CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 03/2020

Autumn 2020

Nr. 3 | September – November

cercle-diplomatique.com

THE LEADING AUSTRIAN MAGAZINE FOR

DIPLOMACY INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS GLOBAL BUSINESS CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE

SLOWENIEN

DIVERS UND INNOVATIV

SLOVENIA

DIVERSE AND INNOVATIVE

EDITORIAL

Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser! | Dear Readers!

Design neu interpretiert.

Der erste rein elektrische

Sportback von Audi.

Die athletische Silhouette und der sportliche Charakter des neuen rein

elektrischen Audi e-tron Sportback sind geprägt von Faszination. Zudem

sorgt das aerodynamisch optimierte Design für eine größere Reichweite.

Technische Features wie die digitalen Matrix LED-Scheinwerfer und die

virtuellen Außenspiegel unterstreichen den Fortschritt mit Weitblick.

Elektrisch – jetzt noch aufregender.

PHOTO: GREGOR TURECEK

Wir freuen uns, bekanntgeben zu können,

dass wir kürzlich „Zuwachs“ bekommen

haben. Schon der bekannte US-Basketballspieler

und Unternehmer Michael Jordan wusste:

„Talent gewinnt Spiele, aber Teamwork und Intelligenz

gewinnen Meisterschaften.“ Zu unserem

20-köpfigen Profi-Team ist nun auch Dr. Walter

Feichtinger als Autor (siehe Seite 48 und 80) hinzugekommen.

Der Brigadier in Ruhe ist durch seine

fundierten TV-Kommentare in der ZIB2 bekannt,

wenn er jetzt in Zivil, zuvor stets in Uniform, den

aktuellen Status Quo der Weltlage kompakt und verständlich

erklärt. Walter Feichtinger absolvierte 1979

die Theresianische Militärakademie, promovierte

2002 in Politikwissenschaft und war zuletzt Leiter

des Instituts für Friedenssicherung und Konfliktmanagement.

Zudem leitet er mit einem Team auch das

Zentrum für Strategische Analyse (CSA) in Wien.

Unsere Titelgeschichte ist diesmal dem wunderbaren

Slowenien gewidmet. Unser Nachbarland mit

rund 2 Millionen Einwohnern ist das wohlhabendste

im ehemaligen Jugoslawien und ist mit Österreich

nicht zuletzt als Heimat der weltberühmten Lipizzaner

auch emotional verbunden. Der gemeinsame

slowenisch-österreichische Vorstoß, die Lipizzaner-

Zucht bei der UNESCO als immaterielles Weltkulturerbe

einzutragen, soll bald erfolgen.

Als besondere Lektüre möchten wir Ihnen die Interviews

mit Bundespräsident Alexander Van der

Bellen (Seite 56), Wiens Bürgermeister Michael Ludwig

(Seite 72), mit der ehemaligen Außenministerin

Karin Kneissl (Seite 80) und dem Generaldirektor

der IAEO, Rafael Mariano Grossi (Seite 36), ans Herz

legen.

Ein ganz besonderes Schmankerl der Zeitgeschichte

ist auch der Kommentar zu 40 Jahren

Solidarność von Otmar Lahodynsky, der es als Korrespondent

im Polen der frühen 1980er Jahre mit

einer seiner Fotografien auf das Cover des renommierten

TIME Magazine geschafft hat (ab Seite 44).

Genießen Sie diese Ausgabe sowie eine angenehme

Herbstzeit und bleiben Sie gesund!

We are happy to announce that we recently

added a new team member. The wellknown

US basketball player and entrepreneur

Michael Jordan already knew: „Talent wins

games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.“

Dr Walter Feichtinger now joined our team

as an author (see pages 48 and 80). The former brigadier

is known for his astute TV commentaries in the

Austrian national TV news where he – previously

always in uniform and now in civilian clothes – explains

the current status quo of the world situation in a

compact and understandable way. Walter Feichtinger

graduated from the Theresian Military Academy in

1979, received his doctorate in political science in

2002 and was most recently head of the Institute for

Peace Support and Conflict Management. He also

heads the Center for Strategic Analysis (CSA) in Vienna

with a team.

Our cover story is dedicated to wonderful Slovenia.

Our neighbouring country with around 2 million

inhabitants is the wealthiest in the former Yugoslavia

and is also emotionally connected to Austria,

not least as the home of the world-famous Lipizzaner

horses. The joint Slovenian-Austrian application to

register the Lipizzaner breed with UNESCO as an

intangible world cultural heritage should take place

soon.

We particularly recommend perusing the interviews

with President Alexander Van der Bellen (page

56), Vienna‘s Mayor Michael Ludwig (page 72), former

Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl (page 80) and

the General Director of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano

Grossi (page 36).

A very special treat from contemporary history is

the commentary on 40 years of Solidarność by Otmar

Lahodynsky, who, as a correspondent in Poland,

made it onto the cover of the renowned TIME magazine

in the early 1980s with one of his photographs

(from page 44).

Enjoy reading this edition, have a pleasant

autumn and stay healthy!

Herzlichst, | Yours,

A-1220 Wien

Hirschstettnerstraße 38

Telefon: +43 1 28855-0

www.porschedonaustadt.at

Ihr Ansprechpartner

Georg Endl

Telefon: +43 1 288 55 1322

E-Mail: georg.endl@porsche.co.at

Stromverbrauch kombiniert in kWh/100 km: 22,0 – 23,7 (WLTP); CO₂-Emissionen kombiniert in g/km: 0. Angaben zu

Kraftstoffverbrauch und CO₂-Emissionen bei Spannbreiten in Abhängigkeit von der gewählten Ausstattung des Fahrzeugs.

Andrea Fürnweger

Herausgeberin | Editor

Mag. Alexander Bursky

Herausgeber | Editor

LE XYX XYXYXY

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE –

ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE

Nr. 324

Ausgabe | Issue 03/2020

September – November

CONTENTS

Cover story

SLOVENIA

Seite | page 16

Slowenien pflegt gute

Kontakte zu Österreich,

nicht zuletzt durch die

Lipizzaner.

Slovenia is keeping up

good relations with

Austria, not least because

of the Lipizzan horses.

Das malerische Dorf Goriška

Brda mit 5 Türmen. The

picturesque village Goriška

Brda has 5 towers.

8

10

16

30

36

42

44

48

50

52

56

64

72

80

86

90

94

98

100

LE BULLETIN

Die neuen Botschafter | The new Ambassadors

Akkreditierung durch Bundespräsident Alexander Van der Bellen.

Accredidation by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen.

Offizielle Empfänge | Official Receptions

Die Veranstaltungen der vergangenen Wochen. The events of the last few weeks.

LE MONDE

Coverstory Slowenien | Cover story Slovenia

Divers und innovativ. Diverse and innovative.

El Salvador

Däumling im Vormarsch. Thubstall on the rise.

Interview

Generaldirektor Rafael Mariano Grossi von der IAEO. IAEA‘s DG Rafael Mariano Grossi.

Kommentar | Commentary

8 Jahre unter der Präsidentschaft von Hassan Rohani.

8 years under the Presidency of Hassan Rouhani.


Polen und die Solidarność . Poland and Solidarność.


Der US-Truppenabzug in Deutschland. The withdrawal of American soldiers in Germany.

Essay

Warum wir wirklich europäische Bürger werden müssen.

Why we really have to become European citizens.

News

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

L‘AUTRICHE

Interview

Bundespräsident Alexander van der Bellen. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen.

Bau & Stahl | Construction & steel

Österreich baut weltweit. Austria build all over the world.

Interview

Wiens Bürgermeister Michael Ludwig. Vienna‘s Mayor Michael Ludwig

Interview

Außenministerin a.D. Karin Kneissl. Former Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl.

Wirtschaftsnews | Business news

Neues aus Österreich. News from Austria.

SAVOIR VIVRE

Locations mit Gastgarten | Locations with outdoor sitting areas

Wir wollen an die frische Luft. We enjoy the fresh air.

Connaisseur | Connoisseur

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

Check In

Hotel Grand Sheraton Salzburg.

Suite Dreams

Die Kaisersuiten im ATH Parkhotel Schönbrunn.

COVERPHOTO: SLOVENIAN TOURIST BOARD PHOTO: MATEVZ LENARCIC

102

104

110

116

120

122

124

128

130

134

136

138

140

144

3

4

139

Hideaways

VILA VITA Pannonia Seeresidenzen

Reise | Travel

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

Cultural Exchange | Kultureller Austausch

Schweizer Kunst & Kultur in Österreich. Swiss art & culture in Austria.

Jubiläum | Anniversary

175 Jahre Abai Qunanbajuly. 175 years Abai Qunanbaiuli.

Botschafter der Musik | Ambassadors of Music

Star Dirigent Andrés Orozco-Estrada. Star conductor Andrés Orozco-Estrada.

Vision Dialogue

Katrin Vohland, NHM.

Kunst | Arts

Kulturelle Highlights im Herbst. Cultural highlights in autumn.

Lifestyle

Trends für den kommenden Herbst. Trends for the autumn season.

Ambassador‘s Drive

Der Botschafter der Ukraine auf CD-Testfahrt. Ukraine‘s Ambassador on a test drive.

Motor

Best of Europe!

Upcoming

Wo es uns gefällt. Where we love to be.

Buchempfehlungen | Must read

Lesenswertes über Österreich. Book tips about Austria.

Mein Österreich | My Austria

Der Botschafter Deutschlands. The Ambassador of Germany.

LES RENDEZVOUS

Veranstaltungen | Events

Exklusive Veranstaltungen im Fokus. Exclusive events in focus.

Titelbild | Cover

Die bezaubernde Insel Bled, Slowenien. | The charming island of Bled, Slovenia.

Editorial

Inhalt | Contents

Impressum | Imprint

4 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2020

Cercle Diplomatique 3/2020

5

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.

RELAXED & CHARMING

Enjoy finest cuisine, extraordinary cocktails

and an outstanding ambience.

#thebankvienna

Scan me!

LE BULLETIN CREDENTIALS

Wir begrüßen die neuen Botschafter herzlich in Österreich: Willkommen!

We cordially welcome the new Ambassadors to Austria!

Jaideep

Mazumdar

Ambassador of the

Republic of India

Credentials: June 2020

H.E.

H.E.

Abbas Bagherpour

Ardekani

Ambassador of the

Islamic Republic of Iran


H.E.

Kang Il Choe

Ambassador of the Democratic

People‘s Republic of Korea


Ambassador of the

United Mexican States


H.E.

Luis Javier

Campuzano Piña

Ambassador of the Democratic

Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka


H.E.

Majintha Joseph

Priye Jayesinghe

Born on March 15, 1965

Married, two children

Born in 1972


Born on September 17, 1959


Born on June 21, 1960

Married, four children

Born on May 1, 1966

Single

Education

B.A.(Hons) (Economics), MBA

Professional Career

2017–2020: Ambassador to the Philippines

2016–2017: Head of Southern Division, MEA, New Delhi

2014–2016: Chief of Protocol, MEA, New Delhi

2010–2014: Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India,

Kathmandu

2008–2010: Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Beijing

2006–2008: Counsellor, Embassy of India, Cairo

2002–2006: First Secretary/Counsellor, PM of India to the

UN, New York

1999–2002: Deputy Secretary in Prime Minister’s Office,

New Delhi

1996–1999: Assistant High Commissioner, Chittagong

1993–1996: Second Secretary/First Secretary, Embassy of

India, Beijing

1991–1993: Third Secretary/Second Secretary, CG of India,

Hong Kong

Education

1996: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) International Relations,

Faculty of International Relations, Tehran, Iran

1999: Master of Arts (M.A.), Public International Law,

Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2010: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D), Public International

Law, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Professional Career

2018–2020: Director General for Intl. Legal Affairs,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2015–2018: Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

2011–2015: Ambassador and Deputy Permanent

Representative, Permanent Mission of Iran to UN in Geneva

2009–2011: Director, Legal Department, MFA

2007–2009: Deputy Director, Legal Department, MFA

2004–2007: Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of

Iran to UN, New York

1999–2003: Legal Expert, Legal Department, MFA

Education

1976–1980: Korean People’s Army

1980–1984: Study at the University of the International

Relations

Professional Career

2015–2019: Deputy General Director, Department of North

American Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2011–2015: Councilor, Permanent Mission of the DPRK to

the United Nations and other International Organizations

in Vienna

2004–2011: Section Chief, Department of the United

States Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2001–2004: Senior Researcher at the Institute for

Disarmament and Peace, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1998–2001: Attache, Embassy of the DPRK in Federal

Democratic Republic of Nepal

1984–1998: Researcher at the Institute for Disarmament

and Peace, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Recipient of many Orders and Medals

PHOTOS: HARALD MINICH UND PETER LECHNER/ HBF

PHOTOS: HARALD MINICH UND PETER LECHNER/ HBF

Education

Bachelor in International Relations and in Political Science

and Public Administration, Master in International Relations

Professional Career

2018–2020: Under-Secretariat for Multilateral Affairs and

Human Rights of the Mexican Foreign Ministry

2017-2018: Director General for the United Nations

Organization

2014-2017: Ambassador of Mexico in Norway

2009-2014: Ambassador of Mexico in Kenia and

Permanent Representative to UNEP and UNO-Habitat

2006-2009: Deputy Representative of Mexico to the

Organization of American States

2004-2006: Attaché for Human Rights to the

international organizations in Geneva

2001-2004: Deputy Representative of Mexico to the

international organizations in Vienna

1999-2001: Attaché for Economic and Social Affairs at

the Mission of Mexico to the UNO

1998-1999: Technical assistant at the office of the Foreign

Minister

1996-1998: Personal assistant of the Under-Secretary for

International Cooperation

1990-1996: Representative of Mexico to the IAEA

1989-1990: Advisor at the Mexican Foreign Ministry

Education

1989: Diploma in International Affairs, Bandaranaike

International Centre for International Studies, Sri Lanka

1992–1994 : Dissertation – Human Rights, Criminal Law, Trust

Law and Criminology

1994: LLB Degree (Honours),University of Birmingham, UK

2001–2002: Chinese Language Studies, Beijing Language and

Cultural University, People’s Republic of China

Professional Career

2019–2020: Ambassador, United Arab Emirates

2018–2019: Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of

Sri Lanka, Malaysia

2015–2018: Minister, High Commission of Sri Lanka, Malaysia

2014–2015: Acting Additional Secretary (Protocol, Human

Rights and West)

2014–2015: Director General, Human Rights

2013–2015: Acting Additional Secretary (Protocol)

2012 –2013: Director General, CHOGM 2013 Taskforce

Secretariat

2011–2015: Chief of Protocol, Ministry of External Affairs

2011: Economic Affairs Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Sri

Lanka

2007–2011: Consul General, Consulate of Sri Lanka, Shanghai,

People’s Republic of China

2007: Delegate at the UN General Assembly, New York and

Delegate at the ACD Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Republic of

Korea



9

LE BULLETIN REVIEW

Official receptions

June 2020

When the President meets all EU-countries

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen invited all Ambassadors of EU

countries for a confidential exchange of views.

Bottom: Present were the Ambassadors of Croatia, Germany, Portugal, Slovenia, France, Czech

Republic, Sweden, Spain, Belgium as well as Martin Selmayr (EU-Commission in Austria).

Find more

photos online


July 2020

Belarus

To celebrate Independence Day as well as the end of World War II, a photo

exhibition named “75 moments of war“ was opened.

Left: Chargé d‘Affaires a.i.,

Andrei Lozovik welcomed the

guests at the Museum of

Liberation Vienna at the

Memorial Bunker.

Know How

to Succeed

PHOTOS: CARINA KARLOVITS UND PETER LECHNER / HBF

Economist &

Financial Times

Executive MBA

Rankings:

Top 50

worldwide

July 2020

Belgium

On the occasion of National Day, the board of the Austrian-Belgian Society invited to a Heurigen at Traiskirchen.

Left: H.E. Ghislain

d`Hoop (2nd left)

took part with his

wife, Katharina

D’Hoop Thomas

Freeman (very left).

Join the MBA programs

of Europe’s leading

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Global Executive MBA

2 MBA degrees, jointly offered with

the University of Minnesota, USA.

3 intern. residencies:

e.g. Asia, South America, USA.

PHOTOS: ÖBG

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Professional MBA

Intern. residency: USA.

Specialization e.g. in

Finance, Marketing & Sales,

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Management, European Business Law,

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of Economy and Business

WU Executive Academy

mba@wu.ac.at

executiveacademy.at/mba


LE BULLETIN REVIEW

July 2020

Kazakhstan

On the occasion of the “Day of the Diplomatic Service“, a concert was given at Klosterneuburg Monastery.

July 2020

Trilateral meeting between Austria, Slovenia and Croatia

Alexander Van der Bellen invited the Presidents of Slovenia and Croatia to Austria‘s capital Vienna.

Left:

H.E. Kairat Sarybay,

using „the new way of

greeting.“

Left: Croatia‘s President Zoran

Milanović (right) and President

Borut Pahor (left) with Austria‘s

Federal President Alexander Van

der Bellen (middle).

July 2020

Conference of the IFIMES Institute at the Diplomatic Academy

The gathering with 20 distinguished speakers was probably one of the very few “real“ events in Europe past the lockdown.

Left: H.E. Emil Brix was the

host as Director of the

Diplomatic Academy (left).

The event took place under

the title „From Victory Day

to Corona Disarray: 75

Years of Europe‘s

Collective Security and

Human Rights System“.

PHOTOSADRIAN ALMASAN

PHOTOS: IFIMES

PHOTOS: PETER LECHNER/ HBF



13

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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 SLOVENIA

SLOVENIA

DIVERSE AND

INNOVATIVE

Slovenia is famous for sustainability in economy

and tourism, natural paradises, top cuisine and

Lipizzan horses.

Text: Robert Winter

PHOTO: SLOVENIAN TOURIST BOARD

Aerial view of the castle

hotel Otočec, located on a

small island in the middle of

the river Krka in Otočec,

Slovenia.



17

LE MONDE SLOVENIA

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, SLOVENIAN TOURIST BOARD

View of the wooden bridge

Tromostovje over the river

Ljubljanica in the old town

centre of Ljubljana.

ago, history was written in Lipica,

a Slovenian village in the municipality

of Sežana in the Slovenian 440years

coastal region near the border to Italy and the Adriatic

coastal city of Trieste. After all, the establishment

of the world-famous Lipizzan Stud goes back to the

year 1580. Austrians had their hands in the game

when the horse breeding on the Karst on Slovenian

territory was founded. Archduke Charles II of Inner

Austria was the initiator of the stud, which still breeds

the oldest cultural horse breed in Europe today. He

had become aware of Andalusian horses during a trip

to Spain.

How the breeding of the Lipizzans developed

further is sufficiently known. These proud animals

have achieved world fame, not least thanks to the

Spanish Riding School in Vienna, which is supplied

with stallions from the Austrian Piber Stud. The Spanish

Riding School originally served the equestrian

training of the Imperial family. Since 2010, the Classical

Riding School and the High School of the Spanish

Riding School have been included in the intangible

cultural heritage of UNESCO.

Matej Oset, Director of the Lipizzan Stud in Lipica:

"At our stud farm we currently keep about 400

Lipizzans. On average, between 30 and 40 foals are

born every year.“ The stud farms in Lipica and Piber

are certainly not the only places where Lipizzan horses

are bred. Ksenija Škrilec, Slovenia's Ambassador

to Austria: "The stud farm in Lipica is the cradle of

the Lipizzans. Lipica, therefore, has the longest tradition

of breeding.“

Last year, however, a transnational initiative with

studs from other countries was launched at which

Lipizzans are also bred. In cooperation with Austria,

Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Bosnia/Herzegovina,

Romania and Italy, Lipizzans were submitted for the

international representative list of the Intangible

Cultural Heritage of Mankind." The application for

inclusion on the list was decided in May 2019 at the

Stanglwirt, a renowned five-star organic and wellness

resort in the Tyrolean town of Going by former

Slovenian Foreign Minister Miro Cerar and former

Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl.

A look into the history books shows that Slovenia

and Austria also have a long common tradition apart

,

FACTS &

FIGURES

SLOVENIA

Capital: Ljubljana

Government: Slovenia is a

parliamentary republic. Head

of State of the Republic of

Slovenia is President Borut

Pahor. The government is led

by the centre-right Slovenian

Democratic Party SDS, a

member of the European

People's Party EPP. Janez

Janša, leader of the party SDS,

is prime minister und heads a

coalition government.

Area: 20,273 km 2 (155th

biggest country in the world)

Population: 2.07 million

(2018)

Ethnic Groups: Slovene 83.1%,

Serb 2.0%, Croat 1.8%,

Bosniak 1.1%, other or

unspecified 12% (2002 est.)

GDP: 54.154 billion US-Dollar

(nominal, 2019 est.)

GDP per person: 26,170 US-

Dollar (nominal, 2019 est.)

Formation:

• In 1918, Slovenia became

part of the newly founded

Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and

Slovenes, which was later

called Yugoslavia.

• During the Second World

War Slovenia was divided and

placed under German and

Italian occupation.

• In 1945, Slovenia became

part of the newly founded but

then communist Yugoslavia.

• On 25 June 1991, Slovenia

separated from the

Yugoslavian state association

and declared its independence.

The famous Dragon bridge (Zmajski most),

a landmark of the Slovenian capital

Ljubljana.

Panoramic view of the Slovenian

capital Ljubljana.



19

LE MONDE SLOVENIA

The Old Castle Celje was built in

the 12th century on three hills

to the southeast of Celje.

Salt production in the salt works

of Sečovlje in the municipality of Piran.

Natural health resorts Terme

Olimia.

The small island Blejski Otok in Lake Bled in the Slovenian region

of Upper Carniola.

from racehorses. Already in the 13th century, the socalled

Habsburg hereditary lands covered large areas

of the German-speaking world, some of which were

located in what is now Switzerland, Germany,

France, Austria as well as in what is now Hungary,

Italy, Croatia and Slovenia.

After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy

in 1918, Slovenia became part of the newly

founded Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes,

which was later called Yugoslavia. During the Second

World War, Slovenia was divided and placed

under German and Italian occupation. In 1945, Slovenia

became part of the newly founded but then

communist Yugoslavia. On 25 June 1991, Slovenia

separated from the Yugoslavian state association and

declared its independence. Ambassador Ksenija

Škrilec: "Austria has been very supportive of the process

of independence from Slovenia. This was very

important and will not be forgotten. Since the independence

of our country, relations with Austria have

improved even more."

This can be expressed in figures, for example in

terms of the economic ties between the two countries.

About seven percent of Slovenia‘s total export

performance goes to Austria. About nine percent of

Slovenia‘s imports come from Austria. In terms of

direct investments, Austria is the leader in Slovenia

with a share of 24 per cent. Luxembourg follows with

13.7 percent, Switzerland with 10.5 percent, Germany

with nine percent and Italy with 7.9 percent.

Due to its strong economic ties, Slovenia is considered

a hub for Austrian economic operators. Its

southern neighbour is considered a bridge to the states

of former Yugoslavia. This is why many Austrian

companies choose Slovenia as a location for branch

offices. In addition to its proximity to Austria, Slovenia

offers locational advantages such as a good port

and general infrastructure.

Since the independence of Slovenia, which will

take over the Presidency of the Council of Europe on

1 July 2021, the economy of Austria's southern

neighbour has developed very well. Since 1991, economic

output measured in terms of gross domestic

product has increased fourfold. From 2014 to 2019,

the growth of the real gross domestic product was

between 2.4 and 4.8 per cent annually. This means

that, with the exception of 2015, the upturn in the

Slovenian economy was consistently above the average

for the EU states. Between 2005 and 2019, the

gross domestic product per capita rose from USD

18,152 to USD 26,170 according to the Austrian Federal

Economic Chamber.

For the current year, however, as in many other

countries of the world, forecasts indicate a sharp decline

in economic output due to the corona crisis.

The International Monetary Fund, for example, estimates

the possible decline in GDP for 2020 as a whole

at eight percent. An estimate by the governmentrelated

Slovenian research institute IMAD comes to

the same conclusion. If the country only slowly recovers

from the crisis, economic output could even fall

by 15 percent, IMAD researchers warn. The Slovenian

National Bank expects a GDP decline of between

6.2 and 16.1 percent in 2020, depending on the development.

The forecasts for next year are similar to

those for many other countries. A rapid and strong

economic recovery is expected for Slovenia's economy

from next year onwards.

In terms of the structure of the Slovenian economy,

the service sector is by far the most important. In

2018, the sector contributed 64.9 percent of the

country's gross value added. The production sector

PHOTOS: SLOVENIAN TOURIST BOARD

accounted for 32.7 percent and agriculture for 2.4

percent. Important Slovenian employers include the

oil and energy company Petrol, the household goods

manufacturer Gorenje, the pharmaceutical company

Krka, the motor home manufacturer Adria Mobil

and the Revoz car plant in Novo mesto.

In terms of innovation, Slovenia has already made

a name for itself for decades. There are several internationally

recognised research institutions in Slovenia.

One of them is the Jožef Stefan Institute, founded

in 1949. Last year, the institute became the

headquarters of UNESCO's International Research

Centre for Artificial Intelligence. High quality research

is also carried out at the Institute of Chemistry

and the Slovenian National Institute of Biology.

Sustainability plays an important role in Slovenia.

This can be seen, for example, in the steady growth of

the market for organically produced food. In addition

to ecologically oriented production and processing

companies, the sector is characterised by specialised

organic shops. According to the Austrian

Federal Economic Chamber, there are no precise fi-

SLOWENIEN.

MEINE ART

DER AUSZEIT.

#ifeelsLOVEnia

#myway


www.slovenia.info

Seit 70 Jahren gehören Haushaltsgeräte von Gorenje von Generation zu Generation

zur Familientradition. Als Marke leben wir im Herzen Ihres Zuhauses und des täglichen

Lebens zu Hause. Wenn Sie sich für ein Gorenje-Gerät entscheiden, entscheiden Sie

sich für eine wirklich mühelose, zuverlässige und effiziente Technologie, die auf Ihre

Bedürfnisse zugeschnitten ist. Wir sind an Ihrer Seite bei wichtigen Meilensteinen im

Leben und in alltäglichen Momenten, in denen kleine Probleme gelöst werden müssen.

Deshalb ist es unsere Mission, alles zu vereinfachen, was Sie täglich tun müssen, damit

Sie mehr Zeit für alles haben, was Sie gerne tun.

LE MONDE SLOVENIA

INFO

Old Vine House with the oldest grape

vine in the world, Lent, Maribor (left);

Coastal city Piran (below).

Lipizzan horses - 440 years of history

The Lipizzan stud farm in Lipica was

founded in 1580. At that time, the Carinthian

Count Hans Khevenmüller brought the first

three Andalusian stallions to Lipica, which at

that time was still in the Habsburg monarchy.

Another six stallions and 24 mares followed in

the following year. The stock was supplemented

with stallions from Northern Italy and

Polesina.

Archduke Charles II of Inner Austria was the

initiator of the stud, which still breeds the

oldest cultural horse breed in Europe today. In

the first two centuries from the foundation of

the stud farm in Lipica the horses were known

as "Karster". The name Lipizzaner (Lipizzans)

first appeared in 1786.

Currently, the world-famous stud farm in

Lipica, which is considered the cradle of these

horses, comprises about 400 horses. Matej

Oset, Director of the Lipica Stud in Lipica: "On

average, between 30 and 40 foals are born

every year." The stud's terrain is very extensive

and covers an area of about 300 hectares.

Oset: "There is a lot of space in a nice

surrounding. The stud is located only 15

kilometers from Trieste. An advantage is the

proximity to the Slovenian and Croatian

Adriatic coast."

The stud farm, which is very popular among

tourists because of the horse shows that are

held three times a week, is owned by the state.

Alone 50 employees are responsible for

tourist matters. Another 70 take care of the

care and training of the horses.

Little is known that Lipizzan horses are also

used in the therapy for people with disabilities.

"This area will be further developed"

emphasizes stud manager Oset.

The average annual turnover achieved by

the stud farm is between seven and eight

million Euro. Stud Manager Oset: "The

turnover is expected to triple in the next four

to five years. Towards the end of the year, the

four-star-plus hotel will reopen after a

renovation. You can also play golf on our

9-hole course. The 18-hole course of the Trieste

Golf Club, located on the karst, is only a few

kilometres from our stud farm."

Last year, the Lipica Stud Farm participated

in a transnational initiative with studs from

other countries in which Lipizzan horses were

also bred. Together with Austria, Hungary,

Slovakia, Croatia, Bosnia/Herzegovina,

Romania and Italy, the stud was submitted for

the international representative list of the

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind. On

the occasion of a meeting at the famous

Stanglwirt in the Tyorlean town of Going, the

World Heritage application for Lipizzan horses

was approved by former Slovenian Foreign

Minister Miro Cerar and former Austrian

Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl.

lipica.org

Lipizzans at the Lipica

Stud Farm.

gures on the change in the market volume of organic

food. In general, however, it can be said that the market

has been growing since 2010 and that the upswing

will continue in the future.

From autumn 2015, Slovenia was an important

transit route for half a million refugees and migrants,

many of whom moved on to Austria, Germany and

Northern Europe. According to Ksenija Škrilec,

Slovenia's Ambassador to Austria, the country is

very well prepared for a possible further wave of refugees.

Škrilec: "Slovenia lies on the so-called Balkan

route, which we carefully monitor. 2015 brought

great challenges, but the Slovenian citizens showed

great solidarity and were actively involved at dealing

with it. At that time, the EU and member states were

not sufficiently prepared to properly face the hard

task. Since then, the situation has changed and we all

have become aware that even more intensive cooperation

is needed."

According to Ambassador Škrilec, there is agreement

that the protection of the European Union's

external borders is a top priority. Škrilec: "Slovenia

continues to support comprehensive European solutions

regarding migrations and asylum and is also

providing continued support to the countries along

the Western Balkan route."

With a population of around 2.07 million people,

Slovenia has about 40 times fewer inhabitants than

Germany, making it one of the smaller EU states.

Slovenia is one of the EU states with the greatest biodiversity.

The country makes great efforts to preserve

the diversity of fauna, flora and habitats. This also

explains why tourism in Slovenia is strongly focused

on sustainability.

In terms of tourism, the relatively small country,

with a total area of 20,273 square kilometres, can

boast a wide range of offers. This is due to the strong

geographical differences. In the north and northeast

of the country there is an area that includes the Julian

and Steiner Alps. These Alpine regions are among

the most beautiful parts of Slovenia. Those looking

for exceptional accommodation in the Slovenian

mountains will find it in the picturesque Jezersko

valley, for example, which is known for its natural

beauty and healing climate. Thus, the luxury accommodation

Villa Planinka is located near the mountaineering

village of Jezersko, which is situated between

the peaks of the Steiner Alps and the Karavanke

mountains. Great variety is provided for when hiking

or climbing due to the different altitudes, which

TEIL DER

TRADITION.

FAMILIE.

DER TEIL

PHOTOS: MITJA BOZIC, GABRIELE BOISELLE - EDITION BOISELLE


are between 700 and 2,500 metres above sea level. In

addition, flora and fauna are diverse. More than

1,000 plant species grow in the region. The habitat is

shared by chamois, ibex, the alpine ptarmigan, the

snow hare, alpine and fire salamander, among others.

The area of the Julian Alps also includes the Soča

valley. The Soča, also known as the 'emerald green

river', is considered one of the most beautiful watercourses

in Europe. The Soča has its source in northwestern

Slovenia from a karst spring at the foot of

Mount Travnik in the Julian Alps. The river has a

total length of 140 kilometres and flows into the Gulf

of Trieste south of the Italian city of Monfalcone.

The river itself is characterised by smaller and larger

waterfalls, rapids and narrow gorges. The Soča

and its tributaries are a paradise for nature lovers and

for those who are looking for adventurous water

sports experiences such as white-water kayaking,

rafting or canyoning. But fishermen also get their

money's worth. The autochthonous Marmorata trout

attracts fishermen from all over the world. In addition,

Soča and its tributaries are considered a unique


gorenje.at

SEIT 70 JAHREN.

TEIL DER

TRADITION.

TEIL DER

FAMILIE.

SEIT 70 JAHREN.

gorenje.at

Seit 70 Jahren gehören Haushaltsgeräte von Gorenje von Generation zu Generation

zur Familientradition. Als Marke leben wir im Herzen Ihres Zuhauses und des täglichen

Lebens zu Hause. Wenn Sie sich für ein Gorenje-Gerät entscheiden, entscheiden Sie

sich für eine wirklich mühelose, zuverlässige und effiziente Technologie, die auf Ihre

Bedürfnisse zugeschnitten ist. Wir sind an Ihrer Seite bei wichtigen Meilensteinen im

Leben und in alltäglichen Momenten, in denen kleine Probleme gelöst werden müssen.

Deshalb ist es unsere Mission, alles zu vereinfachen, was Sie täglich tun müssen, damit

Sie mehr Zeit für alles haben, was Sie gerne tun.

LE MONDE SLOVENIA

Michelin star awarded cook Ana Roš

in her restaurant "Hiša Franko".

Aerial View on Piran with football court and the Adriatic Sea

(above); the famous caves of Postojna (below).

fly-fishing destination. By the way, this method is the

only kind of fishing allowed on the emerald green

river.

Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and the Radovna river

gorge are also considered attractive destinations.

Lake Bled, a glacial lake fed by thermal springs, is the

only island in Slovenia with a church on the island of

Bled and a medieval castle on the lake shore. Those

who visit the island should ring the church bell, also

called the wishing bell. According to the legend, the

ringing of the bell makes wishes come true.

The karst covers the largest part of southern Slovenia.

Most karst caves are located in the southwest.

Worth seeing are the Postojna and Škocjan caves.

The Škocjan Caves are world-famous and, with the

largest underground canyon in Europe, were the first

of Slovenia's natural sites to be included on the

UNESCO World Heritage List. Several kilometres of

sightseeing trails with a total of 500 steps lead

through the karst cave with its underground canyon

up to 146 metres deep. In addition to a total of 26

underground waterfalls, visitors can admire large

halls, stalactite giants up to 15 metres high and numerous

other underground Karst creations.

In Ljubljansko Barje, in turn, some 40 sites with

remains of pile dwellings have been discovered, nine

of which are registered with UNESCO. The most important

archaeological find is a unique 5,200-yearold

wheel, considered the oldest wooden wheel in

the world. Along the Slovenian Adriatic coast, which

is only 47 kilometres long, towns such as Piran,

Portorož, Koper and Izola are worth visiting. If you

travel to the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, located in

the centre of the country, you will be impressed by

the serenity and vivacity of its inhabitants.

For a long time, Slovenia was not associated with

exceptional culinary achievements. This has changed

abruptly since mid-June at the latest, when, for the

first time, a Guide Michelin was produced for Slovenia.

The results of the restaurant evaluations are impressive.

The "Hiša Franko" restaurant in Kobarid,

run by chef Ana Roš, was awarded two Michelin

stars. Roš, who was awarded the title of 'World's Best

Female Chef ' in 2017, thus leads the squad of top

Slovenian chefs. Five other Slovenian chefs have also

been awarded one Michelin star each. In view of these

results, it perfectly fits into the picture that Slovenia

will carry the title of 'European Region of Gastronomy'

next year.


HOLIDAYS AT HOME

… at Stanglwirt


6353 Going am Wilden Kaiser, Tirol, Austria | Tel.: +43/(0)5358/2000 | Fax: DW-31 | daheim@stanglwirt.com

www.stanglwirt.com

LE MONDE SLOVENIA | INTERVIEW

H.E. Ksenija Škrilec

“The relations with Austria are excellent.“

The Ambassador of Slovenia to Austria on current developments in Slovenia, the relations with Austria,

pro-European Slovenes, upcoming cultural events, culinary highlights and Lipizzaner horses.

Interview: Robert Winter

CD: Austria and Slovenia were parts of the

Habsburg Empire for centuries until 1918. How

have the relations between the two states

developed since Slovenia‘s independence from

Yugoslavia in 1991?

Ksenija Škrilec: Slovenia had been part of

the former Yugoslavia since the First World

War, but in 1990, 95 percent of the Slovenes

decided at a nationwide plebiscite to take

their own path. Next year, we will be already

celebrating the 30th anniversary of the

official declaration of our independence. It

is important to note, and we will always remember,

that Austria very much supported

this process. Slovenia has developed very

quickly since then, restructured its economy

and strengthened the ties with nearby

markets. Through and after the independence,

relations with Austria have developed

more differentiated and the cooperation

in all fields became more intense. Today,

we are in many ways interdependent. Overall,

the relationship between the two countries

with a common EU future can be described

as excellent. In addition, our

country that is placed at the heart of Western,

Eastern and Southern Europe remains

an important link to the other countries of

the former Yugoslavia.

Slovenia became an EU member in 2004. In 2007,

it joined the euro zone and the Schengen area.

How important is the EU membership now?

Although the Slovenian economy was

already strongly connected to the EU

member states´ markets, with our EU

membership these ties additionally

strengthened. In the last years, Slovenia

was among the EU countries with the highest

economic growth rates. The Slovenian

population is a strong supporter of the EU,

our attitude is generally pro-European. By

joining the European Union and NATO,

Slovenia achieved its important foreign policy

goals. At the same time, Slovenia is trying

to play an active role in the further development

of the EU. Already for the

second time, Slovenia will hold the Presidency

of the Council of the EU in the second

half of 2021, but already actually we

are a member of the EU Presidency Trio.

Since 3 March 2020, Janez Janša, leader of the

right-wing party SDS, the Slovenian Democratic

Party, has once again been prime minister.

Slovenia is currently called in the same breath as

countries like Poland or Hungary as a country with

an illiberal government. Does that worry you?

The current Slovenian four-party coalition

government took office after the

government reshuffle at the beginning of

March and successfully mastered the Corona

crisis, which had begun immediately.

The new government is led by the centreright

Slovenian Democratic Party, a member

of the European People‘s Party (EPP).

We can state that Slovenia does indeed have

a democratically elected centre-right coalition

government, as in other European states.

Like any government, it should be measured

by the performance it delivers.

Like almost all countries in the world, Slovenia is

currently under the spell of the Corona crisis.

What measures have been taken to limit the

damage to people and the economy?

In Slovenia there are aid packages for

the economy and the population that are

comparable to measures in other countries.

A special feature to support domestic tourism

are travel vouchers for people whose

main residence is in Slovenia. By August 9,

more than 360,000 such vouchers, each

worth 200 euro for adults and 50 euro for

children, had already been redeemed for

holidays in Slovenia.

In many countries, attempts are being made to

strengthen sustainability. How does Slovenia deal

with this?

Almost every Slovenian is nature-conscious

and cares a lot about his environment.

Slovenes live in harmony with nature,

each Slovenian has either a garden or

practices outdoor sports. This reflects in

outstanding sports achievements of Slovenes

for example at Olympic Games. Sustainability

is an important element also in

economy and tourism, and it is politically

very much supported. Sustainable and inclusive

growth, green transition and digital

transformation are part of the 18-months

programme of the EU Council, published

in June by the German and the future Portuguese

and Slovenian presidencies. Sustainable

tourism is an aspect that connects

Slovenia and Austria too. Tourism in Slovenia

plays an important role as it accounts

for 9.9 percent of the gross domestic product.

Around ten percent of the workforce

is employed in tourism.

What is the nature of tourism?

This can be described with a wellknown

anecdote. When God created the

world, the nations lined up in order. Slovenia

was at the very end of the line. When

the Slovenian representatives took their

turn, God asked why they had not come

earlier. Because the people were so humble,

God gave the Slovenians a small part of

everything he had set aside for himself.

That accounts not only for special beauty

but for diversity too. The specific geographical

features range from the Alps, the

Mediterranean and the Karst to the Pannonian

Plain. This gives Slovenia the advantage

of being able to offer tourism for all

four seasons. Alps with mountains, turquoise

springs and rivers, Pannonian plain

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA

with health resorts, spas, generosity of people

and food as well as the Mediterranean

with the seaside and Karst.

Which destinations and sights should tourists

visit? What is the importance of the stud farm in

Lipica?

For a citizen of a landlocked country, a

trip to the Slovenian Adriatic Sea coast and

the hinterland, to the Karst region is recommended.

City tourism is flourishing

with numerous castles and museums. You

can visit the oldest, very traditional town

Škofja Loka. Lake Bled and the small island

Blejski otok is worth a visit. On the Karst,

there is Postojna Cave known as the queen

of the underground world with a rare proteus

and the Lipica stud farm, the world

famous cradle of the Lipizzan horse. The

history of the breeding goes back to the

year 1580. Lipizzaner, still bred in their authentic

environment, could be visited in

Lipica even today. Hopefully, in the near

future, Lipizzaner will be part of the

UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible

Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which

Slovenia, together with Austria, Bosnia and

Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Romania

and Slovakia submitted to UNESCO

this March.

Tourism and good food are closely related. What

culinary highlights does Slovenia have to offer?

The geographical diversity is reflected in

a great gastronomic variety of dishes and

wine. Recently, the renowned Michelin restaurant

directory also discovered Slovenia.

In mid-June, a Guide Michelin for Slovenian

restaurants was published for the first

time. With the world-famous Ana Roš, best

chef 2017, and her restaurant “Hiša Franko“

in Kobarid, Slovenia now even has a

two-star chef. Five other outstanding Slovenian

restaurants received their first Michelin

star. As we place great emphasis on

culinary quality, Slovenia will next year

bear the title of “European Region of Gastronomy“.

How has the Slovenian economy developed over

H.E. KSENIJA ŠKRILEC

Since December 2017, Ksenija Škrilec has

been the Ambassador of Slovenia to the

Republic of Austria.

