CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 03/2021

Autumn 2021

Nr. 3 | September – November

cercle-diplomatique.com

THE LEADING AUSTRIAN MAGAZINE FOR

DIPLOMACY INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS GLOBAL BUSINESS CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE

CELEBRATING

ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Y E A R S

1971–2021

A N N I V E R S A R Y

CHINA

PORTRAIT EINER SUPERMACHT

CHINA

PORTRAIT OF A SUPERPOWER

EDITORIAL

Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser! | Dear Readers!

PHOTO: PHILIPP HUTTER

Vor Ihnen liegt die umfangreichste Ausgabe unseres

Magazins Cercle Diplomatique, die wir unter

unserer Ägide bisher produziert haben – stolze

244 Seiten gesamt! Schließlich gibt es drei sehr gute

Gründe, um in diesem Herbst das Glas zu erheben und

zu feiern: 1971 wurde das Magazin von Karl und Elisabeth

Schmidt gegründet und ist mit 50 Jahren nun in den

allerbesten Jahren. Ab 1995 zeichnete KR Waltraud

Steinböck als Herausgeberin verantwortlich. 2015 haben

wir das Magazin übernommen und haben es nach einem

optischen Relaunch sowohl inhaltlich als auch auf Vertriebsebene

noch breiter aufgestellt.

Und noch ein 50-Jahr-Jubiläum wird gefeiert: 1971

wurden auch die diplomatischen Beziehungen zwischen

China und Österreich aufgenommen. Unsere spannende

und breit angelegte Coverstory ist diesmal der neuen

Supermacht China gewidmet. In freundschaftlicher

Zusammenarbeit mit der Österreichisch-Chinesischen

Gesellschaft, unter ihrem Präsidenten Dr. Heinz Fischer,

Bundespräsident a.D., und dem Vizepräsidenten Prof.

Dr. Gerd Kaminski, feiern wir zudem auch das 50-jährige

Bestehen dieser wichtigen Institution.

Oft werden wir gefragt, wann wir denn die Zeit aufbringen,

neben unserem Herausgeber-Part auch noch

redaktionelle Texte für das Magazin zu verfassen. Aber

dies legen wir gerne in die Hände von Profis. Und da

kommt unser herausragendes CD-Team ins Spiel, das

gesamt nun 20 Teamplayer umfasst. Für die amikale

Zusammenarbeit mit den Kollegen aus unseren Fachredaktionen

sagen wir herzlich Danke.

Auch möchten wir anlässlich dieses Jubiläums die

Gelegenheit nutzen, um uns bei unseren Geschäftspartnern

und Werbekunden zu bedanken, ohne die ein Magazin in

dieser Qualität nicht möglich wäre. Gerade in herausfordernden

Zeiten wie diesen wird jeder Werbe-Euro dreimal

umgedreht, und wir sind daher besonders stolz und

dankbar für das Vertrauen, das uns viele langjährige,

aber auch neue Werbekunden schenken.

Erfolg ist nicht etwas, das einfach passiert. „Der eine

wartet, dass die Zeit sich wandelt, der andere packt sie an

und handelt“ – das postulierte schon der italienische

Philosoph Dante Alighieri. Teamwork makes the dream

work. Und dafür sind wir dankbar.

Genießen Sie diese ganz besondere Ausgabe!

The most extensive issue of Cercle Diplomatique

released under our aegis is in your hands – an

impressive 244 pages! There are, after all, three

good reasons to raise a glass and celebrate this autumn:

Our magazine was founded in 1971 by Karl and Elisabeth

Schmidt and, at 50 years old, is now in its prime. In 1995,

Waltraud Steinböck took charge as editor. In 2015, we

took over and, following a visual relaunch, positioned

CD more broadly, both in terms of content and at the

distribution level.

There is another 50-year anniversary to be celebrated:

1971 was also the year in which diplomatic relations were

established between China and Austria. Our exciting and

wide-ranging cover story in this issue is dedicated to the

new superpower China. And in friendly collaboration

with the Austrian-Chinese Society under its President,

former Austrian Federal President Dr Heinz Fischer, and

Vice President Prof. Dr Gerd Kaminski, we are also celebrating

the 50th anniversary of this important institution.

We are often asked how we muster the time to write

editorial texts for the magazine in addition to our role as

publishers. However, we really prefer to leave this in the

hands of the professionals. This is where our outstanding

CD team comes in, which now comprises a total of 20 staff

members. We would like to extend a big thank you to our

colleagues from our specialist editorial office for the great

collaboration.

We would also like to take the opportunity of the anniversary

issue to thank our business partners and advertising

clients without whom a magazine of this quality

would not be possible. Especially in challenging times like

these, every single euro spent on advertising counts, and

thus we take particular pride in the trust that both our

long-term as well as our new advertising customers have

placed in us.

Success isn’t just something that happens. “One person

waits for the times to change, the other seizes the day” – first

postulated by Italian philosopher Dante Alighieri. Teamwork

makes the dream work. And for this we are grateful.

Please enjoy this very special issue!

Herzlichst, | Yours,

Gemeinsam stark:

Das CD-Team mit

den beiden

Herausgebern

Andrea Fürnweger

und Mag. Alexander

Bursky in der

ersten Reihe. Das

Foto wurde vor

der Pandemie

aufgenommen.

Together strong:

The team of Cercle

Diplomatique with

the editors Andrea

Fürnweger and Mag.

Alexander Bursky

in the front row.

Picture was taken

before the pandemic.

Andrea Fürnweger

Herausgeberin | Publisher

Mag. Alexander Bursky

Herausgeber | Publisher

© Martin Hörmandinger

Dear Editors,

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Readers,

I am pleased to take this opportunity to offer you my sincere congratulations on the

occasion of a very special anniversary. CD – Cercle Diplomatique, Economique et

Touristique International turns 50!

In 1971, founder Karl Schmidt, together with his wife Elisabeth, mustered the entrepreneurial

courage to launch a new magazine. He must have known that the magazine was to

have a mission in its own right when he wrote the following in the first issue: “The fact that

we primarily cater to a diplomatic audience does not mean that we are foregoing a broader

forum of readers. Rather, we want to give everyone the opportunity to have their say insofar

as they have a genuine desire to improve the understanding between nations.”

And where could this have taken place better than in Vienna, which had already been the

setting for the Congress of Vienna and continues to contribute to better global

understanding as an important seat of international diplomacy, various international

organisations and the only representation of the UN within the EU.

Exquisite

ITALIAN CUISINE

in the heart of Vienna

And indeed – Cercle Diplomatique has become a success story. The Schmidt couple

continued to lead the magazine jointly with their children until 1995, after which it was

headed by Waltraud Steinböck for the next two decades. In 2015, Andrea Fürnweger and

Alexander Bursky took over and, after a successful relaunch, positioned it as a media

interface linking diplomacy, politics, business and culture.

Through its journalism, CD connects the world with Austria and vice versa, which is a

welcome contribution to international understanding, especially in a country that has

always been very export-oriented, plays a neutral role as a bridge-builder and mediator and

has one of the world’s most important bases for international organisations in Vienna.

I therefore wish the magazine all the best for its half-century anniversary, as well as for the

years to come, and continued reading pleasure for you!

Il Melograno stands for exquisite, authentic Southern Italian cuisine at the highest level. Our team serves you

fine Apulian specialities with the best quality, natural ingredients—and a dash of Mediterranean joie de vivre.

The d’Atri family is originally from the South Italian Gargano-coast and has been completely at home in the world

of gastronomy for seven generations. “We are a place for family and friends—but we always welcome new guests.

Spend a wonderful time in our restaurant and let yourself be pampered”, Roberto d’Atri says.

Experience an unforgettable evening at the Ristorante Il Melograno and enjoy a luxurious selection of rare

delicacies such as handmade Burrata from Andria, wildcaught Branzino al sale or Tiramisù espresso.

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Phone: +43 (0) 1 512 77 84 | www.ilmelograno.at

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE –

ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE

Nr. 328

Ausgabe | Issue 03/2021

September – November

CONTENTS

Cover story

CHINA

Seite | page 40

Die Diplomatischen

Beziehungen zwischen

China und Österreich

wurden bereits 1971

aufgenommen. Heute sind

die Beziehungen intensiviert

und China wurde zur

Supermacht.

Diplomatic relations

between China and Austria

were established in 1971.

Since then, the relationship

between the two countries

has intensified and China

has become a worldpower.

Luohan-Tempel in Chongqing.

Der Tempel ist ein

buddhistischer Tempel,

der sich im Bezirk

Yuzhong befindet.

Er ist der Sitz der

Buddhistischen Vereinigung

von Chongqing.

Luohan Temple in Chongqing.

The temple is a Buddhist temple

located in the Yuzhong District.

It is the site of the Buddhist

Association of Chongqing.

14

16

26

40

74

82

84

92

98

100

104

108

114

122

128

134

136

148

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

50 Jahre CD-Jubiläum | 50 Year Anniversary of CD

Das Magazin wird ein halbes Jahrhundert. The magazine turns half a century.

Coverstory China | Cover story China

Portrait einer Supermacht. Portrait of a superpower.

Griechenland | Greece

Sonniges Paradies. Sunny paradise.

Kommentar | Commentary

Die Zeit für JCPOA 2.0 läuft ab. Time is running out for JCPOA 2.0.

EXPO 2020 Dubai

Der Botschafter der VAE im Interview. The Ambassador of the UAE in an interview.

Infrastruktur | Infrastructure

Das LAPSSET Korridor-Projekt. The LAPSSET Corridor Project.

Kommentar | Commentary

Das Coronavirus ist kein globaler Gamechanger. The coronavirus is no global game changer.

Essay

Vom Green Deal zum Blackout. From the green deal to a black out.

News

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

L‘AUTRICHE

Interview

Verteidigungsministerin Klaudia Tanner. Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner.

Wirtschaft | Economy

Wirtschaftsfaktor Diplomatie. Diplomacy as an economic factor.

Interview

Der neue WIFO-Leiter Gabriel Felbermayr. The future WIFO head Gabriel Felbermayr.

Interview

Karl Habsburg-Lothringen, Medienunternehmer und Präsident der Paneuropa-Union.

Karl Habsburg-Lothringen, media entrepreneur and President of the Pan-European Union.

Botschafter der Bildung | Ambassadors of Education

Das MCI - Die Unternehmerische Hochschule in Innsbruck.

The MCI - The Entrepreneurial School in Innsbruck.

MICE

Wo tagen und feiern in Österreich am schönsten ist.

Where to meet and celebrate at its best in Austria.

Wirtschaftsnews | Business news

Neues aus Österreich. News from Austria.

152

160

166

176

180

182

188

190

196

198

206

214

218

222

224

228

230

232

236

SAVOIR VIVRE

Demokratisierung von Wissen | Democratisation of Knowledge

Die Österreichische Nationalbibliothek. The Austrian National Library.

Leidenschaft für Chinesische Kunst | Passion for Chinese Art

Faszination China. Fascination China.

Lukullische Genüsse 1971-2021 | Epicurean delights 1971-2021

Zeitreise für Gaumen und Geist. A culinary journey through time.

Connaisseur | Connoisseur

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

Botschafter der Musik | Ambassadors of Music

Star-Pianist Víkingur Ólafsson. Star pianist Víkingur Ólafsson.

Kunst | Arts

Kulturelle Highlights im Herbst. Cultural highlights in autumn.

Vision Dialogue

Lilli Hollein, neue Generaldirektorin des MAK / New director of the MAK

Global Adviser

Verreisen, logieren und besuchen. Where to go, where to stay and what to see.

Suite Dreams

Die Ritz-Carlton Albertina Suite, Wien. The Ritz-Carlton Albertina Suite, Vienna.

Wellness

Selfness - Synonym für gesunde Lebensweise. Selfness - a synonym for a healthy lifestyle.

Ferienresidenzen | Holiday residences

Run auf Ferienimmobilien. Run on holiday homes.

Lifestyle

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

Ambassador‘s Drive

Panamas Botschafter auf CD-Testfahrt. Panama‘s Ambassador on a test drive.

Motor

Hohe Ambitionen für den Herbst. High ambitions for the autumn.

Weekender

Wiener Neustadt.

Buchempfehlungen | Must read

Lesenswertes über Österreich. Books worth reading about Austria.

Mein Österreich | My Austria

Der Botschafter von Irak. The Ambassador of Iraq.

Etikette | Etiquette

Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer über gutes Benehmen in China.

Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer on good etiquette in China.

LES RENDEZVOUS

Veranstaltungen | Events

Exklusive Veranstaltungen im Fokus. Exclusive events in focus.

Titelbild | Cover

Bildnis einer chinesischen Dame. | Portrait of a Chinese lady.

7 Editorial

10 Inhalt | Contents

233 Impressum | Imprint

COVERPHOTO: ADOBESTOCK PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

Wir setzen neue Standards!

Von der Idee zur perfekten Immobilie!

WINNER

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2020

EUROPEAN

REAL

ESTATE

BRAND

AWARD

Strongest Brand Austria

Developers

CREATING REAL SUCCESS

LE

BULLETIN

DANUBEFLATS

THE ONE AND ONLY

IN LE BULLETIN ERFAHREN

SIE, WER DIE NEU

AKKREDITIERTEN

BOTSCHAFTER IN

ÖSTERREICH SIND UND

WELCHE OFFIZIELLEN

EMPFÄNGE UND EVENTS

IN DEN VERGANGENEN

DREI MONATEN

STATTGEFUNDEN HABEN.

LE BULLETIN TELLS YOU WHO

THE NEWLY ACCREDITED

AMBASSADORS TO AUSTRIA

ARE AND WHICH OFFICIAL

RECEPTIONS AND EVENTS

TOOK PLACE IN THE PAST

FEW MONTHS.

DC Residental

Living

DC 2

Office | Living

VISIT US ONLINE:

in

SB-GRUPPE.AT

S+B Gruppe AG

SB.GRUPPE

LE BULLETIN CREDENTIALS

Wir begrüßen die neuen Botschafter herzlich in Österreich: Willkommen!

We cordially welcome the new Ambassadors to Austria!

H.E.

Laura Faxas de

Jorgensen

Ambassador of the

Dominican Republic

Credentials: July 2021

H.E.

Sabra Amari

Murillo Centeno

Ambassador of the Republic

of Nicaragua


H.E.

Suleiman

Dauda Umar

Ambassador of the Federal

Republic of Nigeria


H.E.

Dario Ernesto

Chirú Ochoa

Ambassador of the

Republic of Panama


H.E.

Emil

Hurezeanu


of Romania


H.E.

Aleksander

Geržina


of Slovenia


H.E.

Nguyen

Trung Kien

Ambassador of the Socialist

Republic of Vietnam


Born on February 7, 1954

Married, one daughter

Born on September 2, 1983

Single

Born on December 3, 1963

Married with children

Born on August 18, 1952

Married, one child

Born on August 26, 1955

Born on July 19, 1966

Married, one child

Born on October 10, 1970

Married, two children

Education

1980: Bachelor in Sociology, Universidad

Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD)

1982: Master in Social Sciences,

specialisation in Labor Sociology, Facultad

Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales

(FLACSO-MEXICO)

1996: PhD in Sociology, École de Hautes

Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS), Paris

Professional Career

2020: Ambassador, Advisor to the

Minister of Foreign Affairs

2017-2020: Ambassador Extraordinary

and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of

Sweden, with concurrent accreditation to

Denmark, Finland and Norway


and Plenipotentiary to the French Republic,

with concurrent accreditation to the

Principality of Monaco and Burkina Faso

1996-2000, 2004-2010 and

2013-2016: Ambassador, Permanent

Representative to the UNESCO

Education

2005: Bachelor’s in Architecture, National

University of Engineering UNI-IES

2011 : Posgraduate of Housing Architecture

and Environment, National University of

Engineering UNI-IES

2018 : Korean Language and Korean culture

course for diplomats, Seoul-Korea

2019: III World Forum of Young Diplomatics,

Moscow- Russia

2021 : Master in Asia-Pacific Distance Studies,

University of Tamkang, China Taiwan

Professional Career

2020-2021: Minister Counselor with Consular

Function to the Republic of Austria

2019-2020: Minister Counselor with Consular

Function to the Republic of Switzerland

2017-2019: Responsible for the Directorate

of Africa and the Middle East, Ministry of

Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua

2014-2017: Project Officer, Hugo Chavez

Frías Foundation, Nicaragua

2012-2014: Responsible for Infrastructure

Projects, Programs and Projects Alba Social,

Nicaragua

2009-2012: Project Analyst, ALBA

PETROCARIBE, Nicaragua

Education

1985: LL.B (Hons.), Jos.

1986: Barrister at Law (B.L.), Lagos

1987: N.Y.S.C. Discharge Certificate

1994: Post Grad Certificate in Diplomacy,

Lagos

2015: MA (International Politics), Brussels

2016: Advanced Certificate in Strategic

Negotiation, Brussels

Professional Career

2018-2020: Consul-General, Consulate

General of Nigeria, Frankfurt, Germany

2016-2017: Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.,

Embassy/Permanent Mission of Nigeria to

the Royal Kingdom of Belgium, Grand

Duchy of Luxembourg, European Union

and ACP Group of States resident,

Brussels

2014-2017: Minister (Consular and

Immigration), Embassy/Permanent

Mission of Nigeria to the Royal Kingdom

of Belgium, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg,

European Union and ACP Group of States

resident, Brussels

2010-2011: Minister – Multi-Lateral

(UNODC, UNIDO, UNCITRAL) and Head of

Chancery, Embassy/Permanent Mission of

Nigeria, Vienna, Austria

Education

1976: BA in Intl. Relations, at University of

Panama, Faculty of Public Affairs Mgmt.

1987: Law and Political Sciences, University

of Panama. United Nations Disarmament

and International Security Program

2014-2015: Master in Development Policy,

Centre Européen de Recherches

Internationales & Stratégique (CERIS),

Brussels, Belgium

Professional Career

2019: General Secretary at the Ministry

of Foreign Affairs

2018: Deputy Director General of the

Diplomatic and Consular Academy

„Ernesto Pimentel Castillero“.

2015: Ambassador Extraordinary and

Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Belgium

and Head of Mission to the European Union

2012: Chargé d’Affaires to the Embassy of

Panama to the Kingdom of Belgium and E.U.

2010: Deputy Minister‘s Office Adviser.


and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic

of Germany

2004-2006: General Director of Foreign

Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2002: Deputy General Director of the

Diplomatic Career

PHOTOS: LISA KAPICI UND CARINA KARLOVITS/ HBF

PHOTOS: LISA KAPICI UND CARINA KARLOVITS/ HBF

Education

1979: BA, Faculty of Law, University of

Babeș-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

1982-1983: Herder Scholarship, University

of Vienna, Faculty of International

Relations, Republic of Austria

1985: Special Programme for intl. relations,

Charlottesville University, Virginia, USA

1991: Master in International Relations

and Strategy, Boston University, USA

Professional Career

2015-2021: Ambassador Extraordinary and

Plenipotentiary of Romania to the Federal

Republic of Germany

2012-2015: Regular guest of numerous

political TV programs, Digi24, Romania

2011-2013: TV presenter of the weekly

foreign policy magazine „Compas“,

Money-Channel TV, Romania

2010-2015: Visiting professor, National

College for Defence, European Affairs

and International Relations, Bucharest,

Romania

2009-2010: President of the editorial

board, media group Realitatea-Caţavencu,

Bucharest, Romania

2008-2009: Member of the editorial board,

Cotidianul newspaper, Bucharest Romania

Education

1991: Bachelor of Arts in History, Ljubljana

and a 3 months scholarship of the Austrian

Federal Chancellery at the University of

Vienna;

1991-1992: Training: University of Vienna;

RUSI, London

Professional Career

2020-2021: Ambassador, Spokesman of the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2017-2019: Ambassador, Deputy Political

Director, Deputy Director General for CFSP

2015-2017: Ambassador, Special Coordinator

for Terrorism in the MFA

2014-2015: Ambassador, Director-General

for European and Bilateral Issues

2009-2013: Ambassador of the Republic

of Slovenia to the Republic of Austria,

Permanent Representative to the IAEA,

CTBTO, UNIDO in Vienna

2006-2009: Minister Plenipotentiary,

Director for Europe, MFA

2008: Special Representative of the

Slovenian EU Presidency for Cyprus

2005-2006: Minister Plenipotentiary,

Deputy Director for EU in the MFA

2004-2005: Head of OSCE Task Force for

the Slovenian OSCE Presidency

2003-2004: Representative of Slovenia to

the PSC, Brussels

Professional Career

2019–2021: Director General, Department

of the Middle East & Africa, Ministry of

Foreign Affairs

2018-2019: Acting Director General,

Department of the Middle East & Africa,


2017–2018: Deputy Director General,

Department of the Middle East & Africa,


2013-2017: Desk Officer, then Deputy

Director General, Department of West Asia

and Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2009-2013: Counsellor and Deputy Chief

of Mission, Embassy in South Africa

2008-2009: Desk Officer, Department

of West Asia and Africa, Ministry of

Foreign Affairs

2004-2008: Second Secretary, then

First Secretary, Embassy in Thailand

1997-2004: Desk Officer, Department of

Southeast Asia, South Asia and South

Pacific, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

14 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2021

Cercle Diplomatique 3/2021

15

LE BULLETIN REVIEW

Official receptions

Find more

photos online


May 2021

The Chinese Ambassador was honoured by the city of Vienna

Michael Ludwig, the Mayor and Governor of Vienna, awarded the Chinese Ambassador to Austria, H.E. LI Xiaosi, the Grand

Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Province of Vienna.

Left: Mayor Michael Ludwig

(pictured right) emphasized the

traditional cohesion between

Austria and China - the 50th

anniversary of diplomatic relations

between the two countries is being

celebrated this year - and above all

the friendly relations between

Vienna and Beijing.

The laudation for H.E. LI Xiaosi

(middle) was held by former

Austrian Federal President and

President of the Austrian-Chinese

Society, Heinz Fischer (left).

May 2021

State Visit of the State

President of Estonia in Austria

President Kersti Kaljulaid visited the Austrian Federal

President, celebrating a 100 year-anniversary.

Left: The talks between

President Van der Bellen

and President Kaljulaid

focused on economic

recovery after the

pandemic and combating

the climate crisis. And

an anniversary was also

celebrated: 100 years of

diplomatic relations

between Estonia and

Austria.

1870 – 2020

150 Jahre

INTERNATIONALE

APOTHEKE

PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN JOBST

PHOTOS: PETER LECHNER/HBF

PHOTOS: LAND STEIERMARK/ FOTO FISCHER

June 2021

Styrian Award

The Styrian Honorary Consul Rudi Roth was honoured

by Styrian Governor Hermann Schützenhöfer.

Right: Honorary

Consul for Hungary,

Rudi Roth (middle) with

H.E. Andor Nagy (left),

was awarded by Governor

Schützenhöfer (r.) with

the Great Golden Badge

of Honour of the Province

of Styria.


LE BULLETIN REVIEW

Audi Vorsprung durch Technik

June 2021

State Visit of the President of South Korea to Austria

Moon Jae-in, the President of the Republic of South Korea, visited Vienna together with his wife Kim Jung-sook and Foreign

Minister Eui-Yong Chung. In the evening, they enjoyed a state banquet at the Belvedere.

Below: The fight against the Corona

pandemic and the climate crisis were the

focal points of talks, held by Federal

President Alexander Van der Bellen with

his counterpart from the Republic of

Korea, Moon Jae-in, in Vienna.

PHOTOS: PETER LECHNER UND LAURA HEINSCHINK/HBF

June 2021

Working Visit of the Czech President in Austria

At a meeting in Vienna, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and his Czech counterpart Miloš Zeman spoke out

in favour of better relations with Russia.

Below: Both heads of state, Alexander Van der

Bellen (r.) and Miloš Zeman, praised the bilateral

relations, also on the economic and cultural level.

PHOTOS: PETER LECHNER/ HBF

Manche sehen

die Vergangenheit.

Wir sehen die

Zukunft.

50 Jahre Vorsprung durch Technik

gratulieren zu 50 Jahren

Cercle Diplomatique.

Some see

the past.

We see the

future.

50 years of Vorsprung durch

Technik congratulates 50 years

of Cercle Diplomatique.

Future is an attitude


Das gezeigte historische Fahrzeug wird nicht mehr zum Kauf angeboten und unterliegt daher nicht der Richtlinie 1999/94/EG. Stand 07/2021. Symbolfoto.

The historic car depicted is no longer available for purchase and is therefore not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC. Status at 07/2021. Symbolic photo.

LE BULLETIN REVIEW

June 2021

Working Visit of the Kosovar President in Austria

The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu was received by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen at the Hofburg.

Kosovo is one of the six Western Balkan countries that want to join the EU.

Left: Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu

(left), the President of

Kosovo, with the Austrian

Federal President

Alexander Van der Bellen.

June 2021

Official Visit of the

President of the Seychelles

Wavel John Charles Ramkalawan, President of the

Seychelles, met President Van der Bellen in Vienna.

Left: President Wavel

John Charles Ramkalawan

(left) talked with

President Van der

Bellen about the joint

struggle against the

climate crisis.

June 2021

High distinction for former Federal Chancellor Brigitte Bierlein

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen presented the highest order to be awarded in Austria to the first woman Federal

Chancellor ever of the Austrian Republic - the “Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold on ribbon“.

Left: Brigitte Bierlein, pictured with Federal President Van der

Bellen and Federal Chancellor Kurz, was touched: “It is a great

moment for me, which touches me deeply – especially as an

Austrian who loves our beautiful country and has experienced

opportunities, encouragement and sympathy from this country

and the people who live here,“ she said.

PHOTOS: PETER LECHNER/ HBF




LE BULLETIN REVIEW

July 2021

Working Meeting of Minister Margarete Schramböck and the

Malayan Minister for International Trade and Industry in Vienna

A joint declaration was signed and a great potential for further successful export business of Austrian companies can be expected.

The topics discussed at the working

meeting ranged from successful

cooperation in the Covid-19 crisis to

cooperation opportunities, such as in the

areas of high-tech and dual education.

The intention to strengthen cooperation

was recorded by both sides in the form

of a joint declaration (pictured right) by

Federal Minister Margarete Schramböck

and Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali.

GRENZENLOSE

ABENTEUER

PHOTOS: BMDW/ HARTBERGER

July 2021

Austria and the United Arab Emirates build hydrogen alliance

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited Vienna. The “Strategic Partnership“ between the

UAE and Austria also includes international cooperation between the two countries.

Left: The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

(left) and Chancellor Kurz. In

addition to cooperation on the

economy, energy and trade, on

culture and education and in the

fight against Covid-19, the two

countries also want to deepen

dialogue on foreign policy issues.

PHOTOS: ANDY WENZEL/ BKA

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Y E A R S

1971–2021


CELEBRATING

Y E A R S


1971–2021

LA FÊTE 50 YEARS

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE

Half a century and still going strong

The magazine Cercle Diplomatique has accompanied political, economic and

societal events through five decades. Now it is time to celebrate!

Text: Daniela Pötzl

PHOTOS: CAT EBSER, WIKIPEDIA

Starting a new magazine is definitely not for cowards.

Karl Schmidt and his wife Elisabeth courageously

took this step in 1971, although they

did not come from this business area at all. You can

see the very first edition of the magazine on the left

page in the middle, with the white cover. The Schmidt

couple created “Cercle Diplomatique“ and they were

successful. From 1995 onwards, Waltraud Steinböck

was responsible. In 2015, the magazine was taken

over by Andrea Fürnweger and Alexander Bursky

and successfully continued after a visual and content

relaunch.

This year, the magazine celebrates its 50th anniversary.

In earlier years, 50 was considered old, but

today one is in the so-called “prime of life“. Since

1971, Cercle Diplomatique has not only accompanied

the diplomatic community, yet it also has been

giving a face to internationality in Vienna as well as

in Austria as a whole. One of the editorial aims, you

might say, is uniting people.

The magazine Cercle Diplomatique has been

around for five decades and accompanied Austria

and the world, from 1971 to 2021. These five decades

were always associated with transitions.

The 1970s was a decade that was politically dominated

by one man in Austria – when the socialist

Bruno Kreisky became Federal Chancellor in Austria.

His name is inseparably linked with the internationality

of Vienna and Austria. His foresight regarding

Austria's reputation and internationality, as well

as regarding thinking of future generations, led to

the Vienna International Centre (VIC), the only UN

hub in the EU.

The 1980s was a decade of change and paradigm

shift. The economic concepts of the post-war period

or the political answers of the 1970s, which had

brought upswing, prosperity and security, were no

longer suitable for solving the problems of the 1980s.

The 1990s turned Austrians into Europeans. After

the State Treaty of 1955, EU accession was the most

important foreign policy turning point in the history

of the Second Republic.

The “noughties“, starting with the year 2000,

brought Austria the euro as new currency. In autumn

2008, the world was facing an economic catastrophe.

With the bankruptcy of the New York investment

bank Lehmann Brothers and the bursting of the

“subprime“ credit bubble, the financial crisis began.

In 2010, politicians still discussed this economic

crisis. In the same year, the first red-green city

government was formed in Vienna and Heinz Fischer

was re-elected as Federal President.

What does the future hold? We are no clairvoyants,

do not own a glass ball and are not really in a

position to say. But we promise: We will definitely

report on it.

>>

1971 - 2021. 50 YEARS OF CURRENT AFFAIRS

>

>

• Completion of the

Aswam Dam in Egypt

• Greenpeace was

founded and Medecins

Sans Frontieres

• Kurt Waldheim becomes

Secretary-General of the

United Nations

• Olympic Games in Munich

• Military coup in Chile

• Yom Kippur War

• US President

Nixon resigns

• Henry Kissinger

becomes US

Secretary of State

• The Terracotta Army

was discovered in China

(left)

• ABBA wins with the

song "Waterloo" the

Eurovision Song Contest

• Rudolf Kirchschläger

becomes Austrian

Federal President (right)

1971 1972

1973

1974



27

CELEBRATING

Y E A R S


1971–2021

LA FÊTE 50 YEARS

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE

The 1970s

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

The Cercle Diplomatique

Community congratulates

DIE IV

GRATULIERT

ZU 50 JAHREN

CERCLE

DIPLOMATIQUE

The 1970s is a decade that is politically dominated

by one man in Austria. Because in 1970

something happens that was unimaginable for

many until then. The socialist Bruno Kreisky becomes

Austrian Federal Chancellor. An intellectual, an

emigrant, a Jew and above all one thing – a convinced

Austrian. A man who wants to modernise and aerate

the country, a "red" with political visions, whose name

will shape the whole decade. One who plays with the

media, uses it for himself and instrumentalises it as

no one has ever done before. One who wants to bring

little Austria back onto the world stage, at least diplomatically

and in terms of foreign policy, who prefers

debts to the unemployed, who calls on people to go

"part of the way with his party", the SPÖ. Three times

he wins the absolute majority, forms sole governments,

makes opposition leaders despair. His name is

inseparably linked with the prosperity years and this

period is associated with Kreisky's name, nicknamed

"Sun King", his will to reform and his statesmanlike

manner. His foresight for Austria's prestige and internationality

in the future brought us the Vienna International

Centre (VIC), popularly known as UNO-

City. It was built in 1973-1979 by the Republic of

Austria and the City of Vienna according to the plans

of the Austrian architect Johann Staber. Today, Vienna

is the only UN hub in the EU and a centre for "delicate"

political meetings.

Meanwhile, the world is also getting faster, more

modern, with new technology everywhere. Temptations

everywhere you look, a world of affluence into

which even those strata of society are now plunging

who until then had little chance of acquiring a piece

of happiness. But this also has its disadvantages. Women

work piece-work and children romp around in

concrete playgrounds.

A car, holidays, a stereo, a telephone connection,

and a television – gets for everyone possible. The

"Kastl" and the ORF shape a decade. Sports idols become

national heroes, uniting Mr and Mrs Austrian

in the sports tribune, which is called the living room.

People join in the fever, the celebrations and the

mourning - Annemarie Pröll, Karl Schranz, Franz

Klammer, Hans Krankl, Jochen Rindt, Niki Lauda

are the heroes then.

Most Austrians are proud of many things. The 42-

hour week, full employment, the strong schilling,

four weeks' minimum holiday, free school books,

free university access. To the longest road tunnel and

the first underground railway.

And democracy makes it possible –to be against,

to protest, to demonstrate and also to agitate. Civil

society begins to form and stir. For the first time, resistance

is voiced against power plants, against the

destruction of nature and against construction projects.

In Molln (Upper Austria), for example, people

do not want a dam in their town and protest.

In Vienna, young people were getting up in arms,

occupying old factories, demanding autonomy,

youth centres and freedom. Even Kreisky underestimated

the protest at the end of the 70s. The zeitgeist

has become freer, is no longer so easy to capture and

assess – it is no longer so easy to manipulate and politically

iron out.

>>

Sebastian Kurz

Austrian Federal Chancellor

For 50 years, CD has

distinguished itself as an

important communication

medium with significant

added value within the

diplomatic community.

All the best!

Wolfgang

Sobotka

President of the

Austrian National Council

With each issue, Cercle

Diplomatique becomes

more interesting and

worth reading.

I congratulate on the

anniversary and wish

continued success.

MODERN. INNOVATIV. DIGITAL.

Die Industrie gestaltet die digitale Zukunft

schon heute – für den Erfolg von morgen.

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, WIKIPEDIA

• Jimmy Carter

becomes US

President

• Pope John Paul I.

dies after only 33

days in office

• Karol Wojtyła

becomes Pope

John Paul II.

• Start of the Iranian

Revolution

>

Heinz Fischer

Former Austrian

Federal President

I wish this very special

edition of Cercle

Diplomatique many

interested readers.

1977 1978

1979

Die Industriellenvereinigung

www.iv.at


29

CELEBRATING

Y E A R S


1971–2021

LA FÊTE 50 YEARS

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE

For that moment

when revolutionary

technology is key.

50th anniversary of Cercle Diplomatique and

Bruno Kreisky’s majority government

Commentary by Heinz Fischer, former Austrian Federal President (2004-2016)

Heinz Fischer and Bruno

Kreisky (right) in the 1970s.

›

A radical new design.

The future of fire fighting. Today. This is the RT with its revolutionary new design.

Emission-free, virtually silent and with revolutionary technology on board, it sets

new standards. It combines safety, driving dynamics, ergonomics, connectivity and

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FOTOS: ÖGB ARCHIV, ÖSTERREICHISCHE NATIONALBIBLIOTHEK/ MARGRET WENZEL-JELINEK

Cercle Diplomatique was founded in 1971, the same year in

which Bruno Kreisky – after initially heading a minority

government – was able to form a government with an absolute

majority for the first time, changing the course of the country

for the better for years to come.

Kreisky was an exceptional figure in Austrian politics. I was

first elected to the Austrian National Council in 1971 and worked

very closely with Kreisky – from 1977 as one of his deputies in

the Social Democratic Party of Austria. He had to leave Austria

shortly after Hitler’s march into the country (1938), emigrating

to Sweden and only returning to Austria towards the end of the

1940s. He became State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs in 1953, Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1959, Chairman of

the Social Democratic Party in 1967 and, after a very successful

election, initially became Chancellor of a minority government.

In 1971, in an early National Council election, he expanded his

majority into an absolute majority, ruling unchallenged until his

departure from politics in 1983.

He was the longest-serving chancellor since the founding of

the Republic of Austria in 1918 and probably also the chancellor

to leave the greatest mark on Austria and change the country

for the better. Everyone has heard of his major reforms in

judicial policy, such as his reforms of criminal law, marriage law

or family law, etc., his educational reforms, which could be

described as a kind of educational revolution, his new

approaches to economic and social policy and, above all, his

wide-ranging foreign policy activities and initiatives. Against

great resistance, Kreisky pushed for the construction of the

Vienna International Centre (UNO City), locating a major UN

headquarter in the heart of Austria. The Arab world appreciated

his knowledgeable and objective approach to the problems in

the Middle East and building bridges between the Arabs/

Palestinians and the Israelis.

Today, more than 5,000 staff members from over 120

countries work at the Vienna International Centre. In addition

to the UN headquarter, numerous other international

organisations, such as OPEC, OSCE, the European Union Agency

for Fundamental Rights and the International Anti-Corruption

Academy are now based in and around Vienna.

Many of Bruno Kreisky’s thoughts and insights have

remained relevant today and for a magazine such as Cercle

Diplomatique, it must be a real delight that two such different

anniversaries are coinciding this year, namely the 50th

anniversary of Bruno Kreisky’s majority government and the

50th anniversary of the founding of Cercle Diplomatique.

Congratulations and all the best for the next 50 years!

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31

CELEBRATING

Y E A R S


1971–2021

LA FÊTE 50 YEARS

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE

The 1980s

At the beginning of the 1980s, Austria is an "island

of the blessed". Prosperity, employment

records, social security – with Bruno Kreisky,

who had already ruled as chancellor for ten years. In

1983, after Kreisky's resignation, a man who already

did not want to become Vice-Chancellor becomes Federal

Chancellor: Fred Sinowatz. The social-liberal

coalition of SPÖ and FPÖ is marked by crises. Austria

becomes a republic of scandal: the conflict over the

Hainburger Au and the controversial police operation

or the Waldheim affair. To make matters worse, there

is also the "phylloxera alarm". In 1985, the glycol

scandal caused wine exports to collapse completely.

"AKH", "Noricum" and "Lucona" also become synonyms

for political scandals. In 1986, after the Waldheim

victory, Chancellor Sinowatz resigns and hands

over to his desired successor Franz Vranitzky.

The 1980s are a decade of change and paradigm

shift. The economic concepts of the post-war period

or the political answers of the 1970s, which had

brought upswing, prosperity and security, were no

longer suitable for solving the problems of the 1980s.

The "Austrian way", largely immune to European influences,

no longer exists. It is not only economic

policy that needs to be increasingly Europeanised

and globalised.

The affairs of the 1980s lead to an erosion of political

credibility. A young politician should profit

from this in future: Jörg Haider, who in this decade is

beginning to "roll up" the Republic from Carinthia.

Political grievances and growing awareness of the

dark sides of growth and prosperity promote the

strengthening of civil society and its publicity factor.

Citizens' movements become political parties. After

the Hainburg crisis, "The Greens" enter parliament.

The generation of Yuppies (Young Urban Professionals)

conquers the stock market and makes the

still bulky and disproportionately large mobile phone

the symbol of a new lifestyle. The digital age begins

in the 1980s. The first computers make their way

into offices, the first video games into children's

rooms. Only a few suspected the revolution of accelerated

communication and information that was

about to begin. And Rainhard Fendrich succeeds

with his song "I am from Austria" at the end of the

decade, a hit that would become Austria's secret federal

anthem and be played again more than ever in

the Corona pandemic era of 2020.

"The 1980s are one of the most exciting decades of

the Second Republic," says Franz Vranitzky, Finance

Minister from 1984 and Federal Chancellor from

1986. "Monstrous things happened with a drama and

acceleration that I have not experienced before or

since," says Austrian political scientist Anton Pelinka,

one of the experts and analysts of this decade. At

the end of the decade, a new global order emerges:

the Eastern Bloc and the Warsaw Pact collapse. >>

Michael Ludwig

Mayor and Governor of

Vienna

Anyone who wants to

find out more about

global issues will use

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE.

And that for 50 years!

Happy Birthday to you!

Johanna Mikl-

Leitner

Governor of Lower Austria

CD stands for perfect

design, honest journalism

and is the link between

politics, business and

diplomacy. All the best!

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, WIKIPEDIA, RALPH MANFREDA

• First Gulf War

started

• Rubik's Magic

Cube is a hit

• Start of Space

Shuttle Columbia

• Union Solidarność

was founded in

Poland

• Egyptian President

Anwar as-Sadat

was killed

• Commodore launched

Amiga personal computer

• Iran-Contra Affair

• First smoking ban

in the USA

• Super Mario Bros. is

released

>

Martin Selmayr

EU Commission

Representative in Austria

Thanks a lot for 50 years

of great reporting about

diplomatic work in

Vienna - for more than 25

years also about the EU

dimension!

Ihr schnellster Weg zur individuellen Bürolösung:

myhive-offices.com

1980 1981

1985

myhive am Wienerberg | myhive Ungargasse | Eine Marke der IMMOFINANZ


33

CELEBRATING

Y E A R S


1971–2021

LA FÊTE 50 YEARS

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE

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PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, PETER LECHNER/ HBF, WIKIPEDIA

The 1990s

• Breakdown of the

Soviet Union

• End of Apartheit laws

in South Africa

In the early 1990s, Austria is one of the richest

countries in the world, and many Austrians want

everything to stay the way it is. At the same time,

after the end of the Iron Curtain, it is clear that Europe

will change fundamentally. Economically, Austria

benefits from the changes, from the opening up of the

East and EU accession.

The decade begins with war in the southern

neighbouring country of Yugoslavia. "It was on our

doorstep, a fratricidal war, it was like the Carinthians

declaring war on the Salzburgers," notes the most

successful ski jumper of the 1990s, Andreas Goldberger.

Yugoslavs now become Croats, Serbs, Bosnians,

Slovenes, Macedonians, Montenegrins and Kosovars.

The displaced persons come to Austria as

refugees, en masse.

The 1990s turn the Austrians into Europeans. After

the State Treaty of 1955, accession to the EU is the

most important foreign policy caesura in the history

of the Second Republic. The referendum spreads a

kind of euphoria, 66 percent want to join the Union.

Homeland now means more - an expanse, European

and open-minded thinking. But it is precisely the

new borderlessness that promotes the need for new

demarcation. The jubilation is soon over. The fall of

the Iron Curtain and EU accession are opportunities

for some, threats for others.

Especially older and less educated people are confronted

with economic liberalisation and the migration

of entire branches of industry; with wage dumping

and McJobs; with new technologies such as

computers and the internet - and with migrant workers

as competitors on the job markets and the

housing market. Austria is now a country of immigration,

with the number of inhabitants increasing by

almost half a million to more than eight million due

to labour migration and political asylum. This promoted

the "fear of foreigners". The FPÖ under Jörg

Haider collects the votes of protest voters and celebrates

one election success after another.

With the World Wide Web, one is connected to

the world. Globalisation is here! Billions are shifted

across the globe at the click of a mouse. This is called

the liberalisation of markets. In the 90s, the attack of

the financial sector on the real economy also begins.

Share ownership means profit maximisation. Things

go up, always up. Profit is super. Stock market crash

- what is that?

Women conquered the last male bastions like the

Austrian Armed Forces. Private television and the

internet redraw the line between private and public:

the most intimate things are "outed", exhibitionism

is in, via webcam, chat and e-mail now even globally.

The 90s bring the acceleration of time, the constant

shortening between event and information. The

media age has finally dawned. Spin doctors hone the

efficiency of political TV messages. Politics goes tabloid.

This emphasises its commodity character

more than its credibility. The 90s were the first decade

of a new era whose problems reach into the present.

