CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 04/2020

Winter 2020/21

Nr. 4 | Dezember – Februar | December - February

cercle-diplomatique.com

THE LEADING AUSTRIAN MAGAZINE FOR

DIPLOMACY INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS GLOBAL BUSINESS CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE

KATAR

GLANZVOLLE PERLE IM GOLF

QATAR

GLITTERING PEARL IN THE GULF

EDITORIAL

Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser! | Dear Readers!

Manche sehen einen neuen Antrieb.

Wir sehen eine neue Ära.

Der Audi e-tron Sportback.

Future is an attitude.

PHOTO: GREGOR TURECEK

Krisen wandeln die Welt. Doch wir Menschen

sind anpassungsfähig und lernen damit umzugehen.

„Das Virus verändert unseren Alltag,

unsere Kommunikationsformen, die Art, wie

wir arbeiten, fühlen und denken“, sagt der Zukunftsforscher

Matthias Horx in seinem neuen, lesenswerten

Buch „Die Zukunft nach Corona“. Horx analysiert

die Auswirkungen der Corona-Pandemie und

prägt dabei den Begriff der Re-Gnose, die Selbst-

Veränderung durch rückblickende Vorausschau.

Eine Art rückblickende Vorausschau beherbergt

auch das Österreichische Staatsarchiv in Wien, das

als das historische Gedächtnis der Republik und ihrer

Vorgänger eines der wichtigsten Archive Europas

ist (zu lesen ab Seite 90). Nicht zuletzt ließ sich auch

der britische Premierminister Boris Johnson bei seinem

Österreich-Besuch dort die „Schlussakte des

Wiener Kongress“ von 1815 zeigen.

Besonders stolz sind wir auch auf die Riege unserer

Kommentatoren und Essayisten. Mit BM a.D.

Karin Kneissl und dem Grandseigneur des österreichischen

Journalismus, Hugo Portisch, sowie den

Expertenmeinungen der Redaktionsmitglieder Walter

Feichtinger, Otmar Lahodynsky und Arian Faal

warten wir diesmal auf.

In herausfordernden Zeiten wird der Wunsch

groß, sich – abseits von neuem Normal und Homeoffice

– den schönen Dingen des Lebens widmen zu

können. Gelegenheit zum Kuscheln hat man, wenn

man eines der heimeligen Winter Chalets in verschiedenen

österreichischen Bundesländern bucht,

die wir ab Seite 74 vorstellen.

Unsere Cover-Story ist Katar gewidmet. Der

Wüstenstaat, als „glanzvolle Perle im Golf “ bekannt,

lässt uns von warmen Gefilden mit viel Sonne träumen.

Katar bietet in der Hauptstadt Doha einige der

außergewöhnlichsten hohen Gebäude des Mittleren

Ostens sowie bemüht sich verstärkt, hochkarätige

Sport-Events ins Land zu holen. 2022 wird dort dann

die Endrunde der FIFA Fußball-Weltmeisterschaft

mit 32 Nationen stattfinden – wegen ansonsten hoher

Temperaturen erstmals von 21. November bis 18.

Dezember.

Wir wünschen Ihnen angenehme Lektüre und

bleiben Sie gesund!

Acrisis can change the world. But as human

beings, we are adaptable, and we can learn to

overcome new situations. “The virus is changing

our daily lives, the way we communicate, the

way we work, feel and think,” says futurologist Matthias

Horx in his new book “Die Zukunft nach Corona”

(“The Future After Corona”), which is well worth

reading. In the book, Horx analyses the effects of the

coronavirus pandemic and coins the term “re-gnosis”,

meaning self-change through retrospective foresight.

A kind of retrospective foresight is also housed at

the Austrian State Archives in Vienna, which, as the

historical memory of the republic and its predecessors,

is one of the most important archives in Europe (from

page 90). Most recently, British Prime Minister Boris

Johnson had the “Final Act of the Congress of Vienna”

of 1815 shown to him during his visit to Austria.

We’re especially proud of the ranks of our commentators

and essayists in this issue. This time, we

give you former federal minister Karin Kneissl and the

grand seigneur of Austrian journalism, Hugo Portisch,

as well as the expert opinions of editorial team

members Walter Feichtinger, Otmar Lahodynsky and

Arian Faal.

In challenging times like these, the desire to devote

oneself to the finer things in life – far from the new

normal and the work-from-home routine – becomes

even greater. And after reading up on some of the cosy

winter chalets that Austria’s different provinces have

to offer, which we present starting on page 74, you will

know the perfect place to seek refuge and cuddle up.

Our cover story in this issue is dedicated to Qatar.

The desert nation, also known as the “glittering pearl

of the Gulf ”, lets us dream of warmer weather and lots

of sun. In the capital city Doha, Qatar offers some of

the most extraordinary skyscrapers in the Middle East

and is currently making a large effort to attract topnotch

sports events to the country. In 2022, Qatar

will host the final round of the FIFA World Cup

featuring teams from 32 different countries –

for the first time, from 21 November to 18 December

instead of summer due to the high

daytime temperatures.

We hope you enjoy your reading

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: 21,4 – 23,6 (WLTP); CO₂- Emissionen kombiniert in g/km: 0. Angaben zu Stromverbrauch

und CO₂-Emissionen bei Spannbreiten in Abhängigkeit von der gewählten Ausstattung des Fahrzeugs. Stand 11/2020. Symbolfoto.

Andrea Fürnweger

Herausgeberin | Editor

Mag. Alexander Bursky

Herausgeber | Editor

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE –

ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE

Nr. 325

Ausgabe | Issue 04/2020

December – February

CONTENTS

Cover story

QATAR

Seite | page 20

Der Golfstaat Katar hat es

zuwege gebracht, Kultur,

Bildung und Sport als

wichtigste Mittel in seinen

heimischen wie externen

Strategien einzusetzen.

The Gulf State Qatar

managed to establish

strategies making culture,

education and sports the

most important tools in its

domestic and foreign strategy.

8

10

20

32

34

38

40

44

46

48

50

LE BULLETIN

Die neuen Botschafter | The new Ambassadors

Akkreditierung durch Bundespräsident Alexander Van der Bellen.

Accreditation by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen.

Offizielle Empfänge | Official Receptions

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

LE MONDE

Coverstory Katar | Cover story Qatar

Die glanzvolle Perle im Golf. The glittering pearl of the Gulf.

Souveräner Malteserorden | Sovereign Order of Malta

Ein Portrait. A portrait.

Kommentar | Commentary

Europas annus horribilis. Europe‘s annus horribilis.


Die Königin der Rekorde. The Queen of records.

Interview

Thomas Stelzer, Dekan der IACA. Thomas Stelzer, Dean of the IACA.


Die Situation im östlichen Mittlermeer. The situation at the Eastern Mediterranean.

Essay

Der Libanon, ein Mikrokosmos der restlichen Welt.

Lebanon, a microcosm of the rest of the world.

Essay

Die Beziehung zwischen der EU und Russland. The relationship between the EU and Russia.

News

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

86

90

96

98

100

102

106

114

120

124

128

130

134

136

138

Reise | Travel

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

Österreichisches Staatsarchiv | The Austrian State Archives

Wissensspeicher von europäischer Bedeutung. Knowledge store of European significance.

Botschafter der Musik | Ambassadors of Music

Star-Gambistin Maddalena del Gobbo. Star gambist Maddalena del Gobbo.

Vision Dialogue

Peter Aufreiter, Technisches Museum Wien. Peter Aufreiter, Vienna Technical Museum.

Museum Visit

Jüdisches Museum Wien. Jewish Museum Vienna.

Kunst | Arts

Kulturelle Highlights im Winter. Cultural highlights in winter.

Seniorenresidenzen | Senior residences

Luxuriöse Alterswohnsitze. Luxury retirement homes.

Megatrend New Work

Die Zukunft der Arbeit. How we will work in the near future.

Lifestyle

Trends für den kommenden Winter. Trends for the winter season.

Ambassador‘s Drive

Pakistans Botschafter auf CD-Testfahrt. Pakistan‘s Ambassador on a test drive.

Motor

Luxus, Performance, Praxistauglichkeit. Luxury, performance, practicality.

Weekender

Am Arlberg. At the Arlberg.

Upcoming

Wo es uns gefällt. Where we love to be.

Buchempfehlungen | Must read

Lesenswertes über Österreich. Books worth reading about Austria.

Mein Österreich | My Austria

Die Botschafterin von Griechenland. The Ambassador of Greece.

54

60

64

70

L‘AUTRICHE

Interview

Europaministerin Karoline Edtstadler. EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler.

Jubiläum | Anniversary

Die Österreichische Bundesverfassung wurde 100 Jahre alt.

The Austrian Federal Constitution turned 100.

Covid-19 Vorsorge-Konzepte | Covid-19 Prevention Concepts

Sicherheit in Corona-Zeiten. Safety in times of coronavirus.

Wirtschaftsnews | Business news

Neues aus Österreich. News from Austria.

142

LES RENDEZVOUS

Veranstaltungen | Events

Exklusive Veranstaltungen im Fokus. Exclusive events in focus.

Doha, die Hauptstadt von Katar,

bietet spannende Bauten.

Doha, the capital of Qatar, offers

exciting buildings.

74

82

84

SAVOIR VIVRE

Entspannende Hideaways | Relaxing hideaways

Zeit zum Kuscheln im Winter-Chalet. Time to cuddle in a winter chalet.

Connaisseur | Connoisseur

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

Table Talk

Christian Klaus, neuer GM im Hotel SO/ VIENNA, im Gespräch.

A talk with Christian Klaus, new GM at the hotel SO/ VIENNA.

3

4

137

Titelbild | Cover

Aussicht auf die Hauptstadt Doha, Katar. | View of Doha, the capital of Qatar.

Editorial

Inhalt | Contents

Impressum | Imprint

COVERPHOTO: ADOBESTOCK PHOTO: ADOBESTOCK

© Martin Hörmandinger

LE

BULLETIN

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LE BULLETIN CREDENTIALS

Wir begrüßen die neuen Botschafter herzlich in Österreich: Willkommen!

We cordially welcome the new Ambassadors to Austria!

H.E.

H.E.

H.E.

H.E.

H.E.

H.E.

H.E.

Muhammad

Abdul Muhith

Ambassador of the

People‘s Republic of Bangladesh

Credentials: September 2020

Andrei

Dapkiunas

Ambassador of the

Republic of Belarus


Mohamed

H. El-Molla

Ambassador of the

Arab Republic of Egypt


Gilles Pécout

Ambassador of the

French Republic


Ketevan

Tsikhelashvili

Ambassador of Georgia


Aftab Ahmad

Khokher

Ambassador of the

Islamic Republic of Pakistan


Abat Fayzullaev

Ambassador of the

Republic of Uzbekistan


Born on January 1, 1966

Married, two children

Education

1985: Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology),

University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

1987: Master of Social Science (Sociology),

University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Professional Career

2015–2020: Ambassador of Bangladesh to

Denmark with concurrent accreditation to

Estonia and Iceland

2012–2015: Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission,

Embassy of Bangladesh, Washington D.C.

2010–2012: Director-General (Americas) with

occasional additional responsibility as

Director-General (Europe), Ministry of Foreign

Affairs, Dhaka

2004–2010: Counsellor/Minister, Permanent

Mission of Bangladesh in New York

2002–2004: Director (Foreign Secretary’s

Office), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka

2000–2002: Counsellor, Embassy of Bangladesh,

Doha

1999–2000: First Secretary, Embassy of

Bangladesh, Rome

1995–1999: Third/Second Secretary, Embassy of

Bangladesh, Kuwait

1993–1995: Assistant Secretary (Legal, Treaty and

Maritime) and Assistant Secretary (Protocol),

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka

1993: Joined Bangladesh Civil Service (Foreign

Affairs)

1989-1993: Officer at a private bank in Dhaka,

Bangladesh

Born on April 11, 1963

Two children

Education

1985: graduated from the Minsk State Teachers

Training Institute for Foreign Languages

1991: completed a postgraduate course at the

Belarusian State University

1991: PhD in Political Science

Professional Career

2017–2020: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of

the Republic of Belarus

2011–2017: Permanent Representative of Belarus

to the United Nations

2011: Director, Department of International

Humanitarian Cooperation and Human Rights,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of

Belarus

2008: Vice-President of ECOSOC

2006: President of the Executive Board of

UNICEF

2004–2011: Permanent Representative of Belarus

to the United Nations

1997–2004: Director, Americas Department,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Rep. of Belarus

1995–1997: Head of the Office for the US and

Canada, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the

Republic of Belarus

1994-1995: Second Secretary, Secretariat,


Belarus

1992-1994: Second Secretary, Permanent Mission

of Belarus to the United Nations

1989-1990: Research Fee scholar, London School

of Economics and Political Science

Born on July 8, 1972

Married, three children

Education

1993: Bachelor of Arts in English Literature – Ain

Shams University

2000: Master of Arts in International

Relations – American University in Cairo

Professional Career

2019–2020: Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy

Director of the Cabinet of the Minister of Foreign

Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt

2017–2020: Diplomatic Negotiator for Egypt on

the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

2017–2018: Counsellor, Cabinet of the Minister of

Foreign Affairs

2013-2017: Counsellor, Permanent Mission of

Egypt to the United Nations and Other

International Organisations in Geneva (Officer in

charge of disarmament and human rights)

2011–2013: Member of Egypt‘s negotiating

delegation on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance

Dam, and member of Egypt‘s delegation in the

International Panel of Experts to assess the

impact of the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (the

tripartite committee Egypt – Sudan – Ethiopia)

Since 2009: Member of the Egyptian National

High Committee on the Nile River

2009–2013: First Secretary, Cabinet of the

Minister of Foreign Affairs

2009–2013: Member of Egypt‘s negotiation

delegation to the Nile Basin Initiative

2005–2009: First Secretary, Embassy of the Arab

Republic of Egypt to the United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland

PHOTOS: HARALD MINICH UND PETER LECHNER/ HBF

PHOTOS: HARALD MINICH UND PETER LECHNER/ HBF

Born on December 2, 1961

Education

1982-1986 : École normale supérieure, Paris

1983-1985 : Study of history at the University of

Paris I (Panthéon-Sorbonne)

1986: Docent (Subject: History)

1989-1992 : Member of the École de Rome

(Institute for Historical Research, Palais Farnèse)

1992: PhD at the Ecole de Sciences politiques in

Paris

2001: Habilitation, leading research at the École

de Sciences politiques in Paris

Professional Career

2016-2020 : Rector of the Île-de-France Region,

Rector of the Academy of Paris, Chancellor of

the Universités de Paris et d‘Île-de-France

2014-2016 : Rector of the Nancy-Metz

Academy and the Grand-Est Academic Region,

University Chancellor of the Universities of

Lorraine

2002-2014 : University Professor of

Contemporary History at the École normal

supérieure in Paris; Chairman of the Board at

the École pratique des Hautes Études

1992-2002 : Lecturer at the École normale

supérieure

1989-1992: Assistant in “International Relations“

at the École de Sciences politiques in Paris

Born on August 21, 1978

Education

1995-1999: Tbilisi State University, Georgia, BA

degree in Intl. Relations

1998-1999: Civic Education Project (CEP) courses,

Tbilisi, Georgia, sponsored by CEP, Budapest,

Hungary, Honor Certificates (four courses)

1999-2000: Central European University,

Budapest, Hungary, MA degree in Intl. Relations

and European Studies, Diploma accredited by the

Open University, London, UK (Credits: 10; Grade:A-)

since 2006: Ilia State University, Georgia, Ph.D.

student, Faculty for Philosophy and Social Sciences

2007: Center for European Studies , University of

Limerick, Ireland, Jean Monnet Summer School on

European Integration / Special Training for the

professors of the European Studies

Professional Career

2016–2020: State Minister - Office of the State

Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality

2012–2016: First Deputy State Minister - Office of

the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic

Equality

2012: Chairwoman, elected (association of 115

leading NGOs) - Eastern Partnership Civil

Society Forum, Georgian National Platform

Since 2010: Founder/Director - European

Initiative of LAT – Think Tank and since 2006

Founder/Director - Foundation Liberal

Academy-Tbilisi (LAT), Tbilisi-based NGO

2007-2009: European Stability Initiative (ESI -

Brussels- Berlin-Istanbul), Analyst in Georgia

2002-2011: Friedrich Naumann Foundation for

Freedom, Coordinator & Consultant

Born on May 18, 1964


Education

Master degrees in MBA, MA (Economics) &

M.Sc. (Politics of World Economy)

Professional Career

2018–2020: served as Additional Secretary

(Americas) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2015-2018: Ambassador to Lebanon

2013-2015: Consul General at Jeddah

2011-2012: served as Joint Secretary

(Inter-Parliamentary Relations), Senate

Secretariat

2004-2010: held various diplomatic

assignments in Pakistan Missions abroad ,

Geneva

1999-2004: served at the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs as Desk Officer

1995-1999: held various diplomatic

assignments in Pakistan Missions abroad,

Tashkent

1993-1995: Desk Officer at the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs

1991: joined Foreign Service of Pakistan

Born on December 30, 1982


Education

2005: University of World Economy and

Diplomacy Tashkent, Uzbekistan

(BA in International Relations)

2007: University of World Economy and

Diplomacy Tashkent, Uzbekistan

(MA in International Relations)

2009: Tashkent State University of Economics

(Bachelor in Finance, part time)

Professional Career

2019–2020: Special Assistant of the Minister,

Head of Organisational and Inspection Dept.,


Uzbekistan

2018–2019: First Secretary, Americas Dept., Ministry

of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

2017–2018: First Secretary, Political and Analysis Div.,

Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the U.S.

2013–2017: Attaché, Political and Analysis Div.,

Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the U.S.

2011–2013: Head of Division - Deputy Head of

Dept., Head Dept. of Foreign Policy Analysis and

Strategy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the

Republic of Uzbekistan

2007–2011: Referent, Attaché, Third Secretary,

Second Secretary, Head Dept. of Foreign Policy

Analysis and Strategy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

of the Republic of Uzbekistan

8 Cercle Diplomatique 4/2020

Cercle Diplomatique 4/2020

9

LE BULLETIN REVIEW

Official receptions

Find more

photos online


September 2020

Presentation of the fall issue of “Cercle Diplomatique“ at the Hilton Vienna Park

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

to welcome the third issue of 2020 with the cover story on Slovenia, enjoying delicious food as well as pleasant encounters and talks.

To the left:

The guests of honour were

Deputy Head of Mission,

Marjana Prvinšek Bokal (2nd

right), who represented the

Slovenian Ambassador, H.E.

Ksenija Škrilec, and the former

Austrian Federal Minister for

Foreign Affairs, Karin Kneissl

(2nd left), pictured with CD‘s

editors Andrea Fürnweger

(left) and Alexander Bursky

(right) who invited with

Stefanie Gold (picture to the

right, 2nd r.), Commercial

Director Hilton Austria, to the

Executive Lounge Terrace of

the newly refurbished Hilton

Vienna Park.

PHOTOS: PHILIPP HUTTER



11

LE BULLETIN REVIEW

August 2020

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo visited Austria

During his stay in Vienna, Mike Pompeo held an intensive series of talks on topics, including trade and investment ties with Austria,

the fight against Covid-19, economic recovery after the pandemic, transatlantic cooperation, and nuclear arms control.

Michael Pompeo met Federal

President Alexander Van der

Bellen (left), Federal

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz

(below; middle), Foreign

Minister Alexander

Schallenberg (middle row;

left and middle), as well as

Finance Minister Gernot

Blümel (second last row; left

at the Belvedere, 2nd left

and 2nd right) and IAEA‘s

Director General, Rafael

Mariano Grossi (second last

row, right).

PHOTOS: CARINA KARLOVITS UND DANIEL TRIPPOLT/HBF. BKA/ DRAGAN TATIC, BMF/ DUNKER, BMEIA/ GRUBER, U.S. EMBASSY IN AUSTRIA, C. JOBST/ PID


Together with the U.S. Ambassador, H.E. Trevor Traina and the City

of Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig, Mike Pompeo inaugurated one

of the two U.S.-Austria Friendship Trams that will run on different

lines, symbolising the excellent relationship between the United

States and Austria.

LE BULLETIN REVIEW

September 2020

Saudi Arabia

A reception was held on the occasion of celebrating the Presidency of the Kingdom

of Saudi Arabia to the G20 Summit in Riyadh at the Grand Hotel Vienna.

presents

From left: H.R.H. Prince Abdullah Bin

Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al

Saud, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to

Austria, with former Austrian Federal

President, Heinz Fischer, as well as

Ghada Fathy Waly, Executive Director

of UNODC/UNOV in Vienna, and Rafael

Mariano Grossi, Director General of

the IAEA.

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September 2020

Meeting of the Central Five in Slovenia

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg met his counterparts from Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

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from Slovakia, Ivan Korčok (left), and the Czech

Republic, Tomáš Petříček (right), for an exchange

between neighbours at Brdo Castle. Hungarian

Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó could not attend

due to a US trip.

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LE BULLETIN REVIEW

September 2020

Official Visit of Ukraine‘s President

Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor

Sebastian Kurz met with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukranian President.

October 2020

Austrian National Day

This year, on October 26 the topics of commemoration

and solidarity were in focus.

Left: Federal President Alexander Van

der Bellen received the Ukranian

President, Volodymyr Zelensky as

first guest of state since the corona

crisis. Both Presidents praised the

good bilateral relations. In addition,

Lower Austria‘s Governor Johanna

Mikl-Leitner signed a cooperation

agreement with the city of Kiev.

Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz

met with the Ukranian President

Zelensky for a working meeting

(below and to the right).

PHOTOS: PETER LECHNER/ HBF, BKA/ DRAGAN TATIC

Left: Federal President Alexander

Van der Bellen (r.) and Federal

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (middle)

commemorated the victims of the

resistance with the traditional

wreath-laying ceremony, accompanied

by Defense Minister Klaudia

Tanner and Chief of Defence Staff,

General Robert Brieger (both

pictured left below, middle).

1870 – 2020

150 Jahre

INTERNATIONALE

APOTHEKE

October 2020

Official Visit from the Hungarian President

Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen received the Hungarian President,

János Áder at the Hofburg to discuss the latest developments regarding the corona crisis.

Below: Both Alexander Van der

Bellen and the Hungarian

President referred to the health

as well as the economic aspects

of the crisis. Austria is the

second largest trading partner

and third largest investor in

Hungary; conversely, almost

50,000 Hungarians work in

Austria, particularly in the

health sector and tourism.

PHOTOS: PETER LECHNER/ HBF

PHOTOS: BKA/ DRAGAN TATIC UND BKA/ ANDY

WENZEL; CARINA KARLOVITS/HBF UND PETER

LECHNER/HBF


Due to the corona pandemic, only 12 men and

women were sworn in on-site by President Van

der Bellen this year.

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THE

FASCINATING

RISE OF A GULF

STATE

Qatar has managed to establish strategies making culture,

education and sports the most important tools in its

domestic and foreign strategy.

Text: Arian Faal

PHOTO: HH VISION . HOERSCH & HENNRICH A R C H I T E K T E N GBR

Qatar tries to put itself on the world's

sports map by hosting many important

events such as the Qatar 2022 FIFA

Soccer World Cup - pictured here is a

rendering of the Doha Port Stadium.



21

LE MONDE QATAR

Rendering of the outlook

of the Al-Gharafa Stadium in

the Al-Rayyan area.

The skyline as most important sign of

the rise of the desert state: oriental

styles from "A Thousand and One

Nights" meet modern times.

FACTS &

FIGURES

PHOTOS: FOREIGN MINISTRY OF THE STATE OF QATAR, ADOBE STOCK

The history of Qatar dates back thousands of

years. Archaeological findings suggest that

Qatar has been inhabited since the 4th millennium

BC and has been influenced by many ancient

civilisations. But Qatar's modern history begins in

the eighteenth century, when its tribes gathered under

the rule of the Al Thani family. Qatar gained independence

from Britain in 1971. After the independence,

Qatar quickly pursued an active development

plan on all levels. In less than two decades Qatar has

become a leading Arab power, placing itself in the

centre of international policymaking. It has transformed

into one of the richest countries, boasting the

world’s highest GDP per-capita and lowest unemployment

rate. The 2020 Global Peace Index shows

Qatar as the first peaceful country in the Arab world,

the third in the Islamic world and at the 27th rank

out of 163 countries.

Small country as peacemaker

The Constitution of Qatar affirms that the foreign

policy of Qatar is founded and based on “the principle

of consolidating international peace and security,

promoting peaceful settlement of international

disputes, mutual respect and common interests,

peaceful coexistence, and international cooperation,

adherence to the values of justice and openness, and

respect for human rights”.

Based on these principles, Qatar placed great emphasis

on international cooperation. Qatar’s so called

“National Vision of 2030” highlights the following

foreign policy aims: to enhance Qatar’s economic,

political, and cultural role in the region; to support

international dialogue and intercultural coexistence;

to undertake political initiatives and developmental

and humanitarian aid in order to increase international

security and peace.

International player in many fields

By supporting the United Nations and international

organisations, hosting big multilateral conferences,

and defending multilateralism in all forums, Qatar

has attained a respectable regional and

international reputation that does not commensurate

with its small size and limited military capability.

Qatar provides financial support for programmes

and activities of over forty bodies and entities of the

United Nations and other International Organisations.

Vienna based international organisations enjoy

Qatari generous support. The state supports the

UNODC Global Programme for the implementation

of the Doha Declaration with USD 50 million to help

developing countries achieve sustainable improvements

in the areas of criminal justice, crime prevention,

corruption prevention, and the rule of law. Qatar

supported the IAEA (International Atomic

Energy Agency) project to renew its laboratories in

Seibersdorf (Lower Austria), the UN Trust Fund for

Victims of Human Trafficking and many other Vienna

based International Organisations.

The Foreign Ministry in Doha offers its diplomatic

services to almost all regional conflict parties and,

in doing so, demonstrates its enthusiasm to assist the

international system by working toward maintaining

international peace and security, as well as promoting

Qatar's regional strategy in shaping a stable and

peaceful Middle East.

Qatar succeeded in ending not less than ten regional

disputes and political crises. It is worth noting

that various UN Secretary Generals and even the UN

Security Council have noted and hailed Qatar’s mediations.

More and more countries and conflicting

parties prefer Qatar as a mediator and Doha as a venue

for hosting reconciliation meetings. In mediating,

Qatar has no agenda other than ending conflicts

by peaceful means and preserving regional and

international peace and security. Doha is positioning

itself as the Vienna or Geneva of the Middle East.

In 2008, Qatar adopted its ”National Vision 2030”.

Development goals and strategies focused around

four central pillars, namely, human development, social

development, economic development and environmental

development. Indeed, Qatar has taken

sharp steps to reach these targets. In 2005, the

country’s sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment

Authority (QIA), was set up. Its role is to manage domestic

and foreign investments. These investments are

usually made in US, European and Asian companies,

as well as in local companies outside of the energy industry,

as a strategy to offset the volatility of energy

prices, thus assuring long-term economic stability.

Qatar’s international aid programme has expanded

dramatically since the beginning of 2010. A high

share of Qatar’s aid is provided as humanitarian and

sustainable development projects assistance. While

the focus has been on the least developed and lowincome

countries, as well as countries suffering from

natural disasters and conflicts, more than 100 coun-

QATAR

Official Name: State of Qatar

Capital: Doha (in Arabic

ad-Dawha, which means the

big tree)

Region: Arabian Peninsula

– bordering Saudi Arabia in the

south, surrounded by the

Persian Gulf

Area: 11,571 km2

Population: 2.5 million (2019),

of which 11.6% are Qataris

(88.4% non-Qataris)

Political system: Absolute

Monarchy

Head of State: Emir Tamim

bin Hamad Al Thani

Language: Arabic

Religion: Islam

Currency: Riyal

GDP: 191,849 billion US-Dollar

(nominal, 2019 est.)

GDP per person: 132,886 US-

Dollar (nominal, 2019 est.)

Climate: Extremely hot with

up to 45 degrees C in August

and lows in winter from 15 to

24 degrees C

Qatar National Day:

December 18th

Qatar's capital Doha offers some of the most

advanced buildings in the Middle East.

Horse racing has always been

part of the Qatari culture.



23

LE MONDE QATAR

The State of Qatar

”Inland Sea“: Khawr al Udayd is a

settlement and inlet of the Persian

Gulf located in southeast Qatar, on

the border with Saudi Arabia

(right).

Formation:

Constitutional development in Qatar

generally keeps pace with the country’s

economic growth. The first provisional

constitution was issued in 1970 before

independence, and was amended in 1972 after

independence, to cope with the requirements

of the new phase. In 1999, free elections were

held to form the Central Municipal Council for

the first time in the history of Qatar.

In 2008, the government underwent

restructuring and moved toward a ministry

portfolio-based approach, which made

ministries accountable for specific policies.

This approach put the focus on outcomes.

In July 1999, His Highness the Father Emir

appointed a committee to draft a permanent

constitution for Qatar. The tenets of the

Constitution are based on Qatar’s affiliation

to the Arabic world and the teachings of

Islam.

On April 29, 2003, a public referendum

overwhelmingly approved the new

Constitution and on June 8, 2004, the Father

Emir decreed the Permanent Constitution of

the state of Qatar to be ratified.

The Constitution provides that Qatar is an

independent sovereign Arab state. Its religion

is Islam, its political system democratic

(Shari’a law is the main source of its

legislation) and the official language Arabic.

The people are the source of power and

government is based on the separation of

powers. The Constitution provides for the

establishment of an Advisory Council,

two-thirds of whom are elected and the

remainder appointed by the Emir.

The Constitution upholds personal liberty;

safeguards equal rights, duties and

opportunities for all citizens; and protects

private ownership. It protects the freedoms

of expression, the press and religion, as well

as the right to education.

The executive authority is vested in the

Emir. Rule of the state is hereditary in the

family of Al-Thani, and in the line of the male

descendants of Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Hamad

Bin Abdullah Bin Jassim. Rule is inherited by

the son named Heir Apparent (a Muslim of a

Qatari Muslim mother) by the Emir.

Legislative authority is vested in the

Municipal Council. Judicial Authority is

independent and vested in courts of law. Only

persons of Qatari nationality may hold

Ministerial posts. The Constitution states that

Qatari society is based on the values of

justice, benevolence, freedom, equality and

high morals. The family is the basis of society.

Foreign policy is based on the principle of

strengthening international peace and

security and every Qatari citizen has a duty to

defend the state

Government:

The system of government in Qatar is

based on the separation and collaboration of

powers. The executive authority is vested in

the Emir and the Heir Apparent, who are

assisted by the Council of Ministers as

specified by the Constitution, while the

legislative authority is vested in the Advisory

Council.

The Emir is the Head of State and

represents the country internally, externally

and in all international relations. He is also

the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces,

which he supervises with the assistance of

Defense Council, set under his direct

authority. The judicial authority is vested in

courts of law; and court judgments are

proclaimed in the name of the Emir.

The Emir is assisted by the Council of

Ministers, or Cabinet, Prime Minister and six

supreme councils. The Emir appoints the

prime minister and ministers, accepts their

resignations and relieves them from their

posts by Emiri Decrees. He entrusts the tasks

of each ministry to a minister or the Prime

Minister in accordance with the Emiri Decree

designating the appointment.

The Prime Minister chairs the sessions of

the Council of Ministers and supervises work

coordination between different ministries

with the vision of achieving unity and

integration among all government branches.

He also signs the resolutions issued by the

Council.

The cabinet is formed by an Emiri Decree

based on the proposal of the Prime Minister.

The responsibilities and authorities of the

ministers and government departments are

specified according to the law. The Council of

Ministers – being the supreme executive

authority in the country – is mandated to

monitor all internal and external affairs within

its jurisdiction in accordance with the

provisions of the Constitution and the law.

Ministries and other government agencies

are responsible for executing public policies

and programmes relevant to them.

tries from all continents have benefited from it. Most

of the developmental aid is directed to the sectors of

health, education, water, and sanitary systems. Recent

examples of natural and man-made disaster relief efforts

of Qatar include refugee camps in the Middle

East, a tsunami in Indonesia, earthquakes in Pakistan,

China and Haiti, and the latest Beirut port explosion.

Cultural juwels

Qatar has established many important strategies

and objectives aimed at making culture and education

one of the most important tools in its domestic and

foreign strategy. Qatar invested enormous resources

in organising, on both international and local scale,

cultural events such as festivals, seminars, lectures,

evenings, art galleries, book fairs, workshops, comprehensive

training for beginners and focusing on the

promising younger generation and supporting it.

On the education front, in 2012, Qatar founded

the "Education Above All Foundation" to ‘contribute

to human, social and economic development

through quality education and other welfare programs

and initiatives’, with ‘a particular focus on areas

affected by poverty, conflict and disaster with the

aim of protecting and supporting the right to education

in areas under the threat of crises, conflicts and

wars’. "Educate a Child" is one of the programmes

run by the EAA Foundation. This programme has

provided more than 9.2 million of children from the

developing countries with access to quality primary

education, thereby helping them to overcome the

constraints of extreme poverty, cultural discrimination,

and conflict-affected environments.

"Education City" is a national project of the EAA

aimed to create quality education and work experience

opportunities in Qatar. The Education City

hosts faculty members from major international universities.

And infrastructure? Be it an airport, be it a

stadium or a bridge – Doha seems to be the world

capital of modern architecture. A place where modern

times meet history. Behind its futuristic skyline,

Qatar’s capital Doha is full of traditional culture like

falconry.

Promoting a New Media Narrative

The establishment of the “Al Jazeera media network”

in 1996 gave Qatar unprecedented exposure in

the world. Al Jazeera News continues to be considered

‘one of the most popular and powerful stations

worldwide‘.

PHOTOS: FOREIGN MINISTRY OF THE STATE OF QATAR

Al Jazeera has built a reputation for breaking the

media norms of the Arab world, which shies away

from criticising or questioning officialdom. Instead,

‘the network is widely praised for giving opposition

groups the forum to condemn their repressive

governments‘.

This channel has significantly changed the relationship

between governments and citizens and perhaps

even served as a catalyst for the 2011 uprisings.

Al Jazeera international is another success story

and managed to provide for the first time independent

news from the Arab world, thus making a major

contribution to international and intercultural global

communication.

Accordingly, Al-Jazeera was often seen as a network

that promotes global dialogue via adding a

non-Western perspective to global audiences, thus

broadening their horizons and promoting a global

dialogue. The Al Jazeera network ‘has given Qatar

outsized influence in the Middle East and beyond‘.

The power of sports events

Sports are constantly seeking to be non-controversial

tools for bringing nations together and enhancing

the reputation and image of both the countries

that excel in sports and the countries that host

sports events.

Qatar has been pursuing sports diplomacy since

the mid-nineties as part of its attempts to carve out

an active role in the international community. With

this aim, Qatar has invested in all areas of sports diplomacy

in a centrally planned and supervised manner:

from organising international competitions to

obtaining exclusive broadcasting rights for international

competitions to purchasing foreign sports clubs.

Besides bringing international prestige, Qatar’s

sports investments have strategic aims: in addition to

helping economic diversification, state modernisation

and development, they also strengthen the

country’s international reputation and standing.

Winning the right to host the 2022 FIFA World

Cup, has been the greatest achievement so far and it

has greatly enhanced the image and reputation of

Qatar in the Middle East and around the world. During

November 20 and December 18 in 2022, the

Soccer World Championship will take place at 8 hyper

modern stages in Qatar with its final at the Khalifa

International Stadium which will host up to

82,000 visitors. Besides, as Qatar tries to put itself on

the global sports map, it was to attract a wide range of

athletic sport events. In 2006, the Gulf State has been

host to the Asian Games and Track and Field Athletic

World Championship as well as to motor biking and

super biking world cups. In 2014, the world championship

for swimmers took place in Doha, and in 2015

the hand ball world championship.

Over the past fifty years, Qatar has used its heritage,

culture, economic wealth, political stability, peace

advocacy diplomacy, support for multilateralism and

the rule of law to become a proactive player in the

international arena, contributing strongly to the international

peace and sustainable development.

The festival ”Shop Qatar“ is scheduled

to take place from May 13 to June 11 in

2021 at Doha’s Shopping Malls.



25

LE MONDE QATAR | INTERVIEW

H.E. Sultan Salmeen Almansouri

„There is a Qatari tendency to put more focus on strengthening

the bilateral relations with Austria.“

The Ambassador of Qatar to Austria on current developments in Qatar, the location of the future

Embassy in Vienna and the 45th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations to Austria.

Interview: Arian Faal

H.E. SULTAN SALMEEN

ALMANSOURI

is the Ambassador of the State of Qatar

to Austria and the Permanent

Representative to the United Nations in

Vienna since August 28, 2019. Besides,

he is non-resident Ambassador to the

Republic of Slovenia and non-resident

Ambassador to the Slovak Republic.

Previously, he was Ambassador of the

State of Qatar to the People‘s Republic

of China (2013-2019), to Mongolia

(2015–2019) and to the Republic of

Korea (2014–2019).

CD: Qatar is planning to renovate the former French

Cultural Institute and the garden of the Palais

Clam-Gallas in the 9th district in Vienna to turn it

into the new Embassy building. This is certainly a

huge sign of importance regarding the current

relationship between Qatar and Austria, isn‘t it?

Sultan Salmeen Almansouri: Yes, we

are planning to use the Palais Clam-Gallas

as an Embassy of the State of Qatar and its

Permanent Mission to the United Nations

& International Organisations in Vienna.

We are currently working side by side with

major Austrian construction companies, in

addition to many consultants in various

specialisations, to restore the palace back to

its former glory and preserve it in its ideal

image for future generations. The State of

Qatar is internationally known for its keenness

on caring for historic buildings and its

respect for the historical and artistic heritage.

This can be seen in many cities in different

parts of the world, as is the case, for

example, with the beautiful Embassy in Paris,

which is one of the few that has preserved

Georges-Eugène Haussmann‘s original

design from 1853.

Will the garden be opened for the public like in

the past?

As for the opening of the building and

the garden to visitors, the Embassy building,

according to all diplomatic norms,

enjoys immunity as stipulated in the Vienna

Convention for Diplomatic Relations as

part of the national territory – and therefore

I do not think that we can open the building

and the garden to visitors for security

considerations.

The Embassy of Qatar in Vienna has been

reopened more than 10 years ago - what

happened since then?

The State of Qatar is one of the first Gulf

States that took the initiative to open an

Embassy in Vienna in 1975. This means

that 2020 marks the 45th anniversary of the

establishment of bilateral relations between

the two friendly countries. Since the reopening

of the Embassy in 2012, the State of

Qatar has been striving to strengthen bilateral

relations with the Republic of Austria

through the exchange of bilateral visits and

signing several cooperation agreements

and Memorandums of Understanding in

many fields. These efforts culminated in

the visit of H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad

Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, to

Austria, at the beginning of the year 2019,

and the signing of cooperation agreements

in the economic and tourism fields between

the two friendly countries.

What makes Austria and Vienna and the bilateral

ties so special for you and your country?

The State of Qatar and the Republic of

Austria have long historical ties, and there

is a Qatari tendency to put more focus on

strengthening these relations at all levels, as

there are many areas through which the

two friendly countries can enhance their

cooperation in different fields – including

the cooperation in the economic, educational

and investment fields, as well as energy

cooperation.

Let us switch to international politics and to the

Gulf region: How does Qatar see the current

situation in the Middle East?

Everyone is well aware of the difficulties

of dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

that has lasted several decades. The position

of the State of Qatar on this conflict has

always remained unchanged, which stipulates

ending the Israeli occupation and establishing

the State of Palestine with Jerusalem as

its capital within the framework of internati-

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA

26 Cercle Diplomatique 4/2020 Cercle Diplomatique 4/2020 27

LE MONDE QATAR | INTERVIEW

DER

ZEIT

IHREN

STIL

Gatterburggasse 12

Wien, XIX.

HWB 24,7 kWh/m²a, fGEE 0,78

Unverbindliche Visualisierungen. Änderungen vorbehalten. Kein Rechtsanspruch ableitbar.

“Qatar‘s “National Vision“ aims

that by 2030 Qatar becomes an

advanced society.“

onal legitimacy and relevant Security Council

resolutions while granting all Palestinian

refugees the right of return. The State of Qatar

would spare no effort in providing all we

can to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians

until they get their legitimate rights.

We can read a lot about the “Qatar Vision 2030“.

Tell us more about it, please.

Qatar’s National Vision aims that – by

2030 – Qatar becomes an advanced society

capable of sustaining its development and

providing a high standard of living for its

people, and defines the long-term goals for

the country in providing a framework in

which national strategies and implementation

plans can be developed.