In 2010, Škrilec, who is a mother of two,

completed her Interdisciplinary PhD

Studies in International Relations at the

University of Budapest.

26 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2020 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2020 27

LE MONDE SLOVENIA | INTERVIEW

“The relationship between

Slovenia and Austria with a

common EU future can be

described as excellent.“

the medium term? What role does the cooperation

with Austria play?

Slovenia‘s economic performance has

quadrupled since 1991 and ranks 16th in an

EU comparison. neighbouring Austria is

one of Slovenia‘s most important economic

partners, our economies are interwoven and

interdependent. In 2018, foreign direct investments

by Austrian companies reached

3.6 billion euros, which corresponds to a

share of 24 percent of total foreign investments.

This makes Austria the number 1

investor. Slovenia exports almost seven per

cent of its total exports to Austria, and about

nine per cent of its imports come from Austria.

On the other hand, Slovenia is the largest

per capita consumer of Austrian goods

worldwide. There is also a strong interdependence

in the labour market and in the

exchange of services. We also share a common

history and have a common future.

Slovenia is considered the most prosperous

country of the former Yugoslavia. What economic

development is to be expected for the current

year and for the upcoming years?

At present, Slovenia, like many other

countries, is trying to minimise the economic

impact of the Covid-19 epidemic on

the national economy. It is vital for the future

of the EU that European leaders successfully

concluded negotiations on the

EU‘s seven-year budget and rescue fund in

July. The €750 billion will allow us to emerge

from this crisis stronger and more united

as the EU.

In which economic sectors would it be desirable

to develop cooperation between Slovenia and

Austria?

The port of Koper is the window to the

world for many Central European countries

and is also the most important port

for Austria‘s economy. Apart from logistics,

the economic cooperation with Austria

could be developed in the area of wood industry

– one should not forget that more

than 60 percent of the Slovenian territory is

covered by forests - as well as with business

start-ups, biotechnology, nanotechnology,

recycling, IT, renewable energy, artificial

intelligence or research projects. There are

several internationally recognised research

institutions in Slovenia, such as the Jožef

Stefan Institute, which last year became the

headquarters of UNESCO‘s International

Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence,

then the Institute of Chemistry and the Slovenian

National Institute of Biology.

In which areas does Slovenia still have to catch up?

In the field of infrastructure. Great importance

is attached to the development of

the Slovenian railway connections. In general,

the entire Central European region

requires improved connectivity - in various

areas. This would contribute to the EU‘s increased

efforts to achieve greater sustainability.

Slovenia and Carinthia are linked by an eventful

history. Which activities contribute to improving

relations?

Yes, the Slovene minority in Austria –

according to Article 7 of the Austrian State

Treaty in Carinthia and Styria – is a strong

bond between our countries. The occasion

of the 100th anniversary of the Carinthian

referendum is seen by the Slovene minority

in Carinthia as a great opportunity for significant

progress in the protection of minorities

in Austria. The ceremony on October

10 in Klagenfurt, known in Slovenian as

Celovec, will also be attended by the Slovenian

and Austrian Presidents Borut Pahor

and Alexander Van der Bellen. Although

our countries have a long common history,

there is still much common ground to discover,

with positive messages to both societies.

This is the aim of the Neighbourhood

Dialogue Slovenija-Austria 2019/2020, agreed

between the former MFAs Cerar and

Kneissl.

What cultural activities are planned?

Just to name some: the exhibition on

the Slovenian woman world traveller Alma

Karlin at Weltmuseum Wien is planned

for next year. On September 23, we start a

series of exciting exhibitions of Slovenian

artists shown by Kunstverein Wien /Alte

Schmiede and bahoeARThouse. I hope to

see you all there, especially because we will

connect culture with gastronomy and touristic

presentations of the regions the artists

come from.

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA

ENTGELTLICHE WERBUNG

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H.E. Ksenija Škrilec, Ambassador

of Slovenia to Austria

during the interview with CD‘s

author Robert Winter.

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LE MONDE EL SALVADOR

Thumbstall on the rise

Left: The old town of San Salvador

at night. Right: Volcanoes are part

of the country‘s DNA.

FACTS &

FIGURES

El Salvador is a small country with a big potential.

Text: Stephan Burianek

PHOTOS: MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES, ADOBE STOCK

To understand a widely unexposed country like

El Salvador you need to dig a bit in history.

Like Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and

Nicaragua the country with a size slightly larger than

Lower Austria, gained its independence from Spain

on September 15th, 1821 – a historic date that lives on

as the national Independence Day in the aforementioned

countries. With the breakup of the Federal Republic

of Central America, the former province El

Salvador obtained the status of a sovereign country in

1838. Due to its colonial past, El Salvador had long

been an oligarchy, with only a few families owning 90

percent of the land. From 1930, El Salvador had been

a military dictatorship under which most of the indigenous

people were killed (known as “La Matanza” –

“The Massacre”). The political situation of the pseudo

democracy lost its stability in the 1970s, which lead to

a civil war in the 1980s. Finally, a peace treaty mediated

by the Catholic Church and the United Nations

was signed in Mexico City in January 1991.

From this point on, the political system of El Salvador

was successfully transformed from an autocracy

to a democracy. It is obvious that such a bloodsoaked

history cannot be surmounted overnight. In

recent years, the international media predominantly

reported about a high crime rate that emanated from

youth gangs, so-called “Maras”, which were imported

from Los Angeles by former emigrants that had fled

the civil war.

But these reports only show part of the Salvadorian

reality, and they overshadowed the country’s success

in social and educational reforms. The access to

healthcare facilities and the literacy rates have increased,

and the inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient,

declined from 51.9 (2002) to 38.6 (2018), making

El Salvador one of the most equal countries in

Latin America.

Central Americans lovingly call El Salvador the

Pulgarcito – the Thumbstall – of their region. Although

the smallest country on the American mainland,

it exports a wide range of manufactured products,

such as textiles, chemicals, paper, plastics, and

metallic products. The country is also a traditional

exporter of sugar and coffee. Besides that, the service

sector is evolving slowly but surely, especially in the

medicine and in the IT sector.

Its important position in the region is underlined

by the fact that the capital San Salvador houses the

General Secretariat headquarters of the Central

American Integration System (SICA), a political union

of eight Central American countries with the target

to secure peace, democracy and economic development

on the continent.

El Salvador’s main trading partner is the United

States with more than 40 percent of the total sales,

followed by Central American countries and by China.

According to The Observatory of Economic

Complexity (OEC) in 2018, the exports to Austria

amounted 2.94 million US dollar, almost 44% of

which included the sale of electrical capacitors, followed

by knit clothes, honey and coffee. In the same

year, the imports from Austria came to 11.5 million

US dollar, mainly including machinery (industrial

printers and electrical transformers), paper and flavoured

water.

The strong relations between El Salvador and the

USA have a long history. It is estimated that up to

two million Salvadorians live in the USA, representing

an exodus that started during the civil war. The

expats’ revenues sent to their family members back

home, provide El Salvador with essential cash flows.

Against this background, it seems practical that in

2001, El Salvador adopted the US dollar as its official

currency, which can be considered a goody also for

foreign investors, as this reduces the risk of inflation.

In fact, there is a legitimate hope that time for an

enduring renewal has finally come. A hope that is personified

not least by a 39-year-old business man named

Nayib Bukele, a former mayor of the capital San

Salvador. Since he became the state president with an

absolute majority of the votes in the first ballot in June

2019, he pressed ahead with reforms that have already

resulted in an impressive record within a short time.

Violent crimes as well as emigration numbers have

been decreased by half, and as a result of this, the US

State Department lowered the country‘s risk assessment

from level 3 to 2, putting it on an equal rank with

Mexico and some European countries.

El Salvador

Official name:

Republic of El Salvador

Form of government:

Presidential system

Population: 6.704,000 (2019)

Capital: San Salvador

Area: 21,041 km 2

Official language: Spanish

Religion:

• Roman Catholic: 44.9%

• Protestant: 37.1%

• no religion: 15.2%

• other Christian: 2.1%

• other religions: 0.7

Ethnic groups:

• Mestizo (mixed White and

Indigenous): 86.3%

• White: 12.7%

• Indigenous: 1.23%

• Black & others: 0.87%

Currency: US dollar

GDP per capita: 4,041 US dollar

(nominal, 2018 estimate)

Thanks to its rich colonial

heritage and the numerous

galleries, Suchitoto is considered

the cultural capital of

El Salvador.

Above: El Sunzal is a surfers‘

hotspot and part of Surf City.

Right: The president has an

office at the National Palace.

Tourists can visit the building‘s

historic rooms.



31

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Above: The Maya ruins of

San Andrés.

Middle: The sun-rich

country sees its future in

green energy.

Below: Besides coffee and

sugar, El Salvador is known

for cacao of high quality.

Regardless of the fact that his critics accuse him of

hardly respecting the checks and balances, the young

president enjoys a profound consent among the Salvadorian

citizens who seem to respect him for doing

“the right thing”. His intuition had led to an early and

very strict shutdown in March due to the Covid pandemic,

so far resulting in a low number of cases.

Even before President Bukele managed to reduce

the homicide rate, travelling in El Salvador was not

extraordinary dangerous, as long as tourists accepted

to avoid certain areas. The appealing old towns, the

beauty of the Salvadorian nature and the stony witnesses

of indigenous culture now seem even more attractive,

of course, and after the pandemic will be overcome,

tourism will for sure be back on the rise again.

In San Salvador, a city beautifully surrounded by

mountains, at night party people will then hang out

again in the bars and restaurants of the Zona Rosa

district at night, and the recently renovated old town

will again be a lively place during the day. Not far

from the capital, three excavation sites lead back to

pre-Hispanic culture. One of them, Joya de Cerén, is

a listed World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. This

former Maya village was covered with ashes from a

nearby volcano, hence it is called the “Pompeii of the

Americas”. Nature lovers do volcano hopping at the

Los Volcanos National Park, or enjoy the scenery

while dawdling through picturesque villages dating

from the colonial past along the Ruta de las Flores.

Next to coffee beans that have apparently become

increasingly popular also in Austrian coffeehouses,

El Salvador owns another worldwide renowned asset:

waves. The country’s Pacific coast is a surfer’s paradise.

President Bukele has pushed forward plans to

create a “Surf City”, connecting seven regional departments

with a solid touristic infrastructure that

accord with a contemporary hip lifestyle. In May this

year, Surf City was scheduled to host the ISA World

Surfing Games, but due to the wordlwide pandemic

they had to be shifted to 2021.

Central America’s Pulgarcito has plenty to offer,

with no doubt, both for tourists as well as for investors.

Evidence suggests an economic boost in the

near future. It is overdue.

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LE MONDE EL SALVADOR | INTERVIEW

H.E. Julia Emma Villatoro Tario

“You can really call it an insiders’ tip!”

The Ambassador of El Salvador talks about the challenges and the international potential of

mainland America’s smallest country.

Interview: Stephan Burianek

H.E. JULIA EMMA VILLATORO TARIO


CD: The colonial history and the aftermath of the

civil war still have an impact on the distribution of

wealth and on the quality of life of many citizens.

How does the government of El Salvador deal

with this matter?

Julia Emma Villatoro Tario: The

wealth gap is still a challenge in many

Latin American countries. Nevertheless, I

want to point out that El Salvador is a

democratic country, and that we continue

to work on improving this situation. One

of the biggest challenges President Nayib

Bukele is trying to achieve, is more

equality to people and give them access

they previously did not have. In that sense,

one of the programmes he has implemented

is called “CUBO”, which are youth

developments centres which provide

children and young people training in

productive areas, having access to

technology, teaching English as second

language, and the opportunity to create

ventures.

What are the main areas of interest of your work

here in Austria?

Our trade relations have intensified

thanks to the EU-Central America

Association Agreement that was signed in

2012 and that includes the pillars trade,

cooperation and political dialogue. One of

our aims is to promote this agreement,

and to draw the attention to El Salvador as

a commercial partner. Improving

economic relations with Austria and with

the other members States of the European

Union is very important to us. Likewise,

we also seek to work hand in hand with

the Austrian Development Agency in

cooperation projects, mainly on development

projects in the fields of social justice

and environmental sustainability.

How could El Salvador profit from Austria?

Austria is a country that is highly admired

in my country by all Salvadorans. In

that regard, we are interested to learn more

about green and sustainable energy models,

as well as Austrian entrepreneurial

experience in developing health and education

services. We share the vision of promoting

development policies and processes

in accordance with the 2030 Agenda for

Sustainable Development. Its approach to

economic growth as a continuous process

of innovation is also an aspect that we can

learn. Austria is listed as one of the five best

European countries to undertake, so its experts

can also teach us about this area.

Which other assets does El Salvador have to

offer?

El Salvador has a very valuable asset

which is the people. Not only because they

welcome foreigners, but because they are a

very productive workforce. Another advantage

is the fact that our official currency

is the US dollar, which helps foreign investors

to have economic stability and avoid

risks. It also offers competitive costs, suitable

infrastructure, tax incentives, preferential

access to international markets, strategic

location, and other aspects that make it

attractive for business. El Salvador is developing

itself. We are currently trying to receive

investments in order to improve its

infrastructure and at the same time to become

a prosperous, modern economy capable

of generating employment, but also

to create conditions for migrants who return

to the country.

President Nayib Bukele plans to build a

new airport in San Salvador, and also wants

to improve the train system in the country

– and to implement projects, such as the

Pacific Plan, which includes the modernisation

of the Acajutla Port, the Pacific

Train, the Pacific Airport, the improvement

of road infrastructure, tourism, free

zones, among others. One of the projects

currently in development is the establishment

of the Ferry El Salvador-Costa Rica,

which will promote the transport of goods

in Central America. In the same way, we

have a Mobility Master Plan and emblematic

projects such as the Surf City, which

profits the fact that El Salvador has beaches

with the best waves to surf. El Salvador really

should be explored by European investors

or entrepreneurs.

How will you draw attention to El Salvador on the

diplomatic level?

Our new government has implemented

a so-called “cultural diplomacy”. We want

to present a new image of El Salvador advertising

the national culture through the

embassies and consulates abroad. In this

regard, I think that Austria offers a valuable

platform to get such cultural exchange.

Furthermore, we permanently seek to

strengthen our bilateral relationship with

high-level meetings between the authorities

of both countries to address issues of

common interest.

After the actual pandemic will be overcome,

would you recommend visiting El Salvador as a

tourist?

Absolutely! First of all, we often hear from

home coming tourists that El Salvador is a

beautiful country with very hospitable people.

We can’t deny that we have had certain

problems with criminal activities in the past.

However, since our President Nayib Bukele

has implemented a very strict plan called

“Control Territorial” with the target to stop

these activities, the number of crimes has

been reduced to a very, very significate extent.

Like almost everywhere, as a tourist you

are safe if you avoid certain areas. You can

really call El Salvador an insiders’ tip!

holds a Bachelor‘s degree in Law from the Central American

University “José Simeón Cañas” in San Salvador. She served in

Vienna for the first time from 2009 to 2016 as Deputy

Permanent Representative. Before presenting her credentials

as the Ambassador of El Salvador in Austria in January 2020,

she was the Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg. She

speaks Spanish, English and German and has two daughters.

H.E. Julia Emma Villatoro Tario

with CD‘s author Stephan

Burianek during the interview at

the Embassy.



35

LE MONDE IAEA | INTERVIEW

Rafael Mariano Grossi

“Nuclear medicine is indispensable nowadays.”

The Director General talks about the impact of the IAEA’s role as a “nuclear watchdog”, the efforts

of the magnificent labs in Seibersdorf and the organisation’s new

fellowship to attract more women to science.

Interview: Daniela Pötzl


RAFAEL MARIANO GROSSI

was born in Buenos Aires in 1961. In 1983, he

graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of

Argentina with a BA in Political Sciences, and in

1985, he joined the Argentine foreign service.

In 1997, he graduated from the University of

Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International

Studies with a MA and PhD on International

Relations, History and International Politics.

Since 3 December 2019, he serves as Director

General of the International Atomic Energy Agency

(IAEA) which is based in Vienna. He is the first Latin

American to head the organisation. He was formerly

the Argentine Ambassador to Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia

and the International Organisations in Vienna

(2013-2019).

CD: You assumed office on December 3 of last

year. Yet, the last few months have been

challenging for all of us and our world has been

turned upside down by Covid-19. How did the

IAEA act and react since March and how and in

which countries has the Agency been particularly

helpful in the last few months?

Rafael Mariano Grossi: We are all impacted

by Covid-19 in our private lives or

even at the national level, but the nature of

our work being an international organisation,

is the international contact – the travelling,

the visiting, the inspecting, the moving

around the world. This was denied to

all of us all of a sudden, because the world

turned into a lockdown world with closures

and restrictions, with the inability to move.

For a place like the IAEA that is a huge

challenge as we for example need to inspect

hundreds of places all over the world. How

should we give assistance to developing

countries if you don‘t travel?

I will always remember that Friday, on

March 13, when Austria announced the

lockdown. We said at that time that the

IAEA would not stop. And this is exactly

what we did. We needed to adapt dramatically

and immediately because we had to

make sure that we would be travelling even

in the absence of commercial flights. We

didn‘t put wings in our inspectors (laughs),

but indeed we did hire the first private planes

in the history of this organisation. We

had to ask for special overflight permits

and flight permits in a world which was basically

locked. Thanks to the right nuclear

technologies, we were able to send out protective

equipment, detection equipment for

viruses and pathogens and particularly for

Covid-19 cases to 125 countries. This is the

biggest assistance operation ever in the history

of the IAEA, not only to developing

countries. Also, around ten European

countries turned to us as well because it

was a time of great need. For the first time,

the IAEA was accepted at the table of the

humanitarian and health global assistance.

We were invited to participate in the

UN Covid-19 crisis management team. We

were consulting with the secretary-general,

with the director general of the WHO and

other international organisations. So, we

were able to quickly turn our operation

around and see how we should be acting in

this completely unusual circumstance and

to deliver. It was a huge challenge but also

the opportunity to rise to the occasion.

I was telling our staff: “Look at this as a

privilege. When you go back home, you

can tell your children you are doing something.”

Then you can take it with pride,

helping so many that are suffering and this

ignited our people to work with double determination.

I don‘t want to talk about this as if we

had succeeded in anything because as we

speak, there are people dying and this is

not over. In Austria, we are privileged to

live in a country that handled this in an exemplary

way, with early on very clear guidelines

to the population, a very well educated

and disciplined society that followed

what needed to be done. And the results

are there, that is not the case in many of our

member states. And we continued by putting

together follow-up programmes of assistance

for them for following phases of

the pandemic. We assisted in the whole region

of African and Latin American countries.

We were concentrating on sending

detection equipment, RT-PCR equipment,

also protective gear and testing sets. We

have member countries where they didn‘t

have the ability to test people in order to

know what was going on. We were sending, >

what I would call “a lab in a box”.



37

LE MONDE IAEA | INTERVIEW

“The IAEA has its particular uniqueness

as the only international organisation

that has magnicifent labs

with all this scientific capacity.”

I must admit that I was frequently here

in the office, connecting with other capitals

in the world all the time. All of our staff

with the exception of a few people who

needed to be here, were on home office until

the end of June.


The IAEA was founded in 1957. A particularly

close relationship evolved between the Agency

and Austria as its office was located at the Grand

Hotel Vienna at Ringstrasse – which it had been

then for 20 years before it moved to the Vienna

International Center in 1979. You have recently

opened a new state of the art laboratory building

at Seibersdorf in Lower Austria, named in honour

after your predecessor in office, the late Yukiya

Amano. Which challenges will the 3 new

laboratories be able to tackle?

The IAEA has its particular uniqueness

as the only international organisation that

has these magnicifent labs with all this scientific

capacity. We are not just a bunch of

bureaucrats sitting here and pushing paper.

You should visit if you haven‘t, I recommend

that you have a look at this incredible

place. The labs are handling the science

that is needed for our technical cooperation

projects to be efficient and effective.

This includes for example calibration and

dosimetry in the field of cancer-radiotherapy

for dozens of countries. Nowadays,

nuclear medicine is indispensable.

I took Alexander Schallenberg, the Austrian

Minister for European and International

Affairs, who is a great friend of the

IAEA, to the labs. In general, people have a

certain image of the IAEA and tend to

think that we are only taking care of nuclear

weapons e.g., which is indeed a big

part of what we do. But there is also this

other side of the moon, which is sometimes

ignored. Thanks to Seibersdorf, we have

this scientific support.

The labs also work on projects with radiation

where you sterilise mosquitoes related

to diseases like malaria, Dengue fever

or Chikungunya, an infection caused by

the virus of the same name. We prepare the

technology and teach the countries how to

use it. With this insect sterilisation technique,

the numbers of fertile insects can be

significantly lowered. We have been able to

eradicate some diseases from certain areas

in Africa. We are also able to irradiate food

so the grain does not go rot and countries

are then able to have these basic staples as

their main source of income and do not

lose it. We also help in water management

using isotopic techniques by informing

countries whether they can use their aquifers

or whether they need to avoid them

because they are poisonous. You see, we are

handling complex fields.

The Agency’s genesis was U.S. President

Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” address to the

General Assembly of the United Nations on 8

December 1953. How fragile is peace nowadays

regarding countries like Iran, the USA and North

Korea and how can the IAEA keep up consequent

dialogue and act efficiently as the “nuclear

watchdog”?

The “nuclear watchdog” side is one

thing I am very proud of. Even if you don‘t

have nuclear power reactors in your own

country, there are a lot of them around the

world and we must be careful with nuclear

material. With a stick, you can put up a tent

or you can hit somebody on the head. With

nuclear technology, you can make bombs

or you can save lives. It is as simple as that.

What we do is indispensable and securing

peace is constant work. The Kantian concept

of permanent or universal peace is an

aspiration. It is a goal that we have to strive

for in many ways. Certainly, the IAEA is

one which very practically makes sure that

all this nuclear material is in peaceful uses.

We do have challenges. And this is where

the politics gets involved with certain

countries that either want to proliferate or

might do so. You mentioned North Korea

– it‘s not our job to broker peace in North

Korea.

But in whatever scenario, to whatever

arrangement the politicians may come to,

without the IAEA they will not. Because we

will be the ones to prove that all these arrangements

which are so nice on paper are >

applied.

1870 – 2020

150 Jahre

INTERNATIONALE

APOTHEKE


LE MONDE IAEA

| INTERVIEW

In September, the Scientific Forum, entitled

“Nuclear Power and the Clean Energy Transition“

will take place at the Vienna International Centre.

What are your hopes and challenges regarding

these topics?

Energy, energy transition, clean energy

and climate change are all important subjects

on which we need to admit. We live in

a diverse world and there is no univocal

hence. Our host country Austria doesn‘t

like nuclear energy and this is perfectly

fine. There are many other countries which

are member states that not only like nuclear

energy but depend on it for their viability

as nations. We need to make sure that

nuclear energy when applied is used in a

safe way, avoiding accidents like the ones

we‘ve known in the past. And they may

happen because no human activity is

hundred percent safe. What we see is that

whatever energy you choose, it is obvious

that nuclear energy is a clean source of

energy – with close to zero emissions at a

time where we are struggling with this problem

of a highly carbonized economy.

Regarding the IAEA, we see that nuclear

energy is making a contribution at this

point. You can only imagine what may happen

if France would shut down all its nuclear

reactors or China or the United States.

We would immediately go to energies that

are high in carbon emissions. Therefore, it

is a very delicate balance that needs to be

struck and we are trying to be helpful. Next

year in November, I hope to be present at

the Glasgow Conference of the Parties of

the Climate Change. The last one was in

Madrid last year and it was a change because

the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

was never present in these places before as

IAEA’s Director General Rafael

Mariano Grossi during the

interview in his office at the

Vienna International Center

with CD’s Editor in Chief,

Daniela Pötzl.

there exists a certain image of nuclear energy.

My approach is different, we need to

talk to each other, we need to understand

each other and see how to best converge.

Gender equality is a priority area for the IAEA and

for you. Which projects will be established to

improve the numbers of women in science,

technology, engineering and mathematics

(STEM)?

The IAEA is a highly technical organisation.

From a historical viewpoint, for women

and young women it has been a challenge

to have the opportunity to excel and

to work in science, technology, engineering

and mathematics. Therefore, we have to

make it easier for them, it‘s a simple as that.

I said, I will reach gender parity in 2025,

which is a big risk for me to say, but I‘m determined

to do that. This can be achieved in

different ways. Of course, you can appoint

more women and that‘s very nice. Yet, you

cannot appoint people simply because of

their gender. You have to open doors and in

this area I see a lot of words and very few

deeds. This is why I thought that it was important

to come up with concrete ways to

widen the pool of women who would excel

in these areas. This is why I created the

IAEA Fellowship, honouring the personality

of Marie Sklodowska, later known as Marie

Curie. She was an incredible woman,

winning Nobel Prizes when women could

not even vote and were considered not as

intelligent as men. To me, she is a beacon of

courage and I named this fellowship after

her. My idea is to have already a batch of

hundred IAEA fellows this year, we are

working on that with the intention to offer

them more opportunities. If others do the

same in their respective fields, we perhaps

can see that in a few years we have a much

wider pool of women who will feel that they

have the same career opportunities as men,

which is what we need. With determination,

we will be able to challenge those timehonoured

structures.

You have been a diplomat with more than 35

years of experience and you had been Ambassador

of Argentina to Austria for 6 years, from

2013-2019. You are also a father of eight children

– how can parents sketch a positive future for our

children by diplomatically conveying them that it

is worth all efforts in changing our world – applying

and working on, for example, the 17 Sustainable

Development Goals (SDGs) by the UN?

Especially at times like these, where

there are so stark and strong divisions in

the world and people are full of uncertainty,

we shouldn‘t fall into the trap of pessimism.

There are wonderful, incredible

things we can do together. The IAEA as an

international organisation which is so

close to science, sees the world with this

optimism because we see what is possible.

Given the necessary resources and the correct

science, you can change the life of

people and make it better and safer. The

SDGs are the consensus of many, many

hours of tireless efforts by experts, diplomats

and politicians all over the world.

And I think they capture very well the areas

where we can work together. A few

places like this institution, the IAEA, that I

have the honour to lead, combine the hard

world of politics and strategy with the caring

hand of science to save a life of somebody

suffering from cancer or malaria.

And this is life. It‘s a metaphor of life in

itself. Our determination is that we try to

do as good as we can.


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www.medaustron.at

LE MONDE COMMENTARY

Sober achievements for the

“Sheikh of Hope”

Text: Arian Faal

Hassan Rouhani is finishing his second and last office period as Iran‘s so

called “moderate” president in 2021, but his reputation suffered damage.

Will he even face an impeachment due to economic problems, the possible

end of JCPOA and the huge impact of Covid-19 this year?

PHOTOS: US STATE DEPARTMENT, CARINA KARLOVITS & PETER LECHNER/HBF

I

t was exactly on the French National Day (the

anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille on

July 14, 1789), on July 14, 2015 when the world

witnessed the signing ceremony of the “Iran Deal” in

Vienna. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the 5+1

(the five permanent members of the Security Council

- Russia, China, France, United Kingdom and the

United States - plus Germany) together with the European

Union agreed on the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive

Plan of Action). It was indeed a historical

agreement and the biggest political achievement of

Iran‘s President Hassan Rouhani and his right hand,

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Initially,

the Iran Deal should have been a political and economic

bridge between Tehran and the world, bringing

calm, security, and prosperity to all Iranians and the

region. Rouhani hoped that JCPOA would put his

country back as a key player in the global context.

Just a word about the meaning of this deal: Iran was

obligated to reduce its nuclear activities and fulfill its

commitments controlled by the IAEA, and the P5+1

promised to let Iran celebrate a comeback in the international

economy and business world. Iran was

doing all the deal requested but the west was not able

to fulfill its part.

So, all the euphoria was meaningless because the

US-administration under President Donald Trump

withdrew from the deal in 2018 and the hopes for the

Iranian economy were destroyed overnight; big deals

with Airbus, Boeing, Peugeot and other big companies

were immediately frozen. Since then, all what

remained from JCPOA, was a single question: Will

or can it survive or will we witness its end? For a

couple of months, Iran has been restarting its nuclear

programme on a higher level and an end of JCPOA is

getting more and more possible.

But this is not the only problem of Hassan

Rouhani’s political agenda. When he replaced the

hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as president in

2013, people called him the “Sheikh of Hope” and

were expecting a new Iranian policy towards the

world and a human rights charta inside Iran. To put

it briefly, everybody was waiting for better times to

come. Now, seven years later, Iranians are disappointed,

Rouhani lost his credibility and the regime is

facing serious grievances and could pay the price for

it soon. Even an impeachment of the president and

his crew by the Iranian Parliament (called Majles in

Farsi), dominated by the hardliners, Rouhani‘s political

rivals and opponents, is discussed.

But let‘s go back to

the sober resume of 8

years under Rouhani,

the list is long: First of

all, Iranian authorities

and the ordinary people

accuse him that he

failed to manage Covid-19.

His government

members were

too slow to impose a full lockdown and too quick to

remove restrictions – Iran is still a corona-hotspot.

Furthermore, the economic situation of Iran is alarming.

According to BBC, Iran’s economy was badly

affected by the US-sanctions: “As a result of the sanctions,

Iran’s gross domestic product (GDP) contracted

an estimated 4.8% in 2018 and was forecast to

shrink another 9.5% in 2019”, BBC quotes the Monetary

Fund. The official unemployment rate meanwhile

rose from 14.5% in 2018 to 16.8% in 2019. Last

but not least, Iran is still seeking to dominate the region

by influencing Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq.

Concerning human rights, we don’t see any improvements,

unfortunately.

The unbelievable scale of executions and brutal

tortures in prisons and arrests of more than 7,000 individuals

during the 2017-2018 uprisings, manifest

the continuing human rights abuses that remain unaddressed

under Iran’s “moderate” leadership.

Possibly, Rouhani had many good intentions to

create a better Iran, but he will leave a country with

catastrophic parameters. All he can do now, is trying

to show strength: Despite the difficult economic situation

caused by the economic war with the enemies

over the past two years, the long-held aspirations of

the people and the elites to achieve an oil-free economy

have been founded. “Despite the harsh economic

shocks caused by the unjust sanctions and the outbreak

of the corona virus, the trend of the main indicators

of the country‘s economy in the production

and export sectors is going well,” says the president.

We will see, if slogans like this will be enough but one

thing is sure: The upcoming year will be the hardest

for the Islamic Republic since its foundation in 1979.

More economic pressure could bring people back on

the streets, could cause a collapse of the economy

and finally even could question the whole system.

Let’s hope for better days for Iran, the young Iranian

population (52 of 84 million are under 35) would surely

deserve it.

During his state visit in

Vienna on July 4, 2018, the

Iranian President Hassan

Rouhani affirmed his

country‘s adherence to the

nuclear deal (JCPOA) with

the world community at a

press appearance with

Austria‘s Federal President

Alexander Van der Bellen.

No questions were allowed.

Then U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Iranian Foreign Minister

Mohammad Javad Zarif, and their respective advisers sit across from

one another on January 16, 2016, at the Palais Coburg Hotel in Vienna,

before a meeting about the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive

Plan of Action outlining the shape of Iran‘s nuclear programme.



43

LE MONDE COMMENTARY

From solidarity to division

40 years ago, “Solidarność“ was founded in Poland, the first

free trade union in the communist bloc. It was a victory for

the freedom-loving Poles. But today, Solidarność is no

longer relevant in a deeply divided country.

Text and photos: Otmar Lahodynsky

PHOTOS: OTMAR LAHODYNSKY

It was a hot summer on the Baltic coast back in

1980. The workers at the Lenin Shipyard in

Gdansk went on strike to protest against foodshortages

and the sacking of a popular crane operator.

An unemployed electrician, Lech Walesa, became

the leader of the strike committee. On August 15,

he secured a wage increase and a monument to the

shipyard workers killed in an uprising in 1970. So the

strike was about to end.

But several women, delegates from strike committees

of other companies, and crane operator Anna

Walentynowicz stormed him not to give up, but to

push through nationwide demands. The strike went

on again.

Finally, the shipyard workers won a series of concessions

from the communist regime. Above all, on

August 31 the independent trade union was registered

– a real revolution for the entire communist bloc.

The 21 demands (“postulaty“) – among them the

right to strike, freedom of speech, print and publishing,

reinstatement of workers and students sacked

or expelled during earlier protests, the release of political

prisoners – reduced the power monopoly of the

ruling communist party in Poland.

For the first time, the workers were united with intellectual

advisers, many of them came from the church,

such as Tadeusz Mazowiecki, who became Prime

Minister in 1989. Others were Jacek Kuron, Bronislaw

Geremek or Jan Jozef Lipski. The basis for the new self

confidence had already been laid in 1979 when the

Polish Pope John Paul II visited his homeland. His

main message “Don’t be afraid“ was not forgotten. In

the churches at that time there was much space for a

free political discourse.

I spent most of my time in Poland as a reporter for

„profil“ Magazine, from the end of 1980 until martial

law at the end of 1981. When I arrived at Christmas in

1980, there was almost nothing to buy in the supermarkets,

just some canned vegetables and potatoes

were left on the empty shelves. This was also the sub-

PHOTO: GIEDYMIN JABŁOŃSKI/WIKIPEDIA

Lech Walesa, announcing the

agreement on a free trade

union in August 1980.

The first congress of

“Solidarność “, in

September 1981 in Gdansk.

There was a fierce debate if

the Communist Party of

Poland should keep its

monopoly.

From top to bottom: Souvenirs of Pope John Paul II;

a crowd waiting for the Pope at his visit in 1983; a tree

in Warsaw, remembering resistance fighters during

World War II.



45

LE MONDE COMMENTARY

I took this photo on December 13 in

1981 from the balcony of a flat

unknown to me before. Downstairs,

the Zomo Special Police blocked

the road to the Solidarnosc

headquarters. A crowd gathered

and sang the anthem “Poland is not

lost yet“. This slide was then

smuggled to Vienna. An agent of

the Gamma Photo Agency sent it

by air freight to Paris. There, it flew

with the Concorde to New York and

reached the issue of the new

“Time“ magazine in time. Also

“Paris Match“ and many other

magazines printed my photo.

Erhard Busek, then vice-mayor

of Vienna, talks to Lech Walesa

in Gdansk in 1983.

New church near Krakow,

built in 1980: The Polish

church challenged the

Communists in many ways.

Pins sold in 1980/81, one

commemorating the

massacre in Katyn, where

Soviet secret police (NKWD)

killed more than 4,000

Polish prisoners in 1940.

ject of my first major report: Poland‘s private farmers,

who admittedly had very little arable land at their disposal,

founded their own trade union, the Land-Solidarnosc.

Later, I reported on strikes that broke out repeatedly

throughout the country. It was a constant game of

cat and mouse with the power: no sooner had the students

ended their nationwide boycott of lectures than

workers in the coal mines or steelworks in southern

Poland went on strike.

In September 1981, I attended the first congress of

Solidarnosc in Gdansk, when the union already had

almost ten million members. There were heated debates

about ending the leading role of the Communist

party in the country. In a “Message to the working

people of Eastern Europe“ support for creating free

trade unions was stated.

Western politicians, especially those on the left

spectrum, were sceptical about this peaceful uprising.

Austria‘s Chancellor Bruno Kreisky helped the regime

to a PR-success with a flippant remark that the Poles

should “strike less, but work more“.

During a visit to the coal mines near Katowice, I

learnt about the harsh conditions under which coal

was mined underground. “Do you agree with your

chancellor that we‘re not working hard enough here?“,

the miners asked me, amidst heat, dust and noise.

It was Prime Minister General Wojciech Jaruzelski

who put an end to the hopes that Solidarnosc would

allow a better, free life in the communist camp. The

general with dark sunglasses, who looked like a South

American coup officer, declared martial law in Poland

on December 13, 1981. Arrests of the entire Solidarnosc

leadership, including Lech Walesa, followed

along with several years of political standstill and economic

decline.

Jaruzelski justified his actions with an alleged invasion

of Poland by Soviet troops, which would probably

have meant a bloody civil war. According to later

published Kremlin files, the Soviet leadership wanted

to avoid a military strike in Poland at all costs.

The regime in Poland tried to hold on, partly with

Western loans. But by late 1988, the economic and financial

collapse was close. The government agreed to

talks at the “ Round Table“ with the Solidarnosc leadership

in February 1989. The result was a peaceful

power-sharing and free elections, in which Solidarnosc

emerged as the strongest force, but had to accept

a coalition with the communists.

Lech Walesa was elected as President of Poland.

Poland‘s “Civic Platform“ (PO) – heirs to the Solidarity-movement

– soon lost power to the Kaczynski

twins‘ far-right PiS party. Increasingly authoritarian, it

followed the example of Viktor Orbán in Hungary.

The main media were brought into line, and the independence

of the judiciary was also gradually curtailed.

Although the EU initiated some proceedings against

Poland, it made little difference, and moreover PiS remained

broadly popular at home. The enemies were

not only Civic Platform politicians, who continued to

control the larger Polish cities in particular, but also

homosexuals, against whom the church leadership

also railed.

At the demonstrations of government opponents,

the same battle songs were heard that I remembered

from 1981. The country, which benefited greatly from

EU accession and had one of the highest growth rates,

remains deeply divided.

“Solidarnosc“ in nowadays Poland is just an episode

of history. And Lech Walesa, its hero and Peace

Nobelprize winner, is no more relevant. You can meet

him in the Solidarnosc Museum in Gdansk where he

often shows up as a living exhibit. Today, he deplores

the hatred and division in Poland. “The world needs a

common idea for the whole mankind“, he says. For

him, this idea could still be solidarity.

PHOTOS: OTMAR LAHODYNSKY

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LE MONDE COMMENTARY

Confusion surrounding the reduction

of US forces in Germany

Text: Walter Feichtinger

You can watch Walter Feichtinger‘s videos on


US President Donald Trump intends to withdraw around 12,000 soldiers from Germany in the near

future. His reasons are primarily economic in nature, though the real questions revolve around the

effects the decision will have on security policy matters.

Walter Feichtinger

graduated from the

Theresian Military Academy

in 1979, was in command of

Panzer Battalion 10 and

received his doctorate in

political science from the

University of Vienna in

2002. From 2001 on, he was

security and defence policy

advisor in the Federal

Chancellery, Secretary

General of the Austrian

Officers Association and

most recently head of the

Institute for Peacekeeping

and Conflict Management.

The retired Brigadier now

runs the Center for Strategic

Analysis (CSA) in Vienna

with a team, founded in

2008 as an informal

platform for topics of

geopolitical and security

policy relevance.

csa-austria.eu

Trump had already announced a reduction of

around 9,500 US soldiers stationed in Germany

in 2019. Now, 6,400 of the approximately

36,000 men are to be relocated back to the

USA and 5,600 to other NATO states. In and of itself,

this is nothing extraordinary. The number of US soldiers

in Germany peaked at 250,000 during the Cold

War, though this number was gradually reduced as a

result of changes in the security landscape and the

détente policy after 1989. In 2006, the number was

just 72,500 and in 2014 it contracted to 42,500. From

a US perspective, the number of troops in any given

region can be viewed as an indicator of its geopolitical

significance and military-strategic necessity. In

that sense, Europe has seen significant losses in its

role as a security hub, and even under President Obama,

the US had already begun shifting its attention

to the Pacific. Here, Washington has trusted that its

European partners would – after the rude awakening

resulting from the Yugoslav Wars – invest more in

their own military capabilities.

President Trump disgruntled with Germany and NATO

Ever since his inauguration, the US President has

been adding pressure on his European partners to pay

larger contributions as part of the NATO military alliance.

He particularly focuses on economic matters,

stressing that the US is carrying the main burden

when it comes to NATO spending. Others, he claims,

are keeping their defence budget low on purpose, thereby

gaining enormous economic advantages. In this

context, it is specifically Germany that has caught the

President’s attention. Its defence expenses, he says, are

– at 1.38% of GDP – significantly lower than the 2%

agreed upon by all other NATO members. According

to today’s estimates, the new NATO goal for 2024, the

stipulated deadline, is likely going to be missed by a

long shot. According to Trump, Berlin will push these

costs back onto the US and benefit from this financially.

On top of that, the many US soldiers stationed in

Germany cost a lot of money which in turn flows into

the German budget.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is currently under

construction and will lead directly from Russia to

Germany through the Baltic Sea, has likewise become

a thorn in the President’s side. He suspects that Germany

is consciously increasing its dependence on

Russia, a geopolitical rival. On top of that, countries

with close ties to the US, such as Ukraine and Poland,

would miss out on their transit fees. For the sake of

completeness, however, it should be mentioned that

Washington is also pressuring Europe to purchase increasing

amounts of American liquefied petroleum

gas. In general, Trump views the German economy,

and its automobile industry in particular, as an unpleasant

competitor for the US market.

Security-policy relevance

These primarily economic arguments do not explain

the reduction of US soldiers in Germany or their

relocation, for this is actually a security policy matter.

What aspects are especially relevant here in terms

of security policy? One should pay close attention to

three areas in particular: first, the expected effects on

Europe’s security situation, second, the possible consequences

for US forces and third, foreseeable side effects.

On the individual points:

Europe’s security: NATO continues to be viewed as

a guarantor for European security, it is the pillar of the

joint military defence project and the US remains its

most important partner. Despite all the political rhetoric

from the White House, one should note at this

point that the US significantly increased its military

engagement in Europe after Russia’s annexation of

Crimea in 2014 and the War in Donbass, and invested

several billion dollars for this reason. Special concepts

were developed within the NATO framework which

allow for rapid deployment US reinforcement in Europe

in order to be able to respond quickly to surprises.