>>

• Austria, Finland

and Sweden join

the European

Union

• The World Trade

Organisation

(WTO) replaces

the GATT (General

Agreement on

Tariffs and Trade)

1991 1995

1999

• The Italian Romano Prodi

becomes EU Commission

President (below)

• First free elections in

Indonesia

>

Archbishop

Pedro López

Quintana

Apostolic Nuncio

I would like to congratulate

the editors and the editorial

team, wishing imagination

and inspiration for many more

succesful decades.

Ghada Waly

Director-General/ Executive

Director UNOV/UNODC

Congratulations, CD – here’s

to many more years

informing, connecting and

celebrating Vienna’s

international community!

Emil Brix

Director of the Diplomatic

Academy Vienna

For half a century, CD has

been an informative and

entertaining visual expression

of the international and

open-minded character of

Vienna. Happy Birthday!

+43 6227 202 59 | info@stgis.at |

DISCOVER

www.stgis.at

Scan me


35

CELEBRATING

Y E A R S


1971–2021

LA FÊTE 50 YEARS

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE

50 JAHRE TEAM METRO

The 2000s

WENN AUS

ERSTEN

SCHRITTEN EIN

GEMEINSAMER

WEG WIRD.

Stolzer Partner von österreichischen

KMUs und Jungunternehmer * innen.

New Year’s Eve 1999 is a very thrilling event.

Some predictions are very negative, regarding

computers or getting money from the

cash dispensers. Yet, the end of the world fails to materialise.

At the turn of the millennium, fears and fantasies

of doom dominate. But the earth continues to

turn on 1 January 2000.

Politically, the first decade of the new millennium

in Austria begins with a bang. The formation of a coalition

government between the ÖVP and the FPÖ

divides the country. Wolfgang Schüssel becomes Federal

Chancellor. The inauguration of the new

government marks the beginning of a "time of

change". For months demonstrations against the coalition

pact of Haider and Schüssel dominate the Viennese

cityscape. Even the Cardinal warns against

escalation and xenophobia. The imposition of sanctions

by the EU is a unique act in European history.

The reaction, soon recognised as excessive, paralyses

the European Union for several months and supports

the start of the black-blue government in Vienna,

which pushes through controversial reform projects.

Jörg Haider relinquishes the leadership of the FPÖ

and retires to Carinthia as provincial governor.

The euro - visually designed by an Austrian - is

greeted festively. The new currency forces painful

processes of change and adjustment that are far from

complete. The pension reform pushed through by

the Schüssel government leads to protests by the

trade unions. The purchase of new "Eurofighter" interceptors

is clouded by allegations of corruption.

FPÖ leader Haider blasts the Schüssel government at

the FPÖ delegates' meeting in Knittelfeld, his government

members refuse to follow him. FPÖ youngster

Karl-Heinz Grasser joins the ÖVP government team.

In the 2006 National Council elections, the turning

point is reached. Although the trade union

bank BAWAG is involved in a financial scandal and

is on the verge of collapse, and the ÖGB has to spend

hundreds of millions of euros - also from the strike

fund - to save its bank, SPÖ leader Alfred Gusenbauer

narrowly wins against the incumbent Wolfgang

Schüssel. With Gusenbauer as chancellor, the grand

coalition returns. But the two parties block each

other. Gusenbauer does not run again in the new

elections forced by the ÖVP in autumn 2008. Jörg

Haider had previously split the FPÖ and founded the

BZÖ, the Alliance for the Future of Austria. The new

chancellor and party leader Werner Faymann once

again forms a government with the ÖVP. The two

former major parties only have just under fifty percent

of the vote. On 11 October 2008, the political

border crosser Jörg Haider dies in an accident.

In autumn 2008, the world is facing an economic

catastrophe. With the bankruptcy of the New York

investment bank Lehmann Brothers and the bursting

of the "subprime" credit bubble, the financial

crisis begins. For hours, the world stands on the

brink of the abyss. The spectre of the Great Depression

of 1929 haunts the world. The banking crisis is

seamlessly accompanied by a financial and debt crisis

in Europe. At the end of the decade, many states

fall into an economic crisis accompanied by social

imbalances. The first decade of the new millennium

changes the world and Austria permanently. The

"noughties" stand for departure, upheaval and also

collapse. The effects are not yet over.

>>

Eugen Otto

Otto Immobilien

It is impossible to imagine the

international world in Vienna

without this profound

magazine! Warmest

congratulations on

50 superb years!

Julian Jäger

Member of the Management

Board of Flughafen Wien AG

Over the past 50 years, CD

has turned into a high-quality

information platform for

discerning travellers. I warmly

congratulate you on this

anniversary!

>

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, WIKIPEDIA

• Attack of the

World Trade

Center in New York

• Angela Merkel

becomes German

Federal Chancellor

• Frauenkirche in

Dresden is rebuilt

• Benedict XVI

becomes new Pope

• Barack Obama becomes

US President

• Swine flu pandemic

• General Motors

insolvency

Harald Hölzl

Manager BMW Vienna

The BMW Group Vienna

would like to thank you for

many years of successful

cooperation and warmly

congratulates you to your

50th birthday!

2001 2005

2009

IHR ERFOLG IST

UNSER BUSINESS.

#TEAMMETRO


37

CELEBRATING

Y E A R S


1971–2021

LA FÊTE 50 YEARS

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE

IM ZEICHEN DER FREUNDSCHAFT

Wir feiern 50 Jahre Österreich – China

Monique Dekker

GM Park Hyatt Vienna

We really appreciate

the professional

collaboration over the

past few years and wish

continued success.

To the next 50 years!

Alfred Zens

Managing Director

MedAustron

We extend or warmest

congratulations on the

anniversary and wish

many more successful

decades full of exciting

reading for the

international audience!

The 2010s

In 2010, Austria is governed by the grand coalition

under Werner Faymann and Josef Pröll. Politicians

are discussing the economic crisis, arguing

about the nationalised bankrupt Hypo Alpe Adria.

The first red-green city government is formed in Vienna.

Heinz Fischer is re-elected Federal President

and almost unchallenged.

Austria elects a new National Council in 2013 after

a five-year term. The SPÖ was elected the party

with the largest number of votes and Werner Faymann

was appointed Federal Chancellor. An important

referendum divided opinions in 2013: Should

conscription continue or be abolished? With just

under 60%, the vote went in favour of retaining

conscription.

There was also a lot of impetus for Vienna's exhibition

and museum landscape. Since 2013, the exhibits

of the Kunstkammer in the Kunsthistorisches

Museum have been open to the public again. The

21er Haus became the Belvedere 21. The Weltmuseum,

the Haus der Geschichte, the Stadtpalais Liechtenstein,

the Klimt Villa and the Literature Museum

of the National Library, among others, are also new

or have been redesigned.

After the failure in London in 2012 at the Summer

Olympics, the aim is to win medals at least at the

Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014. Measured by the

number of inhabitants, Austria is one of the best nations.

Anna Fenninger, Mario Matt and Matthias

Mayer won four gold medals in Alpine skiing and

Julia Dujmovits in snowboarding. In total, Austria

won 17 medals in six disciplines.

Conchita Wurst aka Tom Neuwirth achieves 1st

place in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song

"Rise like a Phoenix" with 290 points. The artist goes

around the world as a woman with a beard and receives

a lot of positive feedback as well as some critical

voices. Thanks to the brilliant Song Contest victory

in 2014, the 2015 Song Contest then takes place in

Vienna and is more colourful and exuberant than it

has been for a long time in May 2015. The Vienna

traffic lights installed, known as Viennese traffic

lights couples, as part of the ESC, call for more tolerance

in public spaces, and go around the world.

The refugee crisis in Austria came to a head in

2015. For the first time, there is talk of a possible border

fence to stop the masses. On one weekend in

September alone, 16,000 people came to Austria via

Hungary, but many travelled on to Germany.

Since 2015, all parts of Vienna's main railway station

have also been in operation, and since then it

has been considered the largest railway station in

Austria.

And Vienna managed in the 2010s what no other

metropolis in the world had managed before: In every

year of the decade, Vienna is voted the most liveable

metropolis on the planet in Mercer's Quality-of-

Living ranking.

post.at/onlineshop

Renate Baldia

Owner of the International

Pharmacy Vienna

The International

Pharmacy sends warmest

congratulations to CD for

contributing to a healthy

climate between nations

for 50 years!

• Outbreak of volcano

Eyjafjallajökull in

Iceland

• Serena Williams

wins Australian

Open

• Malala Yousafzai

wins Peace Nobel

Prize

• Germany wins

Football World Cup

• Olympic Winter

Games in Sotchi

2010 2014

2019

• Fire destroys spire and roof

in Notre Dame de Paris

• Jair Bolsonaro becomes

President of Brazil

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, WIKIPEDIA SOURCES: ORF, WIKIPEDIA

Seit 1971 werden die diplomatischen Beziehungen zwischen Österreich und China gepflegt.

Zum 50-jährigen Jubliäum dieser besonderen Freundschaft gibt die Post eine Sondermarke

heraus, die Pfingstrosen, den Nationalblumen Chinas, und Edelweiß – typisch für Österreich –

zeigt. Sie kann seit 10.08.2021 im Onlinshop der Österreichischen Post sowie in den Postfilialen

erworben werden. Mit einem Abo erhalten Sie diese und andere Briefmarken bequem nach

Hause geschickt. Alle Infos unter post.at/markenabos.

Briefmarken erleben.


LE MONDE CHINA

CHINA

Diplomatic relations between China and Austria

were established in 1971. Since then, the relationship

between the two countries has intensified

and China has become a world power.

50 YEARS OF

Text: Robert Winter

BUILDING UP

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

The 632-metre high

Shanghai Tower is a

landmark of the

Shanghai metropolis.



41

LE MONDE CHINA

The National Centre for the

Performing Arts, next to the Great

Hall of the People, in Beijing.

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK



43

LE MONDE CHINA

China is famous for its

architecturally valuable

temples.

奥地利中资企业协会

Vereinigung Chinesischer

Unternehmen in Österreich

Diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic

of China and Austria were established

50 years ago. This marked a turning point in

history. Heinz Fischer, former Federal President of

the Republic of Austria: “The relations between Austria

and China go back a long way to the time when

both states were still monarchies. They were weak

and unequal relations came to an end with the end of

the monarchy in China in 1912 and the end of

Austria’s monarchy in 1918. Decades later, after brief

and successful negotiations, China and Austria reestablished

diplomatic relations that have stood the

test of time in the 50 years since then.”

Li Xiaosi, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of

China to Austria, who was awarded the Great Golden

Decoration of Honour for Services to the Province

of Vienna on 25 May this year, is also satisfied:

“On 28 May, 1971, with strategic foresight and wis- >>

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

www.vcuoe.at

E-mail: Info@vcuoe.at

ZVR: 903945503

Abgabenkontonummer(Finanzamtsnummer-Steuernummer):

09 289/2637


LE MONDE CHINA

View of the skyline of

Chongding city.

View of the Great Wall,

which has a total length

of almost 21,200

kilometres.

SEeiNG IS CreATINg

>>

dom, leaders of China and Austria decided to establish

diplomatic relations in the interests of the two

peoples, opening a new chapter of friendly exchanges.

Over the past 50 years, leaders of the two countries

have kept close contacts and frequent exchanges

of visits.”

Gerd Kaminski, who founded the Austrian-Chinese

Society on the occasion of the establishment of

diplomatic relations between China and Austria in

1971, and has served as the Society’s Executive Director

ever since, as well as heading the Austrian Institute

for China and Southeast Asia Studies: “We

had Deng Xiaoping, who determined the policy of

the People’s Republic of China from 1979 to 1997,

with delegations in 1973, 1974 and 1978. Deng Xiaoping

opened up the country. From 1979 onwards,

counter-delegations became possible. Since then, several

hundred delegations from China have been received

in Austria.”

Li Yanni, CEO of ICBC Bank Austria and President

of the “Vereinigung Chinesischer Unternehmen

in Österreich VCUOe“ confirms that the cooperation

between China and Austria works well: “Austria is

an important cooperative partner of China in Europe,

a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure

Investment Bank, and an observer for the cooperation

between China, Central and Eastern European

countries. The relationship between China and Austria

has become a model of bilateral relations between

countries with different social systems, different

levels of development and different population

and territory sizes.”

Clearing up misunderstandings

Relations between China and Austria can be classified

as good. At the international level, however,

there are still hurdles to be overcome. China expert

Kaminski, who also holds professorships at N.Y. State

University and at the Chinese Huazhong University,

is currently writing his 83rd book on China: “Unfortunately,

people still understand far too little

about China. People don’t understand the political

system either. There is no dictatorship in China according

to our diction. According to Confucius, the

>>

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK, ADNILTON FARIAS, WIKIPEDIA

#ChangingPerspectives

To create future mobility

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und Materialien, die heute die Standards von morgen definieren. Daran arbeiten wir

jeden Tag in enger Abstimmung mit unseren Kunden sowie Experten auf der ganzen

Welt. Und so gestalten wir mit Bionik neue Erlebniswelten in Kabinen, machen

dank Ultraleichtbau Flugzeuge immer leichter oder sind Vorreiter bei der Urban

Air Mobility. Wir wollen mit unseren disruptiven Lösungen Mobilität neu denken

und unser Leben verbessern. Der Mensch steht dabei immer im Mittelpunkt.

facc.com

Xi Jinping, President of the

People's Republic of China

(above); Xi in 1958, pictured

left as a child with brother

Yuanping and father

Zhongxun (1958).

bEYoND HorIZonS


LE MONDE CHINA

FACTS &

FIGURES

Connecting the World

with Green Solutions

CHINA

Capital: Beijing

Government: China is led by the

Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Head of state and General

Secretary of the CCP is President Xi

Jinping (since 14 March, 2013).

Area: 9,596,960 km² (5th biggest

country in the world)

Population: 1,397,897,720 (July

2021 est.)

Ethnic Groups: Han Chinese

91.6%, Zhuang 1.3%, other

(includes Hui, Manchu, Uighur,

Miao, Yi, Tujia, Tibetan, Mongol,

Dong, Buyei, Yao, Bai, Korean, Hani,

Li, Kazakh, Dai, and other

nationalities) 7.1% (2010 est.)

Currency: Renmimbi (CNY

according to ISO 4217)

GDP: 14,722,730,70 million

US-Dollar (2020)

GDP per person: 17,312 US-Dollar

(2020)

Formation: Mao Zedong became

Chairman of the Central

Committee of the Chinese Communist

Party in 1943 and proclaimed

the People's Republic of China on

1 October, 1949.

In December 1978, Deng Xiaoping

became the leader for the next two

decades.

In March of 2013, Xi Jinping takes

over as president.

>>

Chinese have a political meritocracy. Confucius said

that people have to prove themselves. The proven

people come to the top.”

The Chinese dream

Founded in 1921, the Communist Party of China

(CPC) is, as of July 2021, by far the largest Communist

Party in the world, with about 95 million members,

and the second largest political party in the

world after India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Since

the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in

1949, the CPC has been the sole ruling single party

in the Middle Kingdom. On 15 November 2012, immediately

after the conclusion of the 18th National

Congress of the CPC and the presentation of the new

party leadership, the new General Secretary Xi Jinping

announced a swing in political orientation. He

emphasised several times the importance of the

“Chinese dream“ and the resurrection of China. The

implementation of these aspirations should be based

on the goals of the “two times hundred years“ project.

To explain: the period of the “first hundred years“

refers to the founding of the Chinese Communist

Party in 1921. Accordingly, the first 100-year

period ends in the current calendar year. The goal

was formulated as building a “moderate-prosperous

Nanjing Road is

the main

shopping street

of Shanghai.

society“. The period of the “second hundred years“,

the beginning of which goes back to the founding of

the People’s Republic of China in 1949, will end in

2049.

In autumn 2013, China’s leadership presented a

plan to build a “New Silk Road“ with the “Silk Road

Economic Belt“ and the “Maritime Silk Road“, which

was named “One-Belt-one-Road“ from 2014 and

“Belt-and-Road Initiative“ from 2016. However, it

took some time before concretisations followed. Until

2015, the concept was not mentioned in reports of

the Chinese State Council or in the 13th Five-Year

Plan, which contained the economic strategies for

the years 2016 to 2020. By the time of the first Belt

and Road Forum in May 2017, however, the tide had

turned. On the occasion of the forum, Xi Jinping

spoke of a “community of common destiny“ that

should pave the way for a “better order“ in foreign

policy. The term “community of common destiny“

subsequently gained more and more importance. In

2015, however, a change in diction followed. Instead

of the formulation “community of common destiny“,

the term “community of shared future of mankind“

has been used since then.

China is one of the oldest civilisations and advanced

civilisations of humankind. The country’s history

>>

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK


LE MONDE CHINA

INTERVIEW | HEINZ FISCHER

"Seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times".

Heinz Fischer, former Austrian Federal President and current Chairman of Austrian-Chinese Friendship Association ÖGCF on the

successful exchange between Austria and China.

Dr Fischer, the 50th

anniversary of Sino-

Austrian diplomatic

relations was celebrated

on 28 May, 2021. How has the relationship

between Austria and China developed over the

years? Which events were particularly important?

Relations between Austria and China go back a

long way to the time when Austria and China were

still monarchies. They were weak and unequal

relations came to an end with the end of the

monarchy in China (1912) and the end of the

monarchy in Austria (1918). Decades later, on 28 May,

1971, the People's Republic of China and the Republic

of Austria re-established diplomatic relations after

brief and successful negotiations, which have proved

very successful in the 50 years since then. During this

time, Austria has developed well as a democratic and

neutral state in the heart of Europe and joined the

European Union on 1 January, 1995. Under the

guidance of Deng Xiaoping, China embarked on a

new, courageous and successful reform policy in the

1980s and 1990s, which was observed with attention

and recognition throughout the world. Special events

since the establishment of diplomatic relations

between China and Austria have been high-level and

top-level state visits in both directions, the

establishment of a strategic partnership between

China and Austria, cultural cooperation at the highest

level and, above all, very successful economic

development in our two countries.

You have been involved in Sino-Austrian relations

for many years and have been on official visits to

China a total of eight times, twice in your

capacity as Federal President. What is the reason

for your interest in China?

The history of China, the culture of China and the

politics of China have fascinated me since I was a

student. And when I travelled through China for the

first time with my wife in 1974, the country fascinated

me so much that only two years later, I travelled to

China for the second time with a delegation of the

ÖGCF (Austrian Society for Chinese Studies). I also

adhere to a Chinese proverb which says: "Seeing once

is better than hearing a hundred times". I do not only

want to read reports about China, but to follow the

developments of this great and important country

with my own eyes as much as possible. But I have

also been to the USA just as often and, as Federal

President, have made a total of 171 state visits or

working visits abroad in 12 years.

How do you rate the cultural and scientific

exchange between China and Austria?

It has already been mentioned that I consider the

cultural and, of course, also the scientific exchange

between China and Austria to be very valuable and

important. Our museums work well together, the

exchange of students functions, Austrian and Chinese

scientists work on joint projects, Chinese musicians

are increasingly found in Austrian orchestras, the

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra attaches special

importance to its concerts in China, and in summary

one can say that we are on a good path in the field of

culture and science.

In which areas is cooperation between Austria

and China very good? In which areas is further

intensification desirable?

China has become a global pioneer in some

As already mentioned, cooperation in the fields of technologies. China is also considered a

culture and science is very good. Trade exchange has superpower in the field of artificial intelligence.

also developed excellently in recent years. China has How can the rest of the world deal with these

become one of Austria's most important trading

developments?

partners worldwide and the most important trading China has indeed moved to the international

partner in Asia. The pandemic has not changed this. forefront in a short period of time in some

In 2019, our trade volume reached a record level of technologies such as quantum research and

14.3 billion euros. Tourism from China has also

communication, artificial intelligence, 5G and online

developed very well. In 2019, more than one million payment systems. It is mainly leading Chinese

people from China visited Austria for the first time. companies that are driving the development of the

There were regular flights from Beijing, Shanghai, new technologies. The Chinese government is

Shenzhen and Guangzhou to Vienna. It is to be hoped specifically pursuing a digitalisation strategy and is

that with the containment of the pandemic, a further investing in various technological areas to drive

intensification of bilateral exchange Lipizzaner with horses China at in all the Lipica innovation in domestic industry and the digital

areas will soon be possible again.

stud farm. economy. Europe and Austria have to make a great

China has been experiencing a stronger economic

upswing than the Western world for years. Some

observers pay tribute to this upswing. Others

think that China's economic strength harbours

dangers. What do you think about this?

China currently has a population of about 1.4

billion and a GDP of about 14,500 billion US dollars.

For a long time, economic growth was - in some cases

significantly - above eight per cent annually. After a

slump in the pandemic year 2020, growth of eight

per cent is expected again this year. China is thus

currently the second largest economy in the world

and has a good chance of catching up with or even

overtaking the USA in a few years. At the same time,

however, it must be added that the US's arms

expenditure is about three times as high as China's

and about ten times as high per capita. I pay great

respect to China's rise and believe that the result of

this development should be to create maximum

security for all peoples in a multipolar world order, in

which Europe, China and the USA are players of very

special political and economic importance, while

respecting the international legal order. The time

when a single nation alone held the role of a global

superpower is increasingly becoming a thing of the

past and will develop in the direction of a multipolar

world order.

effort to keep up.

It is important that the rules of fair play are

conscientiously and reliably observed by all sides and

by all participants.

PHOTOS: PHOTO SIMONIS, FVA CHINA, ADOBE STOCK

>>

Naturally positive.

is more than 5,000 years old, and written records of

Chinese culture date back more than 3,500 years. In

the Middle Kingdom, the most populous state on

earth with over 1.4 billion inhabitants and the third

largest in terms of land area, good neighbourly relations

are given high priority. In this context, terms

such as “friendship“, “sincerity“, “mutual benefit“ and

“inclusion“, which are frequently used in foreign policy

issues by Xi Jinping, play an important role.

From middle to upper income country

According to the International Monetary Fund

(IMF), China’s real GDP growth was above the average

of the developed and emerging economies in

every calendar year between 1980 and 2020, except

1990. In 2020, China was even the only G20 country

with positive economic growth. In the year 1990, the

IMF ranked China’s economy as third largest in the

world after the US and Japan. According to the

World Bank, China’s per capita economic output

measured in terms of the current international US

dollar, which allows for a comparison of wealth levels

around the world adjusted for purchasing power,

was 982.5 US dollars at the time. In February 2011,

China passed Japan to officially become the world’s

second largest economy.

The decades-long economic upswing can also be

seen in the further development of economic output

per capita. By 2020, per capita economic output measured

in current international US dollars had risen

steadily to 17,312 US dollars. With this value, according

to the World Bank, China has already been one

of the “middle income countries“ for years and will

catch up with the “upper middle income countries“

in the foreseeable future. In view of this fact, the goal

of building a “moderately prosperous society“, formulated

in the period of the “first hundred years“,

has been achieved. However, this should not obscure

the fact that the gap to the developed countries is still

large. A comparison with the USA, Germany or Austria

shows this. In the USA, per capita economic output

in the previous year was over 63,500 US dollars,

in Germany it was just under 53,700 US dollars, in

Austria around 55,100 US dollars.

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>>

Terracotta Army in Xi'an

(very top) and typical

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LE MONDE CHINA

INFO

Economic boom

since 1980

According to the IMF,

China's real GDP growth

was above the average of

developed and emerging

countries in every calendar

year between 1980 and

2020, except 1990. This

development was naturally

also reflected in a

permanent increase in

economic output per capita.

In 1990, GDP per capita in

current international

US-dollar in China was still

982.5 US dollars, according

to World Bank data. By the

end of 2020, GDP per

capita had risen to 17.312 US

dollars. In view of the

favourable development,

China can catch up with the

so-called "Upper Middle

Income Countries" in the

foreseeable future,

according to the World

Bank's definition. Compared

to the industrialised

countries, however, there is

still a need to catch up.

GDP per capita PPP

current international

$ in 2020

USA

63,543,6

Austria

55,097,5

Germany

53,694,4

Upper Middle Income

Countries

18,161,8

China

17,312,0


SOURCE: THE WORLD BANK

>>

Workshop panorama in a

chinese production site (above).

Bronze lion in the Forbidden

City in Beijing.

If the recently formulated plans are anything to go

by, China’s upswing could continue in the coming

years. In March of this year, China’s National People’s

Congress formally adopted the 14th Five-Year Plan

for the country’s economic and social development

in the period 2021 to 2025. The central goal is to

transform China into a modern socialist state with

high-quality economic development driven by innovation.

Disposable income is to be doubled by 2035,

starting from the level of 2020. Harald Mahrer, President

of the Austrian Economic Chambers (WKO):

“Based on the current Five-Year-Plan of the People’s

Republic of China, the focus will be on various environmental

protection activities including the establishment

of a sustainable circular economy. China

currently sets ambitious goals for the next five years

and shows steady economic recovery with growing

foreign trade and a GDP increase of 7.9 percent in

the second quarter of 2021. At the same time, geopolitical

tensions cause global uncertainties, a new

wave of the corona pandemic hit many parts of the

world and travel restrictions accelerate companies’

digitisation.”

The signs also point to a continued favourable development

for 2021 as a whole, as the Bloomberg

consensus for Chinese GDP growth is 8.5 per cent.

The health crisis caused by the coronavirus has justified

China’s change of strategy, which had already

begun before the pandemic, says Haiyan Li-Labbé,

fund manager of the French fund company Carmignac-

Li-Labbé: “The coronavirus has even strengthened

China’s economic power on an international level.

The aid programmes from the US and Europe in

2020 benefited China’s exports. This year, the country

should also benefit from a global economic upswing.

In addition, China demonstrated its capabilities

in the field of research and development,

launching five vaccines against Covid-19.”

20 more exciting years

Gabriel Felbermayr, currently President of the

Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel) and,

from October of this year, of the Austrian Institute of

Economic Research (WIFO), believes it is unlikely

that the rapid economic upswing in the Middle

Kingdom will continue for another four or five decades:

“We will experience another 20 exciting years

with China. In terms of economic performance,

>>

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK

ENTGELTLICHE WERBUNG

Starke Wirtschaftsbeziehung

zwischen Wien und China

Auch nach der Pandemie ergeben sich für Wiener Unternehmen gute Geschäftschancen in China.

Die Wirtschaftskammer Wien unterstützt sie dabei.

Wiener Exportunternehmen haben sich international in vielen

Bereichen einen guten Ruf erarbeitet und zählen in einigen Nischen

wie beispielsweise Pharmazie, Medizin und Gesundheitsdienstleistungen,

IT- und Kommunikationssysteme, Luftfahrt, Mautsysteme,

Feuerfestmaterialien zu den Weltmarktführern. Rund

8.500 Wiener Exportfirmen erzielen jährlich ein Exportvolumen

von über 20 Milliarden Euro. Zusätzlich lukriert der in Wien

besonders starke Dienstleistungssektor Exporterlöse von rund

neun Milliarden Euro.

Die Wiener Exporte nach China sind im Vor-Corona-Jahr 2019 mit

38,5 Prozent überdurchschnittlich gewachsen und haben 435 Millionen

Euro erreicht. Die Pandemie hat das Exportvolumen der Wiener

Unternehmen nach vorläufigen Zahlen für 2020 allerdings auf 373

Millionen Euro reduziert. „Trotzdem zeigt sich, dass es eine starke

und stabile Wirtschafts- und Handelsbeziehung zwischen Wien

und China gibt. China ist für die exportund dienstleistungsorientierte

Wiener Wirtschaft ein bedeutender Markt und wird das auch

in Zukunft bleiben. Auch für die Tourismuswirtschaft der Stadt sind

Gäste aus China ein wesentlicher Faktor“, sagt Walter Ruck,

Präsident der Wirtschaftskammer Wien.

Chancen nach Covid

Durch die Beschleunigung bestimmter Trends post-Covid

ergeben sich neue Geschäftschancen für Wiener Unterneh-

men. Dazu gehört die Digitalisierung, die jetzt auch immer

stärker Business-to-Business-Prozesse erfasst, zum Beispiel

Smart Manufacturing oder E-Health. Auch die Wiener Stärkefelder

Biotech, Pharma und Medizintechnik können sich am

chinesischen Markt sehr gut behaupten. Die österreichweiten

Export-Zahlen für das 1. Quartal 2021 zeigen auch, dass der heimische

Außenhandel insbesondere mit China stark an Fahrt

aufnimmt.

Unter dem Strich ist China ein wichtiger Sourcing- und Absatzmarkt

für die Wiener Wirtschaft und reiht sich unter die fünf

wichtigsten Handelspartner der Bundeshauptstadt ein. Der

Wiener Wirtschaftsstandort ist zudem auch ein wichtiges Verteilungszentrum

für Mittel- und Osteuropa.

Unterstützung durch die WKW

Die Wirtschaftskammer Wien unterstützt mit einem umfassenden

Serviceangebot Wiener Unternehmen bei ihren Exportund

Internationalisierungsvorhaben in China. Die Servicepalette

reicht von der Analyse einer ersten Markteinschätzung

gemeinsam mit den Experten vor Ort in den Außenwirtschafts-

Centern in Peking, Hongkong, Shanghai und Guangzhou, über

individuelle Beratungen bei der praktischen Export- und Importabwicklung

bis hin zur Auswahl geeigneter Exportförderungen

im Rahmen der go-international Initiative.

CREDIT: FLORIAN WIESER

wko.at/wien

LE MONDE CHINA

COMMENTARY | GERD KAMINSKI

The view through the dragon's skin - Understanding China

University Professor Gerd Kaminski, founder and Executive Director of the Austrian-Chinese Society and head of the Austrian Institute for

China and Southeast Asia Studies

An old Chinese proverb

says: "When you paint a

dragon, you paint its skin;

it's harder to paint its

bones." Being clear about

China's intentions and

behaviour is more

important today than ever.

In Austrian media, the

derogatory term

"Chinaversteher" has

recently appeared, apparently as a term for useful

idiots who, with their concerns, in reality represent

China's sinister interests. Perhaps it should be

pointed out in this context that, according to

American experts such as Alan Whiting or David D.

Perlmutter, the Korean War could have been avoided

if Zhou Enlai's message to the Indian ambassador in

Beijing, Panikkar, had been interpreted correctly in

the West.

It is important to understand China comprehensively.

Half understanding is not enough. An episode

from the visit of an important Chinese minister to

Berlin bears witness to this. In Germany, people are

proud of their successful footballers, so they decided

to give the distinguished guest an appropriate T-shirt

and had learned that the number 8 is an auspicious

number in China. But then someone thought that the

gift could be made even more personal if the guest's

name was added. So the textile was printed with 8

and Wang, which together make "Wangba", a crude

Chinese swearword. The minister was not amused.

From this little example, I come to ten common

misunderstandings and misconceptions about China.

1. ___________________________________________

Skyscrapers, McDonalds, models, science fiction

movies, Pizza Hut, holey jeans and sex shops that

appeared at the turn of the century signify a turn

towards Western values.

Around the same time, however, the word from China

was: "We don't need to chop off our feet to fit into

Western shoes" and "We don't need Aristotle to

confirm Confucius." It was also thought that now was

the time for the West to learn from China.

2. ___________________________________________

Does China refuse to talk about Western values?

No, but it wants to talk at eye level. Nor does it want

to be "contained" or "punished". Sanctions only fuel

the growing Chinese nationalism and hinder the

necessary dialogue.

3. ___________________________________________

Does China want to spread an anti-Western and

anti-democratic model worldwide? No, already in

1973 Deng Xiaoping, the great reformer after the

Cultural Revolution, told a delegation of the

Austro-Chinese Society in the presence of the author

"China does not export ideology. Our communism is a

Chinese communism."

4. ___________________________________________

"China is a denier of universal human rights."

China has been committed to universal human rights

since the late 1970s and has established research

institutes on the subject at major universities since

the early 1990s. Since 2004, human rights have been

in the Chinese constitution. Like other developing

countries, such as India, China places greater

emphasis on economic, social and cultural rights.

Implementation in practice undoubtedly still has

room for improvement.

5. ___________________________________________

"China persecutes Christianity and Islam."

Since the end of the 1970s, the two denominations, as

well as Buddhism and Daoism, have once again been

recognised religious communities. An agreement on

bishop appointments was reached with the Pope last

year. The Chinese Catholic Church is in close contact

with foreign countries. Cardinal König paid a working

visit to Bishop Ding of Beijing and a colleague of

Ding's tells me that he visited Cardinal Schönborn for

several months. In the Islamic province of Ningxia, as

I was able to see for myself, the Lipizzaner faithful of horses different at the Lipica

denominations live harmoniously and celebrate their stud farm.

festivals together. In Xinjiang, there are undoubtedly

problems due to Islamic fundamentalism. For the

Chinese Muslims, pilgrimages to Mecca are organised

by the government.

6. ___________________________________________

Is the Chinese communist party cadre of

Russian-communist character? No, in the book by

the former state president Liu Shaoqi, now praised

again by Xi Jinping, "How to be a good communist",

classical Chinese philosophy predominates.

7. ___________________________________________

Is China a dictatorship in the Western sense?

No, China is not a democracy, but according to

Chinese opinion it is a meritocracy, i.e. politicians

have to prove themselves before they get into higher

offices, as Confucius taught.

8. ___________________________________________

Does the American policy towards China have a

clear line and is it a model for other states?

No, in the 1980s China was seen as a counterweight

to the Soviet Union, the intelligence services worked

together and China was supplied with military

technology. At that time, Japan was the Yellow Peril

in the USA and was seen as an economic aggressor

despite its democratic structure. Titles such as "The

Coming War with Japan" even appeared. In the

1990s, Japan stagnated and traded places with the

rising China in American Yellow Peril scenarios.

9. ___________________________________________

Austria is committed to democracy and Western

values. Is it therefore appropriate to join an

anti-Chinese alliance?

No, Austria has no superpower rivalry interests and

should therefore preserve its options.

10. __________________________________________

Will Joe Biden be right in his recent declaration

that under his presidency China will not overtake

the US? No.

PHOTOS: FVA CHINA, ADOBE STOCK, BEIGESTELLT

>>

however, the Middle Kingdom will peak in 2040. The

reason is that demographic development is having a

braking effect. The proportion of older people is rising.”

Economic relations between China and Austria

have been intensified for years. WKO President

Mahrer: “In 2020, China was Austria’s fifth most important

trading partner worldwide after Germany,

Italy, Switzerland and the US. While Austrian imports

from China rose by 3.7 percent to 10.2 billion

Euro last year, the COVID-19 crisis inevitably left its

marks, and exports to China decreased by 12.2 percent

to 3.9 billion Euro. Approximately 950 Austrian

companies have subsidiaries in China and will most

likely make further investments in the future.”

Among the well-known Austrian companies that

have been active in China for a long time is the internationally

leading health care provider VAMED,

which has realised about 1,000 projects on five continents

in more than 95 countries. VAMED has been

active in China since 1987 and has realised healthcare

projects in 23 provinces. These range from the

financing, delivery and commissioning of medical

technology packages to the construction and operational

management of health care facilities. The Styrian

high-tech company AT&S has also been active

in the Middle Kingdom for some time. The Salzburg

crane manufacturer Palfinger, in turn, the market

and technology leader in the global market for hydraulic

loader cranes, has maintained two Chinese sites

for several years.

Austrian companies that have attracted the interest

of Chinese investors include the Upper Austrian

aviation specialist FACC, which has been sailing under

the Chinese flag since its takeover by Xi'an Aircraft

Industry and Advanced Treasure Limited in

2009. In February of the previous year, the Fosun

Group acquired a majority stake in the Vorarlberg

textile manufacturer Wolford. The fact that Austria is

also a popular location for Chinese companies is

shown by the members active in the management of

the “Vereinigung Chinesischer Unternehmen in Österreich

(VCUOe)“. VCUOe President Li Yanni:

“The current chairman unit of the association is

ICBC Austria Bank and the vice chairman units are

Bank of China (Central and Eastern Europe) Limi-

>>

City of Dali: three white

pagodas and Cangshan

Mountain (on top, left);

Group of people practising

Tai Chi Chuan in

Shanghai (on top, right);

Giant panda, a national

symbol in China (below).

oegcf.com


LE MONDE CHINA

INFO

On a buying spree:

Chinese investments

in Europe

Year

In 2016, Chinese investors were

particularly active in buying

European companies or acquiring

shares in European companies,

according to the consulting firm

EY. At that time, the investment

volume reached almost 86 billion

US dollars. In the following years,

both the number of transactions

and the investment volume

declined. In the previous year,

investments were only 1,5 billion

US dollars due to the Corona

pandemic. In general, China's

investors are most likely to invest

in German companies. The number

of transactions and the amount of

investments are also high in Great

Britain, France and Italy.

Number of

company

acquisitions or

participations

Investment

total

2006 40 4,462

2007 51 11,873

2008 61 7,810

2009 85 10,510

2010 91 16,971

2011 99 23,058

2012 119 17,504

2013 138 10,752

2014 165 21,534

2015 209 30,117

2016 309 85,827

2017 247 57,604

2018 196 31,211

2019 182 17,254

2020 132 1,500

SOURCE: EY, DETAILS OF THE INVESTMENT SUM IN

MILLION US DOLLARS

>>

The Heaven's Gate in Tianmen Mountain National Park, Zhangjiajie (top left); Chinese calligraphy (top right); Longji rice terrace in

Dazhai village in Guangxi province of China, Longsheng.

ted Vienna Branch, ZTE Austria, HUAWEI Technologies

Austria and Air China Limited Vienna Office.

The CIETAC European Arbitration Centre is the secretary-general

unit responsible for the daily liaison

and administrative work of the association.”

China is also in demand as a business partner at

the European level. This is confirmed by the results

of a survey published in June, which was conducted

by the EU Chamber of Commerce in Beijing in cooperation

with the management consultancy Roland

Berger. 585 European companies took part in the

survey. 59% of the companies surveyed said, they

were thinking about expanding their business in

China. According to the survey, 68% are optimistic

about their future business in the People’s Republic,

only 9% want to cancel their investments in China or

invest in other markets. But still 41% of the companies

emphasised that business has become more political

in the past year. With regard to this, the majority

does not expect the pressure to ease.

Ongoing urbanisation

In 2005, 42.5% of China’s population lived in cities.

By 2019, the proportion of urban residents had increased

to 60.3%, according to IMF and WEO US Census

Bureau data. According to the UN’s World Urbanisation

Prospects results recorded for 2018, Beijing, the

capital of the People’s Republic of China, ranked

eighth in the world with 19.6 million inhabitants. The

metropolis of Shanghai, with 25.6 million inhabitants,

makes it into the top three of the world’s largest cities.

In 2013, China became the world’s most important

sales market for passenger cars. In the previous

year, 19.7 million cars were sold, below 20 million for

the first time since 2014. As elsewhere, Chinese car

buyers increasingly prefer SUVs, crossovers and disdain

vans. Among the luxury brands, German manufacturers

are top. Audi topped the list in 2020 with

over 650,000 models sold, while Mercedes and BMW

caught up with 640,000 and 611,000 vehicles respectively.

All three brands set according to data from Dr

Becker, Institut für Wirtschaftsanalyse und Kommunikation

(IWK), sales records in China.

China wants to reduce pollutant emissions by expanding

e-mobility. Given the growing market share

of electric vehicles in China - forecast at 55% by 2035

- China does not want to be dependent on a charging

infrastructure that creates obstacles in densely populated

areas. The solution is flush integration of charging

technology into the car park floor. With regard

to such an e-vehicle charging infrastructure, the New

Energy Vehicle Center NEVC, a platform supported

>>

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK

Tirol – the most spiritually

energising place in the Alps.

Vibrant home to successful

companies and cutting-edge

international research.

See for yourself!

www.tyrol.com

www.standort-tirol.at


LE MONDE CHINA

High-speed train (on

top); Zhongshan Snack

Street, a food market in

Nanning.

COMMENTARY | CHRISTIAN FUCHSSTEINER

>>

by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the

People’s Republic of China, has entered into a strategic

partnership with the Austrian high-tech company

Easelink, based in Graz.

The Middle Kingdom is aiming for carbon neutrality

by 2060 and is very active in the renewable

energy arms race. This is all the more important because

China, as the world’s second largest economy,

is the largest global CO2 emitter. China can also

achieve economic goals with the targeted CO2 reduction.

For years, the country has been devoting

more attention to solar and wind technology. Another

way to reduce environmental pollution is

through innovations in rail transport. China is also

setting new records in this area. For example, a magnetic

levitation train that reaches a top speed of 600

kilometres per hour was unveiled in July. This speed

makes the train, developed by China itself and manufactured

in the coastal city of Qingdao, the fastest

Regional Director Asia/Oceania at Advantage Austria

>>

„Unsere Vision ist es, die

Gesundheitsversorgung

durch den Einsatz

modernster Technologie

zu verbessern!“

International

AME International GmbH (AME) ist ein globaler Anbieter

von Technologielösungen im Gesundheitswesen mit Sitz

in Wien, Österreich. AME wurde 1995 gegründet und

verfügt über umfassendes Know-how bei der Entwicklung,

Implementierung, dem Betrieb und der Finanzierung

internationaler Gesundheitsprojekte. Bisher wurden von

AME rund 80 Gesundheitsprojekte und digitale Lösungen im

Gesundheitswesen in Europa, Ostasien, Südostasien, Afrika und

dem Nahen Osten erfolgreich umgesetzt.

Christian Fuchssteiner

is Regional Director

Asia/Oceania at

Advantage Austria, the

trade promotion

organisation of the

Austrian Economic

Chambers.

China is an anchor and motor of the world economy

The economic ties and friendship

between China and Austria have a

long history and reach back to the

times when the “country of music”

Austria was the heart of a powerful

monarchy and far-away China - as

the exotic and culturally rich

“Middle Kingdom” – fascinated and

inspired generations of Europeans…

The first trade contacts between

Austria and China date back to 1781,

while the history of bilateral

diplomatic relations began in 1869 with the

conclusion of a formal treaty between Austria-Hungary

and the Chinese Empire, which entered into force

in 1871. Exactly one hundred years later, diplomatic

relations, now between the People's Republic of

China and the Republic of Austria, were officially

established on May 28, 1971 with the first ambassadors

accredited to the government of the other side

in September 1971. In addition to lively cultural and

touristic exchanges, trade and economic exchanges

have soared ever since and flourished in recent years.

The trade volume rose from 29 million euros in the

early years after the establishment of diplomatic

relations to over 14 billion euros in 2020. Last year,

China was Austria's fifth largest trading partner

worldwide and by far the most important in Asia. In

2020, China even surpassed Italy to become Austria’s

second most important source of imported goods.

Today - unlike in 1971 - China is an economic

superpower and stable anchor and motor of the world

economy, even more so in times of crises. Over the

years, China has developed into an important source

of investments, flows of goods and services as well as

the latest technological achievements. It is also a

crucial political partner for Austria on the world

stage.

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber WKO

entertains a network of six offices in China, in the

cities of Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Shenyang,

Guangzhou and Hong Kong, and supports Austrian

companies in all aspects of doing business on the

vast Chinese market. In 2018, Austrian President Van

der Bellen, Chancellor Kurz and several Federal

Ministers paid a historic state-visit to the People's

Republic of China and were accompanied by the

largest business delegation that the Austrian Federal

Economic Chamber has ever organised in its history.