Therefore, the Qatar Vision 2030

addresses five major challenges facing Qatar:

Modernisation and preservation of tradition;

The needs of the current generation

and of future generations; Managed growth

and uncontrolled expansion; The size and

quality of the expatriate labour force and

the selected path of development; Economic

growth, social development, and environmental

management.

How is the current situation of Covid-19 in Doha?

And will the corona epidemic affect the FIFA

Soccer World Cup 2022 in Qatar?

No one can deny that the Covid-19 pandemic

has affected the whole world in all

fields. The State of Qatar is proceeding according

to the plan established at the level

of completing the FIFA World Cup facilities

scheduled in Qatar in 2022.

The wheel of work is turning in the various

remaining World Cup stadiums in pursuit

of beyond reaching the stage of full

readiness on the dates specified by the Supreme

Committee for Delivery and Legacy,

“the body responsible for the projects and

initiatives of the Qatar World Cup 2022“.

We affirm that it will not affect the completion

of the World Cup projects, especially

that the State of Qatar has an integrated action

plan to meet all challenges.

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA


The Ambassador of Qatar

during the interview with

CD author Arian Faal (left).

PROVISIONSFREI DIREKT

VOM BAUTRÄGER!

Kontakt: Andreas Beil

E andreas.beil@buwog.com

T +43 (0)1 878 28-1218

www.gatterburggasse.buwog.com

116 frei finanzierte Eigentumswohnungen in der Gatterburggasse bieten das Beste aus

zwei Welten: Einerseits exklusive Wohnungen mit dem charmanten Flair des Altbaustils

im ehem. komplett revitalisierten Döblinger Amtsgebäude. Andererseits moderne Neubauwohnungen,

die u.a. private Freiflächen in Form von Terrasse, Balkon, Loggia oder Garten

bieten. Dies alles in einer der begehrtesten Gegenden von Wien. Die Döblinger Hauptstraße

liegt mit ihren kleinen Läden gleich um die Ecke und durch die gute öffentliche Anbindung

mit U-Bahn (Spittelau) und Straßenbahnen ist alles bestens erreichbar.

LE MONDE THE SOVEREIGN ORDER OF MALTA

Worldwide humanitarian diplomacy

The Sovereign Order

of Malta has bilateral

diplomatic and

official relations with

more than 120

countries and multilateral

relations on

ambassadorial level

with the EU, the UN

and other international

organisations.

Text: Robert Winter

EUROPE

Permanent Mission

of the Sovereign

Order of Malta to the

UN, IAEA, UNIDO and

other IOs in Vienna

What started out almost one

thousand years ago as a joint effort

to ease diseases and the suffering of

ill and commonly disadvantaged

people, became one of the world’s

longest serving, globally operating

humanitarian aid and diplomatic

institutions: for centuries, the

Sovereign Order of Malta has been an

authentic and reliable co-operation

partner for states and international

organisations seeking support and

assistance in the most diversified

areas of human problem solving.

THE AMERICAS

MIDDLE EAST

ASIA PACIFIC AND OCEANIA

AFRICA

THE SOVEREIGN ORDER OF

MALTA.

The map indicates the capital

cities of countries where the

Sovereign Order of Malta runs

medical, social or humanitarian

projects.

30 Cercle Diplomatique 4/2020 Cercle Diplomatique 4/2020 31

LE MONDE THE SOVEREIGN ORDER OF MALTA

The Order is carrying out

disaster relief operations

during catastrophic

earthquakes, in providing

lifesaving assistance.

Following an invitation by Ambassador Günther A. Granser, from left to right: the former Ambassadors of the USA, South Africa, China, Turkey, Great Britain and Jordan.

Ms. Ghada Fathi Waly,

UNOV Director-General &

UNODC Executive

Director, with Prof.

Günther A. Granser during

the 2020 UNODC Youth

Forum.

Ambassador Günther A. Granser during meetings with former Secretary-Generals of the United Nations Ban KiMoon (left) and Kofi

Annan (right) and with the current Secretary-General António Guterres (middle).

The Order of Malta, recognised as a sovereign

subject of international law, has bilateral diplomatic

and official relations with more than

120 countries and multilateral relations on ambassadorial

level with the European Union, the United Nations

and several other international organisations.

Through its embassies and missions, the Order provides

a unique diplomatic network which is both a manifestation

of its sovereignty and an operational instrument

for its worldwide activities. In the

international political arena, the Order maintains a

neutral, impartial and non-political position.

These principle factors have always been significant

grounds when other states approach the Order

to take over the role as a mediator between opposing

parties. With its 12,500 members and 80,000 permanent

volunteers, backed by qualified staff comprised

of over 15,000 doctors, nurses and auxiliaries in its

national associations and international aid organisation

“Malteser International”, the Order leads worldwide

medical and disaster relief programmes and

humanitarian aid on all continents.

Its work stretches from north to south, across the

PHOTOS: PERMANENT MISSION, ALBANIAN RELIEF SERVICE, IAEA, UNODC, MALTESER INTERNATIONAL, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE ORDER OF MALTA

Cooperation of the UNODC and the Sovereign Order of Malta: Youth Initiative and Youth Forum at the annual UNODC high-level

ministerial conference.

world and provides first aid and first aid training as

well as basic and advanced health care services, vaccination

programmes, and supports those suffering

from diseases, hunger and homelessness.

Not only on the Order’s official currency, the

“Scudo”, or on its own postal stamps, accepted

through international postal agreements, the Order’s

state symbols and flags, protected by the Geneva

Convention, can be seen on all continents around

the globe and the wide range of social and aid programmes

underpin the Order’s global activities. No

matter whether the Order carries out disaster relief

operations like the ones in North and South America

or Asia, after a Tsunami hit, or during and after catastrophic

earthquakes, the Order provides specialised

and extensive medical and aid services.

Specifically during the ongoing corona virus pandemic,

the Order is committed to continuing to deliver

the lifesaving assistance that people in need rely

on, carried out through its national associations and

cooperations with national health services/centres,

civil protection corps and social assistance centres.

Commissioning orphanages and caring for refugees

in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, developing

nutritional programmes in Africa, or just “simply”

running and financing its own hospitals throughout

the globe. In the field of refugees and displaced persons,

the commitment is not only to improve the living

and health conditions, but also to provide crossborder

medical support and emergency aid.

The Sovereign Order of Malta and its thousands

of volunteers and experienced medical professionals

are at the forefront of extraordinary caring services.

“It is the Order’s duty to care for those in need – as

important today, as it was 950 years ago,” states Ambassador

Günther Granser, Head of the Permanent

Observer Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta to

the United Nations Offices in Vienna. “Our Mission’s

overall goal is to function as one of the Order’s many

first point of contacts for states, the international

community, and all who want to engage in a mutual

dialogue with us.”

The Order’s Mission in Vienna has recently signed

a Practical Arrangement with the IAEA, through

the PACT programme, to join forces to scale up efforts

in tackling cancer and the advancement of cancer

control in low and middle income countries,

which have endured the greatest impact.

Through the annual Youth Forum, which is hosted

by the UNODC and supported by the Mission in

Vienna, young people from all over the globe can be

reached, stressing their importance in the role of

combating drug abuse and to secure the prosperous

future of the young generation. Through delivering

their final statement to the Member States and UN-

ODC, the young participants can make their voices

heard and actively promote their interest.

Working in a very time-consuming and still honorary

capacity has been a century old challenge for

all of us, but the many people who we are able to help

on a daily basis is very rewarding to us and inspires

us every day to continue our efforts in helping others

on a global scale,” describes Ambassador Granser.

In all of the Order’s many diverse activities to help

those who suffer, there are personal stories, of courage

and of heartbreak, as well as of hard work and dedication

behind it, and therefore the Sovereign Order

of Malta will continue to provide help whenever

and wherever needed.

Baron Albrecht Freiherr

von Boeselager (right),

Grand Chancellor of the

Sovereign Order of Malta,

with Ambassador Günther

A. Granser, Permanent

Representative of the

Sovereign Order of Malta

to the United Nations and

other International

Organisations in Vienna

(on top).

Ambassador Granser and

Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi,

Director General of the

International Atomic

Energy Agency (IAEA), at

the joint signing ceremony

of the cooperation

agreement (below).

In the midst of armed conflicts and

natural disasters, the Order is caring for

refugees, assisting with the distribution

of medicines and basic equipment (left).

The Albanian Relief Service provides

support during the corona pandemic.

(right).



33

LE MONDE COMMENTARY

Europe‘s annus horribilis

The corona year 2020 confronted the EU with a number

of problems and emergency measures, including the

agreement on the next seven-year budget and a new

plan for the common migration and asylum policy.

Text: Otmar Lahodynsky

PHOTO: EUROPEAN UNION 2020 / ETIENNE ANSOTTE

The growing number of corona infections in the second wave

during autumn has unsettled EU leaders. EU Council President

Charles Michel spoke out against going it alone at national

level. The EU is facing “hard times”, he warned at a video summit

of EU heads of state and government at the end of October and called

on the member states to show “support and solidarity”.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen admitted mistakes in

dealing with the pandemic: “After the first wave ebbed away, we naturally

eased the measures in summer, probably too quickly, and this is

not just about travel”, she said.

The EU slipped into one of its worst crisis. The Covid-19 epidemic

has turned Europe‘s already weak economic growth into a clear downturn.

The number of unemployed people increased significantly. Shorttime

work was introduced in most EU countries.

When the pandemic broke out at the beginning of March, the EU

institutions went into shock. Health policy falls into the responsibility

of the member states. But even in the supply of masks, protective suits

and respirators, the EU Commission only acted after weeks of delay. In

accordance with the principle of “save yourself who can”, national

governments secured access to medical equipment. The call for help

from the northern regions of Italy, which were particularly hit by the

virus, was largely ignored.

At the end of May, the EU Commission acted in line with its mission:

As a remedy against the recession, it proposed a reconstruction

fund of 750 billion euro and took a decisive step: for the first time, the

EU was to run up debts together by issuing European bonds. However,

each member state would only have to guarantee these joint bonds in

accordance with its size and economic strength.

These funds are intended to support the sectors most affected by the

Covid-19 epidemic – tourism, textiles, transport (especially aviation)

– till art and culture. The Commission has proposed long-term bonds

to be repaid from the EU budget after 30 years. To avoid that the membership

fees have to be increased, the EU should get new common

sources of income. Ideas for this range from a levy on plastic, a tax on

digital corporations and carbon emissions, and an internal market tax

for large corporations.

Under German EU Presidency, German Chancellor Angela Merkel

and France’s President Emmanuel Macron pushed through a €750 billion

aid package for countries most affected by the corona crisis, far

more than their original proposal of €500 billion. Italy and Spain will

receive more than two-thirds of €390 billion in non-repayable grants

and will thus receive most of the transfers. France will also get around

TIMES OF TROUBLE.

EU Commission President

Ursula von der Leyen (left)

and EU Council President

Charles Michel at the

European Council at

Brussels.



35

LE MONDE COMMENTARY

“In November,

Poland and Hungary

vetoed the sevenyear

EU budget

they had previously

approved.“

€35 billion. And unlike in the past, they do not have to

introduce a radical austerity course – as Greece had to

follow during the Euro crisis. However, they will have

to present valuable projects for the whole EU, especially

those dealing with climate protection or investments

into new technologies.

The four net contributor countries that joined together

as the “frugal four” – the Netherlands, Austria,

Denmark, and Sweden – plus Finland – have pushed

through a reduction in the planned grants from €500

to €390 billion, for which the loans were increased to

€360 billion euro.

The Central European states also presented themselves

as winners. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor

Orbán was celebrated at home after he had obtained a

promise that the Article 7 proceedings against Hungary

for violating the EU’s basic values, would be discontinued.

In addition, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia

also vowed resistance against linking the rule-of-law

to EU funding.

In fact, the summit declaration stipulated that the

proceedings would be initiated in case of a violation of

the rule-of-law in a member state with a qualified majority

being sufficient. The details of this procedure

would have to be provided by the EU Commission.

So, the question is, are they all winners? Together

with the multi-year financial framework (the EU budget),

€1,824 billion euro would be distributed in the

EU over the next seven years, a large part of which

would be invested in projects in future technologies

and climate protection.

In contrast to the Commission’s proposal, cuts

have been made by the member states in research expenditure,

education, and climate protection, which

has been widely criticised, especially by Members of

the European Parliament. MEPs have already called

for improvements for some expenditures foreseen in

the European Union budget, otherwise the approval

by the Parliament would be denied.

Moreover, with the decisions to fight the economic

consequences of Covid-19, the EU has finally demonstrated

its ability to act. A continuation of the

dispute would surely have further weakened the EU.

At a time, when the EU should show strength – with

the United Kingdom leaving the single market at the

end of 2020, the EU negotiates a new trade agreement.

And there are trade wars looming between China

and the US as well as growing hostilities with Russia. It

took a long time for the EU to pass new sanctions on

Russia (for the poison-attack on opposition leader

Alexei Navalny) and on the regime of Alexander Lukashenko

in Belarus after the rigged elections and excessive

police violence against peaceful protesters.

As far as the rule-of-law is concerned, the

Commission’s proposal will be decisive. According to

the first plans, a qualified majority in the European

Council will be required to stop the payment of EU

subsidies to a country with deficits in the rule-of-law

including freedom of the press. So far, authoritarian

governments could easily organise a blocking minority.

But the EU must flex its muscles here. If it fails to do

so, how can Brussels credibly require candidate countries

to meet strict criteria on the rule-of-law when

existing member states are allowed to act against them

with impunity? The governments of Hungary and Poland

warned to veto the seven-year budget if they face

cuts in their payments from Brussels. Later in the year,

it should turn out to be a decisive battle.

Another main problem of the EU, a new asylum

and migration policy, was addressed last September.

The EU-Commission proposed a new three-step procedure.

In normal times, voluntary assistance from

other EU members will continue, but if a country comes

under pressure by a huge wave of arriving refugees

and migrants, it can trigger a mechanism for

compulsory solidarity. The EU Commission would

then examine how many asylum seekers could be accepted

by the country in question. The other EU

countries will then be obliged to provide aid by either

taking in some of the refugees, or it helps in other

ways, including migration management or deportation

of illegal immigrants. A new term, “return sponsorship”,

was coined for this process.

This is intended to make countries that oppose the

equal distribution of refugees aware of their responsibility.

With these new rules, the countries that have so

far put up the greatest resistance to accepting asylum

seekers and migrants will be obliged to act. Simply doing

nothing is then no longer an option.

In November, a new crisis occurred: Poland and

Hungary vetoed the seven-year EU budget they had

previously approved. The reason was a new rule-oflaw

clause, which had previously been agreed against

the votes of the two authoritarian governments, and

which also allows cuts in EU subsidies in case of violations.

Poland and Hungary thus also blocked the EU‘s

multi-billion-euro recovery-aid through common

corona bonds. At printing deadline, it remained unclear

how the 25 states would react to the blackmail by

Budapest and Warsaw.

Ihr schnellster Weg zur individuellen Bürolösung:

myhive-offices.com


Wien Bratislava Warschau Budapest Prag Bukarest Düsseldorf

LE MONDE COMMENTARY

The Queen of records

Text: Arian Faal

Queen Elizabeth II, who will turn 95 in 2021, has broken many records - among them being

Britain’s longest-living monarch and the world’s longest-serving sovereign. An analysis of a

‘royal miracle‘.

Her Royal Highness Princess

Elizabeth in the Auxiliary

Territorial Service in April 1945,

standing in front of an

ambulance.

Queen Elizabeth II has

seen many U.S. Presidents

come and go. Above, she is

pictured dancing with

President Gerald Ford

(1974-1977 in office as

President) during a State

Dinner held in her honour

in 1976.

You have indeed to be of a certain age to remember

times without Elizabeth II being the

Queen of England. For more than five generations

she acts as guarantor of an extraordinary subtle

and quiet stability for the Commonwealth - some

even call her a ‘royal miracle‘.

When it comes to current leaders or head of states

representing an older age group, Queen Elizabeth is

automatically coming to mind. Who would have

known on her Coronation Day on June 2 in 1953, that

she would be, nearly 70 years later, Britain’s longestliving

monarch and the world’s oldest-serving sovereign?

And the macabre note is that she shouldn’t have

reigned at all - until a row of dramatic events changed

her fate. She was expecting a normal life of relative privacy

and calm without a lot of responsabilities.

Let’s go back: Her uncle, Edward VIII, put her at

the forefront of succession because of his abdication

after a reign of only 325 days. The fact that her father,

George VI, passed away due to lung cancer on February

6, 1952, while she was on a trip to Africa, should

change Elizabeth’s life forever.

Then, from one moment to the other, the responsability

of a whole empire pressed on her shoulders.

Elizabeth’s legendary sentence of a speech to the Commonwealth

on her 21st birthday at Cape Town in 1947

should become some kind of life motto during her

whole reign: “I declare before you all that my whole

life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to

your service and the service of our great Imperial family

to which we all belong“.

Elizabeth II became Queen of England at the age of

25 – at a time, when in Austria Theodor Körner was

the first Austrian President elected directly by the people

(from 1951-57), Joseph Stalin acted as the leader of

the USSR and Harry S. Truman as the President of the

United States.

Since then, she has been Britain’s 40th monarch

and her rule has seen 15 British Prime Ministers, starting

with the legendary Winston Churchill in 1952

(who lived from November 30, 1874 to January 24,

1965) and ending with the current Prime Minister Boris

Johnson (since July 24, 2019). She has also seen

seven popes and 13 U.S. Presidents come and go

through her reign. The Queen is known as a globetrotting

monarch and has visited over 120 countries

and hosted thousands of engagements (source: Oli

Smith @ ‚Express‘).

On February 6 in the year 2022, Elizabeth II would

become the very first British monarch celebrating a

Platinum Jubilee. But the list of records is much longer.

At the moment, the British Queen holds six Guinness

World Records:

• The Queen appears on the currencies of 35 countries,

holding the record for most currencies

featuring the same individual, overtaking Queen

Victoria (21 countries) and King George V

(19 countries)

• She has plenty of money of her own and holds the

record of the world’s wealthiest queen. Queen

Elizabeth‘s total assets, which include fine art,

jewellery, and English estates, added up to around

PHOTOS: RICARDO THOMAS, IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUMS/ MINISTRY OF INFORMATION OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER, TIME MAGAZINE

$504 million in 2012 (cf. Sunday Times).

• Elizabeth II is the longest reigning monarch alive.

This record had previously been held by Thailand’s

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died after a 70-year

reign on October 13, 2016.

• She inherited the British throne on February 6,

1952, after the death of her father, King George VI.

As of her 94th birthday on April 21, 2020, she has

been in office as Queen for 68 years and 75 days.

• The British Queen is the oldest current monarch in

the world. The previous record holder, King

Abdullah Bin Abulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of

Saudi Arabia, died on January 23, 2015, at the age

of 90. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, also 94, is the

oldest living pope in history.

• Last but not least, the Queen holds the Guinness

World Record for the oldest British Queen. She is

94 now and her great-great grandmother, Queen

Victoria, previously held the record at the age of 81.

Related to Austria, another fact is quite interesting

regarding the reign of Elizabeth II: On January 26,

2020, her reign overtook that of the Austro-Hungarian

Emperor Franz Joseph II (1830-1916, Reign 1848-

1916). He ruled for 67 years and 355 days (24.825 days

altogether). He took the throne when he was just 18,

overseeing political and social change through his

long tenure which came to an end just two years after

the assassination of his nephew and heir, Archduke

Franz Ferdinand. The assassination was an act that

precipitated World War I. Now, the Queen has passed

that mark with her rule as the fourth longest on verifiable

records.

Who is still on top? The third longest verifiable

reign in history is that of Johann II of Liechtenstein

who held his country’s throne for 70 years and 91

days. This means that Elizabeth II will have to rule for

just over another two years to overtake him. And just

a month after passing that milestone, she would

quickly go on to claim second place (cf. Royalcentral.

co.uk) on the list – currently, that spot belongs to the

earlier mentioned late King Bhumibol who had reigned

for 70 years and 126 days till his death in 2016.

The winner of the list was and is King Louis XIV of

France, the so called Sun King, who took his country’s

throne in May 1643 at the age of four and held it for 72

years and 110 days when he died at the age of 76. The

Queen would overtake that reign in summer 2024 at

the age of 98.

But for now, the Queen is a symbol of hope during

the Covid-19 crisis: It was not at all a coincidence

that media all over the world were referring to

the British Queen, when it came to the best speech of

world leaders’ during the pandemy-affected year

2020. She is seen as an icon of hope by so many, not

only by Britains. The stable source of trust found

warm words for million of hopeless and suffering

people around the globe. When you listen to her touching

speech from Windsor earlier this year, after the

first big Covid-19 impacts (cf. YouTube Speech

Queen 2020 Covid), you can feel that special experience,

that background of nearly 70 years of reign and

last but not least the ability to find the right words for

the world. God save the Queen - and may she remain

in good health!

Elizabeth as a child, “Princess

Lilibet“ on a cover of the

American TIME magazine in

1929.



39

LE MONDE IACA | INTERVIEW

Thomas Stelzer

“Corruption must be fought at the root.”

The new head of the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) in Laxenburg on his plans

for the future, training in the age of corona and the new role of the UN.

Interview: Gerhard Bitzan


THOMAS STELZER

is the Dean of the IACA since March 2020.

Before, he served, among others, as

Assistant Secretary-General at the

Department of Economic and Social Affairs

at the United Nations in New York, as

Permanent Representative of Austria to the

Vienna-based international organisations

and most recently, as Ambassador to

Portugal.

CD: The fight against corruption is becoming more

important around the globe. What is the role of

the UN in all of this?

Thomas Stelzer: In the past few years, the

United Nations has made the fight against

corruption one of its central tasks. By including

the fight against corruption in the

UN’s long-term goals, the so-called Sustainable

Development Goals (SDG), the topic

has taken the centre stage among the UN’s

activities. At the same time, the implementation

of the UN’s central strategy for the

future, the 2030 Agenda, which includes a

total of 17 goals, is drawing on all the

institution’s resources. The question is

therefore how to raise the money for the

implementation of this goal. It can only

happen if countries increase their tax revenue

while eliminating illegal money flows,

bribery and corruption. One just has to

look at all the money being sucked out of

the economy every year as a result of corruption.

This shows that these targets can

only be realised if they also include a successful

fight against corruption – the fight

against corruption as a conditio sine qua

non for sustainable development.

How important is the Anti-Corruption Academy,

the IACA, in this fight?

As the only international organisation dedicated

exclusively to the fight against corruption,

the IACA in Laxenburg plays a key

role in the fight against corruption and

therefore also in the UN’s sustainable development

plans. Our organisation was founded

because there was a lack of implementation

from the UN Convention Against

Corruption (UNCAC). At the time, corruption

was still a dark shadow that was

extremely difficult to identify, and no one

knew where to begin the fight. The UN-

CAC, created in 2003, now provides very

precise guidelines on how to structure the

fight against corruption. But the convention

also has to be implemented by the member

states. And since this convention has

demanding legal regulations that aren’t understood

and implemented equally by everyone,

there needs to be a body to provide

technical assistance. This is where the IACA

comes in.

What exactly is being offered in Laxenburg?

The IACA offers training for practitioners

– lawyers, prosecutors, teachers –to give

them the necessary skillset to strengthen

their country’s respective criminal justice

system and make it more resilient. This makes

it possible to fight corruption more efficiently

on the basis of the rule of law. Over

the past 10 years, we have built the IACA

into a higher education institution. We are

currently offering two Master’s programmes,

which, in addition to the annual summer

academy, have already produced over

3,000 alumni – across 161 different countries.

We consider each of these graduates a

bridgehead in their respective country for

they have been given the right technical

skill to implement the UNCAC, the UN

convention, in their nations.

What plans do you have for the expansion of the

academy?

Our main pillar is training, for it gives us

the opportunity to go much further. It is

now about providing every business manager

and every diplomat with the right anticorruption

toolkit so that they can clearly

tell apart carelessness, generosity and criminal

conduct. The second pillar next to

the academic programme, to which we will

soon add a doctoral programme, is technical

support. Here, we offer a customtailored

programme on demand. We see



41

LE MONDE IACA | INTERVIEW

“A society with a functioning system

will be able to prevent corruption

more easily.”

great potential here, for we have 76 member

states and four member organisations. We

are also working with regional centres and

businesses. And for the third pillar, we are

expanding the science pillar. We want to

enable better networking between scientists

and their work on the topic of the fight

against corruption and create and integrated

platform.

What has been the effect of the coronavirus

pandemic on the teaching process?

It goes without saying that the Covid-19

lockdown has had significant impacts on

our programmes and projects, which had

all been taught face-to-face up until then.

Suddenly, nobody could come to Laxenburg

anymore and we were forced to transfer

everything we had built over a ten-year

period onto an e-learning platform. In this,

we succeeded. We were able to continue our

academic programme without a loss in time

or quality. Now, our students aren’t sitting

in Laxenburg anymore, but across five different

continents using their computers. Our

teachers are also logging in from anywhere

in the world. In that sense, we have become

more mobile and more independent. And

because there is no need for travel right

now, we are also saving a lot of money.

The term corruption is a little vague. Could you

define it better?

There is no global definition of corruption.

The UN convention also specifies that corruption

must be defined on the national level.

We could attempt to explain it like this:

Corruption is the acquisition, through financial

advantage, to benefits to which one

is not entitled. This could be a referee who

gets paid to whistle a penalty kick or someone

who awards a commercial contract.

Corruption spans across all sectors.

How seriously is the fight against corruption

being taken around the world?

It is up to each country’s legal system to criminalise

corruption. This goes further in

some countries and less far in others. There

is no perfect country, but some are less perfect

than others. Let’s look at party financing

for example. A society with a functioning

system will be able to prevent

corruption more easily. In Austria, politicians

don’t have to worry about their income

at the end of their political careers. Many

other countries don’t have a comparable


pension system. And thus, there is a great

temptation to put a little money on the side

and transfer it abroad. This needs to be

fought at the root by not putting politicians

in a position where they may end up without

money. On top of that, one has to

make sure that impunity is eliminated.

When you know that you won’t get away

with something, then the temptation to do

it decreases as well.

There is an international corruption index. How

meaningful is this index?

The index is not 100% conclusive – it is just

an indication. The index is created by civilians

and exerts normative pressure on banks

and governments to tighten up laws. However,

it does not propose any punitive measures.

It’s about blaming and shaming.

What we really need are peer reviews as

outlined in the UN convention, where states

can subject themselves to a review mechanism.

This is the best thing we’ve got

right now to put pressure on countries to

comply with legal standards.

Where do you rank Austria on the corruption

scale?

Austria is a highly developed society and

has a highly developed legal system, putting

it in a much better position than most other

countries. No country is perfect, but it must

be said that the Austrian institutions are really

effective, such as the Corruption

Prosecutor’s Office. One could, of course,

ask whether the office is working as planned,

whether it is financially well equipped.

But it is there and it works.

Could you imagine an international criminal court

for corruption? Similar to the Court of Human

Rights?

We are not a public prosecutor’s office – we

try to strengthen institutions so that there is

no more corruption. Our goal is to support

national systems so that corruption is prosecuted

on a national level. This doesn’t necessarily

require a criminal court. But there

is a lot happening right now, because there

will be a UN General Assembly on the issue

of corruption next year, which is now being

prepared. So, there are currently a lot of

ideas on the marketplace in terms of the

fight against corruption. One area where I

believe we should get more involved in is

whistleblower protection. Protecting whistleblowers

is crucial for the fight against corruption.

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IACA’s Dean Thomas Stelzer (right)

during the interview with CD author

Gerhard Bitzan at the Park Hyatt,

Vienna.

Vienna University

of Economy and Business

WU Executive Academy

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executiveacademy.at/mba


LE MONDE COMMENTARY

Weather warning in

the Eastern Mediterranean

Text: Walter Feichtinger

You can watch Walter Feichtinger‘s videos on:


The scenario has become all too familiar: The Turkish gas exploration vessel “Oruc Reis” sets off

on its journey while Europe looks on anxiously as to what course it takes.

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

If it is bound for its domestic port, then that is

cause for relaxation – if it heads to Cyprus or

Kastellorizo instead, we know a storm is coming.

In the summer and autumn of 2020, tensions between

Turkey and Greece threatened to spiral out of

control. The political back and forth got tougher and

the positions more rigid. Red lines were drawn – the

crossing of which was declared casus belli. In late August

and early September 2020, both countries conducted

naval manoeuvres in the disputed territories,

with Greece receiving symbolic support from Cyprus,

France, Italy and the UAE.

What’s it all about?

Greece and Cyprus are accusing Turkey of illegally

searching for natural gas off Greek islands and the

coast of Cyprus. Ankara firmly rejects these accusations

and insists that the waters are part of the Turkish

continental shelf. The fight over maritime borders and

natural gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean is

nothing new; it has been going on for decades. Previous

negotiations proved unsuccessful and talks had

been suspended for around two years.

The fact that the two conflicting parties are also

NATO “partners” doesn’t make the situation any easier.

And then there is Cyprus, whose northern part –

the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, solely recognised

as such by Turkey – is being used by Ankara

as a trump card and bargaining chip. Under international

law, the entire island remains under the jurisdiction

of the Republic of Cyprus and it is therefore entitled

to the entire exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Turkey made headway in autumn of 2019 and declared

its own exclusive economic zone in a bilateral

agreement with Libya. In summer 2020, Greece responded

with an agreement with Egypt in and set out

its own claims – which, as one would expect, were in

stark contrast with what Turkey had in mind.

What are Athen’s and Ankara’s positions?

From the Turkish perspective, island states – and

this would include Cyprus – are only entitled to a

small strip of 12 nautical miles, whereas states on the

mainland are entitled to the usual 200 nautical miles.

For Ankara, the Aegean Sea is a special case under

maritime law, because the Greek islands are located

above the Turkish continental shelf. The border is said

to be a mid-line between the Greek and the Turkish

mainland. In addition, Ankara is calling for the Turkish

Republic of Northern Cyprus – which is not recognised

internationally – to share in the revenue

from the gas reserves.

The Greek-Egyptian agreement, on the other hand,

assigns to all Greek islands an EEZ of 200 nautical miles

and bases demarcations on the relevant midline.

This largely reduces the Turkish claims to their coast

region.

What does international law say? The 1982 United

Nations (UN) Convention on the Law of the Sea establishes

an “Exclusive Economic Zone” (EEZ) for coastal

countries. According to this, a state has the exclusive

right to exploit natural resources within a zone of

200 nautical miles. Most maritime law experts believe

that the 200-mile rule also applies to islands. Turkey,

however, never signed this agreement with the UN.

Ankara considers its drilling activities around Cyprus

legitimate because they are located on the Turkish

continental shelf.

The government of Northern Cyprus is also claiming

resources in the Cypriot economic zone and has

granted test drilling licences to the Turkish oil company

TPAO. The unresolved Cyprus dispute, which intensified

again in the summer of 2017 after talks on

the reunification of the island had come to a halt, is

therefore a key factor in the dispute over drilling

rights. The victory of Ersin Tatar – an Erdogan loyalist

– in the October 2020 presidential election does not

give cause for optimism. The chairman of the conservative

National Unity Party rejects the idea of reunification

and sides with Ankara.

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, BEIGESTELLT

prove starting positions for subsequent talks and negotiations.

And then there is Turkey’s enormous energy

demand, which right now is almost exclusively

covered by imports. Turkey having access to its own

oil and gas would greatly relieve the strained national

budget and increase the country’s strategic autonomy.

Apart from that, anti-Greek rhetoric also scores political

points at home.

From the Turkish point of view, the Eastern Mediterranean/EastMed

pipeline planned by Greece, the

Republic of Cyprus, Israel and Egypt is another major

concern. The pipeline is to begin in the Egyptian offshore

gas fields and enter the EU via Cyprus, Crete

and Greece. In late October 2020, Egypt, Greece, Cyprus,

Italy, Israel, Palestine and Jordan announced that

they would transform their forum into a permanent

organisation. Turkey has not yet been invited to the

talks – which has angered Erdogan.

Greece and Cyprus have received support from the

EU, which has taken their side and launched mediation

talks. Cyprus has almost gone too far by demanding

sanctions against Ankara – otherwise, it would

refuse to agree to the EU aid package. In order to not

offend Turkey, the EU then agreed internally that

sanctions would remain an option. This, interestingly,

resulted in a functional cooperation between France

and Germany, with President Macron playing the military

card and Chancellor Merkel betting on dialogue

instead.

Greece has agreed to have the matter settled before

an international court. Athens says that it is ready for

dialogue – but under the condition that Turkey ceases

its threats. Turkey too is prepared for talks in principle

but wants to negotiate not only about the EEZ but

about the entire border demarcation.

An outlook

Both Greece and Turkey are in an extremely precarious

economic situation, leaving very little room for

political escapades. Any further escalation of tensions

or even military action would damage both sides

enormously – it is unlikely that either side believes

that such a conflict would culminate in their favour.

Still, the fronts hardened considerably in the autumn

Greek island

Kastellorizo

Intensified border disputes between Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus because of gas exploration in the

Eastern Mediterranean.

Assessing the situation

Turkey’s actions didn’t come as a surprise. Ankara

feels emboldened to fill the authoritative vacuum and

to go on the offensive now that the US is no longer as

active in the region. Recent “successes” in Syria and

Libya have likely vindicated Erdogan’s strategy of

using aggressive action to create facts or at least imof

2020, which has made it difficult for external mediators

to initiate constructive dialogue. The efforts of

the USA, the EU and NATO have at least prevented

military clashes thus far – a modest success.

The task right now is to prevent all parties from

making further provocations and to develop suitable

formats for dialogue. International mediation with

constructive suggestions and clear positioning is needed

urgently, for a bilateral or trilateral resolution between

the conflicting parties is out of the question for

the time being. It is especially important to convey to

Turkey that what may appear as a handful of small

successes could turn out to be major defeats in the

long run. The president is running the risk of isolating

the country even further and overstretching its strategic

capacity. Even if Erdogan mocks the EU as a

“toothless association of windbags” – in the long term,

he is going to need them.

The course of the conflict thus far, however, gives

reason for scepticism. The struggle for reason and

constructive dialogue is likely to continue for some

time. This is why we can expect the Oruc Reis to continue

to head out for the time being – both as an exploratory

vessel and as a political signal.



45

LE MONDE ESSAY

Lebanon – a microcosm of the

rest of the world

Karin Kneissl

studied law and Arabic at

the University of Vienna.

She later served as an

Austrian diplomat in the

office of the Legal Advisor,

Cabinet of the minister,

Middle East Desk and was

posted among others in

Paris and Madrid. Later on,

she worked as an

independent correspondent

on energy affairs, analyst

and university lecturer

(Vienna, Beirut). She served

as Austrian Foreign Minister

from December 2017 – June

2019. Thereafter, she

returned to her independent

work. She has written

various books, numerous

papers and articles on the

topics of geopolitics, energy

and international relations.

kkneissl.com

Endless wars, terrorism, social unrest, immense corruption and a tremendous

explosion – is a list of what it means to live in Lebanon. The Lebanese

are professional survivors and most of what I have learnt about life, they

have taught me – also to understand what might be happening next in our

own societies west of Beirut.

The name Lebanon is much older than the Lebanese

republic. We can read it in King

Solomon’s Song of Songs and so many other

texts, like the Tell el Amarna tablets. This is a correspondence

on tiny tiles, excavated by archaeologists

in Egypt, and a fascinating collection of classic complaints

by diplomats about their posts. I enjoyed reading

the translations in the Cairo Museum of Antiquities

many years ago, for they prove that really

little changes in human civilisation, notably in the

history of diplomacy. Most of the pieces stem from

the time of Pharaoh Amenophis III, whose court was

in close contact with its vassals in Byblos in what is

currently Lebanon. The importance of cedar wood

for the fabrication of coffins has put Mount Lebanon

on the map of geopolitics ever since.

Going global long ago

Millenia ago, Phoenician merchants spread from

the Mediterranean to the African coasts, maybe even

farther. They created an “after sale service” for their

trading points, circulated new ideas and innovative

techniques, including the alphabet, which they had

encountered in Ugarit. They contributed to globalisation

as it existed several thousands of years ago. To

emigrate has since been part of the Lebanese culture,

though they always keep in touch with their country

of origin. In addition to approximately five million Lebanese

in Lebanon, 12 million others dispose of a Lebanese

passport but live elsewhere. Their remittances

from the Americas, the Gulf etc. keep the country

running. Migration has always been a feature of Lebanon,

some left out of curiosity for foreign lands, others

left out of despair.

The term “Lebanisation” is equal to “Balkanisation”,

and they are often interchanged in political sciences.

Both refer to the implosion of a state, the dismantling

of institutions and the rise of tiny units to the

detriment of a central structure. Once the state’s monopoly

of force is weakened, militias enter the scene.

When Lebanon drowned in the proxy war of the

1970s, analysts referred to the “Balkanisation of Lebanon”.

And in the 1990s, the break-up of Yugoslavia

was called by many historians: the Lebanisation of Yugoslavia.

The Soviet Union was balkanised/lebanised,

Spain and the United Kingdom might be on the brink

of a similar dissolution. However, Lebanon is still there

on the map, both as a state and a society. This fact is

quite admirable, for too many commentators have announced

the end of Lebanon, again and again.

Corruption is the name of the game

When I had the honour to speak at the General Assembly

of the United Nations in September 2018, I

took the opportunity to pay tribute to Lebanon’s amazing

capacity for survival. I decided to start my speech

in Arabic, one of the six official UN-languages. In my

remarks I referred to the Lebanese determination to

continue living with dignity and elegance. While

many of my Austrian compatriots have lost the sense

of putting on nice clothes, polishing shoes and many

other tiny but important features of everyday life, the

Lebanese still cherish those habits no matter what.

You may call it superficial, I consider it a sort of resistance

against ugliness.

The Lebanese have been surviving wars, bombings

by their neighbours and a constant influx of refugees.

And they have somehow managed to live through it all.

But what has finally broken the backbone of the Lebanese

society is the omnipresent corruption that plagues

the society. It starts with buying and selling university

diplomas in the commercialised private education system

and includes moves to obtain medical aid and find

work. Everything is done via “wasta” which is the Arabic

word for “connection”, i.e. corruption. The entire

political structure which is based on a confessional

partition of power represents one big corrupt system,

providing the people with totally inadequate public

services. Add to this the expansive and dubious world

of non-governmental organisations which have become

a business branch of their own. This combination

has been lethal to the Lebanese society.

The result is a high degree of frustration by Lebanese

of all age groups. In October 2019, hundreds of

thousands of them decided to descend into the streets

and ask for an end to the mess. The movement was

PHOTOS: FELICITAS MATERN, ADOBE STOCK

called a revolution, but a year later nothing has changed.

The same faces still hold the same posts. A terrible

explosion in the port of Beirut on August 4 this year,

hit the capital and destroyed thousands of apartments.

Here also, corruption is most probably the culprit as

several police reports had been warning the port authorities

that chemicals stocked there for years could

cause an inferno. Nobody acted.

Orientation and the Orient

In Latin the saying goes: ex oriente lux – Orientation

comes from Orient. Ever since the antiquity, we

always look to the East for guidance. In the 1980s, not

only did Lebanon go through wars, but also through

horrible terrorist attacks. In the 1990s it went through

the destruction of its cities and nature by wild and corrupt

construction. Confessionalism broke and fragmented

the society even more than the war. Being

Lebanese became a statement of one’s ethnic confessional

identity. As a result, state structures weakened;

private money increasingly replaced public funds.

Ever since my first journey in 1989 to this “petit pays

qui fait tant de bruit” (this small country that makes so

much noise) as Metternich said in 1830 on the occasion

of the first humanitarian intervention of history, I

have been fascinated and appalled at the same time.

Lebanon is a laboratory of political and social developments.

What happens there, repeats itself in

many ways in other parts of the world. Terrorism, ethnicism,

religious extremism, breakdown of state institutions,

corruption: you name it, you have it. In past

years, when speaking on the Middle East, I regularly

pointed out the return of the social question. The Arab

revolts of 2011 were more about unemployment, corruption,

lack of housing, etc. The slogans were dignity,

justice and freedom.

Similar outbreaks of frustration are to be expected

in the near future in many cities around the world.