Several exercises have been held as part of this

initiative, most recently in early 2020.

In that sense, the withdrawal or relocation of a military

contingent of around 12,000 soldiers from Germany

does not necessarily pose a security risk for Europe.

NATO’s military capabilities or capacities will

not necessarily suffer from this move. Perhaps an even

stronger signal can be sent to Moscow by increasing

PHOTOS: SHEALAH CRAIGHEAD, BEIGESTELLT

troops stationed in Poland and other Eastern European

NATO countries. This could lead to more stability

and reduce the risk of surprises.

Effects on US military

After World War Two, the US rebuilt Germany

into a European security and military hub and Berlin

into a reliable partner. This is why all the important

facilities in Europe (EUCOM) and Africa (AFRICOM)

are located in the south and west of Germany. This

includes the HQ for all US forces in Europe as well as

the special forces; or the HQ for the US marine infantries

in Europe and Africa. The command centre for

Europe is supposed to be relocated from Stuttgart to

Mons in Belgium. The general public is well aware of

the Ramstein Air Base which boasts more than 4,000

service men and women. However, few know that

Germany is also assisting deployments in Afghanistan,

in the Near East and in Yemen, and that a large US

hospital is located in Landstuhl. In 2024, it will be replaced

by a state-of-the-art and particularly capable

health centre in Ramstein. Construction has already

begun; the US Congress has approved $990,000,000

for it.

Right now, there are around 35,000 US soldiers in

Germany, the majority of them belonging to the US

Army, followed by the US Air Force. Then there are

also around 17,000 US civilian employees in various

locations.

For all of these control centres, expensive infrastructure

had to be built, special procedures developed

and state-of-the-art control systems installed. The

exact costs of all of this are difficult to estimate, but

Germany’s contribution from 2012-2019 was more

than €240,000,000 annually, most of it going into personnel

costs, property and building management, as

well as participation in the construction measures.

However, there are also studies that point to approximately

€600,000,000. The fact that Germany therefore

benefits financially from the stationing of the US soldiers

in terms of the personnel numbers and the massive

construction efforts should therefore be obvious.

Still – even just a partial relocation of command

centres would not just result in tremendous costs, but

also require a lot of time. In addition, this would also

mean phases of reduced operational readiness for the

US forces.

Various side effects

Every conflict between NATO member states leads

to uncertainty and weakens the

organisation’s bond. Since

NATO again considers Russia a

serious threat, the Kremlin is

most likely paying close attention

to the dispute between Washington

and Berlin. The Russians

may try to weaken the

alliance through disinformation

campaigns, for example. Within

NATO, the withdrawal announcement

led to serious irritation.

A tug of war concerning the

re-stationing of the US soldiers

may lead to additional agitation

within the alliance.

However, the dispute could

also have positive side effects:

Perhaps it will lead to strong engagement

between NATO

member states or to more European

independence within or

outside the alliance?

Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel has mentioned

on the occasion of a NATO summit that Europe

ought to take its fate into its own hands – including

security policy matters.

But this brings us to the realm of speculation, for

there is no certainty yet when it comes to the partial

withdrawal, which remains controversial in the US

too. Accordingly, there could still be a few surprises up

until and after the US elections in November.

Concluding remarks

The stationing of American soldiers in Germany is

not a personal favour to Berlin, but primarily serves

the security policy interests and goals of the USA. If

these have changed, then it would only make sense for

the White House to make adjustments. Such a strategic

reassessment, including a military-strategic repositioning,

has hitherto not been observed, however,

even if there is now talk of an increase in strategic flexibility.

In light of the political implications of a withdrawal

of nearly 12,000 US soldiers, it would only be advisable

to also have substantive debates within NATO. In

addition, the bilateral relations between Germany and

the US should not be strained by sole efforts from either

side. Lumping everything together into one big

pot and stirring doesn’t make a good porridge.

US President Donald Trump

might withdraw soldiers in

Germany.



49

LE MONDE ESSAY

Why we really need to become

European citizens

Ulrike Guérot

is a German political thinker

and founder and Director of

the European Democracy

Lab (EDL). In April

2016, Danube University

Krems appointed her as

Professor and as Head of

the Department of

European Policy and the

Study of Democracy.

donau-uni.ac.at

Three months of lockdown are over, slowly “normal” life is coming back in Europe.

While enjoying the first steps at the beach across Europe or sitting again in restaurants,

the autumn is announced to be rough: some percentage points less growth.

E

uropean economies will be hit seriously with

yet unknown social consequences and nobody

knows how long the downturn will last. In

March, when applauding the medical staff across the

European continent, we swore each other solidarity

at all price. Too traumatizing were the pictures of

Bergamo, where Cuban, not European doctors helped

out. Europe took a long time to get its act together.

But now it does!

Together in, together out, that was the slogan. No

difference by nationality, that was the promise. In difference

to the banking crisis that hit Europe a decade

before, this time no country was particularly responsible

for neglectful budgeting: the nasty virus Covid-19

hit all EU member states in the same manner

and didn’t know borders. All European citizens being

equally (innocently) affected by the crisis, nobody left

behind turned into a political motto, who’s specificity

is precisely that it is an apolitical statement in its essence.

Managing the Covid-19 crisis is, by any standards,

unideological. Consequently, most elements of

rather ideological monetary politics, e.g. the “European

debt brake”, the 60%-debt rule for state budgets

or even Macron’s highly contested pension reform

were wiped away in next to no time. For a moment,

everything seemed possible in Europe, everything for

the citizens, everything for their rescue, everything for

their well-being.

This is new! In 2010, during the banking crisis, Europe

had put banks before people. Austerity policy

had strangulated European economies instead of

bringing growth back, with unseen social consequences

that had their effects on the rise of populism. This

lesson is learned. With Corona, Europe is placing its

citizens above money. The only thing still missing is

that we still need to really become European citizens.

Yet, as the crisis moves on, and the economic disaster

looming at the horizon is getting a price tag, the

call for European solidarity seems muted. National

discourses are on the rise again: Who pays for whom

and, above all, who conditions, who controls the

trans-border money flows? Why the Dutch should

pay for the Italians, one can read. But aren’t we all European

citizens? Living in and from the same single

market that no EU-country can stabilise alone?

The so-called “Frugal Four” (Austria, Denmark,

Sweden and the Netherlands) are obstinate with respect

to the European Rescue Package (ERP), worth

750 billions – out of which 500 billions direct aid and

another 50 billion credit lines, a plan initiated by Angela

Merkel and Emmanuel Macron in May 2020, to

everybody’s surprise. The plan foresees, for the first

time in the EU’s history, a direct lending capacity for

the EU as juridical entity, who then distributes the

money to its member states. The ERP-money will be

added to the EU budget and thus embedded in its institutional

control. The effect is nothing less than identical

interest rates for all EU countries –which are supposed

to pay back the credit lines at least partially,

instead of Germany for example lending at some 0.5%

while Italy needs to pay 2.5% at capital markets – a

huge difference when lending a lot of money! A closer

look on the ERP reveals that cross-border fiscal transfers

within Europe would effectively increase of 0.6%.

Nothing to fear an uncontrolled transfer union. It is

too early to say whether the ERP will – ex post – be

intitled “Hamiltonian Moment” for the EU, in essence,

a state foundation moment through mutualization of

debt as in the USA in the 19th century. Probably not.

But, on combination with first steps into tax autonomy

for the EU and European wide social programs –

e.g. a European unemployment scheme, public European

goods in the health sector or a European

pandemic agency etc. – the ERP is definitely a novelty

for Europe and could be read a tiny step into European

statehood. This is not trivial, as, at the end of the

day, there will ultimately be no such thing as European

citizenship without a European state. So, are we European

citizens? Or are we, at the end of the day, Austrians

and Portuguese, Italians and Dutch? Does the very

fact to which EU country a ‘European’ citizen belongs,

makes a difference in how well or not these citizens

will get out of the Corona crisis?

The Merkel-Macron plan, in a way, is the economic

translation of the solidarity vow together in, together

out: every country lends money at the same conditions.

All EU member countries should have the same

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, ADOBE STOCK

potential to help their citizens – who ultimately are all

European citizens - through the crisis: stabilise their

industries and firms, help their students and families,

modernise their infrastructure and health systems.

The idea of the plan is precisely to close the gap between

the Northern and Southern Europe, with the

Northern countries being more in position to mobilise

money to the rescue of their economies and citizens:

130 billion alone in Germany with its programme

announced as “Wumms”. ECB charts, indeed,

show that there are asymmetric capacities: those

countries less affected by Covid-19 (Austria, Germany)

can do more than those most affected (Spain, Italy

and France). If one wants to level this, fiscal transfer is

not only the natural consequence, but a European obligation.

In a political entity – which Europe wants to be –

all citizens need to be equal in front of the law. In this

respect, Corona is a unique chance for Europe to upgrade

the notion of European citizenship. In the current

legislation of the EU as legal community, goods

and money are de facto equal in front of the law: the

goods in the single market and the money in the single

currency, the euro. The only ones who do not benefit

from legal equality in the EU are the European citizens

themselves, although they are the political

subjects of the EU as political entity. The EU grants

equal rights to European citizens, when it comes to

their function as consumers, customers, workers or

service providers. But the EU does not consider European

citizens as equal when it comes to the essence of

citizenship: voting, taxations and social rights. In these

three key things – Pierre Rosanvallon, a famous

French sociologist, calls them “le Sacre du Citoyen”,

the “Sacred” of citizenship – European citizens are, at

the end, Italians or Slovenes, Greek or Irish, Fins or

Spaniards. And their reciprocal countries decide

about whether or not they get unemployment aid, basic

income or, worse, a bed for intensive care or not.

In the long run, European democracy cannot function

without applying the general principle of equality

to all its citizens – independently of national origin.

Corona is the chance for Europe to realise this. More

precisely: the heads of some states and governments

still need to realise this. European citizens, in their

great majority, have internalised this evidence intuitively:

in April 2020, in a poll carried out by University

of Oxford, 71% of European citizens across the continent

pronounced in favour of a European basic income.

They really want to be European citizens!


LE MONDE NEWS

Latest update from around the globe

Text: Daniela Pötzl

PHOTOS: VIRGIN GALACTIC 2020, LUCA MIGLIORE / KUNSTKRAFTWERK, ADOBESTOCK, FLUGHAFEN BERLIN

BRANDENBURG

EUROPEAN UNION

Cultural confusion

The coronavirus pandemic is dazzling the

schedule for the European Capitals of Culture in

the coming years. This year’s title winners Rijeka

in Croatia and Galway in Ireland would

exceptionally have the opportunity to keep their

title until April 30, 2021, the EU announced in

August. According to the proposal of the EU

Commission, Novi Sad (Serbia), Elefsina (Greece)

and Timisoara (Romania; pictured above) should

also have more time for preparation. Originally,

they would have been the European Capitals of

Culture in the coming year.

ec.europa.eu

AIRPORT

Ever-lasting construction site

Good things sometimes take a (very long) time! The new

Berlin Brandenburg Airport will now open at the end of

October. It is the largest airport construction site in

Europe and at the same time one of the largest transport

infrastructure projects under construction in Germany. The

airport, named after the former mayor of Berlin, fourth

Federal Chancellor and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Willy

Brandt, is to replace the international airports Schönefeld

and Tegel after a short transition period.

berlin-airport.de

AVIATION

High speed aircraft

Truly alpine

& magically

exotic

Virgin Galactic, a vertically integrated

aerospace and space travel company,

announced recently the first stage design

scope for the build of its highspeed aircraft

design, and the signing of a non-binding

Memorandum of Understanding with

Rolls-Royce to collaborate in designing

and developing engine propulsion

technology for high speed commercial

aircraft. The design philosophy of the

aircraft is geared around making high

speed travel practical, sustainable, safe,

and reliable, while making customer

experience a top priority. Virgin Galactic is

designing the aircraft for a range of

operational scenarios, including service for

passengers on long-distance commercial

aviation routes. The aircraft would take off

and land like any other passenger aircraft

and be expected to integrate into existing

airport infrastructure and international

airspace around the world.

virgingalactic.com

INDUSTRIAL CULTURE

Leipzig with history

On the occasion of the Year of Industrial Culture in Saxony, the 4th Saxon

State Exhibition under the name „Boom. Industrial Culture in Saxony“ will

take place until December 31, 2020. From September 2, 2020 the Kunstkraftwerk

Leipzig will show the new immersive exhibition „Boomtown“. The 360

degree sound and video show deals

with Leipzig‘s industrial history

between 1840 and 1989. Up until

three decades ago, the factory

chimneys were still steaming where

the heart of Leipzig‘s creative

economy beats today.

ltm-leipzig.de

The winter scenery is enchanting,

atmospheric concerts are played in

Advent. Enjoy advantageous offers

such as “Romantic Special” and “Ski

Special”. Holidays at Hotel Hochschober

on the 1,763 meter high Turracher

Höhe in Carinthia combine a lot of

free space and beneficial wellness.

From € 193.- per person/night with

culinary delights and over 100 extras.


Hotel Hochschober GesmbH **** S

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9565 Turracher Höhe 5 | Austria | Phone +43 4275 8213

urlaub@hochschober.com | www.hochschober.com

HILTON VIENNA PARK

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• 663 rooms and suites

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meeting space,

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• SELLENY’S Bar

After finishing a major refurbishment, Hilton Vienna Park is ready to welcome you again!

Inside the Hilton Vienna Park, finds a hotel experience that captures the enchanting

brilliance of the city - sophisticated newly refurbished rooms,

suites, communal areas and event spaces.

Our new and vibrant SELLENY’S bar is not just an ordinary bar, but more than

that. We let the Viennese coffee house culture shine in new splendor. Enjoy freshly

prepared coffee specialties and local cocktail trends paired with innovative signature

drinks. In addition, we take you on a culinary journey from East to West.

L'AUTRICHE

DER NAME IST

PROGRAMM. IN

L’AUTRICHE DREHT SICH

ALLES UM DEN STANDORT

ÖSTERREICH, SEINE

WIRTSCHAFT UND SEINE

BEDEUTUNG AUF DEM

INTERNATIONALEN

PARKETT.

THE NAME SAYS IT ALL.

IN L’AUTRICHE THE FOCUS IS

ON AUSTRIA, ITS ECONOMY

AND ITS ROLE ON THE

INTERNATIONAL STAGE.

Guests can feel immersed in Vienna’s culture, from local wine tasting, yoga in the park

and bike tours to samples of our famous Hilton Klimt Cake!

Hilton Vienna Park, an unrivalled business hub where a friendly team are dedicated

to promoting sustainability, authentic experiences and the care and mindfulness

of their guests and events.

Intrigued? – Hilton Vienna Park is ready to welcome business meetings

again from September 2020.

Hilton Vienna Park - Vienna.hilton.com - Sales.vienna@hilton.com

L’AUTRICHE INTERVIEW

Alexander Van der Bellen

„Der Rechtsstaat muss immer wieder neu verteidigt werden!“

“The rule of law has to be defended over and over again!”

Der österreichische Bundespräsident über die Rolle Europas und dessen neues Budget, die Bewältigung

der Corona Krise und seinen bis dato interessantesten Staatsbesuch.

The Austrian President on the role of Europe and the new EU budget, overcoming the coronavirus crisis

and his most interesting state visit to date.

Interview: Otmar Lahodynsky


ALEXANDER VAN DER BELLEN

ist seit dem 26. Jänner 2017 Bundespräsident

der Republik Österreich. Von 1976 bis

in die 1990er Jahre lehrte er als

Universitätsprofessor für Volkswirtschaftslehre

in Innsbruck und Wien. Von 1997 bis

2008 war er Bundessprecher der Grünen

und von 1999 bis 2008 Klubobmann seiner

Partei im österreichischen Nationalrat,

dem er seit 1994 angehörte. Von 2012 bis

2015 war er Mitglied des Wiener

Gemeinderates und Landtages.

has been the President of the Republic of

Austria since 26 January 2017. From 1976

until the 1990s, he taught economics as a

university professor in Innsbruck and

Vienna. From 1997 to 2008, he was the

Chairperson of the Greens and from 1999 to

2008 his party’s Club Chairman in the

National Council, of which he has been a

member since 1994. From 2012 to 2015, he

was a member of the municipal council of

Vienna and the Landtag, the state

parliament.

CD: Herr Bundespräsident, wie bewerten Sie die

Ergebnisse des EU-Gipfeltreffens über das neue

EU-Budget und die Hilfen in der Corona Krise?

Ist dieses Gesamtpaket ein Erfolg für die

gesamte Europäische Union?

VdB: Insgesamt war es ein historischer

Gipfel, vor allem wegen des 750 Milliarden

Euro umfassenden Hilfspakets, das erstmalig

von der EU-Kommission kreditfinanziert

wird. Auch die Einigung auf den

mehrjährigen Finanzrahmen bewerte ich

positiv.

Natürlich hätte ich mir im Detail gewünscht,

dass gerade bei der Forschung

und Wissenschaft gegenüber dem Vorschlag

der EU-Kommission nicht gekürzt

wird. Kritisch ist anzumerken, dass einmal

mehr einige Staats- und Regierungschefs

versucht haben, ihre nationalen Kastanien

zu braten und dies auch innenpolitisch ihrem

jeweiligen Wählervolk so zu verkaufen.

Das ist nicht die Art, wie man auf Dauer

ein Gebilde wie die Europäische Union

führen kann. Aber letztlich bin ich doch

sehr froh, dass es gelungen ist, diesen Kompromiss

zu erzielen. Es wäre nun aber

wirklich an der Zeit, vor allem in der Außen-

und Sicherheitspolitik neue Wege zu

beschreiten.

Sie sprechen das Verhältnis der EU zu anderen

Weltmächten wie den USA an?

Wer auch immer die US-Wahl im

Herbst gewinnt: selbst ein Präsident Biden

wird die USA nicht auf den Pfad zurückführen,

wie er vor 20 oder 30 Jahren bestand.

Das Interesse der USA verlagert sich

nach Osten. Jede Macht, die jahrzehntelang

die Nummer 1 auf wirtschaftlichem und

militärischem Gebiet war, wird nervös,

wenn sich die Nummer 2 anschickt, Nummer

1 zu werden - und das ist China. Die

geopolitischen Verhältnisse werden nicht

stabiler, sondern volatiler.

Welche Rolle spielt Europa in diesem Machtkampf?

Das transatlantische Verhältnis hat sich

bereits verändert. Was ist die Zukunft der

NATO? Präsident Trump hat uns mehrfach

verunsichert mit seinen Aussagen

über die Hinfälligkeit der NATO. Inzwischen

gibt es auch auf europäischer Seite

viele, die meinen, dass wir uns etwas Neues

einfallen lassen müssen. Ich hatte in Sotschi

am 15. Mai 2019, genau zwei Tage vor

dem Bekanntwerden des Ibiza-Videos ein

interessantes Gespräch mit Präsident Putin.

Dabei kamen auch die Militärausgaben

zur Sprache. Putin erklärte, dass Russland

jährlich 50 Milliarden Euro für das

Militär ausgibt, die EU insgesamt 250 Milliarden

und die USA 750 Milliarden. Ich

habe es später überprüft: Die Zahlen stimmen

im Wesentlichen. Die EU gibt also

drei- bis viermal soviel Geld fürs Militär

aus wie Russland. Jetzt stellt sich die Frage:

Wer fürchtet sich da vor wem?

Und wo bleibt China?

China knüpft an seine Geschichte Ende

des 18. Jahrhunderts an. Das Kaiserreich

China muss damals – auch wegen der hohen

Bevölkerungszahl – wohl das höchste

Bruttonationalprodukt der Welt aufgewiesen

haben. Dann gab es interne Konflikte,

Bürgerkriege, den Opiumkrieg, Interventionen

der Kolonialmächte, später die Invasion

der Japaner und den Zweiten Weltkrieg.

Im Grunde genommen begann der




Ist es ein Österreich-Spezifikum, dass

Heinz-Christian Strache trotz dieses Skandals in

die Politik zurückkehrte und sogar Bürgermeisneuerliche

Aufschwung Chinas erst Ende

der 70er Jahre. Dazwischen liegen 200 Jahre.

Mein Eindruck ist, dass die chinesische

Führung fest entschlossen ist, an die alten

Traditionen anzuknüpfen. Wenn man die

autoritäre Ideologie der KPCh (Kommunistische

Partei Chinas) beiseite lässt, dann

hat China eine streng bürokratische und

hierarchische Struktur, so wie im damaligen

Kaiserreich.

Zurück nach Europa. Als Sie sagten, dass sich

beim EU-Gipfel einige Regierungschefs ihre

nationalen Kastanien gebraten haben, waren

das auch die sogenannten „Sparsamen Vier“ ?

(Österreich, Schweden, die Niederlande und

Dänemark, Anm.)

Für mich ist das nur ein Nebenaspekt.

Vor dem Gipfel habe ich sämtliche EU-

Botschafter zu mir geladen plus den Vertreter

der EU-Kommission in Wien, Martin

Selmayr. Dabei wurde ich nicht nur

einmal sehr taktvoll darauf hingewiesen,

dass Österreich zu jenen Mitgliedsländern

zählt, die besonders viel oder vielleicht gar

am allermeisten von der Europäischen

Union profitiert haben. Vom Verschwinden

des Eisernen Vorhangs bis zur EU-

Aufnahme unserer Nachbarstaaten. Ein

kleines, exportorientiertes Land wie Österreich

ist auf Kooperation fundamental angewiesen.

Die Verflochtenheit ist zwischen

den EU-Mitgliedsstaaten so groß, dass wir

mehr kooperieren müssen und nicht weniger.

Kritik löste aus, dass die EU-Förderungen nicht

mit der Einhaltung der rechtsstaatlichen

Prinzipien verknüpft wurden. Ungarns

Premierminister Viktor Orbán hat es als großen

Erfolg gefeiert, dass er diese Bedingung

abwehren konnte.

Ich will jetzt gar nicht spezifisch auf Ungarn

eingehen, auch wenn offensichtlich

die Probleme dort am deutlichsten sind.

Aber ich erinnere mich an einen Kommentar

in einer britischen Zeitung vor Jahren,

in dem es hieß: Solange du Beitrittskandidat

bist, musst du besonders auf Reinlichkeit

bedacht sein. Bist du dann Mitglied,


kannst du soviel stinken wie du willst. Aber

wir können nicht täglich die sogenannten

europäischen Werte beschwören – und da

gehören Rechtsstaatlichkeit und die Freiheit

der Presse ganz oben hinauf – und

dann nichts tun, wenn sich manche Länder

nicht daran halten.

Hat Österreich in der Corona Krise richtig

reagiert, also mit dem schnellen Lockdown der

Wirtschaft und des sozialen Lebens ?

Im Großen und Ganzen ja! Von Details

abgesehen hat die Politik rechtzeitig und

richtig reagiert. Dazu hat auch die Nähe zu

Italien beigetragen. Wenn wir nicht die

schrecklichen Bilder der Spitäler in der

Lombardei gesehen hätten, dann hätten

wir uns vielleicht ein, zwei oder sogar drei

Wochen mehr Zeit gelassen. Dann möchte

ich nicht wissen, wie die Situation hier ausgesehen

hätte. Aber wir haben rechtzeitig

reagiert, und auch die Disziplin der Bevölkerung

war in den ersten Wochen entsprechend

hoch. Aber wir alle wissen, dass die

Pandemie noch nicht vorbei ist. Ich erinnere

mich noch gut, wie zu Beginn Israel als

Vorbild herangezogen wurde, und siehe da,

das Virus ist dort noch einmal explodiert.

Österreichs Innenpolitik wird gerade vom Untersuchungsausschuss

über die Ibiza-Affäre

geprägt. Welche Lehren sollte man aus dieser

Affäre ziehen?

Die für mich offenkundige Lehre lautet,

dass der Rechtsstaat immer wieder neu

verteidigt werden muss. Was waren denn

die Hauptpunkte in diesem Video? Offene

politische Korruption, nämlich das Zuschanzen

von Aufträgen an eine Firma auf

Kosten einer anderen Firma. Dann Parteienfinanzierung

am Gesetz vorbei durch irgendwelche

Vereinskonstruktionen. Die

Untergrabung der Pressefreiheit durch den

geplanten Kauf der Kronenzeitung, wo

man unliebsame Journalisten rausschmeißen

wollte. Ich war fassungslos..

ter von Wien werden möchte?

Ich glaube nicht, dass dies etwas Österreich-spezifisches

ist. Einen Mangel an

schlechtem Gewissen gibt es auch anderswo.

Es ist seine Entscheidung. Sie müssen

ihn ja nicht wählen, Herr Lahodynsky.

Dafür sehe ich bei mir keine Gefahr. War die

Ibiza-Affäre in Ihrer bisherigen Amtszeit das

heikelste Problem?

Die Ibiza-Krise war interessant und herausfordernd.

Da ist man keine Minute

müde. In so einer Situation sind Sie als

Bundespräsident ganz auf sich allein gestellt.

Wir betraten mit der Ibiza-Affäre in

der Geschichte der Zweiten Republik absolutes

Neuland –mit Hilfe der Verfassung als

Landkarte. Es stellten sich völlig neue Fragen,

etwa, wie bilden wir eine Regierung

ohne Mehrheit im Nationalrat, die trotzdem

vom Parlament akzeptiert wird. Mir

war auch wichtig, gleich viele Frauen wie

Männer in die Regierung zu berufen und

vieles mehr.

Und was war Ihr interessantester Staatsbesuch?

Der Staatsbesuch 2018 in China. Es war

die größte Delegation aller Zeiten mit rund

300 Personen. Jemand in unserem Team

hatte die geniale Idee, ein acht-jähriges

Mädchen aus Salzburg mitzunehmen, sie

hatte die Kindergeige von Mozart dabei

und spielte beim ersten großen Staatsbankett

Mozart und zum Schluss ein chinesisches

Volkslied. Man hat danach schon gemerkt,

dass die chinesischen Gastgeber

verstanden haben, dass wir China sehr

ernst nehmen, und wir sind als vergleichsweise

kleines Land auch ernst genommen

worden.

Wie sehen Sie Wien als Amtssitz internationaler

Organisationen?

Dass Wien einer der wenigen Standorte

der UNO ist, ist für die Stadt und ganz Österreich

von enormer Bedeutung. Daher

war es mir besonders wichtig, die neue Generaldirektorin

der UNO in Wien, Frau

Ghada Waly, gleich nach Ihrer Ernennung

zu mir einzuladen. Natürlich profitieren

wir auch ökonomisch, aber dass hier tausende

Personen arbeiten und auch deshalb

Wien eine internationalere Stadt wurde, ist

erfreulich.

Das König-Abdullah-Zentrum für interreligiösen

und interkulturellen Dialog (KAICIID) wird bald

von Wien nach Genf übersiedeln. Könnte das

weitere Auswirkungen auf die Präsenz

internationaler Organisationen, etwa der OPEC,

haben?

Mir war es wichtig, sofort mit dem neu

akkreditierten Botschafter Saudiarabiens

ein Gespräch zu führen. Ich habe ihm erklärt,

dass dies kein Akt der Bosheit ist,

sondern dass es in unserem Parlament

durch verschiedene Konstellationen zu

diesem Votum gekommen ist. Und ich

habe ihm auch mitgeteilt, dass die Öffentlichkeit

bis heute nicht genau weiß, was in

diesem Zentrum bisher gemacht wurde.

Die Öffentlichkeitsarbeit dieser Institution

war leider beklagenswert schlecht. Alles in

allem eine sehr unglückliche Geschichte.

CD: Mister President, how do you assess the

results of the EU summit on the new EU budget

and the aid that will be provided to counter during

the corona crisis? Can we call the package a

success for the European Union as a whole?

VdB: Overall, it was a historic summit,

especially because of the 750-billion-euro

aid package, which will for the first time be

loan-financed by the EU Commission. I

also view the agreement on the multi-annual

financial framework as a positive. Of

course, I would have preferred it if there

weren’t any cuts in research and science in

contrast with what the EU Commission

has proposed. Critically speaking, it should

be noted that several heads of state and

government tried to push through their

own national agendas and sell this to their

respective electorates for domestic policy

gains. This is not the way to run an entity

like the European Union in the long term.

In the end, I am glad that it was possible to

finally reach this compromise. However,



now is really be the time to break new

ground, especially in terms of foreign and

security policy.

Are you referring to the EU’s relationship with

other world powers like the USA?

Whoever might win the election this

autumn: Even a President Biden won’t be

able to bring the USA back on the same

track that it was on 20 or 30 years ago. The

interests of the USA are shifting eastwards.

Any power that spends decades as the economic

and military number one gets nervous

when number two starts challenging

it for its rank – that is, of course, China.

Geopolitical relations are turning more volatile,

not more stable.

What is the role of Europe in this power struggle?

The transatlantic relationship has already

changed. What is NATO’s future? President

Donald Trump has repeatedly left us

puzzled with his comments on NATO’s obsolescence.

Now, we also have voices on the

European side who are saying that it is time

to come up with something new. I had an

interesting conversation with President Putin

in Sochi on 15 May 2019, exactly two

days before the release of the Ibiza scandal

video. We also discussed the issue of military

expenditures. Putin explained that

Russia spends 50 billion euro per year on

its military, the EU 250 billion altogether

and the US 750 billion. I double-checked

this later. The numbers are basically accurate.

In other words, the EU spends three to

four times as much on military expenses as

Russia. The question is therefore: Who is

afraid of whom?

And where is China in all of this?

China is continuing its history from the

end of the 18th century. Imperial China

likely had the greatest GDP of any country

in the world at that time – at least in part

due to its large population. Then came various

internal conflicts, civil wars, the Opium

War, interventions through colonial

powers, later the Japanese invasion and

then the Second World War. China’s new

upswing began in the 1970s. In between lie

200 years of decline. My impression is that

the Chinese leadership is determined to

continue the old traditions. If you leave aside

the authoritarian ideology of the CCP

(Chinese Communist Party), then China

today has the same strict bureaucratic and

hierarchical structure that it had during the

imperial era.

Back to Europe. When you said that several heads

of government tried to push through their own

national agendas at the EU summit, were you

referring to the so-called “Frugal Four” (editor’s

note: Austria, Sweden, the Netherlands and

Denmark)?

This is only a side issue for me. Prior to

the summit, I invited all the EU ambassadors

to my office plus the representative of

the EU Commission Vienna, Martin Selmayr.

I was reminded tactfully more than

once that Austria belongs to those member

states that have benefited especiall – or

even the most – from the European Union.

From the disappearance of the Iron Curtain

to the accession of our neighbouring

countries into the EU. A small, export-oriented

country like Austria is fundamentally

dependent on cooperation. The interdependence

between the EU member

states has become so great that we must

cooperate more, not less.

One point of criticism was that the EU funds were

not linked with compliance with the rule of law.

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán celebrated

it as a great success that he was able to fend off

this condition.

I do not wish to comment on Hungary

specifically, despite the fact that these problems

are indeed most visible there. But I do


remember a comment from a British

newspaper a few years ago, which said:

While you are just an accession candidate,

you have to be particularly cautious when it

comes to ensuring political purity. But

once you’re a member, you can stink as

badly as you like. We shouldn’t be invoking

these so-called European values on a daily

basis – including the rule of law and freedom

of the press – and then do nothing

when some countries don’t abide by them.

Did Austria react appropriately to the corona

crisis, in other words, with a rapid economic and

social lockdown?

Overall, yes! Details aside, our politicians

reacted appropriately and in time. Our

proximity to Italy also contributed to this.

If we hadn’t seen those terrifying images

from the hospitals in Lombardy, then we

may have tried to wait it out for another

week or two or even three. I do not wish to

know how the situation would have panned

out in that case. But we did react in a

timely manner and the public’s discipline

was correspondingly high in the first

weeks. But we all know that the pandemic

is not over yet. I still remember how everyone

used Israel as a role model in the beginning.

As it turns out, the virus has surged

there once again.

Austria’s domestic affairs are currently shaped by

the Ibiza scandal investigation. What should we

learn from this affair?

The obvious lesson for me is that the

rule of law has to be defended over and

over again. What were the main things we

could see in the video? Open political corruption,

namely the awarding of contracts

to one company at the expense of another.

Then party financing which bypassed the

law by way of some kind of association

structures. The undermining of press freedom

by way of the planned purchase of the

Kronen Zeitung newspaper company, where

unpleasant journalists would be kicked

out. I was stunned.

Is it a uniquely Austrian phenomenon that

Heinz-Christian Strache has returned to politics

Bundespräsident Alexander Van der Bellen

mit CD-Autor Otmar Lahodynsky und

CD-Herausgeber Alexander Bursky (von

rechts nach links).

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen

with CD‘s author Otmar Lahodynsky and CD‘s

editor Alexander Bursky (from right to left).



and now even wants to become the mayor of

Vienna despite the scandal?

I don’t think that this is something uniquely

Austrian. You can find a lack of guilty

conscience anywhere. This is his decision.

After all, you don’t have to vote for him

Mister Lahodynsky.

I don’t think there is a need to worry about me in

this regard. Has the Ibiza scandal been the most

difficult issue of your time in office thus far?

The Ibiza scandal has been interesting

and challenging. It definitely hasn’t been

boring. In a situation like that, you are

completely on your own as president. With

the Ibiza scandal, we treaded on absolutely

new ground in the history of the Second

Republic – with our constitution as a guiding

map. We had to face completely new

questions, such as how to form a government

without a majority in the National

Council that would still be accepted by Parliament.

It was also important to me to include

as many women as men into the new

government, as well as several other things.


there are also economic benefits for us, but

the fact that thousands of people work

here, and that Vienna has become such an

international city, is very pleasing.

The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International

Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural

Dialogue (KAICIID) will soon move from Vienna to

Geneva. Could this have further implications for

the presence of international organisations like

OPEC?

It was important to me to immediately

have a conversation with the newly appointed

ambassador of Saudi Arabia. I explained

to him that this was not an act of malice,

but that a series of developments in our

parliament led to this vote. I also told him

that the public had not been fully aware of

what was happening at this centre to date.

The institution’s public relations work has,

unfortunately, been very poor. All in all, it

was an unfortunate story.


And which has been your most interesting state

visit so far?

The state visit to China in 2018. With

around 300 people, it was Austria’s largest

delegation ever. Someone in our team had

the brilliant idea to take with us an eightyear-old

girl from Salzburg. She brought

Mozart’s childhood violin with her and

played Mozart at the first big state banquet

and a Chinese folk song at the end. You

could see that our Chinese hosts had understood

that we are taking China very seriously

and that we – as a comparably small

nation – were taken seriously, too.

How do you view Vienna’s role as the official seat

of various international organisations?

The fact that Vienna is one of the few

seats of the UN is of enormous importance

for the city and Austria as a whole. This is

why it was especially important for me to

invite Ms Ghada Waly, the new General Director

of the UN in Vienna, to visit me

shortly after her appointment. Of course,


Der präsidentschaftliche

Hund namens Juli, den Alexander

Van der Bellen und seine Frau

Doris Schmiedauer von einem

verstorbenen Freund übernommen

hatten. The presidential dog

called Juli, whom Alexander Van

der Bellen and his wife Doris

Schmiedauer took over from a

deceased friend.

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Text: Wolfgang Pozsogar

Hochbau-Projekt Triiiple.

In Wien errichtet die STRABAG drei über 100

Meter hohe Wohntürme.

Building construction project Triiiple.

In Vienna, STRABAG is building three residential

towers which will be more than 100 metres high.

Bauunternehmen aus Österreich

stehen im Ruf, effizient

und lösungsorientiert zu arbeiten

und spielen international

groß mit.

Austrian construction companies

have a reputation for being efficient

as well as solution-oriented and

play a major role internationally.

Überall gefragt.

In great demand.

PHOTOS: ANDREAS BALON, VYHNALEK.COM, GISELA ERLACHER, BEIGESTELLT

Was haben Tunnel in Kanada und

Indien, eine mittels Public-private-Partnership

(PPP) finanzierte

Autobahn in Kolumbien, Straßen in

Afrika, die Reichstags-Kuppel in Berlin, ein

Flughafen in Aserbaidschan oder die Formel-1-Rennstrecke

in Abu Dhabi gemeinsam?

Die Antwort: Bei der Errichtung all

dieser Bauwerke waren österreichische Unternehmen

federführend dabei. Die Alpenrepublik

spielt beim Planen und Bauen von

Hoch- und Tiefbauten auf allen fünf Kontinenten

eine im Vergleich zur Größe des

Landes überproportional große Rolle.

Bedeutendster internationaler Player

der österreichischen Bauwirtschaft ist die

STRABAG-Gruppe, ein global tätiger Konzern

mit rund 16 Milliarden Euro Umsatz

und weltweit 75.000 Mitarbeitern. Das Unternehmen

hat eine seiner Wurzeln in dem

Kärntner Bauunternehmen Ilbau. Hans Peter

Haselsteiner, der als Schwiegersohn des

damaligen Firmenchefs 1972 in den Betrieb

eintrat, machte durch Zukäufe und

Fusionen – auch das ursprünglich deutsche

Traditionsunternehmen Strabag wurde

eingegliedert – aus dem regionalen Betrieb

den heute global erfolgreichen Konzern,

der in einem Ranking der hundert größten

Bauunternehmen der Erde von Deloitte auf

Platz 22 liegt. Mit seinen gesamten Auslandsgeschäften

lag Österreichs Bauwirtschaft

in diesem Ranking 2018 sogar am

neunten Platz. Ein beachtlicher Erfolg für

ein kleines Land.

500-Millionen-Euro-Auftrag in

Südamerika: „Wir stärken unsere

Marke, indem wir bei drei der

wichtigsten Bergbauprojekte in

Chile präsent sind.“

500 million euro order in South

America: ”We are strengthening our

brand by being present in three of

the most important mining projects

in Chile.“

Thomas Birtel

Vorstandsvorsitzender der Strabag SE |

CEO Strabag SE

Österreichische Bauunternehmen

sind auf allen Kontinenten

tätig.

Austrian construction

companies are active on all

continents.

STRABAG-Zentrale in Wien:

75.000 Mitarbeiter und 16

Milliarden Euro Umsatz.

STRABAG headquarters in Vienna:

75,000 employees and 16 billion euro

in sales.



65

L’AUTRICHE CONSTRUCTION

& STEEL

Reininghaus Q6 Graz.

Die PORR baut hier 320

Wohnungen sowie Büround

Geschäftsflächen.

PORR is building 320

apartments as well as office

and retail space here.

Widok- und Lixa-Tower in Warschau.

Am polnischen Markt ist die PORR mit

einem Tochterunternehmen erfolgreich

unterwegs.

Widok and Lixa Tower in Warsaw. PORR

is successfully operating on the Polish

market with a subsidiary.

Eine nicht unbedeutende Rolle im internationalen

Strabag-Geschäft spielte die

Übernahme der Ed. Züblin AG im Jahr

2005. Ihre Tochter Züblin International

GmbH Chile SpA ist seit langem in Südamerika

präsent und beschäftigt dort 7.500

Mitarbeiter. Sie baut unter anderem seit

Jahrzehnten Tunnel für den Kupferbergbau:

Im Vorjahr hat die chilenische Strabag-Tochter

beispielsweise beim Bergwerk

El Teniente in Rancagua Aufträge für 32,5

Kilometer lange Tunnelbauwerke im Gesamtwert

von 500 Millionen Euro erhalten.

„Mit diesem Auftrag stärken wir unsere

Marke auf dem lokalen Markt, indem wir

bei drei der wichtigsten Bergbauprojekte in

Chile präsent sind“, erzählt Thomas Birtel,

Vorstandsvorsitzender der Strabag SE, zufrieden.

Wobei Tunnelbau auch eine Stärke der

österreichischen Wurzeln der Strabag sei.

„Die hier entwickelte ‚Neue Österreichische

Tunnelbaumethode‘ genießt noch immer

internationale Anerkennung. Zahlreiche

Tunnel auf der ganzen Welt wurden

nach dieser Methode gebaut. Heute wird

bei großen Tunnelprojekten vorwiegend

auf den maschinellen Vortrieb gesetzt“, so

Birtel. Weltweit baute und baut das Unternehmen

wichtige unterirdische Röhren wie

den 2013 fertiggestellten Niagara Tunnel

oder den 8,8 Kilometer langen Rohtang

Pass Straßentunnel in Indien.

Die Strabag ist im internationalen Geschäft

nicht nur für Tunnel kompetent – zu

interessanten aktuellen Projekten gehören

ein Straßenbaulos in Uganda oder ein

Pumpspeicherkraftwerk in Dubai. In Katar

plant und baut die Strabag-Tochter Züblin

eine Abwasserpumpstationsanlage. In Kolumbien

ist man am Bau der „Autopista al

Mar 1“ beteiligt, dem ersten Public-private-Partnership-Projekt

des Landes. „Bei

diesem Projekt spielte auch unsere Kompetenz

bei der Finanzierung eine wesentliche

Rolle“, sagt Birtel. Mit außereuropäischen

Projekten erwirtschafte die STRABAG

aber weniger als zehn Prozent des Umsatzes,

dominiert werde Geschäft von Europa,

betont der CEO.

Auch das zweite führende österreichische

Bauunternehmen, die PORR, sie liegt

auf Platz 55 im weltweiten Ranking, konzentriert

sich auf Europa und hier auf sieben

Heimmärkte mit eigenen Niederlassungen:

Österreich, Deutschland, die

Schweiz, Polen, Tschechien, die Slowakei

und Rumänien. „Hier wurden 2019 rund

94 Prozent der Produktionsleistung erzielt,

der Fokus liegt dabei auf unserer Kernkompetenz

- dem Baugeschäft“, erzählt

Porr CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss. In Deutschland

habe sich Porr bereits als wichtiger

Marktteilnehmer im Infrastruktur- und

Industriebau etabliert. Dort werde das gesamte

Leistungsspektrum angeboten. In

den übrigen Ländern sei eine selektive

Ausweitung der Aktivitäten vorgesehen,

wobei man vor allem in Tschechien ein flächendeckendes

Angebot anstrebe, berichtet

Strauss.