Even in the midst of the unexpectedly deep Corona

crisis, the friendship between Austria and China has

proven rock-solid: Both governments supplied each

other with urgently needed medical supplies and

worked together to combat the pandemic. China's

remarkable successes in the fight against Covid-19

should not go unmentioned; they are the cornerstone

for the robust economic recovery taking hold in the

first half of 2021.

For China and Austria, the last 50 years have been

a resounding success story. Looking back at those

remarkable achievements, we see this as a mandate

for the future to continue strengthening the economic

ties between our countries and building bridges

between the Austrian and Chinese nations – in a spirit

of partnership and mutually beneficial economic

cooperation.

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, VOGUESPOT.AT

Zitat:

Ekkehart

Stremitzer

Geschäftsführer

„Mein erstes Projekt als

Selbstständiger war eine

Möbelfabrik in China.

Erfolgreich wurde ich als

Unternehmer vor allem

durch das Netzwerken.

Mein genereller Ratschlag

für alle, die in China

Geschäfte machen wollen,

ist es zu akzeptieren,

dass nichts von heute auf

morgen geschieht. Die

wichtigste Tugend ist jene

der Geduld.“

Die positiven sozialen Auswirkungen unserer Projekte

haben ergeben, dass die klinische Versorgung in über 200

Krankenhäusern weltweit mit rund 50.000 Betten gestärkt

wurde, die Gesundheitssituation von 1,7 Millionen stationären

und über 20 Millionen ambulanten Patienten verbessert und der

Zugang zur Versorgung der Einzugsgebiete um 165 Millionen

Menschen angereichert wurde.

Als umfassender Lösungsanbieter und Integrator für

Gesundheitsprojekte gewährleisten unser technisches Knowhow

und unsere Projektmanagementfähigkeiten, unterstützt

von einem starken finanziellen Hintergrund und dem Zugang zu

Projektfinanzierungen, nachhaltige, kosteneffiziente Lösungen

für Kunden und Stakeholder im Gesundheitswesen.

Das Leistungsspektrum umfasst:

• Beratung & Krankenhaustechnik

• Medizintechnikpaketlösungen und schlüsselfertige Lösungen

• Digitale Lösungen im Gesundheitswesen


AME International GmbH

Hietzinger Hauptstrasse 46, 1130 Wien

Tel.: +43 1 503 59 79

Mail: office@ame-international.com

Web: www.ame-international.com

LE MONDE CHINA

Design by the architectural firm

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) for

the planned construction of the

O-Tower in Hangzhou.

>>

ground vehicle in the world. Keyword speed: China

is also considered one of the pioneers in 5G technology.

And there is no shortage of other new ideas.

According to WKO figures, a total of 97,950 domestic

patents were registered in 2005. In the previous

year, there were already 1,327,847. Innovations in

various fields also played an important role in earlier

times. For example, gunpowder, the compass, printing

techniques or even the production of paper were

invented in China.

Port of Shanghai - the world‘s largest container port is located in China‘s largest city.

Pioneer in Artificial Intelligence

“Computers will overtake humans with Artificial

Intelligence at some point within the next 100 years.

...When that happens, we need to make sure the

computers have goals aligned with ours. Our future

is a race between the growing power of technology

and the wisdom with which we use it”, stressed the

British theoretical physicist and astrophysicist Stephen

Hawking, who died in 2018, at the Zeitgeist

2015 conference in London. This statement outlines

the great responsibility that AI researchers must take

into account. In the race for leadership, the USA and

China currently hold the best cards. And China is

also taking a strategic approach to the further development

of artificial intelligence. As early as 2017,

the Chinese State Council published the “Next Generation

Artificial Intelligence Development Plan“. The

plan describes China’s path to becoming the first global

innovation centre for artificial intelligence in

2030, by which time the AI core industry should be

worth 148 billion US dollars, according to the American

Time Magazine. For related industries, even

ten times this value is expected. As a result, China

can use a decisive competitive advantage, since the

wage level is significantly lower than in the USA. AI

research is also attractive to young Chinese scientists

in terms of recognition. They are admired like pop

stars, which explains why university places among

the best high school graduates are highly coveted.

Natural paradises and booming cities

If you want to take a trip to China, you have plenty

to choose from. The Middle Kingdom is home to

56 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and over 220 national

parks. The cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Hong

Kong and Macao are top destinations for city trips or

starting points for round trips through the Middle

Kingdom. Near Beijing is a 600-kilometre-long section

of the “Great Wall“, most of which is in good

>>

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, BJARKE INGELS GROUP

ENTGELTLICHE WERBUNG EINE INFORMATION DES LANDES NIEDERÖSTERREICH

China – Zukunftsmarkt für

Niederösterreichs Exportwirtschaft

Der Export gehört zu den wesentlichen Säulen der niederösterreichischen Wirtschaft - über 50 Prozent des niederösterreichischen

Bruttoregionalprodukts werden im Export erwirtschaftet. Gerade auch während der Pandemie hat

sich die Exportwirtschaft als Konjunkturmotor bewährt.

China gilt als Land der Superlative und zählt zu den Big Playern in

den Bereichen Künstliche Intelligenz, Digitalisierung und Robotik.

Damit ist China nicht nur ein attraktiver Exportmarkt, sondern

auch ein wichtiger Partner für den Technologie- und Innovationsstandort

Niederösterreich.

Rund 75 Prozent der niederösterreichischen Warenexporte gehen

nach Europa – das ist naheliegend, aber die großen Wachstumschancen

finden die Betriebe vor allem in Asien. Die Region

ist charakterisiert durch hohe Wachstumsraten und eine enorme

Dynamik, die zwar durch die Pandemie unterbrochen wurde,

doch gerade die chinesische Wirtschaft konnte sich davon vergleichsweise

rasch wieder erholen. China wird daher auch im

Rahmen der neuen „Niederösterreichischen Export- und Internationalisierungsstrategie

2027“ explizit als ein spannender

Zukunftsmarkt für heimische Top-Unternehmen genannt.

China lag 2020 an 16. Stelle der wichtigsten niederösterreichischen

Exportmärkte. Die Warenexporte bewegen sich mit circa

400 Mio. Euro noch auf relativ niedrigem Niveau im Vergleich

zur Größe des Marktes. China ist aber bereits jetzt nach den USA

unser zweitwichtigster Markt außerhalb Europas.

Daher hat Niederösterreich bereits 2019 sein Engagement in China erhöht

und eine hochrangige Wirtschaftsdelegation nach China gestartet,

um als „Türöffner“ für die Betriebe zu fungieren und ihnen so den

Zugang zu Land, Leuten und Wirtschaftsleben zu erleichtern. Es geht

aber auch darum, voneinander zu lernen und sich auszutauschen.

Niederösterreich ist mit einem Exportvolumen von rund 22,5 Milliarden

Euro eine der stärksten Außenhandelsregionen Mitteleuropas und hat als

Innovations- und Forschungsstandort im Herzen Europas auch den chinesischen

Partnern viel zu bieten. So ist Niederösterreich unter anderem

auch für Direkt-Investitionen aus China attraktiv, wie etwa die Ansiedlung

der E-Mobil-Forschungseinrichtung des chinesischen Autoriesen Great

Wall Motors in Kottingbrunn beweist. Andererseits ist etwa die Firma

Pollmann International mit einem Werk nahe Shanghai erfolgreich, um

nur ein Beispiel von vielen zu nennen. Derzeit gibt es mehr als 200 niederösterreichische

Unternehmen, die in China und Hongkong tätig sind.

Auch auf politischer Ebene gibt es einen regen Austausch zwischen China

und Niederösterreich: seit 2000 haben über 10 chinesische Delegationen

Niederösterreich besucht. Die letzte hochrangige Wirtschaftsdelegation

aus Niederösterreich fand 2019 statt. Hier konnte die langjährige Partnerschaft

zwischen Niederösterreich und China weiter vertieft werden.

noe.gv.at


LE MONDE CHINA

INFO

VCUOE | ASSOCIATION

OF CHINESE ENTERPRISES

Abbreviation

29% of the

world trade

China was the driving force

behind the Regional

Comprehensive Economic

Partnership RCEP. The free

trade agreement was

signed on 15 November,

2020. RCEP will sooner or

later be the largest trading

bloc in the world.

According to the World

Bank, the 15 member states

of the free trade agreement

from the Asia-Pacific

region together represent

about 30 per cent of global

economic output, about 30

per cent of the world's

population and 29 per cent

of world trade.

Share of world

trade 2019

RCEP

Free trade agreements

ASEAN countries 29,0 %

NAFTA

North American Free

Trade Agreement 13,5 %

EU-27

European Union 33,1 %

CPTPP

Trans-Pacific Partnership 15,5 %

MERCOSUR

South America 2,7 %

SOURCES: WORLD BANK, IWF, UNCTAD

Among the 28 members of VCUOe

are a number of global corporations.

The purpose of "Vereinigung Chinesischer Unternehmen in

Österreich" (VCUOe) is to represent the interests of Chinese

enterprises and institutions in Austria, to promote the

development of Chinese enterprises, and to strengthen the

understanding and exchanges between China and Austria. Li

Yanni, CEO of ICBC Bank Austria and President of the “Vereinigung

Chinesischer Unternehmen in Österreich, VCUOe“: “The

economic and trade cooperation between the two countries

started early and achieved fruitful results. The cooperations will

always play the role of anchor and booster in bilateral relations.

In the past five years, China has become one of Austria’s top ten

trading partners. In 2020, China has become Austria’s second

largest source of imports for the first time. We strongly believe

that the economic cooperation between China and Austria will

keep positive in the future.“

The "Vereinigung Chinesischer Unternehmen in Österreich"

(VCUOe) was established in Vienna on April 27, 2017. There are

currently 28 members, including all large Chinese-funded

enterprises in Austria, covering various fields such as finance,

infrastructure, manufacturing, aviation, communications, and law.

VCUOe members include Austrian representative offices of

renowned Chinese companies such as ICBC, the Industrial and

Commercial Bank of China, which in May 2021 was ranked 34th in

the world's largest stock exchange groups by Forbes Magazine.

VCUOe members also include the Bank of China, the network

specialist ZTE, the world's largest manufacturer of telecom

equipment HUAWEI and Air China, the only national airline in

China and a member of the Star Alliance, the world's largest

aviation alliance. In addition, FACC, manufacturer of components

and systems for the aviation industry, the globally active

manufacturer of electrical drive systems for industrial and

equipment applications ATB, which is owned by the Chinese

industrial and financial group Wolong Holding, as well as CRRC,

the SHOUGANG GROUP, ZENITH, Great Wall, Eurocrane, Ekontrol

drive or VIVO, among others, also use the services of VCUOe.

VCUOe President Li Yanni (pictured below): "VCUOe is working

closely with incoming Chinese companies to attract them to join

our association. VCUOe also welcomes Austrian companies that

frequently work with

China and Chinese

companies as

honorary members."

>> condition. According to the Chinese State Administration

of Cultural Heritage, the wall is almost 21,200

kilometres long in total.

Other popular destinations are cities like Guilin

and Kunming. One of the most important historical

cities in China is Xi'an. Qin Shi Huang, the founder

of the Chinese Qin Dynasty, had the famous Terracotta

Warriors, an impressive collection of terracotta

sculptures, built near the city. The figures are in the

tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di. At first glance,

the statues look confusingly similar. But on closer

inspection, each of the 8,000 figures has something

unique about it. Those who prefer nature experiences

can visit the national park in Zhangjiajie No. 1,

1,500 metres above sea level, which offers kilometrelong

paths along mountains and two glass bridges.

The national park in Zhangjiajie No.2 in Hunan Province

is also located away from the metropolises. River

cruises on the Yangtze, Asia’s longest river at

6,380 kilometres and the third longest river in the

world, after the Nile and the Amazon, are also popular

among tourists. The same applies to trips on the

Tibet Railway, the highest railway line on earth with

a crest of 5,072 metres.

The giant panda is revered as a national symbol in

China. Now that the animal is threatened with extinction

- according to the latest giant panda census

in 2014, there were around 1,860 giant pandas living

in the wild - 40 reserves have been established over

an area of 10,000 square kilometres. One of the reserves

is located near Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan

province, where visitors can admire the giant pandas

in a park-like setting. By the way: Tourism has

become an essential contributor to China’s domestic

economy since the beginning of reform and opening

in the early eighties. According to the data portal Statista,

the travel and tourism industry contributed 11

per cent to China’s economic output in 2018. In the

following year, it was 9.3 per cent.

If you come from a German-speaking country,

you can get by with 30 characters. You don’t get far in

China with such a small amount. Li Xiaosi, Ambassador

of the People’s Republic of China to Austria:

“The history of Chinese characters goes back

thousands of years and there are a total of several

tens of thousands of characters. Primary school pupils

have to master around 3,000. Characters are part

of our culture. If the writing of Chinese characters is

used from an aesthetic point of view, it is called calligraphy,

the art of beautiful writing.”

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, BEIGESTELLT

Wu‘An Country

People‘s Hospital Hebei, China

St. Martins Spa & Lodge,

Austria

© STM/R. Dellinger

Reem Hospital,

Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

University Hospital

Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Founded in 1982, VAMED has become the leading global service provider in

the healthcare sector. The group has implemented around 1,000 projects

in 95 countries on five continents. VAMED’s portfolio ranges from project

development, planning and turnkey equipment via maintenance, technical,

commercial and infrastructure services to the total operational management of

health care facilities.

With its portfolio of services, VAMED covers the entire range of health care, from

preventive medicine to acute care, rehabilitation and nursing. VAMED is a leading

provider of rehabilitation services in Europe and, through VAMED Vitality World,

the company is also Austria‘s largest operator of thermal spas and health resorts.

© ZOOM VP.AT

© UKSH


LE MONDE CHINA

China in amazing numbers

Whether in economic growth, population development, the number

of large stock exchange groups, construction activity or wine consumption

– China stands for extraordinary developments.

China - growth engine of

the global economy

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

‘70

USA

Eurozone

China

Japan

India

‘80 ‘90 ‘00 ‘10 ‘20

Plus 2.3

percent

The share of China‘s

economic output in global

GDP has grown very

strongly, especially since

the turn of the millennium,

and is currently around 14

percent. India‘s share has

also risen in recent decades,

while the contribution of

the Eurozone, the USA and

Japan has declined.

Sources: Datastream, Worldbank,

J.P.Morgan Asset Management

Up to

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

8,4

8.4 percent GDP growth

People‘s Republic of China

Advanced economies

Emerging market and developing economies

World

5,6 5,4 5,3 5,1 4,9

‘21 ‘22 ‘23 ‘24 ‘25 ‘26

According to IMF forecasts, Chinese economic

growth may continue to outpace the rest of the

world in the coming years. Source: IMF, 2021

With a height of

632 metres world number 2

The Shanghai Tower in the Chinese metropolis of Shanghai is the second

tallest building in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which has a

height of 828 metres without an antenna. Of the 76 skyscrapers built

worldwide that are at least 350 metres high, 39 are in China, 13 in the United

Arab Emirates and 11 in the USA. Source: Statista

12 corporations in the global 100

According to an evaluation by the statistics portal Statista, twelve Chinese

stock exchange companies were already among the 100 largest stock

exchange companies in the world in May 2021. Tencent Holdings Ltd, an

internet company with headquarters in Shenzhen, ranked seventh. Ninth

place went to Alibaba Group Holding Limited, headquartered in Hangzhou.

It was founded in 1999 by the former English teacher Jack Ma and operates,

among other things, the B2B platform Alibaba.com as well as the online

auction house Taobao and is, according to its own information, the largest IT

company group in China. Source: Forbes; data as of 21 May, 2021

Over the past decade, China‘s real GDP has consistently grown faster than that of

other parts of the world. In 2020, China‘s economic output continued to grow at a

rate of 2.3 percent. In the industrialised and developing countries, as well as in the

global average, the average GDP development was declining. Source: IMF, 2021

9

6

4

2

7,9 7,9 7,8

7,4

7 6,9 6,9 6,7

5,8

2,3

10 floors in 29

hours

China is unrivalled in the implementation of very fast-track construction projects.

In February 2020, a hospital for 1,000 Covid-19 patients was built in Wuhan in

eight days. Recently, a project in Hunan‘s provincial capital Changsha caused a

sensation. In just over a day, a ten-storey apartment block called the “Living

Building“ was raised using construction modules. Source: dailymail.co.uk

0

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK

-2

-4

-6

China, People‘s Republic of

Advanced economies

Emerging market and developing economies

World

‘11 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘20

The 5 most populous countries in the world

Data for 2019 in millions

of inhabitants

World number 10 in wine production

in 2020 in million hectolitres

Italy

France

Spain

USA

Argentina

Australia

South Africa

Chile

Germany

China

10.8

10.6

10.4

10.3

8.4

6.6

22.8

40.7

46.6

49.1

Around 2

litres of wine per head a year

In China, around two litres of wine are consumed per capita per

year. In Austria, the average wine consumption in 2019 was 26

litres per capita. The world leaders are the Portuguese. They drink

an average of 62 litres of wine per person per year. Source: OIV

Between 1950 and 2020, the number of inhabitants in China

increased by almost 160 percent. According to calculations by

the UN DESA Population Division, India can become the most

populous country on earth within the current decade.

Source: UN DESA Population Division.

China is the 10th largest producer of wine

in the world. Austria ranks 15th with a

production volume of 2.4 million

hectolitres. With 855,000 hectares under

cultivation, China is second only to Spain

with 966,000 hectares.

Sources: Statista, winetitles.com



65

LE MONDE CHINA | INTERVIEW

H.E. LI Xiaosi

“The friendship is deeply rooted.”

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA

The Chinese Ambassador to Austria talks about 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and

Austria, the economic upswing of China and decisive international developments.

Interview: Robert Winter

CD: Mr Ambassador, diplomatic relations were

established between the People‘s Republic of

China and Austria on 28 May, 1971. What have

been the most important diplomatic milestones

since then?

LI Xiaosi : On 28 May, 1971, with strategic

foresight and wisdom, leaders of China and

Austria decided to establish diplomatic relations

in the interests of the two peoples,

opening a new chapter of friendly exchanges.

Over the past 50 years, leaders of the

two countries have kept close contacts and

frequent exchanges of visits. The Chinese

President JIANG Zemin, Premier LI Peng,

Premier ZHU Rongji and other leaders

came to visit Austria. Austrian Federal Presidents

Thomas Klestil and Heinz Fischer

and other leaders also visited China. In

2018, President Xi Jinping met with President

Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor

Sebastian Kurz during their joint state

visit to China, and the two countries established

a friendly strategic partnership, pointing

the direction for the future development

of bilateral relations. In 2019,

Chancellor Kurz paid another visit to China

and attended the second Belt and Road Forum

for International Cooperation. The

high-level exchanges have been playing a

political leading role, which has effectively

enhanced mutual understanding and trust

between the two sides, and is of great significance

in promoting the development of

bilateral relations and deepening practical

cooperation in various fields.

In which areas do you consider the relationship

between China and Austria to be very good? Are

there areas that need further intensification?

The economies of China and Austria are

highly complementary, and solid cooperation

has been carried out in traditional areas

such as economy and trade, finance, culture,

tourism and scientific research. Since

the establishment of diplomatic relations,

bilateral trade volume between China and

Austria has increased by more than 400

times, and China has become Austria’s fifth

largest trading partner in the world. People-to-people

and cultural exchanges between

the two countries are active and the

friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of

the two peoples. This year marks the start

of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan and the

long-range objectives through 2035. As

China’s economy has been transitioning

from a phase of rapid growth to a stage of

high-quality development, new opportunities

are opening up for China-Austria cooperation

in the fields of digital economy,

high-end manufacturing, ecological agriculture,

energy conservation and environmental

protection. China is actively preparing

for the 2022 Winter Olympics in

Beijing and has put forward the vision of

engaging 300 million people in winter

sports, which will bring a huge market potential.

As a country strong in winter sports

and ice and snow industry, Austria has advanced

products, technology and experiences.

Both sides have carried out fruitful

cooperation in the fields of event preparation,

venue construction, athlete training

and equipment, and there will be more development

prospects. It is hoped that the

Austrian government, economic circles,

sports circles and the public will actively

support and participate in the Beijing Winter

Olympics and share development opportunities.

Last May, China‘s President Xi Jinping emphasised

that he wanted to work more closely with Austria

on the joint construction of the Belt and Road

H.E. LI XIAOSI

was born in Wuhan/PRC and has been

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

of the People‘s Republic of China to the

Republic of Austria since 2016. He has been

a career diplomat since 1985, with previous

posts in Germany and Switzerland.

“Over the past 50 years,

leaders of China and

Austria have kept close

contacts and frequent

exchanges of visits.”



67


Initiative, better known as the New Silk Road.

What kind of cooperation is particularly

important?

Since President Xi Jinping raised the initiative

of jointly building the “Belt and

Road” in 2013, the initiative has received

positive responses and support from the

international community. So far, China has

signed documents on BRI cooperation

with 140 countries, the total trade volume

amounted to over 9.2 trillion US dollars,

and the direct investment by Chinese companies

in countries along the Route has

surpassed 130 billion US dollars. The BRI

has truly become the world’s broadestbased

and largest platform for international

cooperation, bringing enormous opportunities

and benefits to countries

around the world. The Belt and Road Initiative

upholds the principles of extensive

consultation, joint contribution, and

shared benefits, and focuses on strengthening

the policy coordination, connectivity

of infrastructure and facilities, unimpeded

trade, financial integration, and people-topeople

bonds. Austria welcomes and actively

participates in the BRI. The two

countries have signed a cooperation agreement

on BRI, and have conducted sound

cooperation in various fields like transportation

and finance. There were four direct

flights between China and Austria in 2019.

In 2020, Austrian Railway Group participated

in about 900 trips by China-Europe

freight trains, which played an active role

in promoting the exchange of products between

China and Europe and ensuring the

stability of the supply chain and industrial

chain. Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial

Bank of China and Raiffeisen Bank

International have provided financial support

for companies of the two countries to

invest and develop businesses. Both sides

also conduct research on third-party market

cooperation. The BRI cooperation between

China and Austria enjoys huge potential

and broad prospects.

Many observers also consider closer cooperation

between the two countries on current global

challenges such as health or environmental issues

to be very important. Are there any concrete

plans for this?

At present, the international community

is facing many global challenges such as the

Covid-19 pandemic and climate change.

China and Austria share similar positions

and maintain good cooperation in related

areas. During the pandemic, our two countries

supported each other with solidarity

and cooperation to overcome the difficulties

and provided each other with medical supplies.

Medical experts from both sides exchanged

views on the combined use of TCM

and Western medicine in fighting Covid-19.

Not long ago, the two ministers for science

and technology held a video conference and

agreed to take the 50th anniversary of China-

Austria diplomatic relations as an opportunity

to follow through on the consensus of

the two heads of state, strengthen communication

and cooperation in scientific and

technological innovation and other fields,

jointly address global challenges such as the

Covid-19 pandemic and climate change,

and contribute to the economic recovery of

our two countries and the world in the postpandemic

era.

How do you assess the relationship between the

People‘s Republic of China and the European

Union?

China’s policy towards the EU has been

consistent. China always sees the EU as a

comprehensive strategic partner. We firmly

support European integration and support

a united and strong EU playing a bigger

role in international affairs. Cooperation

between China and Europe far outweighs

competition, and our areas of consensus far

exceed differences. In 2020, China and Europe

overcame the impact of the pandemic,

maintained frequent high-level exchanges,

and achieve rich results. The China-EU

Geographical Indications Agreement came

into effect. We set up new high-level dialogue

mechanism in green and digital areas,

and the negotiations on the China-Europe

Investment Agreement were

completed as scheduled. The current dif-


ficulties between China and Europe deserve

our attention. The China-Europe cooperation

has travelled an extraordinary

journey of decades with great resilience

and potential. As two important poles in a

multipolar world, China and Europe have

neither clash of fundamental interests nor

geopolitical conflicts. What we have are

huge cooperation needs. China and Europe

should stay committed to their comprehensive

strategic partnership, conduct

constructive dialogue, enhance mutual understanding,

clear doubts and misunderstandings,

expand consensus, focus on

mutually-beneficial cooperation and

realise the sound and steady development

of China-Europe relations.

Former US President Donald Trump showed little

foreign policy skill and triggered a trade war with

China. Do you think a turnaround is possible under

the current President Joe Biden?

The China policy of the United States

has not stepped out of the shadow of the

previous administration, has not got over

its misperception of China, and has not

found the right way to engage with China.

It is normal that China and the US may

have differences. What is crucial is that the

two countries respect and treat each other

as equals, and manage their differences

constructively to ensure that the bilateral

relationship moves forward in the right direction.

We believe, the right approach to

China-US relations is to step up dialogue,

deepen cooperation, narrow differences

and avoid confrontation. As the largest developing

and developed country, and as the

world’s two largest economies and permanent

members of the UN Security Council,

China and the US shoulder special global

responsibilities and obligations. China and

the US working together can make great

things happen for the two countries and

the world at large, while the two countries

stuck in confrontation spells disaster for

both countries and beyond.

Even in 2020, a year marked by the Corona >>

pandemic, China‘s real GDP grew, according to

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PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA

data from the International Monetary Fund, while

economic output in the rest of the world declined.

According to IMF forecasts for the next few years,

the Chinese economy will continue to grow faster

than other regions. What is the reason for the

already long-lasting good economic development?

We have firm confidence in the longterm

economic growth in China. First,

China has enjoyed continued political and

social stability, providing an important guarantee

for economic development. Second,

over the past 70 years since the founding

of the People’s Republic of China,

especially over the past four decades since

the reform and opening up, China has always

remained committed to economic

development as its central task and has

built a solid economic foundation, becoming

the world’s second largest economy

with strong risk resilience. Third, China’s

1.4 billion people and 400 million middleincome

group constitute one of the world’s

largest consumer markets and are an important

force in maintaining steady economic

growth. Fourth, we will continue to

deepen reforms, expand opening-up, continuously

improve the investment and

business environment, and cooperate with

other countries for mutual benefit and

common development. China’s accession

to the Regional Comprehensive Economic

Partnership (RCEP) last November and the

completion of the negotiations of the China-EU

Comprehensive Agreement on Investment

on time were all positive factors.

“China has realised

its first centenary

goal – building a

moderately prosperous

society in

all respects.”

In March, China‘s People‘s Congress formally

adopted the 14th Five-Year Plan for the country‘s

economic and social development from 2021 to

2025. What areas does the Five-Year Plan focus

on? What are the central goals of the plan?

China has realised its first centenary

goal – building a moderately prosperous

society in all respects and is now marching

toward the second centenary goal of building

China into a great modern socialist

country in all respects. The 14th Five-Year

Plan has set major targets for five years in

five categories including the economy, innovation-driven

development, public welfare,

green ecology, and security. In the

new stage of development, China is fostering

a new development paradigm with the

domestic circulation as the mainstay and

the domestic and international circulations

reinforcing each other, and will remain

committed to the new concept of innovative,

coordinated, green, open and shared

development.

In the fight against climate change, the European

Union and the USA have put together large

financial packages. China is aiming for carbon

neutrality by 2060. How can this goal be

achieved? What role do renewable energies play?

It usually takes 50 to 60 years in developed

countries to make the stride from carbon

peaking to carbon neutrality. As the

world’s largest developing country, China

faces arduous tasks of improving people’s


livelihood and developing its economy, and

is willing to assume the responsibility in

climate protection as a major country at the

same time. China will strive to peak carbon

dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon

neutrality by 2060, which means China

will complete the world’s largest reduction

in carbon emission intensity, and

realise carbon neutrality from carbon peaking

in the shortest time in global history.

China always honours commitments. The

targets of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality

have been added to China’s overall

plan for ecological conservation. We are

now making an action plan and are already

taking strong nationwide actions toward

carbon peak. Support is being given to peaking

pioneers from localities, sectors and

companies. We will adjust the energy

structure and increase the proportion of

renewable energy, strictly control coalfired

power generation projects and strictly

limit the increase in coal consumption over

the 14th Five-Year Plan period and phase it

down in the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

We will gradually change our mode of production

and life and advocate energy conservation

and environmental protection.

We will increase technological innovation

in the field of environmental protection,

and solve the problems of energy development,

allocation and consumption.

China is repeatedly confronted with international

criticism regarding the observance of human

rights, freedom of the press and the ongoing

conflict in Hong Kong. Is the criticism justified in

different areas?

The people of a country are in the best

position to judge how its human rights conditions

are. Xinjiang-related issues are not

about human rights, ethnicity or religion,

CULTURED.

EXCEPTIONAL.

QUIETLY CONFIDENT.

YOUR EVENT WITHIN THE CITY CENTER.

parkhyattvienna.com

Robert Winter,

author of Cercle

Diplomatique (left)

and the Chinese

Ambassador LI Xiaosi

(right).



but about combating violent terrorism and

separatism. The allegations of so-called

“forced labour” and “genocide” in Xinjiang

are the biggest lies of the century. Justice always

prevails and people can tell right from

wrong. It is an undeniable fact that people

of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang live a peaceful

and harmonious life and China’s human

rights cause has enjoyed vigorous development.

Hong Kong upholds rule of law. It is

not a safe haven beyond the law. Freedom

of the press does not entail impunity for

crimes. Anti-China, destabilising forces

have no extrajudicial rights. The Hong

Kong SAR government ensures that laws

are strictly enforced and complied with and

offences are prosecuted. This has been endorsed

and supported widely by the public

in Hong Kong. It will help consolidate and

improve the One Country, Two Systems

and promote Hong Kong’s stability and

prosperity. Some anti-China forces repeatedly

hyped up issues related to Xinjiang

and Hong Kong, which are entirely based

on prejudices and disinformation, and seriously

inconsistent with facts. Human rights

is the last thing on their mind, and their

real intention is to meddle in China’s domestic

affairs, smear China’s system, hurt

China’s image, and contain China’s development.

They style themselves as “human

rights judges and lecturers”, but choose to

turn a blind eye to or downplay their own

serious human rights issues like the persecution

of indigenous people, police brutality,

deep-seated racism, the proliferation of

weapons, and so on. They should reflect on

their own poor record of human rights and

earnestly redress their own problems,

rather than fabricate accusations out of thin

air to smear and attack others. No one cares

more about the human rights of the Chinese

people than the Chinese government.

China always advocates constructive dialogue

and cooperation with all parties in

the field of human rights on the premise of

mutual respect and equal treatment, but we

firmly oppose political manipulation of human

rights issues.

CHEERS TO 50 YEARS

LET’S CONTINUE TO FEEL THE PULSE

20 YEARS

SALZBURG AND CHINA

The Chinese GUANXI 关系 expresses the importance of a personal network

and harmonious relations. Twenty years ago, the China Liaison Office started

to build relations between Salzburg and China and to connect companies and

organisations from here to there. High-ranking officials such as President HU

Jintao, former Premier ZHU Rongji and LI Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing

Committee of the National People‘s Congress, have visited Salzburg since then.

Salzburg, with its international orientation, is linked to China by Jianzhen

Schaden, who establishes, builds up and deepens contacts. It has maintained

friendly relations since 2002, especially with the twin cities and regions of

Shanghai, Chaoyang District in Beijing, Hainan and Heilongjiang. At the beginning

of the Corona pandemic in 2020, the excellent relations between Salzburg

and China even resulted in the donation of urgently needed face masks from

Shanghai to Salzburg.

The China Liaison Office is part of ITG – Innovation Service for Salzburg and

supports locally with GUANXI – harmony, friendship and a good network!

50

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Praterstraße 1, 1020 Wien. Tel: +43 1 90 616-0 Email: h6599@so-hotels.com www.so-vienna.com www.dasloftwien.at


ITG – Innovation Service for Salzburg

China Liaison Office

Jianzhen Schaden

jianzhen.schaden@innovation-salzburg.at

+43 5 7599 722 43

www.innovation-salzburg.at

Photo: Tourismus Salzburg GmbH

LE MONDE GREECE

Sunny paradise

The Hellenic Republic is experienced in crises and will overcome the current global one, too. Especially

its potential in new technologies and tourism will help to bring the country back on track.

Text: Stephan Burianek

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK

On their way to the legendary Musikverein

concert hall in Vienna, people often walk

through a street called Dumbagasse, which

turns in from the Ringstraße. Only very few concertgoers

are aware of the fact that this street is named

after Nikolaus Dumba, who was one of the financers

of this landmark building. And hardly anyone knows

that the Dumba family was part of an influential

Greek community that substantially took part in

Austria’s economy and politics, as well as in the Viennese

social life. The Greeks started in Vienna in the

18th century as merchants for oriental goods, opened

the first coffee houses, and later gained a reputation

in the banking sector. They even paved the way for

the Greek revolution of 1821: Greek proponents of

the Enlightenment that had fled from the Ottoman

Empire to Vienna published newspapers and magazines

in Greek language which became an important

source for like-minded people back home. Hence, it

seems legitimate to claim that the Greek fight for independence

against the Ottoman initiated by Greek

intellectuals in Vienna. The Greek revolution was the

first liberal-national movement in Europe, and it set

an example for subsequent national uprisings in Europe

that finally led to new nation-states in the 20th

century. The legacy of the Greeks in Vienna lives on,

as many of them nowadays also have the Austrian ci-

Greece par excellence:

The picturesque Oia

village on Santorini island

is characterised by

whitewashed houses

on rocky cliffs.

Popular among tourists:

The Changing of the

Guards in front of the

Hellenic Parliament on

Syntagma Square in

Athens (right).



75

LE MONDE GREECE

Right: Magnificent

Melissani Lake on

Kefalonia island.

FACTS &

FIGURES

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center was

designed by Renzo Piano and houses both the

National Library and the National Opera.

Greece

Official name:

Hellenic Republic

Form of government:

Parliamentary Republic

President:

Katerina Sakellaropoulou

Prime Minister:

Kyriakos Mitsotakis

Population: 10.8 million

(2020 estimate)

World-famous beach with

a shipwreck on Zakynthos

island (above), the Greek

salad with feta cheese on

top is often chosen as an

appetiser (below).

tizenship. The most famous descendant of a Greek

dynasty in recent decades was probably the conductor

Herbert von Karajan.

Today, both countries are mainly connected by

tourism: Around 600,000 Austrians travelled to

Greece in 2019, the year before the pandemic, and

vice versa Austria is a popular destination for many

Greeks. Most Austrians come for the sun and the

beaches, and they enjoy the relaxed atmosphere especially

on the islands and the delicious cuisine, with

its many grilled specialties. As generally known,

Greece is also a primary destination for people interested

in culture: First the Romans copied Greek architecture

and sculpture. Later, the art of Ancient

Greece was rediscovered, and became an object of

study for the founders of the Renaissance, Classicism

and Historicism. And there’s more: it was at the Dionysus

Theatre in Athens, beneath the Acropolis, that

the first plays in history celebrated their premieres.

And the Agora, where philosophers such as Socrates

enunciated their theses, is widely viewed as the birthplace

of democracy. No doubt about it: western

cultural history would have been far poorer if it were

not for the ancient Greeks.

In fact, the ancient world is ever-present in the life

The Acropolis in Athens is

an eyecatcher that can be

seen from most of the

city‘s rooftop bars and

restaurants.

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK, YIORGIS YEROLYMBOS, VASSILIS MAKRIS

lithea, in the metropolitan area of Athens. It was designed

by the famed Italian architect Renzo Piano

and houses both the Greek National Opera and the

National Library. The complex has already become a

landmark of the capital, and its premises that include

a large garden and a terrace with a 360-degree view

of the city and the sea, very soon became a popular

place for exercise and meetings among locals.

The cultural centre also is a symbol of solidarity:

Financed by a foundation that was created by a meanwhile

deceased ship-owner, it was presented to the

state as a gift to all Greeks. It was the right moment:

Since the outbreak of the Greek debt crisis in 2010,

the Greek government had to implement a strict austerity

policy that has been demanding cutbacks from

its citizens. Hence, the SNFCC shows the Greek potential

even in difficult times.

As if the debt crisis was not enough, the Covid-19

pandemic brought an additional challenge to the

Hellenic Republic, as the tourism sector provides

some respectable 20 percent of the GDP. The global

lockdowns came right after a year of new records:

After 31.3 million people had visited Greece in 2019,

the number of incoming tourists was reduced to only

7.4 million in the pandemic year of 2020. At the beginning

of this August, the signs for a recovery were

positive – as the Greek government was one of the

first to act in the beginning of the pandemic. The

case numbers were kept relatively low, which allowed

the tourism industry to invite foreign tourists again.

Even though some people might consider the

Greeks as a homogenous nation, the country is very

of the Greeks. Take the subway station on Monastiraki

Square in Athens, for example. In the run-up to

the 2004 Olympic Games, construction workers

stumbled across a subterranean stream, Eridanos, in

the race to build a new subway line. The stream was

banished underground in ancient times, for reasons

of town planning. Today, its quiet rippling can be

heard once again at Monastiraki Station. Rushing to

work and life elsewhere, passers-by seem oblivious to

the museum-like character of the large info boards

and exposed finds. The ancient world is part of everyday

Athenian life.

It would not be fair, however, to reduce Greece to

its historic testimonies. The country has a vivid art

scene (see also the interview with the Greek Ambassador

to Austria, H.E. Catherine Koika), and is regularly

underlining its contemporary orientation with

new state-of-the-art buildings. The Acropolis Museum,

for example, which presents objects that were

found on the former sacred hill, was inaugurated in

2009 and with its vast use of glass it is a masterpiece

of transparent and space efficient architecture. More

recently, in 2016, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation

Cultural Center (SNFCC) was completed on the area

of a former horse riding track next to the sea in Kaldiverse

in cultural traditions. This is not a surprise if

one considers the geographical characteristics of the

Hellenic Republic that is surrounded by three seas –

the Aegean, the Ionian, and the Myrtoan – and measures

a distance of 750 kilometres from the mainland

in the north to the southernmost islands in the Aegean

Sea.

While the Peloponnese peninsula is highly appreciated

by visitors for the fact that on this part of the

mainland they allegedly find everything Greece is

standing for, most tourists come for a holiday on the

islands. Especially popular are the Cyclades, an island

group in the Aegean Sea. While everyone might

have heard of Mykonos as a meeting place for the jet

set, of Santorini as a volcanic island, and of Naxos as

the largest island of the Cyclades, there are many

other unique islands that, in contrast, keep a low

profile. Folegandros, for example, offers crystal clear

water, stepped roads to picturesque churches, and

well-kept white houses in narrow streets, and is an

ideal place for stressed people seeking for relaxation,

but also an insider’s tip for snorkelers. The volcanic

island of Milos is characterised by a fascinating

“moonscape”, with thermal springs, ancient catacombs,

and colourful sea-level houses next to white

Religion: 93% Christianity

(90% Greek Orthodoxy, 3%

other Christian),

4% no religion, 2% Islam,

1% other religions

GDP per capita (in current

prices): 17,670 USD (2020)

Capital: Athens

Area: 131,957 km 2 (mainland: ca.

107,000 km 2 , islands: ca. 25,000

km 2 )

Official language: Greek

Currency: Euro



77

LE MONDE GREECE

The Varlaam Monastery in

Meteora was founded in

the 14th century and is

still active.

Mythological creatures on a

vase painting (above), the

Academy of Athens was

designed by Theophil Hansen

(below).

beaches. From there, pottery lovers might take a ship

to Sifnos, and take the opportunity to try the olive

oils and wines there. On the other hand, Tinos is famous

for its marble and artistic tradition, but its

many churches furthermore make the island a place

for pilgrimage.

While there is a legitimate hope for the tourism to

recover, it is interesting to note that the GDP has declined

less dramatic during the pandemic than generally

expected – instead of a predicted minus of 10.5

percent in 2020, the economy diminished by only 8.2

percent. Greece will receive about 70 billion euro as a

financial support from the EU within the next seven

years, 32 billion of which will come from the “Next

Generation EU” recovery programme. The government

plans to use this money mainly for energy transition

efforts and investments in digital transformation

and innovation.

In this context, it is worth mentioning the dynamic

IT sector that turned out to grow even in pandemic

times. Several Greek tech solutions have reached

international fame, such as the taxi mobile app Beat,

the personnel recruiting software Workable, or the

online delivery mobile app efood. The Tesla company

opened a research and development division near

Athens, and Microsoft announced to establish three

new data centres. Hence, for Austrian companies

that desperately need skilled IT workers, Greece

could be an interesting country to search for.

In the difficult year of 2020, the exports to Austria

climbed according to Statistik Austria by 23.5 percent

to 337.6 million euro, with pharmaceutical products

in the lead (plus 33.8 percent to 77.2 million

euro), followed by dairy products (mainly feta cheese

and yoghurt), fruits and aluminium. In contrary, the

Austrian exports to Greece suffered a decline by 7.8

percent, after reaching a ten-year-high of 534.5 million

euro in the year before. Austrian companies

mainly deliver electronic goods and machines, followed

by dairy and pharmaceutical goods.

The strong Austrian-Hellenic connection can be

found even in the Athenian architecture: On Panepistimiou

Street, three neoclassical buildings – the University

of Athens, the Academy, and the former National

Library – very much remind of the building of

Austria’s Parliament. This is no co-incidence, of

course, as they were all designed by Theophil Hansen,

who was also the architect of the Musikverein.

With the help of a number of art projects, the Ambassador

of the Hellenic Republic to Austria, Catherine

Koika, plans to make these historic connections more

visible in the future. We promise to stick to it.

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK

Not the only cat you

will see on Santorini

island.


LE MONDE GREECE | INTERVIEW

H.E. Catherine Koika

“We cooperated closely with Austria in order to manage the pandemic.”

The Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic, an art enthusiast, is keen to promote

bilateral relations via cultural initiatives.

Interview: Stephan Burianek

CD: You have been Ambassador of Greece to

Austria since April 2019. Did you assume office

having certain goals?

Catherine Koika: This appointment

was an honour and a challenge: not only

was it my first time as an Ambassador, but

I too, found myself in a city that I already

loved. I feel very close to Austrians and

Austrian history. I am fortunate enough to

be here under very propitious circumstances

of excellent bilateral relations and I intend

to promote political, economic and

cultural cooperation. I hope that any deceleration

brought about by the pandemic

belongs to the past, and we are fully prepared

to make up for the lost ground, especially

in the economic sector. This said, my

soft spot for culture persists. I believe that

there is significant room for the further development

of cultural interaction between

our two countries, especially in all forms of

contemporary art that have great potential

in both Austria and Greece.

Which are your favourite spots in Vienna?

The museums! I enjoy following modern

art trends in Vienna and spending

time in the Albertina Modern, in the

Künstlerhaus, the Museum of Applied Arts

(MAK) or the sections dedicated to modern

art in the MuseumsQuartier. It would

be interesting to expose our Austrian

friends to the work of the Greek 20th century

artists.

Do you have any cooperation projects with art

museums here in Vienna?

Yes, indeed. Both countries have a rich

cultural legacy that plays an important role

in international relations.

