rise in oil prices.
The diversification policy was necessitated because
Nigeria, although it is blessed with oil, it suffered
- like other countries with rich resources - under
the so called “Dutch disease“: whereby nearly everything
depended on oil revenues, to the neglect of
other viable sectors of the economy. Hence, President
Muhammadu Buhari, who has been Head of
State since 2015, has consciously pursued the diversification
of the economy. Even though there is still a
long way to full implementation of this policy, so far
the agricultural and manufacturing sectors have expanded
in an impressive way. In addition, this policy
offers a lot of business possibilities for both the local
businesses as well as international investors. It is also
a sign of change that is encouraging international
business people to invest in Nigeria.
At the Nigerian-Austrian Business Forum, mentioned
earlier, the topic of diversification was discussed
between representatives from the two countries,
with the acknowledgement that this new
government strategy offers a lot of chances for Austrian
or European companies, especially those firms
Nigeria
Official name:
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Capital: Abuja (before 1991, it
was Lagos), the largest city in
the country (18 million).
Nigeria is a presidential
Republic; President is
Muhammadu Buhari.
Nigeria consists of 36 states.
History: The history of Nigeria
can be traced to prehistoric
settlers as early as 1100 BC.
In the 19 th century Nigeria
was controlled by the United
Kingdom. In 1901 it became a
British protectorate and part
of the UK.
On October 1st 1960 Nigeria
gained its independence.
Geography:
Nigeria is located in East Africa
with an area of 923.770 sq km.
More than 180 million
people live in Nigeria; it is the
most populous African state.
Its major ethnic groups are
Hausa, Ibo, Yoruba and Fulani.
Economy:
Nigeria is the 8 th largest
exporter of petroleum in the
world and plays a very
important role in the
Nigerian Economy, accounting
for 40 % of GDP. Meanwhile, the
agricultural and manufacturing
sectors have also expanded.
Simpson Street Loops on Lagos Island.
Lagos, the former capital,
is a megacity with 18
million inhabitants.
Natural Gallery: The
Riyom Rock Formation
in Plateau State
48 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
49

LE MONDE NIGERIA
Lagos has many different faces:
Modern metropolis and traditional markets.
H.E. Chief Willie Obiano
“I was very much committed to do a good job in Anambra.“
The Governor of the East-Nigerian state explains his concept of “pillars of development“
and why it is a good place for international investment.
Interview: Gerhard Bitzan
working in the sector of renewable energy, power
supply, in agriculture or agro-processing and in petrochemicals,
to invest in Nigeria.
The latest report of the Austrian Chamber of
Commerce about Nigeria, mentions expressly a private
project planned by the richest man in Nigeria,
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to erect the largest refinery in
Africa at the outskirts of Lagos. When it is finished,
it should produce not only 400,000 barrels of refined
fuel a day, but also fertilisers and a lot of other chemical
by-products. That’s just one example, how the
strategy of diversification can be applied in practice.
For years, insecurity and crime created a hostile
business environment. But Nigeria had not only to
fight crime, but was confronted with a special challenge
– the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. The
insurgents launched a campaign of violence, that left
around 20,000 people dead and over one million displaced
in North-east Nigeria. Part of President
Buhari’s manifesto, when he was running for President
in 2015, was to fight the Islamic insurgents. So far, the
fight has been successful as the army has evicted the
terrorist group from their strongholds and freed most
of the 200 schoolgirls, who were kidnapped in 2014.
Another important focus of President Buhari is
his resistance to one of the biggest problems of Nigeria
since its independence: corruption. As a result of
successes in this field, President Buhari was named
the African Union’s Anti-Corruption Champion for
2018. Next year, in February 2019, elections will be
held in Nigeria. Preparations for the polls are ongoing
and dozens of parties are trying to be registered ahead
of the elections.
The influence of science, technology and innovation
is changing the cultural and economic landscape
across Nigeria. The big cities are a good example
for this. The capital Abuja is today one of the
fastest-growing cities in the world. It houses the
headquarters of most government offices, but also
many private organisations, with an array of tall, modern
architectural buildings in its city-centre. Present-day
Lagos is a bustling, vibrant megacity with
over 18 million inhabitants. It’s a city with different
faces: There you find burgeoning young start-ups,
modern pubs and fine restaurants and technical industries
and many companies in the telecommunication
sector. Nigeria has today one of the most dynamic
telecommunication markets in the world. By
2017 more than 150 million Nigerians possessed
mobile phones.
In 2016, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook,
paid an extensive visit to Lagos. He not only visited
tech-start-ups, but was also interested in another Nigerian
industry – the film industry – called Nollywood.
With roughly 1,000 films produced per year,
Nollywood is very productive and the second biggest
movie producer worldwide after the Indian Bollywood.
Zuckerberg was impressed and he concluded:
”Nollywood is Nigeria’s national treasure.“
PHOTOS: NIGERIAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
PHOTOS: JAMES EZE
CD: You are Governor of Anambra since 2014 and
you transformed this Nigerian state in an
impressive way. Last year you were re-elected by
a vast majority …
Willie Obiano: This victory was not only
vast: We have 21 counties in Anambra, you
would call it local governments, and I won
all these local governments. Nobody in history
has ever achieved this before.
Did Anambra people honour your political or your
economic way?
In my view, people gave me their support,
because I was very much committed
to do a good job.
Can you outline the basic principles of your
policy?
Let me start this way: I was a banker. As
a banker, you normally like to paraphrase
what you do through structure. I felt, when
I want to be successful I should have a
structure to know what I’m doing. I said
okay, first something should guide me - a
vision. What do I want to do for these people
if I become Governor? The overriding
vision was to make Anambra the first
choice investment destination and most
preferred location to have new industries.
What concrete steps did you take?
We developed a blueprint. We profiled
the kind of things we wanted to do, and we
defined timeframes.Then we defined four
pillars of development - meanwhile they
are six. And we outlined the enablers,
which should support the pillars. For example:
education is an enabler, security of
life and property is very important; power,
energy, children’s welfare, infrastructure. If
you don’t have roads you are not able to
create an access to business areas.
H.E. CHIEF WILLIE OBIANO
What are these pillars of development?
In the beginning, we defined the four
pillars: Agriculture, trade and commerce,
oil and gas, industrialisation. Later we added
more pillars, for example logistics.
That’s important, because Anambra is the
gateway to the southern states.
How is the climate for foreign investment, why
should Austrian or European firms invest in your
state?
Let me put it in perspective. Before I became
Governor, in my estimation Anambra
wasn’t safe for business. There was crime,
robbery, kidnappings. So, we stopped this
successfully and this brought us quickly in
the limelight and today the state is safe for
all business people. Open to all, who are
interested in constructive economic cooperation.
In the last two, three years we saw in Nigeria a
deep economic recession because of the falling oil
prices. How did Anambra handle this situation?
When I came to power in 2014, we soon
detected the impending oil price situation.
So we did a lot to prepare for this situation
by defining the mentioned four pillars and
raising the internally generated revenues
up to nearly three times more.
Contrary to the situation overall Nigeria,
we could pay salaries all the time. I
even motivated my staff by raising the salaries
voluntarily. And we invested heavily in
agriculture and infrastructure. My target is,
to raise the revenues by the end of this year
up to 3 billion Naira.
What can you offer Austrian firms who are
considering investment there?
First it is the security, that’s important in
our state. Second: I should mention our
unique One Stop Investment Agency AN-
SIPPA. It was started by really brilliant people,
who know what an investor wants and
there you don’t have to go to different
places. You go to one stop and they will
help you. They dissect your business and
help you to make a package for your investment
plans. ANSIPPA has made the investment
climate very simple.
Nigeria faced a deep recession, mainly because it
relied too much on oil. Now the government is
going to diversify the economy – a good way?
Let me again put it in perspective. Yes,
Nigeria was – and it is still somehow - a
monoproduct economy and oil was very
significant. But it’s a fundamental economic
concept: In a recession, you put money
in the system. And that’s what Anambra
did. Our GDP grew and the GDP of Nigeria
fell to recession.
Eko Atlantic, a planned city; New Yam Festival, Imo
State; Eyo Festival, Lagos State; Abuja City Gate (from
top).
Born in Aguleri in Anambra State, he began his career
as a banker. 2014 he was elected as Governor. Three
years later, he was reelected.
Governor Willie Obiano from Anambra State in the
interview with CD in Vienna.
50 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
51

LE MONDE NIGERIA | INTERVIEW
H.E. Vivian Okeke
“Nigeria has an enormous economic potential.“
The Ambassador of Nigeria to Austria on the bilateral economic and political relationships with Austria,
the new policy of diversification of Nigeria‘s economy and the end of the recession in the country.
Interview: Gerhard Bitzan
PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA
CD: Your Excellency, in July 2017 you became
Ambassador of the state of Nigeria in Austria.
What was your experience during your first year
in Vienna?
Vivian Okeke: I am Nigeria’s Principal
Representative to Austria, the Slovak Republic
and to the UN Agencies in Vienna. It
has been a very dynamic and busy year
since I combine the multilateral and the bilateral
portfolios. Although I have a busy
schedule, it’s quite an enjoyable work for
me. We also have a large population of Nigerians
in Austria – up to 3,000 Nigerians
who are gainfully employed. I try to reach
out to all Nigerians here by providing relevant
consular services.
And how do you see the political relations
between our two countries, Austria and Nigeria?
Nigeria and Austria have very good and
friendly bilateral relations. The goal of my
presence here in Vienna is to enhance and
to strengthen that relationship. On the political
level, there has been an exchange of
high-level visits in the past and I hope we
will be able to achieve a visit to Nigeria by
high-level Austrian government officials or
from Nigeria to the Austrian government
while I am here. I have indeed enjoyed the
warmest and closest cooperation with the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Austria.
You also visited some Austrian provinces like
Vorarlberg and also Styria. What was the reason
for these visits?
When I presented my Credentials to His
Excellency, President Alexander Van der
Bellen, I informed him that I would love to
pursue stronger economic relations between
our two countries. And he advised
me that the best way was to visit the provinces,
because each province has its own
uniqueness and strong economic potential.
So far, I have been able to visit the province
of Vorarlberg, where most of the textiles,
including that which I am wearing today,
are produced. The laces produced there are
exported to Nigeria, where we transform
them into fashionable outfits.
I have also been to Linz, Salzburg and
recently to Styria. There we have identified
a lot of economic potentials. The Governor
of Anambra State, H.E. Chief Willie Obiano,
who recently attended the Nigeria-Austria
Business Forum in Vienna, paid an official
visit to Styria. There he had talks
about getting investments from Austria to
Nigeria, especially in the area of renewable
energy. We are looking to Styria to partner
in the area of renewable energy, production
of solar panels and waste to energy power
plants in Nigeria.
The economic relations between Austria and Nigeria
are quite good. Do you think you still can improve
them and what has to be done to achieve this?
Yes, they can be improved. I am quite
happy that during the Business Forum the
representative of the Austrian government
acknowledged that Nigeria’s President Muhammadu
Buhari is pursuing a policy of
diversification of the economy. We are
blessed with the oil and we had focused on
the oil, but now we are looking to diversify
the economy to other sectors such as agriculture,
manufacturing, agro-processing,
petrochemicals, technology and innovation.
We are looking to strengthen the already
good economic relationship between
Nigeria and Austria in those areas.
What do you expect from Austrian firms? How
can they offer their knowledge and support the
Nigerian economy?
Nigeria is looking to explore technology
and innovation for which Austrian companies
are known. The state of Styria is known
to be an innovation hub for new technologies.
That is an area Nigeria is focussing on,
having a large population of educated
youth who need to be skilled in cutting
edge new technologies to be employable on
the international markets. Governor Obiano
spoke with Siegfried Nagl, the Mayor of
the Styrian capital Graz, about an exchange
of students, coming from Nigeria to Styria
and learning these new technologies so as
to help grow our own technological base in
Nigeria.
Can you give us some examples, how President
Muhammadu Buhari is intending to diversify the
economy of Nigeria?
A fine example is in agriculture and agro-processing.
We have cocoa, a traditional
export good which we want to start making
into chocolate back home. We want to improve
value-chains so we invite companies
who want to invest in the value chains to
come to Nigeria.
Nigeria has now achieved 70% production
of rice. Before now, we used to import
more rice from the Asian countries but
with this capacity we are reaching sufficiency
in rice production and we shall soon
achieve 100%. There are also fruits and vegetables.
Nigeria produces a lot of them -
mangos, oranges, cashew and much more
- plenty of which goes to waste. We want to
transform these fruits into fruit juices. Nigeria
has a huge market of 180 million people.
We should produce what we consume,
and the surplus could be exported.
Take also the solid minerals. Nigeria has
rich deposits of over 30 solid minerals across
all its 36 states and the Federal Capital
Territory which we export in their natural
form. If we have them processed, they are
much more valuable.
Nigeria is also eager to invest in infrastructure
and energy. Can you give us some details?
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY
H.E. VIVIAN NWUNAKU ROSE OKEKE
was born in Nigeria and holds a Master degree in Political
Science of the University of Lagos as well as a Bachelor in
International Studies of the Ahmadu Bello University in
Zaria. Before coming to Austria, the Ambassador served
as Director (America and Caribbean Affairs Division) for
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
She is married and the mother of four children.
52 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
53

LE MONDE NIGERIA | INTERVIEW
Infrastructure is another area which the
government is looking to improve. Infrastructure
to drive manufacturing. We are
blessed with constant sunlight and other
renewable sources of energy so we should
tap into these opportunities for investments
in both conventional power supply
and in renewable energy.
In the past years, Nigeria suffered from recession.
How is the situation now? Has it improved?
Actually, we used to have a growth rate
of about 2.11% before the country slipped
into recession in the year 2016. But due to
the sound policies of the government, Nigeria
has for the past year been officially
out of recession and we are averaging a
growth rate of about 2%. The government
has been able to achieve this by tackling insecurity,
corruption and focusing on economic
development.
As you may know, President Buhari is
tackling corruption head-on. He was named
the African Union-Champion for anti-corruption
for the year 2018 in recognition
of his success in this regard. He is
known as a man of integrity, who believes
in due process, rule of law, transparency
and development. We now see that the
budgets for economic development, construction
of roads, railways, schools, hospitals
etc are being implemented.
Just some days ago, the President launched
a new rail line, the Abuja light-rail
that will run from the airport to the city
center, among other routes within the federal
capital. The rail lines are going to take
pressure off the roads. We see that the
government is committed to bringing the
benefits of democracy to the people.
How do the Christian and the Muslim population
in your country live together?
The relationship is good, everybody is
living in peace with each other. The Sultan
of Sokoto is the spiritual head of the Muslims,
while the Christians - the Catholics,
the Anglicans, the Pentecostal - have the
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as
an umbrella body. These organisations
have regular interfaith dialogues where the
leaders discuss how adherents of both religions
can continue to live together in
peace. Early this year, the Sultan of Sokoto
and the representatives from Christian
churches, including Cardinal Onaiyekan,
the head of the Catholics, were here in Vienna
for the KAICIID meeting which was
also an inter-faith dialogue.
Beyond religion, in Nigeria we have
over 250 ethnic nationalities and some
practice traditional religion. But each religious
body is part of the interfaith dialogue
in Nigeria. So that has created a culture of
dialogue, mutual understanding and
peaceful coexistence.
“Nigeria is a country with very
interesting tourist attractions.
We ask the Austrians to come –
there is so much to see.“
But in recent months there were deadly clashes
between Christian farmers and cattle breeders,
who are Muslim.
In the middle-belt of Nigeria we have
had some frictions recently between farmers
and cattle breeders. But it has nothing
to do with religion. It is more attributable
to climate change. The vegetation in the
northern parts is drying out so the cattle
rearers are moving steadily southwards to
an area close to the river Benue where there
is better vegetation. But they come in conflict
with the farmers, naturally, because
the cattle damage the farmers’ crops. The
government is looking into it and there are
proposals, to create special grazing land for
the cattle owners. There are also serious
discussions about recharging the Lake
Chad to ensure that the vegetation around
can be sustained. But it has nothing to do
with the different religions.
Besides economic and political questions, Nigeria
is attractive regarding to its cultural and touristic
sites. How can you make aware Austrian people
about these sides of your country?
Nigeria is a country with very interesting
tourist attractions - the Yankari Game
Reserve in Bauchi state, Oguta Lake in
Anambra, Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River,
Ikogosi Springs in Ekiti, Gurara Water
Falls in Niger state. It is true that Austrians
are not so familiar with Nigerian tourism,
but just a few weeks ago we had a Nigerian
cultural carnival that featured drums exhibition
at the World Museum in Vienna and
a parade from the Embassy to the World
Museum. The festival will be held every
year around June/July to showcase the rich
cultural heritage of Nigeria. We ask the
Austrians to come - there is so much to see.
Non-binding visualization. Changes reserved. No legal claim can be derived.
Thermal heat requirement (HWB) 34.02 kWh/m 2 , overall energy efficiency
factor (fGEE) 3.17.
Another, maybe not known fact – there is a
famous film industry in Nigeria, producing more
films than Hollywood.
Besides nature, we are rich in fashion,
food, music and our movie industry. It is
called Nollywood and it is well known all
over the world. I recommend that you
should see a Nollywood movie.
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA
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“zen cour intérieur” and much more
H.E. Vivian Okeke during the interview with CD‘s
author Gerhard Bitzan in her Embassy office,
located in Vienna‘s 3 rd district.
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54 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

LE MONDE XYX BREXIT | INTERVIEW
H.E. Leigh Turner
“I fully expect that there will be a deal.“
The British Ambassador in Vienna talks about Brexit, the future relationship between the United Kingdom
and Austria, as well as about the way his job might develop after the UK will have left the European Union.
Interview: Klaus Puchleitner
PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA
CD: Regarding March 29 th next year, will we face a
Brexit with a deal or with no deal, a soft Brexit or
a hard Brexit? What do you think personally?
Leigh Turner: I‘ve been very fortunate
in the last few days since we had the visit of
Prime Minister Theresa May here in Austria,
in Salzburg. We had a number of discussions
on a number of areas, and the Prime
Minister has said that we are leaving the
EU on March 29 th , 2019. We very much
hope and expect that we will have a deal.
That is our goal and that is what we want
and what everybody is expecting. Of
course, we have to prepare for all eventualities
even if the chance is very small of a no
deal. But I fully expect that there will be a
deal.
The main sticking point in all talks seems to be the
question of the Irish border. The EU has already
rejected Mrs May‘s plans to cope with that. Do you
think there can be a solution?
It is very important for both, the British
government and the Irish government, that
we should have no new obstacles created
on the border between Northern Ireland
and the Republic of Ireland. That is a joint
goal. That is why the Prime Minister has
brought forward a very complex and comprehensive
set of proposals in the White
Paper which has been put to the Europe-27
and the commission. I wouldn‘t agree with
you that this has been rejected by the European
commission, not at all. We are discussing
it, there are red lines on both sides, as
always, but there are many areas which
have to be discussed. And we will need to
come to an agreement which protects the
Good Friday Agreement. To make sure that
we don‘t have any kind of border between
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland,
is entirely possible, and it is the goal
on both sides.
There is only a short period of time left to do so.
Is it realistic that this might happen? It sounds
rather challenging ...
Yes, it is fully realistic. The goal is to
have the main negotiations finished by October
this year. It is not expected that we
have nailed down every single part of our
future relationship. The goal is to have a
withdraw agreement that covers the main
issues being money, the Northern Irish
border and the rights of citizens. Our main
aim is to reach an agreement on that and
also to set out a kind of heads of agreement
on the way forward. Again, this is entirely
possible. If this doesn‘t happen for any reason,
it may be that the negotiations will all
have to continue with another special meeting
in October or November. But we really
have to make a good effort to sort out all
the remaining problems within the next
few months.
H.E. LEIGH TURNER
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY
is the British Ambassador to Austria and UK
Permanent Representative to the United Nations in
Vienna since August 2016. The Ambassador writes a
regular blog, published in English and German. He
tweets as @leighturnerFCO and is also present on
Instagram as leighturnerfco.
56 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018 57

LE MONDE XYX BREXIT | INTERVIEW
H.E. Leigh Turner during the
interview with CD‘s author Klaus
Puchleitner (r.) in his Embassy,
located in Vienna‘s third district.
FACTS &
FIGURES
“If you look at what
Theresa May has said
in a series of speeches,
it‘s been very consistent.
And we have
been sticking to that.“
In case it doesn‘t happen, do you feel there may
be a certain danger that the Good Friday
Agreement might be suspended?
I see no reason why that should happen.
There is a great chance of reaching an agreement
which will maintain the present
arrangements on the border.
To Central European people the role of the British
government doesn‘t seem to be very consistent.
Why is it hard to act united and consistent when
negotiating the leaving of the EU?
I wouldn‘t really agree with you that the
position of the British government is not
consistent. If you look at what Theresa May
has said in a series of speeches, it‘s been
very consistent. And we‘ve been sticking to
that. We want to deliver a Brexit which is
what was the result of the referendum
2016. We‘re working very hard to make
that happen. Of course, there are a very large
number of people in the United Kingdom
and many of them have different opinions.
There is a very lively democratic
debate and different people say different
things. But I think negotiations are going
well and I‘m optimistic.
There are new polls saying that almost three
quarters of the British would like to hold another
referendum and vote again – and nearly half of
the British would vote for “remain“ then, while
only 27 percent would prefer a hard Brexit and
only 13 percent go with the way Prime Minister
Theresa May is acting ...
The most interesting statistics are really
how people feel about Brexit these days,
and there hasn‘t really been any big change.
If you go back to June 2016, we had a vote
of approximately 52 in favour of Brexit and
48 percent against Brexit. In over two years
since then, those figures have changed very
little. As you know, if you look at any country,
the support for the different parties can
go up and down a lot through a period of
two years. But on Brexit, the figures have
remained very similar, there‘s been no big
shift. So I wouldn‘t overreact to any individual
polls.
When the United Kingdom leaves the European
Union next year, how will that change your assignment
as British Ambassador? Will it change your
job?
Clearly, there will be many differences
when the United Kingdom is no longer in
the European Union, and it will affect diplomats
in the EU as much as anybody. So
clearly, we will no longer be members of
the club, we will be more in the situation of
a third country which is not meeting regurarely
in the way we have met up to now, we
FOTOS: PHOTOS: XYXXYXYXY RALPH MANFREDA
will be seeking to have a strong bilateral
relationship with individual EU-members
and we will also be seeking to have a strong
relationship with the European Union as
an organisation. What it means for our representatives
in the countries of the EU, we
will be going to work very hard to build up
our relationships further. Those relationships
have always been very important, and
when we‘re outside the European Union,
probably they will be even more important.
I am very optimistic that we will continue
to have a very strong and positive relationship
with Austria. I am looking forward to
that and I consider myself to be very lucky
to have the position of being an Ambassador
in Austria – in a beautiful European
Union country with which we have a good
relationship, with which there are many solid
and important things to discuss – before
the European Union as well as afterwards.
I think my job will go on being very interesting,
but in a different way.
“Having the opportunity to
mentor, guide and support my
students through the IB
Diploma Programme has been
a privilege. Through our
experience, both the students
and I learned a great deal
about perseverance, teamwork,
self-motivation and the drive to
exceed one’s own expectations.
I am confident each student of
the 2018 graduating class is
ready for their next adventure.
AMADEUS Vienna is a unique
and special place to be, and the
family feeling at the school
makes me extremely proud to
be a part of it.”
Yvan Weaver
Grade 12 Homeroom Teacher
Physical Education
Brexit: These are some of the possible key stumbling points
The Irish border:
The border between the Republic
of Ireland and Northern Ireland
remains one of the main
roadblocks, even after more than
one year of negotiating. There are
ongoing talks and various
European politicians have been
meeting with Ireland‘s Taoiseach
Leo Varadkar and with Northern
Ireland‘s representatives in Dublin,
Belfast and Brussels - with no
outcome so far. But the two Irish
countries as well as the British
government and the European
Union keep stressing out how
important it is – and will be – to
implement no border that cuts the
island of Ireland in two. In that
case, the Good Friday Agreement
might be history.
ASPIRE - CREATE - EXCEL
Citizen‘s rights:
The British government claimes
that a deal on citizens’ rights is
more or less “within distance“.
Nevertheless, there are remaining
stumbling blocks to an agreement
such as the role of the European
Court of Justice (ECJ) in resolving
possible disputes after Brexit. EU
negotiators are claiming that the
United Kingdom has to give EU
citizens certainty that they will be
protected by the law of the
European Union. They want an
agreement that Britain’s Supreme
Court would be obliged to refer
citizens’ rights disputes to the ECJ.
British negotiators still refuse that
and it is hard to tell which turns
negotiations on that topic might
take during the next months.
The divorce bill:
Surprisingly enough, regarding the
many differences between the
European Union and the British
government on Brexit, there has
been a settlement on the divorce
bill – how much the UK would
have to pay the European Union
when leaving. The amount sums
up somewhere near 40 billion
Euros. But Britain‘s new Brexit
minister, Dominic Raab, recently
stated that there would not be any
payments in case the EU and Great
Britain won‘t find accordance in all
other sticking points. This might
not mean “back to where you
started“, regarding the divorce bill
the EU is sending to the UK – but it
might become another serious
stumbling point again.
Karen Carnehan and Yvan Weaver with the AMADEUS Vienna graduating class of 2018.
To get a first-hand look at what it is like to be a part of the AMADEUS Vienna community, come to our OPEN HOUSE on 10 OCTOBER
and spend the day with us. Visitors are invited to take part in workshops, visit classrooms, meet students and staff, and enjoy
performances from our Music and Arts Academy students.
58 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
For more information about AMADEUS International School Vienna, our programmes and scholarship opportunities, visit our website
at www.amadeus-vienna.com or email us at info@amadeus-vienna.com.

LE MONDE ESSAY
Words of power or manipulation?
CHRISTINE BAUER-
JELINEK
is a renowned business
coach in Vienna, seminar
leader and international
consultant on power
competence, as well as
visiting lecturer at Danube
University Krems, board
member of the Club of Vienna
and leader of the
“Clearingstelle bei sexueller
Belästigung und
Machtmissbrauch für
Frauen und Männer im
Parlament“ (“Clearing office
for sexual harassment and
abuse of power for women
and men in the parliament“).
How we can protect our ability to think freely from both.
We go to great lengths to protect our bodies
and our lives, our property and our computers
from unauthorised access. Considering
the spread of fake news, it is becoming absolutely
crucial to also guard our thoughts and feelings
from unchecked influences.
In our pluralistic society, many different conceptions
exist about how life ought to be lived. Each and
every group advocates their own personal, political
and religious ideology. Oftentimes the demand for
personal freedom leads to the desire to convince everyone
of the same idea. This is the result of a centuries-long
struggle for freedom of speech and is now a
given in our culture.
For quite some time, experts and laypeople have
been complaining about the slow decay of communication
in politics and business, as the border between
fact and opinion blurs. The task of advertising and
political propaganda is no longer constrained to winning
over customers and voters with the use of better
arguments, but to transmit that message in such a way
that the recipient no longer perceives it as such: They
ought to buy this product, vote for that party, change
their convictions – or simply stay confused and disoriented.
Someone might argue that this is nothing new
since powerful elites have always used the people in
order to preserve their own power. What is new is the
methodology at play: in authoritarian or totalitarian
systems, influence was exerted by way of restricting
freedom, reducing election choices and through violence.
In democratic societies we live under the premise
of freedom – which, under closer inspection, is
revealed as an illusion: instead of the words of power,
manipulation reigns here. If you cannot force someone
to do something directly, then people are made to
“voluntarily“ do what one wants them to do.
We have been able to see through these mechanisms
for a long time, but now the technique seems to
have become more uncontrollable. We seem to act
against our own interests, e.g. by voluntarily handing
over our data when using apps, Facebook or when
shopping online. Although we are aware of the risks,
we don’t do anything about it. It becomes more difficult
for us to detect invasive messages before they
infect our psycho-emotional system like a pathogen.
And once they have exerted their devastating effect,
we become mentally lazy and our ability to resist
grows weary. Defense-strategies such as background
research and critical thinking are no longer of help
against these new threats as we have been weakened
by this permanent assault on our system. After some
time, we no longer believe our own thoughts and are
no longer able to represent our own interests.
This also permanently destroys the achievements
of our cultures: Respect, civility, collaboration, solidarity
and verbal conflict resolution are lost. Instead of
negotiations we see an increase in the desire to maximise
mere self-interest.
Amid this atmosphere of uncertainty, many try to
break through the manipulation by speaking their
own words of power: They lose their readiness to look
for compromise and to forego their own demands. In
fact, we currently witness a ”falling back behind the
Enlightenment“ among both individuals as well as political
movements: any form of dialogue is rejected
and differing opinions simply bounce off this mental
barrier.
This turns individuals into fanatics and systems
into autocracies. Advertising campaigns and political
candidates surpass each other with their contradictions
until voters can no longer tell who is manipulating
them and how. Totalitarian regimes promise to
emancipate the population from this “diabolical“ free
thought by taking strong and clear positions on issues
and violently suppressing any debate about them.
They convey the hope of having easy solutions to all
problems.
It would be easy to attribute these strategies solely
to the politically right-wing parties or to various Islamic
tendencies. This is not the case: people on the left,
greens and liberals are increasingly condemning other
opinions, personally defaming the individuals behind
them.
When society’s leading thinkers no longer respond
to arguments of their opponents, but merely attack
them as a person, then the language of power can be
heard everywhere.
However, we are not entirely defenseless. All we
have to do is employ our most crucial resource: reason.
Reason is freely available to all of us and it must
be used consistently. We need to acknowledge any in-
PHOTO: FLORIAN BAUER
coming message, analyse its background and contradictions,
as well as the used terminology, and then
begin to look for solutions and counter strategies.
There is a saying in the IT industry: ”The greatest
risk does not come from the computer, but from the
person in front of it.“ In the end, security measures are
futile if the person shouldering responsibility is not
fully focused. This applies to all areas of life.
If we are more attentive in everyday life, we will be
able to spot risks sooner and have more time for appropriate
reactions. Diseases, conflicts, money woes
and political upheavals often announce themselves
quietly and prematurely. We often miss warning signals
and end up being surprised by catastrophes.
When engaging with all of these possible dangers,
we run the risk of fear catching up with us. We must
not let shock reports irritate us but must concentrate
on solutions instead. Viktor E. Frankl speaks of the
“defiant power of the human spirit“, the human ability
to take one’s fate into one’s own hands and to rise above
oneself.
People who have learned to use their reason are
able to recognise that a change in circumstance also
requires a change in behaviour. This means having to
accept that we can no longer live with the same sense
of security that we used to have and that we will have
to shape our engagement with others in a more conscious
and deliberate manner.
When people rid themselves of fear and helplessness
and begin to employ reason, then a quantum leap
towards a life with more freedom, equality and solidarity
is possible. We should promise ourselves to keep
our health and our sense of humour, even when facing
great challenges, until the times are finally better
again. We urgently need people who are able to feel
consciously and reason clearly.
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60 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