The notion of the “angry citizen” became famous in

2010 with the pamphlet of the former French Resistance

member and diplomat Stéphane Hessel, entitled

“Indignez-vous!” (“Time for Outrage!”). What might

be different from previous demonstrations such as the

“Yellow Vests” in France and the “Occupy Wall Street”

movement is that these demonstrations will be led by

people who are not simply angry, but desperate. This is

what happened in Lebanon last year, and it can happen

elsewhere soon. The question is whether we will

be able to survive in dignity and elegance, as the Lebanese

do.

View of Lebanon’s capital

Beirut, before the explosion

on August 4, this year.



47

LE MONDE ESSAY

My survey of a world empire

The well-known journalist has been concerned with the Russian mentality

and the relationship between the European Union and Russia for a long time.

In his new book “Russia and Us” he describes his personal experiences.

Hugo Portisch

was born in Bratislava in

1927 and is one of Austria’s

most important journalists.

With his television

programmes “Österreich I”

and “Österreich II”, he has

shaped the historical

consciousness of an entire

nation. The documentary

series about the Second

World War, created in

collaboration with Henry

Kissinger, became a

worldwide sensation. For

years, he was the

editor-in-chief of the daily

newspaper Kurier. Later he

became the chief

commentator for ORF and

the world politics

commentator for

Bayerischer Rundfunk.

I

was visiting China. For eight weeks, I only interacted

with Chinese people. While waiting for my

departure flight, I sat in the waiting hall at Beijing

Airport. Five Europeans started walking in my

direction: a pilot, a co-pilot and three stewardesses.

They were Russians. But all five of them were Europeans.

A feeling of solidarity overcame me. They had

arrived from Moscow with an Aeroflot machine. A

daily flight. This reminded me: Russia borders China

with a four-thousand-kilometre-long border. And

this means that Europe too borders China, for Russia

is part of Europe. The Norwegian research Fridtjof

Nansen once stood at this border, looking over to

China from the border river Amur. Afterwards, he

would write in his memoirs: “When China awakens,

Russia will have to call on Europe for help.” In Siberia,

I had many conversations with Russians. Many

were worried. Upon asking them why they felt concerned,

they used both hands to pull back on their

face and create slit eyes – the Chinese.

There is a Parisian memorandum from the year

1989 on the existing and the expected relations between

the West and Russia. The memorandum poses

and answers nearly all relevant questions. For the West,

the only option is dialogue with Russia. Nothing else is

envisaged, for it is the only realistic way forward for the

two sides. Horst Teltschik is of the same opinion. He

was the closest advisor to German Chancellor Helmut

Kohl. Today, he is trying to restore dialogue with Russia.

To him, it is the only way forward for Europe. And

this dialogue depends entirely on one man – Vladimir

Putin. He has already made himself clear in terms of

what his long-term strategic objectives are: to expand

Russia’s power and size to the level of the former Soviet

Union. This process had already begun during his

term as Prime Minister under Boris Yeltsin: He launched

a war when the Chechens tried to break free from

Russia. Then, he launched a war when Georgia claimed

two Russian provinces for itself. He gave the Ukrainian

President an ultimatum when the latter signed

a request for closer cooperation, a working agreement

and the eventual accession of Ukraine with the European

Union. He had to withdraw said request, give up

his position and flee to Russia. He also had intended to

let Ukraine enter NATO. An intention that his friends

in Georgia had also shared. If both countries had joined

NATO, then not a single sailor from the Russian

Black Sea Fleet would have been able to set foot on

Russian soil anymore; anywhere they stepped, they

would be on NATO soil. For Putin, this was a red line

that ran straight through Ukraine – the Donbass is

part of Ukraine. To Russia, the Donbass is what the

Ruhr area is to the Germans – rich in coal mines and

strategically significant steelworks. It is here where,

among other things, Russian long-range missiles used

to be produced. The Ukrainians hadn’t thought it

through. First, Putin decided to “bring home” the

Crimean Peninsula. Over night, Russian soldiers landed

in Crimea –their uniforms did not bear any Russian

emblems whatsoever and their military vehicles

had had their number plates removed. It was to be an

unofficial annexation of Crimea by Russia. Shortly afterwards,

there was an uprising in the Donbass region

in Eastern Ukraine. There too, Russian partisans without

Russian uniforms rose up and began to fight the

Ukrainian army. It was not possible to put an end to

the uprising, despite the efforts of German Chancellor

Merkel and French President Hollande to negotiate

between the rebels and the Russians. A kind of truce

was negotiated and signed in the Belarusian capital

Minsk, but it was not possible to implement the negotiated

conditions. The events revealed that which Putin

would not let happen under any circumstances: letting

Ukraine drift off to Europe. No, under Putin, no strip

of land under Russian domination could escape Russia.

The three Baltic states had taken the first opportunity

to declare themselves independent. In Lithuania,

Russia had tried to use violence to prevent the country

from leaving Russia’s orbit. Ever since then, Putin has

been concentrating on restoring Russia’s might and respect

in the world. A suitable opportunity to do so presented

itself in the Middle East, following the fight

against the terrorist organisation Islamic State on Iraqi

and Syrian soil. Here, Putin did not shy away from intervening

militarily. Russian troops, the air force in

particular, supported by a Russian aircraft carrier, initially

fought against IS together with the USA and Turkey.

In the final phase of the military effort, the Russians

solely focused on helping Assad’s regime in Syria to

defeat its own insurgents while assisting Turkey in

PHOTO : WWW.PICTUREDESK.COM/ECOWIN VERLAG

bringing under control former IS territories liberated

by Kurdish fighters together with the Americans. Putin

later invited Turkish President Erdogan to Sochi, where

he forged a Russian-Turkish alliance.

The goal was to give Turkey a free hand against the

Kurds and to create a shared zone of influence by Russia,

Turkey and Iran. In doing so, Putin had realised

his second goal – to also restore Russia’s might and

size abroad – at least partially. Russia was able to position

itself as a peacemaker in the Middle East and, for

the first time in its history, become permanently involved

in the region as a leading power. Those familiar

with this situation on a deeper level, such as Horst

Teltschik, the close advisor of German Chancellor

Helmut Kohl, as well as the former President of the

Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, view this as a Russian

attempt at catching up with both the European

Union and the United States. Gorbachev, who agreed

to the reunification of Germany and thereby abandoned

the GDR, unreservedly backed Putin and his

claim to equal footing with Europe. But it was also Putin

himself who entertained the possibility of letting

Russia join forces with NATO and even more so with

the European Union. He was definitely in favour of

closer cooperation with the West and with the EU in

particular. On the other hand, it would also certainly

be in the interest of the European Union to seek understanding

with Russia. Since the termination of the

Iran Nuclear Deal by President Trump and his withdrawal

from Afghanistan and the Middle East, the

Europeans’ only remaining choice is to cooperate with

Russia in order to step up as a regional peacekeeping

power. And this is something that the EU clearly

missed out on during the rise of the Islamic State. Back

then, it was clear that nothing but a joint show of force

by the West would put IS in its place in a timely manner.

But none of the major European powers – neither

Germany, France nor the United Kingdom – were willing

to intervene in the Near East militarily. Europe

could have clearly asserted its claim to a say in the resolution

of local conflicts in the Near East. Now, all

they can do is to let Russia take the lead and follow

suit. This, however, has made Russia a key partner for

Europe – at least as far as the problems in Europe’s

immediate vicinity are concerned.

BOOK TIP

Russland und wir (“Russia and Us”)

A relationship with a history and a future

Published in German

Ecowin

ISBN: 978 371 100 2747

The text is the book’s first chapter

translated into English. We would like to

thank the author and the publisher for

their permission to use it.



49

LE MONDE NEWS

Latest update from around the globe

Text: Daniela Pötzl

PHOTOS: ALEXEY TROFIMOV/ THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS, ADOBE

STOCK, ASEAN VIET NAM 2020

In her revealing, funny, and inspiring

memoir, seven-time New York

Times bestselling author and former U.S.

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright –

among the world’s most admired and

tireless public servants – reflects on the

challenge of continuing one’s career far

beyond the normal age of retirement.

“Hell and Other Destinations. A 21st

Century Memoir“ reveals this remarkable

woman at her bluntest, funniest, most intimate, and most serious.

Recently, the book has been published also in German by Dumont.

ISBN 978-0-0628-0225-5 (English)

ISBN 978-3-8321-8399-8 (German)

BOOK TIP

About a diplomat’s life

NEW STUDY

Call me!

After months of social distancing, people are leaning

heavily on technology for a sense of social connection. But

new research from The University of Texas at Austin

suggests people too often opt to send email or text

messages when a phone call is more likely to produce the

feelings of connectedness they are longing for.

The researchers found when people really interacted, they

felt significantly more connected when they communicated

by talking than by typing.

utexas.edu

PHOTO COMPETITION

Exciting weather conditions

Now in its fifth year, “The Royal

Meteorological Society (RMetS) Weather

Photographer of the Year“ competition

2020 provides a platform for the world’s

very best weather photography, depicting

weather in its widest sense. The weather

in its many forms can make for some of

the most stunning photography. Like the

one pictured here – Alexey Trofimov won

the competition category “Public

Favourite“ with his great shot “Baikal

Treasure“, taken at an expedition on the

ice of Lake Baikal in Siberia at noon. Lake

Baikal is the world’s deepest and largest

freshwater lake and renowned for its many

ice formations and their turquoise

appearance.

rmets.org


ASEAN STATES

World’s largest free trade agreement

China signed the world‘s largest free trade agreement with 14 Asia-Pacific

countries at the 37th ASEAN summit on November 15. After eight years of

negotiations, the signing took place at the end of the virtual summit of the

Southeast Asian community of ASEAN states in Vietnam‘s capital Hanoi. The

“regional, comprehensive economic partnership” (RCEP) comprises around a

third of global economic output. In addition to the second largest economy,

China, the ten ASEAN countries Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia,

Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar,

Brunei, Laos and Cambodia, as well

as Japan, Australia, South Korea

and New Zealand are participating.

asean.org

PRECHTLGUT

WAGRAIN

„Privat-Winter“ im eigenen Luxus-Chalet in Wagrain

Das Bergdorf Prechtlgut in Wagrain ist das perfekte

Urlaubsdomizil, um in diesem Winter ganz unter

sich zu bleiben. Ob mit der Familie, mit Freunden oder

„ganz allein zu zweit“: Das Bergdorf Prechtlgut im

„Stille-Nacht-Ort Wagrain“ steht für Urlaubsglück nur

mit den Liebsten. In ihnen verbindet sich die Natur in den

Bergen des Salzburger Pongaus mit einem Gespür für

Gastlichkeit und die Bedürfnisse der Zeit zu einem gelungenen

Ganzen. Allem voran bieten die Luxus-Chalets

ihren Gästen mehr Distanz, Platz und persönliche Freiheit

als jedes Hotel. Das Motto „Urlaub wie damals, mit

dem Luxus von heute“ prägt das Wohngefühl und viele

liebevolle Details schaffen eine Behaglichkeit, die in Zeiten

wie diesen einfach guttut. Mit dem eigenen Almspa

und dem Rundum Wohlfühlservice, der die Gäste von

früh bis spät direkt im eigenen Chalet mit allerlei Köstlichkeiten

und auch Wellnessanwendungen versorgt, ist

für den perfekten Urlaub gesorgt.

Prechtlgut Wagrain • A-5602 Wagrain Hofmark 1 • T: +43 (0)676/ 73 01 911 • prechtlgut.at • E: info@prechtlgut.at

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.

L’AUTRICHE INTERVIEW

Karoline Edtstadler

„Wir brauchen ein Europa für die Menschen.“

“We need a Europe for the people.”

Die Europaministerin über den direkten Dialog mit den Bürgern, die gewichtige Position der kleineren

Staaten in der EU und Österreichs Rolle als Brückenbauer.

The Minister for the European Union on direct dialogue with citizens, the important function of

the EU’s smaller member states and Austria’s role as a bridge builder.

Interview: Gerhard Bitzan

CD: Sie haben in den vergangenen Wochen die

Kontakte mit kleineren EU-Staaten intensiviert.

Wollen Sie eine „Allianz der Kleinen“ schaffen

als Gegengewicht zu den Großen?

Karoline Edtstadler: Wichtig ist,

dass wir in der EU inhaltlich vorankommen,

denn es liegen sehr große Entscheidungen

vor uns. Denken Sie an das kürzlich

präsentierte gemeinsame Asylpaket,

denken Sie daran, dass wir gemeinsam aus

der Corona-Krise rauskommen müssen

und denken Sie an das neue Budget. Hier

hat sich eines gezeigt: Wenn sich kleinere

und mittelgroße Staaten zusammentun,

haben sie ein entsprechendes Gewicht, ihre

Meinung wird noch besser gehört und man

kann sich in vielen Punkten auch gegen

große Staaten durchsetzen. Derzeit versuche

ich auszuloten, wieweit die sogenannten

„Frugalen Fünf “ – also Österreich,

Niederlande, Schweden, Dänemark sowie

auch Finnland – zusammenarbeiten können,

damit ihre Meinung in der EU noch

stärker Gehör findet.

Es gab in den vergangenen Jahren immer wieder

Kritik an der Regierung, dass sich Österreich zu

sehr den Visegrád-Staaten zuwendet. Rücken

wir jetzt wieder mehr in die EU-Mitte?

Österreich war immer in der Mitte der

EU, immer pro-europäisch ausgerichtet

und an Lösungen interessiert. Ich denke an

die Zeit der Ratspräsidentschaft, wo wir

bewusst gesagt haben, wir wollen als Brückenbauer

agieren, wir wollen bewusst mit

allen sprechen, und dazu gehört klarerweise

auch, dass unsere unmittelbaren Nachbarn,

die Visegrád-Staaten, eingebunden

werden.

Wie beurteilen Sie das neue EU-Budget? Wie

groß wird die finanzielle Belastung für

Österreich werden?

Im Juli ist im Europäischen Rat das

größte Budget aller Zeiten beschlossen

worden. Das Ganze muss noch vom Parlament

beschlossen werden. Wir reden von

fast 1.100 Milliarden Euro in den nächsten

sieben Jahren. Es ist ein hartes Ringen gewesen,

nicht nur weil der Austritt von

Großbritannien aufgefangen werden musste,

sondern weil wir in der größten Krise

seit Beginn der EU stecken. Neben dem

mehrjährigen Finanzrahmen ist mit „Next

Generation EU“ auch noch ein 750 Milliarden

Euro-Paket auf den Weg gebracht worden.

Das ist etwas, was die Generationen

nach uns zahlen müssen. Ich habe selbst

einen 19jährigen Sohn, der wird derjenige

sein, der mit seinen Steuern das zahlen

muss. Österreich wird aus dem Recovery

Fonds Geld bekommen, um sich noch

nachhaltiger bei der Digitalisierung, Ökologisierung

und Reform der Infrastruktur

aufzustellen.

Es liegt ein neuer Vorschlag der EU-Kommission

zur Migration am Tisch. Hat er Chance auf

Verwirklichung?

Ich bin der Überzeugung, dass wir ein

gemeinsames europäisches Asylsystem

brauchen. Migration ist eines der drängendsten

Probleme schlechthin und wir

können es nur gemeinsam lösen. Es hat

sich gezeigt, dass die Verteilungsfrage in

Europa gescheitert ist und dass es da einen

neuen Ansatz braucht. Jetzt ist ein neues

Paket am Weg, das in vielen Bereichen das

ist, was wir gefordert haben. Besserer Außengrenzschutz,

bessere Kooperation mit

Drittstaaten, eine rasche Rückführung derjenigen,

die keinen Asylgrund haben sowie

Hilfe vor Ort. Einige Punkte, wie das Sponsorship

bei Rückführungen, muss man

noch diskutieren. Da muss es Unterstützung

von der Kommission geben, die

Rückübernahme-Verhandlungen führt.

In der Migrationsdebatte wird Österreich immer

wieder als Hardliner bezeichnet. Sind wir das?

Österreich war von der Krise 2015/16

besonders betroffen. Wir sind das Land in

der EU, das nach Schweden am zweitmeisten

Flüchtlinge – bezogen auf die Bevölkerungszahl

– aufgenommen hat. Das prägt.

Man kann eine Bevölkerung nicht überfordern.

Daher unsere klare Forderung in der

Migrationspolitik, dass man die Leistungen,

die von Österreich schon erbracht

worden sind, entsprechend anerkennt. Wir

wollen keine weiteren Flüchtlinge aufnehmen,

weil wir mit den Herausforderungen

von damals noch beschäftigt sind, weil es

notwendig ist, noch viel an Integrationsarbeit

zu leisten.

In der EU stockt der geplante Reformprozess. In

Österreich haben Sie bereits mit einem Bürgerdialog

begonnen. Was wollen die Bürger von der

EU?

Was wir brauchen ist ein Europa für die

Bürgerinnen und Bürger und es braucht

einen offenen Dialog mit ihnen. Wichtig

ist, dass man die Menschen abholt und das

mache ich seit Juni schon in ganz Österreich.

Ich war in sieben Bundesländern im

Dialog mit EU-Gemeindevertretern. Mein

klares Ziel ist es, in jeder Gemeinde Öster-


KAROLINE EDTSTADLER

wurde 1981 in Salzburg geboren und studierte Rechtswissenschaften

an der Paris-Lodron-Universität Salzburg. Von

2008 bis 2014 war sie als Richterin tätig. Danach

arbeitete sie als Referentin im Kabinett des Bundesministers

für Justiz, wurde zum Europäischen Gerichtshof für

Menschenrechte (EGMR) in Straßburg entsandt. Von 2017

bis Mai 2019 war sie Staatssekretärin im Bundesministerium

für Inneres. Danach arbeitete sie als Europaparlamentarierin.

Seit dem 29. Jänner 2020 ist sie Bundesministerin

für EU und Verfassung im Bundeskanzleramt.

Karoline Edtstadler was born in Salzburg in 1981 and studied

law at the University of Salzburg. From 2008 to 2014, she

served as a judge. Shen then served as a desk officer in the

cabinet of the Minister of Justice and was appointed to the

European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg.

From 2017 to May 2019, she acted as State Secretary in the

Ministry of Interior. Afterwards, she served as a Member of

the European Parliament. Since 29 January 2020, she has

been the Minister for the EU and Constitution in the

Chancellery.



reichs zumindest einen EU-Gemeinderat

zu haben, um herauszustreichen, was es an

Vorteilen gibt, und auch die Kritik an der

EU aufzunehmen. Die EU ist nicht in Brüssel

oder Straßburg, sondern da, wo die

Menschen leben, und da braucht es Lösungen.

Unser Dialog „EU neu denken“ wird

extrem positiv aufgenommen.

Ein wichtiges Thema in der EU ist die Rechtsstaatlichkeit,

die in einigen Staaten sehr

„locker“ ausgelegt wird. Wie sehen Sie das?

Ich bin immer dafür eingetreten, dass es

eine Verzahnung zwischen dem mehrjährigen

EU-Finanzrahmen und der Rechtsstaatlichkeit

gibt. Neben Demokratie und

Menschenrechten gehört Rechtsstaatlichkeit

zu den Grundwerten der EU, auf denen

alles aufbaut und auf die wir uns verlassen

können. Wir wissen, dass es in

einigen Staaten Defizite gibt, gegen zwei

Staaten ist ein Artikel-7-Verfahren wegen

vermeintlicher Rechtsstaatlichkeits-Defizite

anhängig. Es gibt jetzt einen neuen Mechanismus,

bei dem die Kommission für

jeden Staat einen Bericht über die Rechtsstaatlichkeit

erstellt hat, und zwar anhand

der gleichen Parameter. Damit ist es erstmals

möglich, innerhalb Europas die

Rechtsstaatlichkeit zu messen und zu vergleichen.

Wie beurteilen Sie die Chancen der Westbalkan-

Länder auf einen EU-Beitritt?

Ich habe eine ganz klare Meinung zum

Westbalkan: Der gehört zu Europa. Ohne

die sechs Staaten des Westbalkans ist Europa

nicht fertig. Und ja, es wird ein langjähriger

anstrengender Prozess werden. Für diese

Länder, weil sie sehr viele Reformen vorantreiben

müssen, um EU-fit zu werden. Aber

es braucht auch von EU-Seite einen langen

Atem, um eine glaubwürdige Perspektive zu

vermitteln, dass sie irgendwann, das wird

sicher etliche Jahre dauern, Mitglied der Europäischen

Union werden können. Letztlich

ist es eine Frage der Sicherheit für Europa,

dass sich diese Staaten an europäische Werte

annähern und nicht unter den Einfluss von

anderen Mächten wie Russland, China oder

Saudi-Arabien geraten.

CD: You have, over the past few weeks, intensified

contact with smaller EU member states. Are you

trying to create an “alliance of the small ones” to

counteract the bigger member states?

Karoline Edtstadler: It is important

that we make substantial progress within

the EU, because major decisions are lying

ahead. Think of the recently introduced

joint asylum package. Think of the fact that

we are trying to make it out of the coronavirus

pandemic together and think of the

new budget. Here, one thing in particular

has become clear: If smaller and mediumsized

member states come together, then

they become stronger collectively. Their

voices can be heard more clearly, and they

can hold their ground against the bigger

member states. Right now, I am trying to

find out to what extent the so-called

“Frugal Five”– Austria, the Netherlands,

Sweden, Denmark and Finland – can work

together so that their views can be heard

more strongly in the EU.

In the past few years, some criticism has been

directed at the government because Austria was

said to be moving closer to the Visegrád Group.

Are we moving back into the EU centre again?

Austria has always been part of the EU’s

centre. We have always been pro-European

and interested in solutions. Think of our

Council Presidency, where we consciously

said that we wanted to act as bridge builders

and have constructive dialogue with

everybody, which would, of course, also

include our immediate neighbours, the

members of the Visegrád Group.

How do you assess the new EU budget? How

great will the financial burden be on Austria?

In July, the European Council decided

on the largest EU budget of all time. It is

still waiting to be approved by the European

Parliament. We are talking about

1,100 billion euro over the next seven years.

It has been a struggle, not only because

we had to cover the United Kingdom’s exit,

but because we found ourselves in the biggest

crisis since the beginning of the European

Union. In addition to the multiannual

financial framework, we agreed on the

750-billion-euro “Next Generation EU”

package. This is something that subsequent

generations will have to pay for. I myself

have a 19-year-old son and he is going to

have to pay for this package with his taxes.

Austria too will receive money from the recovery

fund in order to make lasting improvements

in the areas of digitalisation,

green technology and infrastructure reform.

The EU Commission has proposed a new

migration plan. Does it have a chance of being

implemented?

I strongly believe that we need a common

asylum approach in Europe. Migration

is one of the key issues of our time and

we can only solve it together. It has become

clear that the distribution strategy has

failed in Europe and that a new approach is

needed. Now, there is a new package on the

way, which, in many ways, is exactly what

we have been calling for. Better external

borders, better cooperation with third

countries, rapid repatriation of those who

have no grounds for asylum as well as onsite

support. A few points, such as sponsorship

for repatriation, still have to be discussed.

There has to be support from the

Commission, which is leading the readmission

negotiations.

Austria has repeatedly been described as a

hardliner during the migration debates. Is this

true?

Austria was particularly affected by the

2015/2016 crisis. We have taken in the second-highest

number of refugees per population

after Sweden. This was bound to

have an impact. You cannot overburden a

population. This is why we want Austria’s

contributions thus far to be recognised during

the migration debate. We do not want

to take in any more refugees because we are

still preoccupied with the challenges from

then and because there is still a lot of work


Europaministerin Karoline

Edtstadler im Gespräch mit

CD-Autor Gerhard Bitzan.

Europe Minister

Karoline Edtstadler

in conversation with CD

author Gerhard Bitzan.



to be done in terms of assimilation.

Plans for reforming the EU have stalled. In

Austria, however, you have already launched the

citizen’s dialogues. What do citizens want from

the EU?

What we need is a Europe for the citizens

and this requires an open dialogue

with them. It is important to meet with

people directly and this is what I have been

doing all over Austria since June. I visited

seven provinces and had dialogues with various

EU community representatives. My

plan is to have at least one EU community

council in every Austrian municipality in

order to highlight both the benefits as well

as criticisms of the EU. The EU is not in

Brussels or Strasbourg; it is where people

live, and this is where solutions are needed.

People have responded to our “Rethink the

EU” dialogues very positively.

One key issue in the EU is the rule of law, which is

being interpreted very “loosely” by some

countries. What is your take on this?

I have always taken the position that the

EU’s multiannual financial framework

should be linked to the rule of law. In addition

to democracy and human rights, the

rule of law is one of the fundamental values

of the European Union on which everything

else is built and on which we can

rely. We know that there are deficits in

some countries, and an article 7 procedure

is pending against two countries for alleged

deficits in the rule of law. There is now a

new mechanism where the EU Commission

creates a report on the rule of law in every

country, using the same parameters.

This makes it possible for the first time to

measure and compare the rule of law

within Europe.


ficult process. For the countries of the Western

Balkans, because they require a lot of

reforms in order to become viable candidates

for EU accession, but also for the EU,

for it needs to communicate that these

countries have a realistic chance of eventually

becoming members of the European

Union. In the end, it is a security matter for

Europe that these countries adopt European

values and do not remain under the

influence of other powers like Russia, China

or Saudi Arabia.

How do you assess the chances of the countries of

the Western Balkans to join the EU?

My position on the Western Balkans is

very clear: They are part of Europe. Without

the six countries that make up the

Western Balkans, Europe is incomplete.

And yes, this is going to be a long and dif-



L’AUTRICHE 100 YEARS AUSTRIAN FEDERAL CONSTITUTION

Ein Vorbild seit einem Jahrhundert

A role model for a century


Die Bundesverfassung, ein starres Regelwerk? Weltweit ist die

Hundertjährige seit 1920 auch Vorbild für viele andere Staaten.

The Austrian Federal Constitution, a rigid set of rules? The

100-year-old document has been proving its worth since 1920 –

even as role model for other states worldwide.

Die Kunst der

Verfassung.

The art of

constitution.

PARLAMENTSDIREKTION/THOMAS TOPF, LUIZA PUIU, ACHIM BIENIEK

Am 1. Oktober 1920 wurde die österreichische

Bundesverfassung einhellig

beschlossen und feierte 2020

ihren 100. Geburtstag. Sie zählt somit zu

den ältesten Verfassungen Europas und der

Welt. Bundespräsident Alexander Van der

Bellen sprach in einer Rede von ihrer „Eleganz

und Schönheit“. Sein Vorgänger im

Amt, Heinz Fischer, lobte sie als „uneingeschränkt

akzeptiert, klug und bewährt“. Jener

Verfassungspatriotismus, der etwa aus

den USA bekannt ist, bleibt in Österreich

ein Randphänomen.

Modell für andere Länder

Wie ist Österreichs Verfassung nun entstanden?

Nach dem Zusammenbruch der

Monarchie wurde der Jurist Hans Kelsen vom

damaligen Staatskanzler Karl Renner mit der

Arbeit an einer Bundesstaatsverfassung für

die junge Republik beauftragt. Er entwickelte

das – später so bezeichnete – österreichische

Modell der Verfassungsgerichtsbarkeit, das

weltweit Nachahmung fand.

Auch die erste Bundeskanzlerin Österreichs,

Brigitte Bierlein, und gegen Ende ihrer

juridischen Karriere als erste Frau zuerst

als Vizepräsidentin, dann als Präsidentin am

Verfassungsgerichtshof tätig, hob anlässlich

des runden Jubiläums Kelsens Untrennbarkeit

mit der österreichischen Bundesverfassung

hervor: „Sein Wirken und seine Ideen

sind Teil unserer nationalen Identität.“

Bewundert wurde die österreichische

Verfassung insbesondere für seinen Verfassungsgerichtshof,

der in seiner Art weltweit

einzigartig war und zum Vorbild für viele

andere Verfassungsgerichte auf der Welt

wurde. Er ist einer der Hauptgründe dafür,

weshalb Hans Kelsen, der als sein Schöpfer

angesehen wird, bis heute von Juristen weltweit

gelesen wird und seine Bücher in mehr

als 30 Sprachen übersetzt wurden.

Zudem diente Österreich neben Kroatien

und Finnland als Vorbild für die neue

Verfassung des Kosovo im Jahr 2012. In der

geplanten Verfassungsänderung orientierte

man sich auch am österreichischen Modell.

Wesentliches Element stellte dabei die

Direktwahl des Präsidenten durch das

Volk, die an die Stelle der bisherigen Wahl

durch das Parlament, treten sollte.

Zuverlässig auch in neuen Zeiten

Karoline Edtstadler, Bundesministerin

für EU und Verfassung (siehe auch im Interview

auf Seite 54), sprach sich anlässlich

der Jubiläums-Feierlichkeiten im Parlament

für eine kluge Weiterentwicklung der

Verfassung aus, ohne an deren Grundprinzipien

zu rütteln. Sie sei auch in der Vergangenheit

teils durch Verfassungsänderungen,

teils durch die Judikatur des

Verfassungsgerichtshofs (VfGH) mit dem

gesellschaftlichen Wandel gewachsen –

etwa was die Rolle der Frau, das Verständnis

von Familie oder die Kodifikation der

Kinderrechte betrifft. Als vordringlich erachtet

die Ministerin, den technischen

Wandel in der Verfassung zu berücksichtigen.

Das Recht auf Meinungsäußerungsfreiheit

begründe nicht das Recht auf eigene

Fakten, stellte sie fest. Vielmehr liege es

in der gemeinsamen Verantwortung, Anstrengungen

für Faktentreue und Objektivität

im neuen Medienpluralismus zu unternehmen

und vor diesbezüglichem

Missbrauch zu schützen.

1October 1920 saw the unanimous adoption

of the Austrian Federal Constitution.

In 2020, the document celebrates

its 100th anniversary. Accordingly, it

Christoph Grabenwarter, Präsident des Verfassungsgerichtshofs,

in einer Schulklasse beim

Projekt „Verfassung macht Schule“.

Christoph Grabenwarter, President of the Constitutional

Court, in a school class with the project

“Constitution at school“.

Der Verfassungsgerichtshof Österreich ist in Wiens

1. Bezirk auf der Freyung beheimatet.

The Constitutional Court of Austria is located in

Vienna‘s 1st district at Freyung.

Das Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz

als Kunstinstallation am

Heldenplatz.

The Federal Constitutional

Law as an art installation at

Heldenplatz.



61

L’AUTRICHE 100 YEARS AUSTRIAN FEDERAL CONSTITUTION

Dem „Vater der Bundesverfassung“ ist bis 5. April

2021 eine Ausstellung im Jüdischen Museum in

Wien gewidmet. Im Schwarzweiß-Foto ist Hans

Kelsen Richter des Verfassungsgerichtshofs (Zweiter

von rechts, ca. 1925).

An exhibition at the Jewish Museum in Vienna is

dedicated to the ”father of the Federal Constitution“

until 5 April 2021. Hans Kelsen is a judge of the Constitutional

Court (second from the right, ca. 1925) in

the black and white photo.

counts among the oldest constitutions in

Europe and the whole world. In a recent

speech, President Alexander Van der Bellen

spoke of its “elegance and beauty”. His predecessor,

Heinz Fischer, praised it as “unconditionally

accepted, wise and proven.”

Still, the type of constitutional patriotism

that you may find in the USA, for example,

remains a fringe phenomenon in Austria.

Model for other nations

How did Austria’s constitution come into

being? After the collapse of the monarchy,

lawyer Hans Kelsen was put in charge by former

Chancellor Karl Renner to create a new

constitution for the young republic. He developed

what would later be called the Austrian

Model of Constitutional Jurisdiction,

which would be emulated all over the world.

Brigitte Bierlein, Austria’s first female chancellor

and, towards the end of her juridical

career, also the first female Vice President

and then President of the Constitutional

Court, emphasised Kelsen’s inseparability

from the Austrian Federal Constitution on

the occasion of the anniversary: “His works

and ideas are part of our national identity.”

The Austrian constitution was particularly

admired for its constitutional court, which

was unique of its kind in the world and became

a role model for many other constitutional

courts around the world. It is one of the

main reasons why Hans Kelsen, who is considered

to be its creator, is still read by lawyers

around the world and his books have

been translated into more than 30 languages.

Besides Croatia and Finland, Austria

served as a model for Kosovo‘s new constitution

in 2012. The planned constitutional

amendment was also based on the Austrian

model. An essential element was the direct

election of the president by the people,

which was to replace the previous election

by parliament.

Reliable in new times

Karoline Edtstadler, Federal Minister

for the European Union and Constitution

(see also interview on page 54), spoke out

in favour of a prudent development of the

constitution without shaking its basic principles

on the occasion of the anniversary

celebrations in the parliament. She said

that the constitution had also evolved in

the past, partly through constitutional

amendments and partly through the jurisdiction

of the Constitutional Court

(VfGH), in line with social change – for example

with regard to the role of women,

the understanding of family or the codification

of children‘s rights. The minister

considers it an urgent priority to take account

of technical change in the constitution.

The right to freedom of expression does

not justify the right to own facts, she stated.

Rather, it is a joint responsibility to make

efforts to ensure factual accuracy and objectivity

in the new media pluralism and to

protect against abuse in this respect.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY AND USED WITH PERMISSION OF ANNE FEDER LEE, PHD, GRANDDAUGHTER OF HANS KELSEN/HANS KELSEN-INSTITUT; (BUNDESSTIFTUNG); BARBARA NIDETZKY


L’AUTRICHE COVID-19 PREVENTION CONCEPTS

Sicherheit in Corona-Zeiten

Safety in times of coronavirus

Österreichische Unternehmen entwickeln Konzepte und Techniken,

damit das Leben auch in Corona-Zeiten weitgehend

normal ablaufen kann.

Austrian companies are developing strategies and technologies to

ensure that life can largely continue as normal during the coronavirus

pandemic.

Text: Wolfgang Pozsogar

Das Leben feiern.

Celebrating life.

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK

Wer in Österreich während der

Corona-Pandemie Oper oder

Theater besuchen, in einem Hotel

nächtigen, auf einen Empfang gehen

oder in einem Restaurant essen möchte,

kann das – abgesehen von staatlichen Einschränkungen

– ohne Sorge tun. Allerdings

nur dann, wenn die richtigen Maßnahmen

getroffen wurden, um das Risiko einer Ansteckung

mit Covid-19 hintanzuhalten. Davon

ist Christian Fleischer überzeugt. Der

Mitarbeiter des TÜV Austria, dem führenden

Prüf-, Inspektions- & Zertifizierungsdienstleister

Österreichs, ist Experte für die

Bereiche Trinkwasser-, Raumluft- und

Oberflächenhygiene und seit heuer auch

für das Covid-19-Konzept des TÜV verantwortlich.

Mit seinen Erfahrungen und den neuesten

Erkenntnissen über das die ganze Welt

im Bann haltende Virus SARS-CoV-2 berät

er Veranstalter, Hotels, aber auch Unternehmen

und Supermarkt-Ketten, wie

einer Ansteckungsgefahr mit der gefährlichen

Seuche vorgebeugt werden kann.

„Wir versuchen die behördlichen Anforderungen

umzusetzen, Risiken aufzuspüren

und zu minimieren“, erzählt der derzeit

sehr gefragte Mann über seine Arbeit. Vor

allem wird auch darauf geachtet, dass die

Maßnahmen in einem realistischen finanziellen

Rahmen bleiben, ergänzt Fleischer.

Wurde alles umgesetzt, gibt es für die Institution

oder den Betrieb das TÜV Austria-

Zertifikat für ausgezeichnete Hygiene- und

Sicherheitsstandards.

Eine wichtige Rolle im wirksamen Konzept

zur Corona-Vorbeugung spielen aber

nicht nur räumliche und technische Gegebenheiten,

sondern auch die Menschen,

die diese Orte besuchen. Deshalb arbeitet

der TÜV in Sachen Corona-Sicherheit mit

dem Eventspezialisten Alexandar Kollaritsch

von „4mation event- & securityconsulting

gmbh“ und dem Sicherheitsexperten

Peter Fürnweger von der Firma „Peter

Fürnweger – Der Fahnder“ zusammen.

Das Team entwickelt individuelle Hygieneund

Sicherheitskonzepte, damit in Corona-

Zeiten Veranstaltungen wie Hochzeiten,

Geburtstagsfeste, Firmenfeiern sowie Kongresse

und Messen in Zukunft bedenkenlos

abgehalten werden können – auch in anderen

Ländern.

„Wir prüfen beispielsweise mögliche

Bewegungsmuster der Veranstaltungsbesucher,

eruieren Bereiche, wo es zur Unterschreitung

des Mindestabstands kommen

kann und deshalb entsprechende Maßnahmen

zur Personenlenkung getroffen werden

müssen“, erzählt Kollaritsch. Das kann

beispielsweise in Hotels einigen Aufwand

erfordern, da Gäste gleichzeitig einchecken,

andere auf ihr Zimmer, ins Restaurant

oder zu einem Bankett gehen. „Lösungen

lassen sich aber immer finden“, sagt

Kollaritsch, der an der Manchester Metropolitan

University Crowd Safety and Risk

Analysis studiert und in Österreich eine

Covid-19-Ausbildung absolviert hat.

Der Dritte im Bunde ist Peter Fürnweger.

Er verfügt über langjährige Erfahrung

Die Teilnahme an Konzerten

und anderen kulturellen

Veranstaltungen scheint

zurzeit noch in die Ferne

gerückt zu sein.

Going to concerts or other

cultural events seems to be a

long way off at the moment.



65

L’AUTRICHE COVID-19

PREVENTION CONCEPTS

Peter Fürnweger von „Peter Fürnweger – Der

Fahnder“ und Alexandar Kollaritsch von

„4mation event- und securitygmbh“ arbeiten

gemeinsam mit dem TÜV in Sachen „Covid-19

Prevention Concepts“.

Peter Fürnweger from ”Peter Fürnweger – der

Fahnder“ and Alexandar Kollaritsch from

”4mation event- und securitygmbh“ work closely

together with TÜV regarding ”Covid-19

Prevention Concepts“.

im staatlichen Polizeidienst und leitet seit

vielen Jahren sein eigenes Unternehmen,

das vom Personenschutz für VIPs bis zu

Abwehr von IT-Kriminalität und Lauschangriffen

umfangreiche Sicherheitsdienstleistungen

bietet. Fürnweger und Kollaritsch

haben bereits bei zahlreichen

Großveranstaltungen wie Life Ball, Sommernachtskonzert

in Schönbrunn, diversen

Konferenzen und Kongressen zusammengearbeitet.

Im Zusammenhang mit

Covid sorgt der Sicherheitsexperte mit seinem

Team, dass die Veranstaltungsbesucher

die Regeln zum Gesundheitsschutz

tatsächlich befolgen.

„Unsere Mitarbeiter stehen an allen

Schlüsselstellen einer Veranstaltung und

achten auf Einhaltung der Spielregeln“, erläutert

er. Der Mensch sei ein Herdentier

und da werden schon mal Markierungen

für Sicherheitsabstände übersehen oder

Hygienemaßnahmen ignoriert. „Höflich,

aber bestimmt, verlangen unsere Mitarbeiter

die Befolgung der Regeln“, ergänzt er.

Fürnweger ist stolz auf sein Mitarbeiterteam,

das kompetent und zugleich eloquent

ist und auch mit VIPs richtig umgehen

kann.

Mit dem Ziel, den Menschen trotz der

Corona-Pandemie ein weitgehend normales

Leben zu ermöglichen, haben auch andere

österreichische Unternehmen interessante

Innovationen auf den Markt gebracht.

Mitte November präsentierte beispielsweise

das auf Heizung, Klima, Lüftung und

Sanitär konzentrierte Unternehmen HKLS

ein kompaktes Luftreinigungssystem, das

99,995 Prozent der Mikropartikel mit einem

HEPA-H14-Filter beseitigt, was allein

schon der Standard für Operationsräume

wäre. Bei dem neuen Gerät ist das aber

nicht genug: Die Luft durchströmt anschließend

ein Photokatalyse-Modul, bei

dem – so der Hersteller – die übrig gebliebenen

Viren und Bakterien zur Gänze zerstört

werden.

Der Salzburger Hygienespezialist Hagleitner

wiederum brachte im Oktober neue

Spender für Desinfektionsmittel, Seife und

Ähnliches auf den Markt. Sie sehen durch

ein ansprechendes Design nicht nur attraktiv

aus, sondern sind auch intelligent. Mittels

Smartphone kann die Nutzung digital

ausgewertet werden. Daraus lassen sich

mitunter wichtige Schlüsse über die Nutzung

ziehen und zugleich sind die Hygienemaßnahmen

dokumentiert.