On the other hand, I also intend to initiate

a film festival exchange between Greece

and Austria. Our tradition in short films

would flourish through collaboration and

synergies between the “Vienna Shorts Festival”

and the “Drama short-film festival” in

Greece.

In which fields could Greece and Austria further

their cooperation and mutual benefits?

We have a high level of mutual understanding

in many topics and we really appreciate

the Austrian support in certain issues

of high priority for Greece.

In the economic sector, tourism is an

excellent field for cooperation: In 2019, we

had almost 600,000 Austrians visiting

Greece and a large number of Greeks visiting

Austria. We seek to promote agro-tourism

or support our wineries and wines

from indigenous wine varieties. Furthermore,

we are striving for the digitalisation

of our economies. I also believe that there

is a mutual interest in the green economy

for both countries. Austria has a legacy in

the fight against climate change, so I think

we have a lot in common. Furthermore,

both countries are very active as far as

start-up companies are concerned.

How did Greece handle the pandemic? It seems that

the country did well, considering the comparatively

low case numbers throughout the crisis.

In March 2020, Prime Minister Kyriakos

Mitsotakis was in Vienna and met

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, right before the

lockdowns in Austria and Greece. It was a

challenging time, but measures were

quickly adopted and the Greek society reacted

in a very disciplined way. We cooperated

closely with Austria and other countries

in order to manage the crisis. Greece

was the first to introduce the online registration

form for tourists (Passenger Locator

Form - PLF) last summer. At the beginning

of 2021, our Prime Minister was the

first one to propose the introduction of the

green pass and the vaccination certificate

in Europe and the majority of our EU partners,

Austria included, supported the idea.

Now we can welcome guests that are either

vaccinated or tested. In Greece anti-Covid

measures are strictly kept and well respected.

We are aware that we have to prevent

the spreading of the variants and vaccination

runs on the fast lane. Vaccination is now

mandatory for all Greek healthcare workers,

according to a recent announcement

by the Greek government.

The pandemic killed a lot of progress, also in the

diplomatic field. However, the problems remain.

One constant pre-pandemic concern was


H.E. CATHERINE KOIKA

migration. With its many islands, Greece is very

much exposed to illegal immigration. What

efforts will be necessary in the future to improve

the situation?

As an EU frontier state Greece has indeed

been very exposed to migration flows

and in the past, we have been through

some very difficult times. Recently, however,

the situation improved, especially due

to the better protection of our borders,

which are, needless to remind, EU external

borders. I seize this opportunity to mention

our deep appreciation for the strong

support we received from the Austrian

government in March 2020, when Greece

and the EU, as a whole, were faced with an

unprecedented situation, orchestrated by

Turkey, where persons were encouraged to

try and illegally cross the Greek-Turkish

borders. It is recalled in this regard that the

EU Foreign Ministers strongly rejected

Turkey’s use of migratory pressure for political

purposes.

Two hundred years after the successful Greek

revolution against the Ottoman Empire, Greece’s

relations with Turkey are still delicate. How could

this situation improve?

From our part, we have always strived

for good relations, dialogue and cooperation

with all countries in our region and beyond,

including obviously with our immediate

neighbours, like Turkey. But no such

relations, dialogue and cooperation can

take place under threat or in a climate of

violations of international law. Furthermore,

dialogue alone is not the decisive step

that could be a game changer in Greek-

Turkish relations; Ankara’s full, unequivocal

compliance to international law, including

UNCLOS, which is EU acquis, could

be such a step.

H.E. Catherine Koika during the interview

with CD author Stephan Burianek.

Before starting her diplomatic career in 1986, Catherine Koika (born in

Athens, Greece) studied Law at the Kapodistrian University of Athens and

the Institute for International and European Studies of the University of

Strasbourg. She has served as a diplomat in Rome, Budapest, and Paris and

in various positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Athens. She was

appointed Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Austria in April 2019.

Besides her mother tongue, the Ambassador, mother of two children, speaks

English, French, Italian and German.



81

LE MONDE COMMENTARY

Time is running out for JCPOA 2.0

Text: Arian Faal

Is the nuclear deal with Iran dead? The US-State Department stated in August that ‘the opportunity to

achieve a mutual return to compliance with the JCPOA won’t last forever‘. But Iran’s new president

Ebrahim Raeisi has his own preconditions. An analysis.

Mehdi Arian Hamidi Faal

Foreign Editor of CD

studied at the University of

Vienna (Education, French,

History) and graduated with

distinction in 2000.

Dissertation in History and

Politics, French, 2000-2001

- finished with distinction.

Since 1995, various

teaching assignments at

different education centres

such as Dr. Rampitsch

and 18 schools in Vienna.

From 2004 to 2018: Foreign

politics correspondent at

Wiener Zeitung

2012-2015: Freelance

journalist at APA

For a couple of years, he has

been also lecturer at the

Theresan Military Academy

and at the Diplomatic

Academy Vienna.

It could be so easy and a win-win situation for all

parties: The Islamic Republic of Iran fulfils its

commitments concerning the nuclear deal

(JCPOA=Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) from

July 14, 2015. It is observed by the International Atomic

Energy Agency (IAEA) and the other parties

(France, Great Britain, China, Russia plus Germany/4+1).

And the USA, which withdrew from the

deal in 2018 (before that it was called JCPOA between

5+1 and Iran) allow Iran to reappear at the global

financial and economic market and put an end to

the nuclear related sanctions. Then, Iran as part of

OPEC, could sell oil, be part of the Swift System and

encourage big companies to restart investments in

the Islamic Republic. Well, as mentioned, it could be

easy, but it is not at all.

Since January 2021, when Joe Biden replaced Donald

Trump as US President, the efforts to get a JC-

POA 2.0 have begun without any results. At the beginning

of this summer, the Iranian delegation decided to

postpone the talks in Vienna after many rounds because

of the fact that Hassan Rouhani’s term as Iranian

President ended in August 2021. The last Iranian delegation

wanted to give the hardliner Ebrahim Raeisi,

now Iran’s new president, a chance to send his new (or

old) team to Austria. If we remember the fact that it

took over 13 years until the JCPOA 1.0 was finally signed

in Vienna in 2015, we can only hope that JCPOA

2.0 will be signed as soon as possible.

Raeisi is not Rouhani. He is not at all afraid of a “no

fear“-policy towards the West, above all towards Washington.

And his view is much more fixed by the idea that Iran

has all rights to protect its nuclear programme. And if there

is no consent, he would stress a huge focus on more

nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic.

But Raeisi must consider the current situation in

his country: The economic burdens, worsened by a

dramatic fifth wave of the corona virus with

thousands of dead people, as well as water shortages

that are partly the result of governmental mismanagement,

have set off violent protests.

The Oval Office and Tehran have much to lose if

the very delicate negotiation over limiting nuclear

activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran – in return for

a lifting of nuclear related sanctions – falls short.

The New York Times describes the main problem

in a recent article: “International inspectors have been

virtually blinded. At Iran’s major enrichment site at

Natanz, centrifuges are spinning at supersonic speeds,

beginning to enrich small amounts of nuclear fuel at

near bomb-grade. Elsewhere, some uranium is being

turned to metallic form – for medical purposes, the

Iranians insist, though the technology is also useful

for forming warheads.”

The first important topic will be, whether Ebrahim

Raeisi will retain Abbas Arakhchi and his helping diplomats

or replace them with his own loyalists, who will

presumably be determined to show they can drive a

harder bargain, getting more US and international

sanctions relief in return for temporary limits on Iran’s

nuclear programme. “There’s a real risk here that they

(the Iranians) come back with unrealistic demands

about what they can achieve in these talks,” Robert Malley,

the American lead negotiator, said in an interview.

But at the end of the day, it will be Ayatollah Seyed

Ali Khamenei who will make the final decision about

Iran’s position on the JCPOA 2.0. It will be only his political

will whether the deal is restored or not. During

the summer, the ayatollah echoed a key demand: that

the United States provide a guarantee that it can never

again walk away from the pact the way Mr Trump did.

And here, the problems begin: In fact, Secretary of

State Antony J. Blinken and Mr Malley have said that

in a democracy, there is no way to tie the hands of a

future president and that the best way to preserve the

deal is to show that it is working for both sides. “There

is no such thing as a guarantee; that’s not in the nature

of diplomacy,” Malley said. “But we don’t have any intent

– the president doesn’t have any intent — of spending

all these months negotiating a return to the deal

in order to then withdraw.” (cf. New York Times and

the Homepage of the State Secretary)

One more time, Vienna will be in September, at

least this is for sure, the diplomatic heart of important

negotiations. The results of these talks will have cruel

consequences for the world and can build political

bridges or destroy peaceful approaches. Sooner or

later, we will see.

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

“No Bomb for Iran“ as most important part of JCPOA

For the international community, the fact that Iran should never

get access to nuclear weapons, is the biggest goal in between

the JCPOA: Iran‘s stockpile of low-enriched uranium was reduced

by 97%, from 10,000 kg to 300 kg. This reduction will be

maintained for 15 years. For the same 15-year period, the Islamic

Republic of Iran will be limited to enriching uranium to 3.67%, a

percentage sufficient for civilian nuclear power and research, but

not for building a nuclear weapon. However, the number of

centrifuges is sufficient for a nuclear weapon, but not for nuclear

power. This is a „major decline“ in Iran‘s previous nuclear activity;

before watering down its stockpile pursuant to the Joint Plan of

Action interim agreement, Iran had enriched uranium to near

20% (medium-enriched uranium). This enriched uranium in

excess of 300 kg of up to 3.67% will be down blended to natural

uranium level or be sold in return for natural uranium, and the

uranium enriched to between 5% and 20% will be fabricated into

fuel plates for the Tehran Research Reactor or sold or diluted to

an enrichment level of 3.67%. P5+1 will facilitate the implementation

of the commercial contracts. After fifteen years, all

physical limits on enrichment will be removed, including limits

on the type and number of centrifuges, Iran‘s stockpile of

enriched uranium, and where Iran may have enrichment facilities.

According to Belfer, at this point Iran could „expand its nuclear

programme to create more practical overt and covert nuclear

weapons options“.

(Sources: JCPOA, Wikipedia, IAEA)

Where JCPOA began:

Announcing the framework of

a Comprehensive agreement

on the Iranian nuclear

programme: Hailong Wu of

China, Laurent Fabius of

France, Frank-Walter

Steinmeier of Germany,

Federica Mogherini of the

European Union, Javad Zarif

of Iran, an unidentified

official of Russia, Philip

Hammond of the United

Kingdom and John Kerry of

the United States (all from

left) in the „Forum Rolex“

auditorium of the EPFL

Learning Centre, Écublens-

Lausanne, Switzerland on

2 April, 2015.



83

LE MONDE EXPO 2020 DUBAI | INTERVIEW

H.E. Ibrahim Salim Mohamed Al Musharrakh

„There is no better opportunity than this event to build bridges.“

The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates on the EXPO 2020.

Interview: Arian Faal

CD: Excellency, the EXPO 2020 will start this

autumn, after a delay of one year because of

Covid-19. What can we expect?

Starting from 1 October 2021, the United

Arab Emirates and Dubai will host the

largest global event ever, which will last up

to six months under the theme “Connecting

Minds, Creating the Future”. The

event will be the first of its kind in the

Middle East, Africa and South Asia region

and, therefore, the UAE is determined that

EXPO 2020 will be the biggest showcase of

innovative events and future solutions. The

themes of Expo Dubai will include opportunity

– freeing the potential of individuals

and communities to create a better future,

including mobility – with innovative

logistics, transport and communication

systems for people, goods and ideas. And

there is also the big topic of sustainibility

– regarding the accessibility and resilience

of environmental, energy and water

resources.

tion and deliver real-life solutions to reallife

challenges. It is a launch pad for broadening

horizons and exchanging ideas of

innovation, collaboration and inspiration.

In the light of the negative effects oft he

Corona epidemic, the EXPO 2020 will support

to revitalize the aviation, tourism and

accomodation industries, in addition to the

related sub-sectors – not just in the UAE

but also in Austria and all participants‘

countries.

This year, Austria is also taking part in EXPO

2020.

We in the UAE are very pleased

that Austria’s participation with one of the

most unique designed pavilions reflects

the innovation and creativity of the Austrian

mindset in the forum of sustainable

building, smart cities, circular economy,

renewable energy, digital technology,

health and life sciences.

The United Arab Emirates and Austria

share long historical relations, built on a

solid foundation of mutual respect,

trade, and cooperation in all fields. This is

consolidated by a high level of understanding

which recently was put into reality by

establishing the strategic Comprehensive

Partnership and high level meeting between

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin

Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu

Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander

of the Armed Forces and Sebastian Kurz,

Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria.

The strategic Comprehensive Partnership

was recently signed between the two

countries. It also reflected the mutual desire

to take this relationship to new horizons,

which all came at the right time with the

opening and the participation of EXPO

2020.

H.E. IBRAHIM SALIM

MOHAMED AL MUSHARRAKH

presented his credentials at the end of

November 2019 to the Austrian Federal

President Alexander Van der Bellen. The

Ambassador is a graduate of the

Britannia Royal Naval College and a

graduate of the Naval War College

(Master Degree). He is also a former

Commander of the United Arab Emirates

Naval Forces.

How many nations will participate and which

topics are prominent?

The fact that 190 countries will participate

with their pavilions in EXPO 2020,

reflects the desire of the world to shake off

the crisis caused by the Corona pandemic.

Therefore, the United Arab Emirates will

spare no efforts to make this event a historic

event in the series of Expo. I invite everyone

to join the future world to a sixmonth

celebration of innovation, culture,

creativity and human progress. It is the

UAE’s commitment to building a cleaner,

safer and healthier future for everyone.

The EXPO 2020 is a long-term investment

in the future for all mankind.

Amidst the current crisis Covid-19,

the world, practically in all

levels, has to face the economy.

There is no better opportunity

than this event to

build bridges, inspire ac-

General aerial view of Al

Wasl with fog at Expo 2020

Dubai.

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA (2), EMBASSY OF THE UAE/VIENNA - 2020 EXPO 2020 DUBAI LLC –SO

The Ambassador of the United Arab

Emirates, H.E. Ibrahim Salim

Mohamed Al Musharrakh, during the

interview with Arian Faal at the

Embassy in Vienna.

84 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2021 Cercle Diplomatique 3/2021 85

LE MONDE EXPO 2020 DUBAI

Welcome to the EXPO 2020 in Dubai!

With the spirit of optimism, “Connecting minds, Creating the Future“ is the motto of this six-month

celebration of innovation, collaboration and inspiration from October 2021 to the end of March 2022.

Text: Arian Faal

Fly Emirates and get a

FREE DAY PASS

to Expo 2020 Dubai

Sustainability is one of the

important topics of our

future.

Experiencing EXPO 2020 Dubai

• Expo 2020 is the world in one place – a global

experience dedicated to bringing together people,

communities and nations to build bridges, inspire

action and deliver real-life solutions to real-life

challenges

• A launch pad for broadening horizons and

exchanging ideas, Expo is all about innovation,

collaboration and inspiration, and is the UAE’s

commitment to building a cleaner, safer, healthier

future for everyone

• In a spirit of optimism, Expo 2020 will gather

more than 200 participants – including 191

countries, as well as multilateral organisations,

businesses and educational establishments – for a

visually striking and emotionally inspiring 182

days

• Through Expo’s Programme for People and

Planet, participants will explore solutions to

fundamental global challengessuch as climate

change, equal access to education and healthcare,

and bridging the digital divide

• Visitors from all over the planet are invited to

join the making of a new world as they explore

new frontiers, embrace the opportunities of

tomorrow and discover life-changing innovations

that can have meaningful, positive impacts on our

planet and its people

• Expo 2020 is the first World Expo to be held in

the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA)

region, hosted in a city of the future, in one of the

world’s most inclusive, ambitious and futurefocused

nations, in the year of the UAE’s Golden

Jubilee

PHOTO: EMBASSY OF THE UAE/VIENNA - 2020 EXPO 2020 DUBAI LLC –SO

Fly Emirates to Dubai and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at EXPO 2020.

Simply book your flight to Dubai or include Dubai as a stopover* and get a complimentary

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General view of the

Mobility district at the

Expo 2020 site.

CHARGED

WITH PASSION.

Where is Expo 2020 Dubai?

An exceptional site

BIG LOVE.

Symbolfoto

• Expo 2020 is located in Dubai South, close to Al

Maktoum International Airport and easily reached

from Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s international airports

and cruise terminals

• Expo 2020 is easily accessible public transport,

including the Route 2020 Metro extension and

Expo Rider, a dedicated complimentary public bus

service

• The Expo 2020 site is 4.38 sqkm, approximately

2 sqkm forms the gated area, while the remaining

2.4 sqkm features supporting amenities and

facilities

• Expo 2020 is one of the world’s most

technologically connected sites, a city of the

future powered by state-ofthe-art innovations

that will link every aspect of the event to ensure

visitors have an unparalleled experience

• Expo aims to be one of the most sustainable

World Expos ever – an example of innovation in

action from its cutting-edge sustainable

architecture to sensors that monitor energy

efficiency

• The Thematic Districts include performance

spaces, innovation galleries, art installations,

parks and outdoor gardens. Each is anchored by

its own Thematic Pavilion

- Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion

- Alif – The Mobility Pavilion

- Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion

• Al Wasl Plaza is Expo’s beating heart – its iconic

centrepiece and the focal point for celebrations

during Expo 2020. Its steel trellis dome the

world’s largest 360-degree projection surface

• Expo’s 21-metre-high, mashrabiya-style carbon

fibre Entry Portals give visitors a first taste of the

amazing architecture and unprecedented

innovation they will experience across Expo 2020

ï Dozens of participants have already revealed

their pavilions – each is future-focused, inspiring

and innovative


The new all-electric MINI represents everything MINI is known for – and a spark more. Go-kart feeling 2.0 from

the first second, combined with iconic design and electrifying driving pleasure. Once charged up, you‘ll be in

love forever. Find out more now at MINI.at/electric

THE ALL-NEW MINI COOPER SE.

MINI WIEN

Heiligenstadt

Heiligenstädter Straße 66, 1190 Wien

Tel.: 01/360 61-0

Donaustadt

Rautenweg 4-6, 1220 Wien

Tel.: 01/259 35 46-0

www.mini-wien.at


MINI Cooper SE: 135 kW (184 hp), fuel consumption 0.0 l/100 km, CO 2

emissions 0.0 g/km, electricity

consumption 15.3 kWh/100 km. Specified consumption and CO 2

emission values determined according to WLTP.


The Sustainability Portal

at the exhibition venue.

Dr Margarete Schramböck

Experience Austria with all senses at EXPO 2020 Dubai

Themes

‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ is the

theme and purpose, and is based on the belief

that innovation and progress are the result of

people and ideas coming together in inspiring

new ways. The three subthemes are areas which

are seen as essential to building a better world for

everyone:

• Opportunity: Unlocking the potential for

individuals and communities to shape the future

• Mobility: Creating more efficient and effective

movement of people, goods and ideas, both

physically and virtually

• Sustainability: Respecting and living in balance

with the world we inhabit to ensure a cleaner,

safer, healthier future for all Something for

everyone Expo 2020 is for explorers and

adventurers; for foodies and culture enthusiasts;

for children and grandparents; for entrepreneurs,

thought-leaders, businesses and governments; for

the casual tourist, and for the curious who want

to experience the future – now.

• The Expo site will come alive with the sounds,

rhythms and sights of a global cast of performers

across its dynamic, diverse and ever-changing

entertainment programme, from music, dance and

art to inspiring poetry and insightful talks. With

up to 60 live events each day, all day, it will be a

182-day feast for the senses, featuring an array of

internationally celebrated names

• For six months, Expo 2020 will be the must-visit

family destination, with thousands of family

events, amazing exploratory experiences and free

entry for kids up to age 18

• Visitors can tuck in to 50-plus global cuisines

from 200 F&B outlets, enjoy delicious culinary

tours and explore innovative culinary tech

• Expo’s inspiring arts and culture programme

includes a series of substantial public artworks, a

showcase of contemporary Emirati design and

craft commissions, performances by the Firdaus

Orchestra, and Al Wasl, an Emirati opera

• Expo 2020 will run from 1 October 2021 to 31

March 2022, opening 10.00-midnight (Saturday

to Wednesday) and 10.00-02.00 (Thursday and

Friday)

Sources:

Embassy of the UAE/Vienna, EXPO 2020


With its spectacular pavilion and the motto “Austria makes Sense”, Austria is building on the success of

its award-winning contributions at the last EXPOs in Milan 2015 and Astana 2017. Located in EXPO´s

Opportunity district, the Austrian pavilion features 38 cones inspired by Arabian wind towers. It unites

traditional architecture with an innovative climate concept, requiring up to 70% less energy than airconditioned

buildings in the region. The Austrian Federal Minister for Digital and Economic Affairs,

Dr Margarete Schramböck, gave us a first glimpse.

Why does Austria participate in EXPO 2020 Dubai?

EXPO is a means to jumpstart economic

recovery post-COVID-19. As the UAE are

Austria´s main trading partner in the gulf

region, EXPO is an excellent platform for

strengthening economic and political ties

in the MENA region. It provides a unique

opportunity to present Austria as a reliable

business partner, attractive investment location

and global innovation leader.

What can visitors expect in the pavilion and from

the motto “Austria makes sense“?

“Austria makes sense” has a double meaning:

The Austrian concept at EXPO makes

sense in every detail, from the sustainable

pavilion design to the stunning

exhibition. We will present Austria in an

unexpected way and take visitors on a journey

for all senses. They will see, hear, smell

and feel Austria. The café “Austrian Delights”

offers a taste of Austria.

And we will showcase more than 50

Austrian innovations in different fields,

from green technologies to digital solutions

and life sciences in our iLab, where

visitors will experience how Austrian companies

and research institutions contribute

to a better, more sustainable future.

How can Austrian companies profit from EXPO

2020 Dubai?

EXPO enables Austrian companies to

present their know-how to a global audience.

The Austrian pavilion will host a wideranging

business programme to connect

Austrian and Arabian businesses with the

aim of developing new business relations. It

includes delegation visits, trade shows as well

as the opportunity for companies to network

and host events at the Austrian pavilion.

Over 100 Austrian companies are already

involved in EXPO 2020 Dubai, and I am

convinced that many more will follow!

Palais Hansen Kempinski is the ideal

place in Vienna to experience

unforgettable moments.

Whether meeting or conference,

wedding celebration or press conference –

we organize unique events with a

personal touch. We offer ten spacious

meeting rooms with natural daylight

and our unmistakable service.

Our ballroom with the historic pillar foyer

is one of the largest in the luxury segment.

Palais Hansen Kempinski | Schottenring 24 | 1010 Vienna

+43 1 236 1000 | info.vienna@kempinski.com | kempinski.com/vienna

Margarete Schramböck is

Austria‘s Minister for Digital

and Economic Affairs.

Austria’s EXPO participation

is co-funded by the Austrian

Federal Ministry for Digital

and Economic Affairs and

the Austrian Federal

Economic Chamber. For

more information, see

www.expoaustria.at

From left: Government Commissioner Beatrix Karl, Minister Margarete

Schramböck and Harald Mahrer, President of the Austrian Economic

Chambers, invite to the “Austrian National Day“ which will be celebrated

on 19 November, 2021, as part of the Expo’s Nation’s Day programme for

each participating country.

PHOTOS: PHILIPP HARTBERGER, HEIDI PEIN, KIERAN FRASER LANDSCAPE DESIGN,

EXPO AUSTRIA


91

LE MONDE INFRASTRUCTURE

Avocados and oil for Asia

LAPSSET corridor project

Railway

Highway

Pipeline

In East Africa, a gigantic infrastructure project is currently being realised under Kenya’s stewardship

and also includes Ethiopia and South Sudan. The new port in Lamu is to become the regional hub for

transport to the Indian Ocean.

Text: Gerhard Bitzan

SOUTH SUDAN

Juba

ETHIOPIA

TURKANA

Lake

Turkana

Moyale

CONGO

UGANDA

KENYA

SOMALIA

Kampala

Isiolo

Kigali

Lake

Victoria

Existing

Railway

Nairobi

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

Container ships dominate the

oceans and Lamu Port wants

to be a hub for trade between

Asia, Africa and Europe.

Until rather recently, the island of

Lamu on Kenya’s north-eastern

coast has primarily been known as

an insider tip for tourists and the municipality

of Lamu Town as a picturesque fishing village.

Now, the peace and quiet is over and

Lamu is no longer discussed in the travel &

tourism section but in the business section.

The island is set to become the host of a huge

deep-sea port to help the country become a

“middle-income industrialised nation by the

year 2030” in accordance with the

government’s “Kenya Vision 2030” initiative.

On 20 May this year, Kenyan President

Uhuru Kenyatta himself attended the official

opening of the new port. Specifically,

the occasion was centred around the first

berth that had just been completed. Two

more are to be finalised by this autumn.

“Lamu Port has the potential to become a

premier transshipment hub for all cargo

destined for the continent,” the president

stressed in his speech as the first two ships

symbolically took on their cargo: Kenyan

avocados, one of the country’s important

export products.

Bujumbura

RWANDA

BURUNDI

Lake

Tanganyika

TANZANIA

400 km

New

Railway

Mombasa

Lamu

Indian Ocean

The LAPSSET-corridor is an ambitious

project to connect landlocked countries

like Ethiopia and South Sudan with the new

port in Lamu in Kenya and it is a model for

regional cooperation in Africa.

SOURCE: KENYA MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT



93


INTERVIEW

H.E. ROBINSON NJERU GITHAE

President Uhuru Kenyatta from

Kenya and Prime Minister Abiy

Ahmed (left) from Ethiopia

visited Lamu Port.

“Africa is taking a leap to global economic dominance.”

The Ambassador of Kenya to Austria explains the role of the new Port of Lamu for transshipment business in

the Indian Ocean. He also believes that security has tremendously improved in the area of Lamu.

heavily on the Northern Corridor, serving

Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC etc.

One berth is officially

opened, two more are nearly

finished. In 2030 the Port of

Lamu will have 32 berths.

Ambassador Githae: “We believe that where

development is, security follows.”

There are concerns about Chinese influence in

your country. And there are also concerns

about safety for the port. Are they justified?

Kenya is a country that is open to

business with the rest of the world, the

country enjoys rich global diplomatic

ties and encourages foreign investments

that are mutually beneficial while at the

same time protecting the sovereignty of

its people. We believe that where development

is, security follows. With the

construction of the Port of Lamu and interlinking

roads, security has tremendously

improved within areas that experienced

some security threats.

It is indeed a gigantic project: Each

berth is 400 metres long, 32 in total are planned.

The port is 17 metres deep and can

therefore receive even the largest container

ships. After completion, it will have enough

capacity to unload up to 24 million tons of

cargo annually. According to the government,

Lamu Port is set to become the East

African hub for container ships on their

routes between Asia, Africa and Europe.

The new port, however, is only the start

of a much bigger infrastructure project in

which the government has also involved its

neighbours. The project goes by the unwieldy

name of LAPSSET, an abbreviation for

“Lamu Port, South Sudan, Ethiopia Transport

Corridor”. In plain language, it refers

to the economic corridor being developed

between Lamu in Kenya’s east and its two

neighbours South Sudan and Ethiopia,

consisting of thousands of kilometres of

new country roads, state-of-the-art railway

lines, fibre optic cable networks, power lines

and oil pipelines. These measures will

be further complemented by refineries, a

new airport and new border stations.

What does the government in Nairobi

expect from such a monumental economic

project? “Lamu Port is strategically positioned

and developed to handle the transshipment

business in the Indian Ocean,”

Kenya’s Ambassador in Vienna Robinson

Njeru Githae says in his interview with CD

(see page 93). The new port is expected to

attract more international trade because of

its size and ability to manage larger volumes

of cargo, which would ultimately generate

additional revenue through fees. The

government is also expecting the project to

create tens of thousands of jobs and for the

corridor to facilitate an economic boost in

the sparsely populated and mostly agricultural

northeast of the country.

Generally speaking, Kenya’s economy is

rather well positioned and has seen significant

growth in the past two decades. After

Nigeria and South Africa, Kenya is one of

the three largest economies in Sub-Saharan

Africa, with an annual GDP of 100 billion

US dollars. However, it is not just the

LAPSSET project itself but also its cost that

is projected to be gigantic. Around 25 billion

dollars have been budgeted for its completion

by 2030. Much of this is supposed

to come from private investors, as well as

from the IMF, the EU and the African Development

Bank. The first three berths that

are due for completion soon will cost

around 700 million dollars and will be financed

by the Kenyan government itself.

The project is characterised by the fact

that it extends beyond Kenya’s own national

borders, thereby promoting inter-African

trade. In concrete terms, the corridor

will help South Sudan and Ethiopia – which

are landlocked countries and therefore do

not have direct sea access – to market their

products and especially raw materials more

effectively. Oil has come to play a special

role in all of this. South Sudan, which only

gained independence following a civil war

in 2010, has huge oil reserves, the third-

PHOTOS: LAPSSET, P. HUTTER@GMX.AT

largest in sub-Saharan Africa. Uganda, under

whose territory 6.5 billion barrels of oil

are said to lie dormant, would rather cooperate

with Tanzania, but could also benefit

from Kenyan pipelines. Ethiopia has

numerous raw materials, including large

oil and gas fields. Finally, crude oil has also

been discovered in northern Kenya a few

years ago, namely near Turkana. With the

help of the pipelines, said oil and gas will be

able to reach the coast much faster from

where it will be transported further, especially

to energy-hungry countries in Asia.

The new transport routes will not only

benefit the Asian markets but also Europe

– after all, the EU is Kenya’s most important

import market. Austrian business delegate

to Kenya Edith Predorf therefore

views the LAPSSET infrastructure project

in a very positive light. “Kenya is already a

heavy-weight player in the East Africa

Community and the corridor programme

will help it to further expand its economic

and political leadership role.”

>>

How important are the new Port of Lamu and

the Corridor Project for the economy of Kenya

and in a broader sense for Eastern Africa?

The Port of Lamu is anticipated to be

the largest and busiest port in Eastern

Africa, with the 3 berths set to be all

complete in October 2021. Lamu Port is

strategically positioned and developed to

handle the transshipment business in the

Indian Ocean. Plans are underway on

the development of a free zone at Lamu

Port for international traders in motor

vehicles to serve the Eastern African

market demand.

There is already a big deep seaport in

Mombasa. Are you starting a competition?

The Port of Lamu is seen to compliment

the Port of Mombasa rather than

compete with it. The Port of Lamu has a

draft of 17.5 metres, capable of accommodating

the largest ships that would

otherwise not use the Port of Mombasa.

Furthermore, the Port of Lamu serves

the Ethiopian and South Sudan market

while the Port of Mombasa concentrates

Today, the economy in many countries is suffering

from the Corona pandemic. How will African

economy perform in – let’s say – ten years?

The LAPSSET Corridor is an enabler

of the African Continental Free Trade

Area that aims to improve intra-African

trade that is the lowest at about 17%. The

LAPSSET Corridor Programme by extension

is also part of the East-West Trans-

Africa Beltway Corridor (TABC) Initiative

which aims to connect Lamu Port

(Kenya) to Port of Douala/Kribi (Cameroon)

and part of the Trans-African

Highway. This continental integration initiatives

will enable market expansion, policy

integration, elimination of tariff and

non-tariff barriers, knowledge sharing,

technological and industrial advancements

and social integration allowing Africa

to capitalise on its resources and population

for economic growth. Therefore,

in the next 10 years, I see Africa taking a

leap to global economic dominance.



95


New highways connect Ethiopa and

Kenya. In Moyale a new one stop

border post was built.

The first plans for a second major Kenyan

deep-sea port were drafted as early as

1970. Studies at the time had already determined

that it would be sensible to reduce

the country’s dependence on its only major

port in Mombasa. It was not until years later,

namely in 2012, that the project was

concretised through an agreement between

the governments of Kenya, Ethiopia and

South Sudan.

Planning did not proceed without friction,

however. Kenya saw protests and heated

discussions surrounding the rights of

landowners. There was resistance from fishers

in the Lamu region who feared the

impact that a large port would have on

their catch. And there has also been and

continues to be criticism from environmentalists

who warn of serious interference

with nature.

Finally, there are also security concerns:

Lamu is located only around 100 kilometres

from the Somalian border and Islamist

militias from there pose a latent threat. The

government in Nairobi is trying to alleviate

this concern by strengthening its defence

forces in north-eastern Kenya.

The corridor project is also an interesting

development from a geopolitical perspective.

For decades, major powers have

been contending for influence in the Horn

of Africa. In recent years, China in particular

has been positioning itself more and

more strongly through loans and economic

aid. Europe and the USA in particular are

viewing this exertion of influence with suspicion

because it gives Beijing new sales

markets, access to resources and geopolitical

power. For China, well-developed ports

on strategic coasts are part of its “Maritime

Silk Road”. It should therefore come as no

surprise that Lamu Port is being built under

Chinese management – namely by the

China Communication Construction

Company.

Despite some criticism of the project

and doubt as to whether construction will

continue as smoothly beyond its first few

berths, many economic exports consider

the project a positive development. After

all, its goal is not only to boost international

trade relations, but it will also promote regional

trade and thereby regional integration.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has

been a major obstacle to all major projects

in Africa: border closures, economic lockdowns,

supply chain interruptions and the

decline of tourism have resulted in a significant

slowdown or complete halt in the

economic upswing that has characterised

the sub-Saharan economies in recent decades.

Much now depends on vaccination efforts

and the effectiveness of government

measures. Kenya has already started to ease

restrictions.

Back to the opening of Lamu Port: In his

speech, President Kenyatta addressed an

old idea whose significance extends far

beyond East Africa: “Eventually it will connect

northern Kenya to the Middle Belt of

Africa, which runs from Dakar, Senegal, in

the West to Lamu in the East.”

A vision that is likely to take some time

before it materialises. The LAPSSET corridor

project between Kenya, Ethiopia and

South Sudan, on the other hand, could very

well bear fruit by 2030, provided that there

is good political will on the part of the

governments of the three countries.

PHOTO: LAPSSET

Die Spezialisten am Bau

Seit über 125 Jahren ist die Anton Traunfellner GmbH als eines der führenden

mittelständischen Bauunternehmen in Niederösterreich ein fester Bestandteil

der österreichischen Baukultur im Hoch-und Tiefbau.

Die Tradition eines der wenigen großen familiengeführten, mittelständischen Bauunternehmen

verbunden mit Innovation und Handschlagqualität zeichnen das Bauunternehmen

seit jeher aus.

Verlässlichkeit und höchste Qualitätsstandards sind zentrale Bausteine unserer

Unternehmensphilosophie. Dafür steht die Familie Traunfellner seit mehr als

125 Jahren mit ihrem Namen.

Damit das auch in Zukunft so bleibt, investieren wir permanent in die Qualifikation

aller Mitarbeiter und in modernste Technik.


Scheibbs | Lilienfeld | St. Pölten | Wien | Purkersdorf

antontraunfellner.at

Anton Traunfellner Ges.m.b.H.

Erlaufpromenade 32-34

A-3270 Scheibbs


LE MONDE COMMENTARY

The coronavirus is not a global game

changer - but rather a catalyst

Text: Walter Feichtinger

You can watch Walter Feichtinger‘s videos on:


“Nothing is ever going to be the same again” was a statement that was often repeated by both

experts and laymen alike in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic in the beginning of 2020.

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

In retrospect, this assessment may have been a

little hasty and ill-considered, because, as it turns

out today, the world really hasn’t changed all that

much. Many existing trends, however, have indeed

been amplified and even accelerated, as can be demonstrated

in several different areas.

Let’s start with geopolitics

What was the situation at the end of 2019, and

where are we now in mid-2021? At the turn of the year

2019/2020, the rivalry between the USA and China

had already been dominating international affairs.

The trade war began in 2018 and started as an expression

of President Trump’s own general political assessment

of now-rival China. This rivalry has only been

intensified by the pandemic, with both sides trying to

use the fight against the virus to further their own interests.

Now, both Washington and Beijing are striving

to consolidate and expand their zones of influence.

Narratives such as China’s “community of common

destiny for mankind“ or the “Alliance of Democracies“

are increasingly being used to send messages and forge

new alliances.

Russia, which is still suffering severely under the

pandemic, has also stuck to its interests-driven foreign

policy. This is evidenced, for example, by its support

for the Belarusian president after the disputed presidential

election of 2020, its involvement in Syria and

Libya or, most recently, the peace brokerage between

Armenia and Azerbaijan. At the same time, we have

seen an increasing number of countries distancing

themselves from the West and turning to China

instead. President Erdogan, on the other hand, is determined

to turn Turkey into a regional power and the

EU is struggling to find its role in all of this. The clash

with Iran over the nuclear agreement and its influence

in the Middle East also continues unabated. In short

– same old, same old, only more accentuated and intensified.

Let’s move on to geoeconomics

According to estimates by the International Monetary

Fund (IMF), the global economy shrank by

3.3% in 2020. This is significantly more than the 0.1%

recorded in the aftermath of the 2008/2009 financial

crisis. However, the overall loss is likely to be much

smaller this time, with a projected deficit of 3% by

2024, since the pandemic is an external trigger and

not a failure of the financial system. Despite the fact

that there has been a lot of pressure on government

budgets and public debt has increased, the pandemic

does not pose an insolvable financial problem. However,

what has become clear is that emerging and developing

countries have been more severely affected and

that the income gap between the world’s regions is

continuing to grow.

Another aspect is supply chains and production

locations. During the pandemic, the consequences of

outsourcing production to countries such as China or

India, as well as the blind faith in the seamless functioning

of supply chains, have been brutally exposed. A

globalisation which is entirely focused on keeping

costs down thus has a downside with serious consequences.

That is why demands were quickly made in

the USA and in Europe in particular to produce critical

products such as medicines domestically and to

reduce dependencies. A few things really seem to be

happening in this area, but only a stock-take in five

years’ time will show how much of this has really been

implemented – a bit of scepticism seems reasonable

here.

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK , BEIGESTELLT

bility of governments, to what extent can they impose

restrictions on daily life? Extraordinary measures

have been taken by calling in states of emergency or

imposing months-long closures of entire sectors of the

economy. Governmental crisis and disaster management

often became a political tightrope; the pressure

to act was enormous. However, the challenges brought

back into consciousness – especially in welfare states

– the core responsibilities of the state: to guarantee security

and to ensure a fair balance between all factions!

In the course of the pandemic, many governments

reached the limits of their abilities, becoming

dependent on international cooperation and support.

Even EU member states, after first going it alone, soon

realised that health issues are best tackled together. Be

it open borders, joint procurement of medical supplies

and vaccines or the creation of production facilities in

Europe – the EU framework, despite all problems,

proved to be both expedient and advantageous and

will further strengthen solidarity.

The biggest shifts probably in globalisation and digitisation

For one thing, the blind trust in the unimpeded

global flow of goods seems to have come to an end.

This is based, on the one hand, on the experience that

in times of crisis governments put their own nation’s

interests first, so that export bans may suddenly disrupt

existing processes and plans. On the other hand,

rising costs in low-wage countries and geopolitical

tensions could also bring free trade to a halt. A shift

away from the global market appears to be in the early

stages, exemplified by China’s increasing focus on

technological independence as well as regional markets

and its own domestic market. The USA and the

EU are also striving for more self-sufficiency in critical

technology and business areas.

In contrast, digitalisation saw a massive surge

around the world. Video conferences, working from

home and virtual schooling have kept hardware manufacturers,

software developers and planners busy.

Daily and professional life were suddenly turned upside

down and many things that had previously been

considered unthinkable were suddenly possible. The

medium-term effects, especially on the labour market,

Perhaps the Covid-19 pandemic will lead to thinking and acting in broader scales and contexts.

Have global conflicts changed over the pandemic course?

As early as March 2020, UN Secretary-General

Antonio Guterres called for a global ceasefire and appealed

to all parties involved in conflicts to show moderation

and use their energy in the fight against the

pandemic. The appeal does not appear to have had its

desired effect, however, as fighting has continued in

Yemen, Afghanistan, Mali and Syria. The fierce fighting

over Nagorno-Karabakh has even added a war

between Armenia and Azerbaijan to 2020. COVID-19

has only exacerbated existing circumstances; there has

been no sign of a willingness to curtail fighting for humanitarian

reasons. “War logic“ has dominated over

all other aspects, reaffirming experiences of the past.

Another issue that caused a stir in the context of

the fight against the pandemic: What is the responsiremain

to be seen, but in many areas, it will no longer

be possible to return to the status quo ante. This is

likely to lead to increased competition in the construction

of 5G networks – along with all strategic implications

(current heading: “HUAWEI approval“).

So, is everything going to stay the same?

Definitely not, because the coronavirus pandemic

is, as the UN secretary-general has said, “the greatest

crisis since the Second World War”, exerting a major

toll on everyday life across the globe. But despite the

extraordinary strains on governments, economies, societies

and individuals, the pandemic is not a game

changer. So far, it has neither led to any radical changes

in international relations nor in the global economy.

We also haven’t seen any revolutions. Covid-19 is

acting much more like a catalyst, reinforcing trends

and developments that had already been developing

prior to the pandemic.

Perhaps, however, the pandemic will lead to thinking

and acting in broader scales and contexts. This

would be very much desirable in face of the even greater

challenge that climate change presents us with.



99

LE MONDE ESSAY

From the green deal to a black out:

the vulnerable power grid

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

Austria as Foreign Minister

in 2017-19. Thereafter, she

returned to her independent

work. She has written 10

books and numerous papers

and articles about

geopolitics, energy and

international relations.

kkneissl.com

Society naturally tends towards dichotomous thinking – we see things as black or

white, good or bad. However, by oversimplifying the information at hand, we run

the risk of evaluating an entire situation through the lens of impulsive activism.

The various green deal initiatives, whether the most ambitious one to be implemented

by the European Union, or those in the Americas and elsewhere are

interesting examples at stake.

The planet needs more than climate initiatives

Reducing all energy debate to a climate change debate

without considering the larger picture of energy

security, i. e. affordable access to energy and continuous

investment in bringing energy to the market,

provokes risks: social ones in the guise of protests

against unaffordable energy respectively mobility. The

other question mark concerns the wider concept of

environment protection. Caring for the environment

is much more than calculating emissions. Destroying

arable soil by uncontrolled urbanisation, as is the case

in Austria, is just as harmful as daily forms of energy

waste, be it fossil or other. Let me briefly state on the

second aspect: there is no innocent energy, all forms

of energy require commodities, have political and environmental

implications. A water dam can be just as

harmful to nature like a coal fired power plant. Solar

panels need certain metals which are explored in limited

number of countries.

The importance of minimizing our impact on the

environment and making energy sources more efficient

is undeniable. The need to manage CO2 emissions

is a collective ambition. However, speed may also kill.

We are currently undergoing a risky energy transformation

which could jeopardise energy security and

lead to many worrying socio-economic repercussions.

Decarbonisation and its many interpretations

Decarbonisation is a modern phenomenon which

is symbolic of today’s reconsideration of energy supplies.