LE MONDE NEWS
Latest update from around the globe
Text: Daniela Pötzl
PHOTOS: VISITFLANDERS, UNIS VIENNA, FOTOLIA
Spending power
The millenials‘ zest for life
Hotels and restaurants are increasingly expected to deliver a new and
different experience. Here come the millennials, a generation of digital
natives with significant spending power who already account for 28%
of revenues for hotels and 29% for restaurants, according to an
international research of the international law firm CMS. Yet, the
research suggests that automated processes using apps and tablets are
overestimated. This generation still wants to place a food order or
check out with a real person. Beware, robots!
cms.law
Internationality
Meeting the new Mayor of Vienna
Vienna‘s importance as a hub of international diplomacy and host city to a United Nations
headquarter were discussed during a recent meeting between Yury Fedotov (pictured left),
Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), and the new Mayor of
Vienna, Michael Ludwig (right).
Fedotov, who also serves as the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and
Crime (UNODC), highlighted the city‘s vital role: „From Vienna, the United Nations family
addresses a range of global challenges, from nuclear weapons, drugs, organised crime and
terrorism to outer space, international trade law and industrial development.“
unov.org
Anniversary year
Rubens - a source of inspiration
It will be impossible to miss the master during the “Antwerp
Baroque 2018. Rubens inspires“ event in Flanders when you are
even greated by him on arrival at Brussels Airport.
No other city in the world boasts as many palpable reminders of
Peter Paul Rubens as does Antwerp. This is, after all, the city
where he spent most of his life, received princes and high
dignitaries as a diplomat of the Netherlands (then Spanish) and
became the most important painter of his time. A statue of
Rubens welcomes visitors to the Groenplaats square and more
than 50 of his works can be viewed at the various museums and
churches (such as at the Cathedral of Our Lady) in the surrounding
area, for which they were initially erected. Rubens’ house,
studio and tomb are also located in Antwerp. Antwerp and
Rubens go hand in hand.
visitflanders.com
flemishmasters.com
University ranking
Harvard still on top
US and UK universities once again dominate the recently released new
“Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities“. At the top, no
change regarding the previous year could be reported: Harvard
University remains in first place, followed by Stanford University and
Cambridge University, which is also the best European university. The
only Austrian university in the top 200 is the University of Vienna in the
rank group 151-200.
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L’AUTRICHE AUSTRIAN ECONOMIC CHAMBER
Harald Mahrer
„Österreich muss die Chancen der Digitalisierung voll nützen.“
“Austria must take full advantage of the opportunities that come from digitalisation.”
Der neue Präsident der Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (WKÖ) plädiert für eine bedingungslose Innovationsorientierung,
um für die kommenden Herausforderungen – vor allem aus Asien – gewappnet zu sein.
The new president of the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO) is making the case for an unconditional
focus on innovation in order to get ready for future challenges, especially those coming from Asia.
Interview: Gerhard Bitzan
CD: Herr Präsident, Sie sind seit Mai neuer Chef der WKÖ
und damit der österreichischen Wirtschaft. Welche Ziele
haben Sie, welche Schwerpunkte wollen Sie setzen?
Harald Mahrer: Mein Ziel ist es, dass Österreich
die Chancen der Digitalisierung voll nützt und
zur Gruppe der Länder der Innovation Leader aufschließt.
Dafür ist eine bedingungslose Innovationsorientierung
nötig: Dinge ausprobieren, Risiken
nehmen und sich immer wieder aufs Neue erfinden.
Als Wirtschaftskammer wollen wir die nötigen Rahmenbedingungen
dafür schaffen, wobei ich einen
umfassenden Exzellenzanspruch an uns selbst stelle.
Das heißt, wir werden unser Service weiter verbessern
und die Betriebe und ihre Mitarbeiter zum Beispiel
beim Erwerb digitaler Skills unterstützen.
Was ist grundsätzlich zu tun, um den Wirtschaftsstandort
Europa attraktiv und zukunftsfit zu machen?
Europa hat viele Stärken, die europäischen Unternehmen
sind nicht ohne Grund sehr erfolgreich im
Export. Doch andere Teile der Welt holen auf. Ich
verwende dazu gerne ein Bild aus der Kulinarik: Was
wir heute aus China oder Indien sehen, ist erst der
Gruß aus der Küche. Das eigentliche Menü kommt
noch. Damit wir nicht ins Hintertreffen geraten,
müssen wir den Output erhöhen und in der Entwicklung
neuer Produkte rascher werden. Dafür benötigen
die europäischen Unternehmen mehr Freiräume.
Manchmal sehe ich die Gefahr, dass wir vor
lauter Reglementierung Kreativität und Innovationsbereitschaft
schon im Keim ersticken.
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY
PHOTO: BMDW/ MAREK KNOPP
Die WKÖ ist Teil der Sozialpartnerschaft. Wie beurteilen
Sie diese Konsenspolitik verschiedener Interessen? Wie
sieht eine moderne Sozialpartnerschaft für Sie aus?
Die Sozialpartnerschaft braucht es heute genauso
wie in der Vergangenheit, denn Konsens ist immer
besser als ein Gegeneinander. Jedoch ist ein Handeln
wie am Bazar nicht mehr zeitgemäß. Stattdessen
müssen wir uns zu einer Zukunftspartnerschaft weiterentwickeln,
die sich den großen Zukunftsfragen
wie neue Arbeitswelten, Bildung und auch Pflege
stellt.
Im Zuge der jüngsten Debatten um die Arbeitszeitgesetze
in Österreich gab es heftigen Streit mit der Gewerkschaft.
Ist damit die Sozialpartnerschaft gestorben?
Es gab heftige Dispute und viel Polemik, das
stimmt. Nun ist aber die Zeit gekommen, wieder zu
einer sachlichen Diskussionsebene zurückzukehren,
so wie wir es immer gefordert haben.
Österreich hat in diesem Halbjahr die Ratspräsidentschaft
in der EU inne. Was erwarten Sie sich dadurch für den
Wirtschaftsstandort Österreich?
Die Ratspräsidentschaft ist eine große Chance für
uns, Europa mitzugestalten. Vom Brexit bis hin zu
wichtigen Gesprächen zum EU-Budgetrahmen für
die Zeit nach 2020 stehen zahlreiche Themen auf der
Agenda, die für die Unternehmen von großer Bedeutung
sind. Und vergessen Sie nicht: Für uns ist
Europa noch immer der mit Abstand wichtigste Exportmarkt.
HARALD MAHRER
Der Wirtschaftsstandort Wien bzw. Österreich hat in den
vergangenen Jahren an Attraktivität verloren. Warum?
In internationalen Rankings ging es tatsächlich
eine Zeitlang bergab, aber es zeichnet sich eine
Trendumkehr ab. Das bestätigt das aktuelle Wirtschaftsbarometer,
für das die WKÖ mehr als 2.000
Unternehmen befragte: Hier vergeben 51 Prozent
die Noten sehr gut und gut für den Standort Österreich,
vor drei Jahren stellten ihm nur 25 Prozent ein
derart gutes Zeugnis aus. Das ist eine beachtliche
Verbesserung, die auch zeigt: Die Maßnahmen der
Regierung wirken, sei es die Abschaffung längst
überholter Gesetze oder die Flexibilisierung der Arbeitszeit.
In Ihren Statements erwähnen Sie immer wieder das
zentrale Thema Digitalisierung. Was sollen Politik und
Wirtschaft in Österreich machen, um Digitalisierung zu
fördern?
Zunächst geht es um Bewusstseinsbildung. Der
digitale Wandel ist kein Schreckensgespenst, sondern
die Digitalisierung bedeutet in erster Linie
Chancen. Sie ermöglicht gänzlich neue Geschäftsmodelle,
im Bereich Life Science, Medizin-Technik
oder im Umweltbereich ergeben sich Potenziale, die
die Lebensqualität rund um den Globus verbessern
können. Damit Österreich diese Chancen voll nützt,
werden wir als Wirtschaftskammer einen dreistelligen
Millionenbetrag in Bildung investieren. Denn
Bildung ist für mich das Schlüsselkriterium.
Was kann auf europäischer Ebene gemacht werden?
Hier hat die EU-Kommission für die Finanzperiode
2021-2027 bereits Vorschläge präsentiert, etwa
66 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
studierte an der Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien. Danach bekleidete
er Funktionen in der Wirtschaft. 2014 wurde er Staatssekretär,
dann Wirtschaftsminister. Seit Mai 2018 ist er der Präsident der
Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (WKÖ).
studied at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. After
that, he filled various positions in the private sector. In 2014, he
became State Secretary, then Minister for Economic Affairs. Since
May 2018, he has been the President of the Austrian Economic
Chamber (WKO).
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
67

L’AUTRICHE AUSTRIAN ECONOMIC CHAMBER
„Damit wir nicht
ins Hintertreffen
geraten, müssen
wir den Output
erhöhen.“
“We have to
increase the output
so that we do not
fall behind.“
in Form des Programms „Digitales Europa“ sowie
von „Horizont Europa“. Beide Entwürfe enthalten
sehr gute Ansatzpunkte. Wir müssen nur sicherstellen,
dass es sich um Programme mit geringem administrativen
Aufwand, attraktiven Fördersätzen und
hohen Erfolgsquoten handelt. Nur so haben Förderungen
die richtige Hebelwirkung.
Jüngst gab es in Wien einen informellen Rat der EU-Wirtschafts-
und Industrieminister. Dabei wurde auch
festgestellt, dass die EU im Vergleich zu den USA und
Asien viel zu wenig in Forschung investiert. Wie sehen Sie
das Problem?
Natürlich braucht es mehr Mittel, aber es muss
auch das Zusammenspiel von europäischen und nationalen
Förderungen verbessert und der Zugang für
Unternehmen vereinfacht werden. Wir kümmern
uns in Europa häufig um zu viele Detailfragen und
verlieren darüber den Blick auf das große Ganze.
Thema Außenwirtschaft: Was können, was wollen Sie in
der WKÖ ändern, um österreichische Firmen exportfähiger
als bisher zu machen?
Es gibt keine Schwerpunktänderungen, aber wir
wollen die österreichischen Unternehmen ermutigen,
sich auch neue Märkte anzuschauen. Ob in Australien
oder in Afrika – ich bin sicher, da gibt es noch
jede Menge unentdeckte Chancen.
Kürzlich hat die EU einen Handelsvertrag mit Japan
unterzeichnet. Wie sehen Sie dieses Abkommen?
Die Botschaft des Abkommens ist klar: Die EU
steht für offene Märkte und gegen Abschottung. Gerade
für ein Land wie Österreich, das sechs von zehn
Euro im Export verdient, sind solche Abkommen
von großer Bedeutung.
CD: Mister President, you have been heading the Austrian
Economic Chamber since May and thus also the Austrian
economy. What goals do you have, which areas do you plan
on focusing on?
Harald Mahrer: My goal is for Austria to take full
advantage of the opportunities that come with digitalisation
and to become a part of the group of countries
that lead in innovation. To do these things, we
require unconditional focus on innovation: We must
try out new things, take risks and continuously reinvent
ourselves. As Austria’s Economic Chamber, we
want to create the necessary framework conditions
for these things to happen whilst holding ourselves
accountable to the highest standards at the same
time. This means that we will continue to improve
our service and support companies and their employees
in acquiring new digital skills.
The WKO is part of the social partnership system. How would
you rate this consensus building process between various
interests? How would you see a more modern social
partnership?
We need the social partnership as much today as we
did in the past, for consensus is always better than conflict.
Trading as if a bazaar, however, is no longer suitable
for the times in which we live. Instead, we will have
to keep developing in order to become a partnership of
the future, one that is able to tackle future issues, such
as new work realities, education as well as care.
During the most recent debates surrounding working hours
legislation in Austria, we saw fierce disputes with the union.
Did that trigger the end of the social partnership?
There were fierce debates and many polemics,
that’s true. Now, however, the time has come to return
to a more objective discussion, just as we have
always asked for.
PHOTO: BMDW/ MAREK KNOPP
This year, Austria has the Presidency of the Council of the
European Union. What results do you expect from this for
Austria as a destination for business?
The Presidency of the Council of the European
Union is a great chance for us to contribute to shaping
Europe. From Brexit all the way to important
talks regarding the EU budget for the time after 2020,
there are countless topics on our agenda that are of
great importance for businesses. And don’t forget:
Europe remains – by far – our most important export
market.
On a fundamental level, what remains to be done in order to
make Europe more attractive as well as future-proof as a
business hub?
Europe has many strengths, it’s not for no reason
that European companies are so successful when it
comes to exports. But other parts of the world are
starting to catch up. I like to draw on a culinary example
to illustrate this point: What we’re seeing from
China and India today is only the amuse bouche
from the kitchen. The actual menu is still on its way.
We have to increase our output and become faster at
developing new products and make sure that we
don’t fall behind. To do this, European enterprises
require more freedom. Sometimes I am concerned
that we will stifle creativity and innovation before it
even takes hold with all of our regulations.
Vienna and Austria have lost attractiveness as business hubs
in the past few years. What happened?
We have, indeed, been losing traction in the international
rankings for some time, however, we are
now seeing a reversal in this trend. This is also confirmed
by the current economic barometer for
which the Austrian Economic Chamber surveyed
more than 2,000 businesses: Here, 51 percent rate
Austria as very good and good as a place for business,
whilst three years ago only 25 percent evaluated
it as such. This is a considerable improvement,
which also shows that the government’s measures
are taking effect, whether due to the abolition of
outdated laws or the now more flexible working
hours.
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68 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

L’AUTRICHE AUSTRIAN ECONOMIC CHAMBER
PROMOTION
Hoher Gast: Russlands
Präsident Wladimir Putin
besuchte im Juni die Wirtschaftskammer
und lobte dabei die guten
Wirtschaftsbeziehungen zu
Österreich.
High-level guest: The
Russian President Vladimir
Putin visited the Austrian
Economic Chamber this June
and praised the good
economic relations with
Austria.
SME DIGITAL – the digitalization
initiative for Austria’s economy
To make sure small businesses keep pace with digital developments
In your comments, you have repeated over and over again
the issue of digitalisation. What is to be done in Austrian
politics and business to promote digitalisation?
The first task is to create the right awareness. The
digital transformation is not a monster under the
bed; digitalisation primarily means opportunities. It
makes entirely new business models possible, in the
areas of life science, medical technology or around
environmental issues whilst allowing for new innovations
which could improve quality of life around
the world. To make sure that Austria takes full advantage
of these changes, the Austrian Economic
Chamber will make a triple-digit million-euro investment
in education. I view education as the key
factor here.
What can be done on the European level?
Here, the European Commission has already
presented recommendations for the financial period
of 2021 to 2027, such as in the form of the
Digital Europe“ programme as well as “Horizon
Europe“. Both proposals contain very good starting
points. We only have to ensure that these are
also programmes with low administrative expenditures,
attractive funding solutions and high success
rates. Only then can the funding have its proper
effect.
Recently, an informal council of the EU economic and
industry ministers was held in Vienna. There, it was noted
that the EU invests much less in research than the USA and
Asia. What is your take on this problem?
Funding is, of course, required here, but the interplay
between European and national funding also
needs to be improved, whilst entry needs to be simplified
for businesses. In Europe, we are too concerned
with little details and thereby lose our view of the big
picture.
On the subject of foreign trade: What can you and what do
you want to change in the WKO in order to improve the
export capabilities of Austrian companies compared to what
they are now?
There is no change of focal points, but we do want
to encourage Austrian businesses to explore new
markets. Whether Australia or Africa – I am certain
that there are still many undiscovered opportunities.
The EU has recently signed a new trade agreement with
Japan. How do you view this deal?
The message of the agreement has been clear: The
EU is for open markets and against isolation. Especially
for a country like Austria, which earns six out
of ten euro from export, such agreements are of the
utmost importance.
PHOTO: PHOTONEWS.AT/ GEORGES SCHNEIDER
ENTGELTLICHE EINSCHALTUNG • PHOTO: BMDW/ADOBE STOCK
Digitalization concerns all economic operators, and
it offers tremendous opportunities. It also poses a
considerable challenge for small and medium sized
enterprises, because on the one hand, they lack time
to deal intensively with strategic planning of digitalization
processes alongside their daily chores, and on
the other, they lack the know-how this would require.
90 % of Austrian businesses are small and micro
companies with only few or no employees. They are
the target group of the joint Digitalization initiative
SME DIGITAL by the Federal Ministry for Digital
and Economic Affairs (BMDW) and the Austrian
Economic Chambers (WKO).
The support programme in detail – a bonus worth up to
4,000 euros for each company
Free-of-charge lectures and events provide initial
orientation in the abundance of digitalization topics.
Participating companies receive practical and pinpoint
support through tailor-made, easily accessible
counselling as well as subsidized education and training
offers for entrepreneurs and their employees.
More than 500 digitalization counsellors have been
specially trained and certified so that personal counselling
is available locally everywhere in Austria. Interested
companies may register at www.kmudigital.
at for subsidized counselling and/or training. Each
company is eligible for up to 4,000 euros in grants.
The SME DIGITAL support programme introduces
companies to digitalization in four steps:
The free-of-charge SME DIGITAL online status
check enables companies to find out for themselves
the degree of digitalization they have reached up to
that point. They are provided with tailor-made pieces
of advice they can implement immediately and
with an option to sign up for an analysis of their potential.
The subsequent SME DIGITAL analysis of potential
is 100 % subsidized and thus, also free of charge for
the company. Together with a certified counsellor,
digital trends, opportunities and risks are systematically
analysed on the spot.
SME DIGITAL counselling: companies can choose
from three counselling focuses: e-commerce & social
media, business models & processes as well as ITsecurity.
Together with the counsellor, they devise an
implementation strategy and plan concrete measures.
These counselling services are subsidized at a
ratio of 50 % each, up to an amount of 1,000 euros.
SME DIGITAL qualification comprises a list of training
measures eligible for grants and available to
both entrepreneurs and their employees (subsidizing
ratio: 50 %).
SME DIGITAL facilitates long-term planning for a digital
future
The counselling and training programme available
throughout Austria’s business landscape is unparalleled
in the EU and enables companies to make longterm
plans for their digital future. As a result, even
small enterprises stay competitive and can keep pace
with high-tech companies and large businesses
which have their own IT and digitalization departments.
Webinars and the roadshow digital.now promote digitalization
in all federal states
Alongside the support programme, a specialized SME
DIGITAL webinar series provides information on digitalization
topics such as data protection, digital trends
and electronic invoicing. The number of participants
exceeds all expectations, and more webinars are scheduled
for autumn 2018 on the topics internet of things
(IoT), block chain and e-commerce.
During events such as the roadshow digital.now
with a total of 25 stop offs through all federal states,
companies get acquainted with the SME DIGITAL
support programme and learn how to obtain their
bonus for counselling or training services.
INFO
www.kmudigital.at
KMU DIGITAL
Webinar-Reihe
www.wko.at/digital-now
70 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

L’AUTRICHE IACA
Wien, Hauptstadt der Korruptionsbekämpfung
Vienna, capital in fighting corruption
Im pittoresken Laxenburg, direkt vor den Toren Wiens, logiert mit der IACA eine der
profundesten Ausbildungseinrichtungen für die internationale Korruptionsbekämpfung.
The picturesque village of Laxenburg, located right at the doorstep of Vienna‘s southern
outskirts, is home of IACA, one of the world‘s leading academies for fighting corruption.
IACA-Chef Martin Kreutner vor
der Wand mit den Flaggen der
70 Mitgliedsstaaten.
IACA‘s Dean Martin Kreutner
in front of the wall with the
flags of all 70 member states.
Text: Klaus Puchleitner
Gäbe es Korruption nicht, sagt Martin Kreutner,
dann gäbe es auch keine Terrorismus-
Finanzierung, keine illegale Migration, keinen
Drogenschmuggel, keinen Menschenschmuggel
und wohl auch keine organisierte Kriminalität – zumindest
nicht in jenem Ausmaß, mit dem die Welt
heute zu kämpfen hat. Und Kreutner weiß, wovon er
spricht: Der promovierte Jurist ist Dekan und Generalsekretär
der IACA, der „International Anti-Corruption
Academy“, mit Sitz im pittoresken Städtchen
Laxenburg, direkt im Süden vor den Toren von Österreichs
Hauptstadt Wien. „Ein interdisziplinäres
Thema“ sei Korruption, sagt er, ein hochkomplexes
Konglomerat an Mechanismen, deren Zusammenspiel
man erst einmal verstehen müsse, um überhaupt
wirksam dagegen vorgehen zu können. Schon
längst nicht mehr reiche dazu ein juristischer Ansatz,
unterstreicht Kreutner. Es gelte auch, makro- und
mikroökonomische Gesichtspunkte zu berücksichtigen,
soziologische und psychologische Phänomene
in die Analysen mit einzubauen, und auch Ansätze
aus der Politikwissenschaft würden eine Rolle spielen.
„Immerhin reden wir von menschlichem Verhalten“,
sagt Kreutner.
All diese Ansätze sind bei der IACA seit ihrem
Bestehen State of the Art. Die internationale Ausbildungseinrichtung,
gegründet im Jahr 2010, hat ihren
Sitz im Palais Kaunitz im eleganten Ambiente der
weitläufigen Anlage des Schlosses Laxenburg und
entlässt von dort Experten in die Welt hinaus, die
sich in ihren Heimatländern dann dem Thema Korruptionsbekämpfung
widmen. Und das in der einen
oder anderen Weise – unter den Absolventinnen
und Absolventen sind Beamte ebenso vertreten wie
Professionals aus der Privatwirtschaft, Lehrer, Journalisten,
Richter oder Rechtsanwälte.
Seit dem Bestehen der universitären Einrichtung
– neben zahlreichen speziellen Lehrgängen und einem
umfassenden Workshop- sowie Seminarangebot
bietet die IACA auch zwei Master-Studiengänge
gemäß den Bologna-Richtlinien an – haben bisher
rund 1.600 Absolventen aus über 150 Staaten im Süden
Wiens eine Ausbildung zum Korruptionsbekämpfungs-Experten
absolviert.
Getragen wird die IACA von derzeit 70 Staaten
sowie drei internationalen Organisationen. Deren 73
Flaggen sind im „Ceremonial Room“, dem zentralen
Lehr- und Prüfungssaal, eine ganze Wand entlang in
alphabetischer Reihenfolge drapiert. Auf internationaler
Ebene ist die Laxenburger Ausbildsungseinrichtung,
eine der profundesten auf der gesamten
Welt, hoch angesehen. Jüngst erst war Bundespräsident
Alexander Van der Bellen zu Besuch, um der
Akademie seine Reverenz zu erweisen. Und auch der
frühere UNO-Generalsekretär Ban Ki-moon war
schon Ehrengast. Minister und hohe internationale
Regierungsbeamte geben sich beinahe wöchentlich
die Klinke in die Hand.
Einer der Gründe, warum die IACA international
so angesehen ist, liegt in der Forschung. Korruptionsbekämpfung
ist wissenschaftlich betrachtet noch
ein junges Feld. „Kannte man in den 1950er- und
1960er-Jahren die zehn wesentlichsten Korruptionsexperten
weltweit, dann kannte man alle“, illustriert
IACA-Chef Kreutner die seinerzeitige Überschaubarkeit
der Branche. Doch das hat sich geändert, inzwischen
wird am Thema Korruptionsbekämpfung
weltweit engagiert geforscht – und die IACA ist ganz
vorne mit dabei. Im multidisziplinären Feld der Korruptionswissenschaft
verbindet der Forschungsansatz
der IACA die Bereiche Soziologie, Psychologie,
Politikwissenchaft und Ökonomie mit allen relevanten
rechtlichen Fragen. Damit hat sich die Laxenburger
Akademie einen erstklassigen internationalen
Ruf erworben und bietet seit einem Jahr auch Research
Fellowships an, die heiß begehrt sind.
Ebenso gefragt sind auch die Ausbildungsprogramme,
deren Flaggschiff die beiden Master-Studiengänge
„MACS“ (Master in Anti-Corruption Studies)
und „IMACC“ (International Master in
PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA
72 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
73

L’AUTRICHE IACA
Im vergangenen Juni war Bundespräsident Alexander Van
der Bellen zu Besuch bei der IACA in Laxenburg.
Martin Kreutner, IACA’s Dean and Executive Secretary, and
the President of Austria, H.E. Alexander Van der Bellen,
during his first official visit to IACA last June.
INFO IACA Summer Academy 2016.
IACA: Experten aus
aller Welt
IACA: Experts from all
over the world
Gründung. Gegründet wurde
die IACA per Übereinkunft aus
den Jahren 2008 und 2009
zwischen der UNODC,
INTERPOL, der Republik Österreich
sowie OLAF, dem
Europäischen Amt zur
Betrugsbekämpfung. Die
Inaugurationskonferenz fand
dann im September 2010 in
Wien statt.
Mitarbeiter. Insgesamt
arbeiten rund 40 Mitarbeiter
permanent am Standort
Laxenburg, die aus 30 Staaten
kommen.
Mitglieder. 70 Staaten und
drei internationale Organisationen
tragen die IACA derzeit
als Mitglieder. An der
Flaggenwand im „Ceremonial
Room“ wäre aber noch Platz
für weitere Flaggen.
Foundation. The foundation
of IACA was intended in 2008
and 2009, when representatives
of UNODC, INTERPOL, the
Republic of Austria and OLAF
decided to give life to a new
organisation for fighting
corruption – and settle it in
Austra. IACA‘s Inaugural
Conference took place in 2010
in Vienna.
Employees. 40 employees
from 30 nations work at
IACA‘s headquarter.
Members. 70 states and three
international organisations
form IACA‘s backbone.
Bei der IACA-Inaugurationskonferenz im September 2010 ließ
es sich auch der damalige UNO-Generalsekretär Ban Ki-moon
nicht nehmen, zu Besuch nach Wien zu kommen.
H.E. Ban Ki-moon, then Secretary-General of the United
Nations, speaking at IACA‘s Inaugural Conference in Vienna,
September 2010.
Anti-Corruption Compliance and Collective Action)
sind. Dazu gibt es eine Reihe weiterer Ausbildungen
wie Seminare und Workshops, einige mehrere
Wochen lang, andere wiederum tageweise.
Besonders begehrt sind die Summer Academies, zusätzlich
bietet die IACA auch speziell auf die Bedürfnisse
einzelner Institutionen oder Unternehmen zugeschnittene
Ausbildungen an, die sich ebenfalls
zunehmender Beliebtheit erfreuen.
Wichtig ist IACA-Chef Martin Kreutner, dass
wirklich jeder – und jede – kommen und an der
IACA studieren kann, egal ob Mitarbeiter einer Regierungsorganisation,
eines Privatunternehmens, einer
staatlichen Einrichtung oder einer anderen Ausbildungsorganisation.
Wien könnte, wenn sich der Erfolgsweg der IACA
weiter entwickelt wie bisher, womöglich bald „zur
Welthauptstadt der Korruptionsbekämpfung werden“,
freut sich Kreutner. Nachsatz: „Vielleicht sind
wir das ja in Wahrheit schon.“
Über 1.600 IACA-Absolventen bekämpfen derzeit weltweit
Korruption – im Bild die Alumni des Jahrganges 2015-2017.
Graduation ceremony for IACA‘s 2015-2017 Master class –
more than 1,600 alumni are spread over the world so far.
Imagine there were no corruption,“ says Martin
Kreutner, ”then there also were no funding of
terrorism, no illegal migration, no drug smuggling,
no people smuggling and no organised crime
either – at least not at the extended level we are currently
used to“. And Kreutner surely knows what he
is talking about: The legal expert is Dean and Secretary-General
of IACA, the “International Anti-Corruption
Academy“ that is located in the picturesque
village of Laxenburg, right at the doorstep of the southern
outskirts of Austria‘s capital Vienna. ”Corruption
is a multidisciplinary field,“ says Kreutner, and
fighting it requires highly complex skills in many
ways that are not easy to acquire“.
If one is not aware of this fact, it might become
impossible to fight corruption in an efficient way.
Just to regard the problem from a legal point of view
would be less than sufficient. Sociological and psychological
phenomenons must be taken into account
as well as economic fundamentals and the laws and
rules in the field of political sciences. ”After all, we
are talking about people and people‘s behaviour,“
underlines Kreutner.
And this is exactly what is done at IACA since it
opened its doors in 2010 within the ample parks and
buildings around Laxenburg Palace – and keeps sending
out experts in fighting corruption to the world
ever since. “Fighting corruption“ means: in one way
or another. The brigade of alumni frame a squad of
civil servants as well as lawyers, journalists, judges,
administration people or employees of the private
economy.
PHOTOS: IACA / JULIA RENE
Since IACA‘s founding as a university – besides
multiple courses and seminars IACA mainly offers
two master classes – more than 1,600 diploma holders
from about 150 states have ermerged from the
academy into the world.
IACA is reinforced by the support of its 70 member
states plus three international organisations.
Their 73 flags decorate one wall of the so-called “Ceremonial
Room“, drawn and dispatched accurately in
alphabetical order in the main building, the Palais
Kaunitz. From an international point of view, IACA
is one of the world‘s most profound academies for
raising new blood to support the fight against the
monster called corruption that is acting worldwide.
This might be one of the reasons, celebrated personalities
constantly pay IACA a visit. For instance
Austria‘s President, Alexander Van der Bellen, visited
last June. And Ban Ki-moon, then Secretary-General
of The United Nations, was here by 2010 when
IACA was founded. It can not be doubted that IACA
plays a leading role worldwide when it comes to fighting
corruption.
2016 93%
2017 100%
Highly demanded are IACA‘s two current master
classes „MACS“ (Master in Anti-Corruption Studies)
and „IMACC“ (International Master in Anti-Corruption
Compliance and Collective Action). In addition,
there is a load of other programmes such a spezialised
courses following the specific needs of
governmental organisations or private businesses.
Also IACA‘s summer academies are very sought-after.
”Everyone, in the true sense of the meaning, can
visit us and graduate here,“ says Dean Martin Kreutner,
„no matter where he or she is coming from“.
And if everything goes on as planned, if IACA‘s
programmes and classes - which is highly supposable
– continue to be as successful in the future as they
have been in the past, Vienna might even prosper in
its role as one of the world‘s cities in fighting corruption.
”Maybe,“ says Martin Kreutner, ”Vienna might
even become the world‘s capital in fighting corruption“.
To tell the truth, this might be a state of reputation,
Austria‘s charming capital city, recently named as
most liveable city worldwide, already lives up to ...
25 YEARS
Das pittoreske Ensemble der
Gebäude rund um den
Laxenburger Schlosspark ist Sitz
der IACA.
The picturesque setting of the
buildings around the park of
Laxenburg castle forms IACA‘s
headquarter.
‘striving for
EXCELLENCE, by
ENGAGING minds,
EXCITING learners,
acting ETHICALLY and
showing EMPATHY’
74
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Ages 3-18
Öffentlichkeitsrecht
Boarding School option available

L’AUTRICHE IACA | INTERVIEW
Martin Kreutner
„Verschiebungen vom Dunklen ins Helle sind gute Nachrichten.“
”There is a shift into the light – that‘s good news.“
Interview: Klaus Puchleitner
EUROPE
needs a boost
IACA-Chef Martin Kreutner
zur Rolle Österreichs bei der
Korruptionsbekämpfung.
Austria plays an important role
in fighting corruption, says
IACA-Dean Martin Kreutner.
CD: Wie kommt eine international so wichtige
Institution wie die Ihre nach Laxenburg?
Martin Kreutner: Die Entscheidung,
IACA in Österreich anzusiedeln, fiel in den
Jahren 2008 und 2009. Dem damaligen
Projektteam wurden mehrere Lokationen
angeboten, im Endeffekt hat man sich dann
für Laxenburg entschieden. Aus meiner
bescheidenen Sicht war das übrigens eine
goldrichtige Entscheidung. Einerseits können
wir hier in diesem schönen Ambiente
nämlich eine optimale Campus-Atmosphäre
zur Verfügung stellen, andererseits
ist für die weltweiten Teilnehmer unserer
Ausbildungen und Studien ebenso wie für
die Vortragenden und die Alumni die
Nähe zu einem internationalen Flughafen
essentiell, die hier gegeben ist.
Ein gutes Zeichen, dass man sich für Österreich
als IACA-Standort entschieden hat, unterstreicht
das die Wichtigkeit unseres kleinen
Landes im internationalen Kontext?
Ich bin da befangen. Aber ich bin mir
auch sicher, dass Österreich mit IACA eine
Institution hat, auf die man zu Recht stolz
sein kann. Ich glaube auch, dass Wien das
Potential hat, zur Welthauptstadt der Korruptionsbekämpfung
zu werden – wenn
Wien das nicht bereits ist. Bedenken Sie –
die UNO sitzt hier, IACA, die OSCE und
viele andere wichtige Einrichtungen zum
Thema.
Welche Rolle spielt Österreich denn bei der Korruptionsbekämpfung?
Österreich spielt eine wichtige Rolle,
insbesondere als wesentlicher internationaler
Dialogstandort.
Wird das Thema Korruption, international
betrachtet, eher besser oder schlimmer?
Ich glaube nicht, dass Korruption in
Summe schlimmer geworden ist. Was aber
stattfindet, ist eine klare Verschiebung vom
Dunkel- zum Hellfeld. Das Level an Problembewusstsein
steigt weltweit, dadurch steigen
auch die Sanktions- und Präventionsanstrengungen.
Also gibt es auch mehr
Aufklärung. Wir hören und lesen mehr über
Korruption, aber sie ist nicht im Steigen als
solches. Das sind als solche wirklich gute
Nachrichten.
MARTIN KREUTNER
ist von Beginn an, seit 2010, Dekan und Executive
Secretary der IACA. Davor war er seit 2001 Leiter des
Büros für Interne Angelegenheiten (BIA) im
österreichischen Innenministerium.
is from IACA‘s start in 2010 its Dean and Executive
Secretary. Before that he served from 2001 on as
Director of the Austrian Federal Bureau for Internal
Affairs.
CD: Mr Kreutner, what were the main arguments
for setting IACA in a small country like Austria
– and even more in a small village like Laxenburg?
Martin Kreutner: This decision was
made 2008 and 2009 and once it was clear
that IACA would find its home in Austria,
there were various locations under examination.
After careful reviews, Laxenburg
was the final choice. A very good choice.
Not only can we provide Alumni with those
beautiful surroundings and settings Laxenburg
has to offer, but also are we close to
Vienna‘s airport, which is important to students
and lecturers.
Do you consider it a good sign that IACA was
placed in Austria, does it underline the important
role a small country like Austria can play pushing
international cooperations forward?
You might call me biased. But I am very
sure there is a good reason for Austria to be
proud hosting an international institution
like IACA. I therefore do believe that Vienna
holds all necessary capabilities to become
the world‘s leading capital in fighting
corruption. If it hasn‘t taken that leading
part already. Please bear in mind that not
only is Vienna home of IACA, Vienna is
also residence of the United Nations and
OSCE.
In which way does Austria come into play fighting
international corruption?
Austria is playing an important role
such as offering platforms and opportunities
to make dialogue possible.
Talking about international corruption – are things
getting better or are things getting worse?
I don‘t believe things are getting worse.
Talking about corruption, we observe a shift
from darkness into light - as well as rising
awareness for the problem. This means that
corruption is dismantled more frequently
nowadays than it has been years ago. We
keep reading about corruption more often
– because fighting corruption has become
more determined, more efficient and more
successful. That is really good news.
PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA
The EU is facing serious problems. An analysis by the
Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) highlights the
most important challenges during Austria’s Presidency
of the Council of the European Union.
What are the priorities of the EU budget until 2027? What
will the relationship between Great Britain and the EU
look like after Brexit? What rules does the EU need in
order for Europe to maintain or strengthen its (economic)
position in the world? During Austria’s Council
Presidency in the second half of the year there will
certainly be no shortage of necessary reforms. The
growing strength of EU-critical parties in recent years is
not the only sign that Europe is in dire need of a positive
impulse. The divide between North and South or between
old and new member states has not narrowed but rather
widened. Nonetheless, the EU is – and remains – a
success story for Austria: The export ratio alone has
doubled since EU accession and 1.7 m domestic jobs are
directly and indirectly connected to it. The IV has defined
five issues that need to be advanced considerably at EU
level by the end of the year:
1. Competitive European industrial and energy
policy: Austria is part of the EU‘s industrial core, which
is why it would make sense to focus on industrial policy.
The Commission‘s „industrial policy strategy“ must
be developed further. This includes the reduction of
regulatory costs for companies and the improvement of
investment conditions. In the energy and climate
sector, key dossiers from the Clean Energy Package will be
finalised by the end of the year. It regulates, among
other things, how renewable energies are promoted or
how companies can achieve greater energy efficiency.
The IV calls for a competitive energy policy that reduces
costs and pursues a market-based approach to promoting
renewable energy.
2. EU budget with growth engine: In the so-called
multiannual financial framework (MFF), industry is
committed to prioritising growth-oriented areas.
Compared to the Commission’s proposal, for example,
European research budgets should be significantly
increased. This is especially true in the field of support
for innovation where Austrian companies have so far
performed particularly well.
3. Regulate Brexit constructively: It is clear that
Britain cannot get better conditions than EU countries.
Nevertheless, negotiations must result in a cooperative
relationship that enables close economic and trade
relations between the EU and the United Kingdom. The
trade agreement ought to avoid customs duties and nontariff
trade barriers (e.g. different product certifications).
4. Fair trade policy: The primary objective of an active
trade policy should be to make important export markets
in third countries accessible through bilateral trade
agreements. There is also still the question of how to
deal with „mixed agreements“ – they require approval in
the EU and all member states. In addition, modern trade
defence instruments and clear (reciprocal) rules on foreign
investment (FDI) are necessary.
5. Further develop the EU: The IV advocates a
differentiated approach: More Europe where more is
necessary, such as in the protection of external borders,
migration management or defence policy. Deepening is
also necessary where existing rules do not work, especially
in matters of economic policy as well as the economic and
monetary union. At the same time, we should strive for
an intelligent limitation to the essential in order to avoid
overregulation in EU and national legislation and to create
more efficient decision-making structures.
WEB TIP:
www.iv.at/themen/europapolitik
76
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