Those who, during the coronavirus pandemic,

would like to attend the opera or a

theatre, spend a night at a hotel, go to a

reception or eat at a restaurant, can do so

quite freely apart from the regular government

restrictions. But only if the right

measures have been put in place that

would reduce the risk of infection with

coronavirus. Christian Fleischer is confident

in this. He works at TÜV Austria,

Austria’s leading testing, inspection & certification

service provider, and is an expert

when it comes to drinking water, indoor

air and surface hygiene. And as of

this year, he has also been responsible for

TÜV’s Covid-19 strategy.

Armed with his professional experience

and the latest insights about the SARS-

CoV-2 virus that is currently keeping

much of the world busy he advised event

organisers and hotels as well as businesses

and supermarket chains on how to prevent

infections with this dangerous virus.

“We are trying to implement the official

requirements and detect and minimise

risks,” the much sought-after hygiene expert

says about his work. Care is also taken

to ensure that the measures are kept

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L’AUTRICHE COVID-19

PREVENTION CONCEPTS

Stefan Haas (im Bild links), CEO TÜV Austria und

Christoph Wenninger, CFO TÜV Austria.

Stefan Haas (pictured left), CEO TÜV Austria and

Christoph Wenninger, CFO TÜV Austria.

presents

Hygienespender liefern Anwendungsdaten wie

Abgabemenge, Füllstand und Energiestatus.

Hygiene dispensers provide application data such as

the dispensed quantity, fill level and energy status.

1.000 Designs je Spendertyp machen Hygiene

attraktiv und bunt.

1,000 designs per dispenser type make hygiene

attractive and colourful.

economically viable, Fleischer adds. Once

everything has been implemented, the organisation

or business in question receives

a TÜV Austria Certificate for Excellent

Hygiene and Safety Standards.

But it is not just spatial and technical factors

that play a key role in effectively preventing

the spread of coronavirus – it is

also the people who visit these places. For

this reason, TÜV is working together with

event specialist Alexandar Kollaritsch

from “4mation event- & security consulting

gmbh” and safety expert Peter Fürnweger

from “Peter Fürnweger – Der Fahnder”.

The team is developing individual

hygiene and safety strategies to ensure

that events such as weddings, birthday

parties, corporate events as well as conferences

and trade fairs can continue to be

held freely during the coronavirus pandemic

– even internationally.

“We, for example, look at possible movement

patterns of the event attendees and

identify areas where social distancing regulations

may be breached. We will then

take measures to direct the flow of people,”

says Kollaritsch. In hotels, for example,

this can require some effort, since some

guests check in, others go into their rooms

while others are visiting a restaurant or a

banquet – all at the same time. But solutions

can always be found, says Kollaritsch,

who studies Crowd Safety and Risk

Analysis at Manchester Metropolitan University

and completed Covid-19 training

in Austria.

The third member of the group is Peter

Fürnweger. He has years of experience in

the police service under his belt and now

manages his company offering extensive

security services, ranging from VIP bodyguarding

to defence against cyber-crime

and wiretapping, for several years. Fürnweger

and Kollaritsch have already collaborated

on several major events, such as

the Life Ball, the Summer Night Concert

Schönbrunn as well as various conferences

and seminars. In regard to Covid-19,

the security experts and his team are ensuring

that event attendees really follow

the prescribed health guidelines.

“Our staff are represented at all key spots

at any given event and make sure that everyone

follows the rules,” he explains. Humans

are herd animals after all, which can

result in social distancing rules sometimes

being overlooked or hygiene measures

being ignored. “Our staff then politely but

firmly demand that the rules be followed,”

he adds. Fürnweger is proud of his team of

employees, which is both competent as

well as eloquent, and knows how to deal

appropriately with VIPs.

Many additional Austrian firms have

launched interesting innovations with the

aim of enabling people to live a largely

normal life despite the coronavirus pandemic.

In mid-November, for example,

the company HKLS, which specialises in

heating, air conditioning, ventilation and

sanitation technologies, presented a compact

air purification system that eliminates

99.995 percent of all microparticles

with a HEPA H14 filter – the standard for

operating theatres. But the new device can

do even more: The air flows through a

photocatalysis module, which – according

to the manufacturer – completely destroys

all remaining viruses and bacteria.

In October, Salzburg-based hygiene company

Hagleitner launched new dispensers

for disinfectants, soaps and similar products.

They not only look appealing

thanks to their attractive design but are

also intelligent. Using a smartphone, device

usage can be assessed digitally. Conclusions

can then be drawn about use

while at the same time documenting hygiene

measures.

PHOTOS: SASKIA JONASCH / TÜV ÖSTERREICH / APA-FOTOSERVICE, HAGLEITNER HYGIENE

STATELY MANSION WITH GORGIOUS VIEW

Live amongst the beautiful vineyards of Grinzing

625 m 2 on request 1190 Vienna

findmyhome.at/cityview

HIGH-CLASS LIVING PROJECT „OPERNRESIDENZ“

Rooftop-apartments in historistic building between

Albertina and Vienna State Opera

82-117 m 2 from € 1.620.000 1010 Vienna

findmyhome.at/opernresidenz

HWB 34,44 (Klasse B)

fGEE: 0,882 (Klasse B) HWB 57 fGEE 0,92

GRAND PALLADIO STYLE VILLA

Located directly in Grinzing – with guest house

710 m 2 on request 1190 Vienna

findmyhome.at/palladio

IMPERIAL RESIDENCE IN VIENNA‘S INNER-CITY

Representative bel étage between Burggarten and

Vienna State Opera

400 m 2 € 7.990.000 1010 Vienna

findmyhome.at/schiller

HWB 103,70 fGEE 1,54

HWB: 38,7

Find more exclusive real estate on FindMyHome.at/premiumliving


L‘AUTRICHE BUSINESS

Neues aus Österreich

News from Austria


NACHHALTIGKEIT | SUSTAINABILITY

Geniale Wiederverwendung | Ingenious reuse

Vorbei sind die Zeiten des ewigen Wegwerfens der Papierverpackungen von

Geschenken. Nun gibt es „Geschenkstoff“! Das neue Unternehmen von Moderatorin

Regina Preloznik und ihrer Tochter Raina Rumler produziert und vertreibt nachhaltige

und wiederverwendbare Geschenkstoffe aus Baumwolle und Leinen – in verschiedensten

Farben, Größen und mit unterschiedlichen Designs, passend zum Anlass.

Auch die dazu angebotenen Bänder,

Schleifen und Accessoires sind aus

Naturmaterialien und nachwachsenden

Rohstoffen.

Gone are the days of throwing away paper

wrappings for gifts. Now, there is “Geschenkstoff“!

The new company of presenter Regina

Preloznik and her daughter Raina Rumler

produces and sells sustainable and reusable

gift materials for wrappings made of cotton

and linen – in a wide variety of colours, sizes

and designs to match the occasion. The

ribbons, bows and accessoires offered are also

made from natural and renewable raw

materials.

geschenkstoff.at

Karin Kneissl

DIPLOMATIE

MACHT

GESCHICHTE

Die Kunst des Dialogs in unsicheren Zeiten

2020. 376 Seiten mit 17 Abbildungen. Hardcover.

ISBN 978-3-487-08633-0 € 28,00

WELTRAUMFORSCHUNG | SPACE RESEARCH

Unendliche Weiten | Infinite space

Seit mehr als 50 Jahren beschäftigt sich das Institut für Weltraumforschung (IWF)

in Graz mit der Physik der Planeten und Weltraumplasmen. Rund 100 Mitarbeiter

aus 20 Nationen erforschen hier gemeinsam Planeten wie Mars, Merkur, Saturn

und Jupiter oder beobachten die Sonne und Satellitenflotten im erdnahen

Weltraum. Derzeit ist das IWF an 21 internationalen Weltraummissionen beteiligt,

die von der Europäischen Weltraumorganisation ESA, der NASA oder nationalen

Weltraumagenturen in Japan, Russland, China oder Korea geleitet werden. In

Workshops und Vorträgen kann man diese Welt kennenlernen. Außerirdisch gut!

For more than 50 years, the Space Research Institute in Graz has been concerned with

the physics of planets and space plasmas. Around 100 employees from 20 nations

jointly research planets such as Mars, Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter or observe the sun

and satellite fleets in near-earth space. The institute is currently involved in 21

international space missions led by the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA or

national space agencies in Japan, Russia, China, or Korea. You can get to know this

world in workshops and lectures. Extraterrestial good!

iwf.oeaw.ac.at

BUCHTIPP | BOOK TIP

Veränderung der Welt | Changed world

Krisen verändern die Welt, doch wir Menschen sind anpassungsfähig. Jetzt

erfahren wir selbst eine Krise, die alles erschüttert und mitten in unser Leben

eingreift. Das Virus verändert unseren Alltag, unsere Kommunikationsformen,

die Art, wie wir arbeiten, fühlen und denken. Die Krise fungiert auch wie ein

großer Spiegel, in dem wir uns selbst erkennen. Der Zukunftsforscher

Matthias Horx analysiert die Auswirkungen der Corona-Krise und kreiert die

„Re-Gnose“, die Selbst-Veränderung durch rückblickende Vorausschau.

Crises change the world,but we humans are adaptable. Now, we are experiencing a

crisis ourselves that shakes everything and affects our lives. The virus changes our

everyday life, our forms of communication, the

way we work, feel and think. The crisis also acts

like a large mirror in which we recognise

ourselves. Horx analyses the effects and creates

the term “Re-Gnose“, the self-change through

retrospective foresight.

Matthias Horx

Die Zukunft nach Corona

Econ, ISBN: 978 343 021 0423

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, ECON, GESCHENKSTOFF, MICHAEL WERLBERGER

TOURISMUS | TOURISM

Ausgezeichnetes Ski Resort | Awarded ski resort

KitzSki, dem Skigebiet in Kitzbühel und Kirchberg in Tirol, ist es gelungen, zum siebten Mal in Folge

den Titel „World‘s Best Ski Resort Company“ zu verteidigen. KitzSki konnte sich erneut gegenüber

namhaften Betreibern von Skigebieten im Premiumsegment, wie zum Beispiel Aspen Snowmass und

den Vail Resorts in den USA sowie der Compagnie des Alpes in Frankreich, behaupten.

KitzSki, the ski area in Kitzbühel and Kirchberg in Tyrol, has managed to defend the title of “World’s Best Ski

Resort Company“ fort the seventh time in a row. KitzSki was once again able to assert itself against

well-known operators of skiing areas in the premium segment, such as Aspen Snowmass and the Vail

Resorts in the USA as well as the Compagnie des Alpes in France.

kitzski.at

Georg Olms Verlag


Hagentorwall 7 · 31134 Hildesheim · Germany

Bestellungen per E-Mail unter: vertrieb@olms.de

www.olms.de

SAVOIR

VIVRE

Almdorf Seinerzeit in the Carinthian Nockberge

mountains, offers the best ambience for guests to

finally be able to move freely again after the restrictive

past few months enabling you to regenerate

your soul.

With the exclusive use of one of the 51 differently

sized Alpine huts and chalets, the individualised

service at the highest level, the spacious „village“

and the energy of the UNESCO Biosphere Park

Nockberge, the Almdorf Seinerzeit offers the ideal

holiday resort to spend an unforgettable time in

maximum privacy and without restrictions.

HOLIDAY (like) at HOME!

It is a microcosm in which the symbiosis of the traditional

and modern worlds are brought into harmony.

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.

Almdorf Seinerzeit focuses on the whole person

and yet it offers each individual the freedom to be

human - from a communal experience to a retreat

in your own chalet. With its cosy living area, cosy

Swiss stone pine bed, crackling fireplace and much

love for detail, Almdorf Seinerzeit invites you to

your "HOLIDAY (like) at HOME"

Almdorf Seinerzeit | Vorderkoflach 36 Fellacheralm, 9564 Patergassen - Kärnten

+43 4275 7201 | www.almdorf.com | welcome@almdorf.com

SAVOIR VIVRE RELAXING HIDEAWAYS

Zeit zum Kuscheln!

Time to cuddle!


Cercle Diplomatique zeigt Ihnen außergewöhnliche Winter-Chalets in ganz Österreich.

Cercle Diplomatique presents exceptional winter chalets all over Austria.

LUXUSLODGE

Im Salzburger Lammertal stehen drei exklusive Chalets von

60 bis 150 m² für je 2-10 Personen mit bestens ausgestatteter

Küche, süßem Kinderzimmer und Hot Tub unter dem

Sternenhimmel oder Privat-Sauna in den großen Chalets

zur Verfügung.

In Salzburg‘s Lammertal, three exclusive chalets from 60 to

150 m² for 2-10 people each are at your disposal - with a

well-equipped kitchen, cute children‘s room and hot tub

under the starry sky or private sauna in the large chalets.

luxuslodge.at

Der Winter bietet nun

nach herausfordernden Zeiten

Tage zum Durchatmen,

besonders in der freien Natur.

After challenging times,

winter now offers days to

breathe deeply, especially in

the great outdoors.

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, FOTOLIA, CATHRINE STUKHARD, YDO SOL IMAGES, MOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAN HANSER

SENHOOG

Umgeben von den Gipfeln des Salzburger Landes und der

Kitzbüheler Alpen kann man hier in Leogang die Freiheit

eines Chalets mit den Annehmlichkeiten eines Hotels

genießen. Der Gastgeber kennt Land und Leute besser als

seine eigene Westentasche und ist gerne erreichbar.

Surrounded by the peaks of the Salzburger Land and the

Kitzbühel Alps, here in Leogang you can enjoy the freedom of

a chalet with the amenities of a hotel. The host knows the

region and its people better than the back of his hand and is

within easy reach.

senhoog.com

ROSUITES AUF LICHTEBEN

Die rosuites auf Lichteben sind fünf individuell gestaltete

Chalets, ausgestattet mit Vollholz, Zirbenmöbeln,

Naturstein, Kamin, Sauna und Terrasse. Die kuhwarme

Milch zum Frühstück kommt vom eigenen Vieh der

Gastgeber. Ein Kraftplatz mit Mystik, zu finden in Hippach

in Tirol.

The rosuites at Lichteben are five individually designed

chalets, equipped with solid wood, stone pine furniture,

natural stone, fireplace, sauna and terrace. The cow-warm

milk for breakfast comes from the hosts‘ own cattle. A power

place with mysticism, to be found in Hippach in Tyrol.

lichteben.at



75


TRATTLERHOF

Seit zwei Jahren begeistert das Hotel Gut Trattlerhof &

Chalets in Bad Kleinkirchheim mit 14 luxuriösen Hof-

Chalets. Die gemütlichen Wohneinheiten wurden in der

Nähe des Hotels auf einem 7.000 m² großen Areal

unmittelbar an der Skipiste errichtet und ermöglichen so

einen direkten Ski in/Ski out.

For two years now, the Hotel Gut Trattlerhof & Chalets in Bad

Kleinkirchheim has been delighting with 14 luxurious

farmyard chalets. The cozy residential units were built near

the hotel on a 7,000 m² area directly on the ski slope and

thus enable direct ski in/ski out.

trattlerhof.at

BERGDORF PRECHTLGUT

Vor der Chalettüre im Bergdorf Prechtlgut in Wagrain zieht der Winter

im Salzburger Land die schönsten Seiten auf – beim Skifahren,

Langlaufen, Rodeln oder Tourengehen. Alt- und Zirbenholz, natürliche

Materialien wie Leder, Loden und Leinen und viele liebevolle Details

schaffen eine Behaglichkeit, die in Zeiten wie diesen einfach guttut.

In front of the chalet door of the mountain village of Bergdorf Prechtlgut

in Wagrain, winter in the Salzburg region reveals its most beautiful sides

– while skiing, cross-country skiing, sledging or ski touring. Old wood and

Swiss pine, natural materials such as leather,

loden and linen and many loving details

create a comfort that is simply good in

times like these.

prechtlgut.at

LAPOSCH

Individuell gestaltete Chalets mit Edel-Badewanne

überzeugen, eingebettet in die wunderschöne Bergwelt

der Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, im kleinen Örtchen Biberwier.

Für Begeisterung sorgen zwei neue Poolvillen in exklusiver

Lage am Rande des Chalet Dorfes. Ein privater, ganzjährig

beheizter Berg- bzw. Infinitypool ist das Herzstück der

beiden Hideaways.

Individually designed chalets with noble bathtubs, are

embedded in the beautiful mountains of the Tyrolean

Zugspitz Arena, in the small village of Biberwier. The two

new pool villas, in an exclusive location on the outskirts of

the chalet village, are a source of excitement. A private,

year-round heated mountain or infinity pool is the heart of

the two hideaways.

chaletresort-tirol.at

PHOTOS: FOTOLIA, CHRISTIAN WOECKINGER

THE

AFTERNOON

TEA

KWP CHALET GRAUKOGEL

Einst verschlafen, ist Bad Gastein wieder dabei hip zu

werden. Stilvolles Logis findet man da bei Roland Schlager

und Vanessa Golle in ihrem Kaiser Wilhelm Promenade-

Chalet. Hier regiert geschmackvolles, gemütliches und

modernes Ambiente mit sensationellem Ausblick.

Once sleepy, Bad Gastein is getting hip again. You can find

stylish accommodation with Roland Schlager and Vanessa

Golle in their Kaiser Wilhelm Promenade Chalet. A tasteful,

cozy and modern ambience with a sensational view reigns

here at its best.

kaiser-wilhelm.at

PHOTOS: FOTOLIA, KLAUS LORKE NO LIMIT FOTODESIGN, BEIGESTELLT

A VOUCHER FOR

THE HOTEL BRISTOL IS

ALWAYS THE RIGHT CHOICE

Give your family and friends the gift of

a typical English afternoon tea, a romantic dinner

or an unforgettable night in one of

our historic rooms or suites.

VOUCHERS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE HOTEL BRISTOL,

DIRECTLY FROM RECEPTION OR

THROUGH +43 1 515 16 586,

HOTEL.BRISTOL@LUXURYCOLLECTION.COM


© KIRCHGASSER PHOTOGRAPHY

HOTEL BRISTOL

A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL

KÄRNTNER RING 1, 1010 VIENNA, AUSTRIA

WWW.BRISTOLVIENNA.COM

FOLLOW US

#bristolvienna

#viennesecharmtoday


CHALET MIMI

Die perfekte Ski in/Ski out-Lage an der Piste, absolute

Privatsphäre, einen großzügigen SPA-Bereich sowie

Fünf-Sterne-Service mit 24/7 Butler und hauseigenem

Koch – das alles bietet das luxuriöse Chalet Mimi im

traditionell-alpinen Stil in Oberlech, zu dem man von der

hauseigenen Garage durch einen unterirdischen Gang zum

Chalet kommt.

The perfect ski-in/ski-out location next to the slopes,

absolute privacy, a spacious SPA area and five-star service

with 24/7 butler and in-house chef - all of this is offered by

the luxurious Chalet Mimi in Oberlech, designed in the

traditional alpine style. The chalet is accessible from the

in-house garage by an underground passage to the chalet.

chaletmimi.com

IGLUDORF KÜHTAI

Wer das ganz besondere Winter-Abenteuer mit

Übernachtung sucht, ist hier richtig: Im Kühtai kann

man sich wie ein Eisbär fühlen und in einem Iglu

übernachten. Es liegt auf 2.000 Metern, direkt am

Fuß der verschneiten Tiefschneehänge.

If you are looking for a very special winter adventure

with an overnight stay, this is the right place: In

Kühtai you can feel like a polar bear and spend the

night in an igloo. It is located at 2,000 meters, right at

the foot of the snow-covered deep snow slopes.

iglu-dorf.com

PHOTO: PURADIES

PURADIES

Hinter der rustikalen, sonnengegerbten Altholzfassade

verbirgt sich im Inneren progressives Alpindesign auf ein

oder zwei Stockwerken, mit Kachelofen und Privat Spa – je

nach Kategorie des gebuchten Chalets. Eingebettet sind

die „Privathäuschen“ in das 30 Hektar große, exklusive

Erholungsareal des Naturresorts Puradies.

Behind the rustic, sun-tanned old wood facade hides progressive

alpine design on one or two floors, with tiled stove and

private spa - depending on the category of the booked

chalet. The “private houses” are embedded in the 30

hectare, exclusive recreational area of the Puradies nature

resort.

puradies.com

INNS HOLZ CHALETDORF

Auf einer Lichtung, perfekt eingebettet in den Hochwald,

schmiegen sich die Luxus-Chalets in die Umgebung.

Originell sind die Lifestyle-Badezimmer, mit freistehender

Badewanne und privatem Wellnessbereich samt Finnischer

Sauna sowie eigenem Frischluftbereich und privater

Sonnenterrasse.

In a clearing, perfectly embedded in the high forest, the

luxury chalets nestle into the surroundings. The lifestyle

bathrooms with free-standing bathtubs and private wellness

area, including Finnish sauna as well as their own fresh air

area and private sun terrace, are original.

innsholz.at

PHOTOS: FOTOLIA, STEFANO SCATÀ, ROBERTO ZAMPINO, THOMAS-HABERLAND

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


BENGLERWALD BERG CHALETDORF

Sechs neue Hideaways bereichern ab Dezember 2020 das

exklusive Chaletdorf in Alleinlage. Chalets mit Fitness-

Area, ein Liebes-Chalet für romantische Urlaube, ein

komplett eingezäuntes Hunde-Chalet, ein Familien-Chalet

und andere Luxushäuschen zum Privatisieren stehen dann

in der Bergwelt des Lechtals zur Verfügung.

Starting in December 2020, six new hideaways will enrich

the exclusive, secluded chalet village. Chalets with fitness

area, a love chalet for romantic holidays, a completely fenced

dog chalet, a family chalet and other luxury houses for

privatisation are then available in the mountains of the Lech

Valley.

benglerwald.at

ALPEGG CHALET

Inmitten der Alpen von Tirol befinden sich die Alpegg

Chalets in der Region Steinplatte nahe Kitzbühel. Familien,

Pärchen und auch Hunde sind herzlich willkommen. Und

wer im Urlaub auch mal eine kleine Auszeit braucht, kann

sich im kleinen Häuschen zurückziehen, um mal in Ruhe ein

Buch zu lesen oder Musik zu hören.

The Alpegg Chalets are located in the heart of the Tyrolean

Alps in the Steinplatte region near Kitzbühel. Families,

couples and dogs are very welcome. And if you need a little

break while on vacation, you can elope to the little house to

peacefully read a book or listen to music.

alpegg.com

PHOTOS: FOTOLIA, GUENTER STANDL

ALMDORF SEINERZEIT

Das ursprünglich-authentische Ambiente des Almdorfs

Seinerzeit nahe Bad Kleinkirchheim in Kärnten vermittelt

die Geborgenheit eines traditionellen Almdorfes. Ein ganz

besonders gemütliches Kleinod ist die „Alpetta Hütte“,

die für traute Zweisamkeit ausgerichtet ist. Die kuschlige

Stube lässt Paare dann auch während der Mahlzeiten

zusammenrücken.

The original, authentic ambience of the Almdorf Seinerzeit

near Bad Kleinkirchheim in Carinthia conveys the comfort of

a tradtional Almdorf. The “Alpetta Hut“, which is designed

for intimate togetherness, is a particularly cozy gem. The

snugly Stube allows couples to get closer again, also during

meals.

almdorf.com

ARULA CHALETS

In Oberlech am Arlberg kann man sich prächtig verwöhnen

lassen. Die großzügig gestalteten Arula Chalets bieten

nicht nur Outdoor-Whirlpools und einen Eislaufplatz,

sondern auch zwei separate Spa-Bereiche, 24/7 Butler-

Service, hauseigene Köche und Chauffeure sowie einen

Entertainment-Raum mit Shuffle Board, Casino-Ecke und

selbstspielendem Steinway-Piano.

Let yourself be pampered in Oberlech am Arlberg. The

generously designed Arula Chalets not only offer outdoor

whirlpools and an ice rink, but also two separate spa areas,

24/7 butler service, in-house chefs and chauffeurs as well as

an entertainment room with shuffle board, casino corner and

self-playing Steinway Piano.

arulachalets.com

PHOTOS: FOTOLIA, RADOMIR GABRIC, MADELINE LU, BEIGESTELLT


SAVOIR VIVRE CONNOISSEUR

Essen und trinken mit Stil

Wine and dine in style


Bezaubernde Ginnie |

Enchanting Gin

Den Wagemutigen gehört die Welt! Denn es gibt sicher nicht viele, die einen Job bei der Bank für ihre Leidenschaft und die

Selbständigkeit eintauschen. Alexandra Ghuneim kreiert und destilliert heute Gin, und das mit Verve. Inspiriert wurde sie durch

ihren Ehemann Nahed, der sich als Besitzer eines Obstgartens schon länger dem Schnapsbrennen widmete. „Ich war immer

schon eine Liebhaberin von Gin“, erzählt Ghuneim, die 2018 auf einer Reise in Schottland auch eine junge Ginmacherin

besuchte. Nach einem Jahr waren dann ihre fünf eigenen Habibi Dry Gins (Habibi steht für Liebling und Schatz) fertig.

Mittlerweile sind es acht geworden. Sie tragen die klingenden Namen „Take 5“, „Gintura“, „Biladi“ und „Connoisseur“. Besonderheiten

sind der „Olivin“ mit grünen Oliven, „Catch a Coffee“ mit u. a. Kaffee und Kardamon, der „Sloe Gin“ mit in Gin angesetzten

Schlehen und der „Red Bella“, mit in Gin angesetzten Isabella-Trauben (die in Österreich auch für den Uhudler verwendet

werden). Für Weihnachten und diverse Anlässe stehen Alexandra und Nahed Ghuneim gerne mit ihren flüssigen Pretiosen sowie

Gutscheinen bereit. Und die charmanten Verkostungen im privaten Rahmen werden von delikatem Fingerfood und besonderen

Tonics begleitet.

The future belongs to the brave! For there are surely not many who would be willing to trade a safe job at the bank to fulfil their

dream of becoming self-employed. Alexandra Ghuneim did and today she creates and distils gin. She was inspired to do so by

her husband Nahed, who, as the owner of an orchard, had been dedicating himself to the distillation of schnapps for some time.

“I have always been fond of gin,” says Ghuneim, who visited a young gin maker during a 2018 trip to Scotland. After just one

year, she had already completed five of her own Habibi Dry Gins (habibi means darling or treasure). Now, there are eight. They

have interesting names like “Take 5”, “Gintura”, “Biladi” and “Connoisseur”. Specialties include “Olivin” with

green olives, “Catch a Coffee” with coffee and cardamon, “Sloe Gin” with sloe set in gin and “Red Bella” with

Isabella grape set in gin (the same variety that it is also used for Uhudler wine in Austria).

Alexandra and Nahed Ghuneim are happy to provide their liquid delicacies as well as gift coupons for

Christmas events and other occasions. Their charming and privately held tasting sessions are accompanied

by tasty finger food and a unique selection of tonics.

habibidrygin.business.site

Tel.: +43 660 528 71 90

Willkommen im „1824 Living Room“ im Park Hyatt Vienna! | Welcome to the “1824 Living Room” at the Park Hyatt Vienna!

Auch in herausfordernden Zeiten werden neue Ideen geboren: Seit Anfang Oktober begrüßt

das Park Hyatt Vienna, in Zusammenarbeit mit ‚The Macallan – Highland Single Malt Scotch

Whisky‘ seine Gäste im neuen Wohnzimmer für Connaisseure. Der bereits seit 2014 in der

Stadt bekannte Living Room, in dem früher auch geraucht werden durfte, wurde durch eine

Cocktailbar ergänzt. In Anlehnung an das Gründungsjahr von The Macallan, läuft das

Pop-up-Konzept nun bis Ende Jänner 2021 unter dem Namen „1824 Living Room“.

Die Whisky Lounge bietet 30 Sitzplätze in Sesseln und Sofas mit absoluter Wohlfühlatmosphäre.

Gereicht werden veredelte Whiskys, Cocktails, Champagner oder ausgewählte

Weine. Begleitet werden diese von kleinen pikanten Snacks aus der „The Bank Brasserie &

Bar“-Küche. Wer lieber etwas Süßes zu seinem Whisky mag, findet eine große Auswahl an

feinen Pralinen, die von Patisserie-Chef Oliver Ivanschits kreiert und im Humidor gelagert

werden. Die außergewöhnlichen „The Macallan“-Sondereditionen, die

von Zeit zu Zeit wechseln, kann man auch für daheim käuflich

erwerben.

New ideas are born even in the most challenging of times: Since early October, the Park

Hyatt Vienna, in cooperation with “The Macallan – Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky”

has been welcoming its guests to its new “Living Room” for connoisseurs. The Living

Room – which has been a popular spot among the Viennese since 2014 and used to

permit smoking, has now been extended by an additional cocktail bar. In reference to

the founding year of “The Macallan”, the pop-up concept is named “1824 Living Room”

and will stay until late January 2021. The creative whisky lounge offers 30 armchair and

sofa seats, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere. Refined whiskies, cocktails, champagnes

and selected wines are served. Drinks are accompanied by small spicy snacks from

“The Bank Brasserie & Bar”. Those who prefer to accompany their whisky with

something sweet will find a great selection of fine chocolates created by patisserie chef

Oliver Ivanschits and stored in a special humidor. The exceptional

“The Macallan” special editions, which are alternated from time to

time, can also be purchased for home use.

parkhyattvienna.com

PHOTOS: PARK HYATT VIENNA, HABIBI DRY GIN, GREGOR NEUMEYER, MEISSL & SCHADN, OSKAR SCHMID

Es gibt Reis, Baby! | We‘ve got rice, Baby!

Seit 2015 beschäftigt sich Gregor Neumeyer in Zusammenarbeit mit fünf

anderen österreichischen Landwirten mit dem Reisanbau. 2016 erfolgte

die erste Ernte. „ÖsterReis“ wird in Österreich produziert und verarbeitet

und ist seit 2018 auch bio-zertifiziert. Aufgrund des außergewöhnlich

kalten Frühsommers konnte der Reis heuer lange nicht durchstarten,

weshalb die Ernte erst im November abgeschlossen wurde – fast zwei

Monate später als üblich. Der ÖsterReis ist nun in den Varianten Natur

und Weiß erhältlich.

Since 2015, Gregor Neumeyer has been working on rice cultivation

together with five other Austrian farmers. In 2016, they had their first

harvest. “ÖsterReis” is exclusively produced and processed in Austria

and is also certified organic since 2018. Due to the unusually cold early

summer, the rice took a little

longer than usual this year,

which is why the harvest was

only completed in November –

nearly two months later than

normal. Now, ÖsterReis is finally

available in the natural and the

white variety.

oesterreis.at

TOP 5 OPENINGS

Neu in Wien | New in Vienna

Auch in der Seestadt, 1220 /

Also in Seestadt

habibi-hawara.at

Tagesbar & Shop, 1070 /

Day bar & shop

schnitzler-freud.at

Augustinerbräu im

Traditionslokal, 1010 /

Augustiner-Bräu in traditional

pub

zuden3hacken.at

Filiale beim Schottentor,

1090 / New branch at

Schottentor

superfooddeli.at

Köstlich genießen bei der

Peterskirche, 1010 / Tasty

treats at St. Peter’s Church

paulundvitos.wien

Paul & Vitos

BUCHTIPP | BOOK TIP

Hymne auf die knusprige Panier |

Ode to the Wiener Schnitzel

Der Restaurantkritiker Severin Corti arbeitete lange als Koch,

seit 20 Jahren schreibt er über seine lukullischen

Erfahrungen in deutschsprachigen Zeitungen und

Magazinen. Nun hat er mit dem engagierten Hotelier Florian

Weitzer, der in Graz, Wien und demnächst am Semmering

Hotels führt, eine Ode in Buchform im Brandstätter Verlag

auf Deutsch und Englisch herausgegeben. Im Zentrum steht

das Wiener Schnitzel, das weltweit wohl als das Signature

Dish der österreichischen Küchenkunst gilt. Zudem konnten

die beiden nationale und internationale Persönlichkeiten aus

Literatur, Journalismus, Gastronomie, Kunst & Karikatur

gewinnen - sie alle erweisen dem Wiener Schnitzel

literarisch die Ehre.

Restaurant critic Severin Corti used to work as a chef; for the

past 20 years, he has been writing about this culinary

experience in German-language newspapers and

magazines. Now, he has – together with dedicated hotelier

Florian Weitzer, who runs hotels in Graz, Vienna and soon at

Semmering – written an ode to an Austrian classic. The

focus is on the Wiener Schnitzel, which is known around the

world as Austria’s signature dish. On top of that, the two

were also able to recruit both domestic as well as international

personalities from the worlds of literature, gastronomy,

art and caricature. Together, they all pay literary tribute to

the Wiener Schnitzel. The book will be published by

Brandstätter in both German as well as English.

meisslundschadn.at

weitzer.com

ISBN: 978-3-7106-0457-7 (Deutsch/German)

ISBN: 978-3-7106-0458-4 (Englisch/English)



83

SAVOIR VIVRE TABLE TALK

Vom Glück, in Wien zu sein | The luck of living in Vienna

Christian Klaus, neuer General Manager im SO/ VIENNA, genießt seinen neuen stylishen Arbeitsplatz am Donaukanal und die Stadt.

Christian Klaus, the new General Manager at the SO/ VIENNA, enjoys his new stylish workplace at the Donaukanal as well as the city.


Der gebürtige Schweizer versprüht Freude,

wenn er über Wien erzählt: „Ich erkenne

eine Stadt beim Ausgehen“, stellt er fest,

auch wenn dies zurzeit Corona bedingt immer wieder

limitiert werden muss. „Hier genießt man die

Theater und Kultur-Angebote, das war auch im Libanon

so, wo ich auch gearbeitet habe“, erzählt er

weiters. Seine Heimatstadt Basel schätzt Klaus ebenso

besonders: „Denn es war schön, im 3-Länder-Eck

neben dem nahen Mühlhausen und Deutschland

aufzuwachsen.“

Bevor er in der Hotellerie landete, absolvierte er

die Technische Hochschule Zürich. Doch sich um

andere zu kümmern, war eher seine Sache – und so

besuchte er zudem die Hotelfachschule Lausanne. Es

folgten Stationen in Hotels in Berlin, Chicago, Beirut,

San Francisco, Pittsburgh und im Fairmont in

Washington D.C. , bevor er in Wien am Donaukanal

eincheckte. Mit seinem Team will er in Zukunft seinen

offenen Führungsstil pflegen – „Erfolge zelebrieren,

Lob aussprechen und beim täglichen Team-

Meeting um 9.30 Uhr Allfälliges und Wichtiges

besprechen. Mein Ziel ist es, anderen zu helfen und

sie weiterzubringen.“

WORDRAP

CHRISTIAN KLAUS

PHOTOS: ABACAPRESS/DIDIER DELMAS, BEIGESTELLT

Whenever the native of Switzerland gets to

talk about Vienna, he radiates joy and excitement:

“When I go out, I really understand

the city,” he observes, despite all the limitations

currently being placed on this as a result of the coronavirus

pandemic. “Here, people like to go to the

theatre and enjoy cultural offers, similarly to Lebanon,

where I also used to work,” he continues. Klaus

also values his hometown Basel “because it was so

nice to grow up around the three-country triangle

right next to Mühlhausen and Germany”.

Before joining the hotel industry, Klaus graduated

from ETH Zurich – and so he started attending the

EHL hospitality management school in Lausanne.

This was followed by stints in Berlin, Beirut, San

Francisco, Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. at the

Fairmont, before finally checking into Vienna on the

Donaukanal. He plans on further expanding on his

open leadership style together with his team: “Celebrating

successes, expressing praise and discussing

everything that’s important during the daily 9.30 am

team meetings. I want to help others and to help

them move forward as well.”

Als Kind wollte ich…

so sein wie meine Eltern. Sie sind große

Vorbilder für mich.

Wenn ich Urlaub habe…

genieße ich.

Mein Lieblingshotel weltweit ist…

immer jenes, in dem ich gerade arbeite.

An der Bar bestelle ich…

Negroni zum Anfangen und danach

Champagner.

Ein guter Gastgeber…

nimmt sich selbst nicht zu wichtig und

When I was little, I wanted to…

be like my parents. They are my role models.

When going on holiday, I like to…

unwind.

My favourite hotel in the world is…

whichever I’m currently working at.

When at the bar, I like to order…

Negroni to start with and then champagne.

A good host…

doesn’t take him or herself too seriously and

knows how to bring joy to others.

bereitet anderen Freude.

Wenn ich Wien beruflich verlassen

müsste, würde ich…

Ich will Wien ja gar nicht verlassen. Hongkong

ist und bleibt ein Traum von mir, ganz ohne

Wehmut.

Buch oder Laptop?

Buch.

Bergschuhe oder Lackschuhe?

Vor 15 Jahren noch Lackschuhe, jetzt

Bergschuhe (lacht).

If I had to leave Vienna for professional

reasons, I would like to go to…

I wouldn’t want to leave Vienna. But Hong

Kong is and always will be a dream of mine.

Book or laptop?

Book.

Mountain boots or patent-leather shoes?

15 years ago, it would have been patentleather

shoes, now mountain boots (laughs).

Der gebürtige Schweizer absolvierte die Technische Hochschule Zürich und die Hotelfachschule

Lausanne , war 15 Jahre bei Four Seasons in leitenden Positionen international und

zuletzt im Fairmont in Washington D.C. tätig.

Born in Switzerland, Klaus graduated from ETH Zurich and the EHL hospitality management school

in Lausanne, spent 15 years with Four Seasons in leading international positions and most recently

stationed at the Fairmont in Washington D.C.

Von oben nach unten: Entspannen in der BAR/terre; Wohnen mit

außergewöhnlichem Ausblick auf die Stadt Wien und kulinarische

Genüsse im Restaurant „Das LOFT“, das sich ganz oben befindet

(im Foto rechts die großartige Aussicht).

From top to bottom: Relaxing at the BAR/terre; the accommodation

with an exceptional view of Vienna and the culinary delights at

the “Das LOFT” restaurant, located on the top floor (the magnificent

view is pictured to the right).

INFO:

so-vienna.com



85

SAVOIR VIVRE TRAVEL

Fernweh

Itchy Feet

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

Text: Gerald Sturz

München | Munich

Mandarin Oriental Munich

„All new. All fantastic“, verkündet man aus dem Mandarin

Oriental Munich. Denn das Luxushotel in der Münchner

Innenstadt hat seine Zimmer und Suiten neu gestalten lassen.

Das neue Design verbindet nun Tradition und Moderne durch

eine Kombination von Elementen des Biedermeiers mit einer

frischen, eleganten Farbigkeit und schafft so ein besonderes

Ambiente. Der neue Look sowie das eigens für das Hotel

entwickelte Kunstkonzept, so heißt es, sollen „München als

Tor zu den Alpen“ thematisieren und gleichzeitig das

kosmopolitische Flair des Mandarin Oriental Munich

unterstreichen.

“All new. All fantastic”, the Mandarin Oriental Munich

proclaims. For the luxury hotel in Munich’s city centre has

completely redesigned its rooms and suites. The new design

combines both tradition and modernity through a fusion of

Biedermeier elements with fresh, elegant colours, creating a

unique ambience. The new look and the art concept

developed specifically for the hotel is said to represent

“Munich as the gateway to the Alps”, while, at the same time,

emphasising the cosmopolitan flair of the Mandarin Oriental

Munich.

mandarinoriental.com

Namibia

andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Sossusvlei liegt im NamibRand Naturreservat, einem der größten Naturschutzgebiete im südlichen Afrika, dort, wo die

Namib-Wüste, die älteste Wüste der Welt, in jene Dünenlandschaft übergeht, die bis zum Meer reicht. Es ist ein

faszinierender Ort. Her befindet sich auch die andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, die einem kompletten Relaunch

unterzogen wurde. Sie ist jetzt eine eindrucksvolle, ungewöhnliche Konstruktion aus Stein, Glas, Stahl und Holz, die

sich perfekt in die Landschaft einpasst, mit zehn Villen, jede mit Terrasse und eigenem Pool. Vom Bett blickt man

durch raumhohe Fensterwände auf die weite Ebene und kann die Oryx-Gazellen und Strauße und Zebras beobachten,

die sich um eine Wasserstelle sammeln oder stoisch die Ebene durchqueren. Zu sehen und zu unternehmen gibt es

viel in der Gegend. So bietet die Lodge Ballonfahrten, Ausflüge zu Felsmalereien, zu versteinerten Dünen, „Dune

crashing“ mit Quads, Sternegucken und einiges mehr an.