However, it appears that the laws of demand and

supply are being forgotten. Carbon neutrality – meaning

zero emissions compared to low emissions – is

now in fashion. While reducing emissions is relevant

to us all and is a marker of progress, the concept of

carbon neutrality, which is endorsed by various

“green” organisations and stakeholders in the EU and

beyond, presents a risky utopia. All human activity

and in particular the deplorable industrialised agriculture,

akin the “meat-industry”, provoke a wide scale

of emissions. A lot can and has to be done to lower

it, but to completely neutralize it, will be another issue.

Add to that the fact that we are heading for a sort of

monoculture in energy supply by putting all eggs in

the basket of electricity. The energy-mix has been with

us of centuries, since wind-mills coexisted with steamengines

and internal combustion engines. Going a

hundred percent electric comes along with the risk

any monoculture has, namely vulnerability.

The fragile grid

Much of Europe‘s infrastructure will reach the end

of its life and use in the next few years. The majority of

power plants are now 40 to 50 years old. Some are

even older. In Germany, there are more than 1,150 large

transformers, of which around 500 are already

more than 60 years old. However, the production capacity

is only two to four pieces per year anymore.

Transformers, those are the parts that like to burn

out in a sudden collapse of the power grid. That was

the reason for the emergency shutdown in Texas. But

two to four pieces per year don‘t even allow for replacements

for outages.

Our electricity grid is in dire need for a comprehensive

renovation. When the German government

announced its energy transition in spring 2011 against

the backdrop of the nuclear disaster of Fukushima, the

construction of 3,000 km of high voltage power lines

at the cost one trillion euros was announced. Little has

happened ever since. On the contrary, the grid is less

resilient to the volatile flow of electricity stemming

from renewables. On January 8 this year, a major power-cut

affecting vast regions, a genuine blackout,

could be pre-empted by perfect cooperation among

grid managers, but they also warned against the risk of

a repeated incident.

Just as a health care system is profitable but no longer

safe when its capacity is used to the maximum in

normal operation, the same applies to power grids. In

order to absorb unforeseen incidents, there must be

PHOTOS: FELICITAS MATERN, RIA NOVOSTI

more capacity than is needed in everyday life. But the

privatised electricity suppliers have no interest in

overcapacity because it is not profitable. It has taken

time, but privatisation could soon take its revenge in

this area as well.

The oil and gas market and the risk of underinvestment

Given the rising socio-political pressure against all

forms of fossil energy has resulted in a situation of underinvestment.

And this could be a threat to the longterm

stability of oil supplies. Companies have become

dependent on the market interests of certain investor

groups. As such, some companies are being forced to

only implement projects which will pay off over the

coming years, and are refusing to search for and explore

new reserves. Because of this, oil and gas reserves

additions have been at a historic low in recent years.

In March, the International Energy Agency (IEA,

originally a group of oil-importing countries founded

in 1974) issued a sensational warning to the energy

industry, saying that if the world wants to achieve

net-zero emissions by mid-century, investors should

stop financing new projects focused on oil, gas and

coal supplies. Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia Abdulaziz

bin Salman described the report as “a sequel to

La La Land”. According to the Organisation of the Petroleum

Exporting Countries (OPEC), such measures

will destabilise the oil market and jeopardise investment

in fossil fuels.

Realistic strategy, not PR tactics

We find ourselves caught between the noble ambitions

of green deals and the very real risk of blackouts

– not because of the threat posed by a computer virus,

but because a network overcrowded with electric vehicles

is vulnerable on account of its complexity.

It is easy to announce ambitious plans and carbonneutral

goals to appeal to the masses. However, a more

long-term, strategic approach is required. We would

need to significantly develop our basic technical capabilities,

invest around $4 trillion annually, and address

social repercussions in the form of mass unemployment,

limited mobility and reduced access to energy

resources.

Talking about the energy transition is much easier

than evaluating what it will cost us, and whether we

can afford to achieve these highly ambitious goals.

The development of electric transport will lead to

an explosion in demand for metals, such as cobalt and

lithium. Are we able to ensure sufficient production of

these commodities, particularly given that the main

reserves are currently concentrated in less accessible,

higher risk countries, such as the Congo?

While green activists curse the car, the global textile

industry exceeds all EU emissions, not to mention

intense agriculture. Less speed and more realism will

benefit the overall global survival instead of another

utopia for easy political gains.


Cercle Diplomatique 3/2021 101

Celebrating 45 Years of Success

Celebrating 45 Years of Success

The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the

only globally mandated development institution that provides financing

The OPEC Fund for from International member countries Development to non-member (the OPEC countries Fund) is the exclusively.

only globally mandated development institution that provides financing

from member countries

Based

to

in

non-member

Vienna, we work

countries

in cooperation

exclusively.

with partner countries and the

international development community to stimulate economic growth and

Based in Vienna, we social work progress in cooperation in low- with and middle-income partner countries countries and the around the world.

international development community to stimulate economic growth and

social progress in low-

Our

and

work

middle-income

is people-centered,

countries

focusing

around

on

the

projects

world.

that meet essential

needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly

Our work is people-centered, relating to MSMEs), focusing clean on projects water and that sanitation, meet essential healthcare and education.

needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly

relating to MSMEs),

To

clean

date,

water

the

and

OPEC

sanitation,

Fund has

healthcare

committed

and education.

more than US$22 billion to

development projects in over 125 countries.

To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$22 billion to

development projects in over 125 countries.

Fast-tracked financing for COVID-19

Clean Cooking Solutions

Fast-tracked financing The OPEC for Fund COVID-19 is funding COVID-19 Clean impact Cooking Solutions

2.8 billion people worldwide currently cook on open

mitigation, recovery and resilience efforts in

The OPEC Fund developing is funding countries COVID-19 worldwide impact with a 2.8 dedicated billion people worldwide kerosene or currently coal. The cook health on open impact is enormous: the

mitigation, recovery US$1 and billion resilience financing efforts facility in approved in 2020. World Health Organization estimates that as many

developing countries The worldwide OPEC Fund with a is dedicated also committed kerosene to joint or coal. The as health 4 million impact people is enormous: die prematurely the each year from

US$1 billion financing multilateral facility approved efforts, targeting 2020. both public World Health and Organization indoor air estimates pollution, that 50% as of many them young children.

The OPEC Fund private is also sectors, committed that are to helping joint mobilize as 4 billions million people The die prematurely problem is particularly each year from acute in sub-Saharan

multilateral efforts, of targeting dollars of funding both public to support and governments indoor air and pollution, Africa, 50% where of them population young children. growth has outstripped

private sectors, that private are helping enterprise mobilize in delivering billions critical The healthcare problem is particularly increased acute clean-cooking sub-Saharan provision – and where

of dollars of funding supplies, to support ensuring governments MSMEs can and access capital, Africa, and where population COVID-19 growth now threatens has outstripped to reverse recent progress

private enterprise in strengthening delivering critical global healthcare supply chains increased to sustain clean-cooking cooking provision methods. – and where

supplies, ensuring MSMEs millions can of workers access capital, worldwide. and COVID-19 now threatens to reverse recent progress

Clean cooking is a key

strengthening global supply chains to sustain in cooking methods.

driver for achieving

millions of workers worldwide.

Clean cooking is a key SDG 7. Clean cooking

driver for achieving solutions also reduce

SDG 7. Clean cooking pollution (SDG 13),

solutions also reduce improve the health

Sustainable Development pollution (SDG 13), and wellbeing of

improve the health

Goal 7: Affordable and

millions of people - particularly women and children

Sustainable Development

and wellbeing – of (SDG 3), and make an important contribution to

Clean Energy

Goal 7: Affordable and

millions of people - inclusive particularly and women sustainable and children communities (SDG 10 & 11).

– (SDG 3), and make an important contribution to

Clean Energy

inclusive and sustainable

The OPEC

communities

Fund has

(SDG

so far

10

invested

& 11).

more than

US$6 million in the rapidly expanding variety of

All Sustainable

The OPEC Fund has clean-cooking so far invested technologies more than and fuels. More

Development Goals

US$6 million in the efficient rapidly expanding carbon-burning variety stoves of represent a

All Sustainable (SDGs) are interconnected

and mutually

efficient carbon-burning to clean stoves electric represent stoves a is the ultimate goal;

clean-cooking technologies scalable solution and fuels. in many More regions, but transitioning

Development Goals

(SDGs) are interconnected

and mutually promotes access to

to clean electric stoves underdeveloped is the ultimate electricity goal; grids.

reinforcing. SDG 7

scalable solution in solar-powered many regions, versions but transitioning can help avoid burdening

reinforcing. SDG 7 affordable, reliable,

solar-powered versions can help avoid burdening

promotes access to

Finding solutions that fit the almost inconceivable

sustainable and modern energy for all underdeveloped and is at electricity grids.

affordable, reliable,

number of different cooking contexts and user

the heart of both the 2030 Agenda Finding for solutions that preferences fit the almost across inconceivable

sustainable and modern

the world is one reason why

Sustainable energy for Development all and is at and the number Paris of different progress cooking contexts clean cooking and user

the heart of both

remains limited so far.

Agreement the 2030 on Climate Agenda Change for

preferences across the world is one reason why

Sustainable Development and the Paris

progress on clean cooking

The OPEC

remains

Fund

limited

is dedicating

so far.

its 2021 Annual

Agreement on Climate The Change OPEC Fund has committed some US$3.3

Award for Development – including a US$100,000

billion in support of projects enhancing The access OPEC Fund is dedicating prize - to an its organization 2021 Annual that demonstrates

The OPEC Fund has to committed energy services some since US$3.3 inception. More Award than for Development excellence – including both a innovating US$100,000 and implementing

billion in support of one projects quarter enhancing of this is access dedicated to renewable prize - to an organization clean cooking that demonstrates

technology for communities in need,

to energy services since energy inception. operations More in some than 68 countries excellence in both innovating order to and draw implementing

further attention to this vital field

one quarter of this worldwide.

is dedicated to renewable

clean cooking technology that is at for the communities heart of communal in need, life everywhere.

energy operations in some 68 countries

in order to draw further attention to this vital field

worldwide.

that is at the heart of communal life everywhere.

Photo: Somchai_Stock/Shutterstock.com

Photo: Somchai_Stock/Shutterstock.com

OPEC Fund Receives Inaugural Credit Rating of AA+ From Fitch Ratings

OPEC Fund Receives The OPEC Inaugural Fund has Credit been assigned Rating of an inaugural AA+ From credit Fitch rating Ratings of AA+ from Fitch Ratings.

Fitch cited the OPEC Fund’s excellent capitalization, liquidity levels and asset quality as

The OPEC Fund has key been rating assigned strengths. an inaugural The credit OPEC rating Fund’s of AA+ from well-diversified Fitch Ratings. loan portfolio and

Fitch cited the OPEC preferred-creditor Fund’s excellent status, capitalization, strong liquidity risk management levels and asset policies quality and as very high level of

key rating strengths. management The expertise OPEC Fund’s further well-diversified informed Fitch’s assessment.

loan portfolio and

preferred-creditor status, strong risk management policies and very high level of

management expertise further informed Fitch’s assessment.

“This positive outcome comes at a time when innovative and concerted

approaches to global development financing are especially required.

“This positive outcome The comes unwavering at a time support when of innovative our member and concerted countries over 45+ years has

approaches to global consistently development enabled financing us to are meet especially the evolving required. needs of our partner

The unwavering support countries. of our Thanks member to countries this assessment, over 45+ the years OPEC has Fund is even better

consistently enabled positioned us to meet to the advance evolving the needs global of Sustainable our partner Development Goals

countries. Thanks to (SDGs), this assessment, and provide the efficient OPEC and Fund long-term is even better development support to

positioned to advance the millions the global of people Sustainable currently Development in need of positive Goals solutions.”

(SDGs), and provide efficient and long-term development support to

Director-General

the millions of people currently in need of positive solutions.”

Abdulhamid Alkhalifa

Director-General

Abdulhamid Alkhalifa

“This strong rating will provide the OPEC Fund

substantial financial flexibility, enable us to drive

“This strong rating greater will provide value for the our OPEC member Fund countries and

substantial financial partner flexibility, countries, enable and us ultimately to drive further enhance

greater value for our our development member countries impact and and track-record in

partner countries, and advancing ultimately the further SDGs around enhance the world.”

our development impact and track-record in

advancing the SDGs around the world.”

Assistant Director-General of

Financial Operations, Tarek Sherlala

Assistant Director-General of

Financial Operations, Tarek Sherlala

Together we drive development, strengthen communities and empower people.

Together we drive development, strengthen communities and empower people.

Please visit us at opecfund.org

Photo: EarthSpark International





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Latest update from around the globe


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L’AUTRICHE INTERVIEW

Klaudia Tanner

„Unsere Soldaten werden in der EU sehr geschätzt.“

“Our soldiers are highly appreciated in the EU.”

Interview: Gerhard Bitzan

Österreichs Verteidigungsministerin über die größte Heeresreform seit Jahrzehnten,

über Auslandseinsätze, Grenzschutz und den Kampf gegen Cyberterrorismus.

Austria’s Minister of Defence on the biggest reform of the Austrian Armed Forces in

decades, foreign missions, border protection and the fight against cyberterrorism.

CD: Sie haben kürzlich eine Reform des Bundesheeres

angekündigt, es soll die größte Reform seit

30 Jahren sein. Können Sie die Kernpunkte der

Neuerungen in ein paar Sätzen zusammenfassen?

Klaudia Tanner: Mit der Zentralstellenorganisation

beseitigen wir Doppelgleisigkeiten

und straffen die derzeit herrschenden

Strukturen. Das heißt, wir

verschlanken die Verwaltung und reduzieren

zusätzliche Schnittstellen, um schnellere

Abläufe bewerkstelligen zu können.

Künftig sollen davon die militärischen Einsatzorganisationen

profitieren und die

Truppe dadurch gestärkt werden. Zum Beispiel

haben wir aus fünf verschiedenen Sektionen

nun drei Generaldirektionen gemacht.

Die Zentralstelle soll künftig eine

Führungs- und Servicestelle für die Truppe

sein. Der gesamte Verwaltungsprozess soll

für unsere Soldatinnen und Soldaten vereinfacht

werden. Denn diese Reform soll

für die Truppe sein und nicht eine Reform

der Truppe. Das ist unser Ziel.

Eine Basis für diese Reform ist das vom

Ministerium erstellte Risikobild 2030. Was

kommt auf uns an Bedrohungen zu?

Das sind ganz besonders die Gefahren,

die neben einem konventionellen Gegner

drohen. In erster Linie ist das die Bedrohung

durch den Cyberterror. Gerade im

Bereich Cyberdefence müssen wir personell

aufstocken, auch was die technische Ausstattung

betrifft. Wir müssen aber auch unsere

weltweit geschätzte ABC-Einheit (die

die Abwehr von atomaren, biologischen

und chemischen Gefahren vorsieht) besser

ausstatten, das ist dringend nötig.

Das alles sieht nach großen Ausgaben aus. Dabei

haben Ihre Vorgänger mehrfach beklagt, dass das

Bundesheer finanziell ausgehungert ist.

Mit Recht, es gibt tatsächlich einen riesigen

Rückstau an Investitionen. Aber ich

habe es geschafft, dass im vergangenen Jahr

zweimal das Regelbudget erhöht worden ist.

Wir haben jetzt das höchste Verteidigungsbudget,

das wir je hatten. Zusätzlich konnten

wir für die nächsten Jahre Sonderinvestitionspakete

im Ausmaß von 654 Millionen

Euro ausverhandeln.

Österreichs Heer basiert auf dem Milizsystem,

also auf Personen, die den Grundwehrdienst

absolviert haben und dann weiter eingesetzt

werden können. Welche Rolle spielten das Heer

und die Miliz während der Corona-Pandemie?

Wir haben zum Höhepunkt der Pandemie

insgesamt 8.000 Soldaten und Soldatinnen

sowie Zivilbedienstete im In- und Ausland

im Einsatz gehabt. Daher war auch

eine Verstärkung durch die Miliz notwendig.

Ich habe die Miliz erstmals in der Geschichte

einberufen. Dadurch war es dem

Bundesheer möglich, neben den normalen

Einsätzen auch all jene Aufgaben zu bewerkstelligen,

die mit der Pandemie zu tun

hatten. Und das war gar nicht wenig: von

gesundheitsbehördlichen Kontrollen an

den Grenzen bis zur Unterstützung beim

‚Contact Tracing‘.

Soldaten werden auch für die Bewachung von

Botschaften eingesetzt. Gehört das tatsächlich

zu den Aufgaben eines Heeres?

Die Hauptaufgabe des Bundesheeres ist

in der Verfassung geregelt und das ist die

militärische Landesverteidigung. Im Wehrgesetz

ist aber auch der Schutz von Botschaften

und systemkritischen Gebäuden

festgelegt. Seit dem furchtbaren Terroranschlag

in Wien sind wir im Schnitt mit 220

Soldatinnen und Soldaten vor den Botschaften

präsent, um die Polizei zu entlasten.

Seit Jahren sind Soldaten bei der Überwachung

der Grenze tätig, um illegale Migration zu

stoppen. Steigt diese wieder an?

Ja, die illegale Migration ist wieder gestiegen.

Wenn man sich die Aufgriffszahlen

der letzten Wochen und Monate ansieht,

merkt man, dass das im Zusammenhang

mit dem Abebben der Corona-Pandemie

steht. In diesem Bereich sind die Anforderungen

an das Bundesheer gestiegen. Um

diese Aufgaben gut bewältigen zu können,

haben wir ein neues Modell entwickelt.

Künftig soll es nicht mehr so sein, dass die

Grundwehrdiener nach einer kurzen Ausbildung

gleich an den Grenzen stehen. Wir

wollen, dass die Soldaten während der sechs

Monate voll ausgebildet werden, und dann

können sie sich für weitere drei Monate

oder mehr melden. Das ist aber freiwillig

und wird bezahlt.

Wie bewerten Sie die Auslandseinsätze

österreichischer Soldaten?

Wir sind zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt weltweit

in 15 verschiedenen Missionen mit

etwa tausend Soldatinnen und Soldaten tätig.

Warum machen wir das? Weil wir keine

Trittbrettfahrer in der internationalen Sicherheitspolitik

sein wollten. Wir bringen

uns sehr stark in die unterschiedlichsten

Missionen ein, nicht nur qualitativ. Vergangenes

Jahr haben wir 65 Jahre Auslandseinsätze

gefeiert; wir haben uns also durchaus

unsere Reputation erarbeitet.

Hat unser führendes Engagement am Westbalkan

etwas mit der österreichischen Geschichte

zu tun?

Das ist richtig. Wir hatten in der Vergangenheit

dort schon immer eine Führungsrolle

inne, historisch bedingt waren wir in

der Region stark vertreten. Und unser Engagement

wird auch weiterhin notwendig

sein, denn es zeigt sich, dass die Spannun-


KLAUDIA TANNER

Die gebürtige Niederösterreicherin Klaudia Tanner

studierte Jus, ehe sie in verschiedenen politischen

und wirtschaftlichen Funktionen tätig war, zuletzt

als Direktorin des Bauernbundes in Niederösterreich.

Im Jänner 2020 wurde sie als erste Frau in dieser

Funktion österreichische Verteidigungsministerin.

Klaudia Tanner, a native of Lower Austria, studied

law before assuming various positions in the fields

of politics and business, most recently as Director

of the Farmer’s Union in Lower Austria. In January

2020, she became the first woman to hold the

position of Austrian Minister of Defence.




gen zwischen den Nationalitäten nicht

nachlassen, diese haben sich über Generationen

gehalten. Weil wir in diesem Einsatzraum

von Anbeginn dabei waren, hat man

uns auch das Kommando über die internationalen

Truppen übergeben.

Auch im Nahen Osten – einer militärisch sehr

heiklen Region – nahm Österreich an vielen

Missionen teil. Kann man Soldaten so große

Gefahren zumuten?

Es stimmt, in dieser Region gibt es ständig

militärische Auseinandersetzungen.

Aber direkt am Golan sind wir schon seit

einigen Jahren nicht mehr, jedoch im Libanon.

Dass jede dieser Missionen Gefahren

mit sich bringt, hat man in der Vergangenheit

schon mehrfach gesehen. Ich denke

jetzt aktuell aber an andere Einsatzräume,

etwa Afghanistan oder Mali, wo wir ja beim

Abzug dabei sind. Zum Glück ist unseren

Soldaten nichts passiert. Aber dass dies

Missionen sind, die ganz besondere Ausbildungen

erfordern, das steht außer Frage.

Grundsätzlich muss man schon auch sagen:

Die Gefahr ist generell im Soldatenberuf

immer dabei.

Kommen wir zur EU und ihrem Verteidigungssystem.

Welche Rolle kann da ein kleines Land

wie Österreich spielen?

Ich hatte erst vor Kurzem Gelegenheit,

an einem Treffen der EU-Verteidigungsminister

teilzunehmen. Dabei wird uns immer

wieder klar signalisiert: Obwohl wir ein

kleines Land sind, haben wir innerhalb der

EU eine große Verantwortung übernommen.

Das sieht man auch an der Anerkennung

für unsere Auslandsmissionen. Ein

besonderes Zeichen der Wertschätzung unserer

Soldaten sowie deren Ausbildung und

Engagement von Seiten der EU ist es, dass

ab nächstem Jahr unser Generalstabchef

Robert Brieger „Chairman of the European

Military Committee“, also der Generalstabchef

der Europäischen Union und damit

höchster Militär in der EU werden wird.

Das ist schon etwas, das zeigt, wie man Österreich

und seine Rolle des intensiven Mitarbeitens

schätzt.

Es wird auch immer wieder über die Schaffung

einer eigenen EU-Armee diskutiert. Wie steht

Österreich dazu?

Ich glaube, viel wichtiger wäre es, wenn

wir die gemeinsame Sicherheits- und Verteidigungspolitik

der Europäischen Gemeinschaft

auch tatsächlich leben und uns

gemeinsam den gemeinsamen Bedrohungen

stellen, etwa dem Cyberterrorismus.

Apropos Cyberterrorismus. Was plant das

Bundesheer?

Cyberterrorismus ist eine große Bedrohung.

Deswegen müssen wir entsprechende

Kräfte für den Kampf dagegen nicht nur

materiell ausstatten, sondern auch personell.

Was machen wir daher? Wir haben an

der Militärakademie in Wiener Neustadt

einen eigenen Lehrgang für diesen Cyberbereich

ins Leben gerufen, der planmäßig

2022 starten kann. Damit können wir unsere

eigenen Cyberexperten ausbilden, die

sich dann verpflichten, sich dem Bundesheer

zur Verfügung zu stellen.

Außerdem werden wir die Kooperation

mit anderen Experten nicht nur in der EU,

sondern auch in Österreich verstärken. Wir

haben schon fast vergessen, dass es erst

2020 einen großen Cyberangriff auf das Außenministerium

in Wien gegeben hat. Da

haben unsere Experten gemeinsam mit dem

Innenministerium und anderen Spezialisten

zusammengearbeitet. Ein solcher Angriff

auf eine staatliche Organisation hat bei

uns in diesem Ausmaß noch nicht stattgefunden.

Aber die Zusammenarbeit der Ressorts

hat dann durchaus gut funktioniert.

Das zeigt, dass auch in Zukunft hier eine

stärkere Vernetzung notwendig sein muss.

Darf ich zuletzt noch eine eher persönliche

Frage stellen? Sie sind die erste Frau an der

Spitze des Verteidigungsministeriums. Wie sind

ihre bisherigen Erfahrungen in einer männerdominierten

Branche?

Wer meinen beruflichen Lebensweg

kennt, der sieht, dass ich schon sehr oft in

männerdominierten Welten tätig war. Ich

war im Innenministerium, beim Bauernbund,

bei Telekomunternehmen. Meine Er-

fahrungen sind so, dass ich in jeder dieser

Stationen, zuletzt auch hier im Verteidigungsressort,

eines gesehen habe: Wenn

man etwas mit Herzblut macht, sich einsetzt

und Dinge umsetzt, dann ist die Frage

des Geschlechts nicht im Vordergrund.

Sollte sich der eine oder andere noch nicht

daran gewöhnt haben, mit dem kann ich

leben und mit dem werden die Herren auch

leben müssen.

CD: You recently announced a reform of the

Austrian Armed Forces, supposedly the biggest

reform in 30 years. Can you summarise the key

points of the innovations in a few sentences?

Klaudia Tanner: With the creation of

the Central Office Organisation, we are eliminating

redundancies and streamlining

currently existing structures. This means

that we are downsizing the administration

and decreasing the number of interfaces in

order to speed up processes. In the future,

this will benefit military operational organisations

which will in turn strengthen our

troops. For example, we have condensed

five different sections into three general directorates.

Soon, the Central Office is to

serve as an administrative and service office

for troops. The entire administrative process

is going to be simplified for our soldiers

– because this is not a reform of our troops

but for our troops. That is our goal.

One reason for the reform is the 2030 Risk

Assessment drawn up by the ministry. What

threats are we facing?

These are primarily the threats that exist

in addition to our conventional adversaries.

Especially when it comes to cyber defence,

we have to increase our personnel, also in

terms of technical equipment. But we must

also better equip our worldwide highly regarded

NBC unit (which provides defence

against nuclear, biological and chemical threats)

– that is urgently needed.

This sounds very expensive. Yet your predecessors

have repeatedly complained that the Armed

Forces were financially starved.

And rightly so. There is indeed a huge

backlog of investments. However, I have

managed to increase the regular budget twice

over the past year. We now have the biggest

defence budget that we have ever had.

Furthermore, we were able to negotiate special

investment packages amounting to 654

million euro for the next few years.

Austria’s army is based on the militia system, i.e.,

people who have completed basic military service

and can then be deployed further when necessary.

What role have the army and the militia played in

the coronavirus pandemic?

At the height of the pandemic, we deployed

a total of 8,000 soldiers as well as civilian

staff both at home and abroad. This is

why we required support from the militia. I

called up the militia for the first time in our

history. This made it possible for the Armed

Forces to carry out all the duties pertaining

to the pandemic in addition to their regular

missions. This was no small task, whether

carrying out health checks at the borders or

supporting the contract tracing efforts.

Soldiers are now also being deployed to guard

foreign embassies. Is this really one of the duties

of the army?

The main duty of the Austrian Armed

Forces is defined in the constitution, and it is

national defence. However, the defence code

also stipulates the protection of embassies

and infrastructure-critical buildings. Since

the terrible terror attack in Vienna, we have

deployed around 220 soldiers to embassies

in order to ease the burden on the police.

For several years now, soldiers have been

stationed at the border to help prevent illegal

migration. Is this on the rise again?

Yes, illegal migration has risen again. If

you look at the number of apprehensions

recorded in the past few weeks and months,

then you can see that this is related to the

waning of the coronavirus pandemic. The

demands on the Austrian Armed Forces

have increased in this regard. In order to be

able to cope with all of these responsibili-




111


ties, we have developed a new approach. In

the future, it will no longer be the case that

conscripts are immediately positioned

along the border after just a short training

period. We want soldiers to be fully trained

for six months after which they can register

for three additional months or more. This

will be voluntary and paid.

How do you view Austrian soldiers’ foreign

deployments?

We are currently active in 15 different

missions around the world with around

1,000 soldiers. Why are we doing this? Because

we don’t want to be free riders when it

comes to international security matters. We

are very much involved in a wide range of

missions. Last year, we celebrated 65 years

of foreign missions; so, we have certainly

earned ourselves a reputation.

Does our involvement in the Western Balkans

have anything to do with Austria’s own history?

That’s right. We have always had a strong

leading role there, historically we have been

very committed to the region. Our engagement

will continue to be necessary, for it is

evident that tensions between the nationalities

are not subsiding but have persisted

over generations. Since we have been in this

area from the very beginning, we have also

been given command of international troops

in the region.

Austria has also taken part in several missions in

the Middle East – a militarily very sensitive

region. Can our soldiers be expected to face such

great dangers?

It is true that this region is rife with military

conflict. But we haven’t been directly in

the Golan Heights for several years now,

more so in Lebanon. The fact that such missions

carry with them certain dangers has

been made very clear in the past. There are

other areas of military activity, such as Afghanistan

or Mali, where we are currently

taking part in the withdrawal process. Fortunately,

nothing has happened to our soldiers

there. But there is no question that

these are missions that require very special

training. It has to be stressed that danger is

simply part and parcel of life as a soldier.

Let’s move on to the EU and its defence system.

What role can a small country like Austria play

here?

I just recently had the opportunity to

participate in meetings between the EU defence

ministers. In these meetings, it has

always been clearly signalled that although

we may be a small country, we have assumed

a big responsibility within Europe.

This can also be seen in the recognition that

we received for our foreign missions. A special

sign of the EU’s high regard of our soldiers,

as well as their training and engagement,

is the fact that our Chief of Staff,

Robert Brieger, will is set to become the

“Chairman of the European Military Committee”,

i.e., the Chief of Staff of the European

Union and therefore the highest-ranking

military officer in the EU. This

demonstrates the high esteem in which

Austria and its commitment to cooperation

are held.

The creation of an independent EU army has

become a frequent topic of discussion. What is

Austria’s position on this?

I believe that it would be much more important

to put into practice the joint security

and defence agenda of the European

Community and face common threats together,

such as cyberterrorism.

Speaking of cyberterrorism. What are the plans of

the Armed Forces in this domain?

Cyberterrorism is a serious threat. This

is why the relevant forces for this fight have

to not only be equipped with the appropriate

technical gear but also be increased in

terms of personnel. What are we doing

about this? We have created a designated

course focused on cyber issues at the Military

Academy in Wiener Neustadt that is set

to begin in 2022. This will allow us to train

our own cyber experts who will then commit

to making themselves available to the

Austrian Armed Forces.

Furthermore, we want to increase our



cooperation with other experts not only in

the EU but also in Austria. We have almost

forgotten that there had been a major cyberattack

against the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs in Vienna. There, our experts cooperated

with the Ministry of the Interior and

other specialists. There had never been such

an attack on a government organisation on

such a scale in Austria. But the cooperation

between the ministries worked quite well.

This illustrates that in the future even stronger

networking will be necessary.

Finally, may I ask you a more personal question?

You are the first woman to head the Ministry of

Defence. What have been your experiences so far

in such a male-dominated field?

Anyone who knows my career path

knows that I have worked in many maledominated

worlds. I have worked in the

Ministry of the Interior, the Farmer’s Union

and various telecommunication companies.

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My experiences at all of these different

stations, most recently at the Ministry of

Defence, have led me to realise one thing in

particular: If you put your heart and soul

into something, if you are committed and

get things done, then one’s gender becomes

irrelevant. And if some people still haven’t

gotten used to the idea, then I can very well

live with that, and the men in question will

also have to learn to live with it.

„Wenn man etwas mit Herzblut

macht, steht das Geschlecht nicht

im Vordergrund.“

“If you put your heart and soul

in something, then one‘s gender

becomes irrelevant.“

Ministerin Tanner im

Gespräch mit CD-Autor

Gerhard Bitzan. Minister

Tanner in conversation with

CD author Gerhard Bitzan.

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Brünner Straße 66, 1210 Wien

T +43 1 277 80-0

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L’AUTRICHE ECONOMY

Wirtschaftsfaktor Diplomatie

Diplomacy as an economic factor

Wien ist ein Ort der Begegnung. Internationale Organisationen und Diplomatie bringen Prestige,

eine hohe Wertschöpfung und sichern Jobs.

Vienna is a place of encounter. International organisations and diplomacy bring prestige, high added

value and secure jobs.

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

Text: Robert Winter

T

radition verpflichtet. So spielt Österreichs

Bundeshauptstadt Wien in Bezug auf Diplomatie

bereits sehr lange eine wichtige Rolle.

Das war etwa von September 1814 bis Juni 1815 so,

als anlässlich des Wiener Kongresses, unter der Leitung

des damaligen österreichischen Außenministers

Fürst Klemens von Metternich, erstmals supranationale

Entscheidungen getroffen wurden. Monica Kurzel-Runtscheiner,

Direktorin der Kaiserlichen Wagenburg

Wien: „Der Wiener Kongress war der

EU-Gipfel des 19. Jahrhunderts. Es handelte sich um

einen diplomatischen Kongress, der den Weltruf

Wiens als Kongressmetropole begründete.“

Als einflussreicher Diplomat und Feldherr der

Habsburgermonarchie fungierte bereits Prinz Eugen

von Savoyen, der von 1663 bis 1736 lebte. Er ließ

aus Repräsentationszwecken das Schloss Belvedere

errichten, in dem sich nun die Österreichische Galerie

Belvedere und Räumlichkeiten für Wechselausstellungen

befinden. Bis heute ist das Belvedere, das

2019 mehr als 1,7 Millionen Gäste besuchten, ein für

Wien extrem wichtiger Publikumsmagnet.

Wien gilt nach wie vor als Hochburg der Diplomatie.

Die Metropole an der Donau nimmt den

Rang als eine der wichtigsten Amtssitzstädte der

Welt ein. Das ist auch Österreichs Bundeskanzler Sebastian

Kurz bewusst. Gegenüber der Zeitung Standard

meinte Kurz im Juli des laufenden Jahres: „Unser

Fokus liegt auf dem Amtssitz Wien.“ Für ein

kleines Land sei ein UNO-Sitz nicht nur eine besondere

Ehre, sondern auch eine Möglichkeit zum Mitgestalten

weil man den UNO-Institutionen nahe sei,

hob Kurz hervor.

Wie wichtig diplomatische Vertretungen und internationale

Organisationen für die Alpenrepublik

sind, lässt sich dem vom Institut für höhere Studien

(IHS) im Auftrag des österreichischen Bundesministeriums

für Europäische und Internationale Angelegenheiten

(BMEIA) im Vorjahr erstellten Research

Report „Die ökonomischen Effekte internationaler

Organisationen in Österreich“ entnehmen. Demnach

hatten im Jahr 2019 insgesamt 51 internationale

und quasi-internationale Organisationen einen

Sitz in Österreich. Die meisten davon befanden sich

in Wien.

Noch deutlich größer ist die Anzahl der in Wien

ansässigen diplomatischen Vertretungen. Per Ende

2019 waren laut dem „Außen- und Europapolitischen

Bericht 2019“ des BMEIA 120 bilaterale ausländische

Vertretungsbehörden in Wien tätig. Dazu

Gipfeltreffen.

Summit meetings.


Diplomatische Vertretungen und

internationale Organisationen sind

für Österreich sehr wichtig.

Diplomatic missions and

international organisations are

very important for Austria.


115


ZAHLEN UND FAKTEN | NUMBERS AND FACTS (GERMAN NOTATION)

kamen 189 multilaterale Vertretungsbehörden. Diese

setzten sich aus 134 Vertretungen, Beobachtermissionen

und Verbindungsbüros zu den internationalen

Organisationen sowie aus 55 Vertretungen

und Delegationen bei der OSZE zusammen. Arad

Benkö, Botschafter und Leiter der Abteilung Internationale

Organisationen in Österreich im BMEIA:

„Wir müssen danach trachten, den Amtssitz zu stärken

oder zumindest aufrechtzuerhalten. Es ist nichts

mehr selbstverständlich. Beziehungen müssen gehegt

und gepflegt werden. Wien ist der einzige Amtssitz

der UNO in der EU. Die Hauptstadt bietet ein

sehr gutes Gesamtpaket.“ Laut dem BMEIA wurde

rund 18.000 Angestellten von internationalen Organisationen,

Berufsdiplomaten, Konsuln, technischen

Angestellten und Familienangehörigen eine Legitimationskarte

ausgestellt.

1,35 Milliarden Euro

Aus ökonomischer Sicht hinterlassen die in Wien

ansässigen internationalen Vertretungen und Organisationen

deutliche Spuren. Aber wie groß sind die

Wirtschaftliche Effekte

Economic effects

Kennzahl Key figure

Bruttowertschöpfung in

Mio. €

Gross value added in €m

davon im Ausland

thereof abroad

davon in Österreich

thereof in Austria

Anteil Wien

Vienna share

Anteil Restösterreich

Share Rest of Austria

Beschäftigungseffekte

(VZÄ)

Employment effects (FTE)

Wien

Vienna

Rest Österreich

Rest of Austria

Steuern und Abgaben in

Mio. €

Taxes and duties in €m

Sozialversicherung

Social insurance

Sozialfonds

Social fund

EU European Union

Bund

Austrian Federation

Wien

Vienna

Rest Österreich

Rest of Austria

Sonstige Abgaben

Other levies

Laut Angaben des Instituts

für Höhere Studien IHS

erreicht die Bruttowertschöpfung

jährlich 1,35 Milliarden

Euro.

According to the Institute for

Advanced Studies IHS, the gross

value added reaches 1.35 billion

euros annually.

Diplomatische Vertretungen

Diplomatic representations

1.060,05

444,30

615,75

417,92

197,83

6.946

4.860

2.086

255,69

95,62

14,23

0,24

96,31

15,71

38,56

-5,00

Internationale Organisationen

International organisations

1.537,78

912,64

625,14

365,46

259,68

7.148

4.134

3.014

226,3

56,13

9,08

0,28

111,09

13,97

43,8

-8,03

QUELLE: RESEARCH REPORT „DIE ÖKONOMISCHEN EFFEKTE INTERNATIONALER ORGANISATIONEN IN ÖSTERREICH“, UPDATE 2020, INSTITUT FÜR HÖHERE STUDIEN

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, BEIGESTELLT

wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen eigentlich? Wie groß

sind die Beschäftigungseffekte? Jan Kluge, Senior

Researcher des IHS und Autor des Research Reports

„Die ökonomischen Effekte internationaler Organisationen

in Österreich“: „Österreich und vor allem

Wien profitieren von der Präsenz internationaler

Organisationen. Der in der jüngsten Studie ermittelte

jährliche Wertschöpfungseffekt lag mit 1,35 Milliarden

Euro um rund drei Prozent über dem in der

Vorgängerstudie von 2018 errechneten Wert. Die

fiskalischen Effekte erreichen über 500 Millionen

Euro pro Jahr.“ Zum Vergleich: 2018 erzielte der

Kongresstourismus in Wien einen bis dato geltenden

Wertschöpfungsrekord von 1,2 Milliarden Euro.

Laut Vienna Convention Bureau waren internationale

Kongresse im Jahr 2019 weniger stark in Wien

vertreten, weshalb die Wertschöpfung auf rund 955

Millionen Euro zurückging.

Von der in der jüngsten IHS-Studie erfassten gesamten

Bruttowertschöpfung in Höhe von rund 1,35

Milliarden Euro pro Jahr, entfallen österreichweit

knapp 616 Millionen auf diplomatische Vertretungen.

IHS-Experte Kluge: „Im Vergleich zur Vorgän-

gerstudie ist der Betrag um etwa zehn Prozent gestiegen.“

Von den 616 Millionen Euro wird der Löwenanteil

in Höhe von 418 Millionen Euro in Wien erzielt.

Über 15.400 Vollzeitstellen

Welchen hohen Stellenwert internationale Organisationen

und diplomatische Vertretungen haben,

lässt sich auch an den Beschäftigungseffekten ablesen.

IHS-Studienautor Kluge: „Insgesamt werden

durch die internationalen Organisationen und die

mit ihnen in Zusammenhang stehenden Institutionen

und Tätigkeiten in Österreich pro Jahr rund

18.940 Arbeitsplätze gesichert. Das entspricht fast

einem halben Prozentpunkt aller Erwerbstätigen im

Land.“ In Vollzeitäquivalenten ausgedrückt, handelt

es sich um mehr als 15.400 Arbeitsplätze. Alleine in

der Bundeshauptstadt sind es in Vollzeitäquivalenten

über 10.000.

Von internationalen Veranstaltungen und diplomatischen

Treffen profitiert auch die Beherbergungsbranche.

Monique Dekker, Area Vice President

Austria at Park Hyatt Vienna: „Es handelt sich

S.E. Arad Benkö, Botschafter,

Leiter der Abteilung

Internationale Organisationen

in Österreich im BMEIA:

„Wir müssen den Amtssitz

stärken.“

H.E. Arad Benkö, Ambassador,

Head of the Department

of International Organisations

in Austria at the BMEIA:

“We need to strengthen the

official seat.”

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Wien vereint 1961 die beiden mächtigen Protagonisten des Kalten Krieges: Sowjet-

Führer Nikita Chruschtschow und der damalige US-Präsident John F. Kennedy beim

Gipfeltreffen in Wien.

In 1961, Vienna unites the two powerful protagonists of the Cold War: Soviet leader Nikita

Khrushchev and then US President John F. Kennedy at the summit meeting in Vienna.

Tradition obliges. Austria’s federal capital, Vienna,

has played an important role in diplomacy

for a very long time. This was the case,

for example, from September 1814 to June 1815,

when supranational decisions were taken for the

first time at the Congress of Vienna under the leadership

of then Austrian Foreign Minister Prince

Klemens von Metternich. Monica Kurzel-Runtscheiner,

Director of the Imperial Carriage Museum

Vienna: “The Congress of Vienna was the EU

summit of the 19th century. It was a diplomatic

congress that established Vienna’s world reputation

as a congress metropolis.”

Prince Eugene of Savoy, who lived from 1663 to

1736, was an influential diplomat and general of the

Habsburg monarchy. He had the Belvedere Palace

built for representative purposes, which now houses

the museum Belvedere and rooms for temporary exhibitions.

To this day, the Belvedere, which was visited

by more than 1.7 million guests in 2019, is an

extremely important crowd puller for Vienna.

Vienna is still considered a stronghold of diplomacy.

The metropolis on the Danube holds the rank

as one of the most important official capitals in the

world. Austria’s Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is

also aware of this. Kurz told the newspaper Standard

in July of this year: “Our focus is on the official seat

in Vienna.” For a small country, a UN seat is not only

a special honour, but also an opportunity to play a

part in shaping the world because one is close to the

UN institutions, Kurz emphasised.

The importance of diplomatic missions and international

organisations for the Alpine Republic can

be seen in the research report “The economic effects

of international organisations in Austria“, which was

prepared by the Institute for Advanced Studies IHS

on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European

and International Affairs BMEIA last year. According

to the report, a total of 51 international and

quasi-international organisations had a registered

office in Austria in 2019. Most of them were located

in Vienna.

Christian Klaus, General

Manager SO/ Vienna: „Wir

erzielen 12 bis 15 Prozent

unseres Umsatzes mit der

Diplomatie.“

Christian Klaus, General

Manager SO/ Vienna: “We

generate 12 to 15 per cent of

our turnover from

diplomacy.“

Jan Kluge, Senior

Researcher des Instituts für

Höhere Studien (IHS):

„Österreich, und vor allem

Wien, profitieren von

internationalen Organisationen.“

Jan Kluge, Senior Researcher

at the Institute for Advanced

Studies (IHS): “Austria, and

especially Vienna, benefit

from international

organisations.“

Szene vom Wiener Kongress (September 1814 bis Juni 1815) mit 23 internationalen Delegierten.