L’AUTRICHE PRIVATE BANKING
Zeit ist Geld
Time is money
Österreichs Privatbanken müssen die Balance zwischen digitalen Ansprüchen der Kunden
und Renditewünschen trotz niedriger Zinsen schaffen. Ihre Devise: Individuelle Betreuung
bringt Sicherheit.
Austria’s private banks will have to find a balance between new customer demands in the
digital age and their desired returns, despite low interest rates. Their approach: Individual
consultation means security.
Text: Robert Prazak
PHOTOS: FOTOLIA, IDEENWERK WERBEAGENTUR GMBH
Diskretion. Zurückhaltung. Tradition. Das
sind Eigenschaften, die für eine gute Privatbank
unverzichtbar sind. Und Österreich
gilt in Europa als Schlaraffenland für das Private
Banking, also die Betreuung und Beratung vermögender
Privatkunden. In Rankings der besten Institute
für diese Aufgaben landen österreichische Vertreter
Jahr für Jahr unter den Top Ten. Kein Wunder:
Hierzulande gelten Verschwiegenheit und Vorsicht
generell als Grundlage für erfolgreiche Bankgeschäfte
– und die Privatbanken treiben das auf die Spitze,
schließlich geht es ihren Kunden nicht um ein paar
Tausender am Konto, sondern um Beträge ab einer
halben Million Euro aufwärts.
Ein Beispiel ist das Salzburger Bankhaus Carl
Spängler, das heuer sein 190-jähriges Bestehen feiert
und die älteste Privatbank Österreichs ist. Das Familienunternehmen
in siebenter Generation betont vor
allem seine Unabhängigkeit – das habe für Spängler
„eine lange Tradition“, wie Vorstandschef Werner
Zenz betont. Worauf kommt es in dem Geschäft
sonst noch an? Eduard Berger, Vorstand der Wiener
Privatbank, sagt: „Wir nehmen uns viel Zeit, um unseren
Kunden kennen und verstehen zu lernen, und
bieten auch Hilfestellung über das reine Geldthema
hinaus.“ Für Franz Witt-Dörring, Vorstandsvorsitzender
der zur Bank Austria gehörenden Schoellerbank,
ist Vertrauen die Basis des Geschäfts: „Wie
vertrauensvoll die Beziehung zu unseren Kunden ist,
zeigt die Tatsache, dass wir viele Familien bereits
über Generationen hinweg beraten dürfen.“ Der
Leitsatz der Bank laute Investieren statt Spekulieren,
daher stehe die langfristige finanzielle Sicherheit der
Kunden im Vordergrund.
Die Privatbanken sind so etwas wie die Maßschneider
der Finanzbranche. „Unsere Lösungen
entstehen erst im Gespräch mit den Kunden“, betont
Susanne Höllinger, Vorstandsvorsitzende der Kathrein
Privatbank, die zur Raiffeisen Bank International
AG gehört. „Kunden im Private Banking haben
oftmals sehr individuelle und komplexe Wünsche
und Ziele“ erläutert Waltraud Perndorfer, Leiterin
der Privat Bank der RLB Oberösterreich. Standardlösungen
seien fehl am Platz, stattdessen sind persönliche
Strategien und individuelle Konzepte gefragt.
Diskretion, Zurückhaltung und Tradition können
aber nicht verhindern, dass auch die Privatbanken
gleich von mehreren Seiten unter Druck geraten:
Da wären zunächst die gestiegenen Anforderungen
„Kunden wollen
selbst entscheiden,
wie und wo sie mit
der Bank in Kontakt
treten.“
”Customers want to
decide when and where
they get in touch with
their bank.“
Werner Zenz
Vorstand Bankhaus Spängler
Bankhaus Spängler chief
executive
78 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
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79

L’AUTRICHE PRIVATE BANKING
0,0
Prozent/percent
beträgt derzeit der Leitzins im Euroraum.
Daran wird sich laut EZB bis über den
Sommer 2019 hinaus nichts ändern.
The current benchmark interest rate in the Euro Area. According to
the European Central Bank, the number is not going to change until at
least Summer 2019.
705
The
Mrd. Euro/billion Euro
beträgt das Vermögen der Österreicher laut Analyse der Boston Consulting Group – das ist weltweit Rang 26.
wealth of the Austrians according to an analysis by the Boston Consulting Group — globally, Austria is ranked 26th.
„Die Kunden wollen
mehr denn je informiert
sein und das
einmal festgelegte
Portfolio ständig hinterfragt
wissen.“
“Customers want to be
more informed and want
to constantly revise their
investment portfolio.”
Waltraud Perndorfer
Leiterin Privat Bank der RLB OÖ
Head of the Privat Bank der RLB
OÖ
der vermögenden Kunden, was digitale Services betrifft.
Persönliche Beratung gut und schön, doch auch
die betuchte Klientel will online und mobil die Entwicklung
des eigenen Vermögens kontrollieren, sich
selbst nach Anlagechancen umsehen und wichtige
Infos am Smartphone lesen. Die einhellige Meinung
der Privatbanken: Ohne Digitalisierung geht es nicht
mehr, selbst wenn das persönliche Gespräch unverzichtbar
bleibt. Nach Ansicht von Werner Zenz würden
die Kunden à la longue nicht zwischen Onlineund
Offline-Angeboten unterscheiden. „Sie wollen
selbst entscheiden, wie und wo sie mit der Bank in
Kontakt treten.“ So gut wie alle Privatbanken bauen
daher derzeit Online-Services auf oder aus. Susanne
Höllinger meint, dass die vermögenden Kunden in
Zukunft selbst via App ihre Veranlagung analysieren
und Veränderungen simulieren wollen, dann aber
doch einen Expertencheck erwarten. Das Motto
könnte demnach lauten: Vertrauen ist gut, Kontrolle
mindestens ebenso. Auch gegenüber weiteren technologischen
Trends sollte man nicht ablehnend gegenüber
stehen, ergänzt Höllinger: „Wir sehen Fintechs
oder Robo-Advisors nicht als Konkurrenz,
sondern in Teilbereichen als sinnvolle Ergänzung.“
Ein weiterer Punkt: Große Banken wie die Erste
Bank versuchen verstärkt, sich ein Stück vom Geschäft
mit vermögenden Privatkunden abzuschneiden.
Die Privatbanken reagieren darauf einerseits
mit den erwähnten Online-Services, andererseits
mit der Ansprache von Anlegern, die nicht unbedingt
mehrere Millionen verwalten wollen. So hat
Spängler im Frühjahr eine Online-Vermögensverwaltung
mit einem Mindestinvestment von 30.000
Euro gestartet. Nicht gerade einfacher wird das Geschäft
im Private Banking zudem durch neue regulatorische
Vorgaben, die aufwändiger und komplexer
geworden sind – so steigen beispielsweise die Anforderungen
an die Dokumentation von Beratungsleistungen.
Und schließlich wirkt sich die Situation an
den Finanzmärkten aus: Angesichts der extrem
niedrigen Zinsen ist es schwierig, akzeptable Renditen
bei möglichst geringem Risiko zu garantieren.
Die Finanzkrise und die nachfolgenden wirtschaftlichen
Verwerfungen spüren wir ja heute noch – und
für die Banken bringt das nicht nur niedrigere Margen
in einem schwierigen Umfeld, sondern auch die
Herausforderung, die hohen Ansprüche der Kunden
bezüglich Wertsicherung und Rendite zu erfüllen.
Waren früher klassische Staatsanleihen oder das
Sparbuch gute Möglichkeiten, das Vermögen abzusichern,
sind heute andere Wege gefragt – ein realer
Werterhalt ist mit solchen konservativen Mitteln
nämlich kaum noch möglich. Man sei gezwungen, in
Veranlagungen mit höherem Risiko auszuweichen,
bestätigt Susanne Höllinger (Kathrein). „Wir setzen
bei unserer Strategie auf ein breit diversifiziertes
Portfolio mit dynamischer Aktiengewichtung und
einer aktiven Laufzeitensteuerung im Anleihebereich.“
Bei den Anleihen kommen nun Emerging
Markets in Fragen; auch Unternehmensanleihen
können attraktive Renditen bieten. „Gerade bei
niedrigen Zinsen sei ein “gut durchdachtes und breit
gestreutes Aktieninvestment, in Einzeltitel und
Fonds, eine gute Ertragsbasis“, ist Eduard Berger
(Wiener Privatbank) überzeugt. Dazu kommen Immobilienwerte,
ob als Wertpapier oder als direktes
Investment. Außerdem setzen die Privatbanken unter
anderem auf inflationsgeschützte Anleihen, die
auch bei steigenden Zinsen noch ausreichend Erträge
liefern können. Die gute Nachricht: Jetzt sei eine
gute Zeit, um zu investieren, so Schoellerbank-Chef
Franz Witt-Dörring und meint: „Die Preise sind wieder
günstiger, die Unternehmen berichten solide Gewinne,
die Konjunktur wächst.“ Dabei sollten allerdings
die Zinsentwicklung und mögliche
Auswirkungen von Handelsbarrieren beobachtet
PHOTOS: FOTOLIA, FOTO WILKE, BEIGESTELLT
werden. Gerade angesichts des schwierigen Marktes
sei persönliche Beratung unverzichtbar, ergänzt
Waltraud Perndorfer (Privat Bank der RLB OÖ):
„Die Kunden wollen mehr denn je informiert sein
und das einmal festgelegte Portfolio ständig hinterfragt
wissen.“
Keine Frage: Der Finanzbranche und damit auch
den traditionsreichen Privatbanken weht ein schärferer
Wind entgegen, der selbst bei steigenden Zinsen
nicht schwächer werden dürfte. Heftige Ruderbewegungen
sind aber die falsche Reaktion, eher
eine feine Adjustierung des Kurses – genau das
könnte den Privatbanken zugute kommen. Mit den
erwähnten Online-Services, einer offensiveren Herangehensweise
bei der Veranlagung und der Öffnung
gegenüber neuen Zielgruppen wollen sie sich
vorsichtig verändern, ohne dabei ihre Stärken – vor
allem persönliche Beratung, Fokus auf langfristige
Wertentwicklung und enge Kontakte zu den Kunden
– zu verlieren. Potenzial gibt es für sie noch genug:
Der wirtschaftliche Aufschwung des Landes und die
hohe Zahl vermögender Privathaushalte lassen ausreichend
Spielraum für die elitäre Vermögensverwaltung;
im Vergleich zu anderen Ländern ist der
Anteil der Gelder, die über eine professionelle Vermögensverwaltung
angelegt werden, vergleichsweise
gering.
Discretion. Restraint. Tradition. These are the
qualities that make or break a good private
bank. Austria is viewed as Europe’s El Dorado
when it comes to private banking and the consultation
of wealthy private clients. In the rankings for
the best institutions for these tasks, Austrian banks
have made it in the top 10 year after year. All of that
should come as no surprise: In Austria, secrecy and
caution are generally viewed as key foundations for
successful banking – and private banks are pushing
for these principles as hard as they can, for, after all,
their customers are not dealing with a few thousand
euro on their accounts, but with sums of half a million
and up.
One example of this is the Salzburg-based bank
Carl Spängler, which is celebrating its 190-year anniversary
this year and is among Austria’s oldest private
banks. The business has been operated by one family
for seven generations and emphasises its independence
before everything else – this has been ”a long
tradition“ for Spängler, stresses chief executive Werner
Zenz. What else is key in the industry? Eduard
Berger, executive of the Wiener Privatbank, says, ”We
invest a great amount of time in getting to know our
clients and also extend our support beyond financial
matters.“ For Franz Witt-Dörring, chairman of the
Schoellerbank, which belongs to Bank Austria, trust
is the foundational principle for business. ”Just how
trusting our relationship to our clients is, is demonstrated
by the fact that we have been consulting many
families over generations.“ The bank’s guiding principle
is to invest rather than to speculate, placing the
client’s financial security at the centre stage.
Private banks are like the bespoke tailor of the financial
industry. ”Our solutions are tailored during
the course of our conversation with the client,“ highlights
Susanne Höllinger, chairwoman of the Kathrein
Privatbank, which is part of the Raiffeisenbank
International AG. ”Private banking customers often
have very custom and complex needs and goals,” expands
Waltraud Perndorfer, head of the Privat Bank
der RLB Oberösterreich. Standardised solutions are
not wanted here, individualised strategies and custom
concepts are needed instead.
However, discretion, restraint and tradition are not
always able to keep pressure from being exerted on
private banks from several sides at once. First, there
are the rising demands from wealthy clients concerning
digital services. Personal consultation is great,
but the well-to-do clientele now wants to be able to
control their wealth online and on the go, look for investment
opportunities on their own and retrieve important
information straight from the phone. The
unanimous view of the private banks is that a lack of
digitalisation just doesn’t cut it anymore, even if personal
consultation remains indispensable. According
to Werner Zenz, customers will no longer differentiate
between online and offline offers in the long term.
”They want to be able to decide when and where they
get in touch with their bank.“ Therefore, nearly all private
banks are currently working on building or expanding
their online services. Susanne Höllinger believes
that the wealthy clients of the future want to
analyse their investments and simulate changes themselves
via app but will then expect an expert evaluation
as a follow-up. Here, the guiding principle could
be: Trust is good, but control is at least just as good.
Höllinger adds that one should not have a hostile attitude
toward new technological trends, ”We don’t see
fintechs or robo-advisors as competitors, but as sensible
additions to their respective sub-sectors.“
„Ein gut durchdachtes
und breit gestreutes
Aktieninvestment ist
eine gute Ertragsbasis.“
”A well-thought-out and
broadly scattered equity
investment makes for a
good earnings foundation.“
Eduard Berger
Vorstand Wiener Privatbank
Wiener Privatbank executive
„Wir sehen Fintechs
oder Robo-Advisors
nicht als Konkurrenz,
sondern in Teilbereichen
als sinnvolle Ergänzung“
”We don’t see fintechs
or robo-advisors as
competitors, but as sensible
additions to their
respective sub-sectors.“
Susanne Höllinger
Vorstand Kathrein Privatbank
Kathrein Privatbank chairwoman
80 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
81

L’AUTRICHE PRIVATE BANKING
38
Prozent/percent
des Privatvermögens der Österreicher werden
auf Sparbüchern oder als Bargeld gehortet –
im weltweiten Vergleich ein hoher Anteil.
The proportion of Austrian wealth kept in savings accounts or in cash
– a large proportion, compared to the rest of the world.
„Die langfristige
finanzielle Sicherheit
der Kunden steht seit
jeher im Vordergrund.“
“The customer’s longterm
financial security
has always been at the
centre stage.”
Franz Witt-Dörring
Vorstand Schoellerbank
Chairman Schoellerbank
An additional point: Large banks, such as Erste
Bank, are increasingly trying to get a piece of the pie
when it comes to wealthy private customers. To this,
private banks are, on the one hand, responding with
the aforementioned online services, and, on the
other hand, by approaching investors who are not
necessarily looking to have several million managed.
In the spring, Spängler launched an online
wealth management programme with a minimum
investment of 30,000 euro. Also, the private banking
business more issues to deal with due to the new industry
regulations which have become more elaborate
and complex – for instance, the increased requirements
when it comes to documentation and
consulting services. Now, the situation has begun to
affect the financial markets. Considering the extremely
low interest rates, it is has become difficult to
guarantee sufficient yields at low risk. The financial
crisis and the subsequent economic upheavals can
still be felt today – and for banks, this not only means
lower margins in a more difficult environment,
but also the challenge to fulfil their clients’ demands
in regard to guaranteeing value and returns. Whereas
classic government bonds or savings accounts
had been good options to secure one’s wealth in the
past, different approaches are in demand today – as
maintaining wealth is barely possible by way of such
conservative means anymore. One is forced to move
into higher-risk investments, Susanne Höllinger
(Kathrein) confirms. ”When it comes to our strategy,
we emphasise a widely diversified portfolio with
dynamic equity allocation and an active duration
control for bonds.“ Concerning bonds, emerging
markets are now also an option; corporate bonds
can also offer attractive returns. Especially when interest
rates are low, a ”well-thought-out and broadly
scattered equity investment, in individual securities
and funds, makes for a good earnings foundation,“
Eduard Berger (Wiener Privatbank) argues confidently.
Then, there is, of course, property, whether
in the form of securities or as direct investments. In
addition to all of that, private banks are also increasingly
betting on inflation-indexed bonds, which
can still provide sufficient returns with rising interest
rates. The good news: Now is the right time to
invest, says Schoellerbank head Franz Witt-Dörring.
”The prices are lower again, enterprises are reporting
solid gains, the economy is growing.“ However,
one should continue to keep an eye on interest
rates and the possible effects of trade barriers. Especially
the difficult market right now renders personal
consultation indispensable, adds Waltraud Perndorfer
(Privat Bank der RLB OÖ). ”Customers want
to be more informed and want to constantly revise
their investment portfolio.“
Without doubt: The financial industry, as well as
traditional private banks, must guard against heavy
blows at the moment, a trend that is not likely to
come to an end any time soon, even if interest rates
were to rise again. Fast and uncalculated manoeuvres,
however, would be the wrong approach here,
what is needed instead are fine adjustments in direction
– this is exactly what private banks could
benefit from. With the aforementioned online services,
a more offensive investment strategy and an
opening toward new target groups, private banks
are undergoing a slow but steady transformation
without losing any of their core strengths such as
personal consultation, focus on long-term performance
and the close relationship with the customer.
And there is still plenty of untapped potential. The
country’s economic upswing and the high number
of wealthy private households means opportunity
in terms of elite wealth management. In comparison
to other countries, the percentage of money
invested in professional wealth management is still
relatively low.
PHOTOS: FOTOLIA, FOTOSTUDIO HUGER
Worauf sind wir vorbereitet?
Dr. Heinrich Schaller
Generaldirektor Raiffeisenlandesbank OÖ
In Zeiten zunehmender Komplexität wird Sicherheit wieder wichtiger. Das spüren wir alle. Doch was verschafft uns Sicherheit? Wenn es schwieriger
wird, Zukunft zu planen, hilft nur eins: die beste Vorbereitung. Auf alle möglichen Szenarien, denen Unternehmen in unterschiedlichsten Situationen
und Phasen begegnen können. Das bedeutet viel Arbeit für uns als Bank, ja. Vorbereitung ist nie einfach. Doch nur die vorbereitete Bank ist ein guter
Partner für die Zeiten, die vor uns liegen.
Sehr gute Kundenorientierung
Die Raiffeisenlandesbank Oberösterreich
ist die Nummer 1 unter allen
österreichischen Großbanken*.
finanz-marketing verband
1. Platz
Großbanken
Raiffeisen Landesbank
Oberösterreich
Stand Ende 2017
*Gewinner der Kategorie Großbanken laut FMVÖ
Recommender 2018 Befragung
www.rlbooe.at
82 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

L’AUTRICHE HONORARY DUTY
Erwin Pröll
„Niederösterreichs Beziehungen zu Slowenien sind extrem vielfältig.“
“Lower Austria’s relationship with Slovenia is extremely varied.”
FACTS &
FIGURES
Der ehemalige Landeshauptmann
Niederösterreichs ist Honorarkonsul für
Slowenien und pflegt bereits seit einigen
Jahren gute Kontakte mit dem Land.
The former governor of Lower Austria
is an honorary consul of Slovenia and
has been maintaining excellent contacts
with the country for many years now.
Interview: Daniela Pötzl
Sie wurden im September 2017 zum Honorarkonsul der
Republik Slowenien für Niederösterreich ernannt. Was
verbindet Sie persönlich mit diesem Land?
Während meiner aktiven Zeit als Landeshauptmann
sind einige Verbindungen entstanden, etwa
auf politischer Ebene oder im Bereich der Dorferneuerung.
Zum zweiten bewundere ich Slowenien,
wie erfolgreich und souverän diese relativ junge Republik
den Weg in die EU gemeistert hat. Slowenien
ist ein Vorzeigeland in Sachen europäischer Integration.
Und drittens hat Niederösterreich im Jahr 2014
bei der großen Eiskatastrophe ausgeholfen, indem
Feuerwehrleute mit technischem Gerät in Slowenien
im Einsatz waren. Durch diesen Einsatz ist auf persönlicher
Ebene ein intensives Vertrauensverhältnis
mit dem damaligen Slowenischen Botschafter in Österreich,
Andrej Rahten, entstanden. Er war es auch,
der mich dann gefragt hat, die ehrenvolle Aufgabe
als Honorarkonsul von Slowenien für Niederösterreich
zu übernehmen.
Welche Verbindungen bestehen zwischen Niederösterreich
und Slowenien und wie werden diese auch von Ihrer Seite
intensiviert?
In wirtschaftlicher Hinsicht gibt es schon jetzt intensive
Verflechtungen. Über 600 NÖ-Firmen haben
Handelsbeziehungen in Slowenien. Ein Bereich mit
Zukunftspotential sind sicher Start-Ups, wo wir die
Kooperationen intensivieren können. Bei der regionalen
Entwicklung orte ich gemeinsame Interessen
zur Stärkung der ländlichen Regionen. Und im Kultur-
und Tourismusbereich bestehen auch viele
Möglichkeiten zur Kooperation. Etwa durch Ausstellungen
oder Kulturprojekte. Oder denken Sie an die
Lipizzaner mit dem Gestüt Lipica in Slowenien und
dem Trainingszentrum der Spanischen Hofreitschu-
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, FOTOLIA, NLK FILZWIESER
Erwin Pröll mit dem damaligen Botschafter Sloweniens in
Österreich, H.E. Andrej Rahten. Erwin Pröll with then
Ambassador of Slovenia in Austria, H.E. Andrej Rahten.
le am Heldenberg in Niederösterreich. Auch im
Weinbau haben beide Länder eine große Tradition.
Welche Regionen Sloweniens haben Sie bereits besucht?
Natürlich war ich schon in der Hauptstadt
Ljubljana, eine wunderschöne, sehr grüne Stadt mit
besonderem Flair. Anfang Juni habe ich einige Tage
in Piran verbracht. Auf der Rückfahrt sind dann
meine Frau und ich noch durch den slowenischen
Karst gefahren und haben dabei unter anderem das
schöne Dörfchen Štanjel mit dem Geburtshaus des
Architekten Max Fabiani entdeckt. Ein wirklich beeindruckender
Ort, an dem Geschichte zu spüren ist
und der darauf hindeutet, wie vielfältig die Verbindungen
zwischen Slowenien und Österreich auch
historisch sind. Fabiani war Schüler Otto Wagners
und hat unter anderem die Wiener Urania geplant.
Welche Grundpfeiler machen Ihrer Meinung nach ein
starkes Europa aus?
Es gibt natürlich viele solcher Grundpfeiler. Eine
wesentliche Kraft für ein starkes Europa kommt, und
davon bin ich felsenfest überzeugt, aus der regionalen
Zusammenarbeit. Denn wo Länder und Regionen
zusammenarbeiten, da ist kein Platz für Nationalismus,
für Extremismus und Radikalismus, die
sich in Europa derzeit zeigen. Daher müssen wir die
Regionen stärken, sie zur Zusammenarbeit motivieren,
ihre Entwicklung fördern. Denn die Regionen
sind die Garantie für die Vielfalt in Europa, weil sie
den Menschen Heimat und Zuhause bieten.
Wie ist Ihre Bilanz des ersten Jahres als Honorarkonsul?
Haben Sie auch schon hilfreich eingreifen können in
manchen Angelegenheiten?
Das zurückliegende Jahr als Honorarkonsul war
sehr abwechslungsreich. Ein Höhepunkt war sicherlich
der Slowenische Kulturabend im Haus der Regionen in
Krems. Darüber hinaus gab es zahlreiche Gespräche
auf verschiedensten Ebenen, wo es darum ging, Kontakte
herzustellen, etwa bei einer Betriebsansiedlung.
Sprechen oder lernen Sie Slowenisch und können Sie die
Nationalhymne schon mitsingen?
Leider spreche ich nicht Slowenisch. Daher muss
ich auch beim Mitsingen der Hymne noch passen.
Laibach ist die Hauptstadt Sloweniens.
Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia.
REPUBLIK SLOWENIEN | REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA
Die Republik Slowenien hat rund 2,1 Millionen Einwohner und ist flächenmäßig gerade
einmal so groß wie Niederösterreich und Wien zusammen. Das Land ist seit 1991 unabhängig
und seit 1. Mai 2004 EU-Mitglied.
Sloweniens Wirtschaftsstruktur wird von Kleinbetrieben und Gewerbetreibenden
geprägt. Wichtige Säulen sind die Bauwirtschaft und der Export. Im Vergleich zu Österreich,
hat Slowenien mit 5,0% ein höheres BIP-Wachstum und eine niedrigere Arbeitslosenrate.
Österreich ist mit 3,6 Mrd. Euro, das sind 34% aller ausländischen Direktinvestitionen,
der mit Abstand größte ausländische Investor. Rund 700 österreichische Firmen haben
Niederlassungen vor Ort. Österreichs Exporteure setzen im „kleinen“ Slowenien mehr Waren
ab als in allen anderen ex-jugoslawischen Nachfolgestaaten zusammen. Wichtig für die
heimische Wirtschaft ist der Hafen Koper, der nach Rotterdam zweitwichtigste Hafen für
Österreich. 42% des Umschlags in Koper kommen aus Österreich.
Auch die wirtschaftlichen Verflechtungen mit Niederösterreich können sich sehen lassen.
Über 600 niederösterreichische Firmen haben mit Slowenien Handelsbeziehungen. Im
Vorjahr wurden Waren im Wert von 575 Mio. Euro von Niederösterreich nach Slowenien
exportiert, Tendenz steigend.
The Republic of Slovenia has around 2.1 million inhabitants and is, in terms of surface area, the
size of Lower Austria and Vienna put together. The country has been independent since 1991
and an EU member state since 1 May 2004.
Slovenia’s economic structure is characterised by small enterprises and tradespersons. Key
pillars are the construction industry as well as exports. In comparison with Austria, Slovenia
enjoys a stronger GDP growth at 5% as well as a lower unemployment rate.
With 3.6 billion euro, which is 34% of all foreign direct investment, Austria is by far the biggest
foreign investor in Slovenia. Around 700 Austrian companies have branch offices on site.
Austria’s exporters ship more goods to “little” Slovenia than to all the countries of the former
Yugoslavia combined. Key for the domestic economy is the Port of Koper, the second most
important port for Austria after Rotterdam. 42% of traded goods in Koper originate in Austria.
The economic relationship with Lower Austria is similarly impressive. More than 600 Lower
Austrian companies have trade relations with Slovenia. In the past year, goods worth 575 million
euro were exported from Lower Austria to Slovenia, which is predicted to rise in the future.
84 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
85

L’AUTRICHE HONORARY DUTY
Or think of the Lipizzaners at the Lipica Stud Farm
in Slovenia and the Heldenberg Training Centre of
the Spanish Riding School in Lower Austria. And
also in terms of winemaking, we have great traditions
in both countries.
Eine Ansicht von Piran, dem
bekannten Ferienort an der
slowenischen Adriaküste,
wurde zur Eröffnung des
Honorarkonsulats als
Geschenk überreicht.
A view of Piran, the famous
resort on the Slovenian Adriatic
coast, was presented as a gift at
the opening of the honorary
consulate.
In September 2017, you were appointed as an honorary
consul of the Republic of Slovenia to Lower Austria. What
connects you personally to the country?
Several connections were made during my active
time as governor, whether on the political stage or
when it came to village renewal. Secondly, I admire
Slovenia and how successfully and independently
this relatively young republic mastered its path into
the European Union. Slovenia is an exemplary country
when it comes to European integration. And
third, Lower Austria provided aid during the ice
storm of 2014 by deploying firemen with technical
equipment to Slovenia. As a result of this deployment,
a personal and intensive bond of trust was formed
with the former Slovenian ambassador to Austria,
Andrej Rahten. He was then also the one who
asked me to assume the distinguished position of
honorary consul of Slovenia to Lower Austria.
What links are there currently between Lower Austria and
Slovenia and how are these going to be intensified as a result
of your work?
In regard to business, there are already strong relationships.
More than 600 Lower Austrian companies
have trading relations with Slovenia. One area
with much promise for the future is certainly the
start-up scene, where there is still room to intensify
cooperation.
When it comes to regional development, I can
sense a shared interest in the strengthening of rural
regions. And also in terms of culture and tourism,
there remain plenty of opportunities for cooperation,
such as through exhibitions or cultural projects.
Which regions in Slovenia have you already visited?
I have, of course, already been to the capital city of
Ljubljana, a beautiful and very green city with a
unique feel to it. In early June, I got to spend several
days in Piran. During our drive back, my wife and I
drove through the Slovenian Karst during which we
discovered the beautiful little village Štanjel, which
harbours the birth house of the architect Max Fabiani.
A really special place, where history can still be
felt and which illustrates how varied and historic the
connections between Slovenia and Austria are. Fabiani
was a student of Otto Wagner’s and has, among
other things, planned the Urania in Vienna.
What, in your opinion, are the pillars that constitute a strong
Europe?
There are, of course, many such pillars. One of the
main sources of strength for Europe is, and I am adamantly
convinced of this, regional collaboration. For
where countries and regions work together, there is
no place for nationalism, extremism and radicalism,
the likes of which we are currently seeing across Europe.
This is why we must strengthen the regions,
encourage them to work together and promote their
development. For the regions are the guarantor of
the diversity of Europe, as they offer people a home
and a place to live.
How would you summarise your first year as honorary
consul? Have you been able to make useful interventions in
some matters?
This year was extremely varied. One of the highlights
was certainly the Slovenian Cultural Evening
at the Haus der Regionen in Krems. On top of that,
there were numerous dialogues on various levels,
where the aim was to form new contacts, such as, for
example, for new business settlements.
Can you speak or are you currently learning to speak
Slovenian, and can you sing the national anthem?
No, unfortunately, I do not speak Slovenian.
Therefore, I still have to pass when it comes to singing
along to the national anthem.
PHOTOS: NLK FILZWIESER
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
RESIDENCES SENIA
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86 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

L’AUTRICHE HEALTH
Medizin nach Maß
Bespoke medicine
Text: Michaela Hocek
Künstliche Intelligenz und der Fokus auf ambulante, minimalinvasive
und interdisziplinäre Ansätze treiben den
medizinischen Standard positiv voran.
Artificial intelligence and the focus on ambulant, minimally
invasive and interdisciplinary approaches are pushing medical
standards forward.
„Künstliche Intelligenz
und neue Daten
ermöglichen neue
Therapieansätze und
die Entlastung von
Ärzten und Pflegekräften.“
”Artificial intelligence
and new data are
making new therapies
possible and are taking
pressure off doctors and
nursing staff.“
Prof. Dr. Christian Kainz
Ärztlicher Leiter der Privatklinik
Döbling
Medical director at Döbling
Private Hospital
Die momentan spannendste Herausforderung
an die moderne Medizin ist es, die ungeheuren
Datenmengen, die produziert werden,
zu kanalisieren. Es gilt, neue Erkenntnisse zu gewinnen
und in Folge neue Therapieansätze abzuleiten. Je
besser das gelingt, umso stärker profitieren Patienten
von maßgeschneiderten Lösungen und erweiterten
therapeutischen Möglichkeiten. Das betrifft Geräte
sowie Arzneien wie Prof. Dr. Christian Kainz, ärztlicher
Leiter der Privatklinik Döbling, erklärt: „Es gibt
eine breite Palette von Innovationen, die die Behandlung
der Patienten verbessern. Diese reichen von
neuen operativen Möglichkeiten (z.B. Roboterchirurgie,
neue Instrumente für minimal-invasive Eingriffe)
über neue Medikamente und onkologische
Therapiemethoden bis zur Gentherapie.“ Er nennt
zudem positive Aspekte der ambulanten Medizin:
„Auch größere Operationen können heute durch minimalinvasive
Operationsmethoden in einer Tagesklinik
durchgeführt werden. Manche Operationen
sind nicht mehr erforderlich und können durch Therapien
ersetzt werden, wie beispielsweise die Behandlung
von Myomen.“
Wohl des Patienten
Dass der Mensch stets im Mittelpunkt steht, spürt
man auch im Rudolfinerhaus, das zum Beispiel im
Bereich „interventionelle Kardiologie“ eine federführende
Rolle unter den Privatkrankenhäusern Österreichs
einnimmt. Neben der standardmäßig angewandten
Radialis-Methode, bei der die Kathetersonde
nicht über die Leiste, sondern über den Arm eingeführt
wird, was eine schonendere und weniger belastende
Behandlung möglich macht, freut man sich
besonders über die seit September in Betrieb befindliche,
neueste Generation von Angiographie-Geräten.
Als erstes Privatkrankenhaus Österreichs ist hier
das „Azurion Clarity System“ von Philips im Einsatz,
das mit einer Reduktion der Strahlenbelastung um
PHOTOS: JOHANNES ZINNER, PREMIQAMED PRIVATKLINIKEN
PRIVATKLINIK DÖBLING
In den Kliniken der PremiQaMed Gruppe sind Experten aus
vielen Fachrichtungen tätig, die durch ihre Vernetzung die
beste Therapie anbieten können.
The clinics of the PremiQaMed Group employ experts from
various specialist fields who are able to provide the best
possible therapies with the help of their network.
88 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