Sossusvlei is located in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of the largest nature reserves in southern Africa, where the

Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, merges into the dune landscape that extends all the way to the sea. This is

a fascinating place. And it is also where you will find the andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge which has recently been

completely revamped. It is a fascinating and unusual construction made from stone, glass, steel and wood, blending

perfectly into the environment with its 10 villas, each with their own terrace and pool. From the bed, you can look through

your floor-to-ceiling window walls onto the vast plains and observe the oryx gazelles,

ostriches and zebras as they gather around a waterhole and stoically wander through the

landscape. There is so much to see and do here. The lodge offers hot air balloon rides, rock

painting excursions and trips to petrified dunes, “dune crashing” with quad bikes,

stargazing and so much more.

andbeyond.com

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

Kopenhagen | Copenhagen

Villa Copenhagen

In dem Gebäude aus dem Jahr 1912 befand sich einst der Hauptsitz des dänischen Post- und Telegraphenamts. Jetzt

ist hier ein Hotel, das zeitgemäßes Design gut in die historischen Räume gebracht hat. Wie es sich gehört, spielt

Sustainability eine große Rolle. So hat zum Beispiel das Earth Studio eine „Earth Suite“ eingerichtet, in der nur

recycelte Materialien verwendet werden.

The building from the year 1912 used to house the Danish Post and Telegraph Office. Now, it is a hotel that has managed

to incorporate contemporary design into its historic premises. And just as one comes to expect nowadays, sustainability

has played a key role in the design process. This includes the “Earth Suite”, created by Earth Studio, in which exclusively

recycled materials were used.

villacopenhagen.com


SAVOIR VIVRE TRAVEL

Paris

Hotel Les Deux Gares

Minimalismus ist nicht die Sache des britischen Designers

Luke Edward Hall; er setzt vielmehr auf einen Stil, den man

gut und gerne als Maximalismus bezeichnen kann. Das

neue Hotel Les Deux Gares im 10. Arrondissement von

Paris, das sehr praktisch zwischen Gare du Nord und Gare

de l’Est gelegen ist, ist ein eindrucksvolles Beispiel seines

Designstils. Ein wilder Mix aus Farben und Stilelementen,

aus französischem und britischem Look. „English chic with

French soul“ nennt das Luke Edward Hall. Der eklektische

und exzentrische Designmix findet sich auch auf der

anderen Straßenseite, im Café Les Deux Gares, wieder.

Minimalism isn’t exactly British designer Luke Edward

Hall’s cup of tea; his style is much better described as

maximalism. The new Hôtel Les Deux Gares in Paris’ 10th

arrondissement, conveniently located between Gare du

Nord and Gare de l’Est, is an impressive example of his

style. A wild mix of colours and stylistic elements with

both French and British vibes. “English chic with French

soul” is what Luke Edward Hall calls it. The eclectic and

eccentric design fusion can also be experienced on the

opposite side of the street, at the Café Les Deux Gares.

hoteldeuxgares.com

Rom | Rome

Hotel de Russie

Das Hotel de Russie an der berühmten Piazza

del Popolo ist eine grüne Oase mitten in Rom.

Denn es verfügt über einen geheimen, vor den

Augen der Öffentlichkeit gut verborgen

historischen Garten, der im 19. Jahrhundert nach

Plänen des Architekten Giuseppe Valadier

gestaltet wurde. Als „Kunstwerk, kulturelles Erbe

und architektonischen wie ökologischen Schatz“

wird er in der Carta dei Giardini Storici

bezeichnet. Nun wurde dieser Garten aufwändig

restauriert. Nach den Umbauarbeiten präsentiert

er sich wieder im eklektischen Stil des 19. Jahrhunderts

und bietet ein hervorragendes

Ambiente für entspannende Stunden nach

langen Besichtigungs- und Einkaufsspaziergängen.

The Hotel de Russie on the famed Piazza del

Popolo is a green oasis amid the city of Rome. For

it contains a secret historical garden hidden from

the public and designed in the 19th century

according to plans by Giuseppe Valadier. The

Carta dei Giardini Storici describes it as “a work of

art, a piece of cultural heritage and an architectural

as well as ecological treasure”. The garden

has now been extensively renovated. After the

completion of the reconstruction works, it

presents itself again in the eclectic style of the

19th century, offering an excellent ambience for

relaxing hours after long sightseeing and

shopping trips.

roccofortehotels.com

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

SUITE DREAMS.

Reisen Sie ans Ziel Ihrer Wünsche und

erleben Sie perfekte Tage an einem

perfekten Ort. Ein Aufenthalt in einer

unserer exklusiven Suiten gibt Ihnen

die Möglichkeit dazu. Jede davon hat

Ihren eigenen Charakter und erzählt

eine einzigartige Geschichte.

Travel to the destination of your dreams

and experience the perfect stay in

the perfect place. A stay in one of our

exclusive suites gives you the chance to

do exactly that. Each one has ist own

character and unique history.

5+5:

Hygiene- &

Schutzmaßnahmen

So exklusiv wie Ihre Zeit: unsere Suiten.

As exclusive as your time – our suites.

Start here.


Information & Booking:

Tel. +43-1-588 00-800

office@austria-trend.at

austria-trend.at

SAVOIR VIVRE CULTURE & MEMORY

Wissensspeicher von europäischer Bedeutung

Knowledge store of European significance

Text: Evelyn Rois & Bruno Stubenrauch

Gedächtnisschatz.

Memory treasure.

Das Haus-, Hof- und

Staatsarchiv beherbergt

essenzielle Dokumente

europäischer Geschichte.

The House, Court and State

Archives contain essential

documents from European

history.

PHOTOS: ÖSTA

Das Österreichische Staatsarchiv zählt zu Europas wichtigsten

Archiven und stellt sich den Herausforderungen der Digitalisierung

– ein auch auf übernationaler Ebene mit Nachdruck vorangetriebenes

Unterfangen.

The Austrian State Archives count among Europe’s most important

historical archives and have recently taken up the challenge of

digitalisation – an endeavour that is also being vigorously pursued

at a supranational level.

Urkunden, 130.000 Ge-

15.000

75.000schäftsbücher,

Karten und Pläne sowie 3.000 Handschriften

reihen sich Aktenkarton um Aktenkarton

auf den historischen Stahlregalen:

28.700 Laufmeter Dokumente aus der Geschichte

Österreichs bis 1918 lagern im

denkmalgeschützten Archivbau des Haus-,

Hof- und Staatsarchivs in prominenter Lage

am Minoritenplatz. Zusammen mit den Beständen

im 1988 eröffneten Neubau im 3.

Wiener Gemeindebezirk, der die drei weiteren

Archive zusammenfasst – das Kriegsarchiv

der Habsburgermonarchie, das Allgemeine

Verwaltungs-, Finanz- und

Hofkammerarchiv sowie das Archiv der

Republik, das auch für die Erschließung der

aktuellen Aktenbestände der österreichischen

Bundesverwaltung zuständig ist –

füllen die Dokumente aus 13 Jahrhunderten

fast 300 Regalkilometer. „Das

Staatsarchiv ist das historische Gedächtnis

unseres Landes“, so Helmut Wohnout, seit

November 2019 Generaldirektor des Österreichischen

Staatsarchivs. „Die Dokumente

sind von einem in Zahlen nicht bemessbaren

kulturellen Wert, viele von ihnen gehören

zur DNA unseres Landes.“ Von der

Goldenen Bulle, über den Westfälischen

Friedensvertrag bis zur Schlussakte des

Wiener Kongresses, einem 218 Seiten starken

Konvolut, das die Neuordnung Europas

nach den Napoleonischen Kriegen festhält,

lagern im Österreichischen Staatsarchiv

zahllose Dokumente, die in ihrer Bedeutung

deutlich über Österreich hinaus wirken.

„Das Österreichische Staatsarchiv ist

weit über die heutigen Grenzen unseres

Gigantischer Speicher: der 1988 eröffnete Neubau.

Bedeutende Urkunde: die „Goldene Bulle“, 1356.

Gigantic storage facility: the new building opened in

1988. Significant document: the “Golden Bull“, 1356.



91


Prominente Lage: Das

Haus-, Hof- und Staatsarchiv

am Minoritenplatz.

Prominent location: the

House, Court and State

Archives on Minoritenplatz.

Die Schlussakte des Wiener

Kongresses, 1815:

Neuordnung Europas nach

den Napoleonischen

Kriegen.

The Final Act of the Congress

of Vienna, 1815: Reorganisation

of Europe after the

Napoleonic Wars.

Landes hinaus eines der wichtigsten europäischen

Archive. Wir unterhalten, entsprechend

der Bedeutung unseres Hauses,

mit den anderen großen europäischen Archiven

gute Kontakte und auf Forschungsebene

einen regen Austausch“, betont denn

auch Generaldirektor Wohnout.

Europäische Dimension

Die internationale Bedeutung seiner

Bestände zieht auch immer wieder prominenten

Besuch nach sich: Boris Johnson

etwa ließ sich 2016 bei seiner Wien-Visite,

damals noch als britischer Außenminister,

im Haus-, Hof- und Staatsarchiv die

Schlussakte des Wiener Kongresses zeigen.

Der Freundschafts-, Handels- und Schifffahrts-Vertrag

zwischen Kaiser Franz Joseph

I. und dem japanischen Kaiser Mutsuhito

von 1869 stand wiederum im Fokus

der Visite des japanischen Botschafters,

S.E. Kiyoshi Koinuma, aus Anlass von 150

Jahren diplomatischer Beziehungen zwischen

Japan und Österreich. Eine besonders

enge Verbindung besteht naturgemäß

zu den Nachfolgestaaten der Habsburgermonarchie,

wie Wohnout ausführt: „Einerseits

verwahren wir bedeutende Teile des

Archivs des Heiligen Römischen Reiches

vor 1806. Weiters finden sich bei uns wichtige

Dokumente zu den habsburgischen

Ländern in der Frühen Neuzeit, etwa den

Spanischen Niederlanden oder zu Italien.

Und schließlich spiegelt sich in unseren

Archivbeständen die gesamte Habsburgermonarchie

vor 1918, von Czernowitz bis

Cattaro, wieder.“

Diplomatische Mission

Diese besondere Relevanz der Archivbestände

für die Nachfolgestaaten der Donaumonarchie

zieht denn auch direkte diplomatische

Implikationen nach sich. Die

ungarische Botschaft in Wien etwa bestellt

seit den 1920er-Jahren eine permanente

dreiköpfige Delegation, die für Recherche

und Forschung der für Ungarn relevanten

Bestände der ehemaligen Doppelmonarchie

im Haus-, Hof- und Staatsarchiv, im

Finanz- und Hofkammerarchiv und im

Kriegsarchiv abgestellt ist. Auch mit den

anderen Nachfolgestaaten der Habsburgermonarchie

pflegt das Staatsarchiv einen

regen Austausch, aktuell etwa arbeiten

Wissenschaftler aus Kroatien, Tschechien

und Rumänien im Archiv. Gemeinsam mit

den ungarischen Archivaren wird auch die

Digitalisierung von Geschäftsbüchern der

ehemaligen gemeinsamen Behörden, wie

Hofkammer, Staatsrat oder Hofkriegsrat,

vorangetrieben. Ein Best Practice Beispiel

für ein gemeinsames Digitalisierungsvorhaben

über die Grenzen hinweg.

Globaler Wissenszugang

Die Dringlichkeit der Digitalisierung

nationaler Archive und deren virtuelle Zusammenführung

zur Ermöglichung eines

demokratischen Wissenszugangs steht seit

PHOTO: ÖSTA

PHOTOS: ÖSTA; BKA / ANDREAS WENZEL

einigen Jahren ganz oben auf der Agenda

überstaatlicher und internationaler Organisationen.

Auch das Österreichische

Staatsarchiv treibt seine Anstrengungen in

dieser Richtung bereits seit längerer Zeit

voran. Dazu Hofrätin Karin Holzer, Leiterin

der Digitalisierung im Österreichischen

Staatsarchiv: „Die Strategie der EU, digitale

Archive zu schaffen, ist absolut richtig und

das Staatsarchiv hat über sein Archivinformationssystem

bereits viele Dokumente

online verfügbar. ICARUS ist ein wichtiger

Player, ein groß angelegtes europaweites

Projekt, das sich dem europäischen Gedanken

von gemeinsamen Standards und

Richtlinien zur Digitalisierung verschrieben

hat.“ Das Österreichische Staatsarchiv

sieht es jedenfalls als eine seiner vordringlichsten

Aufgaben, die Bestände auch online

zugänglich zu machen – bei der riesigen

Anzahl an Dokumenten eine wahre

Herkulesaufgabe, wie Holzer einräumt:

„Die Voll-Digitalisierung unserer Bestände

ist nicht eine Lebensaufgabe, sondern eine

Sieben-Lebensaufgabe.“

Bundesministerin Karoline Edtstadler und Generaldirektor Helmut Wohnout betrachten die Österreichische

Bundesverfassung. Federal Minister Karoline Edtstadler and Director-General Helmut Wohnout take a closer

look at the Austrian Federal Constitution.

Memory of the World

Eine zunehmend zentrale Rolle nimmt

die Digitalisierung auch beim Memory of

the World-Programm der UNESCO ein,

das sich vor dem Hintergrund der teils prekären

Situation von Archiven, insbesondere

unter tropischen Klimabedingungen,

seit 1992 um die Bewahrung des Weltdokumentenerbes

bemüht. Wie wichtig das

Anlegen digitaler Archive ist, hat nicht zuletzt

auch die Zerstörung der Bibliothek

von Sarajevo im Bosnienkrieg 1992 vor

Augen geführt. Dietrich Schüller, Vorsitzender

des Österreichischen Nationalkomitees

für Memory of the World, zu Perspektiven

der Digitalisierung: „Das digitale

Zeitalter bietet bisher erstmalig einen wirklich

demokratischen Zugang zu Information

und Wissen, fordert gleichzeitig aber

hochkomplexe Anstrengungen zur Bewahrung

digitaler Information.“ Als eine Art

Schaufenster, um die Wichtigkeit des Dokumentenerbes

zu unterstreichen, dient

das Register des UNESCO Weltdokumentenerbes:

Stellvertretend für Millionen von

Einzeldokumenten stehen hier derzeit

knapp 450 Einträge aus allen Kontinenten

- darunter die Schlussakte des Wiener

Kongresses und die Goldene Bulle aus dem

Österreichischen Staatsarchiv. Ziel der

UNESCO ist jedoch der Schutz des archivierten

Kulturerbes in seiner Gesamtheit,

wie Schüller betont: „Das Kernanliegen

von Memory of the World ist der Erhalt

und Zugang zu allen, auch zu künftigen

Dokumenten.“

Fragile Dokumente

Eine große Chance der Digitalisierung

liegt natürlich im offenen Zugang zu unschätzbar

wertvollen Dokumente, ungeachtet

aller konservatorischen Einschränkungen.

Das Österreichische Staatsarchiv hat

hier bereits viel Arbeit geleistet, wie Generaldirektor

Helmut Wohnout hervorhebt:

„Von den bedeutenden Urkunden gibt es

bereits hervorragende Digitalisate. Aus

konservatorischen Gründen können die

Originale höchst selten gezeigt werden, diese

Dokumente benötigen ihre ‚Ruhepausen‘,

um sie der Nachwelt weiterhin in sehr gutem

Zustand zu erhalten.“ Dokumente wie

etwa der Staatsvertrag von 1955 oder das

Verfassungsgesetz aus dem Jahr 1920 sind

auf der Website des Staatsarchivs hochaufgelöst

nachzulesen. Bei allen evidenten

Vorteilen der Digitalisierung besitzen die

geschwungenen Minuskeln auf einem 1.200

Jahre alten Pergament oder die Originalunterschriften

von Karl Seitz, Michael Mayr

und Karl Renner auf dem Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz

natürlich eine Aura der Einmaligkeit,

die nur das Original ausstrahlt. Die

Dokumente aus dem Österreichischen

Staatsarchiv stehen für diese Authentizität,

wie auch Karin Holzer mit Nachdruck festhält:

„Unsere archivalischen Quellen sind

garantiert original und unverfälscht und

mit Sicherheit keine ‚Fake News‘.“

deeds, 130,000 accounting

records, 15,000

75,000

maps and blueprints as well as 3,000 manuscripts

stored in cardboard boxes line

the historical steel shelves: 28,700 metres of

documents of Austrian history up until

1918 are stored in the listed building that

houses the Austrian State Archives on the

Minoritenplatz. Together with the holdings

stored in the building opened in Vienna’s

3rd district in 1988, which houses the three

additional archives – the War Archives of

the Habsburg Monarchy, the General Administration,

Finance and Court Chamber



93


Rechts: Restaurierwerkstatt des

Österreichischen Staatsarchivs.

Unten: Bestätigung der österreichischen

Privilegien 1442.

To the right: Restoration workshop of the

Austrian State Archives.

Below: Confirmation of Austrian Privileges

in 1442.

Hoher Besuch: Der Botschafter der Republik Korea,

S.E. Chae-hyun Shin, der Direktor des Haus-, Hof- und

Staatsarchivs, Thomas Just (links) und Generaldirektor

Helmut Wohnout.

Top-notch visitor: The Ambassador of the Republic of

Korea, H.E. Chae-hyun Shin with the Director of the

House, Court and State Archives, Thomas Just (left) and

Director-General Helmut Wohnout.

Archives as well as the Archives of the Republic,

which are also responsible for cataloguing

the files of the Austrian government

– the documents spanning 13

centuries fill nearly 300 kilometres of shelves.

“The Austrian State Archives are the

historical memory of our country,” says

Helmut Wohnout, who, since November

2019, has been the Director-General of the

State Archives. “The documents hold a cultural

value that cannot be put into numbers;

many of them are simply part of our

country’s DNA.” From the Golden Bull of

1356 and the Peace of Westphalia to the Final

Act of the Congress of Vienna – a 218-

page volume which records the reorganisation

of Europe in the aftermath of the

Napoleonic Wars – the Austrian State Archives

contain countless documents whose

significance extends far beyond Austria

itself. “The Austrian State Archives are one

of the most important European archives.

In keeping with our institution’s standing,

we maintain good contacts and engage in

rigorous research exchange with other major

European archives,” emphasises Wohnout.

European dimension

The international significance of the archives’

holdings routinely attracts highprofile

visitors: Boris Johnson, for example,

visited Vienna in 2016 while still in his position

as Secretary of State for Foreign and

Commonwealth Affairs and inspected the

Final Act of the Congress of Vienna at the

House, Court and State Archives. On the

other hand, it was the Friendship, Trade

and Shipping Treaty between Emperor

Franz Joseph I and Japanese Emperor

Mutsuhito of 1869 that took the centre stage

during Japanese Ambassador H.E. Kiyoshi

Koinuma’s visit on the occasion of the

150-year anniversary of diplomatic relations

between Japan and Austria. There is,

of course, a special connection between the

successor states of the Habsburg Monarchy,

as Wohnout explains: “On the one hand,

we are preserving significant portions of

the archives of the Holy Roman Empire

prior to 1806. On the other hand, we also

have important documents about the

Habsburg countries from the early modern

period, such as the Spanish Netherlands

and Italy. And finally, our holdings also reflect

the entire Habsburg Monarchy before

1918, from Chernivtsi to Kotor.”

Diplomatic mission

The special relevance of the archival holdings

to the successor states of the Danube

Monarchy also bears diplomatic implications.

Since the 1920s, the Hungarian embassy

in Vienna, for example, has been appointing

a permanent three-member delegation

to research holdings originating from the

former Dual Monarchy relevant to Hungary

at the House, Court and State Archives at the

Finance and Court Chamber Archives and

the War Archives. The State Archives also

maintain lively exchange with other successor

states of the Habsburg Monarchy. Right

now, scientists from Croatia, Czechia and

Romania are working at the archives. Together

with Hungarian archivists, accounting

books from the formerly joint authorities,

including the Bureau of Finance, the

State Council and the Imperial War Council,

are currently being digitalised, setting an example

for cross-borders digitalisation efforts.

Global access to knowledge

The urgent digitalisation of national archives

and their virtual integration to allow

for democratic knowledge access has become

a priority for many supranational and

international organisations. The Austrian

State Archives have been pushing ahead in

this direction for quite some time. Karin

Holzer, head of digitalisation at the Austrian

State Archives, says: “The EU’s plan to create

digital archives is absolutely right and the

State Archives have already made a large

portion of their documents available online

via their own archival information system.

Icarus – an extensive, Europe-wide project

dedicated to the European effort to create

common standards and guidelines on the

digitalisation process – is a key player in this

effort.” The Austrian State Archives view it

as one of their core tasks to make their holdings

available online. This, Holzer says, will

be a monumental task because of the sheer

number of documents contained in the archives.

“The complete digitalisation of all of

PHOTOS: ÖSTA (2); BERTHOLD KONRATH

our holdings is not just one life’s mission, it

is several lives’ mission.”

Memory of the World

Digitalisation is also taking on an increasingly

important role at UNESCO’s Memory

of the World project. Since 1992, Memory of

the World has been working to preserve the

world’s documentary heritage against the

background of the sometimes precarious situation

of physical archives, especially when

considering tropical climate conditions. The

destruction of the Sarajevo Library during

the Bosnian War of 1992 has shown just how

important it is to create digital archives.

Dietrich Schüller, chairman of the Austrian

National Committee for Memory of the

World, had the following to say on the digitalisation

effort: “The digital age offers, for

the first time, truly democratic access to information

and knowledge. However, it also

requires highly complex measures in order

to preserve digital information.” The

UNESCO world documentary heritage register

serves as an example that illustrates

the importance of preserving documentary

heritage: Representing millions of individual

documents, there are currently almost 450

entries from across all continents – among

them also the Final Act of the Congress of

Vienna and the Golden Bull from the Austrian

State Archives. However, UNESCO’s

ultimate goal is the protection of the world’s

archival heritage in its totality, as Schüller

emphasises. “The core mission of Memory

of the World is the preservation – and access

to – of all documents, including future ones.”

Fragile documents

One of the great benefits of digitalisation

lies, of course, in the open access to invaluable

documents without the need to abide by

strict conservation measures. The Austrian

State Archives have already done a lot of

work in this area, as director Helmut Wohnout

emphasises. “We already have great digitalised

copies of the most important deeds.

We cannot display the originals often due to

the conservation efforts. These documents

need ‘breaks’ in order to be able to preserve

them for future generations.” Documents

such as the Austrian State Treaty of 1995 or

the Federal Constitutional Law from 1920

can be viewed in high resolution on the official

website of the State Archives. But even

with all the obvious benefits of digitalisation,

the Carolingian minuscule script on a

1,200-year-old manuscript or the original

signatures of Karl Seitz, Michael Mayr and

Karl Renner on the Federal Constitutional

Law possess a unique aura that only an original

can radiate. The documents from State

Archives bear this authenticity, as Karin

Holzer stresses, “Our archival sources are

without a doubt original and genuine and

definitely no ‘fake news’.

oesta.gv.at

icar-us.eu

en.unesco.org/programme/mow


SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADORS OF MUSIC

Culture Talk Maddalena Del Gobbo

Star-Gambistin Maddalena del Gobbo im Cercle Diplomatique-Exklusivinterview über Gänsehaut beim Spielen historischer

Instrumente, den menschlichen Klang der Viola da Gamba und die Klarheit der Barockmusik.

Star gambist Maddalena del Gobbo in an exclusive interview with Cercle Diplomatique on getting goosebumps while playing

historical instruments, the human sound of the viola da gamba and the clarity of baroque music.

Interview: Rois & Stubenrauch

INFO

á

Alte Musik, gespielt auf historischen Instrumenten, liegt im

Trend – offensichtlich gibt es ein Bedürfnis nach authentischen

Klangerlebnissen?

Wir werden ständig von überall beschallt, das Leben ist hektisch,

das Internet gibt uns auch keine Ruhe. Die Barockmusik, mit ihren

sehr direkten Klängen, ihren klaren, unglaublich berührenden

Harmonien bietet meiner Meinung nach dem Publikum das, was in

der heutigen Zeit oft fehlt.

Gibt es heute mehr Möglichkeiten für eine Viola da

Gamba-Spielerin als beispielsweise vor 20 Jahren?

Ja, auf jeden Fall. Es gibt mehr Notenausgaben, Konzertmöglichkeiten

und vor allem Offenheit beim Publikum. Die jüngere Barockmusiker-Generation

muss sich dafür bei den Pionieren wie

Nikolaus Harnoncourt bedanken, die den Weg geebnet und die

Alte Musik wieder ins Rampenlicht geführt haben.

Early music, played on historical instruments, is very much in

fashion right now – is there a yearning for authentic sound

experiences?

We are constantly being bombarded with sounds everywhere we go.

Life is hectic and the Internet doesn’t give us any peace. In my opinion,

baroque music, with its very direct sounds, its clear, incredibly touching

harmonies, offers audiences precisely that which is missing today.

Are there more opportunities for a viola da gamba player today

than there were 20 years ago?

Yes, definitely. There is more sheet music, concert opportunities and

above all openness from audiences. For this, the new generation of

baroque musicians has to thank pioneers like Nikolaus Harnoncourt,

who paved the way and brought early music back into the limelight.

Viola da Gamba:

Ein Familientreffen

Viola da Gamba:

a family reunion

Maddalena Del Gobbo, Eva

Münzberg, Florian Wieninger

11.02.2021, Wiener Musikverein

musikverein.at

Beim Konzertabend am 11. Februar 2021 im Wiener

Musikverein musizieren Sie zusammen mit vier originalen

historischen Streichinstrumenten und einem Cembalo aus

dem Jahr 1546. Was erwartet die Zuhörer?

Es wird ein richtiges Klangerlebnis! Das Publikum wird die

Gelegenheit haben, einige wunderbare und seltene historische

Instrumente der Sammlung der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde zu

hören – und das alles im wunderschönen Brahmssaal. Was will

man mehr?!

During the concert evening on 11 February 2021 at the Wiener

Musikverein, you will play together with four historical string

instruments and a harpsichord from 1546. What can audiences

expect?

It’s going to be an incredible sound experience! The audience will have

the unique opportunity to hear several brilliant and rare historical

instruments from the collection of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde

– and all of that in the amazing Brahmssaal. What more could one

want?!

PERSONAL DETAILS

PHOTOS: NIKOLAJ LUND

Sie haben vom besonders menschlichen Klang der Viola da

Gamba gesprochen.

Das intime, aber sehr eindringliche Kolorit der Darmsaiten,

zusammen mit der besonderen Resonanz der Gambe, haben für

mich die Fähigkeit, die Menschen sehr direkt zu berühren. Die

Viola da Gamba klingt manchmal wie eine Stimme, als würde das

Instrument sprechen.

Sie spielen eine historische Viola da Gamba von Johann

Seelos aus dem Jahr 1691.

Ich habe das Glück, dieses wunderbare Instrument als Leihgabe

der Orpheon Foundation bekommen zu haben. Ich habe immer das

Gefühl, dass dieses Instrument nicht nur einfach ein Instrument

ist. Wenn man überlegt, wie viele Jahrhunderte es schon durchlebt

hat, wie viele historische Ereignisse und auch wie viele Musiker

schon drauf gespielt haben … man bekommt Gänsehaut!

2019 haben Sie dem Baryton eine komplette CD gewidmet,

eingespielt im Haydnsaal von Schloss Esterházy in Eisenstadt.

Das Album “Maddalena and the Prince“ war ein Herzensprojekt

von mir. Das Baryton ist ein seltenes und etwas vergessenes

Instrument, das aber klanglich sehr besonders ist, fast überirdisch.

Und die Divertimenti von Joseph Haydn sind meiner Meinung nach

ein zu Unrecht unterschätztes Werk. Es gab Momente, als wir im

Schloss aufgenommen haben, da entfaltete sich diese wunderschöne

Musik so besonders im Saal, da passte einfach alles

zusammen.

You have spoken of the uniquely human sound of the viola da

gamba.

The intimate but very striking colouring of the gut strings, together

with the unique resonance of the gamba, have the ability to touch

people very directly. The viola da gamba sometimes sounds like a

voice, as if the instruments were speaking.

You play a historical viola da gamba by Johann Seelos from the

year 1691.

I am very fortunate to have received this wonderful instrument on loan

from the Orpheon Foundation. I always have the feeling that this isn’t

just an instrument. If you think about how many centuries it has already

lived through, how many historical events it has seen and how many

musicians have played it… It gives you goosebumps!

In 2019, you dedicated an entire CD to the baryton, which was

recorded at the Haydnsaal at Esterházy Palace.

The album “Maddalena and the Prince” was a passion project for me.

The baryton is a rare and somewhat forgotten instrument, but it has a

very special sound, almost supernatural. And Joseph Haydn’s

Divertimenti are, in my opinion, unjustifiably underappreciated. There

were moments when we were recording in the palace, when this

brilliant music resounded so beautifully in the hall and everything just

fit together perfectly.

Maddalena Del Gobbo liebt den

warmen Klang ihres Instruments.

Maddalena del Gobbo loves the warm

sonority of her instrument.

Die aus Udine stammende Gambistin entdeckte während ihres Cello-Studiums in Wien die

Viola da Gamba für sich. Heute zählt Maddalena Del Gobbo zu den wichtigsten

Interpretinnen Alter Musik der jüngeren Generation, 2020 war sie für den Opus Klassik

nominiert. Ihre Auftritte reichen von den Innsbrucker Festwochen der Alten Musik über

den Wiener Musikverein bis zu den Konzertbühnen Chinas. Maddalena Del Gobbo spielt

eine Viola da Gamba von Johann Seelos aus dem Jahr 1691.

The gambist from Udine discovered the viola da gamba during her cello studies in

Vienna. Today, Maddalena Del Gobbo counts among the most important

interpreters of early music of the younger generation. In 2020, she was nominated for

the Opus Klassik. Her performances range from the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music

to the concert stages of China. Maddalena Del Gobbo plays a viola da gamba by

Johann Seelos from the year 1691.

maddalenadelgobbo.com



97

SAVOIR VIVRE VISION DIALOGUE

Zukunft im Fokus | Focus on the future

Technisches Museum Wien | Vienna Technical Museum

Interview: Rois & Stubenrauch

INFO

PETER AUFREITER

Der promovierte Kunsthistoriker war Ausstellungsmanager

im KHM und Belvedere und leitete zuletzt die

Galleria Nazionale delle Marche in Urbino. Seit Anfang

2020 ist Peter Aufreiter Generaldirektor des Technischen

Museums Wien.

Vision Dialogue.

Peter Aufreiter, seit Anfang 2020 Generaldirektor,

möchte das Technische

Museum Wien als Plattform für Innovationen

etablieren und den digitalen

Auftritt des Museums stärken.

Peter Aufreiter, new Director since the

beginning of 2020, wants to position

the Vienna Technical Museum as a

platform for innovation while at the

same time improving the museum’s

digital presentation.

Sie sind seit 1.1.2020 Direktor des Technischen Museums.

Ihre Bilanz nach 11 Monaten?

Nun, aufgrund der Corona-Krise ist mein erstes

Jahr etwas anders angelaufen als erwartet, aber das

Wichtigste ist, sich flexibel auf die Gegebenheiten

einzustellen. So haben wir z. B. gleich nach der Wiedereröffnung

eine Pop-up-Installation präsentiert,

die die Auswirkungen der Corona-Krise auf die 17

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) der Vereinten

Nationen thematisierte, da die SDGs seit meinem

Antritt im Leitbild des Museums integriert

sind.

Sie haben Kunstgeschichte studiert, waren zuletzt Leiter

der Galleria Nazionale delle Marche in Urbino. Was

interessiert Sie an Ihrer neuen Aufgabe?

Was mich besonders fasziniert, ist das Schaffen

von neuen Strukturen und Möglichkeiten. Das Technische

Museum Wien wurde vor 110 Jahren hauptsächlich

für die damals modernste Technik gegründet,

mittlerweile wird es aber als

historisch-technisches Museum wahrgenommen –

obwohl wir natürlich auch zeitgenössische Technologien

präsentieren. Das möchte ich verstärkt in den

Fokus bringen und das Haus als Plattform für Innovationen

etablieren.

PHOTOS: WILKE/TMW; TECHNISCHES MUSEUM WIEN

Soll in Zeiten von Corona auch das digitale Angebot des

Technischen Museums ausgeweitet werden?

Auf jeden Fall. Gerade relaunchten wir unsere

Website und veröffentlichen demnächst eine neue

Museums-App. Unsere Anleitungen für Experimente

für Zuhause wurden bereits über 65.000 Mal heruntergeladen,

außerdem bieten wir Online-Workshops

an, haben einen YouTube-Kanal eröffnet und

die Plattform nextgen*LAB gegründet. Auch die

Sonderausstellung zu Künstlicher Intelligenz wird

erstmals von einer digitalen, stetig wachsenden Publikation

begleitet.

Die kommende Ausstellung zu KI thematisiert auch

aktuelle gesellschaftspolitische Fragen.

Künstliche Intelligenz erregt die Gemüter wie

kaum ein anderes Thema, ob man nun neugierig, optimistisch

oder besorgt in die Zukunft blickt. Was

wir aber oft vergessen, ist, dass Technik zu allen Zeiten

soziale und ökonomische Ängste ausgelöst hat.

In der Ausstellung werfen wir einen transparenten,

reflektierten Blick auf die Mythen und Utopien, die

sich um Künstliche Intelligenz ranken. Wir wollen

demystifizieren und Zukunftsängste relativieren,

gleichzeitig aber auch Denkanstöße liefern, für welche

Art von gesellschaftlichen Wandel wir diese

Technologie nutzen wollen.

Vor welchem Hintergrund steht die Ausstellungskooperation

mit den renommierten Wissenschaftsmuseen DASA

Dortmund, Tekniska Museet Stockholm und Parque de las

Ciencias Granada, die 2021 startet?

In einer globalisierten Welt brauchen wir eine international

vernetzte Denkweise. In diesem Konsortium

entwickelt jedes Museum eine Ausstellung,

welche dann im Jahrestakt wandert. Wir thematisieren

die Nahrungsmittelproduktion in „FOOD

PRINTS. Technik – Kultur – Essen“, weitere Themen

sind Bionik, Künstliche Intelligenz und nachhaltige

Mobilität.

You have been the new Director of the Vienna Technical

Museum since 01.01.2020. What is your verdict after the

first 11 months?

Well, my first year took a slightly different course

than expected as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the most important thing is to be able

to react flexibly to situations like this. This is why,

immediately after re-opening, we launched a pop-up

installation that documented the effects of the pandemic

on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals

(SDGs) of the United Nations, since these had been

integrated into the museum’s mission statement

since my start.

You studied art history and were until recently the Director

of the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche in Urbino. What

fascinates you about your new job?

What fascinates me in particular is the opportunity

to create new structures and possibilities. The

Vienna Technical Museum was founded 110 years

ago to highlight state-of-the-art technologies, though

we now are now also perceived as a historic-technical

museum – but we do, of course, continue to

showcase contemporary technologies as well. I

would like to shift our focus in this direction and establish

the museum as a platform for innovation.

Are there plans to expand the Vienna Technical Museum’s

digital offers in the age of Covid-19?

Definitely. We just launched our new website and

will soon release an app. Our instructions for experiments

have already been downloaded over 65,000

times. In addition, we’re offering online workshops,

launched a YouTube channel and founded the

nextgen*LAB. Our special exhibition on artificial intelligence

will, for the first time, be accompanied by

a new digital publication.

The upcoming exhibition on artificial intelligence will also

explore contemporary socio-political issues.

Few contemporary topics are as exciting as artificial

intelligence right now, whether you’re curious, optimistic

or concerned about the future. However, we often

forget that new technologies have always triggered social

and economic anxieties. In our exhibition, we take

both a transparent as well as a reflective look at the

myths and utopias surrounding artificial intelligence.

We want to de-mystify the field and put fears of the future

into perspective. At the same time, we want to encourage

critical thinking about the kind of social change

that we want to use this technology for.

Can you elaborate on the cooperation with the DASA

Dortmund, the National Museum of Science and Technology

in Stockholm and the Granada Science Park, which is

launching in 2021?

In a globalised world, we require a new, internationally

networked way of thinking. As part of this

new consortium, every museum will develop an exhibition

which then moves every year. We are exploring

contemporary food products in our exhibition

“FOOD PRINTS. Technology – Culture – Food”.

Additional topics will include bionics, artificial intelligence

and sustainable mobility.

Aktuelle Ausstellungen

im Technischen

Museum Wien

Current exhibitions

Geliebt – gelobt – unerwünscht |

Cherished – Praised – Unwanted

Haushaltsdinge zwischen Wunsch und

Wirklichkeit | Household items through

the ages

Wem gehört PINK? | Who owns PINK?

Eine Installation im Technischen Museum

Wien | An installation at the Vienna

Technical Museum

Die 12.10 | The 12.10

Eine Dampflokomotive der Superlative |

A superlative steam locomotive

Robotik & KI | Robotics & AI

weiter_gedacht_ | thinking_forward_

ab | from 17.12.2020

Roboterhund Aibo nutzt KI.

Stärkste je in Österreich gebaute

Dampflok: die 12.10.

Robot dog Aibo uses AI.

Strongest steam locomotive ever

built in Austria: the 12.10.

INFO:

TECHNISCHES MUSEUM WIEN

1140 Wien, Mariahilfer Straße 212

technischesmuseum.at

Holding a doctorate in art history, Aufreiter was the

exhibition manager of the Kunsthistorisches Museum

and the Belvedere, and most recently headed the

Galleria Nazionale delle Marche in Urbino. Since early

2020, Aufreiter has been the Director of the Vienna

Technical Museum.

Corona Impact, Ausstellung zu

Covid-19. Interaktive

Videoinstallation zur Lok 12.10.

Corona Impact, exhibition on

Covid-19. Interactive video

installation for the locomotive

12.10.



99

SAVOIR VIVRE MUSEUM VISIT

Erste Republik und Little Vienna

First Republic and Little Vienna

Jüdisches Museum Wien | Jewish Museum Vienna | Museum Dorotheergasse 11 (Palais Eskeles) & Museum Judenplatz 8, Wien | Vienna

DIRECTOR’S TALK

Text & Interview: Evelyn Rois und Bruno Stubenrauch

INFO

Reise ins jüdisch-wienerische

Shanghai der 1940er-Jahre.

Journey into the Jewish-Viennese

Shanghai of the 1940s.

Die Rolle Shanghais als letzten

Zufluchtsort für viele

Wiener Juden sowie die

Österreichische Bundesverfassung

sind die Themen der zwei aktuellen

Ausstellungen im Jüdischen Museum

Wien. Shanghai war nach 1938

der letzte verbliebene Fluchtpunkt

für die jüdische Gemeinde Wiens.

Die spannende Schau im Palais Eskeles

zeichnet 22 Geschichten von

Wiener jüdischen Familien nach,

denen die Flucht nach Shanghai gelang.

Hans Kelsen, dem federführenden

Juristen hinter der Österreichischen

Bundesverfassung, ist die

zweite große Ausstellung gewidmet.

Kelsen, der 1940 in die USA emigrieren

konnte, gilt als einer der

wichtigsten Rechtsgelehrten des 20.

Jahrhunderts. Anlässlich ihres

100-jährigen Bestehens lädt das Jüdische

Museum zu einem genaueren

Blick auf die Bundesverfassung

ein.

The role of Shanghai as a last

refuge for many Viennese

Jews and the Constitution

of Austria are the focus points of

two new exhibitions at the Jewish

Museum Vienna. After 1938,

Shanghai became the last remaining

refuge for Vienna’s Jewish

community. The exciting presentation

at Palais Eskeles traces 22 stories

of Viennese Jewish families

who managed to escape to the Chinese

city. The second exhibition is

dedicated to Hans Kelsen, the leading

jurist behind the Constitution

of Austria. Kelsen, who was able to

emigrate to the USA in 1940,

counts among the most important

legal scholars of the 20th century.

On the occasion of the document’s

100-anniversary, the Jewish Museum

Vienna invites visitors to take a

closer look at the Constitution of

Austria.

PHOTOS: BARBARA NIDETZKY; SAMMLUNG KLOMFAR/HANS BASCH; USHMM/ERIC GOLDSTAUB; PEGGY STERN COLE/MELVILLE JACOBY; MASCHA VERKOOIJEN; WITH PERMISSION OF

ANNE FEDER LEE PHD, GRANDDAUGHTER OF HANS KELSEN/HANS KELSEN INSTITUT

Danielle Spera

Direktorin Jüdisches Museum Wien | Director of the Jewish Museum Vienna

Die Journalistin und Kommunikationswissenschaftlerin war USA-Korrespondentin des ORF und langjährige Moderatorin der Hauptnachrichtensendung

„Zeit im Bild“. Seit 2010 ist Danielle Spera Direktorin des Jüdischen Museums Wien.