Scene from the Congress of Vienna (September 1814 to June 1815) with 23 international delegates.

um einen absolut wichtigen Bereich.“ Ins gleiche

Horn stößt Christian Klaus, General Manager des

Hotels SO/ Vienna: „Wir erzielen zwischen 12 und

15 Prozent unseres Umsatzes mit der Diplomatie.“

Aber der finanzielle Aspekt ist nur eine Facette.

Klaus: „Das Kommen und Gehen von Diplomaten

ist sehr rege. Es schafft eine positive Motivation,

wenn uns Länder Vertrauen schenken. Wien ist eine

wichtige UNO-Destination. Komplizierte Meetings

sind in Wien möglich. Es gibt vor Ort viele Hotels

die den höchsten Ansprüchen gerecht werden.“ Ursachen

dafür, dass Wien unter Gästen internationaler

Organisationen ein hohes Ansehen genießt, sind

auch der hohen Lebensqualität geschuldet. Laut dem

internationalen Consulter Mercer entschied Wien

bis 2019 das globale Ranking der Städte mit der

höchsten Lebensqualität zehn Mal in Folge für sich.

Im Vorjahr kürte Resonance Consultancy Wien zur

nachhaltigsten Stadt der Welt. Darüber hinaus erzielte

Wien im Jahr 2019 in dem von der Roland Berger

Strategieberatung erstellten Smart City Strategy

Index unter 153 analysierten Städten den Bestwert.

Auch für die Immobilienbranche ist Diplomatie

wichtig. Aslan Kurtaran, Geschäftsführer des Immobilienexperten

Expat Consulting, der 85 Prozent seines

Umsatzes mit Immobilienvermittlung an internationale

und nationale Kunden erzielt: „Die meisten

Botschaftsgebäude stehen im Eigentum der diplomatischen

Vertretungen. Wichtig ist die Vermittlung

von Botschafterresidenzen. Je nach Lage und Ausstattung

liegen die Preise zwischen 5.000 und 20.000

Euro je Quadratmeter. Arabische Staaten suchen

nach Immobilien mit 700 bis 800 Quadratmetern

Wohnfläche und zahlen bis zu 25.000 Euro je Quadratmeter.“

Bei Mietwohnungen werden laut Kurtaran

für Mitarbeiter von Botschaften, je nach Rang der

Position, individuelle Budgets für die Wohnkosten

erstellt. Für den Flughafen Wien hat der VIP Terminal

laut Christoph Schmidt, Co-Geschäftsführer der

VIP & General Aviation Services, große Bedeutung.

Rund 20 Prozent des Umsatzes werden mit Botschaften

und Staatsbesuchen lukriert.

PHOTOS: WIKIPEDIA, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE IN THE JOHN F. KENNEDY PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM, BOSTON, BEIGESTELLT

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Aslan Kurtaran, Geschäftsführer

von Expat Consulting:

„Die Vermittlung von

Botschafterresidenzen ist

wichtig.“

Aslan Kurtaran, Managing

Director of Expat Consulting:

“The placement of ambassadorial

residences is important.“

The number of diplomatic representations based

in Vienna is even significantly larger. As of the end of

2019, 120 bilateral foreign representation authorities

were active in Vienna, according to the BMEIA’s

“Foreign and European Policy Report 2019“. In addition,

there were 189 multilateral representation authorities.

These consisted of 134 representations, observer

missions and liaison offices to international

organisations, as well as 55 representations and delegations

to the OSCE. Arad Benkö, Ambassador and

Head of the Department for International Organisations

in Austria at the BMEIA: “We must strive to

strengthen or at least maintain the official seat.

Nothing can be taken for granted any more. Relationships

have to be nurtured. Vienna is the only official

seat of the UN in the EU. The capital offers a

very good overall package.” According to the BMEIA,

some 18,000 employees of international organisations,

professional diplomats, consuls, technical staff

and family members have been issued legitimation

cards.

1.35 billion euros

From an economic perspective, the international

representations and organisations based in Vienna

leave a clear mark. But how big are the economic effects

actually? How big are the employment effects?

Jan Kluge, Senior Researcher at the IHS and author

Außenansicht des VIP &

General Aviation Terminal

am Flughafen Wien.

Exterior view of the VIP &

General Aviation Terminal at

Vienna Airport.

of the research report “The Economic Effects of International

Organisations in Austria“: “Austria and

especially Vienna benefit from the presence of international

organisations. At 1.35 billion euros, the annual

value added effect calculated in the most recent

study, was around three per cent higher than the value

calculated in the previous study from 2018. The

fiscal effects reach over 500 million euros per year.”

In comparison, in 2018, congress tourism in Vienna

achieved a record value added of 1.2 billion euros,

which is valid to date. According to the Vienna Convention

Bureau, international congresses were less

strongly represented in Vienna in 2019, which is why

the value added fell to around 955 million euros.

Of the total gross value added of around 1.35 billion

euros recorded in the latest IHS study, just under

616 million is accounted for by diplomatic missions

throughout Austria. IHS expert Kluge: “Compared

to the previous study, the amount has increased by

around ten per cent.”

More than 15,400 full-time jobs

The high importance of international organisations

and diplomatic missions can also be seen in the

employment effects. IHS study author Kluge: “Overall,

international organisations and the institutions

and activities associated with them, secure around

18,940 jobs in Austria per year. This corresponds to

PHOTOS: FLUGHAFEN WIEN, BEIGESTELLT

about half a percentage point of all employed persons

in the country.” Expressed in full-time equivalents,

this is more than 15,400 jobs. In the federal

capital alone, there are more than 10,000 full-time

equivalents.

The accommodation industry also benefits from

international events and diplomatic meetings. Monique

Dekker, Area Vice President Austria at Park

Hyatt Vienna: “It is an absolutely important sector.”

Christian Klaus, General Manager of Hotel SO/ Vienna,

toots the same horn: “We generate between 12

and 15 per cent of our turnover from diplomacy.”

But the financial aspect is only one facet. Klaus: “The

coming and going of diplomats is very brisk. It creates

a positive motivation when countries put their

trust in us. Vienna is an important UN destination.

Complicated meetings are possible in Vienna. There

are many hotels locally that meet the highest standards.”

The reasons why Vienna enjoys a high reputation

among guests of international organisations are also

due to the high quality of life. According to the international

consultant Mercer, Vienna has won the global

ranking of cities with the highest quality of life

ten times in a row until 2019. In the previous year,

Resonance Consultancy named Vienna the most

sustainable city in the world. Furthermore, in 2019,

Vienna achieved the best score among 153 cities analysed

in the Smart City Strategy Index compiled by

Roland Berger Management Consultants.

Diplomacy is also important for the real estate industry.

Aslan Kurtaran, managing director of the real

estate expert Expat Consulting, which generates 85

per cent of its turnover with real estate brokerage to

international and national clients: “Most embassy

buildings are owned by diplomatic missions. The

brokerage of ambassadorial residences is important.

Depending on location and furnishings, prices range

from 5,000 to 20,000 euros per square metre. Arab

states are looking for properties with 700 to 800

square metres of living space and pay up to 25,000

euros per square metre.” For rented flats, Kurtaran

says individual budgets for housing costs are drawn

up for embassy staff, depending on the rank of the

position.

According to Christoph Schmidt, Co-Managing

Director of VIP & General Aviation Services, the

VIP Terminal is very important for the Vienna Airport.

Around 20 per cent of turnover is generated

from embassies and state visits.

Opening Hours

Monday-Saturday

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Gabriel Felbermayr

„Dank der EZB sind die Staaten gut mit Geld versorgt.“

“Thanks to the ECB, the states are well supplied with money.“

Interview: Otmar Lahodynsky

Der künftige WIFO-Leiter Gabriel Felbermayr im Interview über die Politik der EZB,

Konjunkturerwartungen und mögliche Auswirkungen des Green Deal der EU.

The future head of WIFO Gabriel Felbermayr in an interview about the ECB’s

policy, economic expectations and possible effects of the EU’s Green Deal.

GABRIEL FELBERMAYR

PHOTO: IFW KIEL - MICHAEL STEFAN

CD: Herr Felbermayr, wegen der Covid-Pandemie

wurden in zahlreichen Staaten mittels einer

starken Erhöhung der Staatsausgaben große

Hilfspakete geschnürt. Wie war das angesichts der

rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen möglich?

Gabriel Felbermayr: Die Notenbanken

haben sich schon ab 2010 und in der

aktuellen Krise abermals neu organisiert. In

den 1970er- und 1980er-Jahren war es tabu,

dass Notenbanken generös Staatsschulden

aufkaufen. Das ist eigentlich laut den Europäischen

Verträgen verboten und mit der

Unabhängigkeit der Notenbank nicht vereinbar.

Aber damit steht Europe nicht alleine

da. Japan hat sehr früh mit dem Aufkaufen

von Staatsschulden begonnen. Die Fed,

die Bank of England, die EZB und die

Schweizer Nationalbank machen das seit

geraumer Zeit auch. Staaten, die auf die

Druckerpresse zurückgreifen und sich in

der eigenen Währung verschulden, können

nicht pleitegehen. Deswegen waren die

Aussagen des ehemaligen EZB-Chefs Mario

Draghi „Whatever it takes“ und „Believe

me, it will be enough“ epochal.

Welche Folgen hat diese künstliche Beatmung

für einzelne Staaten?

Die EZB kauft mehr Anleihen auf, als

Staaten emittieren können. Länder wie Italien,

Griechenland und andere werden solvent

und liquide gehalten. Jetzt ist die Verzinsung

für zehnjährige italienische

Staatsanleihen niedriger als für zehnjährige

US-Bonds. Das würde nahelegen, dass Italien

eine höhere Bonität hat als die USA. Das

entspricht nicht der Realität.

Ist das Anwerfen der Notenpresse nicht ein

gefährliches Experiment?

Laut EZB wird dafür gesorgt, dass der sogenannte

Transmissionsmechanismus nicht

reißt. Übersetzt bedeutet das, dass die Finanzminister

immer Zugang zu den Finanzmärkten

haben und nie abgeschnitten werden.

Wäre das nicht möglich, hätte die

Notenbank mit ihren Instrumenten keine

Steuerungsmöglichkeiten mehr. Das ist die

Konstruktion, mit der man die eigentlich bestehenden

gesetzlichen Vorgaben umgehen

konnte. In Europa monetarisieren die Staaten

de facto ihre Schulden. Wenn das so

bleibt, ist viel möglich. Die im Maastricht-

Vertrag enthaltene Regel, dass die Staatsverschuldung

60 Prozent des BIP nicht übersteigen

soll, gilt nicht mehr. Das IfW Kiel hat für

2020 und 2021 die Summe des Volumens der

Aufkaufpläne der EZB errechnet. Im Vorjahr

lag das Volumen ungefähr bei 20 Prozent des

europäischen BIP. Für 2021 erreicht die bereits

realisierte oder geplante Neuverschuldung

ungefähr 16 Prozent des BIP.

Welche Maßnahmen können bei der Schuldenreduktion

zum Einsatz kommen? Wer zahlt

eigentlich die Zeche für die Covid-Pandemie und

rechnen Sie mit Steuererhöhungen?

Es findet eine Vergemeinschaftung der

Schulden auf europäischer Ebene statt. Vor

zwei Jahren hätte niemand gedacht, dass

man 750 oder 800 Milliarden Euro an neuen

gemeinsamen Schulden aufnimmt. Ich

glaube nicht, dass Steuererhöhungen in

großem Stil kommen werden oder kommen

müssen. Dank der EZB sind die Staaten

nun gut mit Geld versorgt. Das bedeutet

aber nicht, dass die Bürger nicht doch die

Zeche zahlen. Nicht über höhere Steuern,

sondern über höhere Preise. Das zeigt sich

bereits jetzt. Die Erzeugerpreise verzeichneten

im Juni in Deutschland einen Zuwachs

von etwas mehr als acht Prozent. Der Anstieg

geht zwar nicht eins zu eins in die Verbraucherpreise

ein. Aber wenn die Rohstoffkosten

und die Herstellkosten von

unterschiedlichen Waren steigen, werden

die Preise für viele Güter anziehen.

Lässt sich das in Zahlen ausdrücken? Welche

Rolle spielt ein erwarteter Anstieg der

Inflation?

Wenn die jährliche Inflation von 1,5 auf

zwei Prozent steigt, steigt der Preisindex in

zehn Jahren um rund elf Prozentpunkte.

Das hat auch Auswirkungen auf die Staatsschulden.

Wenn die Staatsverschuldung 80

oder 90 Prozent des BIP ist, erfolgt nur

durch diesen Effekt in zehn Jahren eine Reduktion

um zehn Prozentpunkte. Wenn das

BIP nominal auch um zwei Prozentpunkte

jährlich wächst, erfolgt eine Stabilisierung

der Staatsschulden auf 60 oder 70 Prozent.

Inflation und ein nicht allzu schlappes

Wirtschaftswachstum können also Abhilfe

schaffen.

In Österreich hat sich die Konjunktur in den

vergangenen Monaten vergleichsweise rasch

erholt. Ist dieser Takt zu halten?

Die Prognosen weisen für das Gesamtjahr

2021 auf ein BIP-Wachstum von vier

und für 2022 von fünf Prozent hin. Die fünf

Prozent für 2022 sind aber zu relativieren,

weil diese Wachstumsrate auf statistischen

Überhangseffekten basiert. Die Wachstumsstatistik

ist verzerrt, weil vom tiefen

Niveau des Vorjahres ausgegangen wird. In

Wahrheit wird das Wachstum im nächsten

Jahr von Quartal zu Quartal nur noch ein

halbes Prozent betragen. Man darf jetzt

nicht so tun, als wäre man in einer neuen

Wachstumsphase. Jetzt ist die Wachstumskurve

steil, auf absehbare Zeit wird sie wieder

flacher.

Was passiert, wenn sich eine weitere Corona-

Welle einstellt?

Die Risiken sind erheblich. Eine vierte

Corona-Welle ist ganz klar eine Gefahr. Erstens

besteht das Risiko, dass sich die sozialen

Dienstleister und der Tourismus nicht

so erholen, wie das eigentlich für das dritte

und vierte Quartal des laufenden Jahres erwartet

wird. Wenn es in Österreich wieder

keine Wintersaison geben sollte, ist das ein

Problem. Auch für den Arbeitsmarkt. Und

auch für das verarbeitende Gewerbe. Für

die Industrie, die jetzt angezogen hat, stellen

neue Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung

der Pandemie nur ein geringes Risiko dar.

Entscheidender ist, dass die Logistikketten

wieder ins Stocken geraten können, wenn

in anderen Regionen sporadisch Infektionsherde

auftreten. Dieses Problem war

auch zu Sommerbeginn ersichtlich. Ein

großer chinesischer Hafen hat wegen weniger

Infektionsfälle nur mit stark verminderter

Kapazität gearbeitet. Sechs Wochen später

hatten wir das Problem, dass bestelltes

Material nicht verfügbar war.

ist seit März 2019 Präsident des Kieler Instituts für Weltwirtschaft (IfW Kiel) und hält eine Professur für Volkswirtschaftslehre

an der Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel. Der 1976 in Steyr in Oberösterreich geborene Experte, wird ab 1. Oktober 2021

das Österreichische Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (WIFO) leiten.

has been President of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel) since March 2019 and holds a professorship in

economics at Christian Albrechts University in Kiel. The expert, born in Steyr in Upper Austria in 1976, will head the Austrian

Institute of Economic Research (WIFO), starting on 1 October, 2021.




Wie stark kann sich das auf die österreichische

Industrie, die sich im Frühjahr gut entwickelte

und damit einen wichtigen Beitrag zum

Aufschwung leistete, auswirken?

Normalerweise springt die Industrieproduktion

zwei bis drei Monate nach

den Auftragseingängen an. Die Auftragslage

ist sehr gut und entwickelt sich auch

weiter sehr positiv. Gleichzeitig wächst

der Output der Industrie bereits jetzt

nicht mehr wirklich. Für Deutschland

rechnet das IfW Kiel damit, dass das im

laufenden Jahr fünf Prozent der Industrieproduktion

kostet. Wenn Verschärfungen

nahen, wenn nicht nur in China Einschränkungen

Realität werden, sondern

etwa auch an der Ostküste der USA oder

in Europa, könnten die Folgen noch größer

werden. Aber so schlimm wie im Vorjahr

wird es trotz einer vierten Welle nicht

werden.

Stichwort Green Deal – Klimaschutz wurde in

Österreich und auf EU-Ebene deutlich wichtiger.

Können klimaschutzbedingte Investitionen für

Europa im Vergleich zu anderen Regionen Voroder

Nachteile bringen?

Es geht um die Frage, welchen Teil des

Green Deal man betrachtet. Die angedachten

Subventionen sind für die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit

natürlich kein Nachteil. Der

CO2-Preis wird deutlich steigen müssen.

Auf Basis der bisherigen Pläne zur Dekarbonisierung

hat man damit gerechnet, dass

jedes Jahr 2,2 Prozent der Verschmutzungsrechte

vom Markt genommen werden

müssen. Das hat die Preise für CO2-

Zertifikate bereits während der

Corona-Krise auf über 50 Euro je Tonne

steigen lassen. Wenn man bis 2035 eine

CO2-Reduktion von 55 Prozent erreichen

und bis 2050 auf null gelangen will, ist anstelle

einer Reduktion der Zertifikate um

jährlich 2,2 Prozent eine Reduktion um 4,2

Prozent pro Jahr nötig. Durch die Eindämmung

des Handels können die Verschmutzungsrechte

deutlich teurer werden. Der

Preis eines Zertifikats kann auf 100 oder

130 Euro je Tonne steigen. Das bedroht die

Wettbewerbsfähigkeit Europas.

Mr Felbermayr, because of the Covid pandemic,

large aid packages were put together in numerous

states by means of a strong increase in government

spending. How was this possible, given the

legal framework?

Central banks have already reorganised

themselves from 2010 and in the current

crisis. In the 1970s and 1980s, it was taboo

for central banks to generously buy up

government debt. This is actually forbidden

by the European Treaties and incompatible

with central bank independence. But Europe

is not alone in this. Japan started buying

up government debt very early. The Fed, the

Bank of England, the ECB and the Swiss

National Bank have also been doing this for

some time. States that resort to the printing

press and borrow in their own currency

cannot go bust. That is why former ECB

chief Mario Draghi’s statements of „Whatever

it takes“ and „Believe me, it will be

enough“ were epochal.

What are the consequences of this artificial

respiration for individual states?

The ECB buys more bonds than states

can issue. Countries like Italy, Greece and

others are kept solvent and liquid. Now the

interest rate on ten-year Italian government

bonds is lower than on ten-year US bonds.

This would suggest that Italy has a higher

credit rating than the US. That is not the reality.

Isn‘t firing up the printing press a dangerous

experiment?

According to the ECB, it is ensured that

the so-called transmission mechanism does

not break. Translated, this means that the

finance ministers always have access to the

financial markets and are never cut off. If

this were not possible, the central bank

would no longer have any steering options

with its instruments. This is the construction

with which one could circumvent the

actually existing legal requirements. In Europe,

the states de facto monetise their

debts. If it stays that way, a lot is possible.


The rule contained in the Maastricht Treaty

that national debt should not exceed 60 percent

of GDP no longer applies. The ifw Kiel

has calculated the total volume of the ECB‘s

purchase plans for 2020 and 2021. In the

previous year, the volume was approximately

20 percent of European GDP. For 2021,

the already realised or planned new debt

reaches about 16 percent of GDP.

What measures can be used to reduce debt? Who

is actually footing the bill for the Covid pandemic

and do you expect tax increases?

There is a communitisation of debt at the

European level. Two years ago, no one

would have thought that 750 or 800 billion

euros in new common debt would be taken

on. I don’t believe that tax increases on a

large scale will come or have to come.

Thanks to the ECB, the states are now well

supplied with money. But that doesn’t mean

that the citizens won’t have to foot the bill.

Not through higher taxes, but through higher

prices. This is already evident. Producer

prices in Germany rose by slightly more

than eight percent in June. The increase is

not reflected one-to-one in consumer prices.

But if the costs of raw materials and the

manufacturing costs of various goods rise,

the prices of many goods will increase.

Can this be expressed in figures? What role does

an expected increase in inflation play?

If annual inflation rises from 1.5 to two

percent, the price index will increase by

about eleven percentage points in ten years.

This also has an effect on government debt. If

the national debt is 80 or 90 per cent of GDP,

only this effect will lead to a reduction of ten

percentage points in ten years. If the GDP

also grows nominally by two percentage

points per year, the national debt stabilises at

60 or 70 per cent. Inflation and not too sluggish

economic growth can therefore help.

In Austria, the economy has recovered comparatively

quickly in recent months. Can this pace be

maintained?

The forecasts point to GDP growth of

four percent for 2021 as a whole and five



125


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for creating outstanding ideas

percent for 2022. The five percent for 2022

must be put into perspective, however, because

this growth rate is based on statistical

overhang effects. The growth statistics are

distorted because they are based on the low

level of the previous year. In reality, growth

next year will only amount to half a percent

from quarter to quarter. We must not pretend

now that we are in a new growth phase.

The growth curve is steep now, but it will

flatten out again in the foreseeable future.

What happens when another Corona wave sets in?

The risks are considerable. A fourth Corona

wave is clearly a risk. First, there is the

risk that social service providers and tourism

will not recover as expected in the

third and fourth quarters of the current

year. If there is no winter season in Austria

again, that is a problem. Also for the labour

market. And also for the manufacturing

sector. For industry, which has now picked

up, new measures to contain the pandemic

pose only a minor risk. More important is

that logistics chains can come to a standstill

again if sporadic outbreaks of infection occur

in other regions. This problem was also

evident at the beginning of the summer. A

major Chinese port was operating at greatly

reduced capacity because of fewer cases

of infection. Six weeks later, we had the

problem that ordered material was not

available.

How much of an impact can this have on Austrian

industry, which performed well in the spring and

thus made an important contribution to the

upswing?

Normally, industrial production jumps

two to three months after new orders. The

order situation is very good and continues

to develop very positively. At the same time,

industrial output is already not really growing.

For Germany, IfW Kiel reckons that

this will cost five percent of industrial production

in the current year. If tightening

comes closer, if restrictions become a reality

not only in China but also, for example, on

the East Coast of the USA or in Europe, the

consequences could become even greater.

But it will not be as bad as last year, despite

a fourth wave.

Keyword Green Deal – climate protection became

much more important in Austria and at EU level.

Can climate protection-related investments bring

advantages or disadvantages for Europe

compared to other regions?

It is a question of which part of the

Green Deal one is looking at. The planned

subsidies are of course not a disadvantage

for competitiveness. The CO2 price will

have to rise significantly. On the basis of the

previous plans for decarbonisation, it was

expected that 2.2 percent of the pollution

rights would have to be taken off the market

every year. This has already caused the prices

for CO2 certificates to rise to over 50

euros per ton during the Corona crisis. If a

CO2 reduction of 55 percent is to be achieved

by 2035 and zero by 2050, a reduction

of 4.2 percent per year is necessary instead

of an annual 2.2 percent reduction in certificates.

The reduction in trading can make

pollution rights significantly more expensive.

The price of a certificate could rise to 100

or 130 euros per ton. This threatens Europe’s

competitiveness.

„Die angedachten Subventionen

sind für die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit

natürlich

kein Nachteil. Der CO2-

Preis wird deutlich steigen

müssen.“

“The planned subsidies are

of course not a disadvantage

of competitiveness.

The CO2 price will have to

rise significantly.“


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Karl Habsburg-Lothringen

„Wir haben unsere Probleme auf die nächsten Generationen abgewälzt.“

“We simply passed on our problems to the next generations.“

Der Medienunternehmer und Präsident der Paneuropa-Union über

die Defizite der EU, die Krise des Wohlfahrtsstaates, Sanktionen

gegen Russland und die nächste Erweiterungsrunde.

The media entrepreneur and President of the Pan-European Union

on the EU’s deficits, the crisis of the welfare state, sanctions against

Russia and the next round of enlargement.

Interview: Otmar Lahodynsky


CD: Wie sehr wird die Covid-19-Pandemie Europa,

und speziell die EU, verändern?

Habsburg: Mich hat die Kritik an der

EU, sie habe in der Pandemie versagt, von

Anfang an geärgert. Als erste Institution in

Europa hat die EU-Kommission auf die

Pandemie hingewiesen. Trotzdem hat sie

von allen Gesundheitsministern der EU-

Länder dann Watschen kassiert, weil diese

alleine vorgehen wollten. Natürlich hat

dann auch die EU-Kommission Fehler gemacht.

Die Pandemie wird unsere Gesellschaft

weiterhin verändern. Von den Begrüßungsritualen

über das Homeoffice und

virtuelle Konferenzen bis zu unseren Reisegewohnheiten,

vor allem bei Flügen.

Bei der Ansprache zu Ihrem 60. Geburtstag

haben Sie heuer vor einem neuen Nationalismus

in Europa und einem populistischen Wettlauf

gewarnt.

Wir erleben das ja schon jetzt. Jede Regierung

sagt: Unsere Regeln sind die besten,

und deswegen müssen wir unsere Nachbarn

abstrafen. Jeder Mensch, der, so wie

ich, beruflich grenzüberschreitend unterwegs

sein muss, leidet unter dieser neuen

Form von Nationalismus, indem wieder

Grenzen aufgebaut werden, statt die Zusammenarbeit

mit den Nachbarländern anzustreben.

Grenzkontrollen sind sehr leicht

wieder herzustellen, aber sie gleich schnell

dann wieder abzuschaffen, ist schon wesentlich

schwieriger. Für mich ist die Abschaffung

der Binnengrenzen eine der

größten Errungenschaften der EU. Eine Abkehr

davon sähe ich mit großem Bedauern.

Die Zusammenarbeit der EU in der gemeinsamen

Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik lässt noch

immer zu wünschen übrig.

Die Ansätze dazu sind leider immer

noch lächerlich. Es ist ja schön, dass wir

jetzt einen stellvertretenden Präsidenten

der EU-Kommission, Herrn Josep Borrell,

haben, der für die Außenpolitik zuständig

ist. Doch es gilt die alte Parole des deutschen

Publizisten William S. Schlamm:

„Für die Innenpolitik braucht man gute

Buchhalter, für die Außenpolitik Staatsmänner.“

Herr Borrell hat diesen geostrategischen

Blick nicht, was er bei seinem verunglückten

Besuch in Moskau gezeigt hat.

Jeder hat ihm von diesem Besuch abgeraten,

dann wurde er in Moskau vom russischen

Außenminister Sergej Lawrow regelrecht

vorgeführt. Das zeigte auch, wie uns

Russland in dieser Zersplitterung sieht.

Putin will keine starke EU. Er hat die EU-feindlichen

Parteien gefördert. Die EU hat Sanktionen

gegen Russland und Belarus verhängt, aber

wirken die überhaupt?

Sanktionen, richtig angewandt, können

schon viel bewirken. Aber Wirtschaftssanktionen

helfen so gut wie gar nicht, auch weil

sie eine starke Rückwirkung bei uns haben.

So antwortete Russland auf die EU-Sanktionen

mit reziproken Maßnahmen. Also

durfte etwa kein europäisches Obst mehr

importiert werden. Wer litt darunter? Die

Bauern in Südtirol oder in der Steiermark.

Für mich ist zielführend, wenn man die

Entscheidungsträger trifft, die wieder von

den Oligarchen abhängig sind. Das sind in

der Regel Kleinkriminelle, die politische

Unterstützung erhalten haben von Politikern,

die sie bis heute mittragen müssen.

Oft wird behauptet, dass Putin wie bei der

Mafia mit ein paar Prozent mitschneidet.

Nein, das stimmt nicht, weil ihm rund 50

Prozent des Eigentums dieser Oligarchen,

die seine politische Macht unterstützen

müssen, gehören.

Oligarchen, die sich ihm widersetzten, wie

Michail Chodorkowski, landeten im Gefängnis.

Ja, die werden sofort abgeräumt. Und es

gehört ihm wirklich die Hälfte vom Eigentum

dieser Oligarchen. Daher ist es auch

unerheblich, ob er jetzt als Eigentümer dieses

Palastes am Schwarzen Meer aufscheint

oder nur einer seiner Oligarchen. Also hier

müssten die Sanktionen der EU ansetzen:

Wenn man gegen das System Putin vorgehen

will, dann muss man auf die Oligarchen

losgehen. Jeder von denen möchte seine

Konten in Luxemburg, auf der Isle of Man

oder sonstwo haben. Jeder möchte seine

Kinder auf Schweizer Schulen schicken

oder in Oxford studieren lassen. Jeder will

sein Haus an der Côte d’Azur, seine Yacht in

Monaco nützen. Hier sollte man ansetzen.

Man muss denen klarmachen: „You can’t

have the cake and eat it, too.“

Zurück zur EU: Sie haben vor einer massiven

Neuverschuldung durch die Corona-Hilfen

gewarnt. Aber ohne diese wäre die EU-Konjunktur

doch wohl total eingebrochen.

Meine Warnungen gehen über die Corona-Hilfe

hinaus. Wir haben ein wunderschönes

System aufgebaut, den Wohlfahrtsstaat.

Aber wir sind einfach an eine Grenze

gekommen, wo man nicht mehr erwarten

kann, dass die ganze Welt zu einem schwedisch-norwegischen

System übergeht. Das

KARL HABSBURG-LOTHRINGEN

Der Medienunternehmer Karl Habsburg war von 1996 bis 1999 Abgeordneter des Europäischen Parlaments. Er engagiert sich auf

internationaler Ebene im Kulturgüterschutz in Krisengebieten (Blue Shield) und ist Präsident der Paneuropa-Bewegung Österreich.

Als ältester Sohn von Otto Habsburg ist er auch Oberhaupt der Familien Habsburg.

The media entrepreneur Karl Habsburg was a member of the European Parliament from 1996 to 1999. He is involved at international

level in the protection of cultural assets in crisis areas (Blue Shield) and is President of the Pan-European Movement Austria. As the

eldest son of Otto Habsburg, he is also head of the Habsburg families.




Problem des nicht mehr bezahlbaren Wohlfahrtsstaates

besteht schon länger. Und wir

haben einfach – auch beim Klimaschutz –

unsere Probleme auf die nächsten Generationen

abgewälzt.

In der EU ist ein Konflikt über die Rechtsstaatlichkeit

entbrannt. Die EU-Kommission will

einige Länder – vor allem Ungarn und Polen –

wegen Verletzung der europäischen Grundwerte

wie etwa Medienfreiheit oder LGTBQI-Rechte

– mit Kürzungen der EU-Subventionen

bestrafen. Wie stehen Sie als Medienmanager

dazu?

Grundsätzlich ist es richtig, Grundprinzipien

in der EU zu verteidigen, also Menschenrechte,

Demokratie und Medienfreiheit.

Aber ich stehe auch zum Prinzip der

Subsidiarität, die im Vertrag von Maastricht

verankert wurde. Wenn ich mir gewisse

Hetzjagden, die gegen Ungarn und Polen

staatfinden, ansehe, dann wirken diese heillos

übertrieben.

Sie nehmen also Viktor Orbán in Schutz?

Auch in Ungarn wird nicht so heiß gegessen

wie gekocht wird. Ich bin für die

Umsetzung der Grundprinzipien der EU in

allen Mitgliedsländern. Und ich habe das

Gefühl, dass Orbán in vielen Bereichen ein

Pragmatiker ist. Man sollte nicht pauschal

alles verurteilen was er macht. Dass ich beispielsweise

für eine europäische Außenpolitik

stehe und auch die Direktwahl des Europäischen

Parlaments für richtig halte, ist

bekannt.

Sie betreiben in der Ukraine einen proeuropäischen

Radiosender. Wie kam es denn dazu?

In der Ukraine gibt es relativ wenig

Staatsmedien, daher gibt es viel Spielraum

für private Medien. Ursprünglich habe ich

dort einen reinen Musiksender übernommen.

Ich habe immer meinen Business-Bereich

von meinen politischen Interessen

getrennt. Mit diesem guten Vorsatz bin ich

in der Ukraine schnell an meine Grenzen

gestoßen. Ich habe mit einem damals nicht

so bekannten Oligarchen namens Poroschenko

zusammengearbeitet.

Dem späteren Staatspräsidenten.

Er war als stiller Teilhaber bei meinem

ersten Radiosender dabei, den wir in die

schwarzen Zahlen gebracht und dann verkauft

haben. Als er Präsident wurde, wurde

ich gefragt, ob ich nicht einen proeuropäischen

Sender daraus machen wollte. Erst

die russische Aggression in der Ost-Ukraine

hat das Land auf europäischen Kurs gebracht

und auch geeint. Also habe ich den

Sender zurückgekauft. Er hieß JE, was ukrainisch

für Ja und EU steht. Musikalisch

waren wir so eine Art Eurovision Song-

Contest. Wir haben auch Nachrichten über

die EU gebracht. Später haben wir den Sender

wieder umgemodelt, weil wir auch

über den Krieg im Osten des Landes berichten

wollten. In Kiew bekam man ja von

den Kämpfen im Donbass so gut wie nichts

mit. Jetzt heißt der Sender „Kraina FM“

und bringt mehr ukrainische Musik. Ich

bemühe mich auch um weitere Lizenzen,

etwa im Donbass.

Soll die Ukraine der EU und auch der NATO

beitreten?

Einfache Antwort: Ja. Wenn ich Europa

komplett haben möchte, dann muss ich

mich bemühen, europäische Länder, die

noch nicht bei der EU sind, reinzubringen.

Natürlich müssen sie die Bedingungen erfüllen.

Und natürlich ist die Ukraine ein europäisches

Land. Für mich ist es auch ein

Schmarrn, wenn jemand sagt, man hätte

Russland irgendwelche Zusagen gemacht,

bestimmte Länder nicht aufzunehmen. Das

ist auch nirgendwo dokumentiert worden.

Wir bieten Ländern ein System an: mit demokratiepolitischer

und marktwirtschaftlicher

Perspektive. Und dann gibt es ein anderes

Angebot eines anderen Staates: nämlich

Planwirtschaft und Diktatur. Also da kann

man frei entscheiden. Die Ukraine hat klar

gemacht, dass sie sich Richtung Westen ausrichten

will. Ein EU-Beitritt wird sicher

nicht morgen erfolgen. Aber man muss eine

Beitritts-Perspektive eröffnen. Ähnliches

gilt für die Balkanstaaten, aber nicht für die

Türkei, die dort als Rivale der EU auftritt.

Menschen, die diese Erweiterung verhin-

dern wollen, haben die Geschichte der Europäischen

Union nicht verstanden.

How much will the Covid-19 pandemic change

Europe, and the EU in particular?

I was annoyed from the start by the criticism

of the EU that it had failed in the

pandemic. The EU Commission was the

first institution in Europe to draw attention

to the pandemic. Nevertheless, it then received

slaps in the face from all the health

ministers of the EU countries because they

wanted to proceed alone. Of course, the EU

Commission also made mistakes. The pandemic

will continue to change our society.

From greeting rituals to the home office

and virtual conferences to our travel habits,

especially flights.

In your 60th birthday speech this year, you

warned of a new nationalism in Europe and a

populist race.

We are already experiencing this. Every

government says: our rules are the best,

and that’s why we have to punish our

neighbours. Everyone who has to travel across

borders for work, as I do, suffers from

this new form of nationalism, because borders

are being rebuilt instead of seeking

cooperation with neighbouring countries.

It is very easy to re-establish border controls,

but it is much more difficult to abolish

them immediately. For me, the abolition of

internal borders is one of the EU’s greatest

achievements. I would be very sorry to see

it abandoned.

EU cooperation in common foreign and security

policy still leaves much to be desired.

Unfortunately, the beginnings of this

are still ridiculous. It is nice that we now

have a deputy president of the EU Commission,

Mr Josep Borrell, who is responsible

for foreign policy. But the old slogan

of the German publicist William S.

Schlamm applies: “For domestic policy you

need good accountants, for foreign policy

statesmen.” Mr Borrell does not have this


geostrategic eye, as he showed during his

ill-fated visit to Moscow. Everyone advised

him against this visit, then he was literally

paraded in Moscow by Russian Foreign

Minister Sergei Lavrov. This also showed

how Russia sees us in this fragmentation.

Putin does not want a strong EU. He has promoted

anti-EU parties. The EU has imposed sanctions

against Russia and Belarus, but do they work at

all?

If applied correctly, sanctions can have a

lot of effect. But economic sanctions hardly

help at all, also because they have a strong

repercussion on us. Russia responded to

the EU sanctions with reciprocal measures.

For example, no more European fruit was

allowed to be imported. Who suffered? The

farmers in South Tyrol or Styria. For me,

the goal is to hit the decision-makers who

are again dependent on the oligarchs. As a

rule, these are petty criminals who have received

political support from politicians

whom they have to support to this day. It is

often claimed that Putin asks for a few per

cent only, just like the mafia. No, that’s not

true, because he owns about 50 per cent of

the property of these oligarchs who have to

support his political power.

Oligarchs who opposed him, like Mikhail

Khodorkovsky, ended up in prison.

Yes, they are cleared out immediately.

And he really owns half of the property of

these oligarchs. Therefore, it is also irrelevant

whether he now appears as the owner

of this palace on the Black Sea or only one

of his oligarchs. This is where the EU’s

sanctions should come in: If you want to

take action against the Putin system, then

you have to go after the oligarchs. Every

one of them wants to have his bank accounts

in Luxembourg, on the Isle of Man

or somewhere else. Everybody wants to

send their children to Swiss schools or to

universities in Oxford. Everyone wants to

use their house on the Côte d‘Azur, their

yacht in Monaco. This is where we should

start. You have to make it clear to them:

“You can’t have the cake and eat it, too.”

Karl Habsburg mit CD-Autor Otmar

Lahodynsky im Paneuropa-Büro in

Wien-Landstraße.

Karl Habsburg with CD-author Otmar

Lahodynsky in the Paneuropa office in

Vienna’s 3rd district.



Back to the EU: You warned against massive new

debt due to the Corona aids. But without them,

the EU economy would have collapsed.

My warnings go beyond the Corona aid.

We have built up a wonderful system, the

welfare state. But we have simply reached a

limit where we can no longer expect the

whole world to switch to a Swedish-Norwegian

system. The problem of a welfare

state which is no longer affordable, has

existed for a long time. And we have simply

passed on our problems – including climate

protection – to the next generations.

A conflict has broken out in the EU over the rule

of law. The EU Commission wants to punish some

countries – especially Hungary and Poland – with

cuts in EU subsidies because of violations of basic

European values such as media freedom or

LGTBQI rights. What is your position on this as a

media manager?

In principle, it is right to defend basic

principles in the EU, i.e. human rights, democracy

and media freedom. But I also

stand by the principle of subsidiarity, which

was enshrined in the Maastricht Treaty.

When I look at certain agitations that are

taking place against Hungary and Poland,

they seem hopelessly exaggerated.

So you are defending Viktor Orbán?

In Hungary, too, things are not eaten as

hot as they are cooked. I am in favour of

implementing the fundamental principles

of the EU in all member states. And I have

the feeling that Orbán is a pragmatist in

many areas, one should not condemn everything

he does across the board. It is well

known, for example, that I stand for a European

foreign policy and that I also support

the direct election of a strong European

Parliament.

You run a pro-European radio station in Ukraine.

How did that come about?

There is relatively little state media in

Ukraine, so there is a lot of room for private

media. Originally, I took over a music

station there. I have always kept my business

area separate from my political inte-

rests. With this good intention, I quickly

reached my limits in Ukraine. I worked

with an oligarch called Petro Poroshenko,

who was not so well known at the time.

The later president.

He was a shareholder in my first radio

station, which we brought into the black

and then sold. When he became president, I

was asked if I didn’t want to turn it into a

pro-European radio station. It was the Russian

aggression in eastern Ukraine that put

the country on a European course and also

united it. So I bought the station back. It was

called JE, which stands for Yes and EU in

Ukrainian. Musically, we were a kind of Eurovision

song contest. We also brought

news about the EU. Later we changed the

station again because we also wanted to report

on the war in the east of the country. In

Kiev, people hardly heard anything about

the fighting in the Donbass. Now the station

is called “Kraina FM“ and broadcasts more

Ukrainian music. I am also trying to get

more licences, for example in the Donbass.

Should Ukraine join the EU and also NATO?

Simple answer: yes. If you want Europe

to be complete, then you have to make an

effort to bring in European countries that

are not yet EU members. Of course, they

have to fulfil the conditions. But Ukraine is

a European country. For me, it’s also rubbish

when someone says that the West has made

any promises to Russia not to admit certain

countries. That has not been documented

anywhere. We offer countries a system: with

a democratic and market economy perspective.

And then there is another offer from

another state: Namely planned economy

and dictatorship. So there you are free to

choose. Ukraine has made it clear that it

wants to orient itself towards the West. EU

accession will certainly not happen tomorrow.

But the prospect of accession must be

opened up. The same applies to the Balkan

states, but not to Turkey, which is a rival of

the EU there. People who want to prevent

this enlargement have not understood the

history of the European Union.

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Karl Habsburg mit einem Foto dreier

Generationen: Kaiser Karl (Gemälde),

davor sein Sohn Otto Habsburg mit Karl

am Arm. Karl Habsburg with a photo of

three generations: Emperor Karl (painting),

in front his son Otto Habsburg, holding his

eldest son Karl.

MORE INFORMATION AT

falkensteiner.com/schlosshotel-velden


CELEBRATING


L’AUTRICHE AMBASSADORS OF EDUCATION

Y E A R S

1971–2021

Seit 25 Jahren mit der Welt im Dialog

In dialogue with the world for 25 years

MCI | DIE UNTERNEHMERISCHE HOCHSCHULE / THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SCHOOL

Text & Interview: Daniela Pötzl

DIRECTOR’S TALK

INFO

Das Hauptgebäude der MCI

in Innsbruck.

The main building of MCI

in Innsbruck.

Seit 1996 schreibt das MCI | Die Unternehmerische

Hochschule Erfolgsgeschichte. Was bei

der Gründung und in den ersten Jahren unvorstellbar

schien, liegt nun in beeindruckenden Zahlen

vor: Mittlerweile schätzen 3.500 Studierende, 400

Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter in Forschung,

Lehre und Administration, 1.000 externe Lehrende,

300 Partneruniversitäten, 14.000 Alumni sowie tausende

Arbeitgeber aus aller Welt die Bachelor-, Master-

und Executive Masterstudien, praxisnahe Zertifikats-Lehrgänge

und Management-Seminare,

maßgeschneiderte Firmentrainings und nicht zuletzt

umfassende Aktivitäten im Bereich Forschung, Entwicklung,

Innovation, Know-how Transfer und

Start-ups.

Since 1996 MCI | The Entrepreneurial School

has been writing a success story. What seemed

completely unimaginable at the time of its

foundation and in the first few years is now available

in impressive figures: In the meantime, 3,500 students,

400 employees in research, teaching and administration,

1,000 external lecturers, 300 partner

universities, 14,000 alumni as well as thousands of

employers from all over the world appreciate the

Bachelor’s, Master’s and Executive Master’s degree

programmes, practice-oriented certificate courses

and management seminars, tailor-made company

trainings and, last but not least, the comprehensive

activities in the fields of research, development,

know-how transfer and start-ups.