L’AUTRICHE HEALTH
Das Rudolfinerhaus
blickt auf eine
130-jährige
Geschichte zurück und
hat heute beispielsweise
als einziges
Privatkrankenhaus
Österreichs eine
offene MR.
The Rudolfinerhaus
private hospital can
look back on 130 years
of history and is
Austria’s only private
hospital with an open
MR.
VILLA RADETZKY
Mit mit Bedacht ausgeführten ästhetischen Behandlungen und
der wissenschaftlich fundierten Software „FaceReality“ erzielt
OA Dr. Heike Klepetko bahnbrechende Erfolge.
With carefully executed aesthetic treatments and the scientifically
substantiated “FaceReality“ software, senior physician Dr Heike
Klepetko is achieving ground-breaking success.
MEDAUSTRON
Im Krebsbehandlungs- und Forschungszentrum in Wiener Neustadt
wird ein Beschleuniger, in dem 1.000 Komponenten von über 200
Herstellern verbaut sind, für die Ionentherapie eingesetzt.
The cancer treatment and research centre in Wiener Neustadt employs
an accelerator for particle therapy that consists of 1,000 components
from more than 200 manufacturers.
GEFÄSS-MEDIZIN TUCHLAUBEN 17
Maßgeschneiderte Therapien für Gefäßerkrankungen mit
chirurgischen und katheterbasierten High-Tech-Methoden sind
die Stärken von Prim. PD Dr. Afshin Assadian und seinem Team.
Custom-tailored therapies for vascular diseases with surgical and
catheter-based high-tech methods are some of the strengths offered
by Prim. PD Dr Afshin Assadian and his team.
RUDOLFINERHAUS
„Eine moderne, umfassende Behandlung der Patienten kann nur
durch das Zusammenspiel verschiedener Fachrichtungen erfolgen
– Interdisziplinarität wird am Rudolfinerhaus groß geschrieben.“
”The state-of-the-art and extensive treatment of patients can only
be achieved on the basis of bringing various specialist fields
together – interdisciplinarity is of the utmost importance at the
Rudolfinerhaus.“
Univ. Prof. Dr. Hubert Pehamberger
30% gegenüber herkömmlichen Geräten und außergewöhnlich
scharfen Untersuchungsbildern mit sehr
hoher Auflösung brilliert. In Kombination mit neuester
Software, Touchscreen und einem intuitiven Bedienkonzept
werden viele manuelle Schritte eingespart
und dadurch die Behandlungszeit reduziert.
Am Institut für bildgebende Diagnostik kann
man als einziges Privatkrankenhaus in Österreich
mit einer offenen MR und kurzen Wartezeiten für
CT- und MRT-Untersuchungen punkten. Insgesamt
arbeiten im Rudolfinerhaus 500 Belegärzte aus verschiedensten
medizinischen Schwerpunktfächern
auf höchstem Standard. Ein weiterer Spezialist für
modernste Radiologie und Nuklearmedizin ist das
„RC Radiology Center“ in der Wiener Lazarettgasse
25. Schwerpunkt ist hier die Verbindung der beiden
Fachgebiete PET/CT und SPECT/CT.
Interdisziplinarität und Personalisierung
Auf ein vielschichtiges Ärzteteam aus den Bereichen
Angiologie, Diabetologie, Dermatologie, Gefäßchirurgie,
interventionelle Radiologie, Kardiologie,
Nephrologie, Neurologie, Phlebologie,
Unfallchirurgie und Sporttraumatologie setzt auch
Prim. PD Dr. Afshin Assadian im ersten interdisziplinären
Zentrum für Gefäßgesundheit „GEFÄSS-
Medizin Tuchlauben 17 “ im 1. Wiener Bezirk. Der
Gefäßchirurg und Vorstand der Gefäßchirurgie des
Wilhelminenspitals bietet hier neben „Health-
Check“-Paketen, die Möglichkeit zur Vorsorge, ak-
tuellen Therapie und Nachsorge: „Durch die Gründung
des Zentrums möchten wir den Patienten viel
Zeit und unnötige Wege ersparen, die es sonst
braucht, um gute Spezialisten für Gefäßerkrankungen
aufzusuchen.“ Sein Ziel ist es, die Balance zwischen
minimaler Invasivität und Nachhaltigkeit mittels
verfeinerter katheterbasierter Therapieansätze
(Gefäßdehnungen mit und ohne Stent) und optimierten,
etablierten chirurgischen Methoden zu finden,
die in personalisierte und maßgeschneiderte
Behandlungen mündet.
Auch im onkologischen Bereich ist der medizinische
Fortschritt in den vergangenen Jahren rasant
vorangeschritten, wie Univ.Prof. Dr. Christoph
Zielinski, Koordinator des WPK Academy Cancer
Centers zu berichten weiß: „Personalisierte, auf die
Variablen der Krankheit abgestimmte Therapien beruhen
auf hochentwickelten, diagnostischen Schritten.
Früherkennung und rasche Diagnose sind essentiell
für Behandlungserfolge.“
Neue Technologien
Die Spezialisierung auf Ionentherapie, die optimal
zur Behandlung von strahlungsresistenten Tumoren
oder solchen in der Nähe von strahlungsempfindlichen
Organen ist, wird im Forschungs- und
Therapiezentrum MedAustron in Wiener Neustadt
– neben nur fünf weiteren Zentren weltweit – vorangetrieben.
Ein einzigartiges, deckenmontiertes robotisches
System ermöglicht die Positionierung des
PHOTOS:WWW.BERNHARDWOLF.AT, DR. THOMAS KAESTENBAUER, WERNER STREITFELDER PHOTOGRAPHER, FOTO GEORG WILKE BEIGESTELLT
Therapiestrahls auf einen halben Millimeter genau.
Daraus resultiert die Reduktion von Nebenwirkungen
und Langzeitschäden bei der ambulanten Behandlung
des Patienten.
In ihrem Zentrum für plastische und ästhetische
Chirurgie in der Radetzky-Villa im 19. Wiener Bezirk
widmet sich OA Dr. Heike Klepetko den Problemzonen
ihrer Patienten. Mit der wissenschaftlich
fundierten Software „FaceReality“ ist es möglich,
den ersten, in Sekundenschnelle gewonnenen Eindruck
und die vermittelten Persönlichkeitsmerkmale
wie Attraktivität, Vertrauenswürdigkeit oder auch
Dominanz seines Gegenübers zu beeinflussen. „Basierend
auf diesem Wissen können sorgfältig angewendete
ästhetische Behandlungen wie Füller, Botox
oder kleine chirurgische Eingriffe einen enormen
Einfluss darauf haben, wie Menschen wahrgenommen
werden, und den ersten Eindruck zum Besseren
wenden“, so Klepetko.
Natürlichkeit, Ästhetik und gute Verträglichkeit
sind auch Primarius Dr. Ernst Kolb, Leiter der Zahnklinik
Wien Döbling, ein großes Anliegen: „Das natürliche
Aussehen von Implantaten kann z.B. durch
Vollkeramik ohne Metalluntergerüst erreicht werden.
Meinem Team und mir ist es wichtig, Alternativen
zu Totalprothesen anbieten zu können, Kieferschwund
abzuwenden und die Beißkraft zu
erhalten.“
The most exciting challenge in modern medicine
right now is to effectively channel the tremendous
wealth of data that is being collected.
The goal is to gain new insights which, in turn, will
lead to new therapies. The more effectively this is
done, the more patients will benefit from customtailored
solutions and the expanded therapeutic possibilities.
This affects both devices as well as medicines,
as Prof. Dr Christian Kainz, medical director at the
Döbling Private Hospital, explains: ”There is a wide
range of innovations that are improving the treatment
of patients. These reach from new operating possibilities
(e.g. robotic surgery, new instruments for minimally
invasive operations) to new medications and
oncological therapy models, all the way to gene therapy.“
He also adds positive aspects concerning ambulant
medicine, ”These days, even bigger operations
can be carried out at an ambulant clinic with minimally
invasive operating methods. Some operations
are no longer necessary at all and can be replaced by
therapy entirely, as in the case of treating myomas.“
Patient well-being
The fact that the patient is always at the centre stage
can also be felt at the Rudolfinerhaus private hospital
which plays a leading role in the field of “interventional
cardiology“ among Austria’s private hospitals.
Next to the standard radialis approach, where the catheter
probe is not entered via the groin but through
the arm, enabling a gentler and less stressing treat-
ZAHNKLINIK WIEN
DÖBLING
„Wir bieten Patienten
Alternativen zu Totalprothesen,
z.B. Vollkeramik ohne
Metalluntergerüst, für
bessere Verträglichkeit.“
”We offer patients alternatives
to implants, such as, for
example, full ceramics without
a metal underframe for
improved tolerability.“
Primarius Dr. Ernst Kolb
90 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
91

L’AUTRICHE HEALTH
Die Kernkompetenzen des Hauses liegen im WPK
Cancer Center, in Sportmedizin, kardiovaskulärer
Medizin, peripherer Nervenchirurgie, Radiologie und
Nuklearmedizin.
The clinic’s core strengths are in the WPK Cancer Center,
sports medicine, cardiovascular medicine, peripheral
neurosurgery, radiology and nuclear medicine.
WIENER PRIVATKLINIK
„Der medizinische Fortschritt – besonders in der Onkologie – explodierte förmlich in
den vergangenen Jahren.“
”Medical progress – particularly in oncology – has seen rapid advancements in the past few years.“
Univ.Prof. Dr. Christoph Zielinski
Koordinator WPK Academy Cancer Center
Coordinator of the WPK Academy Cancer Center
INFO
Erste Anlaufstellen in Sachen
High-End-Medizin und
minimalinvasive Eingriffe:
First points of contact for
high-end medicine and
minimally invasive procedures:
dieschoenheitschirurgin.at
drchichakli.com
gefaess-medizin.at
goldenes-kreuz.at
medaustron.at
premiqamed.at
privatklinik-confraternitaet.at
privatklinik-doebling.at
radetzky-villa.com
radiology-center.com
rudolfinerhaus.at
wiener-privatklinik.com
zwd.at
zmed.at
ment, the hospital has also added the most recent generation
of angiography machines in September. The
Rudolfinerhaus is Austria’s first private hospital to
employ the “Azurion Clarity System“ by Philips,
which offers a reduction in radiation exposure of 30%
compared to conventional devices, as well as exceptionally
sharp screening images with excellent resolutions.
In combination with the newest software, a
touchscreen and intuitive use, many manual steps can
be skipped entirely, thereby shortening treatment
time.
The Institut für bildgebende Diagnostik is the only
private hospital in Austria with an open MR and short
wait times for CT and MRT examinations. In total,
500 in-patient doctors of the highest standards from
various different medical fields work at the Rudolfinerhaus.
An additional specialist for the most stateof-the-art
radiology and nuclear medicine is the RC
Radiology Center on Vienna’s Lazarettgasse 25. Here,
the focus lies on the link between the two specialist
fields of PET/CT and SPECT/CT.
Interdisciplinary approaches and personalisation
Prim. PD Dr Afshin Assadian at the “Vascular
Medicine Tuchlauben 17“ in Vienna’s first district,
the first interdisciplinary centre of vascular health,
likewise counts on a highly diverse team of doctors
from the fields of angiology, diabetology, dermatology,
vascular surgery, neurology, phlebology, trauma
surgery and sports traumatology. Next to healthcheck
packages, the vascular surgeon and head of the
Wilhelminenspital’s vascular surgery department
also provides preventative, current therapy and follow-up
care measures. ”With our centre, we want to
save patients time and unnecessary detours that are
otherwise associated with finding a vascular disease
specialist.“ His aim is to find the right balance between
minimal invasion and long-term viability with
the use of refined catheter-based therapies (vascular
expansion with and without stent) and optimised,
established surgical methods, which in combination
would lead to personalised and custom-tailored
treatments.
The field of oncology has also seen rapid medical
advancements in the past couple of years as Univ.
Prof. Dr Christoph Zielinski, coordinator of the
WPK Academy Cancer Center, reports. ”Personalised
therapies tailored to the variables of the disease
are based on highly developed, diagnostic steps. Early
detection and timely diagnosis are essential for
treatment success.“
New technologies
The specialisation in particle therapy, which is optimal
for treating tumours that are radiation-resistant
or located near radiation-sensitive organs, is
currently being moved forward at the MedAustron
research and therapy centre in Wiener Neustadt, one
of only five such centres in the world. A unique, ceiling-mounted
robotic system enables the exact positioning
of the therapy beam down to half a millimetre
of precision. This results in a reduction in
side-effects and long-term damages during ambulant
treatment.
Senior physician Dr Heike Klepetko, on the other
hand, has dedicated herself to her patients’ problem
zones at the Radetzky Villa centre of plastic and aesthetic
surgery in Vienna’s 19th district. The scientifically
substantiated “FaceReality“ software makes it
possible to influence the very first impression resulting
from various personality markers, such as attractivity,
trustworthiness as well as dominance, that
another person perceives. ”Based on this knowledge,
carefully applied aesthetic treatments such as fillers,
Botox or small surgical invasions can have a large
impact on how people are perceived, whilst first impressions
can be improved,“ says Klepetko.
A natural look, aesthetics and good tolerability
are also of the utmost importance to Primarius Dr
Ernst Kolb, head of the Dental Clinic Vienna Döbling,
”The natural appearance of implants can, for
example, be achieved by using full ceramics without
a metal underframe. My team and I see it as very important
that we offer full dentures, prevent jaw bone
loss and maintain bite force.“
PHOTOS: SABINE GRUBER, KARLHEINZ FESSL, BEIGESTELLT
Bild: Kästenbauer/Ettl
Teilchenphysik trifft Krebsmedizin
Particle Physics Meet Cancer Medicine
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.
92 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
www.facebook.com/medaustron
www.medaustron.at

L’AUTRICHE FUTURE LAB
Mirko Warschun
„Klassische Shoppingcenter sind Relikte aus der Vergangenheit.“
”The classic shopping malls are relics from the past.“
Die neue italienische „Fico Eataly World“ bei
Bologna ist mehr Erlebnispark als Einkaufstempel.
The new Italian “Fico Eataly World“ near Bologna is
more adventure park than a shopping temple.
A.T. Kearney
Der Managing Director von A.T. Kearney über die Zukunft des Einkaufens. The managing director of
A.T. Kearney on the future of shopping.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mirko Warschun
Nach seinem Studium der Betriebswirtschaftslehre an
der Universität zu Köln und einem Master in
International Management an der Stockholm School
of Economics promovierte Warschun an der
Universität Oldenburg im Bereich Beschaffungsmanagement
im Handel, bevor er ins internationale
Top-Management-Consulting einstieg. Heute ist er
Partner und Managing Director bei A.T. Kearney und
leitet den Beratungsbereich Konsumgüterindustrie
und Handel in Europa sowie den weltweiten
Beratungsbereich Handel. Er berät europäische und
außer-europäische Handelsunternehmen und
Konsumgüterhersteller schwerpunktmäßig in den
Bereichen Strategie, Category Optimierung, Einkauf,
Pricing und Operations Excellence.
After completing his degree in Business Administration
at the University of Cologne and a Master’s degree
in International Management at the Stockholm School
of Economics, Warschun received a doctorate from
the University of Oldenburg in the field of procurement
management, before joining international top
management consulting. Today, he is a partner at and
the managing director of A.T. Kearney and the head of
the consumer goods industry and retail in Europe
consulting area, as well as head of the global retail
consulting area. He consults European and
non-European retail companies and consumer goods
manufacturers, specialising in the areas of strategy,
category optimisation, purchasing, pricing and
operations excellence.
Kaum online bestellt und schon liefert
die Drohne nach Hause - wer
glaubt, dass so die Konsumwelt der
Zukunft aussieht, der irrt. Genau das Gegenteil
wird eintreten, denn die Einzelhändler
und Einkaufszentren haben bereits
begonnen, sich komplett neu zu
erfinden. Natürlich soll und wird auch in
der Shopping-Mall der Zukunft nach Herzenslust
geshoppt, aber anders, als wir es
heute gewohnt sind. Der klassische Erwerb
von Eigentum ist ein Auslaufmodell,
an dessen Stelle die Suche nach Erfahrung,
Austausch und Werteorientierung tritt.
Die bisher primär logistische Funktion
von EKZs verliert an Bedeutung, während
digitale Errungenschaften, wie Virtualund
Augmented-Reality dabei helfen,
Malls in einen einzigartigen Erlebnisraum
zu verwandeln. Wie das geht, zeigt schon
heute adidas mit „Futurecraft 4D“, dem
Turnschuh aus dem 3D-Drucker. Dank
dieser Technik ist es nur noch eine Frage
der Zeit, bis die Laufschuhanprobe aus einer
digitalen Fußvermessung und einem
anschließenden, individuellen Schuhdruck
besteht.
Ob man den Shop dann mit gefüllter
Tragetasche verlässt, alle erworbenen Produkte
in einem Shoppingcenter zentral abholt
oder sich alles doch zeitnah nach Hause
liefern lässt, bleibt den individuellen
Wünschen der Käufer überlassen. Nur das
klassische Shoppingcenter wird ein Relikt
der Vergangenheit sein, denn der Trend
der Individualisierung wird auch zu einer
Spezialisierung führen, wie die Untersuchung
„The Future of Shopping Centers“
von A.T. Kearney zeigt. Darin lassen sich
bereits heute vier Trends vorhersagen:
„Destination Center“ gruppieren ihr
Angebot rund um Attraktionen wie Themenparks,
Indoor-Skipisten oder Kulturhäuser
und entwickeln überregionale Anziehungskraft.
Ergänzt wird das durch
wechselnde „Pop-Up-Stores“ bekannter
Marken, in denen oftmals nur limitierte
Editionen angeboten werden. Der eigentliche
Einkauf ist jedoch nur ein Grund zum
Besuch eines solchen Centers. Oftmals
bleiben die Besucher für mehrere Tage
dank Übernachtungs- und Gastronomieangeboten.
In kleineren, regionalen „Value Centern“
finden sich Gleichgesinnte rund um
ein Thema wie Outdoor. Diese bieten neben
passenden Produkten auch Informationen,
Weiterbildungen oder soziale Events.
Vorstellbar sind auch spezialisierte Outlets,
die beispielsweise nur regionale Produkte
verkaufen.
Es müssen jedoch immer gleiche Interessen
wie der Wunsch nach Hiking oder
Camping sein, die die Grundlage für eine
spezialisierte Mall sein können.
In Japan existiert bereits heute eine Einkaufswelt,
die sich ganz auf die Bedürfnisse
einer alternden Bevölkerung konzentriert
– Gesundheitsdienstleistungen eingeschlossen.
Ein Modell, das sich auch auf
andere soziodemografische Zielgruppen
wie die „Young Urban Hipster Professionals“
oder Singles um die 40 leicht adaptieren
lässt.
Wer hingegen ein „Innovation Center“
besuchen wird, darf sich zu Recht als Vorreiter
fühlen. Dabei handelt es sich um intelligent
vernetzte Orte, an denen die neuesten
Produkte und Services wie in einem
Testlab auf Wirkung und Alltagstauglichkeit
erprobt werden.
Bezahlen wird man nicht mehr zwingend
mit Geld, sondern auch mit den eigenen
Daten, damit das Kundenverhalten
von Anthropologen, Kulturpsychologen
und Mall-Ethnographen analysiert werden
kann. Was sich davon am Ende durchsetzt,
wird sich zeigen, auf den Konsumenten
von morgen warten aber mit Sicherheit
viele spannende Innovationen.
PHOTOS: A.T. KEARNEY/ ANDREW COLLINGS, FICO EATALY WORLD
Just ordered online and already on the
way home via drone — those who believe
that this is what consumption will
look like in the future are mistaken. As a
matter of fact, the exact opposite will happen,
for retailers and shopping centres have
already begun to completely reinvent themselves.
Of course, even the shopping mall of
the future will revolve all around the pleasure
of making purchases, but differently from
the way we know it today. The classic way
we buy goods is an obsolete model whose
place will be taken by searching for experience,
exchange and value orientation. The
currently primarily logistical function of
shopping centres is losing importance,
while digital solutions, such as virtual and
augmented reality, are helping to transform
malls into unique hubs for new experiences.
Adidas has already demonstrated how this
works with “Futurecraft 4D“, the 3D-printed
sneaker. Thanks to this technology, it is
only a matter of time until trying on new
trainers will consist of a digital foot measurement
and a resulting custom 3D-printed
shoe.
Whether you then leave the store with
filled shopping bags, centrally pick up all
the acquired products from a shopping centre
or choose to have everything delivered
to your home in a timely manner, is completely
up to you, the consumer. The classic
shopping mall will be a relic of the past, for
the trend of individualisation will lead to
increased specialisation, as the “The Future
of Shopping Centres“ report by A.T. Kearney
has shown. There, we predict four new
trends for the future:
“Destination centres“ group their offers
around attractions such as theme parks, indoor
ski slopes or art centres, resulting in
cross-regional appeal. This is complemented
by way of changing “pop-up stores“
from well-known brands, which often focus
on limited edition offers. The actual
purchase, however, will be only one of many
reasons for a visit to such a centre. More
likely, visitors will be spending several days
here, thanks to accommodation and food/
drink offers.
In smaller, regional “value centres“, likeminded
individuals can gather around themes
such as the outdoors. Next to the fitting
products, these places will also offer information,
schooling/training or even social
events. Specialised outlets, which only sell
regional products, are another possibility.
However, it doesn’t always have to be a
particular interest – such as hiking or camping
– that is at the foundation of a specialised
mall. For example, Japan already has
shopping centres that are completely
tailored to the needs of its aging population
– including health services. This is a model
that can also be easily adapted to other socio-demographic
target groups, such as the
“young urban hipster professional“ or singles
at the age of around 40.
Those visiting an “innovation centre“, on
the other hand, can truly consider themselves
pioneers. These are intelligent, networked
spaces, where the newest products and services
are tested for their effectiveness and everyday
value. Payment is not necessarily carried
out via cash but can also come in the
form of one’s data, allowing anthropologists,
cultural psychologists and mall ethnographers
to analyse customer behaviours. What
exactly is going to establish itself in the future
remains to be seen. What is undeniable,
however, is that many exciting new innovations
await the consumer of tomorrow.
A.T. Kearney ist eine der weltweit führenden
Unternehmensberatungen für das Top-Management
und berät sowohl global tätige Konzerne
als auch führende mittelständische Unternehmen
und öffentliche Institutionen. Das
Beratungsunternehmen unterstützt seine
Klienten bei der Transformation ihres
Geschäftes und ihrer Organisation, um
langfristig Vorteile zu erzielen. Im Mittelpunkt
stehen dabei die Themen Wachstum und
Digitalisierung, Innovation und Nachhaltigkeit
sowie die Optimierung von komplexen
Produktions- und Lieferketten.
A.T. Kearney wurde 1926 in Chicago gegründet.
1964 eröffnete in Düsseldorf das erste Büro
außerhalb der USA. Heute beschäftigt A.T.
Kearney rund 3.600 Mitarbeiter in über 40
Ländern der Welt. Seit 2010 berät das
Unternehmen Klienten klimaneutral. In
Österreich ist A.T. Kearney seit 1998 mit einer
eigenen Tochtergesellschaft vertreten.
A.T. Kearney is one of the world’s leading top
management consulting firms and advises
globally active enterprises as well as leading
medium-sized companies and public
institutions. The consulting firm supports its
clients in the transformation of their business
and their organisation in order to achieve
long-term benefits. At the centre stage are
themes such as growth, digitalisation,
innovation and sustainability, as well as the
optimisation of complex production and supply
chains.
A.T. Kearney was founded in Chicago in 1926.
The first office outside of the United States was
opened in Düsseldorf in 1964. Today, A.T.
Kearney employs more than 3,600 people in
more than 40 countries around the world. Since
2010, the firm has been advising clients in a
climate-neutral manner. Since 1998, A.T. Kearney
has been operative in Austria with a subsidiary
company.
atkearney.at
facebook.com/ATKearney.Karriere
twitter.com/ATKearneyDACH
94 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
95

L‘AUTRICHE BUSINESS
Neues aus Österreich
News from Austria
Text: Daniela Pötzl
PHOTOS: LUFTHANSA GROUP, FOTOLIA, TU WIEN, FALTER VERLAG
Umweltschutz | Environmental protection
Synthese für High-Tech-Farbstoffe | High-tech dye
synthesis
Organische Farbstoffe sind eine Klasse von Materialien mit ganz besonderen
elektronischen Eigenschaften. Von Flachbildschirmen über elektronisches
Papier bis hin zu Chipkarten sollen in Zukunft viele Technologien auf solchen
organischen Molekülen beruhen. Doch bisher konnten solche Materialien nur
über komplizierte und äußerst umweltschädliche Synthesemethoden
hergestellt werden. An der TU Wien gelang es nun diese anders zu
produzieren: Statt giftige Lösungsmittel einzusetzen, verwendet man bloß
gewöhnliches Wasser. Der Trick: Das Wasser muss sehr heiß sein, denn dann
ändert es seine Eigenschaften. Die neue Herstellungsmethode wurde nun im
angesehenen Fachjournal „Angewandte Chemie“ publiziert.
Organic colourings are a type of substance with very unique electronic properties.
From flat screens, electronic paper and chip cards, an increasing number of future
technologies is set to rely on such organic molecules. Until quite recently, however,
these materials could only be produced using complex and environmentally
unfriendly synthesising methods. Researchers at TU Wien have now managed to
produce the substances in a completely different way: Instead of toxic solvents,
water is used. The trick: The water needs to be extremely hot, for this changes its
properties. The new production method has now been published in the highly
regarded “Angewandte Chemie“ journal.
tuwien.ac.at
Buchtipp | Book tip
Zahlen, bitte! | Numbers, please!
Wie viele Schulkinder hat Österreich und wie viele von ihnen machen Matura?
Wann heiraten wir am liebsten und wie lange dauert es bis zur Scheidung?
Das Nachschlagewerk „Zahlen, bitte!“ enthält Fakten, Zahlen und Daten: über
Österreich und seine Bewohner, über ihre Sitten und Gebräuche und vor allem
über Politik.
Falter-Chefredakteur Florian Klenk und Konrad Pesendorfer, Chef der Statistik
Austria, unterhalten sich in 50 Interviews über gesellschaftliche Facetten
Österreichs, die mit präzisen Tabellen und Diagrammen illustriert werden.
How many schoolchildren are there in Austria and how many of them are finishing their
high school certificate? When are most people getting married and how long before
the divorce? The reference book “Zahlen, bitte!“ (“Numbers, please!“) contains facts,
numbers and data, especially on Austria and its inhabitants,
their customs and traditions and particularly on politics. In
50 interviews, Falter editor-in-chief Florian Klenk and
Konrad Pesendorfer, head of Statistik Austria, discuss
Austria’s social landscape, illustrated with precise tables and
diagrams.
Zahlen, bitte!
Falter Verlag, ISBN: 9783854396178
Fluglinie | Airline
Alles neu bei der AUA | All things new at AUA
Der Aufsichtsrat der Austrian Airlines AG hat Alexis von Hoensbroech als neuen CEO und
Vorstandsvorsitzenden der Airline bestellt. Er folgte diesen August Kay Kratky nach. Zudem baut
Austrian Airlines das Streckennetz um und stockt die Verbindungen nach Chicago, New York JFK
sowie nach Toronto, Peking und Schanghai im kommenden Winter auf. Mit 27. Oktober werden
auch die Flüge nach Kapstadt in Südafrika (im Bild oben) aufgenommen.
The Supervisory Board of Austrian Airlines AG has appointed Alexis von Hoensbroech as the
new CEO and Chief Executive Officer of the airline. He followed Kay Kratky this August. In
addition, Austrian Airlines is restructuring its route
network and will increase the connections to Chicago and
New York JFK, to Toronto, Beijing and Shanghai in the
coming winter. Starting 27 October, Austrian Airlines will
commence flights to Cape Town in South Africa (above).
austrian.com
Konferenz in Wien | Conference in Vienna
Chemie global | International chemicals
Die Chemikalienpolitik unterlag im vergangenen Jahrzehnt
weltweit einem Wandel. Gemeinsam mit dem Wirtschafts- und
dem Nachhaltigkeitsministerium lädt die Wirtschaftskammer
Österreich (WKÖ) im Rahmen der EU-Ratspräsidentschaft am 24.
Oktober 2018 zur Konferenz „International Chemical Policy from a
European Perspective“. Schwerpunkt der Veranstaltung werden
erste Erfahrungen mit der Chemikalienverordnung REACH sein,
mit der die EU-Kommission weltweit neue Maßstäbe gesetzt hat.
The politics of chemicals underwent significant global changes in the
past decade. Together with the ministry for the economy and the
ministry for sustainability, the Austrian Economic Chambers (WKÖ) is
taking the occasion of the Austrian presidency of the Council of the
European Union to hold an international conference titled
“International Chemical Policy from a European Perspective” on 24
October 2018. The focus of the event will be the first experiences with
the REACH chemicals regulation, through which the EU Commission
has set new international standards. wko.at
© Hamilton Lund
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SAVOIR VIVRE CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR‘S EVE
Festliche Momente
Festive moments
Text: Daniela Pötzl
Kaum eine Zeit im Jahr ist so gesellig wie die Wochen rund um Weihnachten und
den Jahreswechsel – wir haben die tollsten Angebote in Wiens Top-Hotellerie für
Sie zusammengestellt. No other time of the year invites people to get together like
the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s Eve – we have put together a great
selection for you, highlighting the best hotels that Vienna has to offer.
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK, INGE PRADER, VOM JEWEILIGEN HOTEL ZUR VERFÜGUNG GESTELLT
Kaum schaut man auf den Kalender im Herbst,
staunt man, weil ein ganzes Jahr schon beinahe
wieder um ist. In unserer schnelllebigen,
oft hektischen Zeit tut es gut, ein wenig inne zu
halten und die vergangenen Monate Revue passieren
zu lassen. Gerade in der Adventzeit tut es gut, einen
Gang „runterschalten“, sich auf wesentliche Dinge
und vor allem wichtige Menschen im Leben zu konzentrieren.
Wir melden uns bei Familienmitgliedern,
Freunden oder Geschäftspartnern und machen
wahr, was wir eh schon das ganze Jahr über tun
wollten, aber aus vielerlei Gründen wieder nicht geschafft
haben: ein persönliches Treffen, und sei es
auch nur auf eine gute Tasse Kaffee oder Tee zwischendurch,
ganz gemütlich. Und wenn dies in den
Wochen vor dem Fest dennoch nicht gelingt, kann
man Familie und Freunde mit ein paar handgeschriebenen
Zeilen dann zum Weihnachtsfest oder
zum Neuen Jahr überraschen und einen kleinen
Gutschein überreichen, auf dem zu lesen steht: „Ich
schenk’ Dir Zeit mit mir!“ Schöne Stunden kann
man in Wien auch bei einem der zahlreichen Adventmärkte
verbringen: bei Christbaumkugeln, Bienenwachskerzen,
Glühwein und Keksen, die zudem
durch die festlich beleuchteten Straßen so richtig auf
die feierlichen Tage einstimmen. Und danach schauen
wir in eines der Hotels und lassen uns so richtig
kulinarisch verwöhnen!
It’s autumn: You look at the calendar and simply
cannot believe that the year has almost passed
again. In these fast-paced and often very hectic
times, it can be a good exercise to pause for a moment
and reflect on the past few months. The Advent
season in particular is a time to take it down a notch
and to concentrate on the important things, especially
the people in one’s life. We get in touch with
family members, friends or business partners and
finally do what we have been wanting to do for a
while but did not manage to get around to for various
reasons: a face-to-face meet-up, even if just for a
cup of coffee or a tea, nothing more. And should this
not be possible during the time before the holidays,
then one can always surprise family and friends with
a few hand-written lines on Christmas or New Year’s,
and perhaps even include a voucher that says ”My
gift to you is more time with me!“ Pleasant hours can
be spent while visiting one of the countless Christmas
markets in Vienna which always boast gorgeous
Christmas decorations, beeswax candles, mulled
wine and cookies and provide just the right atmosphere,
especially on the festively illuminated streets.
And then, after a delightful day out, we head for one
of Vienna’s many hotels and get ready for many culinary
treats.
HOTEL BRISTOL VIENNA
Nach dem stimmungsvollen Weihnachtskonzert um 14 Uhr mit klassischer Hausmusik und einem
Umtrunk vorab, kann man danach um 17 oder 20 Uhr noch ein 4 Gang-Weihnachtsmenü genießen.
After an atmospheric Christmas concert at 2 pm with classical house music and a drink to get things
started, you can enjoy a four-course Christmas menu at either 5 or 8 pm.
bristolvienna.com
100 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
101