The journalist and communication scientist was the USA correspondent for ORF (National Austrian Television) and for many years a presenter at the

news programme “Zeit im Bild”. Since 2010, Danielle Spera has been the Director of the Jewish Museum Vienna.

Eine der beiden aktuellen Ausstellungen des Jüdischen

Museums Wien widmet sich Hans Kelsen, dem Juristen hinter

der Österreichischen Bundesverfassung.

Hans Kelsen wird zu Recht als Architekt dieser Verfassung

bezeichnet. Er war es, der dem Ganzen die Form gab, die der

Bauherr – die Politik – in Auftrag gegeben hatte. Kelsen war

darüber hinaus der Begründer der österreichischen Verfassungsgerichtsbarkeit,

die in ganz Europa Nachahmung fand und bis

heute von größter Bedeutung für Österreich ist.

Bundespräsident Alexander Van der Bellen hat von der

„Eleganz und Schönheit“ der österreichischen Bundesverfassung

gesprochen - worin liegt diese Eleganz Ihrer

Meinung nach?

Für mich sind es die Schnörkellosigkeit in der Formulierung und

ihre Klarheit. Die Tatsache, dass diese Verfassung eine

Schlichtheit hat, die ganz frei von Pathos ist.

Shanghai – ein faszinierendes Kapitel jüdischer Geschichte

ist Thema einer weiteren Ausstellung.

Etwa 6.000 österreichische Jüdinnen und Juden haben nach dem

„Anschluss“ 1938 in Shanghai Zuflucht gefunden. Während viele

Länder ihre Grenzen für die gefährdeten österreichischen und

deutschen jüdischen Gemeinden rasch schlossen, blieb Shanghai

für die Flüchtlinge offen. Wir haben 22 Geschichten von Wiener

jüdischen Familien recherchiert, denen die Flucht nach Shanghai

gelang. Es ist die Aufarbeitung eines wichtigen Teils der

österreichisch-jüdischen Geschichte.

Welche Rolle spielte dabei der damalige chinesische

Generalkonsul?

Feng Shan Ho, der chinesische Generalkonsul in Wien, setzte sich

über alle Verbote hinweg und stellte Visa für Shanghai aus. Er hat

dadurch vielen Familien das Leben gerettet und wird in unserer

Ausstellung speziell gewürdigt.

Was sind aus Ihrer Sicht die Highlights der Ausstellung?

Es ist eine an Exponaten besonders reichhaltige Ausstellung, die

uns von Wien nach Shanghai und zurückführt. Vor allem der

Aufbau eines Wiener Viertels in Shanghai ist in Österreich völlig

unbekannt. Dass es dort Wiener Restaurants gab, wie das „Fiaker“

von Fritz Strehlen und Hans Jabloner, oder das „Wiener Stüberl“.

Man kann in unserer Ausstellung förmlich eintauchen in dieses

„Little Vienna“ genannte Viertel.

One of the two current exhibitions at the Jewish Museum Vienna

is dedicated to Hans Kelsen, the jurist behind the

Constitution of Austria.

Hans Kelsen is rightly considered the architect of this constitution.

He was the one who gave the whole thing its shape. On top of that,

Kelsen was also the founder of the Austrian constitutional

jurisdiction, which has been imitated throughout Europe and

remains of great importance for Austria to this day.

President Alexander Van der Bellen has spoken of the “beauty

and elegance” of the Constitution of Austria – what do you

think is behind this elegance?

For me, it is the straightforwardness of the wording and its clarity. And the

fact that this constitution has a simplicity that is completely free of pathos.

Shanghai – a fascinating chapter of Jewish history is the topic

of another exhibition.

After the “Anschluss” (the German annexation of Austria) in 1938,

around 6,000 Austrian Jews found refuge in Shanghai, China. While

many countries closed their borders to the vulnerable Austrian and

German Jewish communities, Shanghai remained open to refugees.

We have researched 22 stories of Viennese Jewish families who

managed to escape to Shanghai. It is a review of a major part of

Austrian-Jewish history.

What role did the former Chinese consul-general play in all of this?

Feng Shan Ho, the Chinese consul-general in Vienna, defied every

prohibition and issued visas for Shanghai. He saved the lives of

many families and is specially honoured in our exhibition.

What, in your opinion, are the highlights of the exhibition?

It’s an exhibition particularly rich in exhibits, which take us from

Vienna to Shanghai and back again. The construction of a Viennese

quarter in Shanghai is almost completely unknown in Austria – as is

the fact that there were Viennese restaurants then, such as the

“Fiaker” by Fritz Strehlen und Hans Jabloner or the “Wiener

Stüberl”. With our exhibition, you can take a deep dive into this

quarter that also went by the name of “Little Vienna”.

Aktuelle Ausstellungen

im Jüdischen Museum

Wien

Hans Kelsen und die Eleganz der

österreichischen Bundesverfassung

bis 05.04.2021

Zur Ausstellung erscheint im Verlag

Manz die Graphic Novel „Gezeichnet,

Hans Kelsen“ von Pia Plankensteiner,

herausgegeben vom Jüdischen

Museum Wien.

Die Wiener in China. Fluchtpunkt

Shanghai bis 18.04.2021

Herzls Töchter – 100 Jahre

WIZO. Wiener Frauen für Israel bis

14.03.2021

Hans Kelsen and the Elegance of

the Austrian Constitution until

05.04.021

In parallel to the exhibition, a graphic

novel titled “Gezeichnet, Hans

Kelsen“ by Pia Plankensteiner will be

released by Manz, published by the

Jewish Museum Vienna.

Little Vienna in Shanghai

until 18.04.2021

Herzl’s Daughters – 100 years

WIZO. Viennese Women for Israel

until 14.03.2021

Hans Kelsen, Architekt der

Österreichischen Bundesverfassung.

Hans Kelsen, Architect of the

Constitution of Austria.

„Little Vienna“ in Shanghai: Straßenszene,

Harry Fiedler vor dem Tongshan Café,

Vienna Handbags Shop (v.l.n.r.)

“Little Vienna” in Shanghai: Street scene,

Harry Fiedler in front of the Tongshan Café,

Vienna Handbags Shop (from left to right)

INFO:

JÜDISCHES MUSEUM WIEN

Jewish Museum Vienna

jmw.at


Cercle Diplomatique 4/2020 101

SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS

Kultur-Highlights Winter 2020/21

Cultural highlights Winter 2020/21

Text: Evelyn Rois

Geburtsstunde

der Republik |

Birth of the republic

Vor hundert Jahren, im Herbst 1920, wurde erstmals in der Geschichte Österreichs der Verlauf von Grenzen mit demokratischen

Mitteln festgelegt. Mit einer Vielzahl von Zeitdokumenten zeichnet das Haus der Geschichte Österreich in seiner virtuellen

Ausstellung “Abgestimmt! Wie Grenzen entstehen“ die Abläufe nach, die zur Festlegung der Grenzen der jungen Republik zu

Slowenien und Ungarn führten. Zeitgeschichte in konzentrierter Form.

100 years ago, in autumn of 1920, Austria’s national borders were determined through democratic means for the first time. Using a

multitude of primary sources, the Haus der Geschichte traces Austria’s steps that led to the creation of the young republic’s borders

to Slovenia and Hungary in the new virtual exhibition “Agreed! How borders are drawn”. Modern history in concentrated form.

hdgoe.at

Musico drammatico

100 Jahre Burgenland | 100 years Burgenland

2021 feiert das Burgenland 100 Jahre Zugehörigkeit zur Republik Österreich. Die

Ausstellung “Unsere Amerikaner“ im Landesmuseum Burgenland in Eisenstadt, die ab dem

25.02.2021 die lange Migrationsgeschichte vom Burgenland in die USA beleuchtet,

markiert den Auftakt der Feierlichkeiten. Im Mai folgt dann die große Ausstellung auf der

frisch renovierten Burg Schlaining

In 2021, the province of Burgenland will celebrate 100 years of belonging to the Republic

of Austria. The exhibition “Our Americans” at the Landesmuseum Burgenland in

Eisenstadt, which will explore the long history of migration from Burgenland to the USA, is

set to kick off the festivities starting on 25.02.2021. This will be followed by a major

exhibition at the newly renovated Burg Schlaining in May.

landesmuseum-burgenland.at

wirsind100.at

Burgenländische Auswanderer

nach Amerika und ihre

Lebensgeschichten.

Emigrants from Burgenland to

the USA and their biographies.

PHOTOS: CREMER, PORTA; PRIVAT; HDGOE (2); LUO YANG; LONDON FIREBIRD ORCHESTRA; VIENNA ENSEMBLE; DARIO ACOSTA;

MARCO BORGGREVE

Next Generation

Einen direkten, ungeschönten Blick

auf Chinas Generation Z zeigt

„Youth, Girls. Luo Yang Selected

Works“ (bis 21.02.2021) im

Francisco Carolinum in Linz: sehr

persönliche Portraits junger

chinesischer Frauen, zwischen den

Geschlechterrollen changierend,

gleichzeitig selbstbewusst und

verletzlich. Die Arbeiten der in

Peking und Shanghai lebenden

Fotografin Luo Yang öffnen die Tür

zu einem wenig bekannten China.

“Youth, Girls. Luo Yang Selected

Works” is offering a direct and

unembellished look at China’s Gen

Z until 21.02.2021 at the Francisco

Carolinium in Linz: personal

portraits of young Chinese women

who oscillate between gender roles

and appear both confident and

vulnerable at the same time. The

work of the Beijing and Shanghaibased

photographer Luo Yang

opens the door to a hitherto

unknown China.

ooelkg.at

Jahresanfang mit Haydn und Strauss | Starting the year

with Haydn and Strauss

Am 09.01.2021 bitten Stargeiger Yury Revich und das Vienna Ensemble zum

Neujahrskonzert „Von Haydn bis Strauss“. Werke von Joseph Haydn, Michael Haydns

selten aufgeführtes Violinkonzert in A-Dur und natürlich Walzermelodien der Strauss

Dynastie sorgen in der Kulturfabrik Hainburg für einen stilvollen musikalischen

Jahresauftakt.

To mark the start of the new year, star violinist Yury Revich and the Vienna

Ensemble are set to join forces for the concert “From Haydn to Strauss” on

09.01.2021. Works by Joseph Haydn, Michael Haydn’s rarely performed violin

concerto in A major and, of course, Waltz melodies from the Strauss dynasty, will

make for a classy launch into the new year at the Kulturfabrik Hainburg.

haydnregion-noe.at

Rund um Mozarts Geburtstag Ende

Januar kommt es, wie jedes Jahr, zu

erhöhtem Staraufkommen an der

Salzach. Intendant Rolando Villazón

setzt bei der Mozartwoche 2021

(21.01. – 31.01.2021) auf Shootingstars

wie die junge Dirigentin Giedrė

Šlekytė oder Sopranistin Sylvia

Schwartz, aber auch altgediente

Mozartexperten wie Sir András

Schiff oder Martha Argerich fehlen

nicht, wenn Mozart als „vollkommenster

musico drammatico“

zelebriert wird.

Like every year, the days around

Mozart’s birthday towards the end

of January see increased celebrity

sighting. For the Mozart Week 2021

(21.01.2021 – 31.01.2021), director

Rolando Villazón is relying on fresh

talents such as young conductor

Giedrė Šlekytė or the soprano Sylvia

Schwartz. But fans of veteran

Mozart experts like Sir András Schiff

or Martha Argerich will also not be

disappointed when Mozart is

celebrated as the “most accomplished

musico drammatico” of all time.

mozarteum.at

Kate Lindsey


Alain Altinoglu

SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS

Hollywood meets Musikverein

John Williams‘ Filmmusik für Star Wars, Jurassic Park oder Harry Potter

hat Filmgeschichte geschrieben. Die Zusammenarbeit des großen

Filmkomponisten mit Stargeigerin Anne Sophie Mutter und den Wiener

Philharmonikern gipfelte im Januar 2020 im Großen Musikvereinssaal in

zwei Konzerten mit den eigens für Violine und Orchester arrangierten

Kompositionen von Williams und dem Meister persönlich am Pult, der mit

Standing Ovations empfangen wurde. Der Mitschnitt dieses außergewöhnlichen

Konzertereignisses ist nun bei Deutsche Grammophon unter

dem Titel “John Williams in Vienna“ in einer üppig ausgestatteten Deluxe-

Edition erschienen.

John Williams’ scores for Star Wars, Jurassic Park or Harry Potter have

become film history. The collaboration between the great film

composer, star violinist Anne Sophie Mutter and the Vienna Philharmonic

reached its peak in January 2020. The two concerts, including violin

and orchestral compositions written by Williams and featuring the

master himself at the podium,

were received with standing

ovations. Now, the recording

of this unique concert event

has been released by Deutsche

Grammophon with the title

“John Williams in Vienna” in a

lavishly produced deluxe

edition.

wienerphilharmoniker.at

deutschegrammophon.com

Bosch, Cranach,

Rembrandt, Rubens

Meisterwerke der Sammlung

der Gemäldegalerie

Gemäldegalerie der Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien

zu Gast im Theatermuseum

Lobkowitzplatz 2, 1010 Wien, Öffnungszeiten unter: www.akademiegalerie.at

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn, Bildnis einer jungen Frau, 1632

Innere Abgründe / Inner abysses: Madonna, 1895 /1902.

Einsamer Visionär | Lonely visionary

Dem bahnbrechenden Werk Edvard Munchs widmet die Albertina ihrer Hauptausstellung 2021:

„Munch und die Folgen“ lenkt vom 19.02.– 20.06.2021 den Blick auf den anhaltenden Einfluss des

Pioniers der Moderne auf die Kunstwelt und stellt seinem Werk Arbeiten von Andy Warhol, Marlene

Dumas, Georg Baselitz oder Tracey Emin gegenüber.

Dank Kooperationen mit dem Munch Museet und dem Nationalen Museum für Kunst, Architektur und

Design in Oslo sowie internationalen Privatsammlungen sind rund 60 Meisterwerke des großen

Einzelgängers, vorwiegend aus seinem Spätwerk, in Wien zu sehen.

The Albertina is dedicating its main exhibition to the ground-breaking works of Edvard Munch: From

19.02.2021 to 20.06.2021, “Munch and Beyond” will take an in-depth look at the modernist pioneer’s

continuing influence on the art world, juxtaposing his oeuvre with works by Andy Warhol, Marlene

Dumas, Georg Baselitz and Tracey Emin. Thanks to cooperations with the Munch Museet, the National

Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo and the various international private collections,

around 60 of the maverick’s masterpieces, primarily from his later body of work, can now be seen in

Vienna.

albertina.at

Radikale Moderne | Radical modernity

Adolf Loos, so radikaler wie streitbarer Erneuerer der

Architektur, wäre diesen Dezember 150 Jahre alt geworden.

Das MAK – Museum für angewandte Kunst in Wien zollt ihm

mit der Ausstellung „Adolf Loos. Privathäuser“ (18.11.2020–

14.03.2021) Tribut. Gezeigt werden neben Zeichnungen,

Plänen, Modellen und Fotos der meist sehr luxuriösen

Einfamilienhäuser auch seine revolutionären Projekte im

sozialen Wohnbau.

Adolf Loos – the radical and controversial architectural

innovator – would have turned 150 this December. With the

exhibition “Adolf Loos. Private Houses” (18.11.2020-

14.03.2021), the MAK – Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna

is set to pay him a deserving tribute. Next to sketches,

blueprints, models and photographs of the predominantly

luxury family homes, the exhibition will also feature his

revolutionary social housing projects.

mak.at

PHOTOS: ALBERTINA WIEN (4); SAMMLUNG BATLINER ALBERTINA WIEN; TERRY LINKE; ANITA GRATZER; MICHAELA MEISSL

Österreichisch-japanische Begegnungen |

Austrian-Japanese Encounters

Anlässlich 150 Jahre kulturellen Austausches zwischen Japan und

Österreich hat das Österreichische Kulturforum Tokio Kunstschaffende

dazu bewogen, ihre künstlerische Auseinandersetzung mit dem

fernöstlichen Inselstaat neu zu beleben. Die Funken sprühenden,

hochspannenden Arbeiten sind in digitaler Form im Web auf japanrevisited.

at nachzusehen.

On the occasion of 150th anniversary of cultural exchange between Japan

and Austria, the Austrian Cultural Forum Tokyo has encouraged artists to

revisit their explorations of the Far Eastern island nation. The exciting and

dazzling works can be viewed in digital form on

japanrevisited.at

Selbstportrait mit Knochenarm, 1895.

Winterlandschaft, 1915. Self portrait with

bony arm, 1895. Winter scenery, 1915.


SAVOIR VIVRE SENIOR RESIDENCES

Luxuriöse Alterswohnsitze

Luxury retirement homes

Text: Michaela Hocek

Wien genießt auch bei Menschen, die ihr Berufsleben schon länger hinter

sich gelassen haben, einen hohen Reiz in Sachen Lebensqualität.

When it comes to quality of life, Vienna is a highly attractive city also for

those who have already put their professional careers behind and are looking

to retire.

PHOTOS: DETAILSINN, MISCHA NAWRATA

Wer auch im Alter gerne in einer pulsierenden

Weltstadt leben möchte, ist in Wien

gut aufgehoben. Interessierten wird ausgiebig

Gelegenheit geboten, sich mit maßgeschneiderten

Wohnkonzepten in Form von Seniorenresidenzen

auseinanderzusetzen. Je nach Wohntyp

stehen Häuser in zentraler Stadtlage oder etwas außerhalb

in bester Grünlage zur Auswahl. Allen gemein

ist ein abwechslungsreicher Alltag mit hohem

Komfort in Richtung Wohnqualität, Pflege und Organisation.

Auf Fitness, Kultur und Kunst wird ebenfalls

vermehrtes Augenmerk gelegt. Wir haben uns

drei Projekte näher angesehen.

Grund zu feiern

Freunde der Wiener Innenstadt, die sich wohnlich

verändern möchten, sollten einem Haus besondere

Beachtung schenken, das vor genau fünf Jahren

eröffnet wurde – der Senioren Residenz Josefstadt.

Ab 2013 wurde am Hamerlingplatz der ehemalige

Sitz des Bundesamtes für Eich- und Vermessungswesen

zwei Jahre lang durch umfangreiche Umbauarbeiten

in eine hochwertige Wohnimmobilie für alle

Generationen transformiert. Vom Start weg setzte

man zusätzlich auf ein niveauvolles Unterhaltungsprogramm,

wie die Auftritte von Erika Pluhar, Lotte

Tobisch, Herbert Föttinger, Marianne Nentwich, Peter

Weck, Harald Serafin und Maria Köstlinger stellvertretend

für viele weitere Koryphäen ihres Fachs

beweisen. Die Pflegeabteilung wurde in den letzten

Jahren laufend erweitert und mit dem Projekt

„Wohnbuddy“, das den Einzug von zwei Studenten,

die aktiv am Residenzleben teilnehmen, ermöglichte,

wurde eine weitere Erfolgsstory auf den Weg gebracht.

Auch Brigitta Hartl-Wagner ist als Direktorin

der Residenz Josefstadt stets mitten im Geschehen,

wenn es darum geht, die Wünsche und Bedürfnisse

der Bewohner zu erkennen und zu erfüllen. Auf die

Frage, inwieweit ihr Haus für die Leserschaft von

Cercle Diplomatique interessant ist, führt sie im Interview

umgehend mehrere Aspekte aus: „Wien wird

jährlich zur lebenswertesten Stadt gewählt und viele

Botschafter, die in Wien beruflich tätig waren, haben

sich entschieden Ihren Lebensabend in der Bundeshauptstadt

zu verbringen. So ist die Senioren Residenz

Josefstadt auch für viele internationale Gäste zu

einem neuen Zuhause geworden – Globalität wird

bei uns gelebt. Unsere Residenten nehmen gerne an

der ‚English Conversation Group‘ oder dem ‚Pomeriggio

Italiano‘ teil, wo wir von unseren Native Speakern

unterstützt werden.“

Wie das Zusammenleben funktioniert

Das Haus am Hamerlingplatz ist ein Rolemodel,

wenn es darum geht, die Werte von Seniorenresidenzen

verständlich zu machen. Es sind die Vielfalt, Diversität

und Individualität, die den Wohlfühlfaktor

bestimmen, wie sich nach 53 Monaten des Bestehens

zeigt. Aus anfänglich drei Residenten wuchs die

Hausgemeinschaft auf 60 Personen an. Hartl-Wagner

merkte schnell, dass ihre Berufserfahrung aus

der Hotellerie sich bezahlt macht: „Ich fand Menschen

immer spannend und habe ein Gespür für sie,

das auf ehrlichem Interesse beruht.“ Als ihren größ-

„Die Senioren Residenz Josefstadt ist für

viele internationale Gäste zu einem neuen

Zuhause geworden. Bei uns wird Globalität

gelebt“

“Senioren Residenz Josefstadt has become a

new home for many international guests as

well – we love cosmopolitanism.”

Brigitta Hartl-Wagner

Direktorin der Senioren Residenz Josefstadt |

Director of Senioren Residenz Josefstadt

INNERSTÄDTISCHES FLAIR | LIFE IN THE CITY CENTRE

Seit fünf Jahren bietet die Senioren Residenz Josefstadt das ideale Wohnflair für Stadt- und

Kulturliebhaber, die zentrumsnah wohnen möchten.

For the past five years, Senioren Residenz Josefstadt has been offering the perfect residential flair for

city and culture enthusiasts who would like to live within the city centre.




kungen und Schmerzen vor. Die eingesetzte Technik

simuliert die natürlichen Funktionen und Bewegungen

menschlicher Muskeln. Benutzerfreundlichkeit

wird großgeschrieben. Individuelle Trainingsprogramme,

Positionen der Sitz- und Hebelarmpositionen

an den Geräten etc. werden per Chip von den

Geräten ausgelesen. Für die automatische Analyse

und Nachverfolgung des Trainingsfortschritts werden

alle Trainingsdaten gespeichert.

Technologisch ebenfalls modern geht es im neuen

digitalen Wohnzimmer zu. In diesem Raum wird

gezeigt, wie mit AAL (Active Assisted Living) auf

körperliche Beeinträchtigungen eingegangen werden

kann, um dennoch ein selbstständiges Leben

führen zu können. Präsentiert werden z. B. Smart-

Home-Lösungen wie Sprachsteuerungen, Sturzmeldesysteme,

Aktivitätssensoren oder ein interaktiver

Robben-Roboter, der gute Dienste bei Menschen mit

Demenz leistet.

Aktiv und vital in Döbling

Die Unterstützung der individuellen Lebensweise

aller Senioren ist auch Teil der Unternehmensphilosophie

in der Park Residenz Döbling. „Unsere Bewohner

müssen sich nicht an ein System anpassen.

Viele stehen schon seit jeher ‚mit beiden Beinen im

Leben‘. Die Vitalität und Offenheit schlägt sich in der

positiven Stimmung im Haus nieder“, betont Sabina

Rutar, die das Haus seit 2005 leitet. Eine gute Basis

dafür schafft auch die 17.000 m² großen Parkanlage

im Cottagevierte.

Ein Fakt, den viele Residenten schätzen, ist die

mögliche Mitnahme von Haustieren. Vor fünf Jahren

wurde der Zubau „Parkview 19“ eröffnet, der wie

viele andere Wohneinheiten und die Panorama-Appartements

einen traumhaften Ausblick auf Wien

und die Wiener Hausberge bietet. Dies ist mit ein

Grund, warum an dieser Adresse auch betreutes

Kurzzeitwohnen sehr gut ankommt. Auch hier hoffen

viele Kulturinteressierte, das Veranstaltungen

wie der kürzlich abgehaltene Lichtbildvortrat über

die Pariser Kaffeehausszene der Berliner Kunsthistorikerin

Regine Wernicke bald wieder an der Tagesordnung

stehen. Die dem Vortrag folgende lange

und angeregte Diskussion ist vielen noch in lebhafter

Erinnerung. >>

HOHE LEBENSQUALITÄT |

HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE

Ausblicke auf die Weinberge

und in die digitale Smart

Home-Zukunft sind nur zwei

Highlights der VITALITY

Residenz Am Kurpark Wien.

Views of the vineyards and

the digital smart home future

are only two of the highlights

of VITALITY Residenz Am

Kurpark Wien.

ten Erfolg in ihrem aktuellen Job sieht sie die Tatsache,

dass „hier jeder Verantwortung übernimmt und

ein wenig auf den anderen schaut.“ Präsenz ist ihr

wichtig.

Ein offenes Ohr, keine Hektik, Freundlichkeit

und das Ausstrahlen innerer Ruhe sind Soft skills,

die (nicht nur) in Seniorenresidenzen gefragt sind.

Ebenso wie die Realisierung kreativer Ideen und stetigen

Weiterentwicklungen, die die Lebensqualität

steigern. Der Bogen spannt sich dabei vom künstlerisch

gestalteten Café, Hochbeeten im Garten, Kino-

Nachmittagen, dem Einsatz eines Therapiebegleithundes

oder auch die Einrichtung eines

Trainingszentrums und eines digitalen Wohnzimmers.

Diese letzten beiden sind beispielsweise wegweisende

Neuerungen in der Vitality Residenz am

Kurpark Wien.

Immer am Ball bleiben

Auch das Team der VITALITY Residenz Am

Kurpark Wien kann hinsichtlich des kontinuierlichen

Fortschritts in Sachen Lebensraum im Alter

einiges an Expertise vorweisen. Seit mehr als 20 Jahren

zieht nicht nur die Lage in Oberlaa mit herrli-

chen Ausblicken und unmittelbarer Nähe zu einem

der größten Naherholungsgebiete Wiens mit Kurpark

und Weingärten Menschen in ihren Bann, sondern

auch die fachliche Kompetenz mit Fokus auf

größtmögliche Individualität und Autonomie. Im

Hintergrund sorgen eine 24/7-besetzte Rezeption,

jederzeit verfügbares diplomiertes Pflegepersonal

und die beiden Gesundheits- und Betreuungsbereiche

„Andante“ und „Bella Vita“ für Sicherheit. Ein

weiteres Highlight ist das Residenztheater, das sich

durch die Auftritte prominenter Künstler einen Ruf

erworben hat, der auch viele externe Musik- und

Kulturinteressierte anzieht.

Sportliche Menschen, die hier einziehen, schätzen

das Hallenbad und die Sauna auf Anhieb. Kürzlich

eröffnet wurde zudem ein hochmodernes Trainingszentrum,

das körperliche Aktivität nach

ausführlicher Einschulung auch im fortgeschrittenen

Alter und für jedes Fitnesslevel ermöglicht.

Denn ausreichende Bewegung ist der Schlüssel zu

starken Knochen und Gelenken. Die neuen Trainingsgeräte

des gesundheitsorientierten Fitnessraums,

die mit Druckluft arbeiten, und die Gelenke

nur minimal belasten, beugen Bewegungseinschrän-

PHOTOS: VC, BEIGESTELLT

Quality of Life

is not a matter of age!

The Senioren Residenz Josefstadt offers quality of life with many

additional amenities, perfect infrastructure, a 24-hour nursing department

– and above all, kindness and warmth. We understand the needs and wishes of

elderly people and aim to fulfil them through customised living models for all

circumstances of life.

SENIOREN RESIDENZ

JOSEFSTADT

IM HAMERLING • WIEN

In the heart of Vienna


Residenz Josefstadt GmbH • Krotenthallergasse 5 • 1080 Vienna

Tel.: +43 1 890 24 64 • info@residenz-josefstadt.at

www.residenz-josefstadt.at • www.facebook.com/residenzjosefstadt


LEBEN IM COTTAGEVIERTEL | LIFE IN THE COTTAGEVIERTEL QUARTER

Auf der Suche nach einem absolut barrierefreien Alterssitz im Grünen – genauer gesagt in einem

17.000 m² großen Park – wird man hier fündig.

If you are looking to retire in a barrier-free place with plenty of greenery – a 17,000 m 2 park, to be

exact – then you have come to the right place.

Veränderungen in Zeiten der Pandemie

Beachtenswert ist die Selbstverständlichkeit und

das Verantwortungsbewusstsein der Teams aller Seniorenresidenzen

im Hinblick auf Covid-19-Maßnahmen.

Die Herausforderungen, die sich durch

Einschränkungen von Besuchen, Absagen von kulturellen

Veranstaltungen mit externen Gästen und

Künstlern oder auch den Verzicht auf so manches

hausinterne Event, das Abwechslung im Alltag

bringt, ergeben, werden gemeinschaftlich gemeistert.

Auch organisatorische, räumliche und medizinische

Pläne mussten erarbeitet werden, um die Sicherheit

der Residenten soweit wie möglich zu

wahren. Es werden neue Bereiche mit besonderem

Fokus auf Privatsphäre und Abstand geschaffen oder

auch innovative Aufenthaltsmöglichkeiten im Freien

geschaffen, wie die „Winter-Lounge“ auf der Terrasse

der Senioren Residenz Josefstadt, um nur ein Beispiel

zu nennen. Dort sorgen elektrische „Heizschwammerl“,

Lammfelle, flauschige Decken und

große Laternen für Wärme, Gemütlichkeit und

Stimmung. Saisonale Anlässe und Feiertage werden

bis auf Weiteres ohne externe Gäste gefeiert. Und das

ist gut so, in Zeiten, wo wir alle immer öfter und länger

in unserem Zuhause anzutreffen sind.

Those who still want to live in a vibrant cosmopolitan

city later in life will find themselves in

good hands in Vienna. Prospective residents

are given ample opportunity to explore customtailored

living concepts in the form of senior residences.

Depending on the type of residence, one can

choose between properties with a central city location

or a little further on the city’s outskirts surrounded by

plenty of greenery. What all these possibilities share in

common is a high level of comfort in terms of quality

of life, care and organisation. Increased attention is

also being focused to fitness, culture and the arts. We

have taken a closer look at three different projects.

Reason to celebrate

Friends of Vienna’s city centre who are considering

a change in residence should pay special attention to a

new – Senioren Residenz Josefstadt. Beginning in

2013, extensive renovation works that spanned two

years transformed the former seat of the Federal Office

of Metrology and Surveying on Hamerlingplatz

into a high-end residential property for all generations.

Right from the start, emphasis was placed on a

sophisticated entertainment programme with perfor-

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

mances by the likes of Erika Pluhar, Lotte Tobisch,

Herbert Föttinger, Marianne Nentwich, Peter Weck,

Harald Serafin and Maria Köstlinger. The care department

has been continuously expanded over the years

– and the launch of the “Residence Buddy” project, in

which two students actively participate in life at the

residence, has become another success story. Brigitta

Hartl-Wagner, director of Senioren Residenz Josefstadt,

is always in the middle of the action when it comes

to recognising and meeting the needs and wishes

of the residents. When asked whether the residence

may be of interest to any Cercle Diplomatique readers,

she immediately came up with several points: “Every

year, Vienna is voted the city with the highest quality

of life, and many ambassadors who have lived and

worked in Vienna have decided to spend their retirement

in our city. In that way, Senioren Residenz Josefstadt

has become a new home for many international

guests as well – we love cosmopolitanism. Our residents

like to participate in the ‘English Conversation

Group’ or the ‘Pomeriggio Italiano’, where we are also

supported by our native speakers.”

Leben statt Wohnen.

Vital und fit im Alter.

How to make living together work

The residential home on Hamerlingplatz is a role

model when it comes to communicating the values

of senior residences. Variety, diversity and individuality

ensure the high level of quality of life, as is evident

after 53 months of being in business. From an

initial three residents, the community has quickly

grown to 60 members. Hartl-Wagner soon noticed

how her experience in the hotel industry had paid

off. “I have always loved working with people. I have

an intuition for it which is based on sincere interest

in people’s concerns.” She views her greatest success

in her current job as the fact that “everyone assumes

their share of responsibility and looks out for each

other”. Being present is very important to her.

Open ears, not being in a rush, friendliness and

radiating inner peace are soft skills which are (not

only) required at retirement homes. Also needed is

the ability to realise creative ideas and make continuous

improvements over time that improve quality

of life. This reaches all the way from the creatively

designed café, raised flowerbeds in the garden, cinema

afternoons, the use of a therapy companion dog >>

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 unter Tel. +43(0)1 680 81.

wien.vitalityresidenz.at

Besuchen Sie auch unsere VITALITY Residenz in Innsbruck: innsbruck.vitalityresidenz.at



INTERVIEW

Georg B. Gonano,

Direktor der VITALITY Residenz Am Kurpark Wien

Ihre Karriere beinhaltet einige Stationen in

internationalen Luxushotels. Wo sehen Sie

Parallelen bzw. von welchen Erfahrungen

profitiert die VITALITY Residenz?

Genau wie in der Luxushotellerie ist es wichtig,

den Bewohnern das Gefühl „zu Hause zu sein“

zu vermitteln. Daher bieten wir „maßgeschneiderte“

Angebote, angefangen beim Wohnen

über die Pflege und Gastronomie bis hin zu

Aktivprogramm und Veranstaltungen, um nur

einige Bereiche zu nennen. Gerade in der

Lebensphase unserer Bewohner, mit einer

durchschnittlichen Aufenthaltsdauer von mehr

als 10 Jahren, ist es umso wichtiger, sich mit

den Wünschen, Problemen und Anliegen eines

jeden Einzelnen auseinander zu setzen und

Lösungen dafür zu finden. Meine jahrelange

Erfahrung in der Führung von Hotels und deren

Mitarbeitern hat mich im Umgang mit solchen

Situationen gelehrt, zuzuhören, zu reflektieren

und entsprechende Lösungen zu finden.

Warum haben Sie sich für die Pflegebranche

entschieden? Worin liegt die Herausforderung/Faszination?

Reisen, fremde Kulturen, Essen: Das waren

einige der Gründe, warum ich in jungen Jahren

den Weg über die Kreuzfahrtindustrie in die

Hotellerie gesucht habe. Wie so oft im Leben

kommt man mitunter an einen Punkt, an dem

man sein Leben reflektiert und überlegt, ob es

so verläuft, wie man es sich erträumt hat.

In meinem Fall haben sich durch meine Familie,

meine Frau und meine beiden Kinder,

Verschiebungen dahingehend ergeben, dass ich

weder von meiner Familie getrennt sein wollte,

noch meine Familie den Strapazen und

Herausforderungen durch andauerndes

Umziehen, sowohl national als auch international,

weiterhin aussetzen wollte. Damit

einhergehend war die Entscheidung, einen

Wechsel in diesen Bereich zu vollziehen, schnell

getroffen, da die beiden Bereiche bei genauerer

Betrachtung mehr Übereinstimmung als

Unterschiede aufweisen.

Die zusätzliche Komponente der Pflege, mit all

ihren Herausforderungen wie die tägliche

physische und psychische Belastung, die

momentan vorherrschende Pandemie, das Bild

der Pflege in der Öffentlichkeit und die viel

diskutierte Personalknappheit sind Grund

genug, sich in diesem Bereich zu engagieren

und bestenfalls im Umkehrschluss die

Bewohner und die Mitarbeiter von den

Verbesserungen profitieren zu lassen.

Your career includes several stations at

international luxury hotels. Where do you

see parallels and from which of your

experiences does VITALITY Residenz benefit

in particular?

Just like in the luxury hotel industry, it is key to

provide residents with a feeling of “being at home”.

That is why we offer “custom-tailored” offers

starting with the living quarters, care and

gastronomy all the way to activity programmes and

events – to name just a few areas. Especially in light

of the chapter of their lives that our residents find

themselves in, and with an average length of stay of

over 10 years, it is even more important to address

their wishes, needs and issues and to find solutions

for them. With years of experience in guest

relations, but also in the management of hotels and

their employees, these situations have taught me to

listen, to reflect and to be able to find corresponding

solutions.

Why did you decide to join the care

industry? What is the challenge/fascination?

Travel, foreign cultures, food: These were some of

the reasons why I started my career in the hotel

industry via the cruise ship industry when I was

young. And, of course, I eventually reached the

point in my life where one reflects on one’s past

and thinks about whether things have turned out

the way one wanted.

In my case, my family, my wife and my two children

made me realise that I neither wanted to be

separated from my them nor put them through the

stress and challenge of constantly moving around,

whether domestically or internationally. As a result,

I quickly made the decision to shift gears. After all,

the two fields have more similarities than

differences.

The added element of care, with all of its difficulties

and the daily physical and psychological strain, the

current pandemic with all of its challenges, the

image of care in the public and the frequently

discussed care staff shortage are all reason enough

to get involved in this area and, in the best case, to

let both residents and employees benefit from the

improvements.

to the creation of an exercise centre and a digital living

room. The last two are, for example, pioneering

innovations at VITALITY Residenz Am Kurpark

Wien.

Always on the ball

The team at VITALITY Residenz Am Kurpark

Wien has plenty of expertise when it comes to making

continuous progress in designing living spaces appropriate

for old age. For over 20 years, it has been not just

the excellent location in Oberlaa with the gorgeous

views and the immediate vicinity to one of Vienna’s

biggest local recreational areas with the Kurpark and

the wine gardens that have captured people’s attention;

it is also the qualified competence with a focus

on as much individuality and autonomy as possible.

Peace of mind is provided by a 24/7 reception service,

a qualified care staff that is available around the clock

as well as the “Andante” and “Bella Vita” health care

areas. Another highlight is the residence theatre,

which has earned itself a reputation thanks to performances

by well-known artists and which also attracts

many external music and culture enthusiasts.

Sports fans who move here immediately appreciate

the indoor pool and sauna. Most recently, the residence

launched a state-of-the-art exercise centre that

allows for physical activity even at an advanced age

and every fitness level, thanks to the comprehensive

induction programme. After all, plenty of exercise is

the key to strong joints and bones. The new exercise

machines in the health-focused fitness room, which

work with compressed air and thereby exert minimal

pressure on joints, help prevent mobility loss or pains.

The technology simulates the natural functions and

motions of human muscles. The priority is userfriendliness.

Individual exercise programmes, seat

and lever positions, etc., are read by the machines via

a chip. All exercise data is stored for automatic analysis

and fitness tracking.

The new digital living room is also state-of-the-art

– it shows how the AAL (Active Assisted Living) concept

can be used to address physical impairments

while still living an independent life. The presentation

includes smart home solutions such as voice control,

fall detection systems, activity sensors and even an interactive

seal robot which provides a useful service for

those with dementia.

Vibrant and active in Döbling

Supporting the individual lifestyles of all seniors is

PHOTOS: VC CIRILLO

PHOTOS: XYXXYXYXY

also part of the management philosophy at Park Residenz

Döbling. “Our residents do not have to adjust to

any system. Many of them have had ‘both feet on the

ground’ for quite some time. Our values of vitality and

openness are reflected in the positive atmosphere in

our residence,” emphasises Sabina Rutar, who has

been in charge of Park Residenz Döbling since 2005. A

good foundation for this is the 17,000 m 2 park facility

in the Cottageviertel neighbourhood. Residents likewise

appreciate the possibility of bringing along pets.

The new “Parkview 19” annexe was opened five years

ago, which, like many other residential units and the

panorama apartments, offers an amazing view of Vienna

and the Vienna Mountains. This is one of the

reasons why this address has also become popular

with those only requiring short-term stays. And culture

enthusiasts are already looking forward to the day

when events – such as the recently held photo lecture

on the Parisian coffee house scene by Berlin-based art

historian Regine Wernicke – can be held again. Many

still remember fondly the passionate discussion that

ensued afterwards.

Seniorenwohnen auf

höchstem Niveau!

» Einzelappartements auf Dauer ab 30m².

» Betreutes Kurzzeitwohnen.

» Betreuung entsprechend der persönlichen Bedürfnisse.

» Viele Betreuungsleistungen im Grundangebot

inkludiert.

» Gastlichkeit und Kulinarik auf höchstem Niveau.

» Großes Kultur- und Wellnessangebot.

Changes in the time of the pandemic

The matter-of-fact attitude and sense of responsibility

that the teams at the senior residences have displayed

in light of the coronavirus measures has been

laudable. The challenges posed by restrictions on visits,

cancellations of cultural events with external guests and

artists, as well as the cancellations of several in-house

events intended to bring variety into everyday life, have

been mastered by working together as a team. Organisational,

spatial and medical plans too had to be redrawn

in order to guarantee the safety of the residents

as much as possible. New areas with special focus on

privacy and distancing and innovative outdoor recreational

opportunities have been created, such as the “Winter

Lounge” on the terrace of Senioren Residenz Josefstadt,

to name just one example. There, electric ‘heating

mushrooms’, lambskins, fluffy blankets and big lanterns

provide warmth, cosiness and a feel-good atmosphere.