PHOTOS: MCI/GEISLER; KOLLER; KASPER

Andreas Altmann

Rektor des MCI | Rector of MCI

Dr. Andreas Altmann ist Professor für Wirtschaftswissenschaften, Gründungsgeschäftsführer und Rektor des MCI.

Dr Andreas Altmann is Professor of Economic Sciences, Founding Managing Director and Rector of the MCI.

Das MCI feiert heuer seinen 25. Geburtstag. Was macht die

„Unternehmerische Hochschule“ so besonders?

Einzigartig ist wohl unsere Positionierung als Unternehmerische

Hochschule. Basierend auf dem Modell einer „private-public

partnership“ verbinden wir die Ansätze von Universität,

Privatuniversität, Business School, Fachhochschule, Unternehmenswelt

& Consulting. Zu den Säulen des MCI gehört auch die

hohe Internationalität mit 3.500 Studierenden aus 70 Nationen,

1.000 Professoren und Dozenten aus 35 Ländern, Student

Exchange und Double-Degree-Optionen an 300 Partneruniversitäten

in aller Welt und nun auch der Status einer „European

University“.

Im Juli 2020 wurde ein Abkommen mit der international

ausgerichteten Shenzen Technology University (STU) in

China vereinbart. Welche Synergien sind dabei geplant?

China hat in kurzer Zeit Weltgeltung in vielen Bereichen erlangt.

Deshalb bauen wir unsere Partnerschaften mit chinesischen

Universitäten aus und haben ein eigenes China Center eingerichtet.

Besonders viel erwarten wir uns von der Zusammenarbeit mit

der STU, die eine unglaubliche Dynamik entfaltet und gerade

einen Riesencampus errichtet. Student & Faculty Exchange,

Summer und Winter Schools, gemeinsame Abschlüsse und

kooperative Forschungsvorhaben stehen auf der Agenda.

Was bringt die Zukunft für das MCI?

Besondere Energie gilt unserem neuen Campus, ein Infrastrukturprojekt

von 135 Mio. Euro im Herzen von Innsbruck, der

Einrichtung neuer Studiengänge, dem Ausbau digitaler

Studien- und Weiterbildungsformate, der Stärkung unserer

innovativen Forschung, der Initiierung weiterer Startups und nicht

zuletzt der Förderung motivierter Menschen. Wir ziehen

phantastische Leute an, das ist eine unglaublich schöne Aufgabe

und gleichzeitig große Verantwortung.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the MCI | The

Entrepreneurial School. What makes it so special?

What’s unique about us is probably our positioning as an

Entrepreneurial School. Based on a private-public partnership model,

we combine elements of a university, private university, business

school, university of applied sciences, the corporate world and

consulting. One of the pillars of MCI is our high level of internationalism

with 3,500 students from 70 different countries, 1,000 professors

and lecturers from 35 countries, student exchange and double

degree programmes with 300 partner universities around the

world and now also our status as a “European University”.

In July 2020, MCI reached an agreement with the internationally

oriented Shenzen Technology University (STU) in China.

What synergies can we expect from the partnership?

China has achieved world-class status in many fields within a short

period of time. This is why we are expanding our partnerships with

Chinese universities and have set up a dedicated “China Center”.

We’re expecting a lot from our cooperation with the STU, which is a

very dynamic school and is currently working on an enormously large

new campus. Student & faculty exchanges, summer and winter

schools, joint degrees and cooperative research projects are on the

agenda.

What does the future hold for MCI?

We are dedicating a lot of energy to our new campus, a 135-millioneuro

infrastructure project in the heart of Innsbruck, creating new

degree programmes, expanding our digital study and continuing

education concepts, strengthening our innovative research, initiating

new start-ups and, last but not least, cultivating motivated people.

We attract fantastic people, which is a wonderful task but, at the

same time, a great responsibility.

Auf einen Blick

At a glance

Das MCI hat sich einen

hervorragenden Ruf in der

europäischen Hochschullandschaft

erarbeitet und

bietet internationale und

zukunftsorientierte Studiengänge

in den Bereichen

Technologie, Life Sciences,

Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft.

300 renommierte

Partner-Universitäten auf

der ganzen Welt bieten

den Studierenden die

Gelegenheit, internationale

Erfahrungen zu sammeln.

Durch die enge Zusammenarbeit

mit der Wirtschaft

sind MCI Absolventinnen

und Absolventen am

Arbeitsmarkt besonders

gefragt.

The MCI has earned an

excellent reputation in the

European higher education

landscape and offers

international and future

oriented study programmes

in the areas of technology,

life sciences, economy and

society. 300 renowned

partner universities around

the world offer MCI

students the opportunity to

gain international

experience. Due to the

close cooperation with the

economy, MCI graduates

are particularly in demand

on the job market.

INFO:

mci.edu

Das neue China Center wurde im Mai

2021 ins Leben gerufen, Prof. Dr.

Wei Manske-Wang leitet es.

The new China Center was launched in

May 2021, Prof. Dr Wei Manske-Wang

heads it.

Im heurigen Juli wurde dem MCI von der

renommierten Akkreditierungsagentur

FIBAA das innovative Gütesiegel für

Exzellenz in digitaler Lehre verliehen.

This July, the MCI was awarded the

innovative seal for excellence in digital

teaching by the renowned accredidation

agency FIBAA.



L‘AUTRICHE MICE IN AUSTRIA

Die Wiederkehr internationaler Begegnungen

The return of international encounters


Wer hätte gedacht, dass die Corona-Pandemie unser Leben in vielen Bereichen so

auf den Kopf stellen würde? Nun zeichnet sich eine langsame Rückkehr von

Großveranstaltungen mit internationalen Teilnehmern wieder ab.

Who would have thought that the Corona pandemic would turn our lives so

upside down in many areas? Now, a slow return of major events with international

participants is on the horizon again.

PHOTOS: WIEN TOURISMUS/ DAVID PAYR, LEADERSNET.AT / P. LEITENMÜLLER / I. KRUMHUBER

Neben dem Kongress-Standort Wien, der für

die kommenden Jahre bereits Buchungen

verzeichnen kann, ist Niederösterreich besonders

erfolgreich in der Akquise. Der Kongresstourismus

nimmt wieder Fahrt auf. Bei kleineren

Firmen-Veranstaltungen, die immer kurzfristiger

gebucht werden und stattfinden, sind nun auch

großzügigere Stornobedingungen im Buchungspaket

inbegriffen. Und die jeweiligen Teilnehmer freuen

sich schon vorab auf zwischenmenschliche Kontakte,

die man lange vermissen musste.

Seit 16 Jahren dient das Convention Bureau

Niederösterreich (CBNÖ) als zentrale Anlaufund

Servicestelle für Business-Veranstaltungen in

Österreichs größtem Bundesland. Heuer wurde mit

dem AirportCity Space Vienna Conferencing &

Coworking ein neuer Top-Partner an Bord geholt.

„Dass wir die AirportCity als neuen Top-Partner

begrüßen dürfen, freut uns besonders, ist doch der

internationale Verkehrsknotenpunkt Flughafen

Wien-Schwechat ein wichtiger Grund dafür, dass

sich der Geschäftstourismus in Niederösterreich mit

rund einem Drittel aller Nächtigungen zu einem

bedeutenden Faktor im Tourismus Niederösterreichs

entwickeln konnte“, so Jochen Danninger, Niederösterreichs

Tourismuslandesrat. Grafenegg, Fontana,

Schallaburg, Stift Klosterneuburg und die Kasematten

Wiener Neustadt sind weitere beliebte Locations.

Neu sind seit Kurzem sogenannte „Hybride

Events“. Opinion Leaders Network – eine Kombination

aus Werbeagentur und dem größten nationalen B2B

Online-Medium – bietet mit der neuen digitalen

Event Unit genau in diesem Bereich professionelle

Lösungen an. So machen virtuelle und digitale

Möglichkeiten die Umsetzbarkeit von Aufsichtsratssitzungen,

Produktpräsentationen, Events und

Kongressen möglich. „Auch wenn das persönliche

Treffen immer an erster Stelle stehen wird, ist eine

virtuelle Zusammenkunft besser als keine“, so

Agentur-Chef Paul Leitenmüller.

In addition to Vienna as a congress location,

which already has bookings for the coming

years, Lower Austria is particularly successful

in its acquisition efforts. Congress tourism is picking

up again. For smaller corporate events, which are

booked and take place at ever shorter notice, more

generous cancellation conditions are now included

in the booking package. And the respective participants

look forward in advance to interpersonal

contacts that had to be missed for a long time.

For 16 years, the Convention Bureau Niederösterreich

(CBNÖ) has served as a central contact and

service point for business events in Austria‘s largest

province. This year, AirportCity Space Vienna

Conferencing & Coworking was brought on board

as a new top partner. „We are particularly pleased to

welcome AirportCity as a new top partner, as the

international transport hub of Vienna-Schwechat

Airport is an important reason why business tourism

in Lower Austria has been able to develop into a

significant factor in Lower Austria‘s tourism,

accounting for around one third of all overnight

stays,“ says Lower Austria‘s provincial councillor

for tourism, Jochen Danninger. Grafenegg, Fontana,

Schallaburg, Klosterneuburg Abbey and the Casemates

Wiener Neustadt are other popular locations.

Recently, so-called „hybrid events“ have been

introduced. Opinion Leaders Network - a combination

of advertising agency and the largest national

B2B online medium - offers professional solutions

precisely in this area with its new digital event unit.

Thus, virtual and digital possibilities make the

feasibility of board meetings, product presentations,

events and congresses possible. „Even if the

face-to-face meeting will always come first, a virtual

meeting is better than none,“ says agency head Paul

Leitenmüller.

In diesem Herbst finden, so es die Situation erlaubt, wieder internationale

Veranstaltungen statt, wie hier, im Vienna AirportCity Conferencing.

Starting this autumn, international events will be held again,

situation permitting, like here, at Vienna AirportCity Conferencing.

Isabella Krumhuber und Paul

Leitenmüller bieten die

Möglichkeit „Hybrider Events“.

Isabella Krumhuber and Paul

Leitenmüller offer the possibility

of “hybrid events“.

INFO:

vienna.convention.at

convention.niederoesterreich.at

rtk.at

opinionleadersnetwork.at/digitale-events

>>




1

Außergewöhnliche Schlösser | Extraordinary castles

SCHLOSS ROTHSCHILD

Dem Himmel so nah ist man im Kubus,

der modernen Schlossturmspitze des

einstigen Rothschild-Familiensitzes.

Der von Stararchitekt Hans Hollein

entworfene Glasturm ist eine

ungewöhnliche Location für

besondere Events mit Blick

auf Waidhofen.

You are so close to heaven

in the Kubus, the modern

castle spire of the former

Rothschild family seat.

The glass tower designed

by star architect Hans

Hollein is an unusual

location for special events

with a view over Waidhofen.

schloss-rothschild.at

SCHLOSS SEGGAU

Der ideale Ort für Seminare und

Kongresse sowie für Feste und

Feiern. Das Schloss punktet

mit der Nähe zu Graz, der

weitläufigen Anlage des

Schlosses, einem

angeschlossenen

Hotel sowie einem

300 Jahre alten

Weinkeller.

The ideal place

for seminars and

congresses as

well as for parties

and celebrations.

The castle scores

with its proximity

to Graz, the

extensive grounds of

the castle, an attached

hotel as well as a

300-year-old wine cellar.

seggau.com

SCHLOSS KOHFIDISCH

Wer das Besondere sucht, ist im

Schloss Kohfidisch gut aufgehoben.

Die Besitzer-Familie veranstaltet

größere Events, wie heuer bereits

die „Gartentage“, steht aber

auch für Familienfeiern oder

Hochzeiten nach Absprache

zur Verfügung.

Those looking for something

special are in good hands at

Kohfidisch Castle. The owner

family organises larger events,

such as this year‘s “Garden Days“,

but is also available for family

celebrations or weddings by

arrangement.

kohfidisch.com

SCHLOSS

WELSDORF

Das über 400 Jahre

alte Schloss mit

Arkadengang bietet

ein exklusives und

traumhaftes

Ambiente, um die

schönsten Tage des

Lebens zu feiern.

Die wunderbare

Parkanlage mit

uraltem Baumbestand

ist der ideale Rahmen

für eine Trauung oder

einen Empfang.

The over 400-year-old castle

with arcade offers an exclusive

and dreamlike ambience to celebrate

the most beautiful days of your life.

The gorgeous park with its ancient trees

is the ideal setting for a wedding ceremony

or reception.

welsdorf.at

TRAVEL SAFE & MEET SAFE

Since the beginning of 2020, the

whole world has changed a lot, for

all of us.

Gladly some things stay the same and

gave us – in times full of uncertainties

– a feeling of stability and security.

Hospitality, kindness, an all-round

top service and professionality will

always remain as the key priority

for our guests in the tourism region

Villach-Faaker See-Ossiacher See.

With Villach – a business hub full

of innovation – we can offer you an

ideal mix of regional and international

influences and above all a place

in which comfort and vitality

complement each other perfectly.

Explore Villach as a popular and

diversified meeting place!

With the Congress Centre Villach

(CCV), we have Carinthia’s largest

and most modern conference and

event centre – located directly on

the banks of the Drau river. The

extraordinary symbiosis of this

congress centre with the 4* superior

hotel voco® is unique in Austria.

No matter what kind of weather

is outside, in Villach your hair and

styling will always look perfect for

your event. The direct connection

between both buildings makes this

possible.

The 20 meeting and conference

rooms with modern stage technology,

a unique acoustic sound-experience

and stunning light effects are

suitable for a wide array of events.

The Congress Centre Villach can

host events for up to 2.000 people.

Not only the event itself but also

a framework programme can be

organized with our help. From a

classic guided tour through the

city of Villach, to a mountain hike

in the Dobratsch Nature Park.

We are willing to find the perfect

setting for your time in the heart of

Carinthia!

To get one step closer to your

journey in Villach – we are looking

forward hearing from you. Let us

create your upcoming event –

together we can achieve more!

Region Villach Tourismus GmbH

Peraustraße 32

9500 Villach

visitvillach.at

sales@region-villach.at

ccv.at

sales@ccv.at


Credits: ©Michael Stabentheiner, ©Martin Hofmann, ©Simone Attisani, ©CCV

>>

PHOTOS: VON DEN LOCATIONS BEIGESTELLT



2

Zu Gast sein bei CD-Partnern | Invited to CD’s partners

ANDAZ VIENNA

AM BELVEDERE

Das Hotel beherbergt

drei kreative Studios mit

Tageslicht, die sich perfekt

für kleine, intime Anlässe

eignen. Darüber hinaus

gibt es einen spektakulären

705 Quadratmeter großen

Ballsaal mit einem

modernen Beleuchtungssystem,

das verschiedene

Farboptionen an die Decke

projizieren kann.

The hotel houses three

creative studios with natural

light, perfect for small, intimate

occasions. There is also a spectacular

705-square-metre ballroom with a

modern lighting system that can project

different colour options onto the ceiling.

andazviennaambelvedere.com

ARCOTEL

DONAUZENTRUM

Das ARCOTEL Donauzentrum

zählt in der ARCOTEL

Hotelgruppe zu den

Veranstaltungs- und

Eventspezialisten.

Von Empfängen und

Konferenzen bis zu

privaten Feiern und

exklusiven Events wie

Nationalfeiertagen, ist

man in Wien, Linz,

Salzburg, Berlin,

Hamburg, Stuttgart und

Dresden in besten Händen.

Das Service ist so individuell

wie Ihre Wünsche!

The ARCOTEL Donauzentrum is

one of the event specialists in the

ARCOTEL hotel group. From receptions

and conferences to exclusive events such as

national day celebrations - you are in best

hands in Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Berlin,

Hamburg, Stuttgart and Dresden. The service is

as individual as your wishes!

arcotel.com


THE RITZ-CARLTON, VIENNA

Vom Cocktailempfang über den Dächern

Wiens in der Atmosphere Rooftop Bar,

bis hin zum eleganten Setting im

Crystal Ballroom, genießt man

hier einzigartige Dekorationen,

atemberaubende Aussichten und

außergewöhnliches Catering.

From cocktail receptions

above the rooftops of Vienna

in the Atmosphere Rooftop

Bar, to the elegant setting

in the Crystal Ballroom,

one enjoys unique décor,

breathtaking views and

exceptional catering.

ritzcarlton.com/vienna

HOTEL BRISTOL

Sie wollen heuer noch heiraten? Hier findet man alles

unter einem Dach: Trauungszeremonie, Feier, Bankett,

Übernachtungsmöglichkeiten für Sie und Ihre Gäste sowie eine

Suite fürs Styling und die Hochzeitsvorbereitung der Brautleute.

Egal ob im kleinsten Kreis, oder im Zuge eines rauschenden Hochzeitsballs.

You would like to get married this year? Here you will find everything under

one roof: wedding ceremony, celebration, banquet, accommodation for you and

your guests as well as a suite for styling and wedding preparation for the bridal

couple. Whether in a small circle or in the course of a glittering wedding ball.

bristolvienna.com

AUSTRIA TREND HOTEL

MAXIMILIAN

41 Zimmer, in modernem Ambiente, stehen zur

Verfügung und werden durch die großzügige

Maximilian Lounge und eine einladende Terrasse

für Veranstaltungen, mit Blick in den historischen

Garten, ergänzt. Das Hotel Maximilian ist mit dem

Parkhotel Schönbrunn im Erdgeschoß verbunden.

41 rooms are available in a modern ambience

and are complemented by the spacious

Maximilian Lounge and an inviting terrace for

events, with a view of the historic garden. The

Hotel Maximilian is connected to the Parkhotel

Schönbrunn on the ground floor.

austria-trend.at


FONTANA

Halten Sie einen Moment inne, lassen Sie die

abgeschlossene Neugestaltung des Golfplatzes auf sich

wirken und genießen Sie die außergewöhnliche

Atmosphäre von FONTANA.

EAT | PLAY | LIVE

FONTANA.AT



PALAIS HANSEN

KEMPINSKI

Zehn verschiedene,

großzügige Tagungsräume

mit Tageslicht

und der persönliche

Service machen

Veranstaltungen

hier unvergesslich.

Highlights sind der

277 m² große

Ballsaal und das

historische Säulenfoyer

für den Sektempfang

im luxuriösen Ambiente.

Ten different, spacious

meeting rooms with natural

daylight and the personal service

make events here unforgettable.

Highlights are the 277 m² ballroom and

the historic columned foyer for champagne

receptions in a luxurious ambience.

kempinski.com/vienna

HILTON PARK VIENNA

Ob stilvolle Feiern oder hybride Optionen:

21 variable Veranstaltungsräume für bis zu 840

Teilnehmer sowie zwei säulenfreie sechs Meter hohe

Ballsäle stehen zur Verfügung. Einen zusätzlichen

Akzent kann man mit Zusatzangeboten wie

Yoga Sessions oder einem Urban

Gardening Event setzen.

Whether stylish celebrations

or hybrid options: 21 variable

event rooms for up to 840

participants as well as two

column-free six-metrehigh

ballrooms are

available. An additional

accent can be set with

additional offers such

as yoga sessions or an

urban gardening event.

hilton.com


VIENNA MARRIOTT

Die flexiblen und mit modernster

Technologie ausgestatteten

Banketträumlichkeiten eignen sich für

Tagungen, Seminare, Konferenzen, Empfänge und

Bankette. Elf Meetingräume mit insgesamt 1.450 m²

Fläche für bis zu 700 Personen stehen zur Verfügung

und lassen sich nach Wünschen adaptieren.

The flexible banqueting facilities, equipped with the

latest technology, are suitable for meetings, seminars,

conferences, receptions and banquets. Eleven meeting

rooms with a total of 1,450 m² of space for up to 700

people are available and can be adapted as desired

to your wishes.

viennamarriott.com

SO/ VIENNA

Das 2010 von Stararchitekt Jean Nouvel entworfene

Gebäude besticht durch sein minimalistisches Design.

8 Meeting-Räume und gesamt 1.100 m² Konferenzraum

stehen auf einer Ebene zur Verfügung. Durchflutet vom

Licht der Stadt und mit spektakulären

Ausblicken auf Wien.

Designed in 2010 by star

architect Jean Nouvel, the

building impresses with

its minimalist design.

8 meeting rooms and

a total of 1,100 m² of

conference space

are available on

one level. Flooded

with city light and

with spectacular

views of Vienna.

so-vienna.com

PARK HYATT VIENNA

Der perfekte Rahmen für jeden Anlass:

Ob ein elegantes Mittagessen, ein

sensationelles Themen-Event, eine

Konferenz oder Hochzeit. Das Hotel

übertrifft mit seinen exklusiven

Veranstaltungs-räumen und dem

großen Ballsaal alle Erwartungen.

The perfect setting for any

occasion: whether an elegant

lunch, a sensational themed

event, a conference or wedding.

The hotel exceeds all expectations

with its exclusive event

rooms and the large ballroom.

parkhyattvienna.com


PALAIS SCHÖNBURG

The ”Residence for Events“ is located in the center of Vienna (4th district), surrounded by 15.000 sqm of beautiful garden.

This elegant Baroque Palace is the ideal location for receptions, gala dinners, presentations, company and private events.


www.palais-schoenburg.at


CONGRESS CENTER

VILLACH

Die innovativste Veranstaltungslocation

im Süden Österreichs –

für Kongresse und Konferenzen,

Auto- und Produktpräsentationen

sowie für verschiedenste kulturelle

und gesellschaftliche Veranstaltungen

mit bis zu 2.000 Personen.

Die optimale Symbiose aus

Kongresszentrum, 4* Superior

Lifestyle Hotel und Haute Cuisine

auf Hauben-Niveau ist einzigartig

in Österreich.

The most innovative event

location in the south of Austria –

for congresses and conferences,

car and product presentations as

well as for various cultural and social

events with up to 2,000 people.

The optimal symbiosis of a congress

centre, 4* superior lifestyle hotel

and haute cuisine at gourmet level

is unique in Austria.

ccv.at

FONTANA

Ob im Innen- oder im Außenbereich,

das Fontana-Clubhaus bietet ein

perfektes exklusives Ambiente.

Die flexibel gestaltbaren Räumlichkeiten

im Eventbereich und die

hausinterne Ausstattung

machen die Ausrichtung von

Firmenevents, Seminaren oder

Konferenzen ebenso möglich

wie private Feiern.

Whether indoors or outdoors,

the Fontana Clubhouse offers a

perfect exclusive ambience. The

flexibly configurable rooms in

the event area and the in-house

equipment make it possible to host

company events, seminars or conferences

as well as private celebrations.

fontana.at

Fotos © Michael Weller | Christian Husar

PALAIS SCHÖNBURG

Inmitten einer 15.000 m² großen Gartenanlage

liegt das über 300 Jahre alte Palais und bietet den

eleganten Rahmen für Empfänge, Gala-Dinner und

Feste. Die Rasenflächen auf beiden Seiten

des Gebäudes sind für

Festzelte mit bis zu 500

Personen geeignet.

Set in 15,000 m² of

gardens, the 300-yearold

palace provides an

elegant setting for

receptions, gala

dinners and

celebrations. The

lawns on both sides

of the building are

suitable for

marquees with up to

500 people.

palais-schoenburg.at

GRAFENEGG

Die Concert- und Event-

Location ist 50 Minuten

von Wien entfernt,

und bietet rund ums

Jahr den perfekten

Ort für Tagungen,

Kongresse und

Seminare inmitten

eines 32 ha großen

Schlossparks. 16

Cottages mit 128

Betten und die Alte

Scheune bilden am

Areal einen wunderbaren

Rahmen für

besondere Seminare und

außergewöhnliche Events.

The concert and event

location is situated 50 minutes from

Vienna and offers the perfect venue for

conferences, congresses and seminars all year

round in the middle of a 32-hectare castle park.

16 cottages with 128 beds and the old barn form

a wonderful setting for special seminars and

extraordinary events.

grafenegg.com


CONGRESS - EVENT

Unique architectural jewel from

the 12th century

Historic arches meet modern,

prize-winning architecture

Fantastic location right in the middle

Wiener Neustadt’s city-park

Capacity for between 20 to 900 people

in various areas

Perfect setting for congresses,

conferences, seminars, special occasions,

and concerts

Just 30 Minutes from Vienna central station

INFORMATION & CONTACT


office@kasematten-wn.at | www.kasematten-wn.at | Tel. 02622 / 373 - 933


3

Coole Locations | Cool locations

FRANZ VON GRÜN

Begrüßt werden Gäste hier in der Kellergasse im

Arbesthaler Hügelland gleich am Eingang, im

modernen Bar-Bereich mit offener Küche.

Etwas tiefer im Erdreich lädt das

aufwendig sanierte Gewölbe zum

Essen, Wein verkosten und Tanzen

ein. Der Dachboden mit 40

Sitzplätzen ist die direkte

Verbindung in den riesigen

Garten. Die perfekte Bühne

für Business-Events, private

Feiern und Hochzeiten.

Guests are greeted here

in the Kellergasse in the

Arbesthal hill country right

at the entrance, in the

modern bar area with open

kitchen. A little deeper in

the ground, the elaborately

renovated vault invites you

to dine, taste wine and dance.

The loft with seating for 40 is

the direct connection to the

huge garden. The perfect stage

for business events, private

celebrations and weddings.

franzvongruen.at

HOTEL STEIN

Die Steinterrasse

inspired by Senns ist die wohl

atemberaubendste Eventlocation im Herzen

Salzburgs - für Hochzeiten, Geburtstage,

Firmenfeiern, Meetings oder einfach um das

Leben zu feiern. Von exklusiven Events bis hin

zum Private Dinner, mit kulinarischen

Höhepunkten und raffinierten Cocktails.

The Steinterrasse inspired by Senns is probably the

most breathtaking event location in the heart of

Salzburg - for weddings, birthdays, company

parties, meetings or simply to celebrate life. From

exclusive events to private dinners, with culinary

highlights and sophisticated cocktails.

steinterrasse.com

SCHMIEDE AM

RAVELSBACH

2018 eröffnet, hat sich

der romantische Ort mit

seinen individuellen Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten

für standesamtliche

Hochzeiten und Firmenevents

innerhalb kürzester Zeit vom Geheimtipp zum

bekannten Event-Hotspot Niederösterreichs entwickelt.

Opened in 2018, the romantic venue with its individual

design options for civil weddings and corporate events

has for civil weddings and corporate events, the romantic

venue has quickly developed from an insider tip to a

well-known event hotspot in Lower Austria.

schmiedeamravelsbach.at

VIENNA

AIRPORTCITY

CONFERENCING

Die Vienna AirportCity

bietet verschiedene

Locations. Hier finden Sie

klassische Räume für

Konferenzen und Meetings,

ebenso wie inspirierende

Umgebungen für hybride,

multistationäre und interaktive

Formate. Die modernste technische

Unterstützung ist inbegriffen, aber auch die

Möglichkeit, analoge Umgebungen zu nutzen.

Vienna AirportCity offers a variety of locations. Here you will find

classic rooms for conferences and meetings, as well as inspiring

environments for hybrid, multi-station and interactive formats.

The latest technical support is included, but also the possibility

to use analogue environments.

airport-city.at/conferencing

LORELY SAAL

300 Personen mit Bestuhlung finden

im großen Saal Platz, im Blauen

Foyer können auch kleinere

Veranstaltungen flexibel

umgesetzt werden. Neben der

spacigen blauen Bar, sind es

auch hier prachtvolle Luster,

die dem Raum Flair und

Ausstrahlung verleihen.

There is room for 300 people

with seating in the large hall, and

smaller events can also be flexibly

realised in the blue foyer. In

addition to the spacy blue bar, it is

also here that magnificent chandeliers

lend the room flair and charisma.

lorely-saal.at


STIEGL-GUT WILDSHUT

Österreichs 1. Biergut ist der

perfekte Ort für alle, die auf der

Suche nach dem Besonderen sind.

Er steht für nachhaltige Landwirtschaft,

für Vielfalt und vor allem für

Genussmomente. Unter dem Motto

„Kreislaufwirtschaft zum Angreifen“

nimmt man hier alle Schritte des

Bierbrauens wieder in die eigenen Hände.

Austria‘s 1st beer estate is the perfect

place for all those in search of the for

something special. It stands for sustainable

agriculture, for diversity and above all for moments

of enjoyment. Under the motto „circular economy to

touch“, people here take all the steps of brewing beer

back into their own hands.

biergut.at



L‘AUTRICHE BUSINESS

Neues aus Österreich

News from Austria


SONDERBRIEFMARKE | COMMEMORATIVE STAMP

Pfingstrosen und Edelweiß |

Peonies and Edelweiss

Anlässlich der Aufnahme diplomatischer Beziehungen

von China und Österreich im Jahr 1971, wurde

kürzlich eine Sonderbriefmarke von der Österreichischen

Post herausgegeben. Sie zeigt chinesische

Pfingstrosen und österreichische Edelweißblüten.

Bei der Präsentation waren Richard Trappl, Direktor

des Konfuzius-Instituts an der Universität Wien,

Seine Exzellenz LI Xiaosi, Botschafter der Volksrepublik

China, Margarete Schramböck, Bundesministerin für

Digitalisierung und Wirtschaftsstandort, sowie Peter

Umundum, Vorstand für Paket & Logistik,

Österreichische Post AG, anwesend (v.l.n.r.).

On the occasion of the establishment of diplomatic

relations between China and Austria in 1971, a

commemorative stamp was issued by the Austrian Post,

showing Chinese peonies and Austrian Edelweiss

blossoms. Richard Trappl, Director of the Confucius

Institute at the University of Vienna, H.E. LI Xiaosi,

Ambassador of the People‘s Republic of China,

Margarete Schramböck, Federal Minister for Digital and

Economic Affairs, and Peter Umundum, Board Member

for Parcel & Logistics, Österreichische Post AG, attended

the presentation (from left to right).

post.at

CONCERT & EVENT LOCATION

AUDITORIUM & REITSCHULE

INTERNATIONALE SCHULE | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Tolle Ergebnisse | Great scores

In der Danube International School Vienna (DISV) haben 100% der Schüler des

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diplom-Programms die Abschlussprüfung 2021

bestanden. DISV legt großen Wert auf diese ‚Pass Rate‘ und konnte bereits in 7 der

letzten 8 Jahre einen Erfolgswert von 100% erzielen. DISV ist die einzige internationale

Schule in Österreich mit diesem herausragenden Ergebnis und konnte mit einer Durchschnittsleistung

von 37 IB-Punkten sogar das beste Ergebnis des 30-jährigen

Bestehens der Schule erreichen.

Danube International School Vienna (DISV) is proud to report that 100% of the students in

the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in 2021 have passed. DISV takes

great pride in this excellent pass rate and has a proven track record of success. In the last 7

of 8 years, 100% of the IBDP students have passed the IB Diploma Programme. DISV is the

only international school in Austria with this outstanding result. In 2021, students received

the average score of 37 IB points, the best result in DISV’s 30 year history of the school.

danubeschool.com

BUCHTIPP | BOOK TIP

Diplomaten im Dialog | Diplomats in dialogue

Nach dem Motto „Nicht über Diplomaten reden, sondern

Diplomaten reden lassen“ legen die Botschafter i.R. Franz Cede

und Christian Prosl ein Werk vor, das rund 20 Interviews mit

österreichischen Spitzendiplomaten enthält - unverblümt und

ohne Floskeln über ihr Leben, ihre Laufbahnen und ihre

wichtigsten Einsichten zur österreichischen Außenpolitik und den

internationalen Entwicklungen.

According to the motto “Don’t talk about diplomats, but let diplomats

talk“, the retired ambassadors Franz Cede and Christian Prosl

presented a work that contains around 20 interviews with top

Austrian diplomats – bluntly and without empty phrases about their

lives, their careers and their most

important insights into Austrian

foreign policy and international

developments.

Diplomaten im Dialog

ISDN: 978-3-7097-0268-0

jan-sramek-verlag.at

PHOTOS: ÖSTERREICHISCHE POST, DANUBE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL VIENNA, JAN SRAMEK VERLAG

© Alexander Koller

© Martin Luger

Grafenegg, located between Vienna and the Wachau Valley, offers the perfect venue for

conferences, stage shows, seminars and private & corporate events in a sensational natural setting.

© Sonja Stangl

The Grafenegg Cottages complete the offer with accomodation options in the Castle Grounds.

events-grafenegg.com


SAVOIR

VIVRE

N E U :

Cancún

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.

Servus

Mexiko.

Türkisfarbenes Wasser und weißer Sand.

Entdecken Sie mit Austrian gemeinsam die

schönsten karibischen Strände Cancúns.

SAVOIR VIVRE DEMOCRATISATION OF KNOWLEDGE

Neues Zeitalter des Wissens

A new era of knowledge

Text und Interview: Evelyn Rois und Bruno Stubenrauch

Teil der Wiener Hofburg: In

der ÖNB lagern Dokumente

aus fünf Jahrtausenden.

Part of the Hofburg Vienna:

Documents from five

millennia are stored in the

Austrian National Library.

Die Österreichische Nationalbibliothek ist eine der wichtigsten Universalbibliotheken Europas. Nach

der vorbildlichen Digitalisierung ihrer Sammlungen mit zahllosen Dokumenten von Weltrang, plant die

ÖNB mit einer neuen strategischen Vision bereits bis 2035.

The Austrian National Library is one of Europe’s most significant universal libraries. Following an

exemplary digitalisation of its holdings that include countless internationally renowned documents, the

library is already looking forward to 2035 with a new strategic vision.

Gedächtnisspeicher.

Knowledge store.

PHOTOS: ÖSTERREICHISCHE NATIONALBIBLIOTHEK / PICHLER (2); ÖNB (2)

Die schwungvoll notierte Partitur

von Wolfgang Amadeus Mozarts

Requiem bis in jede Einzelheit betrachten.

Den Wiener Dioskurides, ein

kunstvoll ausgestattetes Heilkräuterbuch,

entstanden um das Jahr 512, studieren. Oder

die filigranen Illustrationen der Prachtabschrift

der Goldenen Bulle in zweifacher

Vergrößerung bestaunen. Drei Beispiele

mehrerer Millionen Dokumente der Österreichischen

Nationalbibliothek, die als

hochaufgelöste Digitalisate im Netz abrufbar

und bis ins kleinste Detail heranzoombar

sind. Das Leuchtturmprojekt Demokratisierung

des weltweiten Wissens wird von

der ÖNB konsequent umgesetzt – wie auch

die rund 675.000 täglichen Seitenzugriffe

auf die ÖNB-Website eindrücklich belegen.

Digitalisierung mit Tempo

Bereits 2008 begann die Österreichische

Nationalbibliothek mit der systematischen

Digitalisierung ihrer umfassenden Bestände.

Heute steht die ÖNB im internationalen

Vergleich vorbildhaft da: Mit Austrian

Books Online, einer Public-Private-Partnership

mit Google, sind mehr als 600.000 urheberrechtsfreie

Bücher von 1501 bis Ende

des 19. Jahrhunderts inklusive Volltextsuche

digital verfügbar, darunter sämtliche

200.000 Bände aus dem barocken Prunksaal,

dem Herzstück der ÖNB. Sehr viele der

so bedeutenden wie konservatorisch heiklen

Dokumente der ÖNB stehen als Digitalisate

online. 24 Millionen Zeitungsseiten

sind über das Portal ANNO aufrufbar.

75.000 Postkarten mit Suchfunktion über

eine digitale Weltkarte oder die Tagebücher

des Literaturnobelpreisträgers Peter Handke

ergänzen das breite digitale Angebot der

ÖNB. Die Österreichische Nationalbibliothek

beteiligt sich außerdem an europäischen

und internationalen Webportalen wie

Europeana, Museum With No Frontiers

oder dem KI-Projekt Time Machine.

Wissensspeicher der Nation

Als eine der bedeutendsten Bibliotheken

Europas konserviert die Österreichische Nationalbibliothek

in ihren riesigen Archiven

an mehreren Standorten aufgezeichnetes

Wissen aus fünf Jahrtausenden, darunter

zahllose unschätzbar wertvolle Dokumente

von internationalem Rang. Von den 15 österreichischen

Einträgen in der Liste des

UNESCO Weltdokumentenerbes, die exemplarisch

das kollektive Gedächtnis der

Menschheit repräsentieren, stammen acht

aus der Österreichischen Nationalbibliothek.

Ihrem Bildungsauftrag kommt die ÖNB zudem

in mehreren Museen nach: von den

Sonderausstellungen im Prunksaal über das

Literaturmuseum, das Globen- und Esperantomuseum,

das 2018 eröffnete Haus der

Geschichte Österreich in der neuen Burg bis

zum im April nach umfassendem Relaunch

wieder eröffneten Papyrusmuseum. Mit ihren

einzigartigen Beständen und dem in den

1720er- Jahren nach Plänen von Fischer von

Erlach errichteten Prunksaal, der zu den beeindruckendsten

Bibliotheksbauten weltweit

zählt, steht die Österreichische Nationalbibliothek

als Teil der Wiener Hofburg auch regelmäßig

im Fokus bei Staatsbesuchen und

Visiten des Diplomatischen Corps.

Von der Gelehrtenbibliothek zur Teaching

Library

Die Anfang der letzten Dekade in der

„Vision 2025“ anvisierte Transformation

der ÖNB zum digitalen Wissenszentrum

des 21. Jahrhunderts ist bereits weitgehend

umgesetzt, wie Generaldirektorin Johanna

Rachinger, die die Österreichische Nationalbibliothek

seit 2001 leitet, unterstreicht.

Nun blickt die ÖNB erneut weit in die Zukunft:

Im Herbst 2021 wird das neue Strategiepapier

„Vision 2035. Wir öffnen Räume“

präsentiert. Als wichtige Eckpunkte

für die kommende Dekade werden mit

Schlagworten wie „Teaching Library“ oder

„Citizen Science“ die stärkere Berücksichtigung

der kulturellen Diversität der österreichischen

Gesellschaft bei der Sammelstrategie,

die Bereitstellung standardisierter

Datensätze für die Forschung oder die Erschließung

neuer digitaler Formate skizziert.

Der Ausbau internationaler Forschungsprojekte

steht ebenfalls ganz oben

auf der Agenda des neuen Strategiepapiers.

Der jetzt schon sehr beeindruckenden Liste

der wissenschaftlichen Partner der ÖNB,

von der Széchényi-Nationalbibliothek Ungarns

und der Österreichischen Akademie

der Wissenschaften über The British Library

bis zur US-amerikanischen Andrew

Mellon Foundation sollen im Zuge neuer

Forschungsvorhaben weitere Institutionen

angefügt werden. Im neuen Zeitalter des

Wissens sieht die Österreichische Nationalbibliothek

ihre Rolle, wie Johanna Rachinger

betont, vor allem auch als Garant

dafür, dass das Wissen der Welt ohne kommerzielle

Einzelinteressen gesammelt, bewahrt

und zur Verfügung gestellt wird.

Mehrere Millionen Dokumente

der ÖNB stehen digital

zur Verfügung.

Several million documents

from the ÖNB are digitally

available.

Internationales Forschungsprojekt „Wiener

Genesis“ 2019 (links). Das Papyrus „Totenbuch der

Taruma“ zählt zum UNESCO Weltdokumentenerbe.

International research project “Wiener Genesis“ 2019

(left). The papyrus “Book of the Dead of Taruma“

belongs to the UNESCO World Document Heritage.



SAVOIR VIVRE DEMOCRATISATION

OF KNOWLEDGE

Darstellung der Hochwasserkatastrophe

in Wien 1830,

Ausstellung im Prunksaal.

Depiction of the flood disaster

in Vienna in 1830, exhibition in

the State Hall.

Die Gutenberg-Bibel von 1454, Meisterwerk der

frühen Buchdruckkunst.

The Gutenberg Bible from 1454, a master piece of

early book printing.

Staatsbesuch: Der italienische Staatspräsident

Sergio Mattarella 2019 zu Gast in der ÖNB.

State visit: The Italian President Sergio Mattarella

was a guest of the Austrian National Library in 2019.

Im Bücherspeicher unter der Burggarten-Terrasse

lagern rund vier Millionen Werke.

Around four million oeuvres are housed in the book

storage underneath the terrace of the Burggarten.

Evangeliar des Johannes von Troppau, 1368. Der Prunksaal zählt zu den schönsten Bibliotheksbauten weltweit.

Gospels of Johannes von Troppau, 1368. The State Hall is one of the most beautiful library buildings in the world.

Study the sheet music of Wolfgang madeus

Mozart’s Requiem down to the

smallest detail. Investigate the Vienna

Dioscurides, an elaborate book of medicinal

herbs written around the year 512. Or

marvel at the intricate illustrations of the

magnificent copy of the Golden Bull of

1356 under 2x magnification. These are just

three examples of the millions of documents

in the Austrian National Library that

can be accessed online in the form of highresolution

digital copies and zoomed in to

the tiniest detail. The Austrian National Library

has been continuously expanding on

its “Democratisation of Knowledge” flagship

project, impressively demonstrated by

the approximately 675,000 daily page views

on the library’s website.

High-speed digitalisation

Corresponding to China’s ever-increasing

The Austrian National Library began

with the systematic digitalisation of its extensive

holdings as early as 2008. Today, the

library leads by example in international

comparison: With Austrian Books Online,

a public-private partnership with Google,

more than 600,000 copyright-free books

published between 1501 to the end of the

19th century have been made available in

digital format and featuring full-text

search, including all 200,000 volumes from

the baroque State Hall, the heart of the

Austrian National Library. Many of the documents,

which are as significant as they

are delicate in terms of their preservation,

can be accessed via the ANNO portal,

while 75,000 postcards with a search function

via a digital world map and the diaries

of Nobel Prize winner for literature, Peter

Handke, complete the library’s encompassing

digital offer. The Austrian National

Library also participates in European and

international web portals such as Europeana,

Museum with No Frontiers or the AI

project Time Machine.

PHOTOS: ÖNB (2); ÖSTERREICHISCHE NATIONALBIBLIOTHEK / HLOCH, PICHLER; PRESIDENZA DELLA REPUBBLICA

Amedeo Modigliani, Seated Nude (Detail), 1917, Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, www.lukasweb.be – Art in Flanders, photo Hugo Maertens

PHOTO: ÖSTERREICHISCHE NATIONALBIBLIOTHEK

The nation’s storehouse of knowledge

As one of Europe’s most important libraries,

the Austrian National Library conserves

recorded knowledge spanning five

millennia, including countless invaluable

and internationally renowned documents,

in its huge archives in several different locations.

Of Austria’s 15 entries in

UNESCO’s world documentary heritage

list, which sets an example for the safeguarding

of humanity’s collective knowledge,

eight come from the Austrian National Library.

The library also fulfils its educational

mandate at several museums: from the special

exhibitions at the State Hall to the Literature

Museum, the Globe and Esperanto

Museum, the House of Austrian History,

which opened in 2018, to the Papyrus Museum,

which opened its doors again following

an extensive relaunch in April. With

its unique holdings and the State Hall built

in the 1720s according to plans by Fischer

von Erlach, one of the most impressive library

buildings in the world, the Austrian

National Library, as part of the Hofburg,

regularly serves as the stage for official state

visits and visits by the diplomatic corps.