SAVOIR VIVRE CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR‘S EVE
FLEMING‘S SELECTION HOTEL WIEN-CITY
Ihre Weihnachtsfeier können Sie hier mit dem All-inclusive-Angebot dank der
4-Stunden Getränkepauschale schon ab dem Aperitif ganz entspannt genießen.
Thanks to the hotel’s all-inclusive offer, you can enjoy unlimited drinks for four hours
and kickstart your Christmas celebrations with a soothing aperitif.
flemings-hotels.com
HILTON VIENNA PLAZA
Chefkoch Stefan Wödl tischt beim grandiosen Dinner-Buffet am 31.12. groß auf.
Danach wird in der Émile Bar im Stil der goldenen 1920er weiter gefeiert.
Chef Stefan Wödl doesn’t cut corners when it comes to serving the establishment’s
terrific dinner buffet on 31 December. Celebrations will continue afterward in the spirit
of the golden 1920s at the Émile Bar. hiltonhotels.de/oesterreich/hilton-vienna-plaza/
THE RING - VIENNA‘S CASUAL LUXURY HOTEL
Beim eleganten sechsgängigen Silvester-Menü im At Eight Restaurant werden hier u.a.
Gänseleber, Kalbsfilet und Backerl sowie französische Schokoladentarte serviert.
The elegant six-course New Year’s menu at the restaurant “At Eight“ serves, among
other delicacies, goose liver, veal filet and cheek, as well as French chocolate tart.
theringhotel.com
IMPERIAL RIDING SCHOOL RENAISSANCE VIENNA HOTEL
Bei vorheriger Vorbestellung von zwei Tagen, kann man von 6.11.2018 bis 6.1.2019 die
„Gans to go“ gleich mitnehmen, Rotkraut, Kastanien und Kartoffelknödel inklusive.
If you pre-order two days in advance, then you can come from 6 November 2018 to 6
January 2019 and pick up your own “Goose to Go”, with red cabbage, chestnuts and
potato dumplings included. imperialrenaissance.at
PHOTOS: GETTYIMAGES/NERUDOL, ELAN FLEISHER / ELANHOTELPIX.COM, WALTER LUTTENBERGER, JONATHAN COSH OF VISUAL EYE, MAREK GAVLAK; VOM JEWEILIGEN HOTEL ZUR VERFÜGUNG GESTELLT
HOTEL IMPERIAL
Die prachtvolle Atmosphäre der Festsäle erlebt man sonntags am 2., 9., 16. und 23.
Dezember beim Advent Brunch, mit Champagner und Livemusik.
Experience the opulent atmosphere of the hotel’s ballrooms Sundays on 2, 9, 16, and 23
December at the Advent brunch with champagne and live music.
imperialvienna.com
Marlies Moments
Get to know Marlies’ story and her special connection to the
building Am Hof during #MarliesMoments, a collection of
various unique and special events. Enjoy “Marlies eats”, a
culinary event created to showcase selected dishes, featuring
ingredients such as steak, truffles, superfoods and other treats.
In partnership with Juwelier Heldwein, a real diamond will
be raffled with every glas of champagne sold. Enhance your
dinner at the “Marlies loves music” events, featuring live music
with vocals from a talented singer followed by DJ sounds,
ensuring an exuberant atmosphere at The Bank Bar.
Bognergasse 4, 1010 Vienna
Tel. +43 1 22740 1236
restaurant-thebank.vienna@hyatt.com
RESTAURANT -THE BANK.COM
in cooperation with:
LE MÉRIDIEN VIENNA
Mit dem Neujahrsbrunch und der Liveübertragung des Neujahrskonzertes wird hier
stilvoll der erste Tag im Jahr 2019 zelebriert.
Celebrate the first day of the new year 2019 in style with a New Year’s brunch and the
live transmission of the New Year’s Concert.
lemeridienvienna.com
MARLIES
loves music
3 October
7 November
5 December
MARLIES
eats
12 September
SUPERFOOD
14 November
TRUFFLE
102 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

SAVOIR VIVRE CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR‘S EVE
VIENNA MARRIOTT HOTEL
Einkaufs-Begeisterte müssen nicht darben – beim „Saturday Shopping Brunch“, im
Dezember jeden Samstag, kann man sich weihnachtlich verwöhnen lassen.
Shopping enthusiasts don’t have to miss out, for there is plenty of festive fun to be had
at the “Saturday Shopping Brunch“ every Saturday in December.
marriott.com/hotels/travel/vieat-vienna-marriott-hotel
THE RITZ-CARLTON, VIENNA
Ab November öffnet Wiens höchstgelegener Christkindlmarkt am Dach seine
Holz-Tore und firmiert heuer unter dem Motto „Winter California“.
Vienna’s highest roof-top Christmas market will open its wooden doors in November,
welcoming visitors with the intriguing slogan “Winter California”.
ritzcarlton.com/vienna
FALKENSTEINER HOTEL WIEN MARGARETEN
Mit dem „Falk-Xmas-Angebot“ kann man im Advent gleich zwei Nächte verweilen und
den Christkindlmarkt in Schönbrunn inklusive Heißgetränk und Snack besuchen.
With the “Falk Xmas Offer“, you can spend two nights at the hotel during the Advent
season, visit the Christmas market in Schönbrunn and enjoy a hot beverage and a snack.
falkensteiner.com/de/hotel/margareten
PALAIS HANSEN KEMPINSKI VIENNA
Bei der weihnachtlichen Küchenparty werden am 13.12. ein Flying Buffet von den
Live-Cooking-Stationen und Cocktails bei coolen DJ-Tunes im Restaurant gereicht.
At the festive kitchen party on 13 December, a flying buffet will be served from live
cooking stations while cocktails and cool DJ tunes complement the experience.
kempinski.com/vienna
PHOTOS: WWW.DANIELNUDERSCHER.COM, VINCENT THIBERT, GETTYIMAGES/NERUDOL VOM JEWEILIGEN HOTEL ZUR VERFÜGUNG GESTELLT
SOFITEL VIENNA STEPHANSDOM
Beim exklusiven Weihnachts-Dinner im Restaurant „Das Loft“ kann man zum 5-Gang
Menü auch gleich den Fensterplatz mit phänomenaler Aussicht dazu buchen.
Along with your five-course menu, you can book a window seat with a phenomenal
view of the city at the “Das Loft” restaurant’s exclusive Christmas dinner.
sofitel-vienna-stephansdom.com
PARK HYATT VIENNA
Die Geschenke sind alle ausgepackt, also auf zum Gabelfrühstück mit kulinarischen
Leckereien am 25. und 26. Dezember mit stimmungsvoller Livemusik!
The presents have all been opened, now off to tiffin with atmospheric live music and
culinary treats on both 25 and 26 December.
parkhyattvienna.com
Our HOtel at tHe center Of yOur jOurney
104 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
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

SAVOIR VIVRE CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR‘S EVE
Menschen im Hotel – ganz privat
People at the hotel – up close and personal
General Manager
Meine schönste Erinnerung an Weihnachten
My fondest Christmas memories
Kulinarisch betrachtet, genieße ich am 31.12. ...
When it comes to food, 31 December is a time to enjoy …
General Manager
Meine schönste Erinnerung an Weihnachten
My fondest Christmas memories
Kulinarisch betrachtet, genieße ich am 31.12. ...
When it comes to food, 31 December is a time to enjoy …
Simone Dulies
Hotel Bristol Vienna
Kekse backen mit der Oma in der Vorweihnachtszeit, der gemeinsame
Gang der Familie in die Kirche und die anschließende Bescherung mit
leuchtenden Kinderaugen vor dem geschmückten Baum.
Baking cookies with my Grandma before Christmas, going to church with
the whole family and the subsequent opening of the presents with glowing
children’s eyes right in front of the decorated Christmas tree.
als Veganerin die vegane Interpretation des Silvestermenüs unseres
Küchenchefs im Hotel Bristol, da ich den Jahreswechsel die
vergangenen Jahre immer im Hotel verbracht habe.
as vegan myself our head chef’s vegan creations of the New Year’s
menu at the Hotel Bristol, as I have spent every New Year’s Eve at the
hotel in the past few years.
Gabriela Benz
Le Méridien Vienna
Wenn ich am Abend auf dem Fußboden lag, um unter dem Türschlitz
durchzuspähen, damit ich vielleicht doch das Christkind sehe, das doch
gerade im Zimmer war.
Spending the evening on the floor peeking through underneath the door
while hoping to get a glimpse of the Christkind who I was sure was in the
room at the time.
Mein Fixpunkt ist seit 30 Jahren vor allem das Glas Champagner zur
Liveübertragung des Neujahrskonzertes am 1.1.
My constant in the past 30 years has been a glass of champagne for
the live transmission of the New Year’s Concert on 1 January.
Hermann Krammer
Falkensteiner Hotel Wien
Margareten
Martin Sperl
Fleming‘s Selection Hotel
Wien-City
Norbert Lessing
Country GM Hilton Austria
Mario Habicher
Hotel Imperial
Thomas van Opstal
Imperial Riding School
Renaissance Vienna Hotel
Das Erklingen des Glöckchens des Christkinds – endlich war die lange
Wartezeit vorbei!
The sounding of the Christmas bells – the waiting time was finally over!
Der Blick auf unseren geschmückten Christbaum, draußen schneebedeckte
Wälder in meiner Kärntner Heimat und der Duft von frischen Keksen.
The sight of our decorated Christmas tree, the snow-covered forests
outside in Carinthia, where I am from, and the scent of freshly baked
Christmas cookies.
Das Zusammenkommen der ganzen Familie. Das feiern wir auch heute noch
so und genießen die Entschleunigung rund um die Feiertage. Als Expat hat
dieser familiäre Moment nichts von seinem Glanz und Zauber verloren.
The coming together of the whole family. We still celebrate Christmas that
way and enjoy it when things slow down a little around the holidays. Being
an expat, these kinds of moments of family togetherness haven’t lost any
of their magic.
Keine Angabe
No statement
Ich habe mit meiner Mutter und meinem Bruder viel Weihnachtsgebäck
gebacken – wobei ich allerdings eigentlich mehr den guten Teig der
verschiedenen Kekse probiert habe, anstatt beim Backen zu helfen. Zudem
haben wir viel Weihnachtsschmuck für den Weihnachtsbaum gebastelt.
I baked a lot of Christmas treats together with my mother and my brother
– although I really spent most of the time eating the tasty dough rather
than actually participating in the baking process. On top of that, we crafted
a lot of Christmas decorations for our Christmas tree.
ein Glas Champagner Rosé mit einem guten Beef Tatare um
Mitternacht.
a glass of rosé champagne with an excellent beef tartare around
midnight.
unser Silvester-Menü von Küchenchef Andre Reuther und seinem
Team im Hotel. Zuhause gibt es zu den Feiertagen immer einen
Eierlikör, den ich nach meiner eigenen Rezeptur ansetze.
our New Year’s Eve menu by our head chef Andrew Reuther and his
team at the hotel. At home, the holidays always include egg liqueur
that I prepare after my own recipe.
wie im Hilton Vienna Plaza: Mit Reh- und Kalbsrücken und Keksen
nach einem Familienrezept.
like at the Hilton Vienna Plaza, with venison and veal saddle and
cookies based on an old family recipe.
Silvester traditionell mit unseren Gästen im Hotel Imperial.
a traditional New Year’s Eve spent with our guests at the Hotel
Imperial.
Früher gab es bei uns zu Hause zu Silvester immer Fondue
Bourguignonne, das ein wunderschönes Gericht für diesen Abend ist,
da niemand kochen muss und man sich viel Zeit zum Essen nehmen
kann.
Back in the day, New Year’s Eve always meant Fondue Bourguignonne
for us at home, which is a brilliant dish for such an evening,
since nobody has to cook and you can take all the time you need
while eating.
PHOTOS: KAREPA-BELOV - STOCK.ADOBE.COM, KATHARINASCHIFFL, LUKAS BECK, ELAN FLEISHER / ELANHOTELPIX.COM, PHILIPP LIPIARSKI, MICHAEL JEUTER, STEFAN GERGELY, PHOTO SIMONIS WIEN,
CELIA PETERSON; VOM JEWEILIGEN HOTEL ZUR VERFÜGUNG GESTELLT
Monique Dekker
Park Hyatt Vienna
Eugenio Rigo
The Ring - Vienna‘s Casual
Luxury Hotel
Christian Zandonella
The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna
Peter Katusak-Huzsvar
Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom
Dieter Fenz
Vienna Marriott Hotel
Der Besuch einer Weihnachtsmesse am Heiligen Abend mit Mama und
Bruder. Danach sind wir nach Hause zu meinem Papa, der mit heißer
Schokolade und Stollen schon auf uns wartete. Eine Bescherung gab es
nicht, da wir in den Niederlanden den Sint Niklaas Tag am 5.12. feiern.
Visiting the Christmas mass on Christmas Eve with my mother and my
brother. Then we went home to my father, who was already waiting for us
with hot chocolate and fruit loaf. We didn’t get any presents, as we
celebrate Sint Niklaas on 5 December in the Netherlands.
Als ich sieben war und an jenem 24.12. morgens wach wurde, war die
Landschaft um Riva am Gardasee wie in ein weißes Tuch gehüllt und meine
Geschwister und ich wollten natürlich sofort ins Freie, da wir zum ersten
Mal Schnee zu Weihnachten hatten.
When I was seven years old and woke up in the morning of 24 December
that year, the landscape around Riva del Garda looked as if covered by a
white veil, and, of course, my siblings and I immediately wanted to run
outside, as this was the first time that we had snow on Christmas.
Die Feiertage verbinde ich immer mit den Dolomiten. Gibt es etwas
Schöneres als mit der Familie auf einer gemütlichen Hütte den Abend bei
gutem Essen gemeinsam zu feiern? Am meisten habe ich mich natürlich auf
die abschließende Schlittenpartie gefreut.
I associate the holidays with the Dolomites. Is there anything more
beautiful than spending the evening celebrating with the family in a cosy
hut with good food? And, of course, I always looked forward to the
sledding sessions at the end to top off the trip.
Meine Eltern sind mit uns in Ungarn zu einem kleinen Häuschen in die
Berge gefahren, die bei uns zu Hause nicht so hoch sind. Aber wir hatten
weiße Weihnachten und der Geruch dieser Tage ist für mich bis heute der
Geruch von Weihnachten.
My parents took us to a small house in Hungary’s mountains, which aren’t
very tall back at home. But we did have snow on Christmas and the scent
of those days remains the true scent of Christmas for me to this day.
Dass uns viel Schnee zu Weihnachten immer begleitet hat und dies für uns
Kinder immer ein Paradies zum Spielen war!
The fact that we always had lots of snow on Christmas, which we always
loved to play in as children!
hausgemachten Graved Lachs von meinem Schwager Arne mit einem
schönen Glas Champagner.
my brother-in-law Arne’s homemade “gravlax“ with a glass of good
champagne.
Rinderconsommé mit kleinen Fleischtortellini, gefolgt von Risotto mit
weißen Piemont-Trüffeln, Seezunge mit Kartoffelpüree, Kalbsfilet mit
Rösti-Kartoffel und Chantilly-Creme-Torte als Dessert. Und Cotechino
mit Linsen um Mitternacht, das bringt Glück!
beef consommé with small meat tortellini, followed by risotto with
white Piedmont truffles, dover sole with mashed potatoes, veal filet
with “Rösti“ potatoes and Chantilly cream torte as dessert. And
Cotechino with lentils at midnight, for good luck!
Unser Getting-Ready für den großen Abend verbringen mein Team,
die Ladies and Gentlemen, und ich an einem großen Tisch in unserem
Employee Dining Room. Dabei sorgt das Team um Küchenchef
Andreas Mahl für ein köstliches 2-Gang Menü.
My team, the Ladies and Gentlemen, and I get ready for the big night
by mingling around our big table in the employee dining room. And
the team around head chef Andreas Mahl provides a delicious
two-course menu for everyone.
Ganz ehrlich: Da will ich eine gute Party haben, also Kulinarik für die
Seele. Und: Champagner!
To be completely honest: I want to party well, so I’m really aiming for
treating my soul. And champagne!
wie jedes Jahr das köstliche Buffet im Vienna Marriott Hotel!
the delicious buffet at the Vienna Marriott Hotel, just like every year!
106 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
107

SAVOIR VIVRE CONNOISSEUR
Essen und trinken mit Stil
Wine and dine in style
Text: Daniela Pötzl
Frischer Wind bei Livingstone &
Planter’s Bar
A breath of fresh air at the Livingstone &
Planter’s Club
Florian Landlinger und Manfred Stockner heißen die neuen Geschäftsführer des Restaurants Livingstone und des Planter’s Club in der Wiener Innenstadt. Sie stehen den
Teams bereits seit längerem als Restaurantleiter und Küchenchef vor, nun übernehmen sie die Gesamtverantwortung für die beiden Betriebe von Eigentümer Robert Glock (im
Bild links). Im Restaurant wird das Angebot an regionalen und biologischen Produkten ausgebaut und ab Ende September um eine hochwertige Veranstaltungsreihe rund um
das Thema feines Essen erweitert.
Florian Landlinger and Manfred Stockner are the new managers of the Livingstone and the Planter’s Club in Vienna’s city centre. They have been working with the teams as
restaurant manager and as head chef for some time now, though they will now assume complete responsibility for the two establishments owned by Robert Glock (pictured
left). The restaurant will continue to build on its offer of regional and organic products, whilst a top-notch series of events centred around the theme of fine dining will be
added in late September. livingstone.at, plantersclub.com
Wider den Plastikmüll | No to plastic waste
Im Rahmen der globalen Nachhaltigkeits-Initiative „Travel With Purpose“
schließen sich die Hotels Hilton Vienna, Hilton Vienna Plaza und Hilton Vienna
Danube Waterfront wie auch das The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna sowie die Dots Group
der #NOMORESTRAWS Bewegung an. Künftig werden Getränke ohne Halm
serviert und auf Wunsch gibt es die nachhaltige Alternative aus recyceltem
Papier.
As part of the global sustainability initiative “Travel with Purpose“, the Hilton
Vienna, Hilton Vienna Plaza and Hilton Vienna Danube Waterfront, as well as
the Ritz-Carlton, Vienna and the establishments of the Dots Group are joining
the #NOMORESTRAWS movement. In the future, all drinks will be served
without straws, whilst a sustainable alternative made from recycled paper will
be provided on request. hilton.com, ritzcarlton.com, dotsgroup.eu
Stilvolle Edeltränke | Stylish stronghold of a noble beverage
Die Champagnerschale erheben kann man Montag bis Samstag in der kürzlich
eröffneten Champagner-Bar namens „Dosage“ am Fleischmarkt 16. Gastgeber Friso
Schopper serviert dort als Hauschampagner Trudon, übrigens als Achtel und zudem
exklusiv in Österreich. Aber keine Sorge – die Getränkekarte hält auch noch einiges für
Anderstrinkende bereit. Markus Strohmaier, ehemals Restaurantleiter bei Meinl am
Graben und in der Cantinetta Antinori, sorgt für das
gastronomische Wohl der Gäste.
Raise your champagne glass from Monday to
Saturday at the recently opened champagne bar
“Dosage“ on Fleischmarkt 16. Host Friso Schopper’s
champagne of choice is Trudon, which is only
available here in all of Austria. But do not worry – the
drinks menu has plenty to offer to connoisseurs of
other fine beverages. Markus Strohmeier, the former
restaurant manager at Meinl am Graben and at the
Cantinetta Antinori, is there to ensure the culinary
well-being of all of their guests.
dosage.at
TOP 5 OPENINGS
Neu in Wien | New in Vienna
Köstliche Oase in Wiens Innenstadt | Delicious oasis in Vienna’s city centre
Wer den Heiligenkreuzerhof betritt, der wie eine Ruhe-Oase auf dem Land anmutet, findet eine selten gewordene Stille mitten in der Stadt. An
diesem geschichtsträchtigen Ort liegt ein wahres Juwel – das Buxbaum Restaurant, das nicht nur ob seiner Küche und der stilvollen Gestaltung,
sondern auch wegen der einzigartigen Lage punkten kann. Seit Anfang 2016 betreibt Benjamin Buxbaum dort das gleichnamige Restaurant, in dem
gehobene österreichische Küche, modern interpretiert, mit internationalem Einfluss von Küchenchef Daniel Kellner zelebriert wird. Der wohl
exklusivste Raum im Buxbaum Restaurant ist jedoch das Séparée (im Bild). Eine Verbindungstür zum Restaurant ermöglicht, je nach Wunsch, eine
offene oder geschlossene Gestaltung des Raumes.
Stepping into the courtyard of the Heiligenkreuzerhof, you will feel like you’ve entered a peaceful oasis somewhere in the countryside, and in
fact, you will have come across a rare quiet spot in the city. Likewise, you will find a real culinary jewel in this historic part of the city – the
Buxbaum Restaurant, which not only delights with its cuisine and stylish interior design, but also with the unique location. Benjamin Buxbaum
has been running the restaurant of the same name since 2016, crafting a contemporary interpretation of fine Austrian cuisine with an
international influence provided by head chef Daniel Kellner. The most exclusive room at the Buxbaum Restaurant is undoubtedly going to be
the Séparée (pictured). On request, a connecting door to the restaurant can make for either an open or a closed layout. buxbaum.restaurant
PHOTOS: HERBERT LEHMANN, BUXBAUM RESTAURANT, FRISO SCHOPPER, FOTOLIA, ECHONET
Elegant feiern vor den Toren Wiens | Elegant celebrations close to Vienna’s city gates
Nur wenige Autominuten von Wien entfernt und in direkter Nähe zur Kaiserstadt Baden, bietet Fontana nicht nur ein anspruchsvolles
Golferlebnis auf dem 18 Loch-Championship-Kurs, sondern auch die Möglichkeit einer ganz besonderen Eventlocation für festliche Anlässe
aller Größenordnungen. Auf 230 m 2 offeriert die Fontana-Eventterrasse den perfekten Rahmen für z.B. eine Outdoor-Hochzeit oder private
Feiern mit Familie und Freunden, mit beeindruckendem Ausblick und Ambiente. Das Clubhaus verfügt zudem über einen großzügigen und
auf bis zu 350 m 2 erweiterbaren Eventbereich.
Only a few minutes by car from Vienna and in the direct vicinity to the imperial city of Baden, the Fontana not only offers a sophisticated
golfing experience on an 18-hole championship course, but also a rather special event location for festive occasions of varying
sizes. With 230 square metres, the Fontana event terrace offers the perfect space for an outdoor wedding or a private celebration with
friends and family, boasting an impressive view and atmosphere. On top of that, the clubhouse has a generous event area which can be
extended to up to 350 square metres. fontana.at
Klein & fein, 1180 /
Small and beautiful
hollerkoch.at
Neues Wiener Beisl, 1020 /
New Viennese pub
stuwer.com
Asiatisches Takeaway mit
Shop, 1060 / Asian takeaway
with shop
ebi-vienna.at/ebi-mini-1060
Kurzurlaub in Frankreich,
1010 /
Mini holiday in France
midi.at
Trends aus den Colli
Bolognesi, 1010 / Trends
from the Colli Bolognesi
civediamo.at
108 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

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
Sri Lanka
Amanwella & Amangalla
Sri Lanka ist in den kommenden Monaten das ideale
Reiseziel. Wunderbare Strände, sehenswerte
Tempelanlagen, historische Königsstädte, Nationalparks,
Teeplantagen. Und zwei Hotels an der Südküste,
die den Aufenthalt zum Traumurlaub machen. Beide
gehören zur wunderbaren Aman-Gruppe. Das
Amangalla befindet sich in einem mitten in der
Altstadt von Galle, in einem Gebäude aus dem
17. Jahrhundert. Es hat das koloniale Flair erhalten,
ist jedoch auch mit allen Annehmlichkeiten
ausgestattet: Swimmingpool mit Cabanas, ein tolles
Spa, wunderbares Restaurant. Das Amanwella in
Tangalle ist eine ganz andere Sache. Ein Resorthotel
mit 47-Meter-Pool, romantischer Beach Bar,
Spa-Behandlungen, Yoga und Ayurveda.
Sri Lanka is going to be the ideal travel destination in
the coming months. Beautiful beaches, impressive
temple structures, historic royal cities, national parks,
tea plantations. And two hotels on the country’s
southern coast that will make your stay a real dream
holiday. Both are part of the brilliant Aman group. The
Amangalla is located right in the centre of Galle’s old
town, inside a building from the 17 th century.
It managed to maintain its colonial flair while offering
various modern amenities: a swimming pool with
cabanas, a great spa and a wonderful restaurant. The
Amanwella in Tangalle is a totally different story.
A resort hotel with a 47-metre-long pool, a romantic
beach bar, spa treatments, yoga and Ayurveda.
aman.com
Mallorca
Robinson Club Cala Serena
110 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Mauritius
Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort
Das All Suite-Hotel an der Südküste von Mauritius, das nach dem berühmten
Botaniker Charles Telfair benannt ist und zur feinen Gruppe der Small Luxury Hotels
gezählt wird, ist im mauritischen Architekturstil errichtet. Der Look des Fünf-Sterne-
Resorts erinnert an eine historische Zuckerplantage. Bei den World Luxury Awards
wurde es als „Luxury Romantic Hotel“ und „Luxury Spa Hotel“ ausgezeichnet. Auf
Wellnessbehandlungen, die auf die persönlichen Bedürfnisse von Körper, Geist und
Seele abgestimmt sind, wird besonders Wert gelegt. Ausgebildete Osteopathen
stellen jedem Gast ein ganz individuelles Wellness-Programm zusammen.
Ein Fest für die Sinne ist die Küche des Heritage Le Château, dem Herrenhaus im
anglo-indischen Stil, das inmitten französischer Gärten mit der Haute-Cuisine des
Sternekochs David Toutain aufwartet.
Erholung findet der Gast außerdem unter großen Palmenblättern und mit einem
kühlen Kokosdrink in der Hand am paradiesischen Sandstrand.
The all suite-hotel on the southern coastline of Mauritius named after the famous
botanist Charles Telfair is part of the Small Luxury Hotels group and has been
constructed in the Mauritian architectural style. The look of the five-star resort
resembles a historical sugar plantation. At the World Luxury Awards, it was
distinguished as a “Luxury Romantic Hotel” and as a “Luxury Spa Hotel”. Much
emphasis is placed on wellness treatments that are tailored to the needs of body,
mind and soul. Trained osteopaths put together a unique wellness programme for
every guest. Meanwhile, the cuisine offered by the Heritage Le Château, the
anglo-indian manor, provides a feast for the senses amid French gardens with the
haute-cuisine of star chef David Toutain.
Guests can also relax underneath the large palm leaves while sipping on a cool
coconut drink on the heavenly sand beach.
heritageresorts.mu
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT
Der Club befindet sich an der malerischen Südostküste Mallorcas, auf einer Halbinsel direkt am Meer,
dort wo die Insel noch ihren ursprünglichen Zauber bewahrt hat. Vor allem Sportbegeisterte kommen
hier auf ihre Rechnung. Sie finden 12 Tennisplätze, eine clubeigene Driving Range, Golfshuttle inklusive
zu fünf von 10 Golfplätzen in der Nähe, eine Bikestation mit Mountainbikes und Rennrädern, vier
Pools, darunter ein 25 Meter langer Sportpool, und – zur Entspannung danach – ein 2.000m 2 großer
WellFit-Spa-Bereich mit Meerblick-Sauna. Auch Familien sind hier gut aufgehoben: Kinderbetreuung
gibt es schon ab drei Jahren – im Roby Club mit stundenweisen Betreuungs- und Programmzeiten.
The club is located on the picturesque south-east coast of Mallorca, on a peninsula right by the sea,
where the island still maintains its original charm and magic. Especially sports enthusiasts will get
their money’s worth here. They will discover 12 tennis courts, a club-owned driving range, an inclusive
golf shuttle offering rides to five of 10 golf courses situated nearby, a bike station with mountain and
race bikes, four pools, including a 25-metre-long sports pool, and – to relax afterward – a 2,000m 2
WellFit spa area with sea-view sauna. Families will also be well taken care of here: Childcare is
provided from three years onwards – at the Roby Club with hourly care and programme times.
robinson.com
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
111

SAVOIR VIVRE TRAVEL
FOR SPORT LOVERS
Macao / Macau
Morpheus Hotel
Mailand / Milan
Ristorante Torre
Die Fondazione Prada ist ein Kulturbezirk im Süden Mailands. Ein sensationelles Ensemble, das Industriearchitektur
mit exzentrischer Gegenwartsarchitektur mixt. Ganz neu ist der Turm, der „Torre“, am nordwestlichen Eck des
Geländes. Ganz oben, im sechsten und siebten Stock, befindet sich ein sehr stylisches Restaurant, das ebenfalls
Torre heißt und nun Mailands neuer Hotspot ist. Ausgestattet ist es mit dem Originalmobiliar aus dem legendären
New Yorker Restaurant Four Seasons, das von Philip Johnson in den 1950er Jahren entworfen wurde. Von der
Terrasse gibt es einen famosen Blick auf das Zentrum von Mailand.
The Fondazione Prada is a cultural district in the south of Milan. It’s a sensational ensemble mixing industrial with
eccentric contemporary architecture. What’s completely new is the tower, the “Torre”, in the north-western
corner of the district. All the way on top, on the sixth and seventh floor, you will find a very stylish restaurant that
is likewise named Torre and which is now Milan’s favourite new hotspot. It’s equipped with original furnishing
from the legendary New York Four Seasons restaurant, designed by Philip Johnson in the 1950s. The terrace offers
a brilliant view of Milan’s city centre.
fondazioneprada.org
Minimalismus ist out, Maximalismus ist in, heißt
es. So liegt das Morpheus Hotel in Macao voll im
Trend. Es ist ein futuristisches Spektakel. Es ist
wohl das architektonisch außergewöhnlichste
neue Hotel der jüngsten Zeit.
Errichtet wurde es nach Plänen von Zaha Hadid
Architects. Es ist eines der letzten Projekte, in
das die Pritzker-Preisträgerin involviert war. Das
Morpheus ist Teil des City of Dreams-Resorts,
hat drei Restaurants – von denen zwei von ihnen
Alain Ducasse geleitet werden – und ein Spa mit
Snow Garden, in dem es echten Schnee rieselt,
was im tropischen Macao eine recht bemerkenswerte
Sache ist.
Minimalism is out, maximalism is in, they say.
This places the Morpheus Hotel in Macau right
at the centre of the new trend. It’s a futuristic
spectacle. And architecturally speaking, perhaps
the most astonishing new hotel in recent times.
It was erected according to plans laid out by
Zaha Hadid Architects. It is one of the last
projects to have involved the Pritzker-winning
architect. The Morpheus is part of the City of
Dreams Resort – it contains three restaurants,
two of which are led by Alain Ducasse, as well
as a spa with a snow garden, which will feature
real snowfall, a rather remarkable thing
considering Macao’s location in the tropics.
cityofdreamsmacau.com
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT
PREMIUM PROMISE
| Indulgent buffets with live cooking and healthy WellFood ®
| Up to 64 types of sport to try out
| Professional GroupFitness and Body&Mind programmes
included daily
| Well-appointed WellFit ® spas for a relaxing experience
| Varied Shows including plays, comedy sets, cabaret etc.
CLUB CALA SERENA
MALLORCA . SPAIN
e. g. on 24/11/2018, 1 week in double
room, full board made by ROBINSON,
including fl ight from Vienna, per person
from € 898 *
CLUB QUINTA DA RIA
ALGARVE . PORTUGAL
e. g. on 12/01/2019, 1 week in double
room, all-inclusive made by ROBINSON,
including fl ight from Vienna, per person
from € 977 *
For advice and bookings visit your TUI travel agency or www.robinson.com
112 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
*Including early bird savings in selected travel periods, including fl ight and transfer, minimum stay: 7 nights; limited availability.
TUI Deutschland GmbH . Karl-Wiechert-Allee 23 . 30625 Hanover . Germany