Außerhalb Europas zählen derzeit Katar,

die VAE und Norwegen zu den sogenannten

Porr-Projektmärkten: „Der Fokus

liegt hier auf Aufträgen im Infrastrukturbau

und auf der Zusammenarbeit mit lokalen

Partnern“, erläutert Strauss. Vornehmlich

gehe es um Spezial- und Großprojekte

im Tunnel-, Bahn- und Tiefbau. Die Porr

setzt weiter auf intelligentes Wachstum,

PHOTOS: PORR

PHOTOS: HARRY SCHIFFER PHOTODESIGN, ASTRID KNIE

kündigt der CEO an: „Im Fokus stehen dabei

Märkte, in denen nach gesamtheitlichen

Baulösungen gesucht wird. Ziel ist es,

sowohl als Generalunternehmer als auch

als Totalunternehmer alle Leistungen anbieten

zu können, die entlang der Wertschöpfungskette

nachgefragt werden.“

Sowohl Strabag als auch Porr spielen

nicht nur punkto Bautechnik auf vielen

Gebieten in der ersten Liga. Auf dem Weg

zum digitalen Planen und Bauen liegen die

österreichischen Baukonzerne ebenfalls

gut im Rennen. „Die Digitalisierung der

Baubranche eröffnet völlig neue Perspektiven,

die nicht nur die gesamte Wertschöpfungskette

erfassen, sondern noch weit darüber

hinausreichen“, postuliert Porr CEO

Strauss. Die Chancen, die sich daraus ableiten,

seien für Porr bereits Realität und ein

entscheidender Wettbewerbsvorteil, meint

er. Durch den Einsatz digitaler Methoden

und Technologien gestalte man Arbeitsabläufe

nun effizienter, Prozesse transparenter,

reduziere Kosten, entlaste Menschen

von Routinetätigkeiten und spiele diese für

andere Aufgaben frei.

Nicht ganz so groß wie die Baukonzerne,

auf ihrem Spezialgebiet aber ebenfalls

international vorne mit dabei, sind österreichische

Stahlbauunternehmen. Aufsehen

erregen sie nicht zuletzt mit kühnen

Projekten, die die architektonischen Möglichkeiten

des Stahlbaus voll ausreizen. Das

Sage Music Center oder das Swiss Re

Headquarter in Großbritannien, die Kuppel

des Reichstags in Berlin, der Flughafen

Baku Heydär Äliyev in Aserbaidschan, das

Yas Island Marina Hotel oder die Formel-

1-Rennstrecke in Abu Dhabi sind nur wenige

markante Beispiele aus der langen Referenzliste.

Viele Projekte wurden mit

Preisen ausgezeichnet, etwa der von Zeman

errichtete Bahnhof Lodz in Polen

oder die Zentrale des Österreichischen Automobil

Clubs ÖAMTC in Wien.

Diese hat Unger Stahlbau realisiert, ein

in den 1950ern im Burgenland gegründeter

Schlossereibetrieb. In den 1980ern begann

der Sohn des Firmengründers mit

dem Ausbau des Betriebes. Heute werden

weltweit 1.200 Mitarbeiter beschäftigt, davon

400 im österreichischen Werk in Oberwart

und 560 in der Produktionsstätte

Sharjah in den Vereinigten Arabischen

Emiraten.

Das Unternehmen ist nach wie vor in

Familienbesitz und wird in der dritten Generation

von Matthias Unger geleitet. „Wir

sind in der D-A-CH-Region heute die

Nummer Eins im Stahlbau, aber auch die

anderen Märkte sind für uns sehr wichtig“,

erzählt er. In Europa gehören neben dem

deutschsprachigen Raum Ungarn, Rumänien

und Bulgarien zu den wichtigsten

Märkten. Außerhalb Europas sind dies –

nicht zuletzt aufgrund des Werkes in Sharjah

– die VAE und die umliegenden Länder.

„Das ist quasi unser Heimmarkt. Auch

im asiatischen Raum, insbesondere in

Thailand, in Australien, den USA und einer

Reihe von afrikanischen Ländern haben

wir schon gebaut“, berichtet Unger.

Das Unternehmen arbeitet bei der Planung

mit führenden Architekten zusammen,

für das Bee’ah Hauptquartier in Sharijah

entwarfen etwa Zaha Hadid Architects

die Designs. Unger bietet seinen Kunden

alle Dienstleistungen rund ums Bauen:

„Wir agieren als Generalunternehmer und

machen alles von der Projektentwicklung

International setzt die PORR auf

intelligentes Wachstum: „Im Fokus

stehen dabei Märkte, in denen

nach gesamtheitlichen Baulösungen

gesucht wird.“

Internationally, PORR relies on

intelligent growth: “The focus here

is on markets in which holistic construction

solutions are in demand.“

Karl-Heinz Strauss

CEO PORR



67

L’AUTRICHE CONSTRUCTION & STEEL

Unger-Werk in Sharjah.

Kühne Stahlbaukonstruktionen

mit eindrucksvoller

Architektur.

Unger plant in Sharjah.

Bold steel structures with

impressive architecture.

Bee’ah Zentrale in Sharjah.

Der Entwurf für das

Unger-Projekt stammt von

Zaha Hadid Architects.

Bee’ah headquarters in

Sharjah. Zaha Hadid

Architects designed the

Unger project.

„Wir sind in der D-A-CH-Region

heute die Nummer Eins im Stahlbau.“

”Today, we are number one in steel

construction in the D-A-CH region.“

Matthias Unger

Unger Steel Group

über die Grundstückssuche und die Finanzierung

bis zur Fertigstellung“, erzählt der

Firmenchef.

Ein weiterer wichtiger Player im Bereich

Stahlbau ist Zeman & Co. Das Unternehmen

wurde in den 1960ern für den Bau

von Stahl-Hallen gegründet. Mitte der 70er

Jahre erweiterte Zeman das Portfolio kontinuierlich

und unternahm erste internationale

Schritte nach Saudi-Arabien, es folgten

weitere Großaufträge nach Jordanien

und in den Irak. 1991 wurde die erste ausländische

Niederlassung in Polen gegründet,

was gleichzeitig die Ostöffnung der

Firmengruppe markierte. In den vergangenen

Jahren konnte Zeman seinen Tätigkeitsbereich

im Projektgeschäft von England

über den Ural bis nach China

erfolgreich ausweiten. Das Unternehmen

ist im Baugeschäft, aber auch im Maschinenbau

international tätig, neben Österreich

wird in Polen und in der Türkei produziert.

Zeman & Co. ist und nach wie vor ein

Familienbetrieb und wird von Peter Zeman,

dem Sohn des Firmengründers, geführt.

„Die wichtigsten Länder auf der

Bauseite waren in den vergangenen Jahren

Österreich und Deutschland. Polen hat

sich besonders stark entwickelt, aber auch

in Ungarn, Tschechien, England und einigen

weiteren Ländern läuft es gut, die Türkei

und die angrenzenden Märkte sind natürlich

ebenfalls ein großes Thema“, erzählt

Zeman. Im arabischen Raum gibt es in den

VAE und in Kuwait ebenso immer wieder

Aktivitäten wie in afrikanischen Ländern.

Warum sind Österreichs Bauunternehmer

so erfolgreich? Dafür gibt es mehrere

Gründe. Einer davon sei die Ausbildung,

meint Unger: „Wir haben die duale und

praxisorientierte Ausbildung, um die uns

viele beneiden, hervorragende Höhere

Technische Lehranstalten und natürlich

Technische Universitäten“, erzählt er. „Diese

Bildungswege dürften auch dazu beitragen,

dass österreichische Techniker international

als Problemlöser gelten“, ergänzt

Unger. Ähnlich sieht das Zeman: „Wir arbeiten

sehr effizient und lösungsorientiert,

das hängt sicher mit unserer starken technischen

Prägung zusammen.“ 100 der insgesamt

650 Mitarbeiter sind Diplomingenieure.

Allerdings sind die global tätigen

österreichischen Bauunternehmen im Gegensatz

zu vielen ihrer Mitbewerber personalmäßig

längst international aufgestellt:

„Für uns arbeiten ausgezeichnete Mitarbeiter

vieler Nationen, die gut zusammengefunden

haben – und die Kooperation funktioniert

bestens“, so Zeman. Auch ein Plus

im internationalen Geschäft: Viele Auftraggeber

schätzen es, wenn auf einer

Großbaustelle in ihrem Land auch einheimische

Beschäftigte mit dabei sind.

What do tunnels in Canada and

India, a public-private-partnership

(PPP) fi-nanced motorway

in Colombia, roads in Africa, the dome of

the Reichstag building in Berlin, an airport

in Azerbaijan and a Formula-1 racetrack in

Abu Dhabi all have in common? The

answer: Austrian firms played a leading part

in the construction of all these structures. In

comparison its size, the Alpine na-tion plays

a disproportionally large role in the planning

and construction of civil and structural

engineering projects across the world.

One of the key international players in the

Austrian construction industry is the STRA-

BAG Group, a global business group with a

turnover of around 16 billion euro and 75,000

employees around the world. The company

traces its history back to the Carinthian construction

firm Ilbau. Hans Peter Haselsteiner,

who joined the company in 1972 as the son in

law of the then-company-director, made several

fusions and acquisitions – including the

originally German family business Strabag –

which turned the regional firm into what is

today an inter-nationally successful business

group that holds the 22nd place in Deloitte’s

ranking of the 100 biggest construction firms

in the world. With all of its international business,

Austria‘s construction industry was

even ninth in this 2018 ranking. A remarkable

achievement for a small country.

The acquisition of Ed. Züblin AG in 2005

was quite significant for Strabag’s in-ternational

business, whose subsidiary Züblin International

GmbH Chile SpA has been present

in South America for a long time and employs

7,500 people there. Among other projects,

the firm has been involved in the construction

of tunnels for copper mines for

decades: In the previous year, the Chilean Stra-bag

subsidiary was contracted to build

32.5 kilometres of tunnels worth 500 billion

euro in total at the El Teniente mine in Rancagua.

“With this contract, we are strengthening

our local brand by being involved in

three of the most im-portant construction

projects in Chile right now,” says Thomas Birtel,

Chairman of the Board of Strabag SE,

contently.

Tunnel construction, however, is also said to

be one of the strengths of Strabag’s Austrian

roots. “The ‘New Austrian Tunnelling Method’

developed here still enjoys international

recognition. Countless tunnels across

the world are being built using this method.

Today, mechanical tunnelling is the construction

method of choice for large tunnel

projects,” says Birtel. Globally, the company

PHOTOS: ANDI.BRUCKNER, BEIGESTELLT

has built and continues to build important

subsurface tubes, like the Niagara Tunnel

completed in 2013 and the 8.8-kilometrelong

Atal Tunnel in Northern India.

Despite all of this, Strabag is not just known

for its competence in tunnel construction

internationally – among other interesting

current projects are a road construction tender

in Uganda and a pumped-storage power

plant in Dubai. In Qatar, the Strabag subsidiary

Züblin is planning a sewage pumping

station. In Colombia, the group is involved

in the construction of the “Autopista al Mar

1”, the country’s first public-private-partnership

project. “Our financing expertise is certainly

playing a role in this project. Non-

European projects contribute only 10% of

our 16-billion-euro turnover; the broad majority

of our business comes from Europe,”

emphasises Birtel.

Austria’s second leading construction firm,

PORR, holds the 55th place in the global

Jedem sein Hafen.

Exklusive

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am

Neusiedlersee

Direkt am Wasser mit eigenem Steg und Bootsanlegeplatz.

Jetzt provisionsfrei im Verkauf.

ranking and concentrates its effort on Europe

and seven domestic markets in particular,

which all have own branches: Austria,

Germany, Switzer-land, Poland, Czechia,

Slovakia and Romania. “We achieved

around 94% of our production output here

in 2019 while concentrating on our core

compe-tence – the construction business,”

says Karl-Heinz Strauss, General Manager

of Porr. In Germany, Porr has already established

itself as a key player in the infrastructure

and industrial construction market.

There, the company of-fers its entire range

of services. In the remaining countries, the

group is plan-ning a more selective expansion

of its activities, though the aim is to also

offer a comprehensive service range in Czechia,

reports Strauss.

Outside Europe, Qatar, the UAE and Norway

count among the so-called Porr project

markets. “Our focus here lies on the acquisition

of infrastructure con-tracts and cooperation

with local partners,” explains Strauss.

The priority is special and large projects in

the tunnel, train and civil construction segments.

Porr continues to aim at intelligent

growth, its general manager announces.

“We are focusing on markets in need of

comprehensive construction solutions. Our

goal is to be able to offer all the services that

are in demand along the value chain, both as

a general contractor and as a principal contractor.”

In addition to structural engineering, both

Strabag and Porr play in the top league in several

other areas as well. The Austrian construction

firms are also leading the way when it

comes to digital planning and building. “The

digitalisation of the construction industry is

opening up entirely new perspectives that not

only reach across the entire value chain but

beyond it, too,” postulates Porr General Manager

Strauss. The opportunities posed by

this have already become a reality and a de-

Am liebsten

schlafe ich

direkt am See.

Neusiedl am See Projektentwicklung GmbH

office@amhafen.at

Dipl.Arch ETH Martina von Tippelskirch, MSc

+43 664 458 70 15


www.amhafen.at

L’AUTRICHE CONSTRUCTION

& STEEL

Sportstättenbauten

Sport Facilities

„Wir arbeiten sehr effizient und sehr lösungsorientiert.“

”We work very efficiently and very solutionoriented.“

Peter Zeman

Geschäftsführer von Zeman Stahlbau |

Managing Director Zeman Stahlbau

presents

Vordächer für Ruhr Park, Bochum:

r Leistungserbringung: Dez. 2014 – Feb. 2016

rt: Ruhr Park, Bochum

ekturplanung: bds und maas und partner

ggeber: mfi Development GmbH

führte Arbeiten: Konzeptionierung alternativer Systeme für den

au und die Verkleidungen, statische Berechnung, Planung, Fertigung

ntage - Baustellenlogistik bei vollem Betrieb des Einkaufsparks.

ische Daten: 126 Dächer, Gesamtfläche der Dachdeckung 9.000,- m²,

tfläche der Aluminium Verkleidung 10.000,- m², Gesamttonnage: 600

n, Dachaufbau aus Holzplatten und Bitumendachdeckung,

erkleidung aus Aluminium , Verbundplatten in nichtbrennbarer

rung, Oberflächen der sichtbaren Stahlstützen feuerverzinkt,

htelt, geschliffen und beschichtet, 1500 m² Stiegenhausverkleidungen

chwertigen Aluminium–Lamellen

tersichtsverkleidung

gssumme: EUR 6.300.000,00,-- exkl. Ust

Awaza Sport Complex, Turkmenistan:

r Leistungserbringung: 2015 - 2016

rt: Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan

tektur) Planung: Lokale Firma in Turkmenistan

ggeber: Alkar Construction Co & Myradym HK

führte Arbeiten: Planung,

for other

Produktion

activities.

und Montage von

Tonnen Stahlkonstruktionen für 4 Gebäude des

omplex: Eishockeyhalle, Wrestling-Halle, Schwimmhalle

ehrzweckgebäude. Die Ausführung der Konstruktionen

ahlbeton und einem Dach aus Stahlkonstruktionen.

gssumme:

.369.000,- exkl. Ust

New Canopies for Ruhr Park,

Bochum:

Performance: Dec. 2014 - Feb. 2016

Location: Ruhr Park, Bochum, DE

Architectural design: bds und maas

und partner

Client mfi Development GmbH

Executed work: development of

alternative systems for cladding and

steel construction, static calculation,

engineering, production and erection

, site logistics under full operation

of the shopping park.

Technical specification: 126 Roofs,

Total roofing area 9,000 m², Total area

of aluminum cladding 10.000 m², Total

Tonnage: 600 tons, Roof construction

made of wooden boards and bitumen

roofing, Roof cladding made of

aluminum composite panels in nonflammable

version, Surfaces of visible

steel columns are galvanized,

spackled, sanded and finish coated,

1500 m² Staircase and ceiling cladding

are made of high quality aluminum

composite panels

Contract value:

EUR 6,300,000.00 - excl VAT.

1114068 / Zeman & Co GmbH, Clemens-Holzmeister-Straße 6, A-1100 Wien, www.zeman-stahl.com

Drei Projekte von Zeman: Ruhrpark in Bochum, Awaza Sport Complex in Turkmenistan und Bahnhof Lodz in

Awaza Sport Complex,

Polen. Kühne Architektur, die alle

Turkmenistan:

Möglichkeit des Stahlbaus nützt.

Three Zeman projects: Ruhrpark in Bochum, Awaza Sport Complex in Turkmenistan and Lodz train station in

Poland. Bold architecture that makes use of all the possibilities of steel construction.

Period of performance:

2015 - 2016

Location: Turkmenbashi,

Turkmenistan

(Architectural) Design:

Local company in Turkmenistan

Client: Alkar Construction Co &

Myradym HK

Executed work:

Design, production and erection

of 2550 tons of steel

constructions for 4 buildings of

Awaza Sport Complex: Ice

Hockey Building, Wrestling

Building, Swimming Pool, Multipurpose

Hall. The structures

are made with reinforced

concrete columns and structural

steel roof.

Contract value:

USD 4.369.000 excl VAT.

cisive market advantage for Porr, he says. By

de-ploying digital methods and technologies,

workflows can be made more effi-cient, processes

more transparent, costs reduced, and

people relieved of rou-tine tasks and freed up

Zbs Alfaçelik İnşaat Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., www.alfacelik.com.tr, www.zeman-stahl.com

Though not quite as big as the construction

groups, Austrian steel construction firms

are also among the international leaders in

their respective speciality ar-eas. They receive

particular attention thanks to bold projects

that push the ar-chitectural limits of

steel construction. The Sage Music Center

or the Swiss Red Headquarters in the United

Kingdom, the dome of the Reichstag building

in Berlin, Baku Heydar Aliyev International

Airport in Azerbaijan, the Yas Island

Marina Hotel or the Yas Marina Circuit in

Abu Dhabi, are just a few striking ex-amples

from a very long list. Many of these projects

have won awards, like the Łódź Fabryczna

railway station in Poland constructed by Zeman

or the ÖAMTC Headquarters (Austrian

Automobile Club) in Vienna.

The latter was realised by Unger Steel Group,

which grew out of a metalwork-ing shop

founded in Austria’s Burgenland province in

the 1950s. In the 1980s, the founder’s son began

expanding operations. Today, the company

employs more than 1,200 people, 290 of

whom work at the Austrian plant in Oberwart

and 560 in the Sharjah production facility

in the United Arab Emirates.

The company has remained in family hands

and is now being led by Matthias Unger in

the third generation. “In the DACH region,

we are the number one when it comes to steel

construction, but other markets are also very

important for us,” he says. In Europe, Hungary,

Romania and Bulgaria count among our

key markets next to the German-speaking

countries. Outside Europe, these are – not

least because of the production facility in

Sharjah – the UAE and the surrounding

countries. “This is basically our domestic

market. We have also built in Asia, in Thailand

in particular, in Australia, the USA and a

number of African countries,” reports Unger.

The company works with leading architects

in the planning phase; the Bee’ah HQ in

Sharijah, for example, was designed by Zaha

Hadid Architects. Unger offers clients the

entire range of construction-related services.

“We act as a general contractor and

handle everything from project development

to land scouting, financing and completion,”

says the company director.

Another important player in the steel construction

segment is Zeman & Co. The company

was founded in the 1960s for the construction

of steel halls. In the mid-‘70s,

Zeman continuously expanded its portfolio

and took its first interna-tional steps in Saudi

Arabia, followed by further major contracts

in Jordan and Iraq. In 1991, the first

foreign subsidiary was founded in Poland,

simultaneous-ly marking the group’s opening

towards eastern markets. In the past

few years, Zeman has been able to expand its

project development activities from England,

via the Urals all the way to China. The

company is not only active in-ternationally

in the construction industry, but also in machine

engineering. Next to Austria, production

also takes place in Poland and Turkey.

Zeman & Co. has remained a family business

and is led by Peter Zeman, the company

founder’s son. “The most important

countries on the construction side over the

past few years have been Austria and Germany.

Poland has devel-oped especially

strongly, but things are also looking good in

Hungary, Czechia, the UK and several other

countries. Turkey and its neighbouring

markets are, of course, also a big deal,” says

Zeman. In the Arab world, there is a lot of

activity in the UAE and Kuwait, as well as in

various African countries.

Why are Austrian construction firms so successful?

There are several reasons for this.

One of them is training, says Unger. “We

have dual and practice-oriented training that

many are envious of, excellent higher technical

colleges and, of course, technical universities,”

he says. “This educational path certainly

contributes to the Austrian reputation

as problem solvers abroad,” adds Unger. Zeman

has a similar view. “We work efficiently

and in a solution-oriented manner, which

definitely has to do with our strong technical

background.” Of their 650 employees, 100

hold engineering degrees. However, when it

comes to personnel, most globally active

Austrian construction firms have – in contrast

with their competitors – gone international.

“We have excellent employ-ees from

many different countries working for us who

are all getting along very well – the cooperation

is working out perfectly,” says Zeman.

Another benefit of this can be found in international

business operations: Many international

contractors appreciate it when local

employees are involved in major construction

projects in their country.

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Michael Ludwig

„Rassismus hat keinen Platz in unserer Stadt.“

“Racism has no place in our city.”

Der Wiener Bürgermeister erklärt im CD-Interview, warum Österreichs Hauptstadt weltoffen und

wirtschaftlich attraktiv ist, einen guten internationalen Ruf hat und welche Themen beim Wahlkampf im

Vordergrund stehen werden.

In the CD interview, the Mayor of Vienna explains how Austria’s capital city maintains its cosmopolitan

outlook and economic attractiveness, its excellent international reputation and what issues are

currently taking the centre stage in Vienna’s municipal election campaign.

Interview: Gerhard Bitzan


CD: Herr Bürgermeister, am 11. Oktober finden

in Wien Gemeinderatswahlen statt. Welches

Ergebnis erhoffen Sie sich für Ihre Partei, die

SPÖ?

Michael Ludwig: Bei der letzten Gemeinderatswahl

2015 erzielte die SPÖ in

Wien 39,5 Prozent der Stimmen. Das war

ein sehr gutes Ergebnis und mein Ziel für

die kommende Wahl am 11. Oktober ist es,

wieder an das Ergebnis heranzukommen.

Aber noch wichtiger ist, dass der Wahlkampf

in einer sehr guten Atmosphäre geführt

wird. Ich werde mich dafür einsetzen,

dass es ein Wettstreit der Ideen wird und

die Positionen im Vordergrund stehen und

nicht das parteipolitische Hickhack.

Wie wollen Sie dazu beitragen?

Die Wahlauseinandersetzung findet in

diesem Jahr unter ganz anderen Bedingungen

statt. Das Coronavirus hat ja Auswirkungen

auf alle Lebensbereiche und natürlich

auch auf den Wahlkampf. Daher ist es

für mich wichtig, wie wir mit den Themen,

die besonders in der Coronazeit aufgetaucht

sind, umgehen. Das ist in erster Linie

die Gesundheitsversorgung. Da haben

wir uns in Wien sehr gut aufgestellt, auch

im internationalen Vergleich haben wir die

Coronakrise, was den Gesundheitsaspekt

betrifft, bis dato sehr gut durchschritten.

Aber es gibt ebenso gravierende Auswirkungen

auf den Wirtschaftsstandort und

auf den Arbeitsmarkt. Das ist etwas, was

mir in nächster Zeit besonders wichtig ist:

Wir müssen die Wirtschaft unterstützen

und viele Arbeitsplätze erhalten, sichern

und ich hoffe, wir können auch neue schaffen.

Sie sind seit etwas mehr als zwei Jahren

Bürgermeister von Wien. Was waren für Sie die

größten Erfolge in diesem Zeitraum, was ist

Ihnen in der täglichen Arbeit wichtig?

Es kommen immer neue Herausforderungen

auf unsere Millionenstadt Wien zu.

Und mir war wichtig, Schritte zu setzen,

um den Wirtschaftsstandort zu stärken.

Wir haben besonders in der Infrastruktur

weitere Maßnahmen für die Zukunft gesetzt,

indem wir zum Beispiel einen internationalen

Busterminal auf den Weg gebracht

haben. In St. Marx wird eine neue

Veranstaltungshalle gebaut, die es uns ermöglichen

wird, große Kultur- und Sportveranstaltungen

durchzuführen. Mir war

auch wichtig, dass wir am Arbeitsmarkt

Akzente setzen. Wir haben besonders für

die Menschen, die 50 und älter sind, viele

Maßnahmen gesetzt, um sie bei der Arbeitssuche

zu unterstützen. Zuletzt habe

ich eine große Offensive für Lehrlinge gestartet:

Wir haben die Anzahl der Lehrlinge,

die nun unmittelbar in der Stadt Wien

tätig werden, verdoppelt.

Wien ist bei Touristen sehr beliebt, die

Coronakrise hat dem Tourismus der Stadt aber

jetzt stark zugesetzt. Wie kann die Stadtregierung

da helfend eingreifen?

Coronabedingt ist der Tourismus in vielen

Teilen Österreichs stark beeinträchtigt.

Es hat Einbrüche um 50, 60 und mehr Prozent

gegeben. In Wien war es deshalb besonders

gravierend, weil wir in den letzten

Jahren systematisch den Tourismus in den

Bereichen Kongresse und Konferenzen

ausgebaut haben. Und das ist eine Form

von Tourismus, der nicht nur um 50, son-

MICHAEL LUDWIG

absolvierte das Studium der Politikwissenschaft und Geschichte an der Universität Wien und wurde 1992

mit einer Dissertation über die DDR-Staatspartei SED zum Dr. phil. promoviert. Der SPÖ-Politiker ist seit

24. Mai 2018 Bürgermeister und Landeshauptmann der Stadt Wien. Davor war er mehr als elf Jahre

Stadtrat für Wohnen, Wohnbau und Stadterneuerung.

studied political science and history at the University of Vienna and received his doctorate in 1992 with a

dissertation about the GDR’s official state party, the SED. The SPÖ politician has been the Mayor and

Governor of Vienna since 24 May 2018. Prior to this, he spent 11 years as the Councillor for Housing,

Housing Construction and Urban Renewal.




dern um 100 Prozent eingebrochen ist, weil

Großveranstaltungen nicht mehr stattfinden

konnten. Da leiden nicht nur die unmittelbar

betroffenen Konferenzzentren

oder die Hotellerie, sondern auch die Gastronomie

und der Handel, denn die Kongressteilnehmer

und -innen sind besonders

attraktive Touristen mit hohen

Ausgaben. Wir bearbeiten aber weiterhin

ganz stark die internationalen Märkte, weil

wir davon ausgehen, dass es wieder möglich

sein wird verstärkt zu reisen, sobald es

einen Impfstoff gibt.

Die Stadt Wien ist dritte UNO-Stadt, die einzige

in der EU, und Wien ist auch sonst sehr stark

international orientiert. Was können Sie als

Bürgermeister tun, um den internationalen Ruf

dieser Stadt zu erhalten bzw. auszubauen?

Wien steht im internationalen Vergleich

sehr gut da. Wir haben 230 bilaterale oder

multilaterale Einrichtungen in unserer

Stadt und wir pflegen intensiven Kontakt

mit den 40 internationalen Organisationen,

die es bei uns gibt. Wir haben eine

sehr offensive eigene Stadt-Außenpolitik.

Das heißt, wir ergänzen die Außenpolitik

der Bundesregierung durch eine systematische

eigene Außenpolitik sowie auch durch

städtische Netzwerke, die wir in Europa,

aber auch weit darüber hinaus geknüpft

haben – und das hilft dem Wirtschaftsstandort

Wien. Und nachdem wir in Wien

sehr vieles realisieren, was auch für andere

Städte interessant ist, Stichwort: Smart City

Strategie, haben wir auch international gesehen

ein sehr gutes Renommee.

Worin unterscheidet sich Ihrer Meinung nach

die Stadt Wien von anderen Metropolen in Europa.

Was sind die großen Pluspunkte, die andere

nicht haben?

Wien unterscheidet sich sehr stark von

den anderen Metropolen unter anderem

auch durch das besondere Zusammenleben

in der Stadt, durch das Miteinander,

das bei uns im Vordergrund steht. Wir sind

die zweitgrößte Stadt im deutschsprachigen

Raum, es ist nur Berlin größer. Wien

zählt in Europa aber nicht nur zu den größten,

sondern vor allem zu den attraktivsten

Städten. Das zeigt sich auch daran, dass wir

zum wiederholten Male zur lebenswertesten

Stadt weltweit gewählt worden sind.

Wiens Attraktivität hängt aber auch mit

einer sehr starken Wirtschaftskraft zusammen.

Wir haben eine Wirtschaftsleistung,

ein Bruttoregionalprodukt, das so groß ist

wie das von Slowenien und Kroatien zusammengerechnet.

Wien ist auch innerhalb Österreichs ein

starker Wirtschaftsmotor, zugleich aber

auch eine Wissenschafts- und Universitätsstadt,

die in dieser Bedeutung zumindest

im deutschsprachigen Bereich unvergleichbar

ist. Wir haben die Verbindung

von Wirtschaft und Wissenschaft in den

vergangenen Jahren stark ausgebaut. Da

hat mein Vorgänger Michael Häupl als Biologe

sehr viel dazu beigetragen, dass wir in

Kontinentaleuropa im Bereich Biotechnologie

zu den führenden Städten gehören.

Wie sieht es in Wien mit dem Zukunftsthema

Digitalisierung aus?

Der Bereich wird sehr stark ausgebaut.

Wir haben den Anspruch, dass Wien die

Digitalisierungshauptstadt Europas werden

soll. Gründe dafür sind, dass es in unserer

Stadt sehr gut ausgebildete Menschen

gibt, dass wir neben einigen großen zahlreiche

sehr gut organisierte Klein- und

Mittelbetriebe haben, die da sehr flexibel

unterwegs sind.

Und mit neun Universitäten, fünf Privatunis

und fünf Fachhochschulen gehören

wir auch zu den führenden Ausbildungsstätten

im deutschsprachigen Raum.

Wir wollen die zukunftsorientierten Wirtschaftsbereiche

weiter ausbauen.

Sie betonen gerne, dass es Ihnen wichtig ist,

dass Wien eine weltoffene Stadt ist. Was

meinen Sie damit konkret?

Ich glaube, dass Wien eine der wichtigsten

Begegnungsstätten für internationale

Organisationen und internationale Betriebsansiedlungen

ist. Und das hat einen

Grund. Das hängt mit dem besonderen

„Klima von Wien“ zusammen und dem

Umstand, dass wir Neutralität so verstehen,

dass Wien eine Begegnungsstätte von zum

Teil unterschiedlichen Auffassungen ist.

Bei uns gibt es nicht nur die Möglichkeit,

sich zu begegnen sondern auch gemeinsam

Lösungen für die Zukunft zu finden. Weltoffenheit

muss aber auch gelebt werden.

Dabei ist mir wichtig, dass auch die Bevölkerung

mitmacht und das Interesse für große

Zusammenhänge geweckt wird. Wir

müssen auch in der Bevölkerung mehr vermitteln,

dass große internationale Organisationen

in unserer Stadt beheimatet sind.

Zur Weltoffenheit gehört auch, anderen

Kulturen gegenüber offen zu sein. Wie sehen

Sie im Zuge der derzeitigen Anti-Rassismus-

Debatten die Haltung der Wiener?

Etwa die Hälfte der Wiener Bevölkerung

hat entweder in der ersten oder zweiten Generation

Migrationshintergrund. Das

heißt, viele Wiener und Wienerinnen kommen

aus anderen Kulturen oder auch Bundesländern.

Das schließt nicht aus, dass es

auch Animositäten geben kann gegenüber

Menschen, die aus anderen Ländern kommen.

Aber ich behaupte, dass das Zusammenleben

in Wien deutlich besser funktioniert

als in den meisten vergleichbaren

Metropolen. Und das hängt damit zusammen,

dass wir vom ersten Tag an Integrationsmaßnahmen

setzen. Mir als Wiener

Bürgermeister ist es persönlich nicht wichtig,

wie ein Mensch gekleidet ist oder welche

Kopfbedeckung er trägt. Sondern mir

ist wichtig, dass man sich gemeinsam zu

einer demokratischen Struktur bekennt, zu

einem demokratischen Miteinander und

dass ich gegen jede Form von Radikalismus

und Rassismus auftrete. Denn Rassismus

hat keinen Platz in unserer Stadt.

Können Sie ein konkretes Beispiele nennen?

Ich arbeite seit mehreren Jahren an einem

Projekt in der Seestadt Aspern, dem

„Campus der Religionen“. Damit will ich eines

beweisen: Während in anderen Teilen

der Welt Religionen auch dazu verwendet

werden, um Kriege zu führen, gibt es in

Wien einen Standort, wo zehn Religionsgemeinschaften

nicht gegeneinander, nicht

nebeneinander, sondern miteinander leben

und sich im inhaltlichen Dialog befinden.

Meine Zielvorstellung ist zu zeigen, dass

Menschen mit unterschiedlicher Herkunft

Wiens Bürgermeister

Ludwig im Gespräch mit

CD-Autor Gerhard Bitzan.

Vienna’s Mayor Ludwig in

conversation with CD

author Gerhard Bitzan.



und unterschiedlicher Religion miteinander

leben können, wenn es Rahmenbedingungen

gibt, die von allen akzeptiert werden.

Welche Rolle spielen Städte, konkret die

österreichische Hauptstadt, innerhalb der EU?

Mir ist wichtig, dass man in der Europäischen

Union verstärkt auch die Bedeutung

der Städte wahrnimmt. Denn diese sind

der dynamische Teil in der EU, insbesondere

auch in ihrer Funktion als Wissensstandorte.

Die Städte sollten stärkeres Gehör

in der EU finden. Ich bin dabei, das

gemeinsam mit anderen Bürgermeistern in

der EU zu verankern. Ich habe da einen

sehr guten Partner in Brüssel, den EU-

Kommissar Johannes „Gio“ Hahn, der ja

früher auch Gemeinderat in Wien war und

mit dem es schon vor einiger Zeit gelungen

ist, die Rolle der Städte in der Union stärker

anzusprechen.

CD: Mister Mayor, Vienna’s municipal elections

will be held on 11 October. What kind of result do

you wish to see for your party, the SPÖ?

Michael Ludwig: In Vienna’s last municipal

election in 2015, the SPÖ received

39.5 percent of the vote. This was a very

good result and my goal for the coming

election on 11 October is to come close to

this result again. But what is even more important

to me is that the election campaign

is conducted in a healthy atmosphere. I will

do my best to make sure that it will be a

battle of ideas and that positions and policies

take the centre stage in place of partisan

bickering.

How do you intend to contribute to this?

This year’s election campaign is held under

completely different conditions. The

coronavirus has affected all walks of life

and, of course, the municipal elections as

well. This is why it is important to me that

we tackle in particular those issues that

have emerged over the course of the corona

crisis. We are talking about healthcare, first

and foremost. In Vienna, we have done

very well for ourselves in this regard. Austria

in general has fared quite well thus far

when looking at international comparisons

of how countries’ healthcare systems have

responded to the coronavirus. But there

have also been serious effects on the economy

and the job market. This is something

that is going to be especially important for

me in the nearer term: We have to support

the economy and save as many jobs as possible,

and, I hope, create new ones, too.

You have been the Mayor of Vienna for a little

over two years now. What do you consider to have

been your greatest successes during this period

and what has been especially important to you in

your daily work?

There are always new challenges for our

metropolis Vienna. It was important to me

to strengthen Vienna’s role as a business

hub. We have, especially when it comes to

infrastructure, taken a series of future-oriented

measures, like the initiation of a new

international bus terminal. We are building

a new event hall in St. Marx that will stage

major cultural and sports events. It was also

important to me to set priorities in the job

market. We have taken a lot of measures for

people aged 50 and above in particular in

order to help them find work. Most recently,

I have launched a major apprenticeship initiative:

We have doubled the number of apprentices

working directly in Vienna.

Vienna is very popular among tourists, but the

corona crisis has taken its toll on the city’s tourism

industry. What can the city government do here?

Due to the coronavirus, tourism has

been severely impacted in many parts of

Austria. There have been drops of 50, 60 or

more percent. This was especially serious

for Vienna, since we have, over the past few

years, expanded tourism with a focus on

conventions and conferences. And this

type of tourism hasn’t dropped by 50 but by

100 percent, since large-scale events like

this can no longer be held. And it is not just

the conference centres or the hotel industry

that are suffering from this, but also catering

and retail, for conference participants

tend to be particularly attractive tourists

with high expenses. However, we are continuing

to focus strongly on the international

markets because we believe that it is

going to be possible to travel again once

there is a vaccine.

Vienna is the third UN city, the only one in the EU

and Vienna is strongly internationally oriented in

many other ways as well. What can you do as

mayor in order to preserve and expand the city’s

international reputation?

Vienna ranks very well in international

comparisons. We have 230 bilateral or multilateral

institutions in our city and we

maintain intensive contact with 40 of our

international organisations. We have a very

proactive city foreign policy of our own.

This means that we supplement the

government’s own foreign policy with a systematic

foreign policy of our own, as well as

with a city network that we have established

across Europe and beyond — all of this

adds to Vienna as a business hub. And since

we are realising a lot of projects that are also

very interesting to other cities — take our

smart city strategy, for example — we also

enjoy a very good reputation abroad.

What separates Vienna from other European

metropolises in your view? What are the city’s key

characteristics that other cities don’t have?

Vienna differs very much from other

metropolises, in part due to the unique atmosphere

in our city where coexistence

takes the centre stage. We are the second

biggest city in the German-speaking region,

only Berlin is bigger. However, Vienna

isn’t just among the largest cities in Europe,

but also among the most attractive ones.

This can be seen in the fact that we have

once again been named the most liveable

city in the world. Vienna’s attraction, however,

also has to do with our strong economy.

Our GDP is as big as that of Slovenia

and Croatia combined.

Vienna is also a powerful economic engine

within Austria, while at the same time

a renowned science and university city

with a unique position, at least in the German-speaking

region. We have significantly

expanded the link between business and

science in recent years. My predecessor Michael

Häupl — being a biologist — contributed

a great deal to making us one of

Europe’s biotechnology leaders.

What is the future of digitalisation in Vienna?

This is something that we are working

on very strongly. Our ambition is for Vienna

to become the digitalisation capital of

Europe. We have very well-educated people

in our city and, next to several larger ones,

we also have countless well-organised small

and medium-sized businesses that have a

lot of flexibility in this domain. And with

nine universities, five private universities

and five technical colleges, we’re one of the

leading education hubs in the Germanspeaking

region. We want to further expand

these forward-looking economic sectors.

You like to emphasise that Vienna is a cosmopolitan

city. What exactly do you mean by that?

I believe that Vienna is one of the important

meeting hubs for organisations and

international business settlements. And

there is a reason for that. It has to do with

the special “climate of Vienna” and the fact

that we understand neutrality in such a way

that Vienna has become a place where

many different views encounter one another.

Here, people do not just meet each

other, they actively work on solutions for

the future. Cosmopolitanism, however,

must also be applied in daily life. It is important

to me that the public participates

in this and that there is interest in bigger

pictures. We have to communicate more

strongly to the public that our city is home

to so many international organisations.

One aspect of cosmopolitanism is openness

towards other cultures. In light of the current

anti-racism debate, how do you view the attitude

of the Viennese in this respect?

Around half of Vienna’s population

have a second or third-generation migration

background. This means that many Viennese

come from other cultures or Austri-




an provinces. This, of course, doesn’t

exclude the possibility of animosity towards

people from other countries. But I

claim that coexistence has worked much

better in Vienna than in many other comparable

metropolises. And this has to do

with the fact that we take integration measures

from day one. As the Mayor of Vienna,

I personally do not care what a person

is wearing or what kind of headwear he or

she puts on. What is important to me is

that we all commit to a shared democratic

structure, to democratic coexistence and

that I stand up against any form of extremism

or racism. For racism has no place in

our city.

Can you name a concrete example?

For several years now, I have been working

on a project in Seestadt Aspern, the

“Campus of Religions”. With it, I want to

prove that, whereas in many parts of the

world religions are used to start wars, there

is a place in Vienna where ten different religious

communities are not living against

one another, nor just next to one another

but with one another and are engaged in

dialogue with each another. My aim is to

show that people with different backgrounds

and different religions can live together

if a set of basic conditions is accepted

by everyone.

What role do cities, specifically the Austrian

capital, play within the EU?

It is important to me that the European

Union increases its understanding of the

importance of the cities. They are a dynamic

part of the EU, especially in terms of

their role as knowledge hubs. Cities should

be given a stronger voice here. I am in the

process of anchoring this sentiment within

the EU together with several other mayors.

In this, I have a great partner in Brussels,

EU Commissioner Johannes “Gio”

Hahn, who used to be a member of

Vienna’s municipal council and who succeeded

some time ago in bringing more

attention to the role of the cities within the

European Union.

PHOTOS: PHOTO: RALPH XYXXYXYXY MANFREDA


„The Run on Natural Colored Gemstones

as Investment Assets Is Still On-Going”

Dr. Thomas Schröck has a doctoral degree in Economics and is the founder and majority shareholder in The Natural Gem. He has been involved

in the international gemstone market in Switzerland, the U.S.A. and Germany for three decades and is a qualified and certified gemologist.