For the time being, seasonal occasions and holidays will

continue to be celebrated without external guests. And

that’s a good thing in times where we are already spending

more and more time in our homes anyway.

» Wohlfühlen inmitten einer großen Parkanlage

Park Residenz Döbling

1190 Wien; Hartäckerstraße 45

T: +43 1 47 620-606

Susanne Schneider, MSc

www.park-residenz.at


SAVOIR VIVRE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Megatrend New Work


Die physische Anwesenheit von Mitarbeitern am Unternehmensstandort ist

durch digitale Möglichkeiten, flexible Arbeitswelten und Home-Office-

Trends nicht mehr zwingend notwendig – aber weiterhin essentiell.

Thanks to digital technologies, more and more flexible work environments

and the ever-increasing trend of working from home, the physical presence of

employees at the office is no longer necessary – but it does remain essential.

Der österreichische Büromarkt befindet sich

im Wandel und derzeit ist noch nicht konkret

abwägbar, ob der Bedarf an Flächen

nach oben oder unten ausschlagen wird, auch wenn

sich für 2020 bisher nur ein leichtes Minus abzeichnet.

Laut Stefan Wernhart, Geschäftsführer der EHL

Immobilien GmbH, war die Vermietungsleistung

nur zwölf Prozent unter den Werten von 2019 in den

ersten drei Quartalen. Auch bei Otto Immobilien

merkt man trotz der Zurückhaltung internationaler

Kunden noch keine großen Einbußen und rechnet

mit Auswirkungen erst 2021. Ähnlich ist die Lage in

Deutschland, wo trotz Einschnitten in diesem Jahr

die Vermietungsumsätze immer noch 16 Prozent

über dem Zehn-Jahresdurchschnitt liegen. Fakt ist

hierzulande, dass aktuell viele Büroflächen in begehrten

Lagen – wie in der Wiener Innenstadt oder

am Hauptbahnhof – bis 2021 neu erschlossen werden

und diese großteils vorverwertet sind. Andere

Flächen für Unternehmen unterschiedlichster Größen

wie beispielsweise „myhive“ der Immofinanz am

Wienerberg sind bereits fertiggestellt.

Das New Work-Projekt hat im Vergleich zu konventionellen

Büros einige Vorteile in Hinblick auf

neue Pandemie-Standards zu bieten wie Katrin Gögele-Celeda,

Country Managerin Operations Austria

Immofinanz, verrät: „Wir legen unseren Fokus komplett

auf die Kundenbedürfnisse: Flexibilität und

Community spielen dabei eine zentrale Rolle. Community-Manager

organisieren regelmäßig Onlineund

Offline-Events und Aktivitäten, damit es zu einem

Meinungs- und Erfahrungsaustausch unter den

Mietern kommt. Wir haben bereits vor Corona einen

Trend in Richtung Flexibilität ausgemacht und

bieten deshalb All-inclusive-Bürolösungen an: Spontan

Besprechungszimmer per App buchen und kleinere

Flächen je nach Bedarf zusätzlich anmieten

oder abgeben zu können, sind Vorteile, wo wir steigende

Nachfrage erkennen. Mit der ‚myhive mymembership‘

werden alle Services mit einer monatlichen

Pauschale abgedeckt. Dazu gehören z. B. eigene,

exklusive Mieter-Lounges, Fahrradräume, Sportkurse

und ein Concierge-Service, der bis hin zu Blumen

und Massagen alles organisiert. Mit ‚myhive‘ haben

somit auch kleinere Unternehmen die Möglichkeit,

vom umfassenden Service- und Community-Angebot

zu profitieren, das sonst nur Großkonzerne in

ihren Headquarters bieten können. So können sich

unsere Mieter auf ihr Kerngeschäft konzentrieren.

Das ist in einem Umfeld, das für Firmen von größerer

Unsicherheit bzw. Volatilität geprägt ist, wichtig.“

Pro und Contra von New Work

Die Globalisierung und Digitalisierung treiben

das New Work-Konzept voran. Virtuelle Konferenzen

und Teambesprechungen setzen neue kreative

Potentiale frei. Automatisierung und künstliche Intelligenz

setzen noch ein Scherflein drauf. Ein Umdenken

ist gefordert. Andererseits fehlt bei überwiegender

Präsenz im Home-Office der Teamspirit, der

vom persönlichen Austausch lebt. Über Jahre unternommene

Anstrengungen puncto Zugehörigkeit,

Teamgeist und Zusammenarbeit werden durch das

aktuell verstärkt geforderte Home-Office konterkariert.

Arbeitsmarktexperten wie Headhunter Günther

Tengel haben in den vergangenen Monaten beobachtet,

dass das Tempo der Veränderungen nicht stimmig

ist. Auch wenn durch schnelle Internetverbindungen

und moderne Tools Online-Konferenzen

möglich sind, muss man sich die Rolle im Teamgeflecht

von neuem erarbeiten.

Führungskräfte müssen in den Vordergrund treten,

verstärkt aktiv werden. Die Entwicklung einer

Anerkennungs- und Wertschätzungskultur via

Zoom & Co. ist gefragt. Durch das flexible Arbeiten

rückt die lokale und zeitliche Gebundenheit in den

Hintergrund.

PHOTOS: STAUDINGER-FRANKE

NEW WORK MIT „MYHIVE“ AM WIENERBERG | NEW WORK WITH “MYHIVE” AT WIENERBERG IN VIENNA

Das Office wächst immer mehr in die Rolle des „home away from home“, das den sozialen Austausch und kreative

Prozesse im Team erlaubt.

The office is increasingly becoming a “home away from home”, facilitating social exchange and creative processes

within the team.



115


BÜROS IN ANDERER FORM | A DIFFERENT TYPE OF OFFICES

Eine Rückkehr zum Einzelbüro ist in Bezug auf Wohlbefinden, Identifikation und Produktivität

nicht zielführend. „Gefragt ist die Förderung von Teamgeist und Innovationsfähigkeit“, so Peter

Handlgruber, Geschäftsführer bei Bürofreunde.

When it comes to well-being, identification and productivity, a return to the traditional single office

is not conducive. “What we need is the promotion of team spirit and innovation,” says Peter

Handlgruber, Managing Director of Bürofreunde.

holt an. „Ungeachtet des coronabedingten Trends

zur Arbeit daheim wird das Büro in absehbarer Zeit

nicht aus dem Arbeitsalltag verschwinden. Das Büro

wird als Mittelpunkt der Identität und Kultur einer

Organisation bleiben und erfüllt die Rolle als sozialer

und kooperativer Brenn- und Knotenpunkt. Es

ist der Ort, an dem die entscheidenden Interaktionen

stattfinden, die Innovationen anregen: Es geht

um Identität, Austausch und Vertrauen. Auch wenn

Vereinzelung und Abstandhalten derzeit das allgemeine

Bild prägen – die bisherige Entwicklung in

Richtung Großraumbüro wird sich fortsetzen. Megatrends

wie New Work und Co-Working werden

sich nicht so einfach umkehren lassen.“ Was es zu

erreichen gilt, ist der Wandel hin zu einem Arbeitsumfeld,

das exakt auf die jeweilige Tätigkeit sowie

die Bedürfnisse eines einzelnen Mitarbeiters oder

eines Teams zugeschnitten ist. Starre Raumkonzepte

werden aufgelöst und durch Team- und Projektzonen,

Gemeinschaftsareale und Ruheräume ersetzt.

Diese Entwicklung bestätigt auch Gögele-Celeda:

„Wir glauben, dass die Nutzung von Büros viel

bewusster gestaltet wird. Vorteile, die aus dem sozialen

Kontext entstehen, wie etwa innovative Prozesse

und Teamarbeit, werden aktiver genutzt. Gleichzeitig

steigt damit der Wunsch nach einer optimalen

Infrastruktur. Das Office wächst immer mehr in die

Rolle des ‚home away from home‘, das den sozialen

Austausch und kreative Prozesse im Team erlaubt.“

of varying sizes such as “myhive” or Immofinanz at

Wienerberg, have already been completed. In contrast

with conventional offices, the new work trend

has a number of advantages when it comes to dealing

with a pandemic, as Katrin Gögele-Celeda, Country

Manager of Operations at Austria Immofinanz,

argues. “We are focusing entirely on customer needs.

Here, flexibility and community play a key role.

Community managers organise online and offline

events and activities on a regular basis to make sure

that there is an exchange of opinions and experiences

among tenants. Even before the coronavirus, we had

already identified a trend towards flexibility and are

therefore offering all-inclusive office solutions. Being

able to spontaneously book a meeting room via app

and add or cancel smaller rental spaces on demand

are features that are seeing increased popularity. The

“myhive mymembership”, for example, covers all services

via a single subscription fee. This includes exclusive

rental lounges, bicycle storage rooms, sports

courses and a concierge service that organises everything

from flowers to massages. With “myhive”,

even smaller businesses have the opportunity to be-

WAS EIN OPTIMALES HOME-OFFICE AUSZEICHNET | WHAT CHARACTERISES AN

OPTIMAL WORK-FROM-HOME ENVIRONMENT

Dem Arbeitsplatz zu Hause sollte zumindest so viel Aufmerksamkeit gewidmet werden, dass er nicht aus

der Not entsteht und z.B. aus einer leergefegten Ecke am Küchen- oder Esstisch besteht. Auch wenn man

meistens nicht mehr als einen Laptop, das Smartphone und vielleicht noch Papier und Schreibzeug für

Notizen benötigt, sollte man sich einige Gedanken zum Raumkonzept machen. Die Pandemie hat viele zu

einem Crashkurs in Sachen Telearbeit genötigt, wer die Zeit jetzt nützt, um sich einen fixen Platz mit

ausreichend Ruhe, viel Tageslicht und idealer Beleuchtung sowie einer hochwertigen Sitzgelegenheit in

idealer Höhe zu Schreibtisch und Computer zu schaffen, hat bereits gute Voraussetzungen, um auch in

Zukunft von Home-Office-Zeiten mental und physisch zu profitieren. Je nach Platzangebot wird auch ein

funktionierendes Ordnungssystem hilfreich sein.

When working from home, make sure that your office isn’t just a product of necessity, e.g. an empty

corner on the kitchen table. Even if it is unlikely that you will need much more than a laptop, a

smartphone and perhaps a pen and paper for notes, you should put some thought into the layout of

your office before getting started. The pandemic has forced many into a crash course on all things

remote work. Those who take advantage of this moment in order to create a real office at home with

plenty of quiet, daylight, optimal lighting conditions and high-quality seating for the desk and

computer, will likely benefit both mentally as well as physically by working from home. Depending on

the amount of space available, a clear and functional system of organisations is likely to do wonders.

vitra.com

selmer.at

buerofreunde.at

heumuehle.com

Die positiven Effekte von New Work sind, dass

Mitarbeiter das Gefühl haben, mehr in Entscheidungsprozesse

eingebunden zu sein und der Grad

der Selbstbestimmtheit steigt.

Büro mit Perspektive

„Alle, die agiles Arbeiten aufgrund der bestehenden

Prozesse bisher nicht in Betracht gezogen haben,

wurden durch die Umstellung auf das mobile Arbeiten

von zu Hause mit neuen Möglichkeiten konfrontiert.

Jedoch stößt das Home-Office als eine von vielen

Facetten des agilen Arbeitens unweigerlich an

seine Grenzen. Essentielle Aspekte wie die informelle

Kommunikation und die persönliche Interaktion

fallen meist gänzlich weg“, sieht auch Peter Handlgruber,

Geschäftsführer bei Bürofreunde, einem Unternehmen,

das sich auf die Beratung, Planung und

den Verkauf des Interieurs für neue Arbeitswelten

spezialisiert hat, Büroflächen keineswegs als über-

The Austrian office market is in a state of

change. Right now, we are still not able to tell

whether the demand for office space is going

to rise or fall despite the fact that only a slight decline

is being expected for 2020. According to Stefan

Wernhart, Managing Director of EHL Immobilien

GmbH, lettings were only 12 percent below the 2019

values in the first three quarters. Otto Immobilien is

also not yet noticing any major losses despite reluctance

from international customers and does not expect

any major effects at least until 2021. The situation

in Germany is similar, where rental revenue is still

16 percent above the ten-year average despite drops

this year. In Austria, the fact of the matter is that

many office spaces in highly sought-after areas –

such as Vienna’s city centre or near Wien Hauptbahnhof

– are new developments which have largely

already been reserved. Other office spaces for firms

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, LORENZ CUGINI


ZIB 2 AM SONNTAG

WANN UND WO

SIE WOLLEN.


NEW WORK = PARADIGMENWECHSEL | NEW WORK = CHANGE OF PARADIGM

„Das Büro der Zukunft wird gebraucht und nachgefragt und muss maximale Flexibilität und

Service bieten“, sagt Katrin Gögele-Celeda, Country Managerin Operations Austria bei der

Immofinanz.

“The office of the future will be used regularly and must offer maximum flexibility and service,”

says Katrin Gögele-Celeda, Country Manager of Operations Austria at Immofinanz.

FOKUS AUF ERGONOMIE |

FOCUS ON ERGONOMICS

Sowohl im Home-Office als

auch im Büro sollte sich der

Bürostuhl (im Bild: Vitra

Physix) dem Körper optimal

anpassen.

Whether while working from

home or at the office, the

office chair (pictured: Vitra

Physix) should be optimally

adjusted to the human body.

nefit from extensive service and community offers

that would otherwise be reserved for the headquarters

of major corporations. This allows our tenants to

concentrate on their core business. This is key for an

environment in which companies are increasingly

concerned about issues like stability and volatility.”

New work pros & cons

Globalisation and digitalisation are the main driving

factors behind the new work concept. Virtual

conferences and team meetings are releasing new

creative potentials. Automation and artificial intelligence

are the cherry on top. There needs to be a new

way of thinking. On the one hand, the increased time

spent working from home is bad for teamwork, which

is all about person-to-person contact. Years of effort

spent on improving a sense of belonging, team spirit

and collaboration is currently being counter-acted by

the fact that we are all working from home. Labour

market experts like headhunter Günther Tengel have

observed over the past few months that the speed of

these developments hasn’t exactly been consistent.

Despite the fact that faster internet connections and

new digital tools have made online conferences feasible,

one’s role in the team has to be reconfigured from

scratch. Managers will have to take the centre stage

and get more involved. What is needed is the creation

of a culture of recognition and appreciation – via

Zoom & co. Thanks to flexible working hours, local

and temporal ties are taking a back seat. The positive

effects of new work are that employees feel that they

are more closely involved in the decision-making process

and that people are seeing their autonomy and

independence increase.

Office with perspective

Even those who hadn’t even considered remote

work until now are being confronted with the new reality

of working from home. Still, working from home

has its limits. Essential aspects of informal communication

and personal interaction have disappeared entirely,”

says Peter Handlgruber, Managing Director of

Bürofreunde, a company that has specialised in the

consulting, planning and sale of interior elements for

the new work environments. Irrespective of the fact

that the coronavirus has accelerated the work-formhome

trend, the traditional office is now going to disappear

entirely from everyday working life. The office

will remain the heart of the identity and culture of organisations

and companies and perform the role of a

social and collaborative hub. It is a place where key

interactions take place that push forward innovation:

It’s about identity, exchange and trust. Even if our

world is currently one of isolation and social distancing

– earlier developments towards large open-plan

offices will continue. Trends like new work and coworking

aren’t just going to reverse.” What’s needed is

a restructuring of the work environment in such a way

that it is tailored to the needs of every employee and

team. Rigid room designs should be eliminated in favour

of team and project zones, community areas and

relaxation rooms. This development has been confirmed

by Gögele-Celeda: “We believe that offices are

going to be designed much more consciously. Benefits

associated with social interaction such as innovation

and teamwork will see increasing use. This, at the same

time, increases the need for further optimised infrastructures.

The office is increasingly transforming into

a ‘home away from home’ that allows for social exchange

and creative processes within the team.”

PHOTOS: STAUDINGER-FRANKE, BEIGESTELLT (MARC)

„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: Whether share prices, the gold price or cryptocurrencies – there

has only been one thing you can say for certain during the last few

months: nothing is certain! But what about the value of gemstones?

Dr. Schröck: The value of gemstones has been barely affected by all of

this. Basically because the return on untreated, colored precious stones

has remained constant.

CD: There are a number of different reasons for investors to acquire

gemstones other than just the consistent increase in their value.

Dr. Schröck: The Covid 19 pandemic has caused instability among all the

usual forms of investment. It makes a lot of sense to put money into gemstones,

especially for those taking a look into the future and searching for

worthwhile, not corelated investments compared to international share

markets (see Table left).

CD: How would you characterize your typical investor?

Dr. Schröck: Almost all our customers hold precious metals, especially

gold. As precious gemstones offer the highest value in comparison to

volume and weight, they are an excellent addition to gold.

CD: How do you envisage further developments in gemstones as an

alternative form of investment?

Dr. Schröck: We are seeing a global phenomenon, especially given our

international customer base. Most of our clients are very well-informed

as regards different types of investments and have been quick to recognize

the potential for value increases in gemstones. The fact that gemstones

have a wonderful, intrinsic asset value is decisive, in addition to the

value relating to the size of the stone. The appeal of gemstones is certainly

not going to subside, regardless of what the future brings.

ENTGELTLICHE WERBUNG


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.

NEW ADDRESS!

The Natural Gem Gmbh

Walfischgasse 7/10

1010 Wien

thenaturalgem.com

SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE

Geschenke, Geschenke

Presents, presents


Festliche Medusa |

Festive Medusa

Die neue Geschenkeselektion von Versace und Rosenthal, allen voran die perfekt zur Saison

passende Schneekugel, ist von dem ikonischen Frauenkopf, kostbarem Porzellan und edlem

Gold mit Barock-Usancen geprägt.

The new gift selection by Versace and Rosenthal – especially the snow globe that’s perfect for

the holiday season – is characterised by the iconic woman’s head, fine porcelain and precious

gold with Baroque elements.

versace.com, rosenthal.de

Hauseigenes Manufakturwerk |

In-house manufactory

Cocooning mit Stil | Cocooning in style

Im neuen „O’STYLE Living“-Concept Store in der

Singerstraße 11 findet sich auf 250 Quadratmetern

ausgewähltes Interior Design für den Wohn-, Ess- und

Küchenbereich – und eine große Auswahl an Geschenkideen.

Fachkundige Einrichtungsplanung sowie Time

Slots für Einzelberatung gehören ebenso zum Konzept

wie exklusive Kollektionen (z. B. Rivièra Maison,

Riverdale und Edition Lieblingsstückerl).

The new “O’STYLE Living“ concept store is located at

Vienna’s Singerstraße 11 where on 250 square meters

selected interior design for living, dining and kitchen

areas as well as a large selection of gift ideas are

offered. Expert facility planning and time slots for

individual consultation are also part of the concept like

exclusive collections (e.g. Rivièra Maison, Riverdale and

Edition Lieblingsstückerl).

instagram.com/ostyle_living

Naturkosmetik für

Männer | Natural

cosmetics for men

Die neue Herrenpflegelinie

„Men“ von Annemarie Börlind,

darunter auch ein 2-Phasen-

Bart-Öl, setzt auf Wirkstoffe wie

rote Jania-Alge, Gin, Bio-

Wacholderextrakt und

Bio-Koffein.

The new men’s care line “Men”

by Annemarie Börlind, which

includes a two-phase beard oil,

is based on ingredients such as

red Jania algae, gin, organic

juniper extract and organic

caffeine.

boerlind.com

Der sportlich-legendäre Rennchronograph TAG

Heuer Carrera hat anlässlich des 160-jährigen

Firmenjubiläums ein markantes Makeover erhalten.

Technologisch beeindruckt das Uhrwerk Calibre

Heuer 02, das aus 168 Komponenten besteht und

über den transparenten Gehäuseboden zu sehen ist.

On the occasion of the company’s 160-year

anniversary, the sporty & legendary race chronograph

TAG Heuer Carrera has received a striking

makeover. The Calibre Heuer 02 is a technical

masterpiece made up of 168 separate components

and a transparent caseback.

tagheuer.com

Digitaler Musikgenuss | Digital music delight

Auf „fidelio“, dem Streamingportal von ORF und Unitel, gibt es derzeit

eine Weihnachtsaktion: Schließen Sie jetzt ein Jahresabo um nur € 99

statt €149 ab und nehmen Sie zusätzlich automatisch am Gewinnspiel

teil. Mit etwas Glück gewinnen Sie zwei Karten für das Neujahrskonzert

der Wiener Philharmoniker am 1. Jänner 2021 mit anschließendem

Mittagessen im Café Sacher.

Der glückliche Gewinner oder die glückliche Gewinnerin wird am 27.

Dezember via E-Mail benachrichtigt!

Fidelio, the streaming service offered by ORF and Unitel, is currently

featuring a special Christmas promotion: Get an annual subscription for

€99 instead of €149 and automatically take part in a giveaway. With a

bit of luck, you will win two tickets to the Vienna Philharmonic

Orchestra's New Year Concert on 01.01.2021, followed by a lunch at

Café Sacher. The lucky winner will be contacted via email on 27

December!

Mehr dazu auf | More on this at

myfidelio.at

T

Trendfarbe Rot

Trend colour red

Mit femininer und zeitgemäßer

Eleganz veredeln die Kollektionen

aus Kaschmir die Damengarderobe

im Winter.

These Kashmir collections will

enhance women’s wardrobes with

feminine and contemporary

elegance this winter.

falconeri.com

150-Jahr-Jubiläum | 150-year anniversary

Mit der limitierten Edition „Brilliantly British“ feiert der

Duftspezialist Penhaligon’s sein Bestehen seit 1870. Die

moderne Interpretation aus gesalzenem Karamell und

gefrorenem Lavendel ist ein Unisex-Duft.

With the “Brilliantly British” limited edition, fragrance

specialist Penhaligon’s is celebrating being in business

since the year 1870. Their modern take on salted caramel

and frozen lavender is a unisex fragrance.

penhaligons.com

leparfum.at

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

Wärmende Modestatements |

Warming fashion statements

Vom Wollmantel mit Taillengürtel über elegante

Trenchcoats bis zu Eyecatchern wie diesem Modell

von Marc Cain in edlem Rot reicht die Auswahl von

Mänteln für jeden Modetyp bei Peek & Cloppenburg.

From woollen coats with waist belts to elegant

trench coats and eyecatchers like this model by Marc

Cain in elegant red — Peek & Cloppenburg’s

assortment of coats has something for every fashion

type.

peek-cloppenburg.at



121

SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE

Zuhause einkuscheln |

Snuggle up at home

Palmers hat sein Sortiment um Home-Accessoires erweitert. Der Fokus liegt auf innerhalb Europas

produzierten Textilien wie Bettwäsche, Decken, Plaids, Pölstern und Dekorationsobjekten.

Palmers has expanded its range to include home accessories. The focus is on textiles produced in

Europe, such as bed linen, blankets, plaids, upholstery and decorative objects.

palmers-shop.com

Intensiv & holzig | Intense & woody

Das „Bleu de Chanel“

Herrenparfum – nun auch als

Twist and Spray erhältlich –

ist ein frisch-aromatischer

Duft mit einem Akkord aus

neukaledonischem

Sandelholz.

The new men’s perfume “Bleu

de Chanel” – now also

available as a twist and spray

– is a refreshingly aromatic

fragrance with an accent of

New Caledonian sandalwood.

chanel.com

Besondere Kollektion |

Special collection

Seit 1865 ist das Familienunternehmen Kruzik auf Luxus

gepolt. Mit Uhren und Schmuck und der hauseigenen

Goldschmiede und Uhrenwerkstatt sowie neuerdings mit

funkelnden Juwelen (im Bild: Damiani) und exklusiven

Accessoires in den beiden Luxury-Boutiquen in

Wien-Hietzing und Salzburg ist der Weg zum perfekten

Geschenk deutlich verkürzt.

The family-run company Kruzik has been dedicating

itself to luxury since 1865. With watches, jewellery and

the in-house goldsmith and watch workshop, and more

recently with sparkling jewels (pictured: Damiani) as

well as exclusive accessories in the two luxury boutiques

in Vienna’s 13th district and Salzburg, finding the perfect

present has just gotten so much easier.

uhrenkruzik.at

Wiener Weinacht.

99,-

statt € 164,-

inkl. Frei Haus Lieferung

Pflanzliches Wachs | Plant-based wax

Kein Winter ohne Kerzen: Die Salzburger Manufaktur

Looops setzt auf die positive Wirkung von ätherischen

und naturreinen Ölen aus Kräutern, Blüten und Früchten

sowie auf pflanzliches Wachs.

No winter without candles: The Salzburg candle maker

Looops relies on the positive effects of essential and

natural oils derived from herbs, flowers and fruit, as well

as on plant-based wax.

looopskerzen.at

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

Das 12er-Weinachtspaket beinhaltet je 2x 0,75l: Grüner Veltliner 2019, Riesling Jahrgangssekt 2016, Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC 2019,

Nussberg Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC 2019, Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Das prickelnde Fräulein Rosé, Mayer am Pfarrplatz.

Die Aktion ist gültig bis 31.12.2020 inkl. Frei Haus Lieferung. Preis inkl. MwSt.


Erhältlich im Online-Shop unter www.pfarrplatz.at oder per Email unter office@pfarrplatz.at

SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADOR'S DRIVE

Auf der Straße: Mercedes-Benz S 500 4Matic. Am Steuer: S. E. Aftab A. Khokher

On the road: Mercedes-Benz S 500 4Matic. Behind the wheel: H. E. Aftab A. Khokher Der Botschafter von Pakistan auf CD-Testfahrt. The Ambassador of Pakistan performs a test drive for CD. Interview: Stephan Burianek

Es ist zweifellos eine Attraktion: Während das

Flaggschiff der deutschen Ingenieurskunst vor

der Residenz des pakistanischen Botschafters

Aftab A. Khokher für das Fotoshooting in Position gebracht

wird, lässt es sich der Sohn des Botschafters

nicht nehmen, seine schulischen Hausarbeiten zu unterbrechen

und dieses Ereignis ebenfalls mit seinem

Handy zu dokumentieren. Kein Wunder, denn die

Mercedes-Benz-Limousine S 500, die sein Vater gleich

fahren wird, wurde erst tags zuvor registriert und ist

das erste Exemplar der neuen S-Klasse auf Österreichs

Straßen.

Der Botschafter wohnt mit seiner Familie am Fuße

einer perfekten Teststrecke, der Höhenstraße. Ihre

phasenweise äußerst wellige Pflasterung ist während

der Fahrt aufgrund der ausgeklügelten Federung des

Wagens kaum zu spüren. Den Cobenzl, wo wir einen

Fotostopp einlegen, kennt Khokher bereits gut, denn

er spaziert gerne und regelmäßig durch die Grinzinger

Weinberge. Pakistans Botschafter für Österreich, die

Slowakei und die Vereinten Nationen ist seit Oktober

im Amt, also noch ziemlich frisch in der Stadt, die er

bereits lieb gewonnen hat.

In seiner Amtszeit, so Khokher, wird er sich unter

anderem für einen Ausbau des Handels einsetzen,

denn in den wirtschaftlichen Beziehungen zwischen

Österreich und Pakistan sieht der Botschafter noch

Luft nach oben. „Vor allem in den Bereichen Grüne

Energie und IT sehe ich ein großes Potenzial“, so der

Botschafter. Außerdem verdiene die künstlerische Tradition

Pakistans mehr Aufmerksamkeit: „Wenn es wieder

möglich sein wird, werde ich Sufi-Musiker und

Kalligraphie-Künstler einladen und sie in Konzerten

und Ausstellungen präsentieren.“ Als Khokher vor wenigen

Jahren Botschafter im Libanon war, ließ er dort

in Kooperationen mit Hotels Küchenchefs aus seiner

Heimat für eine pakistanische Kulinarikwoche einfliegen:

„Das möchte ich in Wien wiederholen.“ Das Nationalgericht

Biryani (Reisgericht mit Fleisch) und Gegrilltes

werden dort freilich nicht fehlen. Außerdem

wird der Botschafter der aufstrebenden Modeszene,

die aus der in Pakistan traditionell starken Textilindustrie

hervorgegangen ist, eine Bühne bieten.

Der Botschafter, der angibt, in Wien noch nicht allzu

oft selbst mit seinem Mercedes-E-Klasse-Dienstwagen

gefahren zu sein, äußert sich positiv über die

Leichtigkeit, mit der die zwei Tonnen schwere S

500-Limousine zu fahren ist. Das wird Mercedesfahrer


Der pakistanische Botschafter Aftab A. Khokher vor seiner Residenz in Wien-Grinzing.

The Pakistani Ambassador Aftab A. Khokher in front of his residence in Vienna-Grinzing.



SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADOR'S DRIVE

jetzt vielleicht wenig überraschen. Umso mehr werden

sie aber die neuen, über einen großen Bildschirm digital

zu steuernden Features faszinieren. Der digitale Tachometer

und das Navi daneben werden in einer 3D-

Optik geboten. So manche Spielereien bleiben uns auf

der Höhenstraßenfahrt indes verborgen: Fußgänger

am Straßenrand werden mit Spots vor dem Wagen gewarnt,

und bei schmalen Fahrstreifen an Baustellen

wird ein Feld zwecks Abschätzung der Wagenbreite auf

die Straße projiziert. Bleibt die Frage: Wo sind die Fußgänger

und die Baustellen, wenn man sie mal braucht?


Botschafter Khokher beim Fotostopp

an der Wiener Höhenstraße.

Ambassador Khokher at a photo stop

at Vienna's Höhenstrasse.

Die neue Generation der S-Klasse überzeugt mit

State-of-the-Art-Elektronik.

The new generation of the S-Class impresses with

state-of-the-art electronics.

Die Neudefinition von Luxus / A new definition of luxury

James Bond wäre zufrieden: Wurde bei den bisherigen Generationen der S-Klasse der Fokus auf

die Weiterentwicklung der Mechanik gelegt, beeindruckt die neue S-Klasse nun mit digitalen

State-of-the Art-Features, von denen das große Konsolendisplay mit Augmented-Reality-Funktionen,

das 3D-Fahrerdisplay, der Fingerabdruck-Scanner und die ausfahrbaren Griffe, die bei

Fingerberührung einfahren, nur exemplarisch hervorgehoben werden sollen.

Ab € 112.420,- (inkl. USt und NoVA).

James Bond would be pleased: Whereas previous S-Class generations had focused on improving

the mechanics, the new S-Class impresses with state-of-the-art digital features, of which the

large console display with augmented reality functions, the 3D driver display, the fingerprint

scanner and the extendable handles that retract at the touch of a finger, are just a few examples.

Starting from €112,420.00 (incl. VAT and duties).

Technische Daten / Mercedes-Benz S 500 4Matic Technical data

kW (PS) kw (HP)

320 kW (435 PS) + 16 kW (22 PS)

Verbrennungsmotor plus Integrierter Starter Generator (ISG)

Combustion engine plus Integrated Starter Generator (ISG)

Höchstgeschwindigkeit (km/h)

Top speed (km/h)

250 km/h

Hubraum | Engine displacement 2.999 cm 3

Beschleunigung | Acceleration 0-100 km/h (sek.) 4,9

Preis Price

ab | from € 189.000,- (inkl. | incl. 20% Mwst./ VAT

inkl. | incl. NoVa)

It is, undoubtedly, a spectacle: As the flagship of

German engineering pulls up at the residence of

Pakistan’s Ambassador Aftab A. Khokher for the

photoshoot, his son happily skips his schoolwork for

a brief moment to document the event with his

smartphone. No wonder, since the Mercedes-Benz

Limousine S 500, which his father is about to take for

a drive, had only been registered the day before,

being the first specimen of the new S Class on Austrian

roads.

The Ambassador and his family, incidentally, live

at the foot of the perfect test track – Vienna’s Höhenstrasse.

The road’s at times extremely serpentine design

is barely noticeable during our drive, thanks to

the vehicle’s excellent suspension system. Khokher is

already familiar with the Cobenzl, where we stop for

a quick photo op, as he likes to come here to go on

walks through Grinzing’s vineyards. Pakistan’s Ambassador

to Austria, Slovakia and the United Nations

has been in office since October – so, he’s still relatively

new to the city, though he has already grown

quite fond of it.

During his time in office, the Ambassador says, he

would among other things like to work on expanding

trade, for he still sees room for improvement in

the economic relations between Pakistan and Austria.

“Especially in the areas of green energy and IT, I

see great potential,” he notes. He also adds that

Pakistan’s artistic tradition was deserving of more

attention. “Once it is possible again, I plan on inviting

Sufi musicians and calligraphy artists and present

them at concerts and exhibitions.” When Khokher

was still Ambassador to Lebanon a few years ago,

he had, in cooperation with local hotels, chefs from

his home country flown in for a Pakistani culinary

week: “I would like to repeat that in Vienna.” The national

dish Biryani (rice dish with meat) and grilled

meats will also definitely be part of the experience. In

addition, the ambassador also wants to provide a stage

for Pakistan’s up-and-coming fashion scene,

which is emerging from the country’s traditionally

strong textile industry.

The Ambassador, who claims not to have had too

many opportunities to take his own Mercedes-Benz

E-Class service car out for a drive yet, is impressed

with the ease of driving the two-tonne S500. This

may come as a surprise to Mercedes drivers. But they

will be all the more impressed with all the new features

that can be controlled via the large screen. The

digital speedometer and the navigational system

next to it come in an attractive 3D look. Unfortunately,

we don’t get to experience all of the vehicle’s innovative

wizardry during our ride on the high-altitude

road: Pedestrians on the side of the road are

warned of the car via spots, and in narrow lanes next

to construction sites, a field is projected onto the

road that provides an estimate of the width of the car.

So, the question is: Where are the pedestrians and

construction sites when you need them?

INFO:

wiesenthal.at

mercedes-benz.at

Im Bild Mitte: Botschafter Khokher (4.v.r.) vor der Abfahrt gemeinsam mit - von

links - Christian Ebetshuber (Area Sales Manager Mercedes-Benz Österreich),

Ingobert Könczöl (Diplomatic Sales Mercedes-Benz Wiesenthal), seinem Sohn

Moosa, Alexander Bursky (CD-Herausgeber) und CD-Autor Stephan Burianek.

Photo in the middle: Ambassador Khokher (4th right) before departure together

with - from left - Christian Ebetshuber (Area Sales Manager Mercedes-Benz Austria),

Ingobert Könczöl (Diplomatic Sales Mercedes-Benz Wiesenthal), his son Moosa,

Alexander Bursky (CD editor) and CD author Stephan Burianek.


SAVOIR VIVRE MOTOR

Luxus, Performance, Praxistauglichkeit

Luxury, performance, practicality

Text: Rois & Stubenrauch

Audi Q5: Frischzellenkur für den Bestseller

| Fresh upgrade for Audi’s bestseller

Motor Engine

V8 Benziner | V8 petrol

Antrieb Drive

Allrad | All-wheel drive

kW (PS) kw (HP) 460 (625))

Hubraum Capacity

4.395 ccm

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 11,1–10,2 l/100km

Preis Price ab | from € 189.500,-

Neue Features für den Audi Erfolgs-SUV: Die Frontpartie zeigt mit neuem Kühlergrill und großen Lufteinlässen auf, am Heck fallen die Leuchten mit

innovativer OLED Technologie ins Auge – ebenso die beiden neuen Lackierungen Districtgrün und Ultrablau. An inneren Werten glänzt der Audi Q5 mit

hochwertiger Verarbeitung und zahlreichen neuen Assistenzsystemen. Zum Marktstart kommt der SUV mit einem starken wie effizienten Vierzylinder-Diesel

mit Mild-Hybrid-Technologie.

New features for Audi’s successful SUV: The front end

features a new grille and larger air intakes, whereas the Motor Engine

R4 Diesel

rear end impresses with lights that take advantage of the Antrieb Drive

Allradantrieb quattro | quattro all-wheel drive

innovative OLED technology – as do the two new paint kW (PS) kw (HP) 150 (204)

finishes “District Green” and “Ultra Blue”. The Audi Q5’s Hubraum Engine displacement

1.968 ccm

inner world shines with premium workmanship and host Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 6,9-6,3 l/100km

of new driving assistance systems. On market launch, the Preis | Price ab | from: € 45.900,-

SUV will be equipped with a powerful and efficient

four-cylinder diesel with mild-hybrid technology.

VW Arteon: Toplimousine auf der Überholspur | Premium

sedan in the fast lane

BMW M8 Gran Coupé: Luxus-Bolide für Straße und Rennstrecke | Luxury machines for roads and racetracks

BMW M boomt: Die als eigenständiges Unternehmen geführte BMW-Tochter erzielt Absatzrekorde mit ihren spektakulären High-Performance-Modellen. Neueste Errungenschaft:

der atemberaubende Luxus-Sportwagen BMW M8 Gran Coupé. „Der BMW M8 bietet das höchste Maß an Sportlichkeit und Eleganz des gesamten BMW-Portfolios

– und das BMW M8 Gran Coupé ist das exotischste und faszinierendste von allen“, so Marcus Syring, Leiter der BMW M-Designabteilung. Dynamisch-elegante Linienführung,

Sportsitze in Merino-Leder, der TwinPower-Turbo 8-Zylinder-Benzinmotor mit 625 PS und einer Beschleunigung von 0 auf 100 km/h in 3,2 Sekunden ist der leistungsstärkste

Motor aller BMW Serienfahrzeuge und gleichermaßen für den Einsatz auf der Rennstrecke ausgelegt. Gänsehaut pur!

BMW M is booming: The BMW subsidiary, managed as an independent company, is setting sales records with its spectacular high-performance models. Its latest creation:

the breathtaking luxury sports vehicle BMW M8 Gran Coupé. “The BMW M8 offers the highest level of sports performance and elegance of the entire BMW portfolio – and

the BMW M8 Gran Coupé is also the most exotic and fascinating of them all,” says Marcus Syring, head of the BMW M design department. The dynamically elegant lines, the

Merino leather sports seats, the TwinPower-Turbo 8-cylinder petrol engine with 625 hp and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, make this the most powerful

engine in BMW’s vehicle range perfectly suitable for use on racetracks. Goosebumps guaranteed!

PHOTOS: BMW AG, MÜNCHEN; JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED; VOLKSWAGEN AG; AUDI AG

Jaguar F-PACE: Blueprint für automobilen Luxus | Blueprint

for automotive luxury

Der Luxus-SUV des britischen Automobilherstellers erfährt eine umfassende

Erneuerung, die weit über den üblichen „midlife refresh“ hinaus geht, wie Jaguar

betont. Neue LED-Front- und Rücklichter, höhere Lufteinlässe und die markante

Motorhaube sind die optischen Highlights. Das Interieur mit seinen hochwertigen

Materialien, dem 11,4 Zoll HD-Touchscreen und einem komplett neuen Infotainment

System setzt neue Standards und ist der Blueprint für alle zukünftigen Jaguars.

Britische Ingenieurskunst at its best!

The British automaker’s luxury SUV is receiving a comprehensive overhaul that

goes far beyond the usual “midlife refresh”, as Jaguar emphasises. The new LED

front and rear lights, higher air intakes and the striking bonnet are just some of the

optical highlights. The interior with its premium materials, the 11.4-inch HD touch

screen and a completely new infotainment system is setting new standards and is

set to become the blueprint for all future Jaguars. British engineering at its finest!

Motor Engine

R4 und R6 Diesel und Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid

| R4 and R6 diesel and petrol, plug-in hybrid

Antrieb Drive

Allrad | All-wheel drive

kW (PS) kw (HP) 120-297 (163-404)

Hubraum Engine displacement 1.997-2.996 ccm

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 7,7-6,2 Diesel / 10,2-9,3 Benziner/Plug-in-Hybrid ab 2,2 l/100km

Preis | Price ab | from: € 58.903,-

2017 brachte VW den Arteon als neues Topmodell auf den Markt, nun erhält die

elegante, langgezogene Limousine ihr erstes Update: Nachgeschärfte Linie und neu

designte Lichter, im Cockpit erfreuen Echtholzfurniere, verbesserte Konnektivität, ein

hochauflösendes 26 cm Display und das neu gestaltete Multifunktionslenkrad. Neu

ist auch der Shooting Brake mit Hecktüre, der es bei umgelegter Rückbank auf 1.632

Liter Ladevolumen bringt. Spitzenmodell bei der Motorisierung ist die Sportversion

Arteon R mit 320 PS (ab Frühjahr 2021), bereits jetzt gibt es den VW Arteon auch als

Plug-in-Hybrid mit 57 km rein elektrischer Reichweite.