a
SAVOIR VIVRE TABLE TALK
Zum Lunch im The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna |
Lunch at the The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna
Generaldirektor Christian Zandonella lud zum Mittagessen.
General Manager Christian Zandonella invited to lunch.
Text: Daniela Pötzl
Eleganz. Außenansicht des Hotels und die
Atmosphere Rooftop Bar mit wunderbarer
Aussicht.
Elegance. Exterior view of the hotel and the
Atmosphere Rooftop Bar with its brilliant view.
CHRISTIAN ZANDONELLA
Generaldirektor Christian Zandonella im
Gespräch mit CD Chefredakteurin Daniela Pötzl. General Manager Christian
Zandonella in conversa-tion with CD editor-in-chief Daniela Pötzl.
Genuss am Brett & Teller. Das Steak (oben) und Marillenknödel
als Dessert im hoteleigenen Restaurant Dstrikt.
Indulgence on board & plate. The steak (above) and apricot
dumplings as dessert at the hotel’s own Dstrikt Steakhouse.
PHOTOS: HOTEL THE RITZ-CARLTON, VIENNA; DANIELA PÖTZL
Mitte der 1970er Jahre wanderten
seine Eltern von Südtirol nach
Deutschland aus. In Meran geboren,
war Christian Zandonella dann in
München heimisch, wo seine Eltern eine
Eisdiele betrieben. „Meine beiden Geschwister
und ich haben im „Rotationsmodus“
mitgeholfen“, erzählt er. Wie viele Eidotter
man für die Eissorte Vanille benötigt,
weiß er heute noch: „32 haben wir damals
nach der Schule aufgeschlagen!“
Mit 16 Jahren begann er dann eine Ausbildung
zum Restaurant-Fachmann in
München. Nach deren Abschluss arbeitete
er für den legendären Gerd Käfer in München
im Einkauf. Danach ging es zurück
ins Restaurant – ins St. Regis auf Mallorca
als Maître, als Restaurantmanager für das
Ritz-Carlton, Cancun und nach New York
ins Le Bernardin mit Eric Ripert als Küchenchef.
„Ripert eröffnete 2005 dann sein
Restaurant Blue auf den Cayman Islands.
Ich war dort als Assistant Director Food &
Beverage tätig. Uns gelang eine der erfolgreichsten
Eröffnungen und das Blue wurde
das beste Restaurant in der Karibik“, erzählt
Zandonella mit Stolz. „Danach wollte
ich zuerst wieder nach Europa zurück“, erzählt
er. Nach Stationen in Barcelona, Berlin
und Toronto war Bahrain dann die letzte
vor Wien. Im The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna
ist er nun seit Februar 2017 Hoteldirektor.
Lustiges Detail am Rande: Während Zandonella
von Bahrain nach Wien wechselte,
siedelte der damalige Wiener Direktor,
Jean-Paul Dantil nach Bahrain.
„Wien ist meine Lieblingsstadt“, zeigt
sich Zandonella ganz begeistert. „Und sie
besitzt einen unglaublichen Charme“, stellt
er außerdem fest. Nicht zuletzt ist es ihm
und seinem Team mit knapp 200 Mitarbeitern
aus rund 40 Nationen bestens gelungen,
auch die Wienerinnen und Wiener ins
Hotel zu bekommen, nicht zuletzt mit dem
Dstrikt Steakhouse. „Der Business Lunch
in unserem Farm-to-table Steakhouse ist
sehr beliebt“, erzählt Zandonella, „es ist eines
der erfolgreichsten Hotelrestaurants in
Wien.“ Was nicht verwundert, hat man erst
einmal das köstlich gebratene T-Bone
Steak am Teller vor sich. „Wir bereiten unsere
Steaks mit top Bio-Fleischqualität, die
zu 90% aus Österreich stammt, zu“, so der
Direktor. Absolut top ist auch die Atmosphere
Rooftop Bar im 8. Stock, die einen
der schönsten Überblicke der Stadt bietet.
Dort lautet das Thema „Made in Austria“–
serviert werden u.a. ausgewählte Cocktails,
die mit dem hauseigenen D-scovery Gin
hergestellt werden. Und auch was den Spa
betrifft, braucht man als externer Gast keinerlei
Berührungsängste haben: Exklusiv
verwöhnt wird man im The Ritz-Carlton
Spa mit den nachhaltigen Top-Produkten
der Vorarlbergerin Susanne Kaufmann,
entweder im Day Spa oder mit Spa-Mitgliedschaften
von einer Woche bis sechs
Monate.
Christian Zandonella, der Wien am
liebsten mit dem Fahrrad erobert und in
seiner Freizeit gerne laufen geht, kann sich
später vorstellen, die Idee der Eisdiele wieder
zu beleben. Vielleicht überrascht er uns
ja schon im nächsten Sommer mit seiner
Lieblings-Eissorte Stracciatella.
In the mid-1970s, his parents decided to
emigrate from South Tyrol to Germany.
Born in Merano, Christian Zandonella
then became a resident of Munich,
where his parents operated an ice-cream
parlour. ”My two siblings and I helped
along on a rotation basis,“ he explains. He
still remembers exactly how many egg
yolks are required to make vanilla ice
cream to this day, ”After school, we would
come home and crack open 32 eggs!“
At the age of 16, he began his training as
a gastronomy professional in Munich. After
completing his training, he worked in
procurement for the legendary Gerd Käfer
in Munich. Then, he returned to gastronomy
– to the St. Regis on Mallorca as maître,
as restaurant manager for the Ritz-Carlton,
Cancun and to New York to the Le Bernardin
with Eric Ripert as head chef. ”Then, in
2005, Ripert launched his restaurant Blue
on the Cayman Islands. There, I was active
as assistant director food & beverage. We
accomplished one of the most successful
openings and the Blue became the best restaurant
in the Caribbean,“ Zandonella recounts
with pride. ”After that, however, I
felt the need to return to Europe,“ he says.
After stations in Barcelona, Berlin and Toronto,
Bahrain was his last stop before Vienna.
He has now been at the Ritz-Carlton,
Vienna since February 2017. A funny note
on the side: At the same time as Zandonella
switched from Bahrain to Vienna, the former
Viennese director, Jean Paul Dantil,
made his move to Bahrain.
”Vienna is my favourite city,“ Zandonella
reveals with excitement. ”The city has
an incredible charm,“ he notes. He and his
team consisting of almost 200 employees
from around 40 different countries have
also managed to attract the local Viennese
to their hotel, not least because of the D-
strikt Steakhouse. ”The business lunch at
our farm-to-table steakhouse is very popular,“
says Zandonella, ”it is one of the most
successful hotel restaurants in Vienna.“
Which doesn’t come as a surprise once
you’ve got the deliciously roasted T-bone
steak in front of you. ”We prepare our
steaks using top-notch organic meat, 90%
of which originates in Austria.“
Just as magnificent is the Atmosphere
Rooftop Bar, equipped with new furnishings
and offering one of the very best
views of the city. There, on the 8th floor,
everything revolves around the theme of
“Made in Austria“ – on the menu, among
others, selected cocktails, many of which
are made with the in-house D-scovery gin.
And there is no need to stay away from
the spa as an external guest: The sustainable
quality products, made by Susanne Kaufmann,
a Vorarlberg native, are there to
spoil the clientele. You can enjoy them either
at the Day Spa or with memberships
starting at one week and up to six months.
Christian Zandonella, whose favourite
way to explore Vienna is by bicycle, could
see himself revive the idea of the ice-cream
parlour once again. Perhaps he will already
surprise us with his favourite flavour stracciatella
next summer.
ist in Meran (Südtirol) geboren, in München aufgewachsen und absolvierte dort eine
Ausbildung zum Restaurant-Fachmann. Seine Karriere führte ihn dann später ins Hotelgewerbe,
wo er auf Mallorca, in Mexiko, den USA, der Karibik, in Barcelona, Berlin, Toronto und
Bahrain tätig war. Seit Februar 2017 führt er das The Ritz- Carlton, Vienna als Generaldirektor.
was born in Merano (South Tyrol), grew up in Munich and completed his training as a gastronomy
professional there. His career has led him to the hotel industry, working on Mallorca, in Mexico, the
USA, the Caribbean, Barcelona, Berlin, Toronto and Bahrain. Since February 2017, he has been heading
the Ritz-Carlton, Vienna as General Manager.
INFO:
THE RITZ-CARLTON,
VIENNA
Schubertring 5-7, 1010 Wien
ritzcarlton.com
Stilvolle Zeit der Muße. Der Gastgarten des Dstrikt
Steakhouse an der Wiener Ringstraße (links) und ein
Behandlungsraum des The Ritz-Carlton Spa.
Stylish leisure time. The guest garden of the Dstrikt
Steakhouse on the Ringstrasse boulevard and the spa’s
treatment room (left).
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
115

SAVOIR VIVRE MUSEUMS AND DIGITALISATION
Durchleuchtete Meisterwerke
Illuminated masterpieces
Text: Evelyn Rois und Bruno Stubenrauch
Neue Verfahren und technische Entwicklungen entlocken den
Alten Meistern in Österreichs Museen neue Geheimnisse und
hochspannende Erkenntnisse über ihren Erschaffungsprozess.
New technical processes and developments are revealing secrets
and new insights about the creative processes behind the old
masterpieces in Austria’s museums.
Wenn sich im Oktober 2018 die Türen zur
großen Bruegel-Ausstellung im Kunsthistorischen
Museum Wien öffnen, geht
zeitgleich der Bruegel-Viewer insidebruegel.net online,
der sensationelle, bisher ungesehene Einblicke
in das Werk des großen niederländischen Malers
des 16. Jahrhunderts ermöglicht. Die Ausstellung im
KHM, zu der sich Werke aus der ganzen Welt auf
den Weg nach Wien machen, versammelt mit beinahe
30 Tafelgemälden und ebensovielen Zeichnungen
und Druckgrafiken mehr als die Hälfte des erhaltenen
Schaffens von Pieter Bruegel dem Älteren.
Das Kunsthistorische Museum Wien hat die bahnbrechende
Schau zum Anlass genommen, seine eigenen
Bruegel-Bestände im Rahmen eines internationalen
Forschungsprojektes mit den neuesten
wissenschaftlichen Methoden, von Röntgen- und
Infrarotaufnahmen, Pigmentanalysen bis zu 3D-
Aufnahmen der Bilder, einer detaillierten Analyse
zu unterziehen. Das Verzeichnis der beteiligten Institutionen
an dem, seit 2012 laufenden, Projekt liest
sich wie das Who‘s Who der internationalen Museumslandschaft.
Ein in Zusammenarbeit mit der TU
Wien entwickeltes Positionierungssystem und die
von der Universität Brüssel erstellte Software geben
nun im Bruegel-Viewer nicht nur Einblick in jedes
kleinste Detail der Gemälde, sie ermöglichen auch
den direkten Vergleich der Abbildungen in den verschiedenen
Wellenlängenbereichen.
State of the Art
Dabei konnten eine ganze Reihe neuer Erkenntnisse
gewonnen werden, wie Elke Oberthaler, Leiterin
der Gemälderestaurierung im KHM, betont.
„Einige Bildtafeln wurden in der Größe verändert
und in mehreren Gemälden sind Farbveränderungen
zu beobachten. Wir wissen nun über das ur-
Aufnahmen in unterschiedlichen
Wellenlängenbereichen
ermöglichen erstmals
einen Blick in HD unter die
Malschichten der Bruegel-
Bestände des KHM.
For the first time, images in
different wavelength ranges
enable a glimpse in HD,
looking under the paint
layers of the Bruegel
inventory of the KHM.
116 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Bruegel unter der
digitalen Lupe.
Bruegel under the
digital lens.
Genauestens analysiert:
„Bauerntanz“ von Pieter
Bruegel d. Ä., ca. 1567, KHM
Wien.
Exactly analysed: “Peasant
Dance“ by Pieter Bruegel the
Elder, c. 1567, KHM Vienna.
PHOTOS: PHOTOS: KHM-MUSEUMSVERBAND
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
117

SAVOIR VIVRE MUSEUMS AND DIGITALISATION
Pieter Bruegel: „Turmbau zu
Babel“, ca. 1568, aus dem
Museum Boijmans Van
Beuningen Rotterdam, ist im
KHM zu Gast (oben), ebenso
„Maler und Kenner“ aus der
Albertina Wien (unten).
Pieter Bruegel: “Tower of
Babel“, circa 1568, from the
Museum Boijmans Van
Beuningen Rotterdam, is
guest in the KHM (above),
as well as “Painters and
Connoisseurs“ from the
Albertina Museum Vienna
(below).
sprüngliche Format und auch über die originale
Farbgebung sehr gut Bescheid und verstehen, wie
die Kompositionen ursprünglich ausgesehen und
gewirkt haben.“ Hochspannende Einblicke in die
Arbeitsweise Bruegels lieferte auch die erstmalige
Sichtbarmachung der Unterzeichnungen unter der
Malschicht mittels Infrarotreflektografie. „Bruegel
verwendete für Staffeleigemälde Eins-zu-eins Vorzeichnungen,
die aus der Tapisserie bzw. der Freskomalerei
entlehnt sind, und hat dann mittels verschiedener
Unterzeichnungen noch am Bildträger
weitergearbeitet. Die Kombination der verschiedenen
Techniken ist sehr außergewöhnlich“, so Oberthaler.
Die Röntgenaufnahmen haben weiters gezeigt,
dass Bruegel noch in fortgeschrittenem
Malprozess Änderungen an der Bildkomposition
vornahm. Beim berühmten Bild „Jäger im Schnee“
etwa wurde die dem Betrachter am nächsten stehende,
für die Komposition sehr wichtige Figur, nachträglich
eingefügt. Die spektakulären Forschungsergebnisse
stehen auch innerhalb der
Bruegel-Ausstellung in einem eigenen Raum und
auf interaktiven Touchscreens den Besucherinnen
und Besuchern zur Verfügung. Anders als die Digitalisierungsprozesse,
die etwa seit 2012 Google Arts
& Culture, oder die aus dem EU-Budget mitfinanzierte
Plattform europeana.eu betreiben, und die
weltweit tausende Kunstwerke in HD Aufnahmen
online stellen, und damit einen wichtigen Anstoß
lieferten, verfolgt das im Bruegel-Viewer resultierende
Projekt einen viel tiefer gehenden, wissenschaftlicheren
Ansatz und liefert der Bruegel-Forschung
wie interessierten Laien gleichermaßen neue
substantielle Einsichten in das Werk des flämischen
Meisters. „Die Bruegel Ausstellung des KHM setzt
in jeder Hinsicht neue Maßstäbe“, meint denn auch
Generaldirektorin Sabine Haag. „Ein interdisziplinärer
Ansatz, unter Einbeziehung der technologischen
Möglichkeiten ist heute State of the Art wissenschaftlicher
Erforschung und sollte daher
integrativer Bestandteil einer solch anspruchsvollen
Ausstellung sein. Umso mehr, wenn dabei so hoch
interessante Ergebnisse zutage kommen! Das Publikum
ist außerordentlich interessiert daran, einem
Künstler über die Schulter zu schauen und den kreativen
Prozess zu verstehen.“
Ein neuer Heiliger
Begleitende Forschungsprojekte werden für die
großen Ausstellungen zusehends zum internationalen
Standard. Von ähnlich umfassendem Ausmaß
war auch das Bosch Research and Conservation
Project zum fünfhundertsten Todestag des Malers
aus ’s-Hertogenbosch 2016. Die Ergebnisse – so
konnten etwa später übermalte Figuren sichtbar gemacht
werden – sind auf der beeindruckenden
Website boschproject.org nachzusehen. Das in der
Gemäldegalerie der Akademie der bildenden Künste
in Wien befindliche, zu Boschs Hauptwerken zählende
„Weltgerichtstriptychon“ wurde von der neuen
Direktorin Julia M. Nauhaus 2017 nachträglich
den wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung zugeführt.
„Unser Altar ist noch recht unerforscht und es gibt
viele offene Fragen. In einer interdisziplinären, allein
dem Weltgerichts-Altar gewidmeten Konferenz
werden sich 2019 in Wien erstmals internationale
Expertinnen und Experten aus verschiedenen Fachbereichen
über unser Triptychon austauschen.“ Erste
Ergebnisse konnten bereits im renommierten
Burlington Magazine publiziert werden: In der Infrarotreflektografie
der nachträglich ausgekratzten
Wappenschilder an den Außentafeln konnte Hippolyte
de Berthoz nun als Auftraggeber des Altars
identifiziert und damit auch richtig gestellt werden,
dass der rechte Flügel den Heiligen Hippolyt, und
nicht wie bis anhin angenommen den Heiligen
Bavo, darstellt. Nauhaus hofft, dass durch den internationalen
Austausch weitere Fragen geklärt werden
können: „Noch immer ist einiges unklar im
Hinblick auf die Auftragsvergabe und wo der Altar
nach seiner Fertigstellung gestanden ist. Eine weitere
Frage ist, ob man anhand unseres Altars nähere
Aufschlüsse darüber gewinnen kann, wie Boschs
Werkstattbetrieb funktioniert hat. Auch zur Malweise
und Datierung wird es sicher neue Erkenntnisse
geben.“ Die umfangreichen Informationen
werden dann dem Publikum, nach dem Umzug der
PHOTOS: MUSEUM BOIJMANS VAN BEUNINGEN; ALBERTINA, WIEN (3); KHM-MUSEUMSVERBAND
Gemäldegalerie 2020 von ihrem derzeitigen Ausweichquartier
im Theatermuseum in ihre angestammten
Räumlichkeiten am Schillerplatz, in
Form einer Medienstation zugänglich gemacht, wie
Nauhaus betont.
Feldhase revisited
Auch für die kommende, große Albrecht Dürer-
Ausstellung im Herbst 2019 in der Wiener Albertina,
werden die Bestände – darunter natürlich auch
der weltberühmte Feldhase – aufwändigen Untersuchungen
unterzogen. „Wir erhoffen uns davon eine
Neubewertung des Mediums Zeichnung im Werkprozess
Albrecht Dürers, die Rekonstruktion zusammengehörender
Werkkomplexe sowie die fallweise
Korrektur der Werkchronologie“, erläutert
Christof Metzger, Chefkurator der Albertina, die
Ziele des umfangreichen Projekts. Erste spannende
Entdeckungen kann auch die Albertina bereits vermelden:
„Bei Dürers Werk „Die Heilige Sippe“ von
1511 lässt die Infrarotaufnahme die Zeichnung aufgrund
der verwendeten Eisengallustinte vollständig
verschwinden. In der kontrastverstärkten HD-Aufnahme
wurden auf der nicht einsehbaren Rückseite
von Dürer entworfene Pokale sichtbar.“ Alle gewonnenen
Erkenntnisse werden in die online abrufbare
Datenbank der Albertina eingearbeitet, wie Metzger
weiter ausführt, „und selbstredend mit einem umfangreichen,
wissenschaftlichen Katalog und modernen
Vermittlungsmedien in der Ausstellung präsentiert.“
Dank der fortschreitenden Digitalisierung, immer
ausgefeilterer Technologien im optischen Bereich
und einer zusehends vernetzter agierenden,
internationalen Forschungscommunity können wir
uns also in Zukunft noch auf einige neue Einblicke
in die Meisterwerke der Museen Österreichs freuen.
The opening of the doors to the Bruegel exhibition
at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna
(KHM) in October 2018 marks the simultaneous
online launch of the Bruegel Viewer on
insidebruegel.net, providing sensational, hitherto
unseen insights into the works of the great 16 th -century
Dutch painter. The exhibition at the KHM, for
which works from all over the world are currently
making their way to Vienna, will unite nearly 30 panel
paintings and just as many drawings and prints,
which is more than half of all the preserved works of
Pieter Bruegel the Elder. On the occasion of the
ground-breaking exhibition, the Kunsthistorisches
Museum has decided to employ the most state-ofthe-art
scientific methods for a detailed analysis of its
own Bruegel inventory as part of an international research
project, from X-ray and infrared imaging, pigment
analyses to 3D photography of the paintings.
The list of the institutions involved in the project
launched in 2012, reads like a who’s who of the international
museum scene. A positioning system developed
in collaboration with the TU Wien and software
created by a Brussels university not only provide
insight into every little detail of the paintings in the
form of the Bruegel Viewer, but they also make it possible
to directly compare the images in their different
wavelength ranges.
State of the art
Thanks to the new technologies, a whole series of
new findings could be made, as Elke Oberthaler,
head of painting restoration at the KHM, emphasizes.
”Several panel paintings had their size changed,
whilst colour changes can also be identified in quite
a few of the paintings. We now have a very good understanding
of the original format and of the original
colouring, and also know how the composition
had looked originally and what its effect was.“ Exciting
new insights into Bruegel’s methodology are
also being revealed as sketches underneath the surface
of the paintings have been made visible by the
use of infrared reflectography. ”For his easel paintings,
Bruegel used one to one preliminary sketches,
a technique borrowed from tapestry and fresco
painting, and then used various additional sketches
as he resumed his work on the medium. The combination
of these different techniques is quite exceptional,“
says Oberthaler. Furthermore, the radiographs
have shown that Bruegel continued to
undertake changes in composition far into the painting
process. For example, the figure closest to the
observer in Bruegel’s famous “The Hunters in the
Snow“, who is crucial for the painting’s overall composition,
was only added later. The spectacular research
results have their own room as part of the
Bruegel exhibition and can be explored by visitors
with the help of an interactive touchscreen. Differing
from the digitalisation procedures carried out
by Google Arts & Culture since 2012 or the EU cofinanced
platform europeana.eu, which put
thousands of works of art from around the world
Albrecht Dürer: „Betende
Hände“, 1508 (oben), „Die
Heilige Sippe“, 1511 (unten),
Albertina Wien.
Albrecht Dürer: “Praying
Hands“, 1508 (above), “The
Holy Family“, 1511 (below),
Albertina Vienna.
Pieter Bruegel, „Jäger im Schnee“, KHM, Detail. Das
Infrarotreflektogramm (Mitte) macht die Unterzeichnungen
sichtbar, die Röntgenaufnahme (rechts) zeigt,
dass die dritte Figur nachträglich eingefügt wurde.
Pieter Bruegel, “Hunters in the Snow“, KHM, detail.
The infrared reflectogram (center) makes the drawings
beneath visible, the X-ray photograph (right) shows
that the third figure has been added later.
118 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

SAVOIR VIVRE MUSEUMS AND DIGITALISATION
PROMOTION
Hieronymus Boschs „Weltgerichts-Triptychon“ der Gemäldegalerie
der Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien (links) und seine
Außentafeln (unten) werden im Rahmen des Bosch Projects
eingehend untersucht.
Hieronymus Bosch‘s „The Last Judgement“ of the Picture gallery
of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna (above) and his external
panels (below) are examined in detail as part of the Bosch
Project.
INFO
Bruegel
Kunsthistorisches Museum
Wien
2.10.2018-13.1.2019
khm.at
Bosch tritt auf!
Bosch on stage!
Gemäldegalerie der Akademie
der bildenden Künste Wien zu
Gast im Theatermuseum.
Picture gallery of the Academy
of Fine Arts hosted by the
Theatermuseum.
akademiegalerie.at
Albrecht Dürer
Albertina Wien
20.9.2019-6.1.2020
albertina.at
insidebruegel.net
boschproject.org
online in the form of HD scans, thereby providing a
key impulse for the project, the project resulting
from the Bruegel Viewer offers a much more profound
and scientific approach, providing Bruegel
researchers and interested laypersons alike with new
and substantial insights into the works of the Flemish
master. ”The KHM’s Bruegel exhibition is setting
new standards in every respect,“ adds general
director Sabine Haag. ”An interdisciplinary approach
coupled with new technological possibilities
is the state-of-the-art approach to scientific research
today and should thus be an integral component of
such a sophisticated exhibition. Particularly if it
leads to such exciting results! The audience is extraordinarily
interested in seeing a master at his work
and in understanding the creative processes behind
the paintings.“
A new saint
Research projects accompanying large exhibitions
are increasingly becoming a new international standard.
The Bosch Research and Conservation Project
on the occasion of the 500-year-anniversary of the
death of the painter from ‘s-Hertogenbosch in 2016
was of a similar scope. The results – which made retroactively
painted over figures visible for the first
time – can be seen on the impressive website boschproject.org.
Bosch’s triptych “The Last Judgement“,
located in the Picture gallery of the Academy of Fine
Arts Vienna and considered among his most important
works, was subsequently subjected to scientific
research in 2017 by the new director Julia M. Nauhaus.
”Our altarpiece is still quite unexplored and
there remain many open questions. As part of an interdisciplinary
conference solely dedicated to the judgement
altarpiece in Vienna in 2019, international
experts from various disciplines will come together
for the first time to discuss the triptych.“ The first results
have already been published in the renowned
Burlington Magazine. Thanks to the infrared reflectography
of the retroactively scratched out coat of
arms on the outside panels, Hippolyte de Berthoz
could now be identified as the commissioner of the
altarpiece, clarifying that the triptych’s right wing depicts
Hippolytus of Rome and not Bavo of Ghent as
had originally been assumed. Nauhaus hopes that the
international exchange will help resolve additional
questions. ”Many things are still unclear in regard to
the commissioning and where the altarpiece stood
after it was completed. Another question is whether
our altarpiece could be used to gain additional insight
into the inner workings of Bosch’s workshop. And
there are surely going to be many new insights regarding
the painting technique and the dating of the piece.“
The extensive information will then be made
accessible to audiences in the form of a media station
as soon as the Paintings Gallery returns from its current
temporary stationing at Vienna’s Theatermuseum
in 2020.
Young Hare revisited
For the upcoming Albrecht Dürer exhibition in
autumn 2019 at the Albertina museum in Vienna, the
inventory is – among it, of course, the world-famous
“Young Hare“ – likewise undergoing extensive research.
”We are hoping for a reassessment of drawing
as a medium in Albert Dürer’s creation process, the
reconstruction of related work complexes as well as a
case-by-case correction of the chronology of his
works,“ Christof Metzger, chief curator at the Albertina,
elaborates on the project’s extensive goals. The
Albertina museum is already able to announce the
first exciting discoveries that have been made: ”The
infrared imaging of Dürer’s piece “The Holy Kinship“
from 1511 allows the drawing to almost completely
disappear due to the use of iron gall ink. The contrast-enhanced
HD image has rendered visible trophies
sketched by Dürer on the hitherto inaccessible
backside.“ All new discoveries will be added to the
Albertina’s online database, as Metzger continues to
explain, ”and will, of course, be presented at the exhibition
with an extensive, scientific catalogue and state-of-the-art
communication media.“
Thanks to the advances in digitalisation, more and
more sophisticated camera technologies and an increasingly
networked international research community,
we have even more new exciting insights into
masterpieces in Austria’s museums to look forward to
in the future.
PHOTOS: GEMÄLDEGALERIE DER AKADEMIE DER BILDENDEN KÜNSTE WIEN
ENTGELTLICHE EINSCHALTUNG • EINE INFORMATION DES LANDES NIEDERÖSTERREICH • PHOTOS: KLAUS PICHLER (2), CHRISTOPH FUCHS
House of History
With Austria’s first “Haus der Geschichte” (“House of History”), the Museum
Niederösterreich has carried out internationally recognised pioneer work. Later
this year in September, the museum in St. Pölten will participate in a special
exhibition on the 1848 revolution in Vienna.
On 3,000 square metres and with more than 2,000
different objects, the Haus der Geschichte in St.
Pölten’s culture district tells Lower Austria’s story
within a Central European context. Fascinating topics
concerning Central European society in both
past and present are explored thematically rather
than chronologically. The museum also sees itself
as a network partner between the country’s scientific
research institutes, the various history museums
in Lower Austria as well as a wide audience.
Age-appropriate school programmes and varied
family activities are also available. Several wellknown
people have already participated in the
contemporary eyewitness forum “Erzählte Geschichte”
(“Told History”), including Marko Feingold,
Rotraud A. Perner or Peter Turrini.
The forgotten revolution of 1848
In early September 2018, the Haus der Geschichte at
the Museum Niederösterreich will launch an exhibition
at the very location where Austrian history was
made over and over again, and where the revolution
of 1848 also had its origins: The Palais Niederösterreich
on Herrengasse in Vienna. Together with the
National Archives of Austria and the “Verein für Geschichte
der ArbeiterInnenbewegung” (“Association
for the History of the Labour Movement”), the Haus
der Geschichte is preparing the special exhibition
“1848. The Forgotten Revolution” at the building’s
famous historic premises.
A contested republic
Until spring next year, the special exhibition “A Contested
Republic. Austria 1918–1938” can be seen at
the “Haupthaus” in St. Pölten. The exhibition documents
how the Austrian republic drifted into dictatorship
after a hopeful start and how political competition
led to political violence and civil war. An
interactive “conflict generator” shows the irreconcilable
positions held by the individual political
camps. Comments from historians explain what differentiates
the second republic from the first. The
special exhibition is a must-see during the memorial
year of 2018.
INFO
Haus der Geschichte at the
Museum Niederösterreich
Sonderausstellung
„A Contested Republic.
Austria 1918-1938“
until 24 March 2019,
Thur to Sun + public holidays,
9:00–17:00, Kulturbezirk 5,
3100 St. Pölten,
Tel.: +43 2742 908090
www.museumnoe.at
“1848 The Forgotten Revolution”,
special exhibition at
the Palais Niederösterreich
4 September until 31 October
2018, Thur to Fri 11:00–19:00,
Sat: 11:00–15:00
Herrengasse 13, 1010 Vienna,
Tel.: +43 2742 908090
1848.vg.at
120 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

SAVOIR VIVRE AUSTRIA‘S EU-PRESIDENCY 2018 -
ART & CULTURE
Austrian Art goes Brussels
Text: Rois & Stubenrauch
INFO
Noch bis 31.12.2018 hat Österreich den EU Ratsvorsitz inne. Als dezidierte Kulturnation tritt
Österreich in Brüssels Kulturinstitutionen mit einem durchaus ambitionierten Programm
und einem Best-of aus bewährten und neuen Formaten auf.
Austria will continue to hold the EU Council presidency until 31.12.2018. As a determinedly
cultural nation, Austria is presenting itself at Brussel’s cultural institutions with a rather
ambitious programme and a best-of of tried & tested as well as new formats.
PHOTOS: XYXXYXYXY
PHOTOS: ARS ELECTRONICA; YANNICK SAS; HARALD HOFFMANN; CORI O‘IAN; BELVEDERE WIEN; DOMINIQUE NABOKOV; MARTIN U. K. LENGEMANN; WIENER SYMPHONIKER
Im Herbst kommt der öffentliche Teil von Österreichs
Kulturauftritt in Brüssel, der die kulturellen
Farbtupfer in den Institutionen der EU komplettiert,
erst so richtig in die Gänge: Das Palais des Beaux-
Arts, das unter dem griffigen Kürzel BOZAR firmiert,
lanciert mit dem Start der Reihe „Focus on Austria“
ein breites Spektrum an Kulturevents. Dabei präsentiert
sich Österreich auf der Bühne der EU als fest in
der Gegenwart verankerte, international vernetzte
Kulturnation. Den Auftakt machen am 13. September
zwei Dokumentarfilme von Ruth Beckermann. Herzstück
der Österreich-Reihe ist dann die Ausstellung
„Klimt ist nicht das Ende“ aus dem Wiener Belvedere,
die den künstlerischen Aufbruch im Mitteleuropa der
Zwischenkriegszeit aufrollt. In den Konzertsälen des
BOZAR spannt sich ein weiter musikalischer Bogen
von den Wiener Philharmonikern unter dem Dirigat
von Herbert Blomstedt über das Hagen Quartett bis zu
Wolfgang Muthspiel. Das bereits in Linz bei der Ars
Electronica erfolgreiche Projekt „Philip Glass 20 Études
for pPano - visualized“ mit der japanischen Pianistin
Maki Namekawa und großflächigen, computergenerierten
Visualisierungen in Echtzeit von Cori O‘Ian
verwandelt im November das BOZAR in ein analogdigitales
Klang- und Farbspektakel.
Auch das innovative Theaterformat „Ganymed“
der Regisseurin Jacqueline Kornmüller, das zuletzt
im KHM für Begeisterung sorgte, expandiert nach
Brüssel: Als „Ganymed goes Brussels“ findet das
preisgekrönte Projekt in den Musées Royaux des Beaux
Arts an der Place Royale eine Fortsetzung. Für
die Brüsseler Ausgabe stellt etwa die Londoner
Schriftstellerin Zadie Smith ihren Text dem „Portrait
einer alten Frau“ von Balthasar Denner gegenüber.
Johanna Doderer bringt eine eigens für das Projekt
entstandene Komposition zu Peter Paul Rubens‘
„L‘assomption de la Vierge“ zur Aufführung. Thomas
Glavinic, Souleymane Sanogo oder die belgische
Schriftstellerin Lize Spit liefern weitere Beiträge
für die sieben Abende in der Gemäldegalerie des
Museums. Die Ausstellung “Frauen in der Art brut?“
macht ab Anfang Oktober auch das Brüsseler art et
marges musée zum Schauplatz des österreichischen
Kulturauftritts. Ein selbstbewusster und aktueller
Querschnitt österreichischen Kulturschaffens fernab
gängiger Klischees spannt im Herbst sein Netz über
Brüssels Kulturlandschaft – bevor dann Rumänien
am 1.1.2019 die Ratspräsidentschaft übernimmt.
Im BOZAR in Brüssel läuft die Reihe „Focus on Austria“.
The “Focus on Austria“ series is running at the BOZAR in
Brussels.
This autumn, the public part of Austria’s cultural
programme in Brussels, which is complementing
the nation’s marks left across EU institutions,
is truly getting started. With the initiation of
the “Focus on Austria“ series, the Centre for Fine Arts
in Brussels, also referred to by the acronym BOZAR,
is launching a broad spectrum of cultural events.
Here, Austria will present itself on the EU stage as an
internationally connected cultural nation that is also
firmly anchored in the present. The event will begin
on 13 September with two documentary films by
Ruth Beckermann. The heart of the Austria series will
be the exhibition “Beyond Klimt“ from Vienna’s Belvedere,
which will present the artistic explosion of
Central Europe during the interwar period. The
BOZAR concert halls will be graced by a wide range
of musical talents, from the Vienna Philharmonic
conducted by Herbert Blomstedt to the Hagen Quartet
and Wolfgang Muthspiel. The project “Philip Glass
20 Études for Piano – visualized“ with the Japanese
pianist Maki Namekawa, which already had a successful
run at the Ars Electronica in Linz, and large,
computer-generated real-time visualisations by Cori
O’lan will transform the BOZAR into an analoguedigital
sound and colour spectacle this November.
The innovative theatre format “Ganymed“ by the
director Jacqueline Kornmüller, which most recently
caused widespread delight at the KHM, is also expanding
to Brussels. The award-winning project will continue
at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium at
the Place Royale as “Ganymed goes Brussels“. For the
Brussels edition, the London-based writer Zadie Smith
will contrast her text with Balthasar Denner’s “Portrait
of an Old Woman“. Johanna Doderer is performing a
composition to Peter Paul Rubens’ “L‘assomption de la
Vierge“, exclusively created for the project. Thomas
Glavinic, Souleymane Sanogo and the Belgian writer
Lize Spit will make additional contributions to the seven
evenings at the museum’s gallery. In early October,
the exhibition “Women in Art Brut?” will make
Brussel’s Art et Marges museum an additional showcase
for Austria’s cultural programme. In short, a selfconfident
and contemporary cross-section of Austria’s
creative endeavours that goes far beyond the usual clichés
will cast its net across Brussel’s cultural scene in
the autumn - before Romania then takes over the EU
Council presidency on 01.01.2019.
Focus on Austria
13.9.2018 – 18.1.2019
bozar.be
Ganymed goes Brussels
11.10. – 11.12.2018
fine-arts-museum.be
Les femmes dans l‘Art Brut?
5.10.2018– 10.2.2019
artetmarges.be
eu2018.at
Ars Electronica zu Gast im BOZAR, Brüssel: Maki
Namekawa, Piano; Cori O‘Ian, Visualisierungen.
Ars Electronica at the BOZAR, Brussels: Maki Namekawa,
Piano; Cori O’lan, visualisations.
Rechts: Wiener Symphoniker; Herbert Blomstedt
dirigiert die Wiener Philharmoniker; Zadie Smith
tritt bei „Ganymed goes Brussels“ auf.
Right: The Wiener Symphoniker; Herbert Blomstedt
conducts the Vienna Philharmonic; Zadie Smith
performs at “Ganymed goes Brussels“.
Oben: Hagen Quartett; Cori O‘Ian;
Gustav Klimt: J. Staude, 1917-1918.
Top: Hagen Quartett; Cori O‘Ian;
Gustav Klimt: J. Staude, 1917-1918.
122 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018 123

SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADORS OF MUSIC
Culture Talk Joyce DiDonato
Die US-amerikanische Mezzosopranistin im Cercle Diplomatique Exklusivinterview über das Glück, die Rolle der Didon zu
verkörpern, Unkonventionalität in der Opernwelt und wie man durch Musik zu einem besseren Menschen wird.
In an exclusive interview with Cercle Diplomatique, the American mezzo-soprano discusses the fortune of being able to embody
Didon, unconventionality in the opera world and how music can help you become a better person.
Interview: Rois & Stubenrauch
INFO
PERSONAL DETAILS
4
PHOTOS: SIMON PAULY
In der Neuproduktion von Hector Berlioz‘ Oper „Les
Troyens“, die am 14.10.2018 an der Wiener Staatsoper
Premiere hat, singen Sie die Partie der Didon, eine der
großen, tragischen Frauenfiguren der Weltliteratur. Was
fasziniert Sie an diesem Charakter?
Einfach alles! Sie ist eine Frau, die die gewaltige Last auf ihren
Schultern trägt, ihre geliebte Zivilisation wiederaufbauen zu
müssen, ganz allein und weit entfernt von zu Hause. Wenn Énée
ankommt, gesteht sie sich das Recht wieder zu lieben zu, und er
bricht ihr das Herz. Es ist eine epische Reise für sie – ihre Würde,
ihre Führerschaft und sogar ihre Weiblichkeit stehen auf dem
Spiel. Vor allem ist es eine enorm emotionale Reise, gekoppelt
mit einer ganz, ganz großen Musik, und daher ist es wirklich ein
Geschenk, so eine Rolle spielen zu dürfen.
Das von Berlioz selbst verfasste Libretto von „Les
Troyens“ basiert auf Vergils Aeneis. Worin liegt die
Relevanz dieses antiken Stoffes für das 21. Jahrhundert?
Es behandelt den Zerfall einer Zivilisation, den Wiederaufbau des
Heimatlandes eines ganzen Volkes, die Misere von Flüchtlingen,
die Macht der Kunst, Kultur zu definieren: Es ist eine Geschichte,
die direkt den heutigen Schlagzeilen entstammen könnte.
Berlioz‘ Monumentalwerk hat eine Spieldauer (inklusive
Pausen) von fünf Stunden - wie schafft man das als
Sängerin?
Als wir das Stück im letzten Frühling in Straßburg aufführten,
war es die Energie der Musik, die uns durch die Aufführung trug.
Da jede einzelne Szene dieser Oper so meisterhaft geschaffen
wurde, ist es recht einfach, die Aufmerksamkeit des Publikums
aufrecht zu erhalten.
Sie entsprechen ganz und gar nicht dem Bild der
abgehobenen Operndiva, sind unkonventionell und äußern
sich etwa immer wieder auch politisch ...
Ich denke nicht viel darüber nach, ob ich mich konform benehme
oder nicht. Aber ich denke doch sehr viel über meine Rolle als
Bürgerin in der Welt nach, und ich fühle mich veranlasst, so zu
sprechen und zu handeln, dass meine Taten zu einer Verbesserung
der Welt beitragen. Ich glaube fest an den Wert und an die
Gleichheit jedes menschlichen Lebens. Und es verstört mich,
wenn ich Verstöße gegen diese Prinzipien wahrnehme. Meine
Welt besteht aus Musik und Harmonie, aus Ausdruck und
Empathie. Wie kann ich in dieser Welt von menschlichen Idealen
leben und diese nicht aus dem Konzerthaus mit mir in die Welt
nehmen? Musik hat mich zu einem besseren Menschen gemacht
und ich sehe sie tatsächlich als eine der mächtigsten Lösungsansätze
für die Erschaffung einer besseren Welt.
Obwohl Sie im deutschsprachigen Raum große Erfolge
feiern sind Sie selten in Wien zu erleben. Hat das einen
bestimmten Grund?
Ich habe das Glück gehabt, regelmäßig Konzerte in Wien zu
geben, aber leider hatte ich bisher nur einem einzigen Auftritt an
der Staatsoper. Das war definitiv nicht so geplant, viel mehr
waren es eine Kombination von interessanten Angeboten und
mein voller Kalender! Zum Glück ist Didon die perfekte Balance
dieser beiden Faktoren, und ich freue mich bereits riesig auf
dieses epische Erlebnis im Herbst!
In the new production of Hector Berlioz‘ opera “Les Troyens“,
which is set to premiere at the Wiener Staatsoper on October
14, 2018 you will be singing the part of Didon, one of the great
tragic female figures of world literature. What is it that
fascinates you about this character?
Everything! She is a woman who has the weight of rebuilding her
beloved civilisation on her shoulders, alone and far from her
home. When Énée arrives, she finally concedes to her right to
love again, and he destroys her heart. It is an epic journey for her
- with all her dignity and leadership and womanhood on the line.
Above all, this enormous emotional journey is coupled with some
of the greatest music ever written, so it is a gift of a role to play.
The libretto for “Les Troyens“, written by Berlioz himself, was
based on Virgil‘s Aeneid. What is the relevance of this ancient
narrative for the 21 st century?
It deals with the fall of civilisation, the rebuilding of an entire
people’s homeland, the plight of refugees, the power of art to
define a culture: it is a story that could be directly plucked from
today’s headlines.
Berlioz‘ opus magnum has a running time (including
intermissions) of five hours - how do you accomplish that as
a singer?
When we performed this Grand opéra in Strasbourg last spring,
it was the energy of the music that swept us all along on this
journey. As each scene of this opera is crafted so masterfully,
it is easy to hold the attention of the audience.
You don‘t really fit the stereotype of the aloof opera diva, you
are quite unconventional and dare to voice your political
opinion ...
I don’t think much of conforming or not, but I do think a lot about
my place in the world as a citizen, and I feel compelled to speak
out and act in a way that contributes to the betterment of my
world. I strongly believe in the value and equality of every human
life. I am disturbed if I see violations of this. My world is music
and harmony, expression and empathy. How can I live in that
world of human ideals and not take it out of the concert hall into
the world with me? Music has made me a better person, and I do
look to it as one of the most powerful solutions to building a
better world.
Although you have been very successful in the German-speaking
world, you rarely perform in Vienna. Is there a particular
reason for that?
I’ve been fortunate to have a regular concert appearance in
Vienna, but sadly, only one appearance in an opera at the
Staatsoper. This is certainly not intentional, but rather a
combination of interesting offers and my overly-full performance
schedule! Happily, Didon is the perfect alignment of both of
those things, and I’m very much looking forward to this epic
experience this fall!
Les Troyens
Oper von Hector Berlioz
Dirigent: Alain Altinoglu
Didon: Joyce DiDonato
Premiere: 14.10.2018
17., 21., 26.10., 1. & 4.11.2018
Wiener Staatsoper
Ihr neues Album „Into the Fire“, live
aufgenommen in Londons Wigmore
Hall, wird am 8. September 2018
veröffentlicht.
Her new album “Into the Fire“,
recorded live at Wigmore Hall in
London, will be published on
8 September, 2018.
Joyce DiDonato zählt zu den großen Mezzosopranistinnen der Gegenwart. Mit
ihrem breiten Repertoire von Händel über Mozart und Rossini bis zur zeitgenössischen
Oper ist die aus dem Mittleren Westen der USA stammende Sängerin ein
gefragter Gast an den großen Opernhäusern der Welt. Ebenso große Erfolge feiert
DiDonato mit ihren CD Aufnahmen – wie ihrer Veröffentlichung mit Barock-Arien
„In War & Peace“ oder dem mit einem Grammy ausgezeichneten Album „Diva
Divo“. Im Oktober ist Joyce DiDonato als Didon in Berlioz‘ „Les Troyens“ auf der
Bühne der Wiener Staatsoper zu erleben.
124 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Joyce DiDonato is among the great mezzo-sopranos of the present. With her wide
repertoire ranging from Handel to Mozart and Rossini to contemporary opera, the
down to earth diva from the Midwest of the United States is a sought-after guest
at the world‘s major opera houses. DiDonato is also celebrating great success as
recording artist. Her release “In War & Peace“ won the 2017 Best Recital
Gramophone Award, her Grammy-Award-winning recording “Diva Divo“ comprises
arias by male and female characters. In October, Joyce DiDonato will be performing
as Didon in Berlioz‘ “Les Troyens“ at the Wiener Staatsoper.
wiener-staatsoper.at
joycedidonato.com
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018 125

SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS
Kultur-Highlights Herbst 2018
Cultural highlights autumn 2018
Text: Evelyn Rois
Von den historischen
Wurzeln der EU | The European
Union’s historic roots
Meister des Lichts | Master of light
„Das Parlament, Spiegelungen auf der Themse“
oder „Die Kathedrale von Rouen in der Dämmerung“
– zahlreiche Schlüsselwerke der Kunstgeschichte
sind im Herbst in Wien zu Gast. Zur ersten
umfassenden Retrospektive von Claude Monet in
Österreich seit mehr als 20 Jahren versammelt die
Albertina vom 21.9.2018 bis 6.1.2019 hundert
Gemälde des großen französischen Impressionisten,
darunter Leihgaben aus mehr als 40 Museen und
Privatsammlungen, vom Musée d‘Orsay Paris bis
zum National Museum of Western Art Tokio.
“Parliament, Reflections on the Thames” or “Rouen
Cathedral at Dawn” – numerous key works from art
history will be coming to Vienna in the autumn. On
the occasion of the first extensive Claude Monet
retrospective in Austria in 20 years, the Albertina
will bring together hundreds of painting by the
great French impressionists from 21 September
2018 to 6 January 2019, including loans from more
than 40 museums and private collections, from the
Musée d’Orsay in Paris to the National Museum of
Western Art in Tokyo.
albertina.at
Claude Monet, Das
Parlament, Spiegelungen auf
der Themse, 1905. The
Parliament, Reflections on
the Thames, 1905.
PHOTOS: MUSÉE MARMOTTAN MONET, PARIS / THE BRIDGEMAN ART LIBRARY; KHM-MUSEUMSVERBAND; SBU & PARTNERS; VOTAVA/AUSTRIAN ARCHIVES/IMAGNO/PICTUREDESK.COM
Zur EU Ratspräsidentschaft Österreichs stellt die Kaiserliche Schatzkammer Wien mit der Präsentation „Es
geht um Europa“ 12 Objekte in den Fokus, die von einem vernetzten Kontinent lange vor der EU erzählen: Die
mittelalterliche Reichskrone des Heiligen Römischen Reiches, eine wahrscheinlich aus Konstantinopel
stammende, spätantike Achatschale oder die 1602 in Prag vom aus Brüssel stammenden Hofgoldschmied Jan
Vermeyen für Kaiser Rudolf II. gefertigte Krone (Foto oben), legen ein beredtes Zeugnis von den vielfältigen
Wurzeln der Idee eines geeinten Europas ab. Noch bis 31.12.2018. On the occasion of Austria’s presidency of the
Council of the European Union, the Imperial Treasury in Vienna is presenting an exhibition titled “It’s about
Europe”, consisting of 12 objects that tell the story of an interconnected continent long before the EU: The
medieval Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, an agate bowl most likely originating from Constantinople
in late antiquity or a crown made for Emperor Rudolf II (pictured above) by court goldsmith Jan Vermeyen from
Brussels in Prague in 1602, are living examples of how diverse the roots of the idea of a unified Europe are.
Until 31 December 2018.
kaiserliche-schatzkammer.at
Yoon-Ju Oh
Mozart pur |
Essential Mozart
Die Pianistin Yoon-Ju Oh liebt
Mozart. Die koreanische Künstlerin,
die ihre Ausbildung in Würzburg
und am Mozarteum in Salzburg
erhielt, ist regelmäßiger Gast auf
den Konzertbühnen Europas und
Koreas und macht am 27.9.2018 mit
einem spannenden Solorezital von
fünf Mozart Klaviersonaten im
Wiener Konzerthaus Station.
The pianist Yoon-Ju Oh loves
Mozart. The Korean artist, who was
trained in Würzburg and at the
Mozarteum University Salzburg,
appears regularly on Europe’s and
Korea’s concert stages and will visit
Vienna’s Konzerthaus with an
exciting solo recital of five of
Mozart’s piano sonatas on
27 September 2018.
konzerthaus.at
Fotografie und Politik | Photography and politics
100 Jahre Republik Österreich in fotografischen Momentaufnahmen
– von ikonischen Pressebildern bis zu künstlerischen
Fotoarbeiten von Valie Export oder Ernst Haas! Noch bis zum
3.2.2019 lädt das MUMOK anlässlich des 100-jährigen Bestehens
der Republik in der Ausstellung „Photo/Politics/Austria“ zu einer
hochspannenden Zeitreise durch die Wirkungsmacht der
Fotografie und ein Jahrhundert österreichische Geschichte.
Celebrating 100 years of the Republic of Austria in photographic
snapshots, from iconic press photos to the artistic photo works of
Valie Export or Ernst Haas! Until 3 February 2019, the mumok will
invite visitors on an exciting journey through time, exploring both
the power of photography as well as one hundred years of Austrian
history – on the occasion of the 100-year anniversary of the republic.
mumok.at
Oben/ Top: Marshallplan,
1951;
Links: Ungarische
Flüchtlinge auf dem
Weg nach Österreich,
1956 (Aufnahmen
anonym).
Left: Hungarian
refugees on the way to
Austria, 1956 (photos
anonymously).
Save
the
Date
The House of
Austrian History will open
on 10 November 2018
at 11 a.m. on Heldenplatz.
126 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
www.hdgoe.at

SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS
Die Welt durch die Fotolinse | The world through the photo lens
Erschütternde Reportagen von der Schlacht um Mosul oder der Flucht der Rohingya nach Bangladesh,
Fotoessays zur Abholzung des Amazonas-Regenwaldes oder Naturbilder der Galapagos-Inseln von
atemberaubender Schönheit. World Press Photo 18 versammelt erneut die beeindruckendsten Pressefotos
des vergangenen Jahres. Vom 14.9.–21.10.2018 macht die Ausstellung Station in Wien im Fotomuseum
WestLicht.
Shocking reports on the Battle of Mosul or the flight of the Rohingya to Bangladesh, photo essays on the
deforestation of the Amazon rainforest or pictures of the Galapagos Islands’ breath-taking natural beauty.
Once again, World Press Photo 18 is bringing together the most impressive press photos of the past year.
The exhibition will be stationed at Vienna’s WestLicht museum from 14 September to 21 October 2018.
westlicht.com
Von oben nach unten: Portrait eines von Boko
Haram gekidnappten Mädchens, das fliehen konnte
(Adam Ferguson); Shrovetide-Fußballspiel (Oliver
Scarff); Rohingya Flüchtlinge (Kevin Frayer);
Kinder-Jockeys (Alain Schroeder).
From top to bottom: Portrait of a girl kidnapped by
Boko Haram, who managed to escape (Adam
Ferguson): Royal Shrovetide Football (Oliver Scarff);
Rohingya refugees (Kevin Frayer); Kid Jockeys (Alain
Schroeder).
Mahler Chamber Orchestra
Ramon Vargas
Catapult
Lisa Eckhart
René
Pape
Hochkarätiges Klassik-Stelldichein |
Top-notch classical rendezvous
Christiane Karg
Ende Januar 2019 ist es wieder soweit: Rund um Mozarts
Geburtstag am 27.1. versammelt sich vom 24.1.–3.2.2019 die
Elite der Klassikwelt zur Mozartwoche Salzburg. Die Ausgabe
2019 steht unter der Intendanz von Rolando Villazón und
konzentriert sich auf selten gespielte Chorwerke Mozarts,
etwa mit einer neuen, szenischen Erzählung von „Thamos,
König in Ägypten“ unter Beteiligung u. a. von La Fura dels
Baus, der Camerata Salzburg, Alondra de la Parra, Fatma Said
und René Pape. In late January 2018, it will finally be that
time again: Around Mozart’s birthday on 27 January, the
world’s classical musical elite will gather on the occasion of
the Mozart Week in Salzburg. The 2019 edition will be
directed by Rolando Villazón and will focus on some of
Mozart’s more rarely performed choir pieces, including a
new, scenic narrative of “Thamos, King of Egypt“ featuring,
among others, La Fura dels Baus, the Camerata Salzburg,
Alondra de la Parra, Fatma Said and René Pape.
mozartwoche.at
PHOTOS: ADAM FERGUSON, FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES; OLIVER SCARFF, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE; KEVIN FRAYER, GETTY IMAGES; ALAIN SCHROEDER, REPORTERS; MOLINA VISUALS; ADOLFO
BUTRON; FRANZISKA SCHROEDINGER; JIYANG CHEN; CATAPULT; GISELA SCHENKER; SUCCESSION PICASSO/BILDRECHT, WIEN, 2018; NILZ BOEHME
Der Blick des Sammlers | The collector’s gaze
Die Sammlung Hubert Looser des Schweizer Unternehmers zählt zu den
bedeutendsten europäischen Privatsammlungen. Die Kunsthalle Krems
zeigt in der Ausstellung „Picasso – Gorky – Warhol. Skulpturen und
Arbeiten auf Papier.“, die anschließend ins Kunsthaus Zürich wandert,
noch bis zum 4.11.2018 die Highlights aus Loosers Sammlertätigkeit, deren
Schwerpunkte bei Surrealismus, abstraktem Expressionismus und Arte
povera liegen.
The Hubert Looser collection by the Swiss entrepreneur of the same
name is considered among Europe’s most important private collections.
Until 4 November 2018, Kunsthalle Krems museum is presenting
highlights from Looser’s
time as a collector in the
exhibition “Picasso – Gorky
– Warhol. Sculptures and
Works on Paper.”, which will
subsequently move to the
Kunsthaus Zürich, focusing
on surrealism, abstract
expressionism and Arte
Povera.
kunsthalle.at
Große Gefühle | Powerful emotions
Pablo Picasso, Sylvette,
1954.
Popdiva verliebt sich in Bodyguard: „And I-I-I-I-I will always love you ...!“
Was als Film ein Blockbuster war, feiert auch als Musical Triumphe. Die
Vereinigten Bühnen Wien bringen die Erfolgsproduktion „Bodyguard - Das
Musical“ aus dem Londoner West End nun in einer deutschsprachigen
Inszenierung ins Wiener Ronacher. Premiere ist am 27.9.2018.
Pop music diva falls in love with bodyguard: “And I-I-I-I-I will always
love you ...!” What was once a cinematic blockbuster has now become a
musical. Vereinigte Bühnen Wien is bringing the successful musical
“The Bodyguard” from London’s West End to Vienna’s Ronacher theatre
in the form of a new German-language production. The premiere is on
27 September 2018. musicalvienna.at
Patricia Meeden als Rachel. Patricia Meeden as Rachel.
September 14 – November 4, 2018
Anthea Hamilton
Anne Speier
James Richards
& Leslie Thornton
November 16, 2018 – January 20, 2019
Ed Ruscha
Philipp Timischl
Kris Lemsalu
secession
Friedrichstraße 12
1010 Vienna, Austria
www.secession.at
Carlo Naya
(1816 – 1882)
Venedig in frühen Fotografien
6. September bis 25. November 2018
Kupferstichkabinett der Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien
zu Gast im Theatermuseum
Lobkowitzplatz 2, 1010 Wien, www.kupferstichkabinett.at
Venedig, der Dogenpalast mit der »Strohbrücke«, nach 1877
128 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

SAVOIR VIVRE INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
Anlage mit Aussicht
Asset with a view
Text: Michaela Hocek
Der Trend zum Wohnungskauf ohne
Eigennutzung hält weiter an. An
repräsentativen Vorsorgewohnprojekten
mangelt es nicht.
No end in the sight for the investment
trend of acquiring new apartments
without the intention of personal use.
There are still plenty of investment
apartments in the market.
Auf der Suche nach guten Kapitalanlagen stehen
Immobilien als stabile und langfristig
planbare Wertentwickler traditionell hoch
im Kurs. Aktuell begehrt sind einerseits kompakte
Wohnungen, die mit einer durchdachten Raumaufteilung
hohen Komfort bieten und andererseits großzügige
Apartments, die luxuriöse Anforderungen erfüllen
und viel Platz bieten. Architekten und
Bauträger haben sich auf diese Trends eingestellt und
realisieren maßgeschneiderte Objekte, die unterschiedliche
Zielgruppen ansprechen. Das richtige
Zuhause in Ballungsräumen zu finden, ist großes
Thema und so können sich Besitzer attraktiver Einheiten
auf hohes Interesse von potentiellen Mietern
freuen. Auf Wunsch übernehmen Spezialisten sämtliche
Verwaltungsagenden, um den Aufwand für die
Investoren zu minimieren.
PHOTO: A.C.C. ZIVILTECHNIKER
Wichtige Kriterien
„The Ambassy Parkside Living“ umfasst im Botschaftsviertel
des 3. Wiener Bezirks Immobilien mit
40 bis 190 Quadratmetern – von der Smartwohnung
bis zur Ambassador-Residenz mit Terrasse oder
Townhouses mit Eigengarten in Niedrigenergiebauweise.
Investorenvertreter Benedikt Zankel sieht hier
alle wichtigen Kriterien einer Vorsorgewohnung erfüllt:
„Essenziell ist die langfristige Vermietbarkeit
einer Immobilie. Nur wenn die Wohnung für Mieter
auch noch in vielen Jahren attraktiv ist, wird sich die
Vorsorgewohnung rechnen. Dafür ist neben einer
guten Infrastrukturanbindung und gut durchdachter
Wohnraumaufteilung vor allem die Wertstabilität
der Anlage wichtig. Die hohe Bauqualität sorgt dafür,
dass Ersatzinvestitionen auf absehbare Zeit
kleingehalten werden.“ Das fußt darauf, dass auf
ATTRAKTIVE INFRASTRUKTUR | ATTRACTIVE INFRASTRUCTURE
„The Ambassy Parkside Living“ im Botschaftsviertel im 3. Wiener
Bezirk punktet mit perfekter Lage und hoher Bauqualität.
“The Ambassy Parkside Living“ in the diplomatic quarter in Vienna’s
3rd district convinces with a perfect location and high build quality.
130 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
131

SAVOIR VIVRE INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
FERIENIMMOBILIEN / MEDITERRANES VORSORGEINVESTMEN | HOLIDAY PROPERTIES / MEDITERRANEAN INVESTMENT
Innovatives Konzept
„Premium Living by Falkensteiner“ hat Urlaubsdomizile im Portfolio,
die durch die Rückvermietung über das internationale Netzwerk
zweites Luxus-Zuhause und Renditemöglichkeit zugleich sind.
Innovative concept
“Premium Living by Falkensteiner“ offers holiday homes in its
portfolio which, thanks to the international network, are second
luxury home and revenue source in one.
FAMILIEN- UND EXPATFREUNDLICH | FAMILY AND EXPAT FRIENDLY
Bis Herbst 2019 entstehen am Wiener Dornrosenweg zehn exklusive Eigentumswohnungen in U-Bahn- und UNO-Nähe.
By autumn 2019, ten exclusive apartments will be built on Dornrosenweg in Vienna near the metro and the UN headquarters.
INVESTMENT MIT MEERBLICK | INVESTMENT WITH SEA VIEW
Im kroatischen Punta Skala werden 187 vollausgestattete Apartments mit dem Service eines
Luxushotels und der Infrastruktur eines Premium-Resorts realisiert.
187 fully furnished apartments with the service of a luxury hotel and the infrastructure of a
premium resort are being realised in Punta Skala in Croatia.
„Auch Ferienimmobilien
bieten Rendite
durch Rückvermietung.“
”Holiday properties also
offer returns by way of
leasing.“
Robert Hermandinger
Managing Director Falkensteiner
hochwertigste Ausstattung, Niedrigenergiestandard
und ein ausgeklügeltes Sicherheits- und Serviceangebot
Wert gelegt wird. „The Ambassy“ als Neubau
in Toplage, direkt neben dem Stadtpark und umgeben
von zahlreichen Botschaften, kann so mit einer
hohen Wahrscheinlichkeit als wertstabil angesehen
werden. Das Projekt richtet sich an Zielgruppen wie
Diplomaten, Unternehmer, Anwälte, Ärzte und
Steuerberater, die hier das perfekte berufliche und
private Umfeld vorfinden. Der Premiumbauträger
Glorit legt seinen Fokus auf Vorsorgeprojekte mit geräumigen
Wohneinheiten in Toplagen des Wiener
21. und 22. Bezirks. Dazu Vertriebsleiter Lukas Sattlegger:
„Wir setzen bewusst auf 3- bis 4-Zimmer-
Wohnungen mit exklusiver Ausstattung und hoher
Ausführungsqualität. Dafür gibt es eine äußerst
hohe Nachfrage von Familien, Expats etc. Auch Häuser
in zentralen Lagen (z. B. Nähe UNO oder U-
Bahn) eignen sich gut für die Vermietung.“ Diesen
Kriterien entspricht das aktuelle Glorit-Wohnbauprojekt
am Dornrosenweg 2, wo bis Herbst 2019
zehn exklusive Eigentumswohnungen unweit der
U1-Station Kagran, nahe der Alten Donau, entstehen.
Für den Spätherbst kündigt der Immobilienprofi
im Gespräch noch den Verkaufsstart eines für Investoren
interessanten Projekts in der Donaufelder
Straße 197-199 an.
Lohnendes Investment
Ein weiteres Projekt, das die vier wesentlichen
Gesichtspunkte der Vorteile von Vorsorgewohnungen
(kontinuierliche Einnahmen durch regelmäßige
Mieterträge, steuerliche Vorteile, niedrige Instandhaltungskosten
bei Neubauprojekten sowie Rechtssicherheit
durch den Eintrag ins Grundbuch) erfüllt,
ist „MEXO – City Homes“ zwischen Innenstadt und
Donauinsel. Otto Immobilien realisiert hier auf einem
ehemaligen Fabriksgelände in der Engerthstraße
187 moderne Wohnkultur mit durchdachten
Grundrissen, französischen Fenstern und Freiflächen.
Wer ein Investment im Ausland nicht scheut,
sollte sich das Immobilienkonzept „Premium Living
by Falkensteiner“ näher ansehen.
Neben der möglichen Eigennutzung der Urlaubsdomizile
mit innovativer Architektur und luxuriöser
Vollausstattung in Top-Lagen, ist Investitionssicherheit
und Renditemöglichkeit durch Rückvermietung
gegeben. „Senia“ auf der kroatischen Halbinsel Punta
Skala in der Nähe von Zadar beispielsweise umfasst
vier Kategoriegrößen mit Balkon, Terrasse oder
Eigengarten.
PHOTOS: GLORIT, FALKENSTEINER FMTG, TINEFOTO.COM | MARTIN STEINTHALER, WWW.WALTERLUTTENBERGER.COM
Holiday in style
132 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Let us spoil you. In one of the best hotels in Austria, on Lake
Turrach in Carinthia, at 1,763 metres above sea level. The special
features? The heated lake pool, the Chinese tower with tea
house, the hamam, the varied activity program and lots of snow.
Look forward to regional and vegan culinary delights and over
100 fabulous included services.. www.hochschober.com