In this interview, he discusses the longing of international investors for “real” value – such as that found in gemstone investment.

CD: There has been a real run on alternative investments in the last

six months thanks to Covid-19. How has the market been in your

specialist field of investments in natural, untreated gemstones?

Dr. Schröck: Demand has been constant, following an initial two-day

shock on the part of clients in mid-March. Our stocks sold out immediately.

For the first time ever, I began thinking about speeding up

and expanding procurement from my sources. I have been able to

look after my clients well since flights resumed to some degree

again.

CD: How do gemstones work as an investment?

Dr. Schröck: Gemstones are a form of portfolio diversification. Clients

always receive natural, untreated stones physically and can store them

themselves, in a bank safe deposit box or with us. Gemstones are not

speculative as such -- they are bought as a form of hedging and as assets

and we advise clients to hold them for a minimum of five years.

CD: Buyers always think about potential increases in asset value

whether in gold, art, watches, or gemstones. How is this in relation

to stones and how high is the return at the moment?

Dr. Schröck: High-value rubies have had the best performance in the

last 25 years – we are talking about 8 percent p.a. For blue sapphires,

it has been 6 percent, emeralds about 4 percent p.a. We do not recommend

white diamonds because there has been a massive price

drop in these stones since 2008 for various reasons.

CD: What are the future prospects for alternative investments in

gemstones in your opinion?

Dr. Schröck: I do not have a crystal ball to see into the future! But

Covid-19 has made one thing clear – that investments in real assets

such as gemstones have an important raison d’être in severe crises.

In addition, there is that great feeling of being able to hold a sparkling,

totally unique stone in your hands.

NEW ADDRESS!

The Natural Gem Gmbh

Walfischgasse 7/10

1010 Wien

thenaturalgem.com

Dr. Thomas Schröck has a doctoral degree

in Economics and is the founder and majority

shareholder in The Natural Gem. He has

been involved in the international gemstone

market in Switzerland, the U.S.A. and

Germany for three decades and is a qualified

and certified gemologist.



Karin Kneissl

„Diplomatie geht uns alle an.“

“Diplomacy concerns us all.”

Die ehemalige österreichische Außenministerin Karin Kneissl über ihre Vorstellungen von Diplomatie aus

allgemeiner Sicht und persönlicher Erfahrung.

Karin Kneissl, the former Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, on her idea of diplomacy from a general

point of view and based on her personal experience.

Interview: Walter Feichtinger


CD: Sie haben vor Kurzem im kleinen Kreis,

gemeinsam mit Altbundespräsident Heinz

Fischer, Ihr neues Buch mit dem Titel „Diplomatie

Macht Geschichte - Die Kunst des Dialogs in

unsicheren Zeiten“ vorgestellt. Was hat Sie zu

dem Buch bewogen?

Karin Kneissl: Die Idee verfolgte ich

schon seit meinem Austritt aus dem Außenministerium

1998. Ich wollte etwas

Grundsätzliches schreiben. 2002 begann

ich dann zu tippen, 2015 fand ich endlich

einen interessierten Verlag, jedoch kam es

2017 infolge meiner Ministertätigkeit wieder

zum Stillstand. Aber jetzt ist es da.

Sie schreiben „Diplomatie geht uns alle an“ – an

wen richtet sich das Buch, was ist Ihre

Kernbotschaft?

Das Buch ist vor allem für junge interessierte

Menschen, die sich international engagieren

wollen – egal ob in der Wirtschaft,

Wissenschaft, Politik oder Diplomatie.

Wichtig dabei – der Ruf nach einer diplomatischen

Lösung ist immer da!

Wenn man das Buch liest, entsteht der Eindruck,

dass Ihnen Diplomatie eine Herzensangelegenheit

ist. In der Öffentlichkeit bestehen aber

häufig unklare oder unrealistische Vorstellungen

von Diplomatie und Diplomatenwesen. Was

sind für Sie die zentralen Aufgaben von

Diplomatie?

An den drei Kernaufgaben hat sich

nichts geändert: informieren – vertreten –

verhandeln. Natürlich haben sich, vor allem

durch die digitalen Medien, die Rahmenbedingungen

geändert. Aber

informieren heißt ja nicht, in Konkurrenz

mit den Medien wie CNN zu treten – die

sind schneller. Doch ein guter Botschafter

bietet die entsprechenden Hintergrundinformationen

und kann Ereignisse auf Plausibilität

prüfen. Er wird nicht an Likes oder

Presseberichten gemessen, sondern an

qualifizierter, tiefgründiger und vertraulicher

Berichterstattung.

Die Vertretung der Interessen eines

Landes verlangt wiederum neben Wissen

über örtliche Gegebenheiten viel Einfühlungsvermögen.

Auch Gastfreundschaft ist

erforderlich, um Vertrauen zu gewinnen –

das ist oft eine „Aufgabe für Zwei“; auf traditionellen

bilateralen Posten tut man sich

als Ehepartner meiner Beobachtung nach

leichter.

Verhandeln hingegen ist sowohl in multilateralen

Foren wie auch bilateral gefragt.

Experten sollen dabei ihr Fachwissen einbringen

– aber die Konsensfindung und

Formulierung der Vereinbarungen erfordert

diplomatisches Gespür und Können.

Sie weisen auch auf das schwierige Zusammenspiel

von Politik und Diplomatie hin. Sie kennen

beide Seiten – was meinen Sie damit?

Seit 100 Jahren gibt es kritische Politiker

die sagen: „Diplomaten brauchen wir

nicht.“ Das ist leider falsch und dementsprechend

wurden in diesem Zeitraum

auch gravierende Fehler gemacht. Ein Beispiel

ist das Vorgehen Großbritanniens bei

der Aufteilung des Nahen Ostens. Grundsätzlich

ist zu sagen, dass Politiker eher

kurzfristigen Interessen folgen, während

Diplomaten das langfristige Staatsinteresse

im Auge haben.

Wie viel Bedenkzeit hatten Sie damals, den Job

als Außenministerin anzunehmen? Was hat Sie

bewogen, zuzusagen?

Eine knappe Woche mit drei schlaflosen

Nächten. Zugesagt habe ich für das Amt

der unabhängigen Fachministerin, weil ich

gestalten und nicht nur kommentieren

wollte. Es wäre feige gewesen, Nein zu sagen.

Wohlwissend, dass es für mich schwieriger

werden wird – sowohl während der

Ministerzeit als auch nachher. Allerdings

haben mich der Niedergang des diplomatischen

Handwerks und die oft falsche mediale

Darstellung dann doch überrascht.

Sie schreiben „Diplomatie steht für die Welt

diskreter Entscheidungen.“ Ist das noch

zeitgemäß?

Selbstverständlich, das ist heute wichtiger

denn je, auch wenn es viele negative

Entwicklungen gibt. Tweets von US-Präsident

Trump stufe ich dabei als Einzelphänomen

ein. Aber es wäre generell ratsam,

sich z. B. in den EU-Räten der Außenminister

nicht zu allen Themen zu äußern,

wenn ein Land keine besonderen Kenntnisse

hat. Österreich braucht in den Räten

nicht Entwicklungen in Venezuela zu kommentieren

– das kann Spanien besser, zumal

wir auch keine Botschaft mehr in Caracas

haben. Aber zu Bosnien und

Herzegowina z. B. sollten wir vertieftes

Wissen haben und können im EU-Verbund

einiges einbringen.

Man könnte auch die Arbeitsmethoden

ändern – so gehören Handys oder Laptops

bei inhaltlichen Tagungen verbannt, damit

sich die Teilnehmer auf die Inhalte konzentrieren

können. Inhalte von Sitzungen zu

twittern, das passt mit professioneller Dip-

KARIN KNEISSL

Die promovierte Juristin ist Arabistin, Analystin und Buchautorin. Von Dezember 2017 bis Mai 2019 war

sie Außenministerin Österreichs, von 1990–1998 wirkte sie im diplomatischen Dienst.

Karin Kneissl holds a doctorate in law and is an Arabic studies scholar, an analyst and a writer. From

December 2017 to May 2019, she was the Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, from 1990–1998 she was

active in the diplomatic service.



lomatie nicht zusammen. Dazu gehört

auch eine bessere Vorbereitung von Tagungen,

die über Sprechnotizen hinausgeht.

Sie kritisieren auch „inflationäre Gespräche

ohne Tiefgang“ und fordern Raum und Zeit für

Diplomatie.

Hier habe ich ein positives Beispiel aus

meiner Ministerzeit, wo wir das Dossier

mit Slowenien um die Lipizzaner-Frage

beilegen konnten. Das war möglich, weil

auf beiden Seiten die erforderliche Sensibilität

vorhanden war und wir Vertrauen und

Vertraulichkeit aufbauen konnten. Das erfordert

Zeit! Ähnlich der Oman, der lange

sehr diskret zwischen den USA und Iran

vermittelte, um das Atomabkommen (JC-

POA) zu ermöglichen. Erwähnenswert ist

auch Chinas Staatschef Xi Jinping, der vier

Tage für seinen Serbien-Besuch anberaumte.

Das verhilft dazu, Einblicke und Vertrauen

zu gewinnen.

In Europa haben sowohl die EU (Europäischer

Auswärtiger Dienst - EAD) wie auch ihre

Mitglieder diplomatische Vertretungen in

Drittstaaten. Bewährt sich das in der Praxis?

Wenn Synergien erzielt werden, ist es

von Vorteil. Dazu ist es aber nötig, die Vertretungen

stärker zu verquicken und im

EAD mehr auf erfahrene Diplomaten und

weniger auf politikwissenschaftliche Analytiker

zu setzen.

Wir sehen uns in Österreich gerne als Brückenbauer

und als Verhandlungsort und bieten „gute

Dienste“ an. Gibt es dafür noch den außenpolitischen

Spielraum und Bedarf?

Theoretisch ja, aber dafür sind auch

Kreativität und Handlungswille erforderlich.

Vor allem muss es vom eigenen Apparat

(Ministerium) mitgetragen werden.

Die aktuellen Entwicklungen sind beunruhigend:

Großmachtpolitik dominiert, internationale

Organisationen verlieren an Bedeutung. Dabei

gibt es enorme Herausforderungen wie

bewaffnete Konflikte, Klimawandel oder

demographische Entwicklungen. Was kann

Diplomatie hier leisten?

Es geht vorrangig darum, Pattsituationen

aufzulösen. Dazu benötigt man auf allen

Seiten talentierte Leute, um die Spannungen

herauszunehmen. Aber leider ist

hier wenig zu erwarten, weil die Politik

dominiert. Eine vernünftige Arbeitsteilung,

bei der Diplomaten Lösungen aufbereiten

und dann an die Politik übergeben,

findet leider nicht statt.

Welche Zukunft hat Diplomatie, worauf kommt

es an?

Am wichtigsten ist, geeignetes Personal

zu rekrutieren. Dabei halte ich drei Tugenden

für entscheidend: sympathisches Wesen,

Wissen und Begeisterungsfähigkeit.

Ein guter Test ist z. B. Briefe (auch Emails

sind Briefe) für die Aufnahmeverfahren

verfassen zu lassen – das gewährt Einblick,

ob jemand mit Sprache umgehen kann.

Für den einzelnen Menschen ist die Verankerung

in einem sozialen Umfeld wichtig

– denn man kann nicht den ganzen Tag

nur Diplomat sein!

Sie waren bereits Autorin, Analytikerin,

Diplomatin und Politikerin. Wo sehen Sie

persönlich Ihre nächste Zukunft?

Ich möchte dort anschließen, wo ich

2017 aufgehört habe – als unabhängige

Analytikerin, die ihr Wissen mit dem Publikum

teilt. Das ist aber nicht einfach in

Österreich.

CD: You have recently – in a small circle together

with former Federal President Heinz Fischer – presented

your new book “Diplomatie Macht

Geschichte – Die Kunst des Dialogs in unsicheren

Zeiten” (“Diplomacy Makes History – The Art of

Dialogue in Uncertain Times”). What made you

write the book?

Karin Kneissl: I had been pursuing the

idea since my exit from the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs in 1998. I wanted to write

something fundamental. I started typing

away in 2002 and I finally found a publisher

in 2015, though the process was interrupted

again in 2017 due to my continued

ministerial work. But now it is out.

You write that “diplomacy concerns us all” – who is

the target audience of your book, and what is your

core message?

The book is especially for those young

and interested people who want to become

engaged internationally – whether in business,

science, politics or diplomacy. What’s

important here is that diplomatic solutions

are always needed!

While reading the book, one gets the impression that

diplomacy is a very personal matter for you. The

public, however, often has an unclear or unrealistic

idea of diplomacy and diplomatic affairs in general.

What, in your view, is the central task of diplomacy?

The three core tasks haven’t changed: inform,

represent and negotiate. There has, of

course, been a change in the framework

conditions, especially due to social media.

But the need to inform does not mean competing

with media organisations like CNN

– they are much faster. A good ambassador,

however, will provide the appropriate background

information and check whether

events are plausible or not. His or her work

is not measured in terms of likes and press

releases, but on the basis of qualified, sophisticated

and confidential coverage.

Representing a country’s interests, in

turn, requires a great deal of empathy next

to mere knowledge of local conditions. Hospitality

is also needed in order to gain trust

– this is often a “task for two”, which is why I

have noticed that married couples are suited

best for bilateral positions.

Negotiation, on the other hand, is needed

in both multilateral forums and bilateral

encounters. Here, experts should definitely

bring in their expertise – but consensusfinding

and the formulation of agreements

require diplomatic intuition and ability.

You also discuss the complex interplay between

politics and diplomacy. You have been on both sides

– what do you mean by this?

For 100 years, there have been critical

politicians who have said, “We don’t need


diplomats.” This is, unfortunately, wrong

and also the reason why so many grave

mistakes have been made during this period

of time. One example is how the United

Kingdom proceeded with the partition of

the Near East. Generally speaking, politicians

tend to pursue short-term interests,

whereas diplomats keep an eye on more

long-term state interests.

How long did you contemplate before accepting the

job as Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time? What

made you accept the position?

It took me around one week with three

sleepless nights to arrive at a decision. I accepted

the position to become an independent,

specialist minister, because I wanted to

shape things and not just comment on them.

Saying no would have been an act of cowardice

– knowing full well that things were

about to get a lot more difficult for me, both

during my ministerial service as well as afterwards.

However, what I did not anticipate

were the decline of the diplomatic craft and

the often incorrect media representations.

You write that “diplomacy stands for the world of

discreet decisions”. Is this still the case?

Of course, this is more important today

than ever, even though there are also negative

developments. I consider US President

Trump’s tweets an isolated case. However, it

would be generally advisable not to comment

on topics where one’s country doesn’t

have any particular insight – in the EU

Councils of Foreign Ministers, for example.

There is no need for Austria to comment on

developments in Venezuela – Spain can do

that much better, especially in light of the

fact that we no longer even have an embassy

in Caracas. When it comes to Bosnia and

Hercegovina, on the other hand, we possess

more in-depth knowledge and should be

able to make significant contributions

within the framework of the EU.

Working methods should also change –

mobile phones or laptops, for example,

should be banned from key meetings in order

to allow participants to focus on the material

at hand. Tweeting what happens in

Außenministerin a.D. Karin Kneissl mit

CD-Autor Walter Feichtinger im Wintergarten

des Hotels Bristol Vienna.

Karin Kneissl, former Austrian Minister for

European and International Affairs with CD‘s

author Walter Feichtinger at the winter garden

of the Hotel Bristol Vienna.



BUCHTIPP |

BOOK TIP

these meetings doesn’t really reflect well on

professional diplomacy. In addition to that,

there should also be more preparation prior

to conferences, preparation that goes beyond

speaking notes.

You also criticise “inflated talks without depth” and

call for more time and space for diplomacy.

Here, I can offer a positive example

from my ministerial time, where we were

able to settle the dossier with Slovenia regarding

the Lipizzan issue. This was possible

because there was sensitivity on both

sides, which allowed us to build trust and

confidentiality. This kind of work requires

time! Similarly, Oman used to mediate very

discretely between the USA and Iran in order

to make the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA)

possible. Also worth mentioning is China’s

head of state Xi Jinping, who scheduled

four days for his visit to Serbia. This helps

when it comes to gaining trust and insight.

In Europe, both the EU as a whole (European External

Action Service, EEAS) and its individual member

states have diplomatic representations in third

countries. Does this approach work in practice?

If synergies can be achieved, then this is

definitely an advantage. To do so, however,

it is necessary to link representations together

more closely and to rely more on

experienced diplomats and less on political

science analysts in the EEAS.

In Austria, we like to see ourselves as bridge

builders and as a place for negotiations, offering

“good services”. Is there still the relevant foreign

policy leeway and need for this?

Theoretically yes, but this also requires

creativity and the will to act. Above all, it

has to be supported by the country’s own

apparatus (the ministry).

Recent developments are worrying: Great power

politics dominate again, international organisations

are losing significance. There are enormous

challenges including armed conflicts, climate

change and demographic changes. What can

diplomacy achieve here?

It is primarily about resolving deadlocks.

To do this, you need talented people

on all sides and work on defusing tensions.

A sensible division of labour, where diplomats

prepare solutions and then pass them

on to politicians, is unfortunately not what

is taking place right now.

What is the future of diplomacy, what does it

depend on?

The most important thing is recruiting

the right people. Here, I consider three virtues

crucial: a likable personality, knowledge

and enthusiasm. A good test, for example,

is the writing of letters (emails are

letters too) as part of the application process

– this provides insight into whether

somebody is good with language. On an

individual level, it is important that the

person is rooted socially – you can’t be a

diplomat all day!

Diplomatie Macht Geschichte

Karin Kneissl beschreibt die Gründe, warum wir

gerade in diesen unsicheren Zeiten Diplomatie

brauchen. Es geht um die klassischen Tugenden

dieser alten Disziplin: die Pflege eines Gesprächs auf

Augenhöhe und den Respekt für den anderen statt

egoistischer Alleingänge. Zahlreiche Beispiele aus der

Geschichte der Diplomatie und Analysen zu aktuellen

geopolitischen Themen runden das Buch ab.

Karin Kneissl describes the reasons why we need

diplomacy especially in these uncertain times. It‘s

about the classic virtues of this old discipline:

cultivating a conversation at eye level and showing

respect for the other instead of selfish solo efforts.

Numerous examples from the history of diplomacy

and analyses of current geopolitical topics round off

the book.

Olms Verlag

ISBN: 978-3-487-08633-0

kkneissl.com


The most sparkling Investment in the World

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L‘AUTRICHE BUSINESS

Neues aus Österreich

News from Austria


GASTRONOMIE | GASTRONOMY

Chancen für die Jugend | Job offers for the youth

Auch junge Menschen sehen im Job unsicheren Zeiten entgegen. Das seit

mehr als 120 Jahren in Österreich verwurzelte Unternehmen Nordsee

startet deshalb jetzt eine Ausbildungsoffensive – und gibt jungen

Menschen eine neue Chance, die ihren Ausbildungsplatz wegen Covid-19

verloren haben oder die Möglichkeit, überhaupt eine Ausbildung zu

beginnen.

Even young people face uncertain times

in their job. The company Nordsee which

has been rooted in Austria for more than

120 years, is therefore now starting a

training offensive – by giving the youth a

new chance who have lost their training

position due to Covid-19 or the

opportunity to even start a training.

nordsee.com

Opening Hours

Monday-Saturday

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

Sundays and public holidays

17:30-22:00

Patara Fine Thai Cuisine

Petersplatz 1 1010 Wien

+43 1 997 1938-0

www.patara-vienna.at

TOURISMUS | TOURISM

Exklusives erleben | Exclusive experience

So haben Sie Wien noch nicht erlebt! Im Belvedere mit Hightech-Methoden unter

die Oberfläche von Egon Schieles Gemälde blicken oder das KHM gemeinsam mit

seiner Direktorin entdecken? Die neue „Vienna City Card Experience Edition“ des

WienTourismus ermöglicht um nur 25 Euro ein Jahr lang exklusive Erlebnisse und

zahlreiche Preisvorteile. Als Zusatzfeature der City Guide App „ivie“ ist sie ab

sofort erhältlich, macht Wiens Vielfalt für Gäste wie Einheimische erlebbar und

unterstützt Wiens Tourismusunternehmen in herausfordernden Zeiten.

You have never experienced Vienna like this before! Looking beneath the surface of

Egon Schiele‘s painting in the Belvedere using high-tech methods or discoveingr the

KHM together with its director? The new “Vienna City Card Experience Edition” from

WienTourismus enables exclusive experiences and numerous price advantages for just

25 euro for a year. Available as an

additional feature of the City Guide App

“ivie”, it makes Vienna‘s diversity

tangible for guests and locals alike and

supports Vienna‘s tourism companies in

challenging times.

wien.info

BUCHTIPP | BOOK TIP

Die Mobilitätswende | The mobility turnaround

Klimawandel und Migration haben viele Unterthemen. Eines davon ist unsere

Mobilität. Egal, in welche Richtung diese sich verändert, wird es nicht nur

gesellschaftspolitische, sondern auch weitreichende geopolitische

Auswirkungen geben. Verliert Europa den Automobilsektor, stehen bis zu acht

Millionen Arbeitsplätze auf dem Spiel. Wenn die EU aus dem Verbrennungsmotor

aussteigt, könnte ein Preisverfall die Erdölproduzenten in ein Dilemma

bringen. Die ehemalige österreichische Außenministerin Karin Kneissl

analysiert die aktuellen Entwicklungen im Rohstoffsektor und zeigt die

Zusammenhänge zwischen Energie, Gesellschaft und Geopolitik auf.

Climate change and migration have many subtopics. One of them is our mobility.

Regardless of the direction of changes, socio-political and also far-reaching

geopolitical effects will follow. If Europe loses

the automotive sector, up to eight million jobs

are at stake. If the EU gets out of the internal

combustion engine, a drop in prices could put oil

producers in a dilemma. The former Austrian

Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl analyzes the

current developments in the natural resource

sector and illustrates the connections between

energy, society and geopolitics.

Braumüller, ISBN: 978-3-99100-307-6

PHOTOS: WIEN TOURISMUS/ PAUL BAUER, BRAUMÜLLER VERLAG, NORDSEE, ADOBE STOCK

TIERLIEBE | LOVE OF ANIMALS

Auf den Hund gekommen | Let’s get a dog!

Was gibt es Schöneres, als sein Leben mit einem treuen Haustier zu

teilen? Vor allem in Zeiten von Corona stieg die Zahl der Hundehalter in

Österreich. Das Online-Portal für Dienstleistungen ProntoPro.at hat sich

angesehen, mit welchen Kosten Hundebesitzer rechnen müssen. Das

Jahresbudget für einen mittelgroßen Hund liegt bei 785 Euro. Wer die

Unterstützung von Hundesittern und professionelle Pflegeservices in

Anspruch nimmt, kommt schon auf 2.330 Euro.

Is there anything better than sharing your life with a loyal pet? Especially in

times of Corona, the number of dog owners in Austria has increased. The

online portal for services ProntoPro.at has taken a closer look on costs dog

owners can expect. The annual budget for a medium-seized dog is 785 euro.

Anyone who uses the support of dog sitters and professional grooming

services comes to 2,330 euro.

prontopro.at


SAVOIR

VIVRE

IN „SAVOIR VIVRE“ DREHT

SICH ALLES UM DIE SCHÖNEN

DINGE DES LEBENS WIE KULTUR

& REISEN, KULINARIK & HOTELS,

AUTO & SPORT, UHREN &

SCHMUCK, MODE & DESIGN,

WELLNESS & GESUNDHEIT

UND VIELES MEHR.

"SAVOIR VIVRE" FOCUSES ON

THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE SUCH

AS CULTURE & TRAVELLING,

HOTELS & RESTAURANTS, CARS &

SPORTS, WATCHES & JEWELLERY,

FASHION & DESIGN, WELLNESS

& HEALTH AND MUCH MORE.

L‘AUTRICHE OUTDOOR LOCATIONS

Lust auf Luft, Licht und Freude!

Indulge in the pleasure of air, light and joy!


Herbst in Wien:

Die beliebtesten

Stadtoasen sind die

Gastgärten.

Autumn in Vienna:

The most popular

city oases are the

outdoor sitting

areas.

PHOTO: WIENTOURISMUS/PAUL BAUER

Wie haben wir mit aller Intensität

die wir aufbringen konnten,

weggehört, als uns, die wir damals

noch Jugendliche waren, unsere

Mütter daran erinnert haben, doch

öfters an die frische Luft zu gehen.

Heute sieht die Situation ganz

anders aus. Corona-bedingt sitzen

die meisten Gäste in Wiens

Gastronomie, so es das Wetter

zulässt, sehr viel lieber draußen

als drinnen.

Auch wenn die Stadtluft vielleicht

nicht immer die frischeste ist - geselliger

ist es am Tisch mit

Aussicht auf das geschäftige

Treiben im und um das Lokal

allemal.

We did not listen with all intensity

we could muster when our mothers

reminded us, still young people

back then, to go out into the fresh

air more often. Today, the situation

is very different. Due to the corona

crisis, most guests in Vienna‘s

gastronomy, prefer to sit outdoors

than inside, if the weather permits.

Even if the city air is perhaps not

always the freshest – it is always

more sociable at the table with a

view of the hustle and bustle in and

around the venue.

Der Kutschkermarkt ist neben dem Brunnenmarkt der letzte verbliebene Straßenmarkt Wiens. Der

sympathische Markt ist vor allem samstags einen Besuch wert. Zu den fixen Marktständen gesellen sich dann

nämlich noch Bauern aus der Umgebung, die hier ihre regionalen und hochwertigen Produkte verkaufen.

The Kutschkermarkt is the last remaining street market in Vienna alongside the Brunnenmarkt. The friendly

environment of the market is worth a visit, especially on Saturdays. The fixed market stalls are joined by farmers

from the area who sell their regional and high-quality products there.

INFO:

amkutschkermarkt.at

>>



91


Hip im 1. Bezirk | Hip in the first district

Verzaubernde Gärten | Enchanting gardens

SALONPLAFOND IM MAK

Einst werkte hier Tim Mälzer, das Enfant terrible der deutschen Küche. Viele

Küchenchefs kamen und gingen inzwischen. Die Handschrift der beiden

jetzigen Küchenchefs, Michael Erfurt und Philipp Sieler, ist gut, aber der

Garten noch besser. Tim Mälzer, the enfant terrible of German cuisine, once

worked here. Many chefs have come and gone. The handwriting of the two

current chefs, Michael Erfurt and Philipp Sieler, is good, but the garden is

even better.

salonplafond.wien

DO & CO

Das Do & Co Restaurant am Stephansplatz befindet sich im obersten

Stockwerk des gleichnamigen Hotels. Die Küche bietet zwei entgegengesetzte

Pole -

Asiatisches und Wiener Klassiker. Auf der Terrasse ist man dem Stephansturm

ganz nah. The Do & Co restaurant at Stephansplatz is located on the top floor

of the hotel of the same name. The kitchen offers two opposite poles - Asian

and Viennese classics. On the terrace, you get very close to the Stephansturm.

docohotel.com

HOFKELLEREI IM GARTENPALAIS LIECHTENSTEIN

In äußerst idyllischer Lage wartet die Hofkellerei im Gartenpalais Liechtenstein

mit einem zum längeren Verweilen geeigneten Gastgarten auf. Die vom

Architekturbüro Mobimenti innerhalb von drei Monaten neu gestaltete

Vinothek & Bar öffnete Anfang Juni ihre Pforten. Located extremely idyllic,

the Hofkellerei at the Liechtenstein Garden Palace awaits you with a garden

suitable for lingering. The vinotheque & bar, redesigned by the Mobimenti

architects within three months, opened its doors at the beginning of June.

palaisliechtenstein.com

WEINSTUBE JOSEFSTADT

Hier kehrt auch „Tatort“-Schauspielerin Adele Neuhauser gerne ein. Das

Kleinod mitten im 8. Bezirk wird immer noch als absoluter Geheimtipp

gehandelt. Und Speis, Trank und Atmosphäre sind legendär.

“Tatort” actress Adele Neuhauser also likes to come here. The gem in the

middle of the 8th district is still traded as an absolute insider tip. And food,

drinks and atmosphere are legendary.

weinstube-josefstadt.at

MOTTO AM FLUSS

Der Lokal-Name ist irreführend, denn es liegt eigentlich am Donaukanal.

Die Qualität der Speisen und Getränke ist nach wie vor top. Wen es in die

Ferne zieht, der kann von hier auch mit dem Twin City Liner einen Ausflug

nach Bratislava machen. The local‘s name is misleading because it is

actually situated on the Danube Canal. The quality of the food and drinks is

still top. If you are drawn into the distance, you can also take a trip to

Bratislava with the Twin City Liner from here.

mottoamfluss.at

WÜRSTELSTAND BITZINGER

2008 wurde der legendäre Würstelstand bei der Albertina im neuen

Design wiedereröffnet und gleich für den Staatspreis für Design nominiert.

Zu finden ist er gleich zwischen Oper und Danubiusbrunnen, serviert wird

auch Champagner!

In 2008, the legendary sausage stand at the Albertina was reopened in a new

design and immediately nominated for the State Prize for Design. It can be

found right between the opera and the Danubius fountain, and champagne is

also served!

bitzinger-wien.at

>>

PHOTOS: WIENTOURISMUS/PETER RIGAUD, WIENTOURISMUS/CHRISTIAN STEMPER, BEIGESTELLT

AUSZEIT IM

STEIGENBERGER KREMS.

Mit Blick auf die Donau empfängt Sie das Steigenberger Hotel & Spa Krems eingebettet in die

umliegenden Weinberge an der Donau. Hier schließen sich Walking-, Rad- und Jogging- Strecken

an. Ideale Voraussetzungen für Natur und Outdoorfans. Das hübsche Stadtzentrum von

Krems erreichen Sie nach ca. zwei Kilometern, den Hauptbahnhof nach rund drei Kilometern.

Die gemütlichen 173 Zimmer und Suiten in Krems verfügen über eine moderne Einrichtung in

hellen Farben mit Flatscreen-TV, Minibar, Safe und Schreibtisch.

Genießen Sie die Ruhe und Aussichten auf die Weinberge, Altstadt von Krems oder in das Donautal!


Steigenberger Hotel & Spa Krems

Am Goldberg 2 | 3500 Krems, Österreich

krems.steigenberger.at


Trendsetter & Evergreens

CD HOTEL-PARTNER

Enjoy the ambiance!

Palais Hansen Kempinski

kempinski.com/wien

Hotel Imperial

imperialvienna.com

Park Hyatt Vienna

parkhyattvienna.com

Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere

andazviennaambelvedere.com

Grand Hotel Wien

grandhotelwien.com

Le Méridien Vienna

marriott.com

Hotel Bristol

bristolvienna.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna

ritzcarlton.com

OCEANSKY

Rauf geht‘s mit dem Panoramalift ins „360° Ocean Sky Restaurant & Bar“,

im Dachgeschoss des Haus des Meeres. Hier kann man nach dem Besuch

der Tiere coole Drinks & Gerichte genießen. Und erst die Aussicht!

The panorama lift takes you up to the „360 ° Ocean Sky Restaurant & Bar“

at the top floor of the Haus des Meeres. After having visited the animals,

cool drinks and dishes can be enjoyed. Enjoy the view!

oceansky.at

RUBY MARIE

Das Ruby Marie Hotel Vienna wartet mit einer Rooftop Bar im renovierten

ehemaligen Kaufhaus Stafa auf, direkt an der Ecke Mariahilfer Straße, Wiens

bekanntester Einkaufsstraße, und der Kaiserstraße. Perfekte Sundowner!

The renovated former Stafa department store, right on the corner of Mariahilfer

Straße, Vienna‘s most famous shopping street, and Kaiserstraße, was turned

into the Ruby Marie Hotel Vienna with a rooftop bar. Perfect sundowners!

ruby-hotels.com

Hilton Vienna Park

vienna.hilton.com

Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn

austria-trend.at

SO/Vienna

so-vienna.com

Grand Ferdinand

grandferdinand.com

The Ring, Vienna‘s Casual Luxury

Hotel

theringhotel.com

Zu Gast im Dstrikt Steakhouse - Restaurant im Hotel The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna.

Enjoying the Dstrikt Steakhouse - Restaurant at the Hotel The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna.

HEURIGER SCHÜBEL-AUER

Der Schübel-Auer, mit einem der ältesten Gastgärten am Fuße des

Nussbergs, zählt zu den schönsten und ältestenTraditionsheurigen Wiens.

Wer Töpfe und Schüsseln mitbringt, kann die Buffet-Speisen auch zum

Daheim-Verzehr mitnehmen. The Heuriger Schübel-Auer, with one of the

oldest outdoor sitting areas at the bottom of the Nussberg, is one of the

most beautiful and oldest traditional taverns in Vienna. Anyone who brings

pots and bowls, can also take the buffet meals with them to consume at

home.

schuebel-auer.at

ZUR ALTEN KAISERMÜHLE

Mitten in der Natur, und doch in der Stadt! Bereits seit 1893 wird in diesem

Ambiente gekocht, geliebt und gelebt. Ein Besuch dort wird Ihnen so

erholsam wie ein Kurzurlaub vorkommen. Die Speisekarte zeigt sich sehr

international und hält auch was für Vegetarier bereit. In the middle of

nature, and yet in the city! People have been cooking, loving and living in

this ambience since 1893. A visit there will be as relaxing as a short

vacation. The menu is very international and also has something for

vegetarians in store.

kaisermuehle.at

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, HAUS DES MEERES, THE RITZ-CARLTON, VIENNA, RUBY MARIE HOTEL, WIEN TOURISMUS/ PETER RIGAUD

ingredients for an exceptional and

relaxed dining experience in the heart of Vienna.


The Ring, Vienna`s Casual Luxury Hotel

Kärntner Ring 8, 1010 Vienna

www.theringhotel.com | info@theringhotel.com | +43 (1) 22 1 22

SAVOIR VIVRE CONNOISSEUR

Essen und trinken mit Stil

Wine and dine in style


Gepflegte Wiener Tradition |

Cultivated Viennese tradition

Das Wiener Restaurant „Zum Weißen Rauchfangkehrer“ ist jener Ort, wo unter Chefkoch Matthias Schicht (1 Haube) der modernisierten österreichischen

und Wiener Küche vortrefflich gehuldigt wird. Alexander und Iris Stauder legen dabei als Betreiber höchsten Wert auf die Verarbeitung bester regionaler,

saisonaler und österreichischer Bioprodukte – wie z.B. die eigenen Labonca Freiland-Sonnenschweine, die gepflegt im steirischen Burgau aufwachsen

dürfen. Neben der saisonalen Speisekarte beeindrucken sowohl die wohl umfangreichste Weinkarte Wiens wie auch jene der österreichischen Schnäpse.

The restaurant “Zum Weißen Rauchfangkehrer” (“the White Chimneysweep”) in Vienna is where contemporary Austrian and Viennese cuisine is honoured

to its fullest under head chef Matthias Schicht (1 Gault Millau toque). As owners, Alexander and Iris Stauder place special emphasis on the use of local,

seasonal and Austrian organic produce – such as, for example, their own Labonca free-range pigs, raised with much care in Burgau, Styria. Next to the

seasonal menu, Vienna’s most comprehensive wine menu and wide range of Austrian spirits likewise impress.

weisser-rauchfangkehrer.at

Französisches Flair | French flair

Wem in Wien nach der Grande Nation zumute ist, der muss gar nicht reisen, sondern kehrt im neuen

Lokal „Ma Belle“ nächst dem Café Sperl ein. Denisa Vikartovska und ihr Mann Niklas Friedl bieten dort

mit viel Liebe zum Detail eine edle Mischung aus Bar, Café und Bistro. Serviert werden Frühstücks-

Klassiker, Tagesgerichte und Quiche. Die hervorragende Abendkarte wird mit kongenialen Bar-Kreationen

komplettiert. In der Küche steht übrigens Denisas Mama, die zuvor 30 Jahre lang in einem Hotel der

Hohen Tatra kulinarisch wirkte.

If you are in Vienna and find yourself in the mood for something to do with La République, then you don’t

even have to travel very far anymore for you could just pay a visit to the new “Ma Belle” next to Café

Sperl. There, Denisa Vikartovska and her husband Niklas Friedl offer an exquisite blend of bar, café and

bistro with much attention to detail. On the menu are breakfast classics, daily specials and quiche. The

excellent dinner menu, on the other hand, is complemented by the ingenious creations from the bar. The

kitchen is headed by Denisa’s mother, who previously contributed her culinary expertise at a hotel in the

High Tatras for 30 years.

ma-belle.at

Vegane Kostbarkeiten | Vegan treats

Aleksandra Peyrer-Navijalic wuchs als Kind kroatischer Eltern in Toronto, Kanada auf.

Als sie nach ihrem Studium des klassischen Gesangs ihren Mann Gerhard, einen

Querflötisten, kennenlernte, war er bereits seit 11 Jahren Vegetarier. So begann sie, sich

mit pflanzlicher Ernährung sowie Büchern über makrobiotische Ernährung, Ayurveda

und chinesische Heilkünste zu beschäftigen. Kürzlich hat sie im 9. Wiener Bezirk am

Alsergrund ihr veganes Lokal „Bröselei“ eröffnet. Dort zeigt sie täglich von Montag bis

Freitag zum Mittagstisch, wie köstlich veganes und glutenfreies Essen schmecken

kann. Da finden sich dann etwa Kichererbsensalat mit Artischocken, Sesam-Ingwer-

Regenbogen-Nudelsalat oder Sri Lankanisches Fisolen-Curry auf der abwechslungsreichen

Karte. Und die süßen Desserts vermögen ebenso zu überzeugen. Caterings und

handgemachte Torten werden als Zusatzservice ebenfalls angeboten. Die fleischfreie

und gesellige Oase haben bereits auch die Mitarbeiter-Teams der

nahen amerikanischen und schwedischen Botschaft entdeckt, die

immer wieder auf ein Mittagessen vorbeischauen.

Aleksandra Peyrer-Navijalic grew up in Toronto, Canada, as a child of Croatian parents.

When she met her husband Gerhard, a flutist, after completing her studies in classical

singing, he had already been a vegetarian for 11 years. And thus began her interest in

macrobiotic eating, Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, she opened her

own vegan eatery, the “Bröselei” in Vienna’s 9th district Alsergrund. There, she presents

daily just how delicious vegan and gluten-free food can be, from Monday to Friday for

lunch. On the menu, you will find tasty treats such as chickpea salad with artichokes,

sesame-ginger rainbow noodle salad or Sri Lankan green bean curry. And the desserts

are just as impressive. Catering and hand-made cakes are also offered. The completely

meat-free and cosy oasis has already been discovered by members of the nearby-located

American and Swedish embassies who can often be seen hopping over for lunch.

broeselei.at und auf Facebook unter „Bröselei“

broeselei.at and on Facebook under “Bröselei”

PHOTOS: GERHARD PEYRER, MARTINI, ZUM WEISSEN RAUCHFANGKEHRER, MA BELLE BISTRO & BAR, WHOLEY, MILA ZYTKA

Alkoholfrei gefällig? | Non-alcoholic, anyone?

Mit zwei neuen alkoholfreien Premium-Aperitivi aus Pflanzenextrakten

(mit unter 0,5% Vol.) wird Martini als erste große Spirituosenmarke zum

Innovationstreiber in der Kategorie „Low & No Alkohol“. Damit reagiert

das Unternehmen der Bacardi-Gruppe auf die steigende Nachfrage nach

alkoholfreien Getränke-Alternativen, die aber trotzdem gut schmecken.

Der Martini Vibrante ist eine gelungene Mischung mit italienischer

Bergamotte, der Martini Floreale hingegen ist inspiriert von der feinen

Süße römischer Kamille.

With two new alcohol-free premium aperitifs made from plant extracts (with

less than 0.5% vol.), Martini has become the first major sprit maker to

become an innovation driver in the new “low & no alcohol” segment. In doing

so, the company – which is part of the Bacardi Group – is reacting to the

increasing demand in alcohol-free

beverage alternatives that are still

tasty. The Martini Vibrante is a

successful mix with Italian

bergamot, the Martini Floreale, on

the other hand, is inspired by the

sweet Roman chamomile.

martini.com

TOP 5 OPENINGS

Neu in Wien | New in Vienna

Neu am Vorgartenmarkt,

1020 | New at the

Vorgartenmarkt

dasferment.at

Asiatisch essen, 1060 |

Asian dining

ottoyami.at

Chilliges Wirtshaus, 1040 |

A cool inn

schlawiener.wtf

Feine Bäckerei, 1010 |

Fine bakery

stroeck-feierabend.at

Umgezogen, 1060 |

Relocated

dotsgroup.eu

Den Sommer verlängern | Prolonging

the summer

Bei Wholey, einem Start-up aus Berlin, schätzt man die

natürliche Kraft der Pflanzen. Alle Obst- und

Gemüsezutaten haben Bio-Qualität und werden direkt

nach dem Erreichen des optimalen Reifegrades

geerntet und sofort schockgefrostet. Dadurch bleiben

Vitamine und Nährstoffe erhalten und werden je nach

Rezeptur mit Gräsern, Kräutern, Nüssen, Nussmusen

und Superfoods verfeinert. Die Ocean, Acai und

Tropical Bowl (unser Favorit) sind nun bei Spar gelistet

und verlängern das Sommer-Feeling auch im Herbst.