In 2017, VW launched the Arteon as a new premium model – now, the elegant, elongated

sedan is getting its first update: re-sharpened lines and re-designed lights, while the

cockpit impresses with genuine wooden veneer, improved connectivity, a high-resolution

26-cm display and a re-imagined multi-functional steering wheel. Also new is the

shooting brake with rear door, which, after folding down the rear seats, brings the storage

volume to 1,632 litres. The sports version – the Arteon R with 320 hp – is the flagship

model when it comes to engine power and will become available in spring 2021. The VW

Arteon is already available as a plug-in hybrid with 57 km completely electric reach.

Motor Engine Diesel, Plug-in-Hybrid (Benziner ab 2021)

| R4 diesel, plug-in hybrid (petrol from 2021)

Antrieb Drive

Frontantrieb und Allrad 4MOTION

| Front-wheel and all-wheel drive 4MOTION

kW (PS) kw (HP) 110-147 (150-200)

Hubraum Engine displacement 1.968 ccm

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 5,1-4,0 l/100 km Diesel

Preis | Price ab | from: € 47.400,-



SAVOIR VIVRE WEEKENDER

ARLBERG

Mountain High

Text: Gerald Sturz

Hier lässt’s sich gut speisen. Nirgendwo

anders in Österreich gibt es eine so große

Dichte an Haubenlokalen wie am Arlberg.

You can eat well here. Nowhere else in

Austria you will find such a high density

of toque-awarded restaurants like at the

Arlberg region.

Nicht nur Alpinskifahrer kommen am Arlberg auf ihre Rechnung. Auch all jene, die es

gemütlicher wollen, die einen Hang zur Romantik haben oder die auf der Suche nach kulinarischen

Abenteuern sind, werden hier finden, was sie suchen.

It isn’t just alpine skiers who get their money’s worth at the Arlberg mountain. Those who like

it warm and cosy, have a penchant for the romantic or are looking for new culinary adventures

are likewise going to find exactly what they are looking for.

Weißer Traum.

A dream of white.

PHOTOS: JOSEF MALLAUN, CHRISTOPH SCHOECH (2)

S

ki-Enthusiasten versetzt die Erwähnung des

Namens Arlberg ohnehin in Verzücken. An

was man da nicht alles denkt! Daran, dass hier

der Skisport, so wie wir ihn heute kennen, erfunden

wurde. Dass hier das erste Skirennen der Alpen stattgefunden

hat. Dass St. Anton am Arlberg Austragungsort

der berühmt-berüchtigten Kandahar-Abfahrt

ist. Dass hier der Weltcup-Skizirkus regelmäßig

Station macht. Dass hier zwei der spektakulärsten

und herausforderndsten Wettbewerbe für Amateur-

Skifahrer stattfinden: der „Weiße Ring“ in Lech,

Zürs, Zug und Oberlech und der „Weiße Rausch“ in

St. Anton, die beide längst Kult sind. Zwischen St.

Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Lech und Zürs spannt

sich mit 305 Kilometer markierter Skiabfahrten, 200

Kilometer hochalpiner Tiefschnee-Abfahrten, 88

Bergbahnen und Liften das größte zusammenhängende

Skigebiet Österreichs, das fünftgrößte der

Welt. So ist er halt entstanden, der Mythos Arlberg.

Da überrascht es einen nicht, dass die renommierte

Reisezeitschrift Condé Nast Traveller soeben St. Anton

am Arlberg zum zweitbesten Skiresort ernannt

hat. Weltweit.

Das alles ist eindrucksvoll genug. Doch es ist nicht

allein der alpine Skisport, der die Faszination Arlberg

ausmacht. Denn diese Gebirgsregion, die die beiden

österreichischen Bundesländer Vorarlberg und Tirol

miteinander verbindet, hat weit mehr zu bieten. Hier

kommen auch alle auf ihre Rechnung, die sich nicht

als Alpinsportler verstehen. Hier verdichten sich, wie

es das Arlberg-Marketing so schön verspricht, „Pisten

und Powder, Kulinarik und Gastfreundschaft zu

einem hochkarätigen Gesamterlebnis“.

Da sind zum Beispiel all jene, die mit ihren Skiern

andere Sachen machen wollen, als auf gut präparierten

Pisten hinabzusausen. Die Langläufer also. Auch

sie wissen sich am Arlberg dank 80 Kilometer Loipen

und Skatingstrecken bestens aufgehoben. Für

die, die lieber zu Fuß die Natur genießen wollen, gibt

es ein markiertes und geräumtes, weit verzweigtes

Netz von Winterwanderwegen. Bei der Backcountry-Variante

mit Schneeschuhen lassen sich stille

Wälder und Berghänge durchstreifen, ob auf eigene

Faust oder geführt.

Und wenn es jemand ganz romantisch mag? Wie

wäre es dann mit Pferdekutschenfahrten oder auch

nur mit gemütlichen Wanderungen durch verschneite

Landschaften. Romantiker werden auch schnell

Gefallen finden an den Rodelbahnen wie der 4,3 Kilometer

langen Naturrodelbahn vom Gampen, den

Eislaufplätzen und den Eisstockbahnen.

Wellness-Liebhaber werden sich nicht nur in den

Wellness-Oasen der Luxushotels erholen können,

sondern auch im Arlberg WellCom, dem Wellnessund

Fitness-Zentrum in „Stanton“, wie die Einheimischen

ihren Ort gerne auf Amerikanisch nennen.

Ein ganz besonders Vergnügen aber bereitet der

Arlberg den Feinschmeckern. „Faktum ist und

bleibt“, weiß Karl Hohenlohe, der Herausgeber des

österreichischen Gault Millau, „dass es immer mehr

Gäste gibt, die Lech und Zürs nicht nur wegen der

Skipisten, sondern auch wegen der hervorragenden

Gastronomie schätzen.“ Vor allem zwei Restaurants

in Zug haben sich zu Lieblingen anspruchsvoller

Feinschmecker entwickelt. Der Rote Wand Chef ’s

Table, wo mit Max Natmessnig einer von Österreichs

spannendsten jungen Küchenchefs ans Werk geht,

sowie das Jakob & Ethel im Klösterle, in dem eine

Köchin aus Singapur und ein Koch aus Südtirol, die

im legendären schwedischen Restaurant Fäviken zusammengefunden

haben, alpine Traditionen mit

zeitgemäßen Techniken verbinden.

Erhärten lässt sich die wertschätzende Charakterisierung

auch durch die Anzahl der Gault-Millau-

Hauben. Gemessen an der Bevölkerungszahl, weisen

die fünf Arlberg-Orte sogar die höchste Dichte an

Haubenlokalen in Österreich auf: mit gesamt 22

Hauben. Eines der höchstgelegenen Drei-Hauben-

Restaurants Europas liegt auf 2.085 Metern: Die Verwallstube

am Galzig hat neben einer köstlichen Haubenküche

auch den Ausblick auf die schneebedeckten

Gipfel der Verwallgruppe und der Lechtaler Alpen

Für alle, die abseits wohlpräparierter

Pisten ins Tal schwingen wollen, ist

das Arlberg-Gebiet ein unvergleichliches

Erlebnis.

The Arlberg area is an incomparable

experience for everyone who wants to

swing as far down as the valley, away

from excellently groomed slopes.

Die Flexenbahn war der letzte Baustein, der

den Arlberg zum größten zusammenhängenden

Skigebiet Österreichs machte.

The Flexenbahn was the last building block that

turned the Arlberg into the biggest inter-connected

ski area in Austria.



131

LE SAVOIR XYX XYXYXY VIVRE WEEKENDER

Das Arlberg WellCom ist

St. Antons Wellness- und

Fitness-Oase.

The Arlberg WellCom is

St. Anton‘s wellness and

fitness oasis.

Ein Tag am Berg: Rast

in einer der zahlreichen

Berghütten und eine flotte

Abfahrt auf großartigen

Pisten.

A day at the mountain:

Resting in one of the

numerous alpine huts and

a brisk descent on great

slopes.

INFO:

arlberg.net

zu bieten. Vom Kapall Restaurant in der Bergstation

der Kapallbahn auf 2.300 Höhenmeter kann man sogar

über die Berggipfel bis nach Deutschland, Italien

und die Schweiz blicken. Schöner kann Winter nicht

sein.

Ski enthusiasts can’t contain their excitement

upon hearing the name Arlberg. The things

that come to mind! Like, for example, the fact

that skiing was invented right here. Or that one of the

first alpine ski races ever took place here. Then there

is the fact that St. Anton am Arlberg is also the venue

for the infamous Kandahar downhill race. And the

world cup ski circuit races are regularly held here, as

well as two of the most spectacular and challenging

competitions for amateur skiers: the “White Ring” in

Lech, Zürs, Zug and Oberlech, and the “White Rush”

in St. Anton, both of which have become cult events.

There are more than 305 kilometres of marked ski

runs between St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Lech

and Zürs, 200 kilometres of high-alpine deep snow

runs and 88 mountain railroads and lifts, making

this the biggest inter-connected ski resort in Austria,

and the fifth biggest in the world. So, this is how it all

began: the myth of the Arlberg mountain. Hence, it

should come as no surprise that the renowned travel

magazine Condé Nast Traveller has just declared St.

Anton am Arlberg the second-best ski resort – in the

world.

All of this is impressive enough. It’s not just alpine

skiing that makes Arlberg what it is. For this mountain

region, which links the two Austrian provinces

of Vorarlberg and Tyrol, has plenty more to offer.

Here, every alpine sports enthusiast will get his or

her money’s worth. After all, this is where, as the

Arlberg’s marketing slogan puts it, “slopes and powder,

culinary delights and hospitality combine into a

comprehensive and top-notch experience.”

But there are also those who want to do other

things with their skis than rush down the excellently

groomed slopes – those are the cross-country skiers.

They too know that they will be well taken care of at

the Arlberg region thanks to its 80 kilometres of

cross-country trails and skating tracks. Those who

prefer to explore the natural world by foot have a cleared,

marked and extensive network of winter hiking

trails at their disposal which also includes elevated

paths. The back-country version with snowshoes is

perfect for exploring still forests and mountain slopes

– either on your own or with a guide.

And if you’re a hopeless romantic? How about a

horse-drawn carriage or a relaxing hike through

snowy landscapes? Romantics will also love the toboggan

and the 4.3-kilometre-long natural toboggan

run that runs from the Gampen to the Nasserein

mountain, and also the ice-skating and curling rinks.

Wellness lovers, on the other hand, can recharge

their batteries not only at the wellness oases in the

various luxury hotels, but also in the Arlberg Well-

Com, the wellness and fitness centre in “Stanton” (as

opposed to “St. Anton”), as the locals like to call their

home the American way.

But the Arlberg also has plenty to offer for gourmets.

“The fact of the matter,” says Karl Hohenlohe,

publisher of the Austrian Gault Millau, “is that there

is an increasing number of guests who come to Lech

and Zürs not just for the ski slopes but also for the

excellent gastronomy.” There are two restaurants in

Zug in particular that have earned a reputation as favourites

among discerning gourmets. The Rote

Wand Chef ’s Table, where Max Natmessnig – one of

Austria’s most exciting young chefs – is at work, as

well as the Jakob & Ethel im Klösterle, where a chef

from Singapore and another from South Tyrol, who

met at the legendary Swedish restaurant Fäviken,

combine alpine tradition and contemporary trends.

This trend is further cemented by the number of

Gault Millau toques in the area. Taking into account

the population number, the five Arlberg destinations

boast the highest concentration of toque-winning restaurants

in all of Austria: 22 in total. One of Europe’s

highest three-toque winning restaurants is located on

an elevation of 2,085 metres above sea level: The Verwallstube

on the Galzig has, next to its delicious cuisine,

also a gorgeous view of the snow-covered summits

of the Verwall mountain range and the Lechtal

Alps. And from the Kapall Restaurant in the mountain

station of the Kapallbahn mountain railway at an

elevation of 2,300 metres above sea level, you can

even see all the way to Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

Winter doesn’t get better than this.

PHOTOS: CHRISTOPH SCHOECH (2), ARLBERG MARKETING

Outstanding

Red Wine from

Carnuntum

Ausgezeichneter Zweigelt

aus Carnuntum

17 von 20 Pkt.

GRAND

CRU

SIEGER

95

Pkt.

17,5/20 by Julia Harding MW

JancisRobinson.com


MARKO

Lukas Markowitsch

Göttlesbrunn | T.: +43 2162 82 26 | weingut@lukas-markowitsch.com | www.lukas-markowitsch.com

SAVOIR VIVRE UPCOMING

Wo es uns gefällt

Where we love to be


Fine hotels

selected by

CERCLE

DIPLOMATIQUE

ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL

can also be found in these exclusive hotels:

NACHHALTIGKEIT | SUSTAINABILITY

Langfristiges Wirken | Long-term efforts

© Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden

KUNST | ART

Kunstwerk am Berg | Mountain art

Der US-Künstler James Turrell installiert rund um den Globus „Skyspaces“–

phänomenale Bauten, die der Beobachtung von Licht und Kosmos dienen.

Sein neuestes Oeuvre steht nun in Vorarlberg in knapp 2.000 Meter Höhe.

Es wurde größtenteils unterirdisch errichtet und schmiegt sich oval nach

oben. Der 15 Meter lange Tunnel führt zum „Sensing Room“ – dieser ist mit

einer umlaufenden Sitzbank ausgestattet, von der aus man mit Muße dann

Kunst und Kultur auf sich wirken lassen kann.

U.S. artist James Turrell has dedicated himself to setting up “skyspaces”–

phenomenal structures that serve the purpose of observing light and the

cosmos – all over the world. His most recent piece is located in Vorarlberg

at an altitude of almost 2,000 metres. The structure was largely built

underground and protrudes at the top in the form of an oval shape. The

15-metre-long tunnel leads to the “Sensing Room”, which is equipped

with a circular bench on which one can relax while taking in the artwork.

Infos und Tickets | Information and tickets:

skyspace-lech.com

TOURISMUS | TOURISM

Stadtwandern | City hike

Wenn Salzburg in zartes Weiß gehüllt ist, gibt es nichts Schöneres, als

sich auf einen der Stadtberge zu begeben und dort bei einem

Spaziergang in eine stillere Welt einzutauchen. Die Wege über den

Mönchsberg und Kapuzinerberg sind abwechslungsreich und mühelos zu

gehen. Unterwegs gibt es viel zu entdecken: Klöster und Kirchen,

Kunstwerke und Kulinarik wechseln einander ab.

When Salzburg is covered in white snow, then there is nothing more

beautiful than to go to one of the local mountains and immerse oneself

in a quieter world while out on a walk. The trails around Mönchsberg

and Kapuzinerberg offer a lot of variety and are quite easy to walk.

There’s much to discover along the way: monasteries and churches,

works of art and culinary treats take turns one after the other.

salzburg.info/themenwege

PHOTOS: FLORIAN HOLZHERR, SCHULTZ GRUPPE/ BECKNAPHOTO, TOURISMUS SALZBURG GMBH, FRANZI SCHÄDEL, BOUTIQUEHOTEL STADTHALLE/ TINA HERZL

Michaela Reitterer ist nicht nur die Präsidentin der Österreichischen

Hoteliervereinigung (ÖHV), sondern auch Hotelière mit viel Herz und Mut

in ihrem Wiener Boutiquehotel Stadthalle. Lavendelfelder und

Bienenkästen am Dach, die eigene Photovoltaik-Anlage oder das tolle

Bio-Frühstück machen den Betrieb im besten Sinne grün. Nun folgte mit

den fröhlichen „Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “-Zimmern, die

mit den 17 UN-Zielen auf eigens bedruckten Vorhängen aufwarten, bunter

Nachwuchs. „Diese Ziele sind für die Zeit nach Corona der beste Leitfaden

für den Aufschwung der gesamten Wirtschaft“, ist sich Reitterer sicher.

Michaela Reitterer is not only the president of the Austrian Hotelier

Association (ÖHV), but also a hotel manager in her own right, and

displays a lot of heart and courage at her Boutiquehotel Stadthalle in

Vienna. With lavender fields and beehives on the rooftop, an in-house

photovoltaic system and an amazing organic breakfast, this is a green

business in the best sense of the word. The most recent addition has

been the cheerful “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” rooms,

which, among other things, boast the 17 UN goals on specially printed

curtains. “These goals will be the best guide when we restart the entire

economy once the coronavirus pandemic is over,” Reitterer says.

hotelstadthalle.at

WINTERSPORT | WINTER SPORTS

Beste Skihütte Europas | Europe’s best ski hut

Das „Skimagazin“-Leservoting zeichnete die „Wedelhütte“ als Sieger aus,

die mitten in der Skiregion Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach auf 2.350 Metern

steht. Dort genießen Gäste den Weitblick auf die Dreitausender der

Zillertaler Alpen. In der Sunbed-Area kann man zu guten House-Tunes

entspannen. Und wer noch nicht nach Hause wedeln möchte, findet in

den Suiten besonderen Komfort.

The “Skimagazin” reader’s poll has chosen “Wedelhütte” – located right

in the middle of the Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach ski resort at an altitude of

2,350 metres – as the best ski hut in all of Europe. At the resort, visitors

get to enjoy panoramic views of the Zillertaler Alps or relax to chill

tunes in the Sunbed Area. And those who don’t feel like going back

home quite yet, will find real comfort in the excellent suites.

wedelhuette.at

General Manager

Julia & Constantin v. Deines

Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden

Schlosspark 1

9220 Velden am Wörthersee, Austria

+43-(0)4274-52 0000

schlossvelden.falkensteiner.com

These selected hotels offer

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL

as a special service:

Almdorf Seinerzeit l Hotel Altstadt Radisson Blu l Hotel Astoria l Astoria Relax & Spa-Hotel l Hotel Bristol - A

Luxury Collection Hotel Vienna l Austria Trend Hotel Europa l Chaletdorf Prechtldorfgut l Falkensteiner Schlosshotel

Velden l Feriendorf Holzlebn l Fleming‘s Deluxe Hotel l Golden Hill Country Chalets & Suites l Grand Ferdinand

- Hotel am Ring l Grand Hotel Wien l Hotel de France Wien l Hotel Goldener Hirsch l A Luxury Collection

Hotel Salzburg l Gradonna****s Mountain Resort 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


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

Haya Molcho und Söhne

Wien by Neni

„Wien“, so schreiben Haya Molcho und ihre Söhne,

„ist für uns der ideale Ort: Wir fühlen uns sowohl

fremd als auch heimisch, wir sind Wiener mit vielen

Wurzeln und mehreren kulturellen Identitäten“. Und

diese multikulturelle Haltung prägt auch die Küche

von Haya Molcho, die seit gut zehn Jahren nicht

mehr aus der Wiener kulinarischen Szene

wegzudenken ist. Ausgehend von ihrem Restaurant

Neni am Wiener Nachmarkt hat die in Tel Aviv als

Tochter rumänischer Immigranten geborene Haya

Molcho eine heute europaweit präsente Marke

geschaffen, die Elemente der levantinischen Küche

mit Rezepten der Donaumonarchie kreuzt.

Gemeinsam mit anderen Gastronomen, mit

Freunden und Mitarbeitern begeben sich Haya und

ihre Söhne mit diesem Buch auf die Suche nach

einer weltoffenen neuen Wiener Küche.

Vienna, Haya Molcho and her sons write, “is the ideal

place for us: We feel both foreign and at home, we’re

Viennese with many roots and many cultural

identities.” And this multicultural attitude also helps

shape Haya Molcho’s cuisine which has become an

integral part of the Viennese culinary scene over the

past 10 years. Starting with her restaurant Neni at the

Naschmarkt in Vienna, the Tel-Aviv-born daughter of

Romanian immigrants has created a brand that is now

present across all of Europe by combining elements of

Levantine cuisine with recipes from the Danube

Monarchy. Together with other restaurateurs, her

friends and co-workers, Haya and her sons set out in

search of a cosmopolitan new Viennese cuisine with

this book.

–

Brandstätter Verlag

€ 35,–

Lukas Beck

Wien pur

Über das Wien während des Lockdowns im Frühjahr

dieses Jahres sind einige Bücher erschienen. Sie

gefallen sich darin, menschenleere Straßen und

Plätze zu zeigen. Lukas Beck, einer von Österreichs

profiliertesten Porträtfotografen, hat einen etwas

anderen Weg eingeschlagen. Ihn interessierte, wie

die wenigen Menschen, die unterwegs waren, mit

dem nahezu leeren Raum umgingen, wie sie ihn

nutzten. Beck, der bekannt ist für seine ruhigen,

inszenierten und perfekt ausgeleuchteten Porträts,

ließ sich auf zufällige, schnelle Momente und

Begegnungen ein, bei denen vor allem die Sonne für

Licht sorgte. Tolle Street-Photography unter

außergewöhnlichen Bedingungen.

Many books have been written about Vienna during

the lockdown of earlier this year. They are fascinated

by the sights of deserted streets and squares. Lukas

Back, one of Austria’s best-known portrait

photographers, has taken a slightly different

approach. What interested him was how the few

people that were out and about navigated and used

the almost empty space they were presented with.

Beck, who is best known for his quiet, staged and

perfectly lit portraits, was drawn to quick chance

moments and encounters where the sun was the main

source of light. Great street photography under

extraordinary circumstances.

–

Echomedia

€ 29,90

Robert Engele

Die Stadt von Gestern

Auf eine Zeitreise zurück in das alte Graz nimmt uns

der Journalist Robert Engele mit diesem sehr gut

illustrierten Buch. Er zeigt uns, wie sich Österreichs

zweitgrößte Stadt über die Jahrhunderte verändert

und gewandelt hat. Wie sie ab dem Ende des 18.

Jahrhunderts von einer mauerstarren Festung zu

einer „offenen“ Stadt wurde, wie aus der Residenz

des Landesfürsten eine weltoffene und moderne

Metropole und wie aus der Militärfestung eine

Stadt der Kulturavantgarde wurde. „Es war“,

schreibt Robert Engele, „ein sehr weiter Weg“.

With this brilliantly illustrated book, journalist Robert

Engele takes us on a journey through time back to the

old Graz. He shows how Austria’s second-largest city

changed and transformed over the centuries. How,

towards the end of the 18th century, it changed from

a rigid fortress into an “open” city, how the residence

of the sovereign prince became a cosmopolitan and

modern metropolis and how a military fortress

became a city of the cultural avant-garde. It was, as

Robert Engele puts it, “a very long journey.”

–

Styria

€ 27,–

Ludwig Hirschfeld

Wien

Ludwig Hirschfeld, der Sohn einer jüdischen Industriellenfamilie,

war eine der prägenden Figuren der Wiener

Kulturszene der ersten Jahrzehnte des 20. Jahrhunderts. Er

schrieb immens populäre Kolumnen in der Neuen Freien

Presse, in denen er leichtfüssig und elegant über den Alltag

in der Metropole plauderte, er war Chefredakteur von

Kultur- und Modezeitschriften, Schriftsteller, Drehbuchautor,

Theaterimpresario und Komponist. Schön, dass es

einige seiner Feuilletons wieder zu lesen gibt: in dem

gerade erschienenen Buch „Wien in Moll“. Hirschfeld

schrieb auch einen Wien-Reiseführer. 1927 erschien „Das

Buch von Wien“, Untertitel: „Was nicht im Baedeker steht“.

Nun wurde dieses charmante Buch neu aufgelegt. Es zeigt,

dass die Wiener damals schon gut über ihre Stadt zu

raunzen wussten. Es ist eine unterhaltsame Lektüre. 1942

wurde Hirschfeld in Auschwitz ermordet.

Ludwig Hirschfeld, the son of a Jewish industrialist family,

was one of the most influential figures in Vienna’s cultural

scene in the first few decades of the 20th century. He wrote

immensely popular columns in the Neue Freie Presse, in

which he both light-heartedly as well as elegantly spoke

about everyday life in the metropolis. He was the

editor-in-chief of various culture and fashion magazines, an

author, screenplay writer, theatre impresario and composer. It

is nice to see then that his feuilletons can now be read again

in the recently released “Wien in Moll”. Hirschfeld also wrote

a Vienna travel guide. His “Das Buch von Wien” (“The Book

of Vienna”) was released in 1927 with the subheading: “What

the Baedeker travel guide won’t tell you”. Now, his charming

book is being re-released. It shows that the Viennese already

liked to complain about their city back in the day. It’s a very

entertaining read. Hirschfeld was murdered in Auschwitz in

1942.

–

Milena Verlag

€ 23,–

Désirée Vasko-Juhász

Kvarner Palace

Mit den Grand Hotels der K.u.k. Monarchie kennt

sich Désirée Vasko-Juhász aus. Die Journalistin und

Autorin ist Verfasserin eines wunderbaren und

unverzichtbaren Buches über die prachtvollen

Häuser an der Südbahn, jener Bahnlinie, die Wien

mit den Orten an der Adria verband. Ihr jüngstes

Buch widmet sich dem Palasthotel Kvarner Palace,

das vor 125 Jahren im Seebad Cirknenz in der

Kvarner Bucht, die damals Teil der K.u.k. Monarchie

war und heute in Kroatien gelegen ist, eröffnet

wurde. Sie erzählt die Geschichte dieses Hotels, das

alle weltpolitischen Stürme des 20. Jahrhunderts

überstanden hat und das auch heute noch als Grand

Hotel geführt wird.

Désirée Vasko-Juhász is an expert when it comes to

the grand hotels of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire.

The journalist is the author of a brilliant and

indispensable book about the magnificent buildings

along the Southern Railway, the railway line which

used to connect Vienna with various destinations

along the Adriatic Sea. Her newest book is dedicated

to the Kvarner Palace, built 125 years ago in the

seaside resort town of Crikvenica in the Kvarner Bay,

when it was still part of the Austrian monarchy, today

located in Croatia. She recounts the history of the

hotel that made it through the political upheavals of

the 20th century and continues to be run as a grand

hotel to this day.

–

Böhlau Verlag

€ 28,–

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE is Austria‘s leading and

only bilingual medium for the diplomatic corps,

leading officials of international organisations and

for the majority of decision-makers from politics,

business, tourism and art & culture in Austria for

49 years.

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Media Owner, Publisher & Producer:

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assumed for unsolicited manuscripts, pictures, etc.

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which identify anyone or anything by name. The

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reflect those of the publisher or editors. All articles

contained in this magazine serve informational

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Price list valid from 1 January 2020.

Disclosure:

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available at www.cercle-diplomatique.com/impressum

The published essays and commentaries do not

necessarily reflect the opinion of the editors.

Seit 49 Jahren das

führende Magazin

Österreichs für

das Diplomatische

Corps, Internationale

Organisationen, Wirtschaft,

Unternehmen,

Tourismus, Lifestyle &

Kultur sowie Events



SAVOIR VIVRE MY AUSTRIA

I.E. Catherine Koika

Botschafterin von Griechenland | Ambassador of Greece

Interview: Daniela Pötzl

Top in Österreich |

Top in Austria

PERSONAL DETAILS

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA (PORTRAITS), CHRISTIANE SETZ, THOMAS LEDL

Sie sind seit rund eineinhalb Jahren als Botschafterin

in Österreich tätig. Welche Eindrücke haben Sie von

der Stadt Wien?

Wien ist in Zentraleuropa die „Königin der Künste“ auf

vielerlei Arten, eine elegante Stadt mit einer langen

Geschichte und Tradition, insbesondere in der Musik. Es

bieten sich einem außerdem viele Möglichkeiten, die Stadt

im Bereich Architektur sowie ihre sehenswerten Galerien,

verbunden mit einer neuen Generation an Künstlern, zu

erkunden.

Andererseits ist Wien das Herz des Multilateralismus. Die

österreichische Hauptstadt ist für Diplomaten jene Stadt,

die sehr stark mit dem sogenannten “Spirit von Wien“, der

Quintessenz der Diplomatie, verbunden wird, und bis zum

Beginn des 19. Jahrhunderts und zum Wiener Kongress 1815

zurückreicht. Wien ist als einer der vier Standorte der UNO

Gastgeber für viele internationale Organisationen, darunter

unter anderem die IAEO, eine große internationale

Institution, die auf eine friedliche Nutzung von Atomenergie

abzielt.

Die historischen Verbindungen zwischen Griechenland

und Österreich gehen bis ins 17. und 18. Jahrhundert

zurück.

Die Griechen sind in Wien keine Newcomer (lacht). Sie wurden

hier seit dem 17. und 18. Jahrhundert herzlich aufgenommen, in

Wien und in anderen Teilen des Landes. Es waren hauptsächlich

Händler, die zu dieser Zeit nach Österreich kamen, im

Herzen des Österreichisch-Ungarischen Reichs, und seitdem

sind sie bestens etabliert und haben ihre Gemeinschaften

aufgebaut.

Es gibt eine recht große griechische Gemeinde in Wien,

wie auch in Graz, Linz, Salzburg und Bregenz.

Ich war in Graz, einer schönen Stadt, in der seit Ende der

1960er Jahre viele griechische Architekten und Ingenieure

an der Technischen Universität ausgebildet wurden, die

nach wie vor dort leben. Die griechische Gemeinschaft ist

sehr aktiv und hat sich hervorragend in das wirtschaftliche

und soziale Leben der Region integriert. Gleiches gilt für

Griechen in allen anderen Städten und Regionen

Österreichs. Nach unseren Schätzungen leben heutzutage

10.000-12.000 Griechen in Österreich, hauptsächlich in

Wien.

Griechenland ist schon seit vielen Jahren eines der

beliebtesten Ferienziele der Österreicher. Wie lautet

Ihr ganz persönlicher Reise-Geheimtipp?

Der Tourismus ist einer der wichtigsten Sektoren der

griechischen Wirtschaft. 2019 besuchten fast 600.000

Österreicher unser Land und wir sind sehr optimistisch,

dass sich der Trend nach der Pandemie wieder sehr positiv

entwickeln wird.

Ich selbst stamme vom Peloponnes, einer wunderbaren

Region, aber mein Geheimtipp ist eine kleine Insel auf den

Kykladen, die „Insel der Winde“, Tinos.

You have been here as Ambassador to Austria for

almost 1.5 years now. What are your impressions of the

city of Vienna?

Vienna, in many ways, is the “Queen of arts” in Central

Europe, an elegant city with a long cultural history and

tradition, especially in music. There are also so many

opportunities to get to know its architecture, its lovely

galleries and its new generation of artists.

On the other hand, Vienna is the heart of multilateralism.

The Austrian capital, for diplomats, is very much connected

to the so-called “spirit of Vienna”, which is really the

quintessence of diplomacy, that goes back to the beginning

of the 19th century and the Vienna Congress in 1815. It

hosts, as one of the four seats of the United Nations, many

international organisations, like, among others, the IAEA,

which is a major international Institution, aiming at the

peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The historic relations between Greece and Austria date

back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Greeks are not newcomers in Austria (smiles). They

have been so warmly welcomed here in Vienna and in other

parts of the country since the 17th and 18th centuries. They

were mainly trade people, who came to Austria at that

time, in the very heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and

ever since they have been very well established and have

created their communities.

There is a rather large Greek community in Vienna as

well as in Graz, Linz, Salzburg and Bregenz.

I have been in Graz, a beautiful city where many Greek

architects and engineers have been educated at the University

of Technology since the late 1960s – and they still live

there. The Greek community is very active and assimilated

in an excellent way in the economic and social life of the

wider region. The same goes for Greeks in all other cities

and regions in Austria. According to our estimates, there

are nowadays 10,000-12,000 Greeks living in Austria,

mainly in Vienna.

Greece has been among the most popular Austrian

holiday destinations for many years. Could you please

give an insider tip where our next journey in Greece

should take us to?

Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the Greek

economy. In 2019, almost 600,000 Austrians visited our

country and we’re very optimistic that after the pandemic

the trend will be again highly positive.

I myself come from Peloponnese, which is a very beautiful

region, but my hidden gem is a little island in the Cyclades,

the “island of the winds”, Tinos.

Von oben:

Neben Wien, Graz, Linz und Salzburg, hat

auch Bregenz in Vorarlberg eine aktive

griechische Gemeinde.

Eine wunderbare Ansicht der „Griechenkirche

zur Heiligen Dreifaltigkeit“, die am

Fleischmarkt in Wiens 1. Bezirk zu finden

ist.

From top:

In addition to Vienna, Graz, Linz and

Salzburg, Bregenz in Vorarlberg also has an

active Greek community.

A wonderful view of the “Holy Trinity Greek

Church“, which can be found at Fleischmarkt

in Vienna‘s 1st district.

I.E. Catherine Koika wurde in Griechenland geboren und studierte Rechtswissenschaft an der Universität Athen und

am Institut für Höhere Europäische Studien an der Universität Strassburg. Seit Juni 2019 ist sie Botschafterin von

Griechenland in Wien. Davor war sie als Direktorin des Diplomatischen Kabinetts des Präsidenten der Hellenischen

Republik tätig. Sie ist verheiratet und Mutter zweier Kinder.

H.E. Catherine Koika was born in Greece and studied at the Faculty of Law, University of Athens and at the Institute

of Advanced European Studies at the University of Strasbourg. Since June 2019, she has been Ambassador of Greece in

Vienna. Previously, she worked as Director of the Diplomatic Cabinet of the President of the Hellenic Republic. She is

married and mother of two children.



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LES RENDEZVOUS EVENTS

Popping of Flashbulbs

Find more

photos online


August 2020

PaN, the umbrella organisation of all Austrian-foreign societies, invited to a summer concert

at the Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna.

Under the motto “A little night music”,

prima la musica-Vienna and the Vienna

Philharmonic presented “Chamber music -

night music”. Under the direction of the

conductor Harald Krumpöck, 17 young

up-and-coming musicians played works by

Mozart, Telemann, Beethoven, Arvo Pärt

and Antonin Dvořák.

PHOTOS: DACHVERBAND - PAN

September 2020

Hungary honoured Austria‘s President Wolfgang Sobotka.

Left: At the Hungarian Embassy,

Wolfgang Sobotka (middle),

President of the Austrian National

Council, was honoured with the

“Commander‘s Cross with Star“ of

the Hungarian Order of Merit.

Hungary‘s Parliamentary President,

Laszlo Köver (right) travelled to

Vienna for the award ceremony.

PHOTOS: LEADERSNET / C. MIKES

PHOTOS: CLUB TIROL/TADROS

PHOTOS:ISTVAN FILEP, IMRE KOVACS

September 2020

Friends4Friends invited to a network evening of the Chamber of Commerce of Switzerland-Austria-Liechtenstein.

September 2020

The 10th “Club Tirol“ summer party, which instead of traditionally taking place in June, this year happened

in September at the Schönbrunner Bad.



LES RENDEZVOUS EVENTS

A

October 2020

Cercle Diplomatique welcomed the newly accredited

Ambassadors with a lunch at the restaurant Patara.

Event

2021

FESTIVAL IN

EISENSTADT

Top: The traditional “Ambassadors‘ Welcome Lunch“ at the fine Thai cuisine restaurant

was enjoyed by the new Ambassadors, CD‘s editors, Andrea Fürnweger

(3rd l.) and Alexander Bursky (2nd r.), as well as CD editor, Arian Faal (middle).

15 – 26 SEPT 2021

PHOTOS: MICHAEL CHUOP

October 2020

The Swiss Confederation donated a piece of the so-called Twannberg

meteorite to the Natural History Museum Vienna.

The donation was made on the occasion of the official visit of Hans Stöckli

(on top, 2nd r.), the President of the Council of States, to Austria.

Very left, at the top: Katrin Vohland, General Director and Scientific Director

of the NHM Vienna.

PHOTOS:NATURHISTORISCHES MUSEUM WIEN

Haydn Festival

Jazz

Balkan &

Romani Sounds

Culinary Arts


herbstgold.at

AU REVOIR

Ingenious view!

Volkstheater | Arthur-Schnitzler-Platz 1 | Wien, 7. Bezirk | Vienna, 7th district

Text & Photo: Rois & Stubenrauch

Rundschau

Der grandiose Rundblick

aus den zahlreichen

Fenstern des Volkstheaters

auf den stets

belebten Museumsplatz

und den ersten Bezirk

inspirierte schon

berühmte Ensemblemitglieder

wie Hans Moser,

Helmut Qualtinger oder

Lotte Tobisch. Das Wiener

Volkstheater gilt als eine

der wichtigen deutschen

Sprechbühnen.

Am 8. Jänner 2021

eröffnet das Haus nach

mehr als einem Jahr

umfassender Generalsanierung

unter der neuen

Intendanz von Kay Voges

mit „Der Raum“ von Ernst

Jandl.

Panoramic view

The spectacular panoramic

view of the lively

Museumsplatz and

Vienna’s 1st district from

the many windows of the

Volkstheater has already

inspired famed ensemble

members like Hans Moser,

Helmut Qualtinger and

Lotte Tobisch. Vienna’s

Volkstheater counts among

the most important

German-language theatres.

On 8 January 2021, after

more than a year of

extensive refurbishments,

the theatre is opening its

doors again under new

directorship by Kay Voges

with “Der Raum” by Ernst

Jandl.

volkstheater.at

Besondere Teilchenstrahlen zur Krebsbekämpfung

Fighting Cancer with Special Particle Beams

MedAustron im südlich von Wien gelegenen Wiener Neustadt ist eines von nur sechs Instituten weltweit, an denen Patient*innen

mit einer speziellen Forum von Bestrahlung geholfen werden kann. ◆ MedAustron in Wiener Neustadt, south of

Vienna, is one of only six institutes worldwide where patients can receive help with a special form of irradiation.

Bei MedAustron steht Krebspatient*innen eine

innovative Form der Strahlentherapie zur Verfügung:

die Ionentherapie. Die Methode erlaubt

es, das gesunde Gewebe rund um den Tumor

besser zu schonen. Geladene Teilchen werden

dabei beschleunigt und auf das Tumorgewebe

gelenkt. Bei diesen Teilchen handelt es sich

einerseits um Protonen und andererseits um

Kohlenstoffionen, die weltweit nur an sehr wenigen

Zentren zur Verfügung stehen.

Kohlenstoffionen verfügen über eine höhere

biologische Wirksamkeit als Protonen oder die

in der konventionellen Strahlentherapie eingesetzten

Photonen, wodurch mehr Zerstörungskraft

in den Tumorzellen entfaltet werden kann.

Dadurch eröffnet diese Form der Behandlung

neue Chancen bei bisher schwer oder gar nicht

behandelbaren Tumoren. Selbst bei komplizierten

Tumoren kann es so gelingen, sowohl die

körperlichen Funktionen als auch die Lebensqualität

der Patient*innen zu erhalten.

Im täglichen Ablauf verläuft eine Ionentherapie

ähnlich einer konventionellen Strahlentherapie.

Bei MedAustron erfolgt die Bestrahlung ambulant,

meist an fünf Tagen der Woche über einen

Zeitraum von mehreren Wochen.

Weitere Informationen: www.medaustron.at

und www.facebook.com/medaustron.

Therapieanfragen an patient@medaustron.at

bzw. unter 02622 / 26100 – 300.

◆

MedAustron offers cancer patients an innovative

form of radiation therapy: particle therapy. This

method allows for better protection of the healthy

tissue around the tumour. Charged particles are

accelerated and focused on the tumor tissue.

These particles are protons on the one hand and

carbon ions on the other hand, which are only

available at very few centers worldwide.

Carbon ions have a higher biological effectiveness

than protons or the photons used in conventional

radiation therapy, which means that more destructive

power can be developed in the tumour

cells. As a result, this form of treatment opens

up new opportunities for tumors that were previously

difficult or impossible to treat. Even with

complicated tumours, it is possible to maintain

both the physical functions and the quality of life

of the patient.

The daily routine of ion therapy is similar to that

of conventional radiation therapy. At MedAustron,

the radiation is administered on an outpatient

basis, usually five days a week over a period

of several weeks.

Further information: www.medaustron.at and

www.facebook.com/medaustron.

Therapy inquiries to patient@medaustron.at

or under 02622 / 26100 - 300.

Bild: Kästenbauer/Ettl


www.facebook.com/medaustron

www.medaustron.at

Sheer Driving Pleasure

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1,4 l/100 km to 10,3 l/100 km, CO 2 emissions from 31 g CO 2 /km to 235 g CO 2 /km. Symbolic image.

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 04/2020

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