SAVOIR VIVRE INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
INTERVIEW
Michael Pisecky Obmann Fachgruppe Wien der
Immobilien- und Vermögenstreuhänder
Head of the Fachgruppe Wien der Immobilien- und Vermögenstreuhänder
(expert group for property and asset trustees in Vienna)
Wie sieht der Markt für Vorsorgewohnungen
in Österreich aktuell aus?
Nach wie vor ist das Interesse nach Investment in
Immobilien – im Speziellen nach Vorsorgewohnungen
– in allen Assetklassen stark. Aktuell ist auch
ein entsprechend breites Angebot vorhanden. Vor
allem Wohnungen bis 60m2 gehen überwiegend an
Anleger.
Welches Profil sollte eine Vorsorgewohnung
haben?
Eine durchschnittliche Vorsorgewohnung hat in der
Regel zwei Zimmer, verfügt über einen Balkon bzw.
eine Loggia und ist maximal 500 Meter von der
nächsten U-Bahn-Station entfernt.
Welche Rendite darf man sich erwarten?
Da die Eigentumspreise in den letzten Jahren
wesentlich stärker gestiegen sind als die Mieten,
liegt die Rendite bei 2,5 bis 3 Prozent. Diese sind
aber indexgesichert und man hat entsprechende
Chancen auf eine positive Wertentwicklung.
Ist revitalisierter Altbau oder Neubau
attraktiver für das Thema Vorsorge?
Aufgrund des aktuellen Mietrechtes ist der Neubau
eindeutig attraktiver.
Welche Zielgruppe sprechen Bauträger
und Immobilienmakler bevorzugt als
Investoren an?
Im Normalfall sind es Freiberufler bzw. Gutverdienende,
die in Immobilien investieren möchten.
Mittlerweile sind aber auch immer mehr junge
Anleger im Alter ab Ende 20 an dieser Form
der Anlage interessiert.
Wo würden Sie persönlich
momentan in eine Vorsorgewohnung
investieren?
Innerhalb von Wien sind es
vorwiegend Wohnungen in
unmittelbarer Nähe von
U-Bahn-Stationen in den
Flächenbezirken.
Außerhalb von
Wien sind es
Wohnungen in St.
Pölten.
What does Austria’s investment apartment
market look like at the moment?
As of right now, the interest in property
investments – especially in investment apartments
– remains high across all asset classes. There is also
a correspondingly strong offer on the market right
now. Especially apartments of up to 60m2 are
primarily acquired by investors.
What characteristics should an investment
apartment have?
An average investment apartment should have two
rooms, a balcony and/or loggia and should be no
more than 500 metres away from the next metro
station.
What kind of returns can one expect?
Since property prices have risen significantly in
comparison to rents, returns are at around 2.5 to 3
percent. However, they are index-linked, and you
can expect a positive performance accordingly.
Are revitalised old buildings or new projects
more attractive in terms of investing?
Due to current tenancy rules, new developments
are clearly more attractive.
Which group do property developers and
real estate agents prefer to target as
potential investors?
Traditionally, it has been self-employed
professionals or high earners who want to invest in
property. Now, however, there is an increasing
number of young investors in their late 20s who are
interested in this type of investment.
Where would you personally acquire
an investment apartment right
now?
Within Vienna, it would primarily be
apartments in the immediate vicinity of
metro stations in the city districts.
Outside of Vienna, it would be
apartments in St. Pölten.
When it comes to smart capital investments,
nothing beats real estate in terms
of predictable long-term growth. Most
popular right now are, on the one hand, compact
apartments offering high comfort with wellthought-out
floorplans and, on the other hand, generous
apartments fulfilling luxury demands and
offering ample space. Architects and property developers
have adjusted to these new trends, realising
custom-tailored objects for various target
groups. Finding the right home in dense urban areas
is key, allowing the owners of these attractive
units to look forward to great interest from potential
tenants. On request, specialists will be happy to
take care of the paperwork to minimise time and
effort spent on such matters by the investor.
Key criteria
“The Ambassy Parkside Living“ in the diplomatic
quarter of Vienna’s 3rd district includes properties
from 40 to 190 square metres — from smart
homes to ambassador’s residences with terraces, or
townhouses with private gardens designed with
sustainable energy consumption in mind. Here, investor
representative Benedikt Zankel sees all the
important criteria of an investment apartment fulfilled.
”What’s essential is the long-term rentability
of a property. Only if the apartment is going to be
attractive to potential tenants for years to come
will such an investment pay off. Next to good
transport connections and a smart floorplan, the
value stability of an asset is particularly important.
The high build quality ensures that replacement investments
will be kept to a minimum in the foreseeable
future.“
This is due to the emphasis on high-quality furnishing,
low energy use and a sophisticated security
and service programme. “The Ambassy“, with its
top location right next to the Stadtpark and its proximity
to countless embassies, is thus very likely to
remain stable in its value. The project is aimed at
diplomats, entrepreneurs, lawyers, doctors and accountants,
who will encounter an ideal professional
and leisure environment here. The premium
property developer Glorit has focused on investment
projects with spacious residential units in
excellent locations in Vienna’s 21 st and 22 nd districts.
Head of sales Lukas Sattlegger reveals, ”We
are deliberately placing our bets on 3 to 4 room
apartments with exclusive furnishing and high
execution quality. There is strong demand coming
from families, expats, etc. Homes in central locations
(e.g. near the UN or metro stations) are also
perfectly suitable for renting.“ One property that
conforms to these criteria is the current Glorit residential
project on Dornrosenweg 2, where, until
autumn 2019, 10 exclusive apartments will be built
not far from the U1 Kagran station, near Alte Donau.
And, during our chat, the real estate professional
also announced the late-autumn market
launch of a new project on Donaufelder Straße
197-199 that will be of particular interest to investors.
Worthwhile investment
Another project that satisfies the four key benefits
of investment apartments (continuous revenue
through regular rental income, tax advantages, low
maintenance costs for newly built projects, as well
as legal security through land registration), is
“MEXO – City Homes“ between Innere Stadt and
Donauinsel. Here, in a former factory building on
Engerthstraße 187, Otto Immobilien is realising a
modern residential location with smart floorplans,
French windows and open spaces. Those willing to
consider investing abroad should have a closer
look at the “Premium Living by Falkensteiner“ real
estate concept. Next to the possible personal use of
the holiday homes in top-notch locations with innovative
architecture and luxurious furnishing, investment
security and revenue streams are guaranteed
through leasing. “Senia“, on the Croatian
peninsula of Punta Skala near Zadar, for example,
includes four size categories with balcony, terrace
or private garden.
TEMPORARY
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With 35 apartments on Engerthstrasse 187, “MEXO“ is offering investment opportunities in one of
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© Andrea Ehrenreich
PHOTOS: WALTER HENISCH, OTTO VISUS
134 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
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SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE
Ikonischer Herbst
Iconic autumn
Text: Michaela Hocek
Herbstliche Schuhtrends
Autumnal footwear trends
Die Inspiration für die neue „Navitimer 8 B01“ mit
hauseigenem Manufakturkaliber und COSC-Zertifizierung
holte sich Breitling von den Bordchronographen und
Chronographen der 1930er- und 1940er-Jahre.
For the new “Navitimer 8 B01“, with its in-house-manufactured
movement and COSC certification, Breitling
took inspiration from navigation chronographs as well as
other chronographs from the 1930s and 1940s.
breitling.com
Handgemachte
Schmuckikonen
Handmade jewellery icons
Meister der Aviatik
Master of aviation
Bei den Herren geht es in der kommenden Saison in farblicher Hinsicht dezent zu, wie dieses Modell von Aigner verrät. Wer mit modischen Statements zum Business-Look
punkten will, setzt auf coole Lederoptiken. Die maskulinen Stilmittel reichen von Lackleder über Schlangenprägungen bis hin zu Kombinationen von Leder mit Stoffen und
Mesh-Materialien. As for the gents, the coming season will present itself rather discreetly when it comes to colour, indicated by this model by Aigner. Those who want to
score with stylish statements as part of an overall business look should take advantage of the model’s cool leather visuals. The masculine embellishments range from patent
leather and snake embossing all the way to creative combinations of leather, textiles and mesh materials. salamander.at
In Stein gemeißelt
Carved in stone
Mit der Luxus-Kücheninsel „ST-ONE“ hat
der österreichische Hersteller Strasser als
Platzhirsch für Küchenarbeitsplatten aus
Naturstein in Mitteleuropa ein Flaggschiff
designt, das individuell planbar ist.
With the luxury kitchen island “ST-ONE’,
the Austrian manufacturer Strasser has
designed a kitchen worktop flagship
made from natural stone in Central
Europe that can be individually
customised.
strasser-steine.at
Lässig und très chic
Nonchalant and très chic
„Mademoiselle Longchamp“ im neuen
Granatrot ist die ideale Begleiterin im
Herbst und Winter. Die Tasche mit
jugendlichem Lochmuster passt sich mit
zwei Trageriemen jedem Anlass und
Outfit an. “Mademoiselle Longchamp”
in a new garnet red is the ideal
companion for autumn and winter
alike. The bag with the youthful hole
pattern can adjust to any occasion
and outfit with the help of its two
straps.
at.longchamp.com
136 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Starke Farben
Strong colours
YSL-Beauty-Direktor Tom Pecheux ruft für den Herbst
den Trend „Yconic Purple“ aus. Lila dominiert aktuell
die Make-Up-Kollektion rund um Blush, Highlighter,
die Couture Palette und die neuen Couture Chalks.
YSL beauty director Tom Pecheux has launched the
“Yconic Purple“ trend for this autumn. The colour
purple is now dominating the makeup collection
consisting of blush, highlighters, the couture palette
and the new couture chalks.
yslbeauty.com
Diese neue Online-Plattform, mit
Schmuckstücken kreiert von Künstlern
und Designern, die originär nicht aus der
Juwelierswelt kommen und ausdrucksstarke „One of a
Kind“-Blickfänge mit hohem Tragekomfort schaffen,
macht Lust auf Individuelles.
This new online platform, selling jewellery created by
artists and designers on the outskirts of the jewellery
mainstream, presents unique pieces that are as
eye-catching as they are ready to wear, and will excite
you for something new and different.
muarjewelry.com
Kreative Papeterie
Creative stationary
Fans von Notizbüchern werden die maßgeschneiderten
Organizer von „There’s a book for that“ lieben. Mit Herz,
Hirn und Verstand wurden die berufsspezifischen Inhalte
und das zurückhaltend ästhetische Design entwickelt.
Fans of notebooks will love the custom-tailored
organisers by “There’s a Book for That”. The job-specific
notebook content and the aesthetically subtle design
were developed using both heart and mind.
abookforthat.com
PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT
DONHAUSER / KUMPFHUBER • FOTO: SABINE HAUSWIRTH
ODER
DER LETZTE
MANN
MIT ADI HIRSCHAL
SYLVIA HAIDER
GABRIELE SCHUCHTER
BETTY SCHWARZ
NIKOLAUS FIRMKRANZ
FLORIAN HASLINGER
PETER LODYNSKI
GOTTFRIED NEUNER
REGIE ADI HIRSCHAL
KOMÖDIE MIT MUSIK
VON MAX GRUBER
SEHR FREI NACH
LORENZO DA PONTE
AB 3.10.’18
01/407 77 407
www.wiener-metropol.at

SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADOR'S DRIVE
Auf der Straße: Volvo XC 60. Am Steuer: S.E. Ibrahim Assaf
On the road: Volvo XC 60. At the steering wheel: H.E. Ibrahim Assaf
Text: Klaus Puchleitner
Der Botschafter des Libanon auf CD-Testfahrt.
The Ambassador of Lebanon performs a test drive for CD.
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA
Stellen Sie sich vor, Sie kommen aus einem arabischen
Land, in dem Österreichs Seen als exotische
Besonderheit durchgehen, und Sie haben
eine große Familie, der Sie das Salzkammergut,
die Kärntner Seen und die österreichischen Berge
zeigen möchten. Dann benötigen Sie Platz in Ihrem
Auto. Ibrahim Assaf, der libanesische Botschafter in
Wien, hat diesen Platz. Er steuert privat einen Skoda
Karoq mit sieben Plätzen (dienstlich einen Range
Rover Velar), auf denen sich hinter Fahrer- und Beifahrersitz
die Zwillinge Sky und Ely sowie deren ältere
Schwester Joy ausbreiten. 7.000 Kilometer hat der
Botschafter mit ihnen bereits zum Seen-Sightseeing
in Österreich zurückgelegt, seit er Anfang Dezember
2017 als Botschafter nach Wien kam.
Nun pilotiert er für Cercle Diplomatique den
neuen Volvo XC 60 von der Innenstadt, wo die Büros
der libanesischen Botschaft gleich hinter dem Burgtheater
liegen, hinaus ins Währinger Cottage zur Residenz
in einer schönen, alten Villa. Assaf, der gerne
Auto fährt, ist ein echter SUV-Fan, darum liegt ihm
der große, elegante Volvo sofort. Lediglich die Farbe
würde er, seinem diplomatischen Status geschuldet,
dunkler wählen. Während der Fahrt erinnert er sich
für CD an seine bisherigen Fahrzeuge – ein Honda
Accord zu Beginn, dann ein BMW X5, dann ein
Mercedes während seiner Zeit in Sierra Leone und
Bahrain, in New York wieder später ein BMW X5,
und nun in Wien eben der Velar. „Alle mit Automatik“,
sagt Assaf. „Das muss sein, die Libanesen lieben
Autos, vor allem große und schwere SUVs.“ Assaf
erzählt von zu Hause, während er den Volvo in die
Garageneinfahrt seiner Residenz steuert.
Dort stürmt ihm die kleine Sky entgegen, die gerade
vom Lycée Français nach Hause gekommen ist,
und fällt ihrem Vater in die Arme. Liebevoll vergisst
der Botschafter seinen Job als CD-Autotester für einige
Augenblicke und widmet sich der Tochter.
Dann wird im Wintergarten der Residenz, die
vom Einrichtungsmagazin “Schöner Wohnen“ 1996
den Titel “Haus des Jahres“ verliehen bekam, libanesischer
Kaffee serviert. Assaf plant den nächsten Wochenendtrip
mit Familie – nach Zell am See und
dann über den Großglockner den Wörthersee entlang
zurück nach Wien. Wieder im Karoq. Doch zuvor
chauffiert er das CD-Team im eleganten Volvo
wieder zurück in die Innenstadt – nicht ohne zu versichern,
wie begeistert er von diesem Fahrzeug ist.
Chauffeur Nasser fährt im leeren Dienstwagen der
Botschaft pflichtschuldigst hinterher.
Botschafter Ibrahim Assaf mag SUVs, er
besaß bereits mehrere davon. Darum ist ihm
der elegante Volvo sofort sympathisch.
Ambassador Ibrahim Assaf likes SUVs, he has
owned some of them so far. Therefore, he sympathizes
immediately with the elegant Volvo.
138 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018

SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADOR´S DRIVE
Vater und Tochter (l.): Für
die kleine Sky vergisst Botschafter
Assaf kurz seinen
Job als CD-Autotester.
Meet Sky (l.): Encountering
his little daughter, Ambassador
Assaf puts aside his
assignment as CD's test
driver for a short moment.
Imagine, back home in your country, the Republic
of Lebanon, Austrian-style lakes are regarded
as some exotic, rare specialty, and you have a large
family who you wish to show Austria's cherished
regions such as the Salzkammergut or the Carinthian
lakes. You need vast portions of space in your car
then. Ambassador Ibrahim Assaf has this kind of
room at his disposal when driving his seven seated
Skoda Karoq that he uses for private purpose (when
driving officially, he owns a Range Rover Velar). On
the back seats of the Skoda, there is plenty of space
Assaf 's three children, the twins Sky and Ely as well
as their older sister Joy, might call their own little
kingdom. 7,000 kilometers have the Ambassador
and his family been driving so far to pay Austria's
lakes and mountains a visit, since Ibrahim Assaf was
sent to Vienna at the beginning of December 2017.
Now acting as a test driver for Cercle Diplomatique,
he steers the all new Volvo XC 60 from
Vienna's center, where the Lebanese Embassy has its
offices, to the outskirts of the city. There lies the residence
of the ambassador, an old villa, beautifully
nestled in the so called Währinger Cottage. Assaf
loves driving, he is a true SUV-fan and therefore he
sympathizes with the big, elegant Volvo immediately.
It is only the colour the ambassador would change:
Due to his diplomatic status, he would rather choose
a darker grey or even a deep black. While driving,
Ambassador Assaf remembers the cars he once owned
– a Honda Accord right at the beginning, then a
BMW X5, a Mercedes during his assignments in Sierra
Leone and Bahrain, another BMW X5 in New
York then, and finally the Velar here in Austria. All of
them with automatic gearshift, ”which is an absolute
INFO:
volvocars.com
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA
Botschafter Ibrahim Assaf mit Denzel Diplomatic Sales Manager
für Volvo, Michael Habel und CD-Herausgeber Alexander Bursky
sowie CD-Autor Klaus Puchleitner (oben Mitte, v.r.n.l.).
Ambassador Ibrahim Assaf with Denzel Diplomatic Sales Manager
for Volvo, Michael Habel and CD's publisher Alexander Bursky as
well as CD's author Klaus Puchleitner (from right to left).
Foto VBW © Oliver Gast 2018
Volvo XC 60 D4 AWD Inscription Geartronic: Thors Hammer
Volvo XC 60 D4 AWD Inscription Geartronic: The Hammer of Thor
Besonders stolz ist Volvo auf die Grafik der Scheinwerfer, die alle Modelle des Hauses ziert, seit das neue
Modell S90 präsentiert wurde. Auch der XC 60 trägt dieses unverwechselbare Leuchtendesign, das Volvo
stolz "Thors Hammer" getauft hat. Die Bezeichnung könnte für den ganzen Wagen gelten - der XC 60, das
"World Car of the Year 2018", ist ein mächtiges, elegantes, kraftvolles und modernes SUV. An Bord ist vor
allem in der Top-Ausstattung "Inscription" jedes erdenkliche Extra, von Digital-Armaturen bis Fahrassistenten.
Volvo is especially proud of the design of the headlights of his cars, that enriches all types and models since
the new S 90 was presented. The XC 60 also calls this impressive design its own, that Volvo very dramatically
has named "The Hammer of Thor". This name might stand for the whole car - the XC 60, "World Car of the
Year 2018", is potent, elegant, powerful - an altogehter modern SUV. In its top-layout "Inscription" the car
holds all possible and thinkable features from digital displays to driving assistants of all kind.
Technische Daten Technical data
Motor Engine
2 Liter Turbodiesel
Antrieb Drive
Allradantrieb / four-wheel drive
kW (PS) kw (HP) 140 (190)
Hubraum Capacity 1.969 ccm
Kraftstoffverbrauch/
Fuel consumption
5,5 bis 5,9 l/100 km
Preis Price
ab | from € 43.290,– (inkl. alle Steuern / incl. all taxes)
DAS MUSICAL
MIT DEN HITS VON
RAINHARD
FENDRICH
BUCH
Titus Hoffmann
Christian Struppeck
REGIE
Andreas Gergen
necessity,“ as he says. ”Lebanese people love cars,“ he
stresses out, the bigger the better, and SUVs are always
a preferred choice. He tells Cercle Diplomatique
about his home, about the mountains and the
friendliness of people, while steering the Volvo into
the driveway of his residence.
Already waiting, there is little Sky, who has just
returned from the Lycée Français, and she rushes
into her father's arms – who puts aside his assignment
as a test driver for a short moment and – all
loving father – caresses his little daughter.
After this, Lebanese coffee is served in the conservatory
of the residence, which has been awarded as
“House of the Year 1996“ by the magazine “Schöner
Wohnen“. Ambassador Assaf is planning his next
weekend trip that will lead the family to Zell am See,
to the Großglockner, and then along the famous Carinthian
Lake Wörthersee back to Vienna. Again
using the seven seated Skoda Karoq, of course. But
first, the Ambassador is driving the CD-team back to
Vienna's center in the elegant Volvo XC 60 – not
without mentioning how much he likes this car. The
Embassy's driver Nasser is following behind.
© THE BODYGUARD (UK) LTD. Designed by DEWYNTERS
140 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
#WeAreMusical
WWW.MUSICALVIENNA.AT
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
141

SAVOIR VIVRE MOTOR
4 x SUV, von selbstbewusst bis Superluxus
4 SUVs, from self-confident to super luxurious
Range Rover SV Coupé:
Luxus-SUV aus Coventry
Luxury SUV from Coventry
Text: Rois & Stubenrauch
Hochwertiges Semi-Anilin-Leder für die Sitze, Nussbaum- und Bergahornholz im Cockpit, unter der Motorhaube schnurrt (bzw. brüllt) ein 5.0-Liter-V8-
Kompressorbenziner mit 565 PS. Der Range Rover SV Coupé ist „der vornehmste, luxuriöseste und exklusivste Range Rover aller Zeiten“, wie Gerry
McGovern, Chefdesigner bei Land Rover, betont. Lediglich 999 Exemplare des neuen Luxus-Geländewagens werden im SVO Technikzentrum von Jaguar Land
Rover bei Coventry nach individuellen Kundenwünschen handgefertigt. So viel Exklusivität schlägt sich dann natürlich auch im Preis nieder, der deutlich über
der 300.000 Euro Grenze liegt – aber das ist in der Kategorie, in der dieses Fahrzeug
spielt, ohnehin nicht wirklich von Belang.
Motor Engine
V8-Kompressorbenziner
High-quality semi-aniline leather on the seats, walnut and sycamore wood in the cockpit, Antrieb Drive
Allrad /AWD
whilst a 5-litre V8 compressor petrol engine with 565 hp purrs (or growls) underneath the kW (PS) kw (HP) 416 (565)
bonnet. The Range Rover SV Coupé is the “most elegant, luxurious and exclusive Range Hubraum Capacity
4.999 ccm
Rover ever”, emphasizes Gerry McGovern, chief designer at Land Rover. Merely 999
Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 13,8 l/100 km
specimens of the new luxury off-road vehicle will be custom-tailored by hand at Jaguar Preis | Price ab | from € 373.400,–
Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations Technical Centre near Coventry. This much
exclusively does, of course, have its price, which is clearly above the €300,000 limit –
but this shouldn’t matter all too much, considering the league in which this vehicle plays.
Audi Q8: Neuer Charakterkopf für die Q-Familie | The Q
family’s new flagship
Motor Engine
R6 Diesel und Benziner
Antrieb Drive
BMW xDrive
kW (PS) kw (HP) 195 – 294 (265 – 400)
Hubraum Capacity
2.993 – 2.998 ccm
Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption Diesel: 7,2 – 6,0 / Benziner 8,7 – 8,5 l/100 km
Preis Price ab | from € 76.785,–
BMW X5: Geschärfte Präsenz | Enhanced presence
Der X5, für den sich die Münchner bei seiner Premiere 1999 die schöne Bezeichnung SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) einfallen ließen, zählt mit rund 2,2 Mio. verkauften
Fahrzeugen zu den Top-Sellern von BMW. Die vierte Generation des nach wie vor in Spartanburg, USA gefertigten X5 bringt nun zahlreiche Neuerungen: Geschärftes Design,
Gestensteuerung und Touch-Display, adaptive LED-Scheinwerfer, Luftfederung beider Achsen und Hinterachslenkung. Der neue X5 ist außerdem das erste BMW Modell, das
sich mit 22-Zoll-Rädern bestücken lässt. Sieben Zentimeter Zuwachs in der Breite und immerhin vier Zentimeter bei Radstand und Länge bringen zusätzlichen Raum, sodass
optional sogar eine dritte Sitzreihe im Fond Platz findet. Auch wenn sich das Kürzel SAV nie wirklich durchsetzen konnte – der neue X5 wird die Erfolgsstory zweifelsohne
fortschreiben.
With around 2.2 million sold vehicles, the X5, whose premiere in 1999 launched the description “SAV” (Sports Activity Vehicle) by the Munich-based company, is considered
among BMW’s top-sellers. The fourth generation of the X5, which continues to be manufactured in Spartanburg, USA, now introduces a whole series of new changes:
Enhanced design, gesture control and touch display, adaptive LED headlights, air suspension in both axles and rear axle control. On top of that, the new X5 is the first BMW
equipped with 22-inch wheels. Seven centimetres of width and four centimetres of wheelbase and length have been added, resulting in additional space and even enabling a
third row of seating in the back if needed. So, despite the fact that “SAV“ never exactly caught on, the new X5 is undoubtedly set to continue its success story.
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY
PHOTOS: BMW AG/UWE FISCHER; AUDI AG; JAGUAR LAND ROVER; DS AUTOMOBILES KOMMUNIKATION
DS7 Crossback: Voiture présidentielle
Mit dem DS7 Crossback präsentiert DS Automobiles nun erstmals auch ein SUV für
den europäischen Markt. Die unsterbliche Design- und Technikikone DS (1955
eingeführt und ausgesprochen wie déesse, das französische Wort für Göttin) stand
2014 Patin für die neu kreierte Premium-Marke von Citroën. Den hohen Maßstäben
des legendären Kürzels entsprechend, wartet der knackige SUV mit Highlights von
Nappa-Leder-Sitzen bis zu neuester Fahrassistenztechnologie auf. Was auch
Emmanuel Macron überzeugt haben dürfte: Bei seiner Amtseinführung fuhr der
Präsident in einem DS7 Crossback über die Champs-Élysées.
With the DS7 Crossback, DS Automobiles is launching its first SUV for the
European market. The immortal design and engineering icon DS (introduced in
1955 and pronounced “déesse”, like the French word for goddess) was the role
model for Citroën’s premium brand, newly created in 2014. Honouring the high
standards set by the legendary two letters, this gorgeous SUV scores with
countless highlights, such as the Nappa leather seats with massage function and
the most state-of-the-art driving assistance technology. And all of these features
are likely to have impressed Emmanuel Macron as well: During his presidential
inauguration, the President drove across the Champs Élysées in a DS7 Crossback.
Motor Engine
R4 Benziner und Diesel
Antrieb Drive
Frontantrieb /Front wheel-drive
kW (PS) kw (HP) 96 (130) – 165 (225)
Hubraum Capacity
1.499 – 1.997 ccm
Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption Benziner 5,9 / Diesel 4,9 – 4,1 l/100 km
Preis | Price ab | from € 36.190,–
Mit dem Q8 lanciert Audi im Herbst seinen neuen Premium-SUV. Das Design des
Q8 zitiert Elemente des Ur-Quattro und ist mit dem achteckigen, aufrecht
stehenden Single-Frame-Kühlergrill und den stark konturierten Lufteinlässen
zugleich das neue, markige Gesicht der Q-Familie der Ingolstädter. An den Start
geht der SUV mit einem V6 Turbodiesel mit Mild-Hybrid-Technologie, ein zweiter
V6-Diesel sowie ein 3.0 TFSI folgen Anfang 2019. Feinste Innenausstattung, das
volldigitale Audi Virtual Cockpit, serienmäßige Progressivlenkung und bis zu 22-
Zoll-Bereifung machen den Q8 zum selbstbewussten Top-SUV der Marke.
With the Q8, Audi is launching its new premium SUV in the autumn. The Q8’s
design refers back to design elements of the original Quattro and is, with its
octagonal, upright single-frame grille and the strongly defined air intakes,
simultaneously the Ingolstadt-based company’s new face. The SUV is launching
with a V6 turbo diesel with mild hybrid technology, whilst a second V6 diesel, as
well as a 3.0 TFSI, will follow in early 2019. Fine interior fitting, the fully digital
Audi Virtual Cockpit, progressive steering as standard and up to 22-inch tyres are
guaranteed to make the self-confident Q8 the brand’s top SUV.
Motor Engine
V6 Turbodiesel mit Mild-Hybrid-Technologie
Antrieb Drive
permanenter Allradantrieb quattro / AWD quattro
kW (PS) kw (HP) 210 (286)
Hubraum Capacity
2.967 ccm
Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 6,8–6,6 l/100 km
Preis | Price ab | from € 88.400,–
142 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018 143

SAVOIR VIVRE WEEKENDER
KARLSBAD
Der Salon Europas
The spa of Europe
Text: Gerald Sturz
Das böhmische Karlsbad hat eine lange Tradition als einer der berühmtesten
und beliebtesten Kurorte Europas.
Karlovy Vary in western Bohemia has a long tradition as one of Europe’s
best-known and most popular spa towns.
Zeitreise.
Time travel.
Über alle Verwerfungen des
20. Jahrhunderts hinweg, hat
sich Karlsbad sein historisches
Aussehen erhalten
können.
Over all distortions of the 20 th
century, Karlovy Vary has
preserved its historical
appearance.
PHOTOS: LADISLAV RENNER / CZECHTOURISM
So flaniert man unter Kolonnaden,
vorbei an Belle-Époque-Palästen,
blickt in die Lobbys von eleganten
Hotels und in die Schaufenster von Geschäften,
die Luxusartikel verkaufen, spaziert
vorbei an Denkmälern, die an jene
berühmten Persönlichkeiten erinnern, die
einst hier gekurt haben, blickt hinauf zu
den Hügeln und Wäldern, die den langgestreckten
Ort umgeben, und wundert sich
jetzt gar nicht mehr, dass Karlsbad zu den
beliebtesten und berühmtesten Kurorten
Europas zählt.
Ein triftiger Grund dafür sind natürlich
die Heilquellen, die vermutlich schon den
alten Römern bekannt waren. Der Arzt
Wenzel Payer formulierte es im 16. Jahrhundert
so: „Das Karlsbad heilt dir, wenn es
wo gebricht: Darm, Magen, Leber, Gallestein,
Nier, Zucker, Gicht“. Nicht jede der 80
warmen Quellen, die es in und um Karlsbad
gibt, hat diese Heilkraft. Bloß 12 werden
als natürliche Heilquellen anerkannt.
Und so wurde Karlsbad über die Jahrhunderte
zu einem beliebten Kurort von
Kaisern und Zaren, von Schriftstellern und
Künstlern, von Unternehmern und Adeligen.
Das hat Karlsbad den Beinamen „Salon
Europas“ eingebracht. Seine Blütezeit
hatte der Ort im 19. Jahrhundert. Heute,
nach einigen Jahrzehnten, die es nicht gut
mit Karlsbad meinten, erlebt der Kurort
eine gewaltige Renaissance. Karlsbad, auf
Tschechisch: Karlovy Vary, ist eine der
Ecken des böhmischen Bäderdreiecks. Die
anderen beiden bilden Franzensbad und
Marienbad.
Einer, der immer wieder kam, war Johann
Wolfgang von Goethe. Dreizehnmal
war er in Karlsbad, viermal in Marienbad
und gar siebzehnmal in Franzensbad. Der
Aufenthalt hat ihm immer sehr gut getan.
Denn die Quellen von Karlsbad heilen
nicht nur Leber-, Gallen- und Darmleiden,
nicht nur Haut- und Atemwegserkrankungen.
Und so kam es, dass der Geheimrat,
längst schon über 70 Jahre alt, hier seine
letzte große Liebe erlebte – zu der 17-jährigen
Ulrike von Levetzow. Sein Heiratsantrag
wurde jedoch höflich abgewiesen.
Zu den Gästen, die hier kurten, zählten
über die Jahre Kaiser Joseph II und Zar Peter
der Große, Sigmund Freud und Gottfried
Wilhelm Leibniz, Ludwig van Beethoven,
Richard Wagner, Franz Liszt,
Friedrich Smetana und Johann Sebastian
Bach, Friedrich Schiller und Fjodor Dostojevski.
Karlsbad muss damals ein anregender
und stimulierender Ort gewesen sein.
Auch Giacomo Casanova war hier, und
auch ihm scheint der Aufenthalt gut getan
zu haben. Dass Franz Kafka hier auf Besuch
war, ist bekannt. Ob er Spaß hatte,
wissen wir nicht. Karl Marx hat hier ebenfalls
gekurt. Dreimal sogar. Ein großes
Karl-Marx-Denkmal, das gegenüber dem
Hotel Savoy Westend steht, erinnert daran.
Eine Persönlichkeit, die Karlsbad geprägt
hat, war der Arzt und Apotheker David
Becher. Er führte im ausgehenden 18.
Jahrhundert erstmals wissenschaftlich fundierte
Behandlungsmethoden ein. Ein anderes
Familienmitglied, Josef Becher, der
ebenfalls Apotheker war, experimentierte
gerne mit Kräutern aus der Umgebung, einigen
exotischen Zutaten, hochprozentigem
Alkohol und Wasser aus Karlsbad und
mixte sie zu einem Magenbitter, den er zuerst
Carlsbad English Bitter und später
Original Karlsbader Becherbitter nannte
und der nun als Becherovka bekannt ist. In
der Johann-Becher-Fabrik am Becherplatz
ist heute das Jan-Becher-Museum untergebracht.
Auch die Villa der Becher-Familie
kann besichtigt werden, eine Ausstellung
erzählt die Geschichte des sehr aktiven
Clans.
Geprägt ist der Look von Karlsbad von
einer Architektur, die die Mode des späten
19. und des frühen 20. Jahrhunderts widerspiegelt:
Historizismus und Jugendstil,
Neoklassizismus und Neobarock.
Erste Adresse ist und bleibt das Grand
Hotel Pupp. Szenen für den James-Bond-
Film „Casino Royal“ sind hier gedreht worden.
Der Name erinnert an Johann Georg
Pupp, den Lieblingskonditor der Kaiserin
Maria Theresia, der die Herrscherin auf ihren
Reisen nach Karlsbad begleitete, um sie
kulinarisch zu versorgen.
Karlsbader Impressionen: der Chopin Pavillon,
die Parkkolonnade und die Marktkolonnade (im
Uhrzeigersinn von links oben).
Impressions of Karlovy Vary: Chopin Pavilion, Park
Colonnade and Market Colonnade (clockwise from
top left).
Schräg gegenüber, auf der anderen Seite
des Flüsschens Tepl, befindet sich das Kaiserbad,
das wohl einst das prächtigste Bad
weit und breit war und das – wie das Grand
Hotel Pupp und einige andere prestigeträchtige
Bauten in Karlsbad – von dem
Wiener Architekturbüro Fellner und Helmer
errichtet wurde. Es war Kaiser Franz
Joseph gewidmet. Für ihn wurde gar eine
vergoldete Badewanne aufgestellt – er hat
sie nie benutzt. Auch hier wurden Szenen
für den Film „Casino Royal“ gedreht.
Das größte Kurbad befindet sich exakt
auf der anderen Seite des Kurviertels: das
Elisabethbad. Es ist nach Kaiserin Elisabeth,
der Sisi, der Frau von Kaiser Franz
Joseph, benannt.
Treffpunkt nach Kurbehandlungen waren
selbstverständlich die Kaffeehäuser.
Beliebt ist nach wie vor insbesonders das
Café Elefant, auch wenn es nicht mehr das
ist, was es einmal war. Die Kalorien, die
man dort zu sich nimmt, kann man auf
sehr schöne Art wieder abbauen: Karlsbad
ist von zahlreichen ganz wunderbaren Spazierwegen
und Naturlehrpfaden umgeben.
144
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018
Cercle Diplomatique 3/2018 145

SAVOIR VIVRE WEEKENDER
Alles für die Gesundheit: In den Bädern und Spahotels von Karlsbad lassen sich Geist und Körper gut
regenerieren.
Achieving health: In the baths and spa hotels of Karlovy Vary mind and body regenerate well.
In Karlovy Vary, you can take a stroll
underneath colonnades, past the Belle
Époque palaces, gaze into the lobbies
of elegant hotels and through the windows
of shops selling various luxury goods, walk
by monuments that tell the tales of the
great personalities that once visited here to
seek relaxation, look up to the hills and the
forests that surround the elongated town
and finally understand why Karlovy Vary is
considered among the most popular and
best-known spa towns in Europe.
One of the main reasons for this is, of
course, the healing hot springs, which supposedly
the ancient Romans already knew
about. In the 16 th century, the physician
Wenzel Payer put it as follows, ”Karlovy
Vary will heal you wherever you may have
an ailment: whether stomach, liver, gallstones,
kidneys, blood sugar or gout“. Not every
one of the 80 hot springs that can be
found in Karlovy Vary has these healing
properties. Only 12 of them are recognised
as natural healing springs.
And this is how, across several centuries,
Karlovy Vary became one of the most
popular spa destinations among emperors
and tsars, writers and artists, entrepreneurs
and the nobility. And thus, Karlovy Vary
gained its reputation as Europe’s primary
wellness destination. Its golden age was in
the 19 th century. Today, after several decades
that didn’t mean it too well with Karlovy
Vary, the town is suddenly experiencing
a renaissance. It is one of the three destinations
in the West Bohemian Spa Triangle,
the other two being Františkovy Lázně and
Mariánské Lázně.
One of its many frequent visitors was
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. He visited
Karlovy Vary 13 times, Mariánské Lázně
four times and went to Františkovy Lázně
17 times in total. And his stays always
worked wonders for him. For Karlovy
Vary’s springs not only heal liver, gall and
intestinal ailments, but also issues with the
skin and lungs. And this was also how the
Geheimrat, the highest advising official at
the Imperial, royal or princely courts of the
Holy Roman Empire, aged 70 years old at
the time, discovered his last great love here
– namely, the 17-year-old Ulrike von Levetzow.
His wedding proposal, however,
was respectfully rejected.
Among the many guests who visited
Karlovy Vary for treatment over the years
were Emperor Joseph II and Tsar Peter the
Great, Sigmund Freud and Gottfried Wilhelm
Leibniz, Ludwig van Beethoven, Richard
Wagner, Franz Liszt, Friedrich Smetana
and Johann Sebastian Bach, Friedrich
Schiller and Fyodor Dostoevsky. Karlovy
Vary must have been an exciting and stimulating
destination back in the day.
Giacomo Casanova was here too; he
also appears to have enjoyed his stay. The
fact that Franz Kafka had also come here is
likewise well-known. Whether he had fun
or not is something we, unfortunately,
don’t know. Karl Marx also visited to enjoy
the hot springs. Three times even. There is
still a large Karl Marx monument right across
the Hotel Savoy Westend to commemorate
his visit.
An individual who left his very own
mark on Karlovy Vary was the physician
and pharmacist David Becher. Towards the
end of the 18th century, he was the first to
begin treating patients with scientifically
sound treatment methods. Another family
member, Josef Becher, who was also a
pharmacist, liked to experiment with regi-
onal herbs, his own exotic ingredients,
high-proof alcohol and water from Karlovy
Vary, mixing them together into an herbal
liqueur that he first called “Carlsbad English
Bitter“ and then later “Original Karlsbader
Becherbitter“, and is now known as
“Becherovka“. Today, you can find the Jan
Becher Museum at the Johann Becher Factory
at Becherplatz. The Becher family’s
villa is also open to visits – a special exhibition
tells the story of the highly active clan.
The atmosphere of Karlovy Vary is characterised
by an architecture that reflects
the stylistic trends of the late 19 th and early
20 th centuries – Historicism and Art Nouveau,
Neoclassicism and Neo-Baroque.