At Wholey, a start-up from Berlin, people know to

appreciate the natural power of plants. All fruit and

vegetable varieties are of organic quality and are

harvested after reaching their optimal ripeness level and

are then shock-frozen. This preserves key vitamins and

nutrients. The produce is then, depending on the recipe,

refined with grasses, herbs, nuts, nut purees and

superfoods. The Ocean, Acai and Tropical (our favourite)

bowls are now available at Spar and are guaranteed to

extend the summer vibes well into the autumn.

wholey.de


„Dots“ am neuen

Standort | “Dots“ at a

new location


97

SAVOIR VIVRE CHECK IN

Salzburg rundum genießen | Enjoy Salzburg all round

Sheraton Grand Salzburg


PHOTOS: HOTEL SHERATON GRAND SALZBURG

Direkt am Mirabellgarten gelegen und nur wenige

Minuten von den wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten

entfernt, kann man im Sheraton Grand Salzburg die Stadt an

der Salzach richtig genießen. Seit Mai leitet nun Oliver

Sturmayr als Hoteldirektor die Geschicke des Sheraton

Grand Salzburg. Der gebürtige Salzburger ist bereits seit

2014 für die Hotelkette Marriott International tätig. Drei neu

gestaltete Meetingräume mit Tageslicht sowie direktem

Zugang vom Hotel zum Salzburger Kongresshaus stehen im

Haus für Veranstaltungen zur Verfügung. Das neue

Restaurant Mirabell serviert moderne österreichische

Küche, bei Schönwetter auch auf der herrlichen Terrasse.

Weiteres kulinarisches Vergnügen bieten neben dem

täglichen Frühstücks-Buffet auch das traditionelle

Hut-Essen und der familiäre Sonntags-Lunch mit live

Klaviermusik.

Situated directly at the Mirabellgarten and only a few

minutes away from the most important sights, the

Sheraton Grand Salzburg is the perfect place from which to

enjoy the city on the Salzach river. Oliver Sturmayr has been

the new Hotel Director of the Sheraton Grand Salzburg

since May. The Salzburg-native has been with the Marriott

hotel chain since 2014. Three redesigned meeting rooms

with plenty of natural light as well as direct access to the

hotel from Salzburg Congress are available for events. The

Mirabell restaurant serves contemporary Austrian cuisine

which can also be enjoyed on the lovely terrace, weather

permitting. Next to the daily breakfast buffet, additional

culinary delights are provided by the traditional “Hut-Essen”

and the classic Sunday lunch with live piano music.

Tagen und sich verwöhnen |

Conferencing & savouring

Der Salon Auersperg steht mit zwei weiteren Seminarräumen

für Veranstaltungen zur Verfügung. Auf der prachtvollen

Terrasse des Restaurants Mirabell kann man sich z. B.

mit der warmen Rhabarbersuppe mit Pistazienknödel als

Dessert verwöhnen lassen.

Salon Auersperg is available for events with two additional

seminar rooms. On the magnificent terrace of the Mirabell

restaurant you can, for example, enjoy the warm rhubarb

soup and pistachio dumplings as a dessert (pictured from

top to bottom).

Das Hotel Sheraton Grand Salzburg, direkt

am Mirabellgarten gelegen, bietet nun eine

neue Lobby, die zum Verweilen einlädt.

The Hotel Sheraton Grand Salzburg, located

directly at the Mirabellgarten, now offers a

new lobby that invites you to linger.


Mit viel Liebe zum Detail wurden im Vorjahr auch einige der

Zimmer und Suiten neugestaltet (im Bild die Mirabell Suite).

Der gebürtige Salzburger Oliver Sturmayr (links) leitet seit

Kurzem als Direktor das Hotel. Several rooms and suites were

redesigned with plenty of attention to detail last year (pictured:

the Mirabell Suite). The Salzburg native Oliver Sturmayr (left)

recently took over as hotel director.

INFO:

Sheraton Grand Salzburg

Auerspergstrasse 4

5020 Salzburg

Tel. + 43 662 88999-0

Marriott.com/SZGSI


99

SAVOIR VIVRE SUITE DREAMS

Imperial und edel wohnen | Imperial and exquisite living

Kaisersuiten im Parkhotel Schönbrunn | The Imperial Suites at the Parkhotel Schönbrunn


PHOTOS: AUSTRIA TREND HOTELS

Schon Kaiser Franz Josephs Gäste pflegten dort, im 13.

Bezirk Wiens, in Hietzing, im heutigen 4-Sterne-Hotel, zu

logieren und dinieren, wenn sie auf eine Audienz beim

Kaiser warteten. Im Zeitraum von Jänner bis Dezember 2019

wurden mit der Investition von 12 Millionen Euro insgesamt

124 Zimmer behutsam renoviert und ausgebaut. Es gelang

mit Erfolg, das historisch wertvolle Gebäude des Parkhotels

Schönbrunn mit modernen Elementen zu verbinden und

Hotelflair auf höchstem Niveau zu bieten. Das Highlight der

Neugestaltung sind die zwei neuen Kaisersuiten mit jeweils

130 m² Wohnfläche und 40 m² großen Dachterrassen – mit

einzigartigem Ausblick über den Schlosspark und das

Schloss Schönbrunn, wodurch das geschichtsträchtige Haus

in neuem Glanz erstrahlt.

Whenever Emperor Franz Joseph would invite visitors,

they would stay at what today is a 4-star hotel in

Vienna’s 13th district, Hietzing, as they awaited an

audience with the Emperor. Between January and

December 2019, the hotel’s 124 rooms were carefully

renovated and extended with the help of a 12-million-euro

investment. In the end, the endeavour to combine the

Parkhotel Schönbrunn’s historically significant building

with contemporary elements and a premium hotel

atmosphere proved a huge success. The highlight of the

redesign is the two new Imperial Suites with 130 m² of

residential space and the 40 m² roof terraces – offering a

unique view of the Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens,

letting the historic building shine in new splendour.

Genießen mit Historie |

Historic indulgence

Bei den Wienerinnen und Wienern stehen die Gloriette Bar

mit Blick in den Schönbrunner Schlosspark und das

Schlosscafé mit typischer Kaffeehaus-Atmosphäre hoch im

Kurs. Der historische Ballsaal ist eine beliebte Location für

Bälle.

Among the Viennese, the Gloriette Bar with its view of the

Schönbrunn Palace gardens and the Schlosscafé with its

typical coffee house atmosphere enjoy immense popularity.

The historic ballroom is a sought-after venue for festive

balls.

Fantastischer Rundumblick bis

zum Palmenhaus und zum Schloss

Schönbrunn und dessen weitläufigen

Garten. Brilliant panoramic

view that reaches all the way to

the Palmenhaus and the

Schönbrunn Palace with its

extensive gardens.

Das Parkhotel Schönbrunn

verfügt derzeit über 302 Zimmer

und sechs Suiten. The Parkhotel

Schönbrunn currently has 302

rooms and six suites.

Die beiden Kaisersuiten bieten jeweils 130 m²

Wohnfläche und eine 40 m² große Dachterrasse.

The two Imperial Suites each offer 130 m² of

residential space and a 40 m² roof terrace.

INFO:

Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn

Hietzinger Hauptstraße 10-14

1130 Wien

Tel.: +43 (1) 87 804-0

austria-trend.at


Cercle Diplomatique 3/2020 101

SAVOIR VIVRE HIDEAWAYS

Sehnsucht nach dem See | Private lake holidays

VILA VITA Pannonia Seeresidenzen | VILA VITA Pannonia lake residences


PHOTOS: VILA VITA PANNONIA

Ganz im Trend für das heurige Jahr, wurde diesen August

das Angebot des Umweltzeichen-Hotels und

Feriendorfs VILA VITA Pannonia im burgenländischen

Pamhagen mit einem neuen Konzept für „Urlaub ganz

privat“ erweitert. Nur eine Stunde von Wien entfernt, findet

man naturverbundene, höchsten ökologischen Standards

entsprechende, luxuriöse Häuser mit 116 m2 und

hauseigenem Badesteg. In einer idyllischen Privat-Badebucht

stehen diese 20 neuen Residenzen nun entlang des

Südufers des hauseigenen Sees direkt am Wasser bereit.

Vom jeweils privaten Steg kann man übrigens zur

PAN-Klimainsel schwimmen, die ein Symbol der Völkerverständigung

sein soll. Neben dem exklusiven Privatstrand

steht den Gästen natürlich auch das komplette Freizeitangebot

des Feriendorfs zur Verfügung.

In line with this year’s holiday trends, the range of services

offered by the eco-labelled holiday village VILA VITA

Pannonia in Pamhagen in Burgenland province has been

expanded this August with the addition of the new “Private

Holiday” concept. Just an hour from Vienna, you will find

116 m 2 luxury homes with their own swimming piers

surrounded by nature and conforming to the highest

ecological standards. Situated in an idyllic bay, the 20 new

private residences right on the waterfront line up along the

southern shore of the private lake. Each home has its own

private pier allowing residents to swim up to the PAN

climate island, intended as a symbol of intercultural

understanding. And next to the private beach, guests

naturally also have the holiday village’s entire leisure

programme at their disposal.

Neues Restaurant „Die Möwe“ |

New restaurant “Die Möwe”

Unter der Leitung von Küchenchef Michael Graf werden im

neuen Restaurant „Die Möwe“ regionale Spitzenprodukte

mit dem Mittelmeer verbunden. Lockere Strandatmosphäre

mit Strandbar und trendigem Getränkeangebot, lukullische

Köstlichkeiten – geschmackvoll präsentiert – verwöhnen die

Gäste von Mittag bis Abend. Neben Fisch- und Fleischgerichten

wurde auch eine umfangreiche vegane Karte ins

Angebot aufgenommen. Die malerische Lage direkt am

hauseigenen See inmitten fantastischer Naturlandschaft,

bildet den reizvollen Rahmen für die neue Gourmetoase im

Nordburgenland.

Under the leadership of head chef Michael Graf, the new

restaurant “Die Möwe” (“The Seagull”) combines regional

premium products with the Mediterranean Sea. A relaxed

beach atmosphere with a beach bar and a trendy offer of

drinks & various culinary delicacies – presented very

tastefully – pamper guests from noon to evening. In addition

to meat and fish dishes, there is also an extensive vegan

menu. The picturesque location right at the private lake

amid a fantastic natural landscape provides the ideal and

very charming setting for this new gourmet oasis in the

north of Burgenland.

Großzügig: der Wohnbereich mit einladender Couch-Ecke

und Esstisch-Gruppe, sowie Panoramafenstern und

angrenzender Terrasse. Spacious: the living area with the

inviting couch corner and dining table group, as well as

panoramic windows and the adjoining terrace.

Die finnische Sauna umschmeichelt

mit hochwertigen ätherischen Ölen

die Sinne und lädt zum gemütlichen

Tagesabschluss ein. The Finnish

sauna caresses the senses with

premium essential oils and invites

you to wind down after an active day.

Im Obergeschoß der Häuser befinden sich zwei geräumige

Wohnräume mit 2 dazugehörigen Bädern, die Wohnträume

wahr machen. In the house’s top floor, you will find two

spacious residential rooms with the two corresponding baths

that will make holiday dreams come true.

INFO:

VILA VITA Pannonia

Storchengasse 1

7152 Pamhagen

Tel. +43 2175 2180-0

vilavitapannonia.at



LE SAVOIR XYX XYXYXY VIVRE TRAVEL

Fernweh

Itchy Feet

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

Text: Gerald Sturz

Madrid

Four Seasons

Die Location kann gar nicht besser sein. An der Ecke von Calle

de Sevilla und Calle de Alcalá, ganz in der Nähe der Gran Via

und der Plaza Mayor und in Gehweite zu den wichtigsten

Sehenswürdigkeiten, eröffnet das Four Seasons Madrid.

Sieben historische Gebäude, darunter der Palacio de la

Equitativa aus dem Jahr 1887, wurden zum Centro Canalejas

vereint, einem High-End-Shopping- und Hotel-Komplex. Das

Rooftop-Restaurant, von dem man über das Zentrum von

Madrid blicken wird können, wird von dem Star-Küchenchef

Dani Garcia betreut. Die Spa-Anlage erstreckt sich über vier

Stockwerke und einen Pool mit Sonnenterrasse gibt es auch.

The location couldn’t be any better. Right at the corner

between the Calle de Sevilla and the Calle de Alcalá, in the

immediate vicinity of the Gran Via and the Plaza Mayor, and

within walking distance from the city’s most important sights,

the Four Seasons Madrid has officially opened its doors. Seven

historical buildings, among them the Palacio de la Equitativa

from 1887, have been combined into the Centro Canalejas, a

high-end shopping and hotel complex. The rooftop restaurant,

from which you can enjoy a gorgeous view of all of Madrid, is

headed by celebrity chef Dani Garcia. The spa extends over

four floors and even includes a pool and a sun terrace.

fourseasons.com

Utah

Camp Sarika by Amangiri

Das ideale Feriendomizil für all jene, die in Zeiten des social und des physical distancing viel Wert auf eine exklusive

Abgeschiedenheit legen. Stars aus Hollywood und erfolgreiche Entrepreneurs aus dem Silicon Valley haben das

bereits erkannt. Das Camp Sarika ist eine Erweiterung eines der spektakulärsten Resorts in den Vereinigten Staaten,

des Amangiri in der Wüstenlandschaft von Utah. Das Amangiri gilt längst als Synonym für Luxus, für ein elegantes

und extrem stylisches Resort, eingebettet in eine unvergleichlich dramatische Landschaft. In der Nähe des Resorts

wurde nun Luxuszelte errichtet, die einen Komfort, der alles bietet, was man sich als ultraverwöhnter Gast nur

wünschen kann, mit einem „Back to the Wild“-Feeling verbinden, das Abenteuer inklusive neuer Erfahrungen

verspricht.

The perfect holiday domicile for all of those who, especially in the age of social distancing, place special emphasis on

exclusive solitude – Hollywood stars and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs alike have already discovered it for themselves.

Camp Sarika is the expansion of one of the most spectacular resorts in the United States, the Amangiri in the desert of

Utah. The Amangiri has long been a symbol of luxury, of elegant and stylish resort-living embedded into a unique and

dramatic landscape. Now, luxury tents are being set up in close proximity to the resort, providing you with all the

amenities that one may expect as a guest of taste, including an “into the wild” vibe that promises adventures and new

experiences.

aman.com

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

Peloponnes

Dexamenes Seaside Hotel

Die Peloponnes hat in den vergangenen Jahren einen gewaltigen Schub Richtung Luxus- und Qualitätstourismus

bekommen. Einige ganz herausragende Resorts sind an ihrer Küste entstanden. Das Amanzoe und das Costa

Navarino sind nur zwei Beispiele. Das Dexamenes Seaside Resort befindet sich in einem Komplex, der einmal ein

Weingut beherbergte, das mit viel Feingefühl, Bewusstsein für historische Substanz und einem konsequenten

Stilwillen von dem gerade sehr gefragten Architektur- und Designstudio K-Studio umgebaut wurde. “Die

Herausforderung war, nicht nur die Geschichte der Gebäude zu bewahren, sondern ihnen auch neues Leben

einzuhauchen“, sagt Nikos Karaflos, dessen Familie das Gut am Ufer des Ionischen Meeres vor fast 20 Jahren

erworben hat. Die Herausforderung hat er gemeistert. Dass griechischer Wein und griechische Küche im Resort

eine zentrale Rolle spielen, liegt auf der Hand.

The Peloponnese has, in the past few years, seen a massive boom in terms of luxury and quality tourism. Several

extraordinary resorts have now popped up along its coast. The Amanzoe and the Costa Navarino are just two examples.

The Dexamenes Seaside Resort is located in a complex that used to house a winery and has now been rebuilt with

much attention to detail, architectural substance and an uncompromising vision by the highly sought-after architectural

and design firm K-Studio. “The challenge was not just to preserve the history of the building but also to add new life

into it,” says Nikos Karaflos, whose family acquired the estate on the shore of the Ionian Sea almost 20 years ago. He

has indeed mastered that challenge. Naturally, Greek wine and Greek cuisine play a central role in the resort.

designhotels.com


SAVOIR VIVRE TRAVEL

Comer See | Lake Como

Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como

CERCLE

DIPLOMATIQUE

ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL

can also be found in these exclusive hotels:

Fine hotels

selected by

Zu Recht gilt der Comer See als der schönste

und vornehmste der großen oberitalienischen

Seen. Die bessere Gesellschaft aus Mailand und

aus Turin hat ihn zu ihrem liebsten Wochenendund

Ferienort erkoren. Und viele haben in Zeiten

wie diesen ihr Home-Office hier angesiedelt. Das

schönste neue Hotel am Ufer des Sees ist wohl

das Mandarin Oriental. Elegant ist es, ideal

direkt am Ufer gelegen mit einem Swimmingpool,

der direkt in den See gesetzt ist. Und

selbstverständlich bietet es alle Annehmlichkeiten,

die einen Aufenthalt am Comer See zum

perfekten Urlaub machen.

Lake Como is, for good reason, considered to be

the most beautiful and elegant of the Northern

Italian lakes. High society members from Milano

and Turin have already marked it as their favourite

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these, many have even decided to set up their

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make a stay at Lake Como into a perfect holiday.

mandarinoriental.com

General Manager

Sebastian Siegfried

Austria Trend

Parkhotel Schönbrunn

Hietzinger Hauptstr. 10-14

1130 Vienna, Austria

+43-(0)1-87 804-0

austria-trend.at/parkhotel-schoenbrunn

© Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn

Oslo

Hotel Amerikalinjen

Der Name des Hotels erinnert daran, was einst in dem

Gebäude mit der neo-barocken Fassade untergebracht

war: die Reederei Den norske Amerikalinje, die 1910

gegründet wurde und Norwegens erste Linienverbindung

nach New York angeboten hat. Mit ihr verließen rund

900. 000 Auswanderer ihre Heimat Richtung Amerika. In

den ehemaligen Hauptsitz der inzwischen eingestellten

Reederei ist nun das Hotel Amerikalinjen eingezogen. Zur

Erinnerung ist die Hotelbar „Pier 42“ nach dem Anlegesteg

in Manhattan benannt, auf dem die Auswanderer zum

ersten Mal amerikanischen Boden betraten.

The name of the hotel commemorates what was formerly

housed in the building with the neo-baroque façade. The

Norwegian American Line (Norwegian: Den Norske

Amerikalinje) was a cruise ship line that was founded in

1910 and offered Norway’s first line connection to New

York. With it, around 900,000 Norwegian emigrants left

their home country bound for America. Now, the Hotel

Amerikalinjen has moved into the cruise ship line’s former

head office. As a tribute, the “Pier 42“ hotel bar is named

after the former pier in Manhattan, where the emigrants

set foot on American ground for the first time.

amerikalinjen.com

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

These selected hotels offer CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL as a special service:

Almdorf Seinerzeit l Hotel Altstadt Radisson Blu l Hotel Astoria l Astoria Relax & Spa-Hotel l Hotel Bristol - A Luxury Collection Hotel Vienna l Austria Trend Hotel

Europa l Chaletdorf Prechtldorfgut l Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden l Feriendorf Holzlebn l Fleming‘s Deluxe Hotel l Golden Hill Country Chalets & Suites l Grand

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l G’schlössl Murtal l Hilton Danube l Hilton Vienna Plaza l Hilton Vienna House of Time Vienna l Hofwirt Seckau l Hotel Imperial A Luxury Collection l Steigenberger

Hotel Herrenhof l Imperial Riding School Renaissance Hotel Vienna l Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol l Kitzbühel Country Club l Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort

l Hotel Hochschober l Hotel Lamée l Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron l Le Meridien Vienna l Luxuslodge „Zeit zum Leben“ l MGallery by Sofitel Hotel am Konzerthaus

Vienna l Miramar Adria-Relax-Resort l Park Hyatt Vienna l Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna l Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol l Austria Trend Hotel Park Royal Palace

Vienna l Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn l The Ritz-Carlton Vienna l Sacher Salzburg l Sacher Wien l Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna l Schloss Fuschl, A

Luxury Collection Resort & SPA l Schloss Gabelhofen l Schlosshotel Seevilla l Hotel Schloss Mönchstein Salzburg l Sheraton Grand Salzburg l Steigenberger Hotel

& Spa Krems l Steirerschlössl l The Guesthouse Vienna l Austria Trend Hotel Schloss Lebenberg l The Ring, Vienna‘s Casual Luxury Hotel l Hotel Topazz l SO/Vienna

l Stanglwirt l Vienna Marriott Hotel l Vila Vita Pannonia l Warmbaderhof

Would you like to belong to these exclusive hotels?

If so, please contact us!

office@firstclassmedia.at

ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL


ROBINSON CLUB IERAPETRA

ROBINSON CLUB:

Plan your SUMMER

HOLIDAY 2021 now!

Here’s the latest scoop:

ROBINSON is set to provide you

with new club resort highlights

in summer 2021! Explore the

fantastic mountain landscapes

of the Swiss Alps in summer,

discover the easternmost

Mediterranean island or relax

under the sun of Crete. And

best of all – with the early bird

discount you can now save up

to 20 % on your club stay!

For the first time, the ROBINSON

CLUB AROSA will also open its doors

for you in summer. From mid-June

2021, you can unwind and enjoy

the view at 1,800 m above sea level

nestled between pure nature and

the well-known sports and mountain

resort Arosa in Graubünden. The FOR

ADULTS ONLY club resort offers all

adult guests from 18 years of age a

one-of-a-kind nature experience with

unforgettable sports possibilities in

the Swiss mountain world. Whether

hiking through picturesque forests with

crystal clear lakes or cycling down

biking trails surrounded by breath-taking

mountain scenery, there is something

for everyone! On top, an absolute must

for all golf enthusiasts: teeing off on one

of the highest 18-hole golf courses in

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experience. Afterwards, you can gather

new strength for the next eventful day

with balanced culinary delights with

“Half-board made by ROBINSON”.

In addition, from summer 2021

ROBINSON will also be conquering

Cyprus, the easternmost island of the

Mediterranean! Situated on the southeast

coast, the new ROBINSON CLUB

CYPRUS offers a sun-spoilt climate,

© Robinson Club 10/10

crystal clear water and a long sandy

beach in a secluded bay with an

unspoilt view of the sea. The FOR ALL

club resort is a water sports paradise

offering the best conditions on and in

the water. For those who prefer being

active on land, the fascinating mountain

world of Cyprus can be discovered by

mountain bike! The choice is yours! Our

youngest guests are guaranteed fun,

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ROBY CLUB. After an eventful day let

yourself be pampered in the WellFit-

Spa. Rounding off the perfect holiday

with the culinary delights offered by

“Full-board made by ROBINSON”. To

cater to our international guests, the

ROBINSON CLUB CYPRUS also offers

many programmes and courses in

English.

Also situated in the south of Crete,

directly on the 2 km fine pebble beach,

the ROBINSON CLUB IERAPETRA

welcomes you since July 2020! The

sports arena with tennis, football and

beach volleyball offer perfect conditions

to burn off energy! During which our

youngest guests make new friends at

the ROBY CLUB. If you are looking for

a place to unwind, then treat yourself

to the WellFit-Spa and let yourself

be revitalized! Exquisite culinary

delights await you with “Full-board

made by ROBINSON”. Let yourself be

carried away with our evening show

programme, the perfect way to round

off a great vacation day. Entertainment

at the highest level for both young and

old.

Whether it’s Greece, Cyprus,

Switzerland or another club resort of

your choice – book your club stay for

summer 2021 now and save up to

20 %, if you book by November 30,

2020. If you book by January 31,

2021, you will receive up to 15 % early

bird discount on your club stay for the

summer season 2021.*

You can’t wait that long!

No problem, even at short notice you

will find a suitable offer at your local

TUI travel agency or alternatively at

robinson.com.

ROBINSON CLUB AROSA

* Discount applies to the club resort price for summer

2021, and cannot be combined with long-term

discounts, limited allocation. For more information,

please contact your TUI travel agency or visit

www.robinson.com

ROBINSON CLUB CYPRUS

SAVOIR VIVRE CULTURAL EXCHANGE

Starker Auftritt

Strong presence

Text: Evelyn Rois & Bruno Stubenrauch

Kunst und Design aus der Schweiz glänzen in den kommenden Monaten auf etlichen

Ausstellungen in Österreichs Museen und zeigen starke Sammlertradition und

innovatives Designverständnis.

Over the coming months, art and design from Switzerland will shine across countless

exhibitions at Austria’s museums and present the nation’s strong collector’s tradition and

innovative approach to design.

PHOTOS: HAHNLOSER/JAEGGLI STIFTUNG / RETO PEDRINI; FRANZ GERTSCH / DOMINIQUE ULDRY

Schweizer Kunst.

Swiss art.

H. Manguin, Les Enfants

Hahnloser, Sammlung Hahnloser.

Franz Gertsch, Saintes

Maries de la Mer III.



111

SAVOIR VIVRE CULTURAL

EXCHANGE

Daniel Spoerri, Palette pour Grégoire Müller.

Zum 90er gibt es zwei Ausstellungen in

Österreich.

To celebrate his 90th birthday, two exhibitions

will take place in Austria.

Meisterwerke aus der Sammlung

Emil Bührle: Paul Gauguin

(rechts), Claude Monet und Paul

Cézanne (unten).

Masterpieces from the Emil Bührle

Collection: Paul Gauguin (right),

Claude Monet and Paul Cézanne

(below).

Die Schweiz darf sich zu den Global

Playern in Sachen Kunst zählen

und ist mit zahlreichen Kunstschaffenden,

von Félix Vallotton über Meret

Oppenheim bis zu Franz Gertsch oder

Pipilotti Rist in der Kunstgeschichte und

Gegenwartskunst vertreten. Eine große

Stärke der Kulturnation Schweiz liegt aber

sicherlich in ihren vielen, renommierten

Museen und der Dichte ihrer hoch dotierten

Privatsammlungen – erstaunlich viele

der zum Kanon der Kunstgeschichte zählenden

Werke finden sich in Schweizer Museen

und Sammlungen.

Kunst sammeln als existentielle Erfahrung

Eine Gelegenheit, dies zu verifizieren,

ergibt sich in Wien in der Albertina, wo einige

Schlüsselwerke der Moderne wie „Das

Nachtcafé“ von Vincent van Gogh derzeit

für Andrang sorgen. „Die Ausstellung in

der Albertina vereint die absoluten Spitzenwerke

der Sammlung Hahnloser, sie ist

ein Höhenweg durch die Klassische Moderne.

Es gibt absolut großartige, einmalige

Kunstwerke von van Gogh und Cézanne,

ebenso schöne Arbeiten von Gauguin,

Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet, Manet und Matisse“,

zeigt sich Michael Frehner, langjähriger

Direktor des Kunstmuseums Bern

und Kurator der Ausstellung begeistert.

Die erstaunliche Qualität ergibt sich auch

aus dem Verständnis, aus dem heraus die

Sammlung angelegt wurde. „Arthur und

Hedi Hahnloser haben die Kunst zum gemeinsamen

Zentrum ihres Lebens ge-

macht: Durch Kunst die Welt zu sehen, das

verbindende Element darin zu finden. Man

hat Kunst nicht nur aus Prestige gesammelt,

es war vielmehr eine existentielle

Ausrichtung.“

Der Rahmen für Monet und Gauguin

Die große Dichte an hochkarätigen

Sammlungen in der Schweiz hat einen gesellschaftspolitischen

Hintergrund, wie

Frehner betont: „In der Schweiz gab es keinen

Adel; Legitimation durch Kunst und

Mäzenatentum wurde hier im frühen 20.

Jahrhundert ebenso wie in den USA zum

gesellschaftlichen Markenzeichen einer

ganzen Generation. Es entstanden große

Sammlungen zeitgenössischer französischer

Kunst, die damals erschwinglich war.

Und die Öffentlichkeit an ihren bedeutenden

Sammlungen durch Schenkungen an

Museen oder den Staat teilhaben zu lassen,

ist das gemeinsame Charakteristikum vieler

Sammlerpersönlichkeiten.“ Mit der

Sammlung Emil Bührle werden im Frühling

2021 dann weitere Höhepunkte der

Kunstgeschichte wie das berühmte Portrait

„La petite Irène“ von Auguste Renoir im

Leopold Museum zu sehen sein. Nach ihrem

Auftritt in Wien beziehen die Werke

dann im Herbst die eigens für sie entworfenen

Säle im frisch eröffneten Erweiterungsbau

des Kunsthauses Zürich.

Starke Achse

Das Leopold Museum pflegt unter Direktor

Wipplinger schon länger enge Ver-

SAMMLUNG EMIL BÜHRLE, ZÜRICH / SIK-‐ISEA (J.-P. KUHN)

DANIEL SPOERRI UND BILDRECHT, WIEN 2020 / TILMAN DAIBER; RITA NEWMAN

bindungen in die Schweiz. So waren kürzlich

Werke des deutschen Expressionismus

aus der Schweizer Sammlung Braglia zu

sehen oder 2017 eine grandiose Ferdinand

Hodler-Schau. Die Achse Schweiz-Österreich

hat eine lange Tradition. Angefangen

vom Schweizer Nationalmaler Hodler, der

seinen internationalen Durchbruch 1904

in der Wiener Secession feierte, bis in die

Gegenwart. Daniel Spoerri etwa, der mit

seinen „Tableaux pièges“, in die Vertikale

gekippte, witzige Assemblagen, Eingang in

die Kunstgeschichte gefunden hat, ist seit

mehr als 10 Jahren Wahlwiener. Zu seinem

90. Geburtstag zeigt das „Ausstellungshaus

Spoerri“ in Hadersdorf am Kamp bis Ende

Oktober die schöne Schau „Daniel Spoerri

und die Eat Art“. Das Kunstforum in Wien

widmet dem umtriebigen Schweizer Objektkünstler,

der in seiner Laufbahn in nahezu

allen künstlerischen Medien tätig war

und ist, ab März 2021 eine ausführliche

Retrospektive. Einen starken Österreichbezug

in seiner Vita hat auch Ugo Rondinone:

Ende der 1980er Jahre studierte der zu

den wichtigsten Schweizer Stimmen der

mittleren Generation zählende Künstler an

der Universität für angewandte Kunst in

Wien. Im Herbst 2021 zeigt das Belvedere

21 eine erste große Personale Rondinones

in Österreich.

Die Frische der 1970er

2020 feiert auch der vielleicht bekannteste

Schweizer Gegenwartskünstler Franz

Gertsch seinen 90er. Das Lentos Kunstmuseum

Linz zeigt aus diesem Anlass „Franz

Gertsch - Die Siebziger“. Die Ausstellung

legt ihren Fokus auf die großformatigen,

hyperrealistischen Arbeiten, mit denen

Gertsch, etwa auf der documenta 1972,

sein internationaler Durchbruch gelang.

Die flirrenden, monumentalen, direkt auf

die unbehandelte Leinwand gemalten Bilder

haben bis heute nichts von ihrer Frische

und drängenden Kraft verloren. Einige

von Gertschs bekannten Holzschnitten

aus seiner späteren Schaffensphase sind

außerdem noch bis Mitte September in der

Wiener Albertina zu sehen. Einen stilleren

Protagonisten der Schweizer Kunstszene

gibt es mit dem Bildhauer Not Vital ab Dezember

im Museum der Moderne Salzburg

zu entdecken.

Schweizer Designtradition

Einen starken Auftritt hat die Schweiz

auch auf der Vienna Design Week Ende

September. Gabriel Roland, Vizedirektor

des Designfestivals, zum Gastland der diesjährigen

Ausgabe: „Die Designtradition

der Schweiz ruht auf der tiefen Überzeugung,

dass es sich auszahlt Dinge gut

durchzudenken und ordentlich herzustellen,

innovative Lösungen sind kein Selbstzweck.

Natürlich ist es für uns spannend,

mit einer Designszene in Austausch zu treten,

die aus diesem Selbstverständnis

kommt.“ Neun junge Schweizer Designstudios

präsentieren in der diesjährigen Festivalzentrale

im Amtshaus Meidling aktuelle

Positionen zu brisanten Problemstellungen.

Michel Hueter, Leiter von Design

Preis Schweiz, der der für die Schweizer

Kulturstiftung Pro Helvetia das Projekt leitet,

betont, dass neben der Innovationsleistung

vor allem der soziale und ökologische

Nutzen der Projekte, sowie deren Ausgereiftheit

ausschlaggebend waren. Von diesem

praxisorientierten Zugang zeigt sich

auch auch Roland begeistert: “Design als

zukunftsorientierte Kraft brauchen wir

dringender denn je. Insbesondere junge

Designerinnen und Designer sind sich dieser

Verantwortung bewusst. Ihre Arbeit

kann ein Schlüssel sein zur Lösung komplexer

Aufgaben unserer Zeit wie der Mobilitätswende,

dem Klimawandel, der

Aging Society oder Integration – und zwar

auf zugängliche Art und Weise.“

Die traditionell starke Kulturachse

Schweiz-Österreich bringt eine erstaunliche

Dichte an spannenden Einblicken in

aktuelle Kunstproduktion, Höhepunkte

Schweizer Kunstsammlungen und das Designverständnis

unseres Nachbarlandes. Es

lohnt jedenfalls, sich die kommenden Monate

ein wenig eingehender mit der Kulturnation

Schweiz zu befassen.

Switzerland rightfully counts among

the top global players when it comes

to art and is well represented across

art history as well as in contemporary art

with great masters like Félix Vallotton, Meret

Oppenheim, Franz Gertsch and Pipilotti

Rist. One particular strength of Switzerland

as a cultural nation is the many

renowned museums and the density of its

highly prized private collections – a surprisingly

large number of works belonging to

the canon of art history can be found across

Swiss museums and collections.

Art collection as an existential pursuit

The opportunity to verify this for oneself

is presenting itself at the Albertina, where

several key modernist works such as the

“The Night Café” by Vincent van Gogh

are currently creating long lines at the ti-



113

SAVOIR VIVRE CULTURAL EXCHANGE

cket booths. “The Albertina exhibition

brings together the absolute masterpieces

of the Hahnloser Collection; it is a journey

through the highlights of classical

modernism. Magnificent and unique

works by van Gogh and Cézanne can be

found there as well as beautiful works by

Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet, Manet

and Matisse,” enthuses Michael Frehner,

former Director of the Museum of

Fine Arts Bern and curator of the exhibition.

The remarkable quality is also a sign

of the deep appreciation out of which the

collection was created. “Arthur and Heidi

Hahnloser have made art the focal point

of their lives: to see the world through art,

to find the unifying element in it. They

didn’t just collect art for prestige. Much

rather, it was an existential pursuit.”

Setting the framework for Monet and Gauguin

The high density of first-rate Swiss collections

has socio-political roots, emphasises

Frehner. “Switzerland didn’t have a nobility;

like in the USA, legitimation by way of

art and patronage became an entire

generation’s social trademark in the early

INT Studio - junges Schweizer

Design in Wien.

INT Studio - young Swiss

design in Vienna.

Robin Eberwein, GenomaGrotesk. Teil des Schweizer Gastauftrittes auf der Vienna Design Week.

Part of the Swiss guest appearance at the Vienna Design Week.

20th century. This led to great collections

of contemporary French art that was still

affordable at the time. And the desire to

let the public participate in their collections

through donations to museums or

the state is a common characteristic

among many collectors.” With the Emil

Bührle Collection, a series of highlights

from across art history including the famed

portrait “La Petite Irène” by Auguste

Renoir will be on display at the Leopold

Museum starting in spring 2021. Following

their debut in Vienna, the works

will then move on to the Kunsthaus Zurich

later in autumn, where they will be

presented within a newly launched extension

specifically designed for them.

Powerful axis

The Leopold Museum under the leadership

of Director Wipplinger has long

maintained good links with Switzerland.

The museum recently put on a display of

German Expressionist works from the

Swiss Braglia Collection and in 2017 a magnificent

Ferdinand Hodler show. The

Switzerland-Austria axis goes way back. It

began with Swiss national painter Hodler,

who in 1904 celebrated his international

breakthrough at the Vienna Secession, and

reaches all the way to the present. Daniel

Spoerri, for example, who has left his mark

on art history with his Tableaux pièges,

vertically titled and rather amusing compositions,

has for the past 10 years been a

Viennese-by-choice. On the occasion of

his 90th birthday, the “Ausstellungshaus

Spoerri” in Hadersdorf am Kamp (Lower

Austria) will be presenting the brilliant exhibition

“Daniel Spoerri: Eat Art” until the

end of October. From March 2021, the

Bank Austria Kunstforum in Vienna is dedicating

a comprehensive retrospective to

the restless Swiss object artist who, throughout

his career, has been and continues to

be active in almost all artistic media. Likewise,

Ugo Rondinone has also a strong

connection to Austria: Towards the end of

the 1980s, the artist, who counted among

the most important Swiss voices of the

middle generation, studied at the University

of Applied Arts Vienna. In autumn

2021, the Belvedere21 is presenting the

first major Rondinone solo exhibition in

Austria.

The freshness of the ‘70s

2020 marks also the year in which Franz

Gertsch, the perhaps best known Swiss

contemporary artist, celebrates his 90th

birthday. To mark the occasion, the Lentos

Kunstmuseum Linz is presenting the exhibition

“Franz Gertsch – The Seventies”.

The exhibition focuses on the large-format,

hyper-realistic works that helped Gertsch

achieve his breakthrough, initially at the

documenta in 1972. To this day, the shimmering,

monumental pictures painted directly

onto the untreated canvas have lost

none of their freshness and pressing power.

Some of Gertsch’s well-known woodcuts

from his later creative phase can still be

seen at the Albertina in Vienna until mid-

September. And from September, a quieter

representative of the Swiss art scene, sculptor

Not Vital, can be discovered at the Museum

der Moderne in Salzburg.

INT STUDIO; ROBIN EBERWEIN; STUDIO RONDINONE / STEFAN ALTENBURGER; NOT VITAL / ULRICH GHEZZI

Ugo Rondinone und Not

Vital. Zwei starke Stimmen

Schweizer Gegenwartskunst.

Ugo Rondinone and Not Vital.

Two strong voices of Swiss

contemporary art.

Swiss design tradition

Switzerland is also going to have a strong

presence at the Vienna Design Week at the

end of September. Gabriel Roland, vice director

of the design festival, had the following

to say about this year’s guest country:

“Switzerland’s design tradition is

founded on the deep conviction that it

pays off to think things through and to

make them in a proper way; innovative

solutions aren’t an end in themselves. It is,

of course, exciting for us to enter into an

exchange with a design scene that takes

this understanding for granted.” Nine

young Swiss design studios will be presenting

their takes on current pressing issues.

Michael Hueter, Head of Design Preis

Switzerland, who runs the project for the

Swiss culture foundation Pro Helvetia,

emphasises that, in addition to the factor

of innovation, it is especially the social

JOHN WILLIAMS

AND WIENER

PHILHARMONIKER

CREATE

MOVIE MAGIC

and ecological utility of the projects, as

well as their level of maturity, that has

been a decisive factor. Roland is also enthusiastic

about this practice-oriented approach.

“We need design as a forwardlooking

force now more than ever. Young

designers in particular have become aware

of this responsibility. Their work can be

a key to solving the most complex issues

of our time, like the mobility revolution,

climate change, aging societies or integration

– and in an accessible way at that.

The traditionally strong Switzerland-

Austria culture axis continues to offer an

astonishing density of exciting insights

into contemporary artistic production,

Swiss art collection highlights and our

neighbour’s approach to design. In any

case, it will definitely be worthwhile to investigate

Switzerland as a cultural hub

over the next few months.

Vienna Design Week

15.09.–04.10.2020

viennadesignweek.at

Van Gogh, Cézanne, Matisse. Die Sammlung

Hahnloser | The Hahnloser Collection.

bis | until 15.11.2020, Albertina Wien

albertina.at

Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Gauguin. Sammlung

Emil Bührle | The Emil Bührle Collection.

Frühjahr | spring 2021, Leopold Museum

leopoldmuseum.org

Daniel Spoerri und die Eat Art | Daniel Spoerri: Eat Art

bis | until 31.10.2020, Ausstellungshaus Spoerri, Hadersdorf

spoerri.at

Daniel Spoerri

10.03.–27.06.2021, Kunstforum Wien

kunstforumwien.at

Franz Gertsch. Die Siebziger | The Seventies

30.10.2020–21.02.2021, Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz

lentos.at

Natur & Symbol. Franz Gertsch u. a. |

Nature & Symbol. Franz Gertsch and others.

bis | until 13.09.2020, Albertina Wien

albertina.at

Not Vital. Ir

05.12.2020–13.06.2021, Museum der Moderne

Salzburg

museumdermoderne.at

Ugo Rondinone

25.11.2021–20.02.2022, Belvedere 21

belvedere.at

John Williams in Vienna

documents “one of the greatest

honours” of composer’s life

“It was honestly one of the best presentations

of that March I’ve ever heard”

(John Williams on the Imperial March

from Star Wars)

„Like an imperial battle cruiser navigating the

cosmos of his creations, the Vienna Phiharmonic

visibly and audibly relished this voyage. […]

John Williams truly is the god of film music.“

(Der Standard, Vienna)

Deutsche Grammophon releases Hollywood

legend’s historic Wiener Philharmoniker debut

concert in audio and video formats

including Dolby Atmos Audio & Video,

5.1 Surround & Stereo

Williams shares Musikverein stage with

Anne-Sophie Mutter and world-famous orchestra

to perform iconic themes from Star Wars,

Harry Potter, Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park,

among other cinematic landmarks


SAVOIR VIVRE THE POETRY OF KAZAKHSTAN

Weltliteratur aus der Steppe

World literature from the Great Steppe

Text: Evelyn Rois & Bruno Stubenrauch

2020 feiert Kasachstan den 175. Geburtstag seines Nationaldichters Abai Qunanbajuly.