From scholar’s library to teaching library

The transformation of the Austrian National

Library into a 21st-century digital

knowledge hub as envisaged by the “Vision

2025” strategy at the beginning of the last

decade has already been largely implemented,

as Director Johanna Rachinger, head of

the library since 2001, emphasises. Now, the

Austrian National Library is once again looking

far into the future with the new “Vision

2035. We Open Up Spaces” strategy paper

to be published in autumn 2021. With

buzzwords such as “teaching library” and

17.9.2021 BIS 9.1.2022

“citizen science”, key cornerstones in the coming

decade will include greater consideration

of Austria’s cultural diversity when it

comes to the library’s collection strategy,

the creation of standardised data sets for research

purposes and the development of

new digital formats. The expansion of international

research projects is also high on

the agenda of the new strategy paper. The

already very impressive list of the library’s

scientific partners, such as Hungary’s National

Széchényi Library, the Austrian Academy

of Sciences, the British Library and

the Andrew Mellon Foundation in the

USA, will be joined by further institutions

in the course of new research projects. As

Johanna Rachinger points out, in the new

era of knowledge, the Austrian National Library

sees its role as that of guarantor that

ensures that the world’s knowledge is collected,

preserved and made available to the

public without commercial interest.

Aktuelle Ausstellungen der ÖNB

Selected Exhibitions 2021

Prunksaal

„Die Donau. Eine Reise in die Vergangenheit“

Literaturmuseum

„Stefan Zweig. Weltautor“

Haus der Geschichte Österreich

„Neue Zeiten: Österreich seit 1918“

„Der kalte Blick. Letzte Bilder jüdischer Familien aus

dem Ghetto von Tarnów“

hdgoe.at

Österreichische Nationalbibliothek

onb.ac.at

Europeana

europeana.eu

Museum With No Frontiers

museumwnf.org

First time in Austria!

«««««

MODIGLIANI

The Primitivist Revolution



NACHGEFRAGT | ENQUIRED

JOHANNA RACHINGER

„Nationalbibliotheken waren immer auch Orte der Repräsentation politischer Macht.“

“National libraries have always been representations of political power.”

Die Generaldirektorin der Österreichischen Nationalbibliothek über die europäische Dimension und die

kommenden Herausforderungen der ÖNB. The Director General of the Austrian National Library on the European

dimension and the library’s challenges in the future.

A-1010 VIENNA, GOETHEGASSE 1

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Die Bestände der ÖNB sind ein gewichtiger Teil

des kulturellen Erbes Österreichs und Europas.

Welches sind diesbezüglich die bedeutendsten

Dokumente?

Durch die gesamteuropäische Ausrichtung des

Habsburgerreiches gelangten zahlreiche historische

Sammlungen von europäischem Rang an die

Hofbibliothek und spätere Nationalbibliothek. Dazu

gehört sicherlich der bedeutende Bestand an

spätantiken und mittelalterlichen Handschriften, zu

nennen wäre hier der Wiener Dioskurides, ein

spätantikes griechisches Heilkräuterbuch aus Byzanz.

Zu unseren kostbarsten Schätzen zählt auch die

Tabula Peutingeriana, eine spätrömische Straßenkarte

des gesamten Römischen Reiches, die in Form einer

unikalen mittelalterlichen Kopie erhalten ist. Aus den

Anfängen des Buchdruckes ist neben einem Exemplar

der 42-zeiligen Gutenbergbibel vor allem auch der

Mainzer Psalter hervorzuheben. Vieles mehr wäre hier

noch zu nennen: eine umfangreiche Sammlung

historischer Globen und kartographischer Werke oder

auch unikale Musik-Autographen.


Die Digitalisierung geht einher mit einer starken

Demokratisierung des Wissenszugangs.

Inwiefern können Plattformen wie Europeana

zur Bildung einer europäischen Identität

beitragen?

Nationalbibliotheken waren immer auch Orte der

symbolischen Repräsentation politischer Macht. So

wie die kaiserliche Hofbibliothek die Donaumonarchie

repräsentierte, so wurde die „Österreichische

Nationalbibliothek“ zu einem Symbol der Zweiten

Republik. Heute stehen wir in einem schrittweisen >>

Johanna Rachinger leitet die

ÖNB seit 2001.

Since 2001,

Johanna Rachinger has headed

the Austrian National Library.

PHOTO: SABINE HAUSWIRTH / ÖSTERREICHISCHE NATIONALBIBLIOTHEK

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>>

europäischen Einigungsprozess, und ich sehe es als

eine wichtige Aufgabe der Nationalbibliotheken

Europas, diese Entwicklung zu unterstützen. Das

Europeana-Projekt ist aus der Idee entstanden, auch

in der digitalen Welt ein gemeinsames europäisches

Vorzeigeprojekt zu schaffen, als Gegengewicht zu

einem US-amerikanisch dominierten Cyberspace. Ich

bin überzeugt, die Besinnung auf unser gemeinsames

europäisches Kulturerbe kann mithelfen, die Idee

eines geeinten Europas zu fördern.

Welche sind in Ihren Augen die wichtigsten der

zahlreichen internationalen Kooperationen der

ÖNB?

An erster Stelle sind hier sicherlich die EU-Projekte zu

nennen, mit denen unser Haus seit über zwei

Jahrzehnten mit europäischen Partnerbibliotheken

und –institutionen intensiv zusammenarbeitet. Das

betrifft vor allem Bereiche wie Massendigitalisierung,

Langzeitarchivierung oder den Aufbau des

EUROPEANA-Portals. Dazu kommen spezifische

Kooperationsnetzwerke auf fachwissenschaftlicher

Ebene wie beispielsweise KOOP-LITERA, ein

Netzwerk der deutschsprachigen Literaturarchive.

PHOTO: SABINE HAUSWIRTH / ÖSTERREICHISCHE NATIONALBIBLIOTHEK

Wo sehen Sie die Herausforderungen für die

ÖNB in den kommenden Jahren?

Unter dem Titel „Wir öffnen Räume“ erarbeiten wir

gerade eine „Vision 2035“. Ziel ist es, Angebote und

Formate zu entwickeln, welche die gespeicherten

Informationen umfassend zugänglich machen. Wir

wollen mit unseren Datenbeständen, Infrastrukturen

und Services lebenslanges Lernen unterstützen und

Forschungsprozesse effizienter machen.

The holdings of the Austrian National Library are

an important part of Austria’s as well as Europe’s

cultural heritage. What are the most significant

documents in this regard?

Due to the Habsburg Empire’s pan-European orientation,

numerous historical collections of European rank have

made their way into the Court Library, which would later

become the Austrian National Library. These certainly

include the important holdings of late antique and

medieval manuscripts, such as the Vienna Dioscurides, a

late antique Greek book of medicinal herbs from

Byzantium. Our valued treasures also include the Tabula

Peutingeriana, a late Roman roadmap of the entire

Roman Empire, preserved as a unique medieval copy.

Especially noteworthy in terms of the early days of book

printing is the Mainz Psalter, the second major book

printed with movable type in the West, along with a copy

of the 42-line Gutenberg Bible. There is so much more

that could be mentioned here: an extensive collection of

historical globes and cartographic works, as well as

unique musical autographs.

Digitalisation goes hand in hand with the

democratisation of knowledge. To what extent

can platforms such as Europeana contribute to the

formation of a European identity?

National libraries have always been places for the

symbolic representation of political power. Just as the

Imperial Court Library represented the Habsburg

Monarchy, the “Austrian National Library” became a

symbol of the Austrian Republic. Today, we are in a

process of gradual European unification, and I see it as an

important task of the national libraries of Europe to

support this development. The Europeana project was

borne out of the idea of creating a common European

flagship project in the digital realm as a counterweight to

an American-dominated cyberspace. I am convinced that

the reflection on our shared European cultural heritage

can help to promote the idea of a united Europe.

Which are the most important of the Austrian

National Library’s numerous international

collaborations in your view?

First and foremost, these would certainly be the

various EU projects that our library has been working

on very intensively with our European partner

libraries and institutions. Especially in respect to

areas such as mass digitalisation, long-term archiving

or the development of the Europeana portal. On top

of this, we are also part of various subject-specific

collaboration networks, such as Koop-Litera, a

network of German-language literary archives.

Where do you see challenges for the Austrian

National Library in the coming years?

We are currently working on our “Vision 2035” strategy

with the title “We Open Up Spaces”. The goal is to

develop new offers and formats to make information we

have stored accessible in a comprehensive manner. With

our databases, infrastructures and services, we want to

support lifelong learning and make research processes

more efficient.

A...kademie der bildenden Künste Wien

Kunstsammlungen

Hungry

A...kademie der

bildenden Künste Wien

Exhibit Galerie

Thicket of Ideas

Thicket of Times

9.10.2021–30.1.2022

for

Time

by Raqs Media

Collective

9.10.2021–30.1.2022

Akademie der

bildenden Künste Wien

Gemäldegalerie

Schillerplatz 3, 1010 Wien

www.akbild.ac.at

Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien

Exhibit Galerie

Schillerplatz 3, 1010 Wien

CELEBRATING


SAVOIR VIVRE PASSION FOR CHINESE ART

Y E A R S

1971–2021

Faszination China

Fascinating China

Text: Evelyn Rois und Bruno Stubenrauch

China und Europa verbindet seit Jahrhunderten ein reger Austausch. Wertvolle Bestände in Österreichs

Museen und Sammlungen, von kaiserlichem Porzellan aus Jingdezhen bis zur chinesischen Gegenwartskunst,

legen Zeugnis ab von einer anhaltenden Sammelleidenschaft.

For centuries, China and Europe have been linked through lively intercultural exchange. Precious objects in

Austria’s museums and collections, from imperial porcelain from Jingdezhen to Chinese contemporary art,

bear witness to an enduring collector’s passion.

Fein gearbeitete Porzellanvasen aus der

Kangxi Periode, mit filigranen blauen

Motiven bemalt, die einzeln auf kleinen

Konsolen angeordnet sind. Auf großen,

in die aufwändige Wandvertäfelung eingelassenen

Lacktafeln sind verspielte Motive

aus der chinesischen Sagenwelt zu entdecken:

Das Rundkabinett, eines der beiden

chinesischen Kabinette im Schloss Schönbrunn,

setzt seine wertvollen, aus China eingeführten

Kunstgegenstände eindrucksvoll

in Szene. Die mit raren Artefakten aus Fernost

ausgestatteten Prachtkabinette führen

vor Augen, was als Nonplusultra des Luxus

der damaligen Zeit galt. „Europäische Fürsten

entsandten Agenten, um die Kunstmärkte

in Fernost und die europäischen Handelsplätze

nach diesen Objekten zu durchforsten“,

erläutert Elfriede Iby, Leiterin der wissenschaftlichen

Abteilung im Schloss Schönbrunn.

Die Kostbarkeit ihrer Materialien

und deren im Europa des 17. und beginnenden

18. Jahrhunderts noch unbekannten

Herstellungstechniken machten diese

Kunstgegenstände zu äußerst begehrten

Sammlungsobjekten. „Die Eigentümer, zu

denen die bedeutendsten Fürstenhöfe Europas

zählten“, wie Iby ausführt, „konnten damit

ihren Reichtum, ihre Macht, aber auch

ihre Kennerschaft und ihren erlesenen Geschmack

demonstrieren.“ Von Kaiserin Maria

Theresia ist folgende, im Original auf

Französisch getätigte Aussage überliefert:

„Nichts auf der Welt, keine Diamanten bedeuten

mir etwas, nur was aus Indien

kommt, [...] sind die einzigen Dinge, die mir

Freude bereiten.“ Wobei anzumerken ist,

dass Anfang des 18. Jahrhunderts die Bezeichnung

„Indien“ generell für den gesamten

fernöstlichen Raum verwendet wurde.

Um 1755/60 ließ die Kaiserin die beiden luxuriösen

Zimmer, zu denen nur ausgewählte

Personen Zutritt erhielten, einrichten. Die

2017 umfassend restaurierten Chinesischen

Kabinette von Schloss Schönbrunn zählen

zu den schönsten Beispielen dieser Modeströmung

fürstlicher Wohnkultur.

Im Fokus der Sammelleidenschaft

Nicht nur der Adel des Spätbarocks war

der Faszination China und Fernost erlegen.

In der hochkarätigen Asiensammlung des

MAK etwa, die u. a. auch mehrere Jahrhunderte

umspannende Bestände chinesischen

Kunsthandwerks und chinesischer

Malerei einschließt, fließen Teile der berühmten,

in der Spätrenaissance entstandenen

Ambraser Sammlung von Erzherzog

Ferdinand II, Sammlungen von Arthur

Rosthorn, der in den 1910er-Jahren als österreichischer

Gesandter in Peking tätig

war, oder die Sammlung von Anton Exner,

die 1946 als Geschenk ins MAK kam, sowie

Ankäufe der K.u.k.-Ostasienexpedition

von 1868-69 zusammen. „Die MAK-Asiensammlung

beherbergt historisch bedeutsame

Objekte aus China, die von der

großen Vielfalt kultureller Kontakte zwischen

China und Österreich zeugen und

spannende transkulturelle Objektgeschichten

aufweisen“, betont Mio Wakita-Elis,

Kustodin der Sammlung Asien. „Besonders

hervorzuheben sind etwa zwei großformatige,

im Stil tibetischer Wandmalereien

ausgeführte, Thangkas von

Tsongkhapa, die im Auftrag des Qianlong-

Kaisers für die Ausstattung des Xumi Fushou-Tempels

in Chengde angefertigt wurden

oder ein Konvolut von Werken Qi

Baishis, einem der berühmtesten Vertreter

der modernen Malerei in China.“

Ebenso besitzt das Weltmuseum Wien

bedeutende Stücke aus China, denen ein eigener

Saal seiner Schausammlungen gewidmet

ist: etwa ein fein gearbeitetes Teebrett

aus der Mitte des 16. Jahrhunderts oder in

der kaiserlichen Porzellanmanufaktur Jingdezhen

hergestelltes Blau-weiß-Porzellan.

Dass der Austausch mit China nicht immer

dem diplomatischen Protokoll folgte, wird

im Weltmuseum ebenfalls thematisiert.

Dem Komplex Kolonialismus bzw. Imperialismus

und Aneignung ist zudem ein zentraler

Bereich des Museums gewidmet.

Vom Jugendstil zur Gegenwartskunst

Die Wertschätzung der chinesischen

und fernöstlichen Kunst und Formensprache

erfuhr in der zweiten Hälfte des 19.

Jahrhunderts vor allem in Künstlerkreisen

ein starkes Wiederaufleben und beeinflusste

viele Protagonisten des Jugendstils. Ins-

PHOTOS: ALBERTINA MODERN, WIEN - THE ESSL COLLECTION / FANG LIJUN, XIAOCHUN MIAO

ALBERTINA. Gegenwartskunst aus China

Contemporary Art from China:

Xiaochun Miao, „Orbit“, 2005.

Fang Lijun, „2004.9.30“, 2004, Albertina

Modern / Sammlung Essl.

(rechts/right)



CELEBRATING



Y E A R S

1971–2021

Figur des Himmelskönig Chi Guo, Qing-Dynastie

(oben). Der Min Fluss, Fuzhou, Fotografie Otto

Uhlir, 1908. Teebrett, 1522-1566, Ming-Dynastie.

Figure of the King of Heaven, Chi Guo, Qing Dynasty

(above). The Min River, Fuzhou, photography Otto

Uhlir, 1908. Tea Tray, 1522-1566, Ming dynasty.

WELTMUSEUM. Wertvolle Artefakte aus mehreren Epochen Kulturgeschichte Chinas. Valuable artifacts from

several epochs of Chinese cultural history.

besondere Gustav Klimt, der zahlreiche

wertvolle chinesische Gewänder und

Kunstgegenstände besaß, ließ sich davon

immer wieder inspirieren. Auf seinem letzten

vollendeten Werk trägt sein Modell

eine chinesische Robe, während chinesische

Motive wie Phönix, Goldfasan und

Lotusblumen den Hintergrund füllen. Das

Gemälde ist derzeit in der Ausstellung

„Dame mit Fächer“ im Wiener Belvedere

zu sehen. Klimts Affinität zur ostasiatischen

Kunst wird ab Oktober 2021 in einem

eigenen Bereich dieser Ausstellung

eingehend beleuchtet.

In den 1990ern, als China zur Weltwirtschaftsmacht

aufstieg, erschien seine hochspannende,

dynamische Kunstszene am

Radar des europäischen Kunstmarktes.

Werke chinesischer Gegenwartskünstler

waren etwa an der 1999 von Harald Szeemann

kuratierten Biennale di Venezia, eine

der weltweit wichtigsten Kunstausstellungen,

prominent vertreten. In Österreich

zählt Karlheinz Essl zu den Sammlern, die

sich stark für chinesische Gegenwartskunst

engagierten. „In den 1990er Jahren hatte

ich erste Berührungspunkte mit der dortigen

Kunstwelt, die mich sofort elektrisiert

hat. Meine Frau und ich haben daraufhin

begonnen, uns konsequent mit den zeitgenössischen

Strömungen in China auseinanderzusetzen.

Seither habe ich viele Reisen

dorthin unternommen und auch

Künstlerinnen und Künstler unterschiedlicher

Generationen kennengelernt. In den

Werken von Fang Lijun, Yue Minjun oder

Zhang Xiaogang und auch Ai Weiwei, haben

wir die enorme Dynamik dieser Kunstszenen

erkannt, aber auch das Ventil, das

zeitgenössische Kunst in einer Gesellschaft

darstellt.“ Die mehrere bedeutende Werkblöcke

chinesischer Gegenwartskunst umfassende

Sammlung Essl ist mittlerweile in

die Albertina Modern eingegangen.

Auch die Österreichisch-Chinesische

Gesellschaft ist um Kulturaustausch bemüht:

Im September wird im Weltmuseum

eine Bronzeskulptur des berühmten chinesischen

Malers Qi Baishi aufgestellt – ein

Geschenk des Bildhauers und Direktors

des National Art Museum of China

(NAMOC) Wu Weishan an die Republik

Österreich anlässlich des 50-Jahr-Jubiläums

der Aufnahme diplomatischer Beziehungen

zwischen der Volksrepublik China

und Österreich. Der Blick auf die Kulturnation

China wird jedenfalls auch in Zukunft

spannende künstlerische Dialoge eröffnen.

Finely crafted porcelain vases from the

Kangxi period, painted with filigree

blue motifs, stand individually arranged

on small consoles. Playful motifs from

Chinese mythology adorn the large lacquer

panels which have been set into the elaborate

wall panelling: The Round Cabinet, one

of two Chinese cabinets at Schönbrunn Palace,

showcases its treasured collection of

Chinese works. The magnificent cabinets,

decorated with rare artefacts from the Far

PHOTOS: EVELYN ROIS (2); OTTO UHLIR; WELTMUSEUM WIEN

PHOTOS: BELVEDERE WIEN / GUSCHELBAUER; ÖNB / MORIZ NÄHR

September 17 – November 7, 2021

Danh Vo

Carlos Bunga

Rana Hamadeh

East, demonstrate what was considered the

ultimate luxury at the time. “European

princes would send out agents to scour art

markets in the Far East and European trading

centres for such objects,” explains Elfriede

Iby, head of the science department

at Schönbrunn Palace. The preciousness of

their materials as well as their manufacturing

techniques, still unknown in 17th and

18th century Europe, make these artworks

highly sought-after collector’s items. “The

owners, including many of Europe’s most

important princely courts,” as Iby points

out, “used them to demonstrate their

wealth, their power as well as their connoisseurship

and exquisite taste.” Empress Maria

Theresa said the following, originally in

French: “Nothing in the world, not even

diamonds mean anything to me, only

things that come from India, [...] bring me

pleasure.” It should be noted that the term

“India” was frequently used for the Far East

as a whole in the early 18th century. Between

around 1755 to 1760, the empress had

the two luxurious chambers made for her to

which only a handful of selected people had

access. The Chinese Cabinets at Schönbrunn

Palace, extensively restored in 2017,

are among the most beautiful examples of

this very fashionable trend in princely interior

design.

In the collector’s spotlight

It was not just the aristocracy of the late

Baroque that succumbed to the fascination

of China and the Far East. The MAK’s (Museum

of Applied Arts, Vienna) superb Asia

Collection, which, among other things, also

features holdings of Chinese artisanal handicraft

and paintings spanning several centuries,

combines parts of the famed Ambras

Collection of Archduke Ferdinand II from

the Late Renaissance, the collections of Arthur

Rosthorn, Austrian envoy to Beijing in

the 1910s, and Anton Exner’s collection,

which came to the MAK as a gift in 1946, as

BELVEDERE. Inspiration China: Für sein letztes

vollendetes Gemälde “Dame mit Fächer“ von 1918

setzt Gustav Klimt zahlreiche chinesische Gestaltungselemente

ein.

Inspiration from China: Gustav Klimt used numerous

Chinese design elements for his last completed

painting “Lady with a Fan” from 1918.

November 20, 2021 – January 23, 2022

Nairy Baghramian

Sarah Rapson

Nora Turato

secession

Friedrichstraße 12, 1010 Vienna, Austria www.secession.at


CELEBRATING



Y E A R S

1971–2021

luxury.otto.at

MAK. Die MAK-Schausammlung Asien zeigt u.a.

zahlreiche bedeutende Objekte aus China. The

MAK Permanent Collection Asia shows, among

others, numerous important objects from China.

INFO:

schoenbrunn.at

mak.at

weltmuseumwien.at

belvedere.at

albertina.at

SCHLOSS SCHÖNBRUNN. Chinesische Kabinette: Fernostfaszination fürstlicher Wohnkultur des 18. Jahrhunderts.

Chinese Cabinets: Fascination of the Far East for princely home decor of the 18th century.

well as purchases made by the Imperial and

Royal East Asia expedition in 1968-1969.

“The MAK’s Asia Collection contains historically

significant objects from China that

show the great diversity of cultural contact

between China and Austria and tell exciting

transcultural histories,” emphasises Mio

Wakita-Elis, curator of the Asia Collection.

“Especially noteworthy are the large-format

thangka of Tsongkhapa in the style of Tibetan

wall paintings, commissioned by the

Qianlong Emperor for the decoration of the

Xumi Fushou temple in Chengde, or a conglomerate

of works by Qi Baishi, one of the

most renowned Chinese painters of the

modern age.”

The Weltmuseum Wien likewise holds

important pieces from China and boasts a

dedicated room for its display collections,

featuring, for example, a finely crafted tea

tray from the mid-16th century or blue and

white porcelain produced in the imperial

porcelain manufactory in Jingdezhen. The

fact that exchange with China did not always

follow diplomatic protocol is also explored

at the Weltmuseum. A central area

will be dedicated to the issue of colonialism/imperialism

and appropriation.

From Art Nouveau to contemporary art

In the second half of the 19th century,

the appreciation of Chinese and Far Eastern

art and design language saw a strong revival,

especially in artistic circles, and influenced

many of the protagonists of the Art

Nouveau movement. Gustav Klimt, who

owned numerous precious Chinese garments

and artworks, repeatedly looked to

the East for inspiration. In his last completed

work, his model wears a Chinese robe,

while Chinese motifs such as a phoenix, a

golden pheasant and lotus flowers fill out

the background. The painting is currently

on display as part of the “Lady with Fan” exhibition

at the Belvedere Museum in Vienna.

From October 2021, Klimt’s affinity

with East Asian art will be explored in more

depth with a dedicated exhibition section.

In the 1990s, when China rose to become

a global economic power, an exciting

and dynamic art scene suddenly appeared

on the radar of the European art market.

Works by Chinese contemporary artists

were prominently represented at the 1999

Venice Biennale curated by Harald Szeemann,

one of the world’s most important

art shows. In Austria, Karlheinz Essl is one

of the collectors most strongly committed

to Chinese contemporary art. “In the 1990s,

I had my first contact with the Chinese art

world, which immediately electrified me.

From that moment onwards, my wife and I

began to engage rigorously with the contemporary

currents from China. Since then,

I have made many trips there and gotten to

know many artists of different generations.

In the works of Fang Lijun, Yue Minjun or

Zhang Xiaogang, as well as Ai Weiwei, we

have recognised the enormous dynamism

of this art scene, but also the outlet that contemporary

art represents for society.” The

Essl Collection, which includes many important

examples of Chinese contemporary

art, has since become part of the Albertina

Modern.

The Austro-Chinese Society is also committed

to cultural exchange: In September,

a bronze statue by famous Chinese painter

Qi Baishi will be put on display at the Weltmuseum

– a gift from the sculptor and the

director of the National Art Museum of

China (NAMOC) Wu Weishan to the Republic

of Austria on the occasion of the

50th anniversary of the establishment of

diplomatic relations between the People’s

Republic of China and Austria. The view

towards China and its cultural heritage will

continue to create spaces for exciting artistic

dialogue in the future.

PHOTOS: MAK / GEORG MAYER; SCHLOSS SCHÖNBRUNN KULTUR UND BETRIEBSGESMBH / A. E. KOLLER

1190 Vienna

Residing on Nussberg

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wohnen@otto.at

CELEBRATING


SAVOIR VIVRE EPICUREAN DELIGHTS 1971-2021

Y E A R S

1971–2021

Zeitreise für Gaumen und Geist

A culinary journey through time


Essen und Trinken begleiten unser ganzes Leben. In

den vergangenen fünf Jahrzehnten haben sich unsere

Ernährungs- und Trinkgewohnheiten allerdings

enorm gewandelt und sollen heute mehr denn je den

Gaumen verwöhnen und den Geist erfreuen.

Food and drink accompany us throughout our

lives. Over the past five decades, our eating and

drinking habits have changed dramatically. Today,

they primarily revolve around pampering the palate

and delighting the spirit.

In früheren Zeiten haben vor allem das Wetter, Kriege, Arbeitsprozesse

und Nahrungsmangel, aber auch Gesundheitstrends mitbestimmt,

was auf den Teller kam. Während das Einkommen noch

um die Jahrhundertwende vor allem für Lebensmittel ausgegeben

wurde, profitieren Konsumenten heute von einem enorm reichhaltigen

und zumeist leistbaren Angebot. Durch die Industrialisierung

zum Beispiel stieg die Zahl der arbeitenden Bevölkerung, in vielen Familien

blieb daher wenig Zeit zum Kochen. Neue Technologien sparten

Zubereitungszeit oder verlängerten die Haltbarkeit. Heutzutage

bringt der internationale Handel Produkte aus aller Welt auf den Speiseplan.

Kulinarisch erstreckt sich die Vielfalt von traditionellen Alltagsspeisen

bis hin zu Festtagsgerichten. Nicht umsonst haben wir

heute immer wieder Gusto auf Omas Küche. Aktuell sind für viele

Tierwohl und regionale Herkunft wichtige Kriterien für die Kaufentscheidung

von Lebensmitteln. Lustwandeln Sie mit uns durch die vergangenen

5 Jahrzehnte lukullischer Genüsse und Spezialitäten!

PHOTOS: XYXXYXYXY

ILLUSTRATION: ADOBE STOCK

In earlier times, however, it was above all the weather, wars, work

processes, food shortages but also health trends that determined

what would make it onto our plates. While we still spent most of

our income on food by the turn of the century, today’s consumers

benefit from an enormously rich and mostly affordable food supply.

Industrialisation led to an increase in working people, which left

many families with little time to cook. New technologies, however,

have reduced preparation times and extended shelf life. Today, international

trade has introduced products from all over the world into

our diets. Culinary diversity ranges from customary everyday dishes

to festive specialities. It’s no coincidence that we continue to long for

the days of grandma’s cooking. Today, animal welfare and locally

sourced ingredients count among the most important key criteria

when it comes to deciding what food to buy. Take a stroll with us

through the past five decades of epicurean delights and delicacies!



CELEBRATING



Y E A R S

1971–2021

DIE 1970ER-JAHRE | THE 1970s


• Haben die Eltern am Abend Gäste, gibt es oft Fondue.

• Beim Sonntagsausflug darf man als Kind im Gasthaus ein

Fanta trinken.

• Wer als Jugendlicher zu einer Party eingeladen wird, muss

unbedingt den omnipräsenten Käse-Igel, gefüllte Eier mit

Kaviar(ersatz) und die Erdbeerbowle probieren.

• Inspiriert vom guten Essen an der italienischen Adria, das

man im Sommerurlaub genossen hatte, wird zu Hause Pizza

selbst gemacht und Tiramisu als Dessert gereicht.

• Die ersten Bio-Geschäfte eröffnen und Müsli ist in.

• Tichy-Eis am Wiener Reumannplatz verkauft 1981 rund 1,5

Millionen Eismarillenknödel.

• Im Caféhaus steht der Toast Hawaii auf der Karte.

• Mit der Eröffnung des ersten McDonald’s Restaurants

Österreichs am Wiener Schwarzenbergplatz im Juli 1977, wird

nicht nur der erste Big Mac des Landes serviert, sondern auch

der Grundstein für eine beispielhafte Erfolgsgeschichte gelegt.

• Und im ORF wird Helmuth Misak zum Fernseh-Quotenstar.

Er war davor als Koch in der Österreichischen Boschaft in London

tätig – an der er anlässlich eines Empfanges einmal auch

für Königin Elisabeth II. kochte – und ging dann zur Britischen

Botschaft in Wien. Von Oktober 1961 bis 1977 kocht Misak in

134 Kochsendungen für den ORF und kreiert später auch

Fertiggerichte für Werksküchen.

• When our parents have guests over in the evening, we

would often have fondue.

• On Sunday getaways, you could have a Fanta as a child at

the inn.

• If you are invited to a party as a teenager, then you have to

try the ever-omnipresent cheese hedgehog, stuffed eggs

with (substitute) caviar and strawberry punch.

• At cafés, Toast Hawaii is a must-have menu item.

• The opening of Austria’s first McDonald’s on Schwarzenbergplatz

in Vienna in July 1977 marks not only the first time

the Big Mac was served in the country but also lays the

foundations for an exemplary success story.

• On the Austrian national TV station ORF, Helmuth Misak

becomes a TV ratings star. He had previously worked as a

chef at the Austrian Embassy in London where he even

cooked for Queen Elizabeth II one time. Later, he switched to

the British Embassy in Vienna. From October 1961 to 1977,

Misak cooked on 134 cooking programmes for ORF and later

helped create ready meals for factory kitchens.

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, MCDONALD‘S ÖSTERREICH, FANTA/COCA COLA HBC ÖSTERREICH, JOWA PARISINI/WIKIPEDIA

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, CHA GIÀ JOSÉ/WIKIPEDIA, PETER GUGERELL/WIKIPEDIA

• Mit 1,3 kg Kiwis je Einwohner sind die Österreicher 1986

Rekord-Kiwi-Esser und weltweit Nummer 1. Das verblüfft

sogar die Neuseeländer.

• Gin Tonic und Cuba Libre sind beliebte Bar-Getränke.

• 1989 wird in Wien das China Sichuan Restaurant vom Staat

China errichtet, um authentische Sichuan-Küche zu servieren.

1998 übernimmt es die Familie Urban, die es bis heute führt.

• Inspired by the great food of the Italian Adriatic that we

would enjoy over the summer holidays, we often make pizza

at home and tiramisu for dessert.

• The first organic shops launch, and muesli becomes

fashionable.

• Tichy Eis on Reumannplatz in Vienna sells around 1.5

million ice cream apricot dumplings in 1981.

• With 1.3 kg of kiwis per inhabitant, the Austrians are the

record kiwi eaters in 1986, surprising even the New

Zealanders.

• Gin and tonic and Cuba Libre become popular bar drinks.

• In 1989, the government of China establishes the China

Sichuan Restaurant in Vienna with the goal of serving

authentic Sichuan cuisine. In 1998, it was taken over by the

Urban family, who still run it to this day.

China Sichuan Restaurant



CELEBRATING



Y E A R S

1971–2021


• Anfang der 1990er erobert der Döner Kebab, kurz Döner,

ein gefüllter Teigfladen aus der türkischen Küche, über Berlin

auch Österreich.

• Rucola kommt aus der friulanischen Küche zu uns und wird

nun als Salat-Vorspeise oder gemeinsam mit Rindscarpaccio

serviert.

• Österreichischer Wein wird 1997 zum Exportschlager.

• Das Lachsfilet hat als Hauptspeise Hochsaison, gegrillt

oder aus dem Ofen.

• Sushi und Maki werden in Österreich beliebt.

• Single Malt Whiskys sind das Gesprächsthema für

„Experten“.

• At the beginning of the 1990s, doner kebab, or doner for

short, a type of filled flatbread originating from Turkish

cuisine, makes its way from Berlin to Austria.

• Rocket comes to Austria from Friulian

cuisine and is served as a starter salad or

together with beef carpaccio.

• Austrian wine becomes an export success

in 1997.

• Salmon filet gains popularity as a main

course, grilled or from the oven.

• Sushi and maki make its way into Austrian

daily life.

• Single malt whiskeys become the topic of

conversation among the “experts”.

IF NOT

NOW,

WHEN?

John F. Kennedy

JETZT

EIGENTUMS

WOHNUNGEN

NÄHE

SCHÖNBRUNN

ENTDECKEN.

HWB: 18-28 kWh/m²a, fGEE: 0,74-0,79

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PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, ÖWM/HERBERT LEHMANN

1140 WIEN, PENZINGER STRASSE 76

Kontakt

Eigentumswohnungen

Klaudio A. Graf B.A., MLS

+43 (0) 1 878 28 1214

Provisionsfrei

direkt vom

Bauträger


www.kennedygarden.buwog.at

CELEBRATING



Y E A R S

1971–2021


Nicht wie es auf den ersten

Blick scheint: Ferran Adriàs

Melonenkaviar.

Not what it seems at first

glance: Ferran Adrià‘s melon

caviar.

• Der katalanische Starkoch Ferran Adrià experimentiert im

„elBulli“ in Roses an der Costa Brava mit ungewohnten

Konsistenzen: Schäumchen, Cremes, Gase und Gels werden

zur Inspiration und dann auch bei uns als „Molekularküche“

zum Erlebnis-Essen mit Gebrauchsanweisung.

• DIY-Food (Do it yourself) ist angesagt: Cupcakes und

Muffins sind in aller Munde.

• Die Jakobsmuschel erlebt bis Mitte der 2000er-Jahre einen

regelrechten Hype.

• 2010 eröffnet in Wien, nahe dem Graben, das Restaurant

Patara, mit Thai Cuisine auf höchstem Niveau.

• Mineralwasser wird zum prominenten

Getränk. Das Wiener Hotel Le Méridien

punktet mit einem Wasser-Sommelier und

einer Wasser-Bar.

• Der Bagel, gefüllt oder nicht, verkörpert

Zeitgeist aus Hefe und Loch.

• Catalan celebrity chef Ferran Adrià

experiments with unusual consistencies at

his restaurant “elBulli”: foams, creams,

gases and gels become a source of

inspiration – the beginning of “molecular

cuisine”, i.e., food experiences with an

instruction manual.

• DIY food turns into a new trend: cupcakes

and muffins are on everyone’s lips.

• Scallops experience a real hype until the mid-2000s.

Restaurant Patara

• In 2010, the Patara restaurant, near Graben, opens in

Vienna, serving high-end Thai cuisine.

• Mineral water becomes a popular drink. The Hotel Le

Méridien in Vienna moves in on the trend with a water

sommelier and a water bar.

• The bagel, filled or not, comes to embody the zeitgeist

made of yeast and a round hole.

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, PALAUENC05/WIKIPEDIA, OURIEL MORGENSZTERN


CELEBRATING



Y E A R S

1971–2021

YOUR LIFE. YOUR DECISION.


Happy Cells, Happy Anniversary!

• Smoothies sind in! Die aus dem Amerikanischen stammende

Bezeichnung für kalte Mixgetränke aus Obst und optional

Milchprodukten, werden frisch zubereitet oder als Fertigprodukte

verkauft. Verarbeitet wird die ganze Frucht, teilweise

auch die Schale.

• Gutes Brot ist das Gebot der Stunde. In ganz Österreich,

vor allem aber in Wien, entstehen neue Bäckereien.

• Nährstoffe aus der Natur: Chia, Kale und Quinoa werden als

Superfoods gefeiert.

• Neue Esskultur: Food Trucks und Street Food-Anbieter

sowie neue Burger-Outlets eröffnen.

• Veganismus wird populärer, mit z. B. Veganista Eis (2013

gegründet, nun auch im Lebensmittelhandel) oder der Swing

Kitchen - Real Vegan Burger, in Wien, Graz und bald

Innsbruck.

• Smoothies are the new thing! Originally an American term,

smoothies are cold mixed beverages made from fruit and

optionally dairy products, freshly prepared or sold

ready-made. The whole fruit gets processed, sometimes even

the peel.

• Quality bread makes its way back on the menu. New

bakeries pop up all over Austria but especially in Vienna.

• Nutrients from nature: chia, kale, quinoa are celebrated as

superfoods.

• New food cultures: food trucks and street food vendors as

well as new burger outlets open all over.

• Veganism spreads, underscored by the launch of Veganista

Eis (a vegan ice cream now available in supermarkets) or

Swing Kitchen - Real Vegan Burger, in Vienna, Graz and soon

Innsbruck.

2020/2021

• Nicht zuletzt durch die Corona-Pandemie findet in Österreich eine große Rückbesinnung auf

heimische Lebensmittel und Getränke statt, die vorwiegend im Online-Handel bestellt werden. Neue

Anbieter wie markta.at entstehen und sind erfolgreich. Urban Gardening, die gärtnerische Nutzung

städtischer Flächen, steht weiterhin im Trend.

• Not least due to the coronavirus pandemic, many Austrians are returning to domestic food

products and beverages, which are predominantly ordered online. New providers such as markta.at

are emerging and proving successful. Urban gardening, the horticultural use of urban spaces,

remains in fashion.

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK, GERHARD WASSERBAUER

Spermidine-rich wheat germ extract

Weizenkeimextrakt mit hohem Spermidingehalt

Clinically tested | Klinisch getestet

Available in pharmacies & under www.spermidineLIFE.com

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In Kooperation mit

der Universität Graz


SAVOIR VIVRE CONNOISSEUR

Essen und trinken mit Stil

Wine and dine in style


ALTERNATIVE

Wiens erste vegane „Fleischerei“ |

Vienna‘s first vegan “butcher shop“

Die „Fleischloserei“ ist der vegane Feinkostladen im 8. Wiener Bezirk von Silke Bernhardt

und Gant Kralicek, in dem es vegane Schnittwurst, pflanzliches Schmalz und vieles mehr

gibt – frisch aus der Theke. Bei der Produktion wird nichts weggeworfen, sondern alles verkocht bzw. eingekocht. „Vurst“ oder „Vleisch“ werden in den mitgebrachten

Behältern oder vor Ort umweltschonend verpackt.

The “Fleischloserei” is the vegan delicatessen in Vienna‘s 8th district run by Silke Bernhardt and Gant Kralicek, selling vegan sliced sausage, vegetable lard and much

more – fresh from the counter. Nothing is thrown away during production, everything is cooked or boiled down. „Vurst“ or „Vleisch“ are packed in the containers

brought along or on site in an environmentally friendly way. fleischloserei.at

HOTELLERIE | HOSPITALITY

Coole Entspannung am Semmering | Cool relaxation on the Semmering

Der Knappenhof in Reichenau an der Rax wurde von der erfolgreichen Hotelière Helena

Ramsbacher übernommen (Hotel Lemongarden, Insel Brač; Hotel Das Tyrol, Wien und

seit Kurzem das Hotel Schloss Seefels, Wörthersee) und ist heuer als Pop-Up konzipiert.

In der kurzen Umbauphase von nur 4 Monaten wurden Eingangsbereich, Rezeption,

Restaurant und Bar sowie die Küche renoviert. In den Zimmern wurden die Betten

ausgetauscht und die Stoffe liebevoll erneuert. Zudem hat das ganze Haus mit nur 28

Zimmern nun auch WLAN. Küchenchef ist der vielfach prämierte Koch Max Stiegl.

Bekannt für seine ausgezeichnete Innereien-Küche, legt er auch im Knappenhof ein

Augenmerk auf nachhaltige und hochwertige Produkte. Hotel- und Restaurantbetrieb ist

Donnerstag bis Sonntag. Sollte es die Situation im Herbst/Winter erlauben, wird bis

Silvester offen sein.

The Knappenhof in Reichenau an der Rax was taken over by the successful hotelier

Helena Ramsbacher (Hotel Lemongarden, Brač Island; Hotel Das Tyrol, Vienna and,

more recently, Hotel Schloss Seefels, Wörthersee) and is designed as a pop-up this

year. In the short renovation phase of only 4 months, the entrance area, reception,

restaurant and bar as well as the kitchen were renovated. The beds in the rooms have

been replaced and the fabrics have been lovingly renewed. In addition, the whole

house with only 28 rooms, now also has WiFi. The head in the kitchen is awardwinning

chef Max Stiegl. Known for his excellent offal cuisine, he also focuses on

sustainable and high-quality products in the Knappenhof. Hotel and restaurant

operations are Thursday to Sunday. Should the situation in autumn/winter allow it, the

Knappenhof will be open until New Year‘s Eve.

knappenhof.at

boutiquehotels.travel

PHOTOS: CLEMENS.WEISS@OUTLOOK.DE, KNAPPENHOF/ CHRISTIAN HUSAR, PICHLER VERLAG, DIE FLEISCHLOSEREI, ÖFB ARCHIV/ ROAST MEDIA, FAT MONK/ ROBIN CONSULT

GESCHIRR | TABLEWARE

Farbenfroh und lustig | Colourful fun

GETRÄNKE | DRINKS

Im Zeichen des Bergwaldes | Under the sign of the mountain forest

Zu einem ungewöhnlichen Ernte-Einsatz rückten Braumeister Axel Kiesbye und Ephräm Unterberger (im Bild links),

Revierleiter im Oberinntal der Österreichischen Bundesforste (ÖBf), in den Tuxer Alpen aus, um auf rund 2.000

Metern Seehöhe die Zutaten für das diesjährige Waldbier zu gewinnen. Zirbenzapfen und Schwarzbeeren sind nun die

Ingredienzen des Jahrgangs 2021 „Edition Tiroler Bergwald“.

For an unusual harvest assignment, master brewer Axel Kiesbye and Ephräm Unterberger (pictured left), district

manager in the Upper Inn Valley of the Austrian Federal Forests (ÖBf), set out in the Tux Alps to obtain the

ingredients for this year‘s forest beer at around 2,000 meters above sea level. Pine cones and blackberries are

now the ingredients of the 2021 vintage “Edition Tiroler Bergwald”

waldbier.com

Yotam Ottolenghi ist der Betreiber und Chefkoch von sechs Londoner

Feinkostgeschäften und Restaurants. Seine acht Kochbücher sind

internationale Bestseller. Sein Engagement, Gemüse in kulinarische

Highlights zu verwandeln und ehemals „exotische“ Zutaten