In 2020, Kazakhstan celebrates the 175th birthday of its national poet Abai Qunanbaiuly.

In Kasachstan weiß jedes Kind, wer Abai Qunanbajuly

ist. Seine Popularität im riesigen Land an

der Schwelle zwischen Asien und Europa und

seine Bedeutung für die Weltliteratur ist unbestritten,

in unseren Breitengraden ist der Dichter, Philosoph,

Humanist und Musiker jedoch nur wenig bekannt.

Was sich aus Anlass seines 175. Geburtstages grundlegend

ändern soll.

Von höchster Stelle

„Die Werke des großen Dichters haben ihre Relevanz

nicht verloren. Abais Gedanken können auch

heute noch ein spiritueller Leitfaden für uns alle

sein“, betont denn auch der kasachische Staatspräsident

Kassym-Zhomart Tokajew anlässlich der Feiern

zum 175. Geburtstag des Dichters. Ein Teil der mehr

als zwei Billionen Tenge (rund vier Millionen Euro),

die von der kasachischen Regierung dafür budgetiert

wurden, ist für Übersetzungen der Werke Abai

Qunanbajulys in 10 Sprachen vorgesehen (Deutsch,

Französisch, Englisch, Italienisch, Spanisch, Chinesisch,

Japanisch, Arabisch, Türkisch und Russisch).

Im Zuge der Feierlichkeiten 2020 für den Dichter

soll auch der kasachisch-österreichische Kulturaustausch

verstärkt werden.

Die Poesie der Steppe

Bereits im Sommer 2019 bereiste eine österreichische

Entsendung Kasachstan und besuchte dabei

auch den Geburtsort Abai Qunanbajulys. Mit dabei

war Christine Muttonen, langjährige Nationalratsabgeordnete,

ehemalige Präsidentin der Parlamentarischen

Versammlung der OSZE und Vizepräsidentin

der Österreichisch-Kasachischen Gesellschaft.

„Als ich in der unendlichen Weite, mit dem heißen

Steppenwind im Gesicht, der jeglichen Schweiß sofort

trocknen ließ, das Gedicht „Sommer“ rezitierte,

hat sich für mich Abai noch einmal neu und mit allen

Sinnen erschlossen. Wenn ich heute die ersten

Zeilen, „Sommerhitze, Sonnenglut, Steppengras und

bunte Blüten, Hochgeschossen, Samen setzend ...“

lese, bin ich schlagartig wieder in der Großen Steppe“,

zeigt sich Muttonen beeindruckt von der reichen

Sprache des Dichters. „Abais umfassende Beschreibung

des Lebens bringt neue Einsichten über eine

Kultur, die es lohnt, entdeckt zu werden!“

Abai und Goethe

Abai Qunanbajuly, geboren 1845 als Sohn eines

Bij, eines traditionellen Stammesvorsitzenden, interessierte

sich schon als Jugendlicher für die Kulturen

Zentralasiens ebenso wie für russische und westliche

Literatur, lernte Arabisch, Russisch, Persisch, Tschagataisch

und andere östliche Sprachen. Puschkin,

Goethe und Lord Byron beeindruckten den jungen

Dichter stark, später übersetzte er ihre Gedichte ins

Kasachische. In Semei, damals unter dem Namen Semipalatinsk

wichtiger Militärstützpunkt des Russischen

Reiches und Exilort für die russische Intelligenzija,

begann der Dichter ab den 1880er Jahren

ernsthaft mit dem Schreiben eigener Texte. Seine

Gedichte, philosophischen Betrachtungen und zahlreichen

Übersetzungen fanden schnell Beachtung.

Schon zu Lebzeiten genoss der Dichter in Kasachstan

ebenso wie auch unter russischen Intellektuellen

große Bekanntheit.

Spiegel der kasachischen Seele

Die Bedeutung Abais für Kasachstan kann nicht

hoch genug eingeschätzt werden, wie Ardak Beisenbay,

Dekan der philologischen Fakultät an der Eurasian

National University in Nur-Sultan, hervorhebt:

„Abai ist der Begründer der modernen kasachischen

PHOTOS: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ABAI

Lesung von Abais Gedichten am geografischen

Zentrum des eurasischen Kontinents, das in

unmittelbarer Nähe seines Geburtshauses liegt.

Reading of Abai‘s poems at the geographic center

of the Eurasian continent, which is in immediate

vicinity of the house where he was born.

Der Poet und Philosoph Abai Qunanbajuly

beschreibt in seinen Gedichten das Leben

in der Großen Steppe.

In his poems, the poet and philosopher Abai

Qunanbaiuly describes the way of life in the

Great Steppe.



117

SAVOIR VIVRE THE POETRY OF KAZAKHSTAN

Reise der österreichischen Entsendung zum

Geburtsort Abais. Abai Gedenkstätte

Zhidebay (rechts).

Journey of the Austrian posting to Abai‘s

birthplace. Abai Memorial Zhidebay (right).

INFO

As part of the 2020 celebrations, the Kazakh-Austrian

cultural exchange is to be strengthened as well.

Abai Center

abaicenter.com

Abai und seine Söhne.

Nomadenleben in der Steppe

zur Zeit des Dichters.

Abai and his sons.

Nomadic life in the Steppe at

the time of the poet.

Literatur. Er entwickelte seinen eigenen Weg in der

Poesie, indem er multikulturelle Einflüsse in seinen

Werken gekonnt kombiniert und zu einer Stimme

vereint.“ Gleichermaßen stark ist der gesellschaftspolitische

Einfluss des Dichters. Werte der Aufklärung,

Ablehnung von Gewalt, Kritik an Autokratie

und Standesdünkel sowie die Anbindung der kasachischen

an die europäische Kultur ziehen sich als

roter Faden durch die Texte Abais. “Das Buch der

Worte (Qara sözder) thematisiert, ebenso wie seine

Gedichte, verschiedene dringliche gesellschaftspolitische

Fragen“, so Beisenbay weiter, „in allen Werken

Abais steckt eine tiefgreifende Philosophie.“

Für Gulsum Massakowa, Professorin für Kasachische

Literatur an der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin,

geht Abais Rolle über die einer bis heute relevanten,

moralischen Instanz noch weit hinaus. „Die

Werke von Abai widerspiegeln in der Seele tief verborgene

Zustände des kasachischen Volkes: sein

Leid, sein Kummer sowie sein Potenzial und seine

Stärke. Der Dichter ermutigte die Menschen, verschiedene

Künste zu beherrschen. Abai zeigt den

Weg, die beste Version seiner selbst zu werden.“

Abai Qunanbajuly als geistiges Gewissen Kasachstans

zu bezeichnen, ist daher sicherlich keine Übertreibung.

Entsprechend groß angelegt sind die Feiern

für den Dichter, die sich von Marathonlesungen

in der kasachischen Hauptstadt Nur-Sultan bis zur

Aufführung der Oper „Abai“ im UNESCO-Hauptsitz

in Paris erstrecken. Ein Meilenstein war die Eröffnung

des Abai Centers in Zusammenarbeit mit

der Georg Washington University im Frühjahr 2020

in Washington, D.C., das gleichzeitig einen globalen

virtuellen Raum für Studien und Meinungen aus

Wissenschaft, Kunst und Literatur zur kasachischen

Kultur im eurasischen Kontext eröffnet. Ein Teil der

Feierlichkeiten musste allerdings coronabedingt auf

das Jahr 2021verschoben werden oder hat sich ins

Netz verlagert. Der 175. Geburtstag Abais eröffnet

dennoch viele spannende Gelegenheiten, den großen

Poeten der Kasachischen Steppe, seinem Platz in

der Weltliteratur entsprechend, zu entdecken.

In Kazakhstan, every child knows who Abai

Qunanbaiuly is. His popularity in the vast country

on the border between Europe and Asia and his

importance for world literature are undisputed, but

little is known about the poet, philosopher, humanist

and musician in our part of the world. This is to

change on the occasion of his 175th birthday.

From the highest authority

“The works of this great poet haven’t lost any of

their relevance. Abais’ thoughts could still be a spiritual

guide for us today,” emphasises Kazakhstan’s President

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the occasion of the

celebrations surrounding the poet’s 175th birthday.

One part of the more than two billion tenge (around 4

million euro) that have been budgeted by the Kazakh

government for the event is intended for the translation

of the works of Abai Qunanbaiulys into 10 different

languages (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish,

Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Turkish and Russian).

PHOTOS: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ABAI

The poetry of the Steppe

In the summer of 2019, an Austrian delegation travelled

to Kazakhstan and visited the birthplace of Abai

Qunanbaiuly. Christine Muttonen, a long-time member

of the National Council, former President of the

Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE and Vice President

of the Austrian-Kazakh Society, was also present.

“When I recited the poem ‘Summer’ in the endless

vastness, with the hot steppe wind on my face which

immediately caused any perspiration to dry, Abai presented

himself to me in a completely different light

and through all my senses. If I now read the first lines

of the poem, ‘Summer climbs the mountains. Flowers

overcolour and blanch. Men leave the sun and sit,

tree-tented, by the cold creek.’, it immediately brings

me back to the Great Steppe,” enthuses Muttonen

about the poet’s rich use of language. “Abais’ detailed

descriptions of life give new insight into a culture that

is absolutely worth discovering!”

Abai and Goethe

Abai Qunanbaiuly, born in 1845 as the son of a bij,

a traditional tribal leader, was interested in the cultures

of Central Asia as well as Russian and Western literature

while still an adolescent, learned to speak Arabic,

Russian, Persian, Chagatai and other Eastern languages.

Pushkin, Goethe and Lord Byron greatly impressed

the young poet, later translating their works

into Kazakh. In Semey, then known as Semipalatinsk

and acting as a key military testing centre of the Russian

Empire much later and as an exile for the Russian

intelligentsia, the poet began working on his texts

more seriously. His poems, philosophical observations

and countless translations quickly found respect. Already

during his lifetime, Abai enjoyed great fame in

Kazakhstan as well as among Russian intellectuals.

Mirror of the Kazakh soul

Abai’s importance for Kazakhstan cannot be overstated,

as Ardak Beisenbay, Dean of the Philology faculty

at the Eurasian National University Nur-Sultan,

points out: “Abai formed a new wave, a new spirit of

Kazakh literature. He developed his own avenue in

poetry, skilfully combining multicultural layers in his

works, and unifying them into one channel.” Equally

strong has been the poet’s socio-political influence.

The values of the Enlightenment, a rejection of vio-

Erhaltene originale Gedichtsammlung des

großen Poeten im Abai-Museum.

Preserved original collection of poems by the

great poet in the Abai Museum.

lence, criticism of autocracy and class arrogance, and

the connection between Kazakh and European culture,

are a common thread in Abai’s works. “The book

of words (Qara sözder), like his poetry, touches on

various issues in society,” Beisenbay continues. “There

is a deep philosophy in all of Abai‘s works.”

For Gulsum Massakova, professor of Kazakh literature

at Humboldt University of Berlin, Abai’s role

extends beyond that of a still-relevant moral authority.

“The works of Abai reflect feelings hidden deeply

within the soul of the Kazakh people: their pain, their

sorrow as well as their potential and strength. He encourages

people to master different arts. Abai presents

us with the way to become the best version of ourselves.”

Describing Abai Qunanbaiuly as the spiritual conscience

of Kazakhstan is therefore certainly not an exaggeration.

Accordingly, the planned festivities for the

poet, which will include marathon readings in the

Kazakh capital city Nur-Sultan as well as a performance

of the opera “Abai” at the UNESCO headquarters

in Paris, are planned to be correspondingly grand.

One milestone was the launch of the Abai Center in

cooperation with George Washington University in

Washington DC in spring 2020, which has created a

virtual space for studying and thinking about science,

art, literature and Kazakh culture in a Eurasian context.

Parts of the festivities, however, had to be postponed

to the year 2021 due to the coronavirus or are

being moved to the web. Still, Abai’s 175th birthday

presents many exciting opportunities to discover the

great poet of the Kazakh Steppe and his place in world

literature.

Abai in deutscher

Übersetzung

„Abai: Zwanzig Gedichte“

Nachgedichtet von Leonhard

Kossuth

Abai translated in German

“Abai: Zwanzig Gedichte“

Repealed by Leonhard Kossuth

Önel Verlag

oenel.de

Kasachische Perlen: Klang

der Großen Steppe

Seit 2015 führt die Botschaft

von Kasachstan in Österreich

unter dem Titel „Kasachische

Perlen“ eine Konzertreihe als

Brückenschlag zwischen den

Kulturen von Kasachstan und

Österreich durch, die dem

Publikum das reiche

musikalische Erbe Kasachstans

näher bringt. Über 40

Konzerte, mit Meisterwerken

der Volksmusik der Großen

Steppe sowie der Klassik,

fanden in Wien und in den

Bundesländern, unter anderem

im Wiener Musikverein oder

im MuTh, bereits statt. Zum

175. Geburtstag von Abai

Qunanbajuly ist „Kasachische

Perlen - Klang der Großen

Steppe“ 2020 dem berühmten

kasachischen Dichter

gewidmet.

Teilnahme auf Einladung der

Kasachischen Botschaft in

Österreich.

Kazakh Pearls: Sound of the

Great Steppe

Since 2015, the Embassy of

Kazakhstan in Austria has been

holding a series of concerts

entitled “Kazakh Pearls” as a

bridge between the cultures of

Kazakhstan and Austria,

bringing the audience closer to

Kazakhstan‘s rich musical

heritage. Over 40 concerts

with masterpieces of folk

music from the Great Steppe

and classical music have

already taken place in Vienna

and in the provinces, including

the Wiener Musikverein or the

MuTh. This year, on the occasion

of Abai Qunanbaiuly‘s 175th

birthday, “Kazakh Pearls -

Sound of the Great Steppe”

is dedicated to the famous

Kazakh poet.

Participation on invitation of

the Kazakh Embassy in Austria.



SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADORS OF MUSIC

Culture Talk Andrés Orozco-Estrada

Andrés Orozco-Estrada, neuer Chefdirigent der Wiener Symphoniker, im Cercle Diplomatique-Exklusivinterview über neue

Konzertformate, Sternstunden in der Musik und den speziellen Klang der Wiener Symphoniker.

Andrés Orozco-Estrada, the new Music Director of the Wiener Symphoniker, discusses in an exclusive interview with Cercle

Diplomatique new concert formats, highlights in music and the unique sound of the Wiener Symphoniker.

Interview: Rois & Stubenrauch

INFO

4

Ihr Antrittskonzert als Chefdirigent der Wiener Symphoniker

beginnt mit der Uraufführung eines zeitgenössischen

Werks von Carlijn Metselaar.

Mit der Eröffnungsmusik, einem Auftragswerk von uns, wollen

die Wiener Symphoniker und ich eine Tür öffnen für junge

Stimmen, die wirklich etwas zu sagen haben in der heutigen Zeit.

Zu hören ist ein Werk, bei dem die Musiker im Saal verteilt

spielen und ich Richtung Publikum dirigiere. Mit diesem

allerersten Stück möchte ich vermitteln: Ich will die Menschen

herzlich willkommen heißen und, musikalisch gesprochen,

umarmen.

Sie starten auch eine neue Konzertreihe.

Mit dieser sehr feinen Reihe, die wir „Hauskonzert“ nennen, lade

ich die Zuhörer ein, nahe am Orchester zu sitzen, die Musik zu

erleben, zu besprechen und sogar in speziellen Momenten

gemeinsam über die Interpretation zu entscheiden. Es geht mir

darum zu zeigen: Wie funktioniert ein Orchester, was passiert da

drinnen, wie kommt man am Ende zu einem künstlerischen Ziel.

Your inaugural concert as Music Director of the Wiener

Symphoniker begins with the premiere of a contemporary piece by

Carlijn Metselaar.

With the opening performance, a piece commissioned by us, the

Wiener Symphoniker and I want to give a platform to those young

voices that really have something to say about our world today. During

the performance, the musicians will be spread across the hall whereas I

will conduct facing in the direction of the audience. My intention with

this piece is to cordially welcome the audience and embrace it

musically.

You are also launching a new concert series.

With this excellent series that we are naming “Hauskonzert” I want to

invite listeners to sit close to the orchestra, experience the music,

discuss it, and, in some special moments, interpret it together. My goal

is to present the inner workings of an orchestra and to show how one

arrives at their artistic goal in the end.

Antrittskonzert

Andrés Orozco-Estrada

Inaugural concert

Andrés Orozco-Estrada

Metselaar, Korngold, Schreker,

Strauss

10.10.2020, Wiener Konzerthaus

Hauskonzert: Feuer

House concert: Fire

Orozco-Estrada / Haydn

11.10.2020, Wiener Konzerthaus

PERSONAL DETAILS

PHOTOS: MARTIN SIGMUND; WERNER KMETITSCH; ANDREAS BALON

Bei der Saisonpräsentation haben Sie gemeint: „Jedes

Konzert muss eine Sternstunde sein.“

Ja, jedes Konzert soll eine Sternstunde sein! Eine Sternstunde

bedeutet, dass emotional bei jeder Note etwas entsteht, was

jeden Musiker und jeden Zuhörer bewegt, mit großer Intensität

und gleichzeitig mit einer absoluten Ehrlichkeit. Das ist ein hohes

und anspruchsvolles Ziel. Aber hohe Ziele bewegen die

Menschheit in eine höhere Liga.

Wie würden Sie den Klang der Wiener Symphoniker

charakterisieren?

Die eine Seite ist der typische Wiener Klang mit seiner großen

Tradition und seinen speziellen Instrumenten. Dieser Klang hat

viel mit den Leuten, die da sitzen, mit diesem Wienerisch-Sein zu

tun. Ich bin ja selber kein gebürtiger Wiener und einige

Kolleginnen und Kollegen im Orchester auch nicht. Aber wir alle

haben uns entschieden, in dieser Stadt zu leben, Teil dieses

Denkens zu werden. Und das zeigt sich in der Musik, im Klang.

Auf der anderen Seite fange ich aber erst an als Chefdirigent der

Wiener Symphoniker, und natürlich wollen wir gemeinsam an

unserem Klang arbeiten, ihn auf der Basis dieser wunderschönen

Tradition entdecken und weiterentwickeln. Der Klang der

Symphoniker ist also auch etwas, das erst entsteht.

Chefdirigent der Wiener Symphoniker – war das ein Traum

von Ihnen, als Sie von Kolumbien nach Wien kamen?

Als ich mit 19 nach Wien kam, war mein größter Traum, überhaupt in

Wien zu sein und auf der Musikuniversität einen Platz zu bekommen

als Dirigierstudent. Später haben sich dann neue Ziele eröffnet. Und

darunter war tatsächlich, irgendwann wieder nach Wien zu kommen,

mit einer eigenen Reife, musikalisch und menschlich, in einer

Position, in der ich viel zurückgeben kann. Daher ist es für mich

definitiv ein Traum, den ich jetzt lebe, eine Art Höhepunkt meines

Lebens, gemeinsam mit diesem großartigen Klangkörper, den Wiener

Symphonikern, eine neue Ära zu beginnen. Ich freu mich drauf.

At the season presentation, you said that “every concert must be

a highlight”.

Yes, every concert should be a highlight in its own right! A highlight

means that every note generates an emotional response in the musician

and in the audience, with an equal level of intensity and honesty. This is

a high and challenging goal. But high goals move humanity forward.

How would you characterise the sound of the Wiener Symphoniker?

On the one hand, there is the very typical Viennese sound with its great

tradition and its unique instruments. This sound has a lot to do with the

people working here, with being Viennese. I am not a native Viennese,

and neither are several of my colleagues in the orchestra. But we have

all made the decision to live in this city, to become part of this way of

life. And this can be heard in the music and in the sound. On the other

hand, I am just getting started as the Music Director of the Wiener

Symphoniker, and, of course, we still want to work on our sound

together, discover it on the basis of this wonderful tradition and

develop it further. The unique sound of an orchestra is something that

emerges over time.

Music Director of the Wiener Symphoniker – was this a dream of

yours when you came from Colombia to Vienna?

When I came to Vienna at the age of 19, my biggest dream was just to

be in Vienna and to attend the University of Music and Performing Arts

as a student conductor. As time went on, new goals presented

themselves. And among them was indeed to return to Vienna one day,

with a certain maturity, both musically and personally, and to be in a

position from which I could give back. In that sense, I am certainly living

a dream, a kind of highlight of my life, to join this brilliant orchestra, the

Wiener Symphoniker, at the beginning of a new era. I am really looking

forward to it.

Klangkörper Wiener

Symphoniker.

The Wiener Symphoniker as

body of sound.

Andrés Orozco-Estrada dirigiert zahlreiche führende Orchester Europas und Amerikas

und leitete gefeierte Konzerte und Opernaufführungen bei Festivals wie u. a. beim

Glyndebourne Festival und bei den Salzburger Festspielen. Er ist Chefdirigent des

hr-Sinfonieorchesters Frankfurt und Music Director beim Houston Symphony Orchestra.

Mit der Saison 20/21 übernimmt Andrés Orozco-Estrada die Position des Chefdirigenten

der Wiener Symphoniker.

Andrés Orozco-Estrada conducts countless orchestras in Europe and America and

has led celebrated concerts and opera performances at festivals such as the

Glyndebourne Festival and the Salzburg Festival. He is the Music Director of the

hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt, as well as of the Houston Symphony Orchestra.

Beginning with Season 20/21, Andrés Orozco-Estrada is assuming the position of

Music Director of the Wiener Symphoniker.

wienersymphoniker.at



121

SAVOIR VIVRE NEW CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES

Forschung & Museum | Research at the museum

Naturhistorisches Museum Wien | Natural History Museum Vienna

Text & Interview: Rois & Stubenrauch

INFO

KATRIN VOHLAND

Die aus Hamburg stammende, promovierte Biologin

leitete zuletzt den Forschungsbereich „Museum und

Gesellschaft“ am Museum für Naturkunde Berlin. Seit Juni

2020 ist Katrin Vohland Generaldirektorin des

Naturhistorischen Museums Wien.

Vision Dialogue.

Katrin Vohland, neue Generaldirektorin

des Naturhistorischen Museums

Wien, sieht die Stärke des Hauses in

der interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit

und setzt auf Biodiversitätsforschung.

Katrin Vohland, the new Director General

of the Natural History Museum Vienna,

considers interdisciplinary collaboration

the institution’s greatest strength and wants

to focus on biodiversity research.

Das Naturhistorische Museum Wien ist auch eine der

größten außeruniversitären Forschungseinrichtungen

Österreichs – ein Aspekt, den Sie dem Publikum stärker

vermitteln möchten.

Gemeinsam mit den Wissenschaftlerinnen und

Wissenschaftlern im Hause möchte ich die Forschungsprozesse

in den verschiedenen Ausstellungen

der Schausäle sichtbarer machen. Fragen wie

„Welche Schlüsse kann man aus den Objekten ziehen,

aus ihren Fundorten, ihrer Materialität, ihren

Beziehungen zueinander?“, sollen stärker beleuchtet

werden. Das Museum hat ja eine bedeutende Tradition

als Evolutionsmuseum. Ich möchte die Prozesse

hinter der Evolution sichtbarer machen, die Entstehung

von Diversität und Vielfalt, die Selektionsmechanismen,

den Einfluss des Menschen.

In welchen Feldern der Forschung ist das NHM Wien

führend?

Eine Besonderheit des Hauses ist, dass sowohl Natur-,

Sozial- und Geisteswissenschaften zusammenarbeiten.

Entsprechend kann das NHM Wien in den

Bereichen federführend wirken, wo diese Interdisziplinarität

zum Tragen kommt. Ein Beispiel sind die

Arbeiten der Prähistorie in Hallstatt: Das Zusammenarbeiten

von Paläobotanikern, die Pollen und

Getreidekerne analysieren können, der Archäologinnen,

die in den bronzezeitlichen Bergwerken Ausgrabungen

leiten, und der Geologen, die die Tektonik

beforschen, führt zu bahnbrechenden Einsichten.

PHOTOS: NHM WIEN, C. RITT / K. KRACHER; NHM WIEN; INSEQ

Eines der ersten Projekte unter Ihrer Ägide ist die

Einrichtung des „Deck 50“, eines neuen Ortes für

Wissenschaftskommunikation.

Das Deck 50 ist ein Raum, wo wir anhand ausgewählter

Objekte mit Hilfe digitaler Formate wissenschaftsbasiert

aktuelle Fragen behandeln. Das Besondere

ist, dass Meinungen und Einschätzungen

der Öffentlichkeit an die Wissenschaftlerinnen und

Wissenschaftler zurückgespielt werden. Hier werden

wir viel experimentieren.

Das virtuelle Museum wird als Ergänzung zum herkömmlichen

Museumsbetrieb immer wichtiger.

Mir ist die Verbindung zwischen digitalen Angeboten

und den Objekten selbst wichtig. Menschen

sollen verstärkt digitale Angebote nutzen können,

um sich auf ihren Besuch im NHM Wien vorzubereiten

oder während und im Nachgang des Besuches

zu spannenden Objekten vertiefende Geschichten

erleben zu können. Eine weitere wichtige Zielgruppe

ist die Wissenschaft selbst. Unter dem Schlagwort

„Open Science“ wollen wir Informationen über unsere

wissenschaftlichen Sammlungen besser zugänglich

machen.

Werden Sie auch in Ihrem eigenen Fachgebiet, der

Biodiversität, Schwerpunkte setzen?

Das Museum mit seiner großen Expertise in rezenten

und historischen Mensch-Natur Beziehungen

wird wichtige Beiträge für den Bereich der

Nachhaltigkeit leisten. Es gibt bereits viel Expertise

im Bereich der Biodiversitätsforschung – also der

Vielfalt der Tiere und Pflanzen, ihrer Verbreitung,

ihrer Bedeutung in Ökosystemen für Nahrungsmittelsicherheit,

Klimaschutz oder das Wohlbefinden

von Menschen generell.

The Natural History Museum Vienna is one of the largest

non-university research institutes in Austria – a fact that you

wish to communicate more strongly to visitors.

Together with the museum’s scientists, I want to

render visible the research processes that underlie

the various exhibitions in the showrooms. Questions

such as what conclusions can be drawn from an object,

from its finding place, its material composition,

its relationship with other objects, should receive

more attention. The museum is continuing its tradition

as a museum about evolution. I want to make

evolutionary processes, the emergence of diversity

and variety, selection mechanisms, and its influence

on people visible.

In which research areas does the Natural History Museum

Vienna lead the way?

One of the things that make the museum special

is the collaboration between natural and social scientists,

as well as humanities scholars. Accordingly, the

Natural History Museum Vienna leads in those areas

where this level of interdisciplinary engagement comes

into effect. One example is the prehistoric works

in Hallstatt: The collaboration between palaeobotanists,

who analyse pollen and grain kernels, archaeologists,

who conduct excavations in Bronze Age mines,

and geologists, who study tectonics, is leading to

ground-breaking insights.

One of the first projects under your leadership is the

establishment of the “Deck 50”, a new place for science

communication.

Deck 50 is a room where we – based on selected

objects – use digital formats to address current scientific

questions. The unique thing about it is that opinions

and assessments from the public are played

back to the scientists. We will experiment a lot here.

The virtual museum is becoming increasingly important as a

supplement to conventional museum operations.

For me, the connection between digital offers

and the objects themselves is important. People

should be able to make greater use of digital offers in

preparation for their visit to the Natural History

Museum Vienna or to experience in-depth stories

during and after seeing the exciting objects in person.

Another important target group is science

itself. Under the keyword “Open Science“, we want

to make information about our scientific collections

more accessible.

Will you also set priorities in your own area of expertise,

biodiversity?

The museum, with its great expertise when it comes

to the recent as well as historical relationship

between man and nature, will make important contributions

to the field of sustainability. We already

have a great deal of expert knowledge in the field of

biodiversity research – i.e. the diversity of animals

and plants, their distribution, their importance for

food security in ecosystems, climate protection or

the well-being of people in general.

Aktuelle Sonderausstellung

im Naturhistorischen

Museum Wien

Current exhibitions

Ablaufdatum!

Wenn aus Lebensmittel Müll wird.

Best Before!

When Food Becomes Waste.

18.11.2020-16.05.2021

Deck 50 eröffnet Ende

November 2020.

Deck 50 launches at the end of

November 2020.

Online-Sammlung des NHM

Wien:

Online collection of the Natural

History Museum Vienna:

objekte.nhm-wien.ac.at/home

Deck 50, neuer Ort für Wissenschaftskommunikation.

Deck 50, a new place for science

communication.

INFO:

NATURHISTORISCHES MUSEUM

WIEN

1010 Wien, Burgring 7

Eingang / Entrance:

Maria-Theresien-Platz

nhm-wien.ac.at

The Hamburg-born biologist with a doctorate in biology

most recently headed the research area “Museum and

Society“ at the Museum of Natural History in Berlin.

Katrin Vohland has been Director General of the Natural

History Museum Vienna since June 2020.

Forschungsfelder des NHM:

Bronzezeitliche Textilien und

Meteoritenimpakte. Illustration

von Ferdinand Bauer.

Research fields of the NHM: Bronze

Age textiles and meteorite impacts.

Illustration by Ferdinand Bauer.



SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS

Kultur-Highlights Herbst 2020

Cultural highlights Autumn 2020

Text: Evelyn Rois

Art Brut reduziert

und expressiv |

Art Brut reduced

and expressive

Der vielleicht poetischste unter den Art Brut-Künstlern aus Gugging wird anlässlich seines 100. Geburtstages mit einer umfassende

Schau bedacht: „oswald tschirtner.! das ganze beruht auf gleichgewicht“ zeigt im Museum Gugging bis 10.01.2021 die minimalistischen

und fragilen, manchmal auch witzigen Zeichnungen und Arbeiten dieses großen Stillen. In der Galerie Gugging ist vom

17.09.–08.11.2020 die Ausstellung „ladies – brut“ zu sehen.

The perhaps most poetic among the Art Brut artists from Gugging will, on the occasion of his 100th birthday, be honoured with

an extensive new exhibition. “oswald tschirtner.! it’s all about balance” will present the minimalist, fragile and sometimes even

funny sketches and works by the great artist at the Museum Gugging until 10.01.2021. The Galerie Gugging, on the other hand,

will host the exhibition “ladies – brut” from 17.09.–08.11.2020.

museumgugging.at

galeriegugging.com

Haydn, Jazz & Balkanblues

Warhol by Andy Warhol

Die Pop-Art-Ikone als genialer Kurator und Ausstellungskünstler? Das MUMOK wagt mit

dem Fokus auf die Ausstellungspraxis Andy Warhols einen ungewohnten und sehr

spannenden Zugang. „ANDY WARHOL EXHIBITS a glittering alternative“ beleuchtet vom

26.09.2020–31.01.2021 mit bisher kaum gezeigten Arbeiten einen von der Öffentlichkeit

wenig wahrgenommenen Aspekt dieser für die zweite Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts so

wichtigen Künstlerpersönlichkeit.

The pop art icon as a genius curator and exhibition artist? With a focus on Andy

Warhol’s exhibition practice, the MUMOK is taking an unusual yet exciting new

approach. “ANDY WARHOL EXHIBITS a glittering alternative” will, from 26.09.2020

until 31.01.2021, illuminate a little-known side of the celebrated artist – whose work has

been so important in the second half of the 20th century – using hitherto rarely seen

works.

mumok.at


Andy Warhol, Cow

Wallpaper, 1966.

PHOTOS: PHOTOS: THE ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM, PITTSBURGH / BILDRECHT WIEN, 2020; PRIVATSTIFTUNG KÜNSTLER AUS GUGGING; A. BAKAS;

PRIVATLEIHGABE; SAMMLUNG DER STADT TULLN (2); N. HOROWITZ; M. BORGGREVE

Mit neuem Schwung |

New momentum

Zehn Premieren stehen in der

Spielzeit 20/21 am Spielplan der

Wiener Staatsoper! Der neue

Direktor Bogdan Roščić bringt viel

neue Energie ins Haus am Ring. Den

Auftakt macht am 07.09.2020

Giacomo Puccinis „Madama

Butterfly“, Superstar Asmik

Grigorian gibt die Titelrolle und ihr

Hausdebüt. Weitere Premieren

folgen im Oktober mit Mozarts „Die

Entführung aus dem Serail“ und

„Eugen Onegin“ von Pjotr Iljitsch

Tschaikowski.

Ten premieres are slated for the

20/21 season at the Vienna State

Opera! The new director Bogdan

Roščić is bringing plenty of new

energy to the building on the

Ringstrasse boulevard. Giacomo

Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” will

open the show on 07.09.2020 with

superstar Asmik Grigorian in the

title role and marking the debut at

the Vienna State Opera. Additional

premieres are set to follow in

October, including Mozart’s “The

Abduction from the Seraglio” and

“Eugene Onegin” by Pyotr Ilyich

Tchaikovsky.

wiener-staatsoper.at

Schieles Anfänge als Künstler

in Niederösterreich.

Schiele‘s beginnings as an

artist in Lower Austria.

Unterwegs zum Genie | The journey of a genius

Das Egon Schiele Museum Tulln präsentiert eine wenig bekannte Seite des in Tulln

aufgewachsenen Künstlers: Die aufschlussreichen Arbeiten Schieles aus den Jahren

1906–1909 zeigen den noch jugendlichen Studenten an der Akademie der bildenden

Künste vor seinem Durchbruch als international anerkannter Künstler auf der Suche

nach dem eigenen Stil. „Egon Schiele. Das Werden eines Genies“ läuft noch bis

29.11.2020.

The Egon Schiele Museum in Tulln presents a lesser-known side of the Tulln-native

artist: Schiele’s insightful works from the years 1906–1909 show the still adolescent

student at the Academy of Fine Arts while he still tried to find his own style prior to

his breakthrough as an internationally recognised artist. “Egon Schiele. The

Becoming of a Genius” is still on until 29.11.2020.

schielemuseum.at

Selina Ott, Roman Rabinovich, Fazil

Say ... – Intendant Nicolas Altstaedt

hat wieder spannende Namen nach

Eisenstadt eingeladen, die vom

09.–20.09. 2020 ein vielschichtiges

Programm rund um „Hausherrn“

Joseph Haydn und Jahresregent

Ludwig van Beethoven darbieten.

Jazz, Balkan- und Romamusik und

das Kulinarikfestival Pan O’Gusto

runden den exquisiten Spielplan

des Herbstgold-Festivals auf

Schloss Esterházy ab.

Selina Ott, Roman Rabinovich, Fazil

Say… – Conductor Nicolas Altstaedt

has once again called on exciting

names to come to Eisenstadt, where,

from 09.–20.09.2020, they will be

part of a diverse programme themed

around Joseph Haydn and composer

of the year Ludwig van Beethoven.

Jazz, Balkan and Roma music and

the Pan O’Gusto culinary festival

round off the exquisite programme

of the Herbstgold Festival held at

Esterházy Palace.

herbstgold.at

Selina

Ott

Nicolas

Altstaedt

SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS

Jevgēnijs

Čepoveckis

Beethoven im Spiegel der Kunst |

Beethoven reflected

Straight Voice

(Sudan), Hong Kong

Unrest, Awakening

(Poland), Black Drag

Magic (South

Africa).

Das Gesicht unserer Welt | The face of the world

Konflikte, Krisenherde, Glücksmomente – „Worldpress Photo 20“ zeigt die bewegendsten Momente

des vergangenen Jahres, die mit der Kamera festgehalten wurden. Vom 11.09.–25.10.2020 macht die

von der World Press Photo Foundation organisierte Schau Station in Wien

im Westlicht.

Conflicts, trouble spots and moments of happiness – “Worldpress Photo 20” presents last year’s most

moving moments captured by camera. The exhibition organised by the World Press Photo Foundation

will be stationed at Vienna’s WestLicht museum from 11.09. until 25.10.2020.

westlicht.com

Karin Bonelli

Markus Schirmer

Dorottya Standi

Festival mit Verve | Festival with verve

In den vergangenen Jahren hat sich das von Pianist Markus

Schirmer geleitete, internationale Musikfest Arsonore einen

hervorragenden Ruf als besonders innovatives Festival

erarbeitet. Von unbekannten Schätzen weltberühmter

Komponisten bis hin zu Texten von Karl Valentin und Christine

Nöstlinger reicht das mutige Spektrum diesen Herbst.

09.–13.09.2020 im Schloss Eggenberg und der Oper Graz.

Over the past few years, the Arsonore international music

festival, led by pianist Markus Schirmer, has earned itself

an excellent reputation as a particularly innovative

festival. This autumn’s daring programme ranges from

little-known treasures by world-renowned composers to

texts by Karl Valentin and Christine Nöstlinger.

09.–13.09.2020 at Schloss Eggenberg and the Graz Opera.

arsonore.at

PHOTOS: Y. CHIBA, N. ASFOURI / AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE; T. KACZOR / GAZETA WYBORCZA; L.-A. OLWAGE; CH. JUNGWIRTH (2); A. GRILC; F. FORTIN; KHM-MUSEUMSVERBAND; STIFT KLOSTERNEUBURG

Das Kunsthistorische Museum Wien zeigt anlässlich des 250. Geburts-tages

Ludwig van Beethovens vom 29.09.2020–24.01.2021 die über das Haus

verteilte Ausstellung „Beethoven bewegt“. Die spannenden Reflexionen

ausgewählter Kunstschaffender über das Musikgenie reichen von

Zeitgenossen Beethovens wie William Turner und Francisco de Goya bis in

die Gegenwartskunst mit Rebecca Horn oder John Baldessari.

On the occasion of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday, the

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien presents the exhibition “Beethoven

Moves”, spread across the entire building, from 29.09.2020 to 24.01.2021.

The exciting reflections on the musical genius by various artists reach from

Beethoven’s own contemporaries like William Turner and Francisco de Goya

to Rebecca Horn or John Baldessari all the way to contemporary art.

khm.at

John Baldessari, Beethoven’s Trumpet Opus # 133, 2007

Höhepunkt mittelalterlicher Goldschmiedekunst

| Pinnacle of medieval goldsmith art

Vor 850 Jahren begann Nicolaus von Verdun mit der Arbeit an 51

Emailtafeln mit Darstellungen der biblischen Geschichte, die ursprünglich

als Schmuck der Kanzel der Stiftskirche geschaffen und 1330, nach dem

großen Brand im Stift Klosterneuburg, zum Verduner Altar zusammengestellt

wurden. Dieser absolute Höhepunkt der mittelalterlichen Goldschmiedekunst

in Europa ist jederzeit einen Ausflug nach Klosterneuburg

wert.

850 years ago, Nicolaus von Verdun began work on 51 enamel panels

with depictions of biblical stories, originally created as decoration for

the pulpit of the collegiate church and later reconstructed into the

Verdun Altar in 1330 following the great fire at the Klosterneuburg

Monastery. This absolute pinnacle of European medieval goldsmith art

is always worth a trip to Klosterneuburg.

stift-klosterneuburg.at

Rudolf Jettmar

(1869 – 1939)

Ein Symbolist an der Wiener Akademie

16. Oktober 2020 bis 24. Jänner 2021

Kupferstichkabinett der Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien

zu Gast im Theatermuseum

Lobkowitzplatz 2, 1010 Wien, www.kupferstichkabinett.at

SPECIAL

EFFECTS

Die interaktive Ausstellung

für Filmfans.

Verlängert bis 29. November!

www.technischesmuseum.at

WIEN NORD

Eine Ausstellung

konzipiert von

in Koproduktion mit

Partner des

Technischen Museums Wien


SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE

Freundlicher Herbst 2020

A welcoming autumn 2020

Text: Michaela Hocek

Zeit für Entspannung |

Time to relax

Wenn man im Herbst wieder mehr Zeit in Innenräumen verbringt steigt die Sehnsucht nach olfaktorischen Erlebnissen in den eigenen

vier Wänden. Die Duftkerze „Mûre Sauvage“ von L’Artisan Parfumeur stillt diesen Wunsch mit Amber-Noten.

When you spend more time indoors again in autumn, the longing for olfactory experiences in your own four walls increases. The “Mûre

Sauvage” scented candle by L’Artisan Parfumeur satisfies this wish with notes of amber.

artisanparfumeur.com

Duft für die Nacht |

Scent for the night

Blau machen | Time to go blue

Ein Stück Sommer rettet man sich mit der „Big

Bang Unico Sky Blue“ von Hublot am Handgelenk

in den Herbst hinein. Das 45-mm-Gehäuse, die

patentierte Farbkeramik und das ikonische Design

verströmen Schweizer Luxusuhrmacherkunst.

You can extend summer a while longer with the

Hublot “Big Bang Unico Sky Blue” on your wrist.

The 45 mm case, the patented coloured ceramic

and the iconic design exude Swiss luxury

watchmaking. hublot.com

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

Urbaner Look |

Urban look

Die neue „First“-Kollektion

HW20 von Bogner setzt auf

Casual Comfort. Gesteppte

Leichtdaunenjacken und

Chino-Hosen ermöglichen

den bequemen Auftritt mit Stil.

The new "First" collection

HW20 by Bogner relies on

casual comfort. Quilted

lightweight down jackets and

chinos enable a comfortable

appearance with style.

bogner.com

Mit „Coco Mademoiselle L’Eau Privée“ hat Olivier

Polge für Chanel einen Duft geschaffen, der vor dem

Schlafengehen auf Haut und Haar oder Negligé

gesprüht wird.

With “Coco Mademoiselle L’Eau Privée”, Olivier

Polge has created a fragrance for Chanel that is

sprayed onto skin and hair or negligee before going

to bed. chanel.com

Traditionelle Muster | Traditional patterns

Das markentypische Argyle tritt bei Burlington mit der „Back to the

Roots“-Kollektion wieder in den Vordergrund. Britische Attribute zeigen

sich in Gestalt von Dackeln und floralen Motiven.

The typical Argyle pattern comes to the fore again at Burlington with

the “Back to the Roots” collection. British elements show up in the

shape of dachshunds and floral motifs.

burlington.de

Innovation für Tabakfans |

Innovation for fans of tobacco

Philip Morris erfindet mit „IQOS“ den Tabakgenuss

neu. Das zeigefingerlange Gerät erhitzt den

Tabak im Stick auf 350 °C statt wie bei Zigaretten

auf 600 °C. So entsteht keine Asche, kein

Zigarettenrauchgeruch und es fallen bis zu 95%

weniger Schadstoffe an.

Philip Morris is reinventing tobacco enjoyment

with "IQOS". The device, which is the length of

your index finger, heats the tobacco in the stick to

350 °C instead of 600 °C, as is the case with

cigarettes. This means that there is no ash, no

smell of cigarette smoke and up to 95% fewer

pollutants are produced. at.iqos.com

Faszination Farbedelstein | The

fascination of coloured gemstones

„Sophisticated Pink“ ist einer der Trends, den

Edelsteinexpertin Tamara Comolli für den Herbst

umsetzt. Lilafarbene Untertöne, sattes Purpur und

zartes Roségold von Turmalin, Saphir und Amethyst

verströmen Glamour.

“Sophisticated Pink” is one of the trends that

gemstone expert Tamara Comolli is implementing for

autumn. Lilac undertones, rich purple and delicate

rose gold of tourmaline, sapphire and amethyst

exude glamour.

tamaracomolli.com

Modisches Geheimnis | Fashion secret

„BestSecret“ wurde 1924 als Großhandel gegründet. Heute steht die exklusive Shopping-Community

für Designermode von mehr als 3.000 internationalen Labels zu unglaublichen Preisen.

"BestSecret" was founded in 1924 as a wholesaler. Today the exclusive shopping community stands

for designer fashion from more than 3,000 international labels at unbelievable prices.

bestsecret.at



SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADOR'S DRIVE

Auf der Straße: Audi e-tron. Am Steuer: S.E. Olexander Scherba.

On the road: Audi e-tron. Behind the wheel: H.E. Olexander Scherba.

Interview: Stephan Burianek

Der Botschafter der Ukraine auf CD-Testfahrt. The Ambassador of Ukraine performs a test drive for CD.

Wir starten unsere kleine Tour am Wasserschloss

– so nannten die Wiener einst jenes

repräsentative Gebäude im 18. Wiener

Gemeindebezirk, in dem seit 1995 die

Ukrainische Botschaft residiert. Es soll, so erklärt

Hausherr Olexander Scherba, früher einem findigen

Milchproduzenten gehört haben, der sein Produkt

offensichtlich mit Wasser streckte, daher der Name.

Für die Testfahrt mit dem neuen Audi e-tron

wählt der ukrainische Botschafter jene Strecke, die er

am besten kennt: zur Mariahilfer Straße, wo er

wohnt, und wieder retour. Üblicherweise fährt er

diese Route täglich mit einer BMW-Limousine, deren

genaue Typenbezeichnung er nicht kennt. „Für

mich muss ein Auto in erster Linie bequem sein und

eine gute Stereoanlage haben“, und das sei bei seinem

Dienstwagen eben der Fall. Das gewitzte Design des

Audi-SUV-Coupés macht beim Botschafter dennoch

sofort Eindruck. Ausgesprochen cool wirken nicht

zuletzt jene Kameras, die im e-tron die Seitenrückspiegel

ersetzen und mit ihrem geringeren Luftwiderstand

den Energieverbrauch verringern.

In dem ruhigen Elektroauto mit der cockpitartigen

Konsole schweben wir in Folge gleichsam durch

die Straßen der Stadt. Scherba, der fließend Deutsch

spricht und bereits seit November 2014 Botschafter

in Wien ist, sieht seine Aufgabe vor allem darin, die

Ukraine „zu erklären“, was nicht immer einfach ist:

„Die Ukraine hat viele Probleme, aber ich hebe stets

hervor, dass die Ukraine die Freiheit und die Annäherung

an die EU gewählt hat und jetzt von Russland

dafür bestraft wird. Der Kriegszustand hat viel zerstört,

auch die guten Dinge, die Russland und die

Ukraine früher verbunden haben.“ Als russisch

sprechender Ukrainer schmerzen Scherba die Verwerfungen

ganz besonders. Das Bedürfnis zu vermitteln

scheint dem besonnen wirkenden Botschafter

angeboren zu sein.

Wir nähern uns seiner Wohnung. In einem belebten

inneren Bezirk wohnt Scherba wegen seiner

Frau. Allzu oft hat das Paar bereits im Grünen gewohnt

– in Bonn, in Berlin und in Washington D. C.

– danach sehnte sich die Gattin endlich nach urbanem

Flair. Trotzdem geht es in der Freizeit häufig

raus aus der Stadt, denn die beiden entdecken gerne

Österreich und machen dabei tausende Fotos. Zuletzt

ging es zur Burgruine Aggstein in der Wachau.

In der Ukraine begegne man Österreich mit ei-

PHOTOS:ADRIAN ALMASAN



131

SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADOR'S DRIVE

Botschafter Oleksander Scherba vor

der ukrainischen Botschaft.

Ambassador Oleksander Scherba in

front of the Ukranian Embassy.

nem warmen, familiären Gefühl, so der Botschafter:

„In der Westukraine nennt man Österreich ‚Babtsja

Austria – Oma Österreich‘“. Das hat wohl mit der gemeinsamen

Geschichte zu tun, immerhin war die

Region Galizien früher Teil der Habsburgermonarchie.

Selbst die Balltradition wird in der Ukraine gepflegt

– Ehrensache, dass auch in Wien jährlich ein

Ukrainischer Ball ausgetragen wird, der in diesem

Jahr im Palais Ferstel stattfand.

Zurück beim Wasserschloss, zeigt Scherba ein

ehrliches Interesse an dem Audi. Dabei vergaßen wir

ganz, die Stereoanlage zu testen.

We’re beginning our little tour at the Wasserschloss

– that is what the Viennese used to

call the impressive building in Vienna’s 18th

district, where the Ukrainian Embassy has been located

since 1995. They say that it used to belong to a particularly

inventive milk producer, explains host Olexander

Scherba, who would dilute his product with water –

hence the name.

For the test drive with the new Audi e-tron, the Ukrainian

Ambassador selects the route he knows best: Mariahilfer

Strasse, where he lives, and back again. He usually

travels the route in his BMW limousine, whose

exact model name he doesn’t know. “For me, a good car

must first and foremost be comfortable and have a good

sound system,” which, when it comes to his service car,

just so happens to be the case. Still, the clever design of

the Audi SUV coupé immediately makes an impression

on the ambassador. Especially striking are the cameras

that replace the side-view mirrors on the e-tron and reduce

energy consumption thanks to their low air resistance.

Sitting in the quiet electric car with the cockpit-like

console, it feels like we’re gliding across the city streets.

Scherba, who speaks fluent German and has already

been ambassador in Vienna since November 2014, sees

his task primarily in “explaining” Ukraine, which isn’t

always easy: “Ukraine has a lot of problems, but I always

emphasise that Ukraine has chosen freedom and approximation

to the EU and is now being punished for it

by Russia. The war has destroyed many things, including

many good things that linked Russia and Ukraine

in the past.” As a Russian-speaking Ukrainian, the recent

turmoil has hit Scherba especially hard.

The level-headed Ambassador seems to have been born

with a desire to mediate.

PHOTOS: ADRIAN ALMASAN

Oben: Georg Endl, Audi-Markenleiter

bei Porsche Donaustadt, mit CD-Herausgeber

Alexander Bursky, Botschafter

Scherba sowie CD-Autor Stephan

Burianek (v.l.n.r.).

Top: Georg Endl, Brand Manager for

Audi at Porsche Donaustadt, CD's editor

Alexander Bursky, Ambassador Scherba

as well as CD's author Stephan Burianek

(from left to right).

Audi e-tron Sportback 50 quattro

Zwei E-Maschinen treiben den Audi e-tron kraftvoll an. In 5,7 Sekunden beschleunigt der e-tron

aus dem Stand auf 100 km/h. Die Anfahrperformance ist vergleichbar mit einem Sportwagen.

Für optimale Traktion und Dynamik sorgt der elektrische Allradantrieb. Dadurch ist der Audi

e-tron nicht nur alltagstauglich, sondern auch sehr wendig und agil auf allen Straßen unterwegs.

Auf Wunsch kommen die im Test erwähnten virtuellen Außenspiegel zum Einsatz.

The Audi e-tron is powered by two electric engines. The e-tron 55 quattro accelerates from zero to

100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The starting performance is comparable to that of a sports car. Optimal

traction and dynamic are provided by a new generation of the quattro drive: the electric all-wheel

drive. This makes the Audio e-tron not only fit for everyday use, but also very nimble and agile on

all road types. The virtual exterior mirrors mentioned in the test can be fitted on request.

Technische Daten Technical data

kW (PS) kw (HP)

Höchstgeschwindigkeit (km/h) 190

Top speed (km/h)

Beschleunigung 0-100 km/h (sek.) 6,8

| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (in seconds)

Kraftstoffart | Fuel type

Preis Price

290 kW / 394 PS l 290 kW / 394 HP

Elektro l Electric

ab | from € 72.990,- (inkl. | incl. 20% Mwst./ VAT)

Sondermodell „Business“ ab € 62.130,–

Leben statt Wohnen.

Vital und fit im Alter.

We are getting closer to his apartment. Scherba lives in

a livelier inner district because of his wife. In the past,

the couple preferred living in greener areas – in Bonn,

Berlin and Washington D.C. – but then his wife longed

for something a little more urban. Nevertheless, the two

still like to leave their city in their free time, for they

both enjoy exploring Austria and taking thousands of

photos while doing so. Most recently, it took them to

the Aggstein Castle ruins in the Wachau Valley.

In Ukraine, people harbour warm and familiar feelings

towards Austria, says the Ambassador. “In Western Ukraine,

Austria is referred to as ‘Babtsja Austria – Grandma

Austria’”. This may have something to do with the

two country’s shared history; after all, the Galicia region

used to be part of the Habsburg Monarchy. Even the

ball tradition is still practised in Ukraine – a matter of

honour, then, that a Ukrainian Ball is also held in Vienna

every year, this time at the Palais Ferstel.

Back at the Wasserschloss, Scherba expresses sincere

interest in the Audi, despite the fact that, all this time, we

had completely forgotten to test the sound system.


INFO:

porschedonaustadt.at

audi.at

Audi e-tron mit S line-Interieur.

Audi e-tron with S line-interior.

Die VITALITY Residenzen stehen für Eigenständigkeit, Geborgenheit und Sicherheit.

Genießen Sie ein aktives und selbstbestimmtes Leben mit vielen Serviceleistungen und

Aktivitäten in der VITALITY Residenz Am Kurpark Wien. Überzeugen Sie sich selbst und

vereinbaren Sie einen Besichtigungstermin.

wien.vitalityresidenz.at

SAVOIR VIVRE MOTOR

Mit Stil und Luxus in den Herbst

With style and luxury into the autumn

Text: Rois & Stubenrauch

Ferrari Roma: La Dolce Vita Veloce

Was für ein wunderschönes Auto! Der Ferrari Roma evoziert das leichte Lebensgefühl im Rom der 50er und 60er Jahre, und tatsächlich kann man sich den

jungen Marcello Mastroianni lebhaft am Steuer des edlen Sportwagens vorstellen. Das Design des Ferrari Roma ist definitiv ein Statement: scharfe

Linienführung, Haifischschnauze, reduzierte Eleganz durch und durch. 3,4 Sekunden benötigt der V8 mit seinen 620 PS auf 100 km/h, dabei wird man von

den Fliehkräften in die ergonomischen Lederschalensitze des zweigeteilten Cockpits gedrückt. Für die Fahrt nach Hause von der Party lässt sich der Roma

dann sogar in einen Viersitzer verwandeln.

What a gorgeous car! The Ferrari Roma evokes the easy-going joie de vivre of Rome in Motor Engine

V8 Biturbo Benziner | V8 biturbo petrol

the 50s and 60s – one can indeed imagine a young and vibrant Marcello Mastroianni Antrieb Drive

Hinterradantrieb | Rear-wheel drive

behind the wheel of this fine sports car. The design of the Ferrari Roma is a statement in kW (PS) kw (HP) 456 (620)

and of itself: sharp lines, shark nose, pure elegance throughout. With its 620 HP, the V8 Hubraum Engine displacement

3.855 ccm

only needs 3.5 seconds to get from zero to 100 while the centrifugal force pushes you Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 10,3 l/100km

into your ergonomic leather seat in the two-part cockpit. And for the ride home after the Preis | Price ab | from: € 252.832,72

party, the Roma even converts into a four-seater.

Bentley Bentayga: Luxus der nächsten Dimension | Luxury

from another dimension

Motor Engine

R6 Benziner mit elektrischem Zusatzverdichter, V8 Benziner | R6 petrol with electric auxiliary compressor, V8 petrol

Antrieb Drive

Hinterradantrieb, Allrad 4Matic | Rear-wheel drive, 4Matic all-wheel drive

kW (PS) kw (HP) 270-470 (367-639)

Hubraum Capacity

2.999-3.982 ccm

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 13,3-9,6 l/100km

Preis Price ab | from € 112.770,-

Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Türer Coupé: Fahrvergnügen auf höchstem Niveau | Top end driving pleasure

Zum Modelljahr 2020 stattet Mercedes-AMG sein erfolgreiches GT 4-Türer Coupé mit umfangreichen Neuerungen aus, etwa serienmäßig mit dem neuen, intelligenten

Infotainment-System von Mercedes-Benz. Zwei Motorisierungen, ein R6 mit elektrischem Zusatzverdichter und der V8 Biturbo mit bis zu 639 PS, garantieren ungetrübten

Fahrspaß, der ob der gediegenen Innenausstattung auch auf lange Distanzen nicht weniger wird – Stichwort Gran Turismo! Wie bei allen von Mercedes-AMG gefertigten Fahrzeugen

gilt: ein Mechaniker, ein Motor – inklusive Plakette mit Unterschrift.

On the occasion of the model year 2020, Mercedes-AMG has equipped its successful GT 4-Door Coupé with a whole range of extensive innovations, such as the new

Mercedes-Benz intelligent infotainment system as standard. Two engines, one R6 with electric auxiliary compressor and the V8 Biturbo with up to 639 HP, promise pure

driving pleasure, which thanks to the tasteful interior design doesn’t diminish even over long distances – a veritable grand tourer! As with all vehicles made by Mercedes-

AMG, there’s one mechanic per every engine – including a custom signed plaque.

PHOTOS: DAIMLER AG, BENTLEY MOTORS, FERRARI S.P.A., AUDI AG

Audi SQ8: Sportliches Update für den starken SUV | Sporty

update for the powerful SUV

S für Sport, Q für SUV und 8 für die höchste Komfortklasse der Audi-Modellpalette.

Um seinen Luxus-SUV noch etwas sportlicher zu machen, bringt Audi den SQ8 nun

auch mit einem V8-TFSI-Motor: 507 PS, von null auf hundert in 4,1 Sekunden,

serienmäßige Sport-Luftfederung und Allradlenkung. Breite Lufteinlässe, der

8-eckige Monoframe-Kühlergrill, 21 Zoll Räder und die abfallende Hecklinie

unterstreichen den starken Auftritt.

S is for sport, Q is for SUV and 8 for the highest comfort class in Audi’s model

range. To add even more sportiness to its luxury SUV, Audi has now also equipped

the SQ8 with a V-8 TFSI engine: 507 HP, from zero to 100 in 4.1 seconds, sport air

suspension and all-wheel steering as standard. Wide air intakes, the octagonal

single-frame front grille, 21-inch wheels and the sloping rear line underscore the

SUV’s powerful presence.

Motor Engine

V8 Benziner | V8 petrol

Antrieb Drive

permanenter Allradantrieb quattro| Permanent quattro all-wheel drive

kW (PS) kw (HP)

373 kW (507 PS)

Hubraum Engine displacement 3.956 ccm

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 12,1-12,0 l/100km

Preis | Price ab | from: € 126.610,-

So ein Auto können nur die Briten bauen. Beim in Crewe in der Grafschaft Cheshire

endgefertigten Bentley Bentayga der zweiten Generation ist alles eine Dimension

größer und luxuriöser: 5,13 m lang, fast 3 Meter Radstand, 1,74 m hoch.

14 Stierhäute sind im Innenraum verarbeitet, dazu edles Walnussfurnier und

Oberflächen aus dunklem, gebürstetem Aluminium. Der 4l-Twinturbo V8 Motor

leistet 290 km/h Spitze, und obwohl der Bentayga eine wahrlich imposante

Erscheinung ist, rast der Luxus-SUV in 4,5 Sekunden auf 100 km/h.

Only the Brits could make a car like this. When it comes to the second-generation

Bentley Bentayga – manufactured in Crewe in Cheshire county – everything has

increased in terms of dimension and luxury: 5.13 metres long, a nearly 3-metre

wheelbase and 1.74 metres high. The interior features 14 bull skins, plus fine

walnut veneer and surfaces made from dark, brushed aluminium. The 4-litre

twin-turbo V8 engine delivers a top speed of 290 km/h and although the

Bentayga commands a truly majestic appearance, the luxury SUV races from zero

to 100 in 4.5 seconds.

Motor Engine

V8 Twinturbo Benziner | V8 twin-turbo petrol

Antrieb Drive

Allrad | All-wheel drive

kW (PS) kw (HP) 404 (550)

Hubraum Engine displacement 3.996 ccm

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 13,3 l/100km

Preis | Price ab | from: € 244.900,-



SAVOIR VIVRE UPCOMING

Wo es uns gefällt

Where we love to be


GOLF

Nachhaltige Erfolgsgeschichte | Sustainable success

story

Laufende Verbesserungen auf und um den Platz, verbunden mit den höchsten

Qualitätsansprüchen, machen Fontana zu einem der Top-Golfplätze in Europa.

Die Anlage nahe Wiens steht für regelmäßig wechselnde Pin Positions und

damit verbundene neue Herausforderungen auf den Greens. Im Clubhaus

befinden sich ein Restaurant, ein Pro Shop sowie ein Fitness- und Wellnessbereich.

Auch Nachhaltigkeit ist hier ein Thema, z.B. beim Wasser: Das Gefälle

der neuen Abschläge und die einzeln ansteuerbare Regnerköpfe ermöglichen

einen nachhaltigen Einsatz.

Ongoing improvements on and around the course, combined with the highest

quality standards, make Fontana one of the top golf courses in Europe. The

facility near Vienna stands for regularly changing pin positions and the

associated new challenges on the greens. The clubhouse has a restaurant, a

pro shop and a fitness and wellness area. Sustainability is also an issue here,

e.g. regarding water consumption: the gradient of the new tees and the

individually controllable sprinkler heads enable sustainable use.

fontana.at

BUCHTIPP | BOOK TIP

Zwischen Apfel und Wein | From apple to wine

WINTERSPASS | WINTER FUN

Sport und Adrenalin-Schübe am Spielberg | Sports and adrenaline rushes at Spielberg

Formel 1 und MotoGP treten zum Endspurt an und zur gleichen Zeit rüstet sich Österreichs-Grand-Prix- Rennstrecke für die Wintersaison. Ab 21. November wird mit Boliden aus

dem Red Bull Ring Fuhrpark oder mit dem eigenen Auto der PS-Leidenschaft bei winterlichen Fahrerlebnissen freier Lauf gelassen! Das Lenkrad trotz schwieriger Bedingungen fest

im Griff haben Teilnehmer von Winter Trainings mit professionellen Instruktoren. Und auch Wintersportler kommen am Spielberg nicht zu kurz. Aus eigener Kraft bezwingen

Langläufer bei geeigneter Schneelage die 4,3 Kilometer lange Rennstrecke und Biathleten finden im Fahrerlager-Areal die perfekte Piste bei jeder Witterung und können an einer

wettkampftauglichen Schießanlage trainieren. In den Boxen des Red Bull Rings sind neben einer Indoor Trial Anlage auch Padel-Courts aufgebaut, die zum Trainieren einladen.

Doch damit nicht genug! Ein umfangreiches Programm für die ganze Familie lädt zu einem Besuch am Red Bull Ring ein.

Formula 1 and MotoGP are entering the final sprint and at the same time, the Austrian Grand Prix race track is gearing up for the winter season. From November 21, your

passion for horsepower will be given free rein in winter driving experiences with bolides from the Red Bull Ring fleet or with your own car! Participants in winter training

sessions have a firm grip on the steering wheel despite difficult conditions with professional instructors. And winter sports enthusiasts will not miss out on the Spielberg

either. With suitable snow conditions, cross-country skiers conquer the race track on 4.3 kilometres on their own and biathletes find the perfect slope in the paddock area in

any weather and can train on a competition-compatible shooting range. In the boxes of the Red Bull Ring, in addition to an indoor trial facility, padel courts are set up,

inviting you to train. But that‘s not all! An extensive programme for the whole family invites you to visit the Red Bull Ring.

projekt-spielberg.com

PHOTOS: LUCAS PRIPFL RED BULL CONTENT POOL, SALZBURGERLAND TOURISMUS, BEIGESTELLT

TOURISMUS | TOURISM

25 Jahr-Jubiläum | 25 year-anniversary

Der “Salzburger Bauernherbst“ feiert sein erstes Vierteljahrhundert! Die

Besonderheiten des bäuerlichen Lebens auf dem Land sowie altüberlieferte

Traditionen rücken in den Mittelpunkt. Trotz der besonderen Umstände wird

gebührend klein und fein gefeiert: bei Wanderungen, Führungen, Workshops

sowie Koch- und Handwerkskursen.

The “Salzburger Bauernherbst” (farmers’ autumn festival) is celebrating its

first quarter of a century. The peculiarities of rural life as well as traditional

traditions come to the fore. Despite the special circumstances, the festival is

celebrated in a small and elegant way: with hikes, guided tours, workshops

as well as cooking and handicraft courses.

salzburgerland.com

Zwischen unzähligen Apfelreihen, erlesenen Wirtshäusern und edlen Manufakturen

gedeihen in Gärten, Küchen und Kellern der Oststeiermark und des Vulkanlands Wein,

Kulinarik, Handwerk und Lebenskraft. Kleinräumige Landwirtschaft, sanfter Tourismus

und multikulturelle Vergangenheit prägen die Landschaft und bieten Entschleunigung.

Die Autorin Tina Veit-Fuchs führt uns mit rund 300 ausgewählten Adressen zu

Streuobstwiesen und Almen, Weingärten und heilenden Quellen in die Grenzregion

Südoststeiermark.

Between innumerable rows of apples, exquisite inns and fine manufactories, wine,

cuisine, handicrafts and vitality thrive in gardens, kitchens and cellars in Eastern

Styria and the Volcanic Region. Small-scale

agriculture, gentle tourism and a multicultural past

characterise the landscape and offer deceleration.

With around 300 selected addresses, the author

Tina Veit-Fuchs leads us to orchards and alpine

pastures, vineyards and healing springs in the

border region of Southeast Styria.

Genießen in Oststeiermark und Vulkanland

Styria Verlag, ISBN 978-3-222-13657-3



SAVOIR VIVRE MUST READ

Lesenswertes über Österreich

Books on Austria worth reading

Text: Gerald Sturz

201920021

IMPRESSUM

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE – ECONOMIQUE et

TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL

International Affairs • Global Business • Exclusive

Lifestyle

Alexandra Gruber / Wolfgang Muhr

Vom Wienerwald zur

Buckligen Welt

Es spricht ja zur Zeit alles dafür, die nähere

Umgebung zu erkunden. Weit reisen kann man und

sollte man auch nicht. Und was das Erkunden der

näheren Umgebung betrifft, da hat es der Wiener

gut. Es gibt wohl wenig andere Großstädte, die ein

ähnlich attraktives Umland zu bieten haben wie die

österreichische Hauptstadt. Norden, Süden, Westen,

Osten – überall wimmelt es von Sehenswürdigkeiten,

schönen Ausflugslokalen, wunderbaren

Wandermöglichkeiten. Dieses Buch führt ins Wiener

Becken und zu den Wiener Alpen, es verknüpft die

Beschreibung von Wanderungen und Ausflügen mit

Anekdoten, historischen Erzählungen und

kulturellen Hinweisen. Es ist eine Region mit Wein

und Thermalwasser, mit Geschichte und Geschichten,

mit kleinen Wundern und großen Rekorden. Das

Buch ist ein idealer Reisebegleiter.

In times like these, everything speaks in favour of

exploring one’s own surroundings, for distant travel is

out of the question. And when it comes to exploring

surroundings, then the Viennese have plenty to

choose from. There are few major cities that boast

such an attractive surrounding area as does the

Austri-an capital. North, south, west, east – anywhere

you go, it teems with sights, exciting trip destinations

and gorgeous hiking trails. The book takes you around

the Vienna Basin and the Vienna Alps, combining

descriptions of hiking trails with trips and anecdotes,

old tales and cultural tips. This is a region of wine and

thermal waters, of history and stories, of little

miracles and amazing achievements. This book is an

ideal travel companion.

–

Styria

€ 23,–

Lois Hechenblaikner

Ischgl

Lange bevor das Tiroler Bergdorf Ischl zum

Covid-19-Supermegaspreader wurde, hat sich der

Tiroler Fotograf Lois Hechenblaikner in diesen

hinteren Winkel des Paznauntals aufgemacht, um zu

zeigen, wie zynische und skrupellose „Tourismusgurus“

die einst beschauliche Gegend Winter für

Winter in einen alpinen Ballermann und in einen

dekadenten Treffpunkt für Leute verwandelt haben,

die ein Ventil für ihre im Berufsleben aufgestauten

Aggressionen, ihre Frustrationen und ihre

Paarungsprobleme suchen. Es ist das so ziemlich

brutalste Buch geworden, das man in jüngster Zeit

gesehen hat. Als „hormonellen Second-Hand-Markt“

und als „sexuelle Restplatzbörse“ bezeichnet

Hechenblaikner das Bergdorf. So ist dieser Bildband

eine Reise in einen Alptraum.

Long before the Tyrolean mountain village Ischgl

became a European Covid-19 hotspot, Tyrolean

photographer Lois Hechenblaikner embarked on a

journey to the Paznaun valley to show how cynically

and ruthlessly various “tourism gurus” transformed

what was once a beautiful winter region into an

Alpine party destination and decadent meeting spot

for people wanting to vent the aggressions,

frustrations and romantic issues that have built up

over the course of their busy professional lives. This is

one of the most brutal books in recent memory.

Hechenblaikner declares the mountain village a

“hormonal second-hand market” and a “sexual

leftover exchange”. In that way, the photobook is a

journey into an Alpine nightmare.

–

Steidl

€ 34,–

Christian Brandstätter

Das Wiener Kaffeehaus

Wer an Wien denkt, denkt ziemlich bald auch ans

Wiener Kaffeehaus. Es ist eine Institution. Ohne das

Wiener Kaffeehaus sind österreichische Geistesund

Kulturgeschichte kaum zu denken. Hier saßen

die Literaten und die Maler, die Musiker und die

Wissenschaftler, die Bohemiens und die Tagträumer

und erfanden neue künstlerische Richtungen und

bereiteten politische Revolutionen vor. Wer von

Wien um 1900 schwärmt, kann die Bedeutung des

Wiener Kaffeehauses für diese so fruchtbare Zeit

gar nicht genug betonen. Dieser Prachtband erzählt

mit bislang unveröffentlichten Fotografien, Stichen

und Originaldokumenten von den goldenen Tage der

Kaffeehauskultur – deren Nachklang auch heute

noch zu hören ist.

One of the first things that come to mind when we

think of Vienna is its famous coffee house culture.

Without this Viennese institution, Austrian

intellectual and cultural history wouldn’t have

unfolded in the same way. The coffee house is a place

where literary geniuses and painters, musicians and

scientists, bohemians and daydreamers thought up

new artistic movements and planned political

revolutions. Those who enthuse about Vienna around

the year 1900 can’t stress the significance of the

Vienna coffee house during this highly productive

period enough. This brilliant volume tells – using

previously unpublished photographs, engravings and

original documents – the story of the golden age of

Vienna’s coffee house culture, whose echoes can be

heard to this day.

–

Brandstätter

€ 50,–

Meissl & Schadn / Florian Weitzer / Severin Corti

The Wiener Schnitzel

Love Book!

Als vor einigen Jahren im Hotel Grand Ferdinand an der Wiener Ringstraße das Restaurant Meissl

& Schadn eröffnete, kam zusammen, was auf den ersten Blick so gar nicht zusammenpasst. Der

Name des Restaurants bezieht sich auf eine legendäre Gaststätte der Monarchie, die berühmt

dafür ist, dass dort der Pazifist Friedrich Adler den bellikosen Grafen und Ministerpräsidenten

Stürgkh erschoss, Betreiber Florian Weitzer ist Österreichs visionärster und kreativster Hotelier,

das Wiener Schnitzel, um das sich alles im Meissl & Schadn dreht, ist der Klassiker der Wiener

Küche und das Hotel Grand Ferdinand ist die wohl hippste Bleibe der Stadt. Und wie das

funktioniert! Das Meissl & Schadn ist eine äußerst erfolgreichen Innovation in Sachen Kulinarik und

nach wenigen Jahren bereits eine Institution. Gemeinsam mit Severin Corti, Wiens einflußreichstem

Restaurantkritiker, haben Florian Weitzer und das Team von Meissl & Schaden eine Liebeserklärung

an das Wiener Schnitzel verfasst. Josef Hader, Wladimir Kaminer, Daniel Glattauer und

einige andere haben sie dabei unterstützt. Es ist sehr unterhaltsamen und gleichzeitig lehrreiches

Buch geworden. Der Verlag verspricht: Das kultigste Geschenkbuch aller Zeiten!

When the restaurant Meissl & Schadn opened a few years ago in the Hotel Grand Ferdinand on

Vienna‘s Ringstrasse boulevard, things came together that didn‘t seem to go together at first. The

name of the eatery refers to a legendary restaurant of the monarchy, which is famous for the fact that

the pacifist Friedrich Adler shot the antagonistic Count and Prime Minister Stürgkh there. Its operator

Florian Weitzer is Austria‘s most visionary and creative hotelier, the Wiener Schnitzel, about which

everything in Meissl & Schadn revolves, is the classic of Viennese cuisine and the Hotel Grand

Ferdinand is probably the hippest place to stay in town. And it all comes together perfectly! Meissl &

Schadn is an extremely successful culinary innovation and already an institution after only a few years

in business. Together with Severin Corti, Vienna‘s most influential restaurant critic, Florian Weitzer and

the team from Meissl & Schadn wrote a declaration of love for the Wiener Schnitzel. Josef Hader,

Wladimir Kaminer, Daniel Glattauer and a few others supported them. It has become a very

entertaining and at the same time instructive book. The publisher promises: The most iconic gift book

of all time!

–

Brandstätter

€ 35,–

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE is Austria‘s leading and

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leading officials of international organisations and

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Österreichs für

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Corps, Internationale

Organisationen, Wirtschaft,

Unternehmen,

Tourismus, Lifestyle &

Kultur sowie Events



SAVOIR VIVRE MY AUSTRIA

S.E. Ralf Beste

Botschafter von Deutschland | Ambassador of Germany Interview: Daniela Pötzl

Top in Österreich |

Top in Austria

PERSONAL DETAILS

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA (PORTRAITS), GRAZ TOURISMUS - WERNER KRUG, HEINZ STEPHAN TESAREK, VINCE51/ WIKIPEDIA

Sie sind seit September 2019 als Botschafter in Wien

tätig. Ein halbes Jahr später begann die Corona-Krise.

Wie haben die beiden Länder Deutschland und

Österreich diese bis jetzt gemeistert?

Es gab sicherlich ein paar Unterschiede, die daher rührten,

dass Deutschland doch stärker föderal organisiert ist als

Österreich. Aber am Ende haben, glaube ich, drei Faktoren

den Ausschlag gegeben, dass wir ähnlich gut durch die

Krise gekommen sind: Das ist ein handlungsfähiger Staat

mit funktionierenden Verwaltungsstrukturen, ein

überdurchschnittlich gutes Gesundheitssystem und unter

dem Strich eine sehr disziplinierte Öffentlichkeit, die die

Maßnahmen, ob sie nun gesetzlichen oder empfohlenen

Charakter hatten, sehr selbstverantwortlich durchgehalten

haben bis jetzt.

Deutschland hat am 1. Juli die EU-Ratspräsidentschaft

übernommen. Was haben Sie in diesen kommenden

sechs Monaten diesbezüglich vor?

Das wichtigste Thema ist der Kampf gegen die weitere

Verbreitung des Coronavirus, bei dem wir zusammenstehen

müssen sowie der wirtschaftliche Aufbau danach. Bezogen

auf den Brexit müssen wir vermeiden, dass es zu einem

Austritt Großbritanniens ohne Vereinbarung der wirtschaftlichen

und gesellschaftlichen Beziehungen danach kommt.

Wir versuchen zudem die ersten Anstöße zu geben, das

gemeinsame europäische Asylsystem zu reformieren und

müssen die Verhandlungen über das Freihandelsabkommen

Mercosur weiter voranbringen. Wir wollen die Beziehung

der Europäischen Union zu China auf die Tagesordnung

setzen und ein neues Verhältnis zum afrikanischen

Kontinent finden. Das ist ziemlich viel, aber wir haben

schon den Ehrgeiz zumindest einige messbare Fortschritte

zu erreichen.

Welche Bundesländer haben Sie in Österreich schon

bereist und wo werden Sie Ihre Urlaubspläne hinführen?

Beruflich war ich in allen, außer Kärnten und Vorarlberg,

wo ich als Kind war und zum Skifahren. Geplant sind

Radtouren in Tirol – Tannheimertal, Bielerhöhe, aber auch

das Paznauntal und am Arlberg. Ich habe mir vorgenommen,

dass ich in meiner Botschafter-Zeit in Österreich alle

asphaltierten Alpenpässe über 2.000 m fahren werde.

Sie waren lange Jahre als Journalist tätig. Welche

Eigenschaften, die man in diesem Beruf haben sollte,

kommen Ihnen nun auch in der Diplomatie zugute?

Die Ähnlichkeit besteht darin, dass das wesentliche

Ausdrucksmittel die Sprache ist, geschrieben und

gesprochen. Zudem ist es auch hilfreich, dass man als

Journalist eine gewisse Handlungsschnelligkeit und

Disziplin aufbringen muss. Fristen einzuhalten und rasch

zum Punkt zu kommen. Auch wenn das in der Diplomatie

nicht immer das Wesentliche ist. Auf Zeit spielen kann

ebenfalls eine diplomatische Tugend sein.

You have been working as an ambassador in Vienna

since September 2019. The corona crisis began six

months later. How have the two countries Germany

and Austria mastered this so far?

There were certainly a few differences that stemmed from

the fact that Germany is more federally organised than

Austria. But in the end, I believe three factors tipped the

scales that resulted in similarly good outcomes while

getting through the crisis: It is a state capable of acting

with functioning administrative structures, an aboveaverage

health system and, on balance, a very disciplined

public that implemented and stuck with the measures quite

responsibly so far, whether they were legal or even merely

recommended.

Germany took over the EU Council Presidency on July

1st. What are your plans for the next six months in this

regard?

The most important topic is the fight against the further

spread of the coronavirus, on which we have to stand

together, and the economic development afterwards. With

regard to Brexit, we must avoid the UK leaving without an

agreement on economic and social relations afterwards.

We are also trying to give the first impetus to reform the

common European asylum system and we have to move

forward with the negotiations on the Mercosur free trade

agreement. We want to put the European Union‘s

relationship with China on the agenda and find a new

relationship with the African continent. That‘s quite a lot,

but our ambition is to make at least some measurable

progress.

Which provinces have you already visited in Austria

and where will your holiday plans lead you to?

Professionally, I‘ve been to all of them except Carinthia and

Vorarlberg, where I was as a child and to ski. Bicycle tours

are planned in Tyrol: Tannheimertal valley, Bielerhöhe

mountain, but also the Paznaun valley and all the way to

Arlberg. I intend to drive all paved Alpine passes over

2,000 metres in altitude during my time as Ambassador in

Austria.

You worked as a journalist for many years. Which qualities

that are necessary in this profession also benefit

you in diplomacy?

The similarity is that the essential means of expression is

language, written and spoken. It is also helpful that as a

journalist you have to be quick to act and stay disciplined,

meet deadlines and get to the point quickly. Even if that is

not always essential in diplomacy. Playing for time can also

be a diplomatic virtue.

Einer der ersten Besuche brachte den

Botschafter nach Graz. Der Beginn von

Deutschlands EU-Ratspräsidentschaft

wurde beim Wiener Würstelstand mit

Kroatiens Botschafter, S.E. Daniel Glunčić

(r.), und dem Leiter der Vertretung der

EU-Kommission in Wien, Martin Selmayr,

zelebriert. Die Bielerhöhe möchte der

deutsche Botschafter mit dem Rad

bezwingen (von oben nach unten).

One of the first visits brought the

Ambassador to Graz. The start of

Germany‘s EU Council Presidency was

celebrated at the Wiener Würstelstand

with Croatia‘s Ambassador, HE Daniel

Glunčić (r.), and the Head of the

Representation of the EU Commission in

Vienna, Martin Selmayr. The German

Ambassador wants to conquer the

Bielerhöhe mountain pass by bike (from top

to bottom).

S.E. Ralf Beste wurde in Witten geboren und studierte Geschichte in Bochum, Bielefeld und Baltimore (Master of

Arts, Johns Hopkins University; Magister Artium, Universität Bielefeld). Seit September 2019 ist er Botschafter von

Deutschland in Wien. Davor war er auch viele Jahre als Journalist tätig, u.a. beim Magazin „Der Spiegel“.

Er ist verheiratet und Vater zweier Kinder.

H.E. Ralf Beste was born in Witten and studied history in Bochum, Bielefeld and Baltimore (Master of Arts, Johns

Hopkins University; Magister Artium, Bielefeld University). He has been the German Ambassador to Austria in Vienna

since September 2019. Before that he worked as a journalist for many years, including at the magazine “Der Spiegel”.

He is married and has two children.



141

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Am Tag X

hast du

LES RENDEZ-

VOUS

EIN RÜCKBLICK AUF

GESELLSCHAFTLICHE

EREIGNISSE DER

JÜNGSTEN

VERGANGENHEIT.

A REVIEW OF SOCIAL

EVENTS OF THE RECENT

PAST.

die Wahl.

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LES RENDEZVOUS EVENTS

Popping of Flashbulbs

Find more

photos online


A

July 2020

CD and the Falconry Adlerwarte Kreuzenstein invited to experience the fascinating falcons.

Left: After a long break, due to Corona, CD‘s

editors, Andrea Fürnweger and Alexander

Bursky, together with Christine Derler and

Christian Schweiger from the Adlerwarte

Kreuzenstein, invited to a spectacular

“outdoor event“.

Enjoying the wonderful weather, the

Ambassadors and guests were able to view

the fascinating demonstration of free-flying

birds of prey and to also getting closer to

them.

A

July 2020

CD and the Haus der Musik asked to an exclusive tour for Personal Assistants and Protocol,

followed by a reception at the Grand Hotel Vienna.

Left: Simon K. Posch, Director of the

Haus der Musik, welcomed the group

with CD‘s editor Andrea Fürnweger.

The event was the perfect possibility

to conduct the Vienna Philharmonic

Orchestra (right) and to get to know

more details about Ludwig van

Beethoven‘s personal life, whose

250th birth anniversary is celebrated

this year. Afterwards, the group

enjoyed a reception with Sales &

Marketing Director Markus Prem at

the Kavalierbar.

Event

Event

PHOTOS: TOPSHOT FOTOGRAFIE/ING. DIETER TATZER

PHOTOS: OURIEL MORGENSZTERN



AU REVOIR

Ingenious view!

Looshaus | Michaelerplatz 3 | Wien, 1. Bezirk | Vienna, 1st district

Text & Photo: Rois & Stubenrauch

Ausblick eines genialen

Architekten.

Der Blick durch die

charakteristische

Fensterfront geht auf einen

der prominentesten Plätze

Wiens. 1912 ob seiner

schmucklosen Fassade ein

Skandal, gilt das Looshaus

heute als zentrales

Bauwerk der Wiener

Moderne. Inspirationsquelle

für Adolf Loos,

dessen Geburtstag sich

2020 zum 150. Mal jährt,

waren u.a. frühe Chicagoer

Hochhäuser. 1987 von

Raiffeisen gekauft, ist das

Looshaus heute wieder im

Originalzustand zu

bewundern.

Viewpoint of a

brilliant architect.

The view through the

characteristic window

front is possible from one

of the most prominent

places in Vienna. In 1912, it

was scandalous because of

its unadorned façade.

Today, the Looshaus is

considered to be one of

the fundamentally

important buildings of the

Viennese Modern Age.

The sources of inspiration

for Adolf Loos, whose 150 th

birth anniversary is

celebrated in 2020, were

early Chicago skyscrapers,

amongst others. Bought by

Raiffeisen in 1987, the

Looshaus can now be

admired in its original

condition.

architekturerbe.at/

loos2020


82

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Punkte

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+43-676-566 1774

reservierung@restaurant-1070.com

www.restaurant-1070.com


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1,3 l/100 km to 10,5 l/100 km, CO 2 emissions from 31 g CO 2 /km to 239 g CO 2 /km. Symbolic image.

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 03/2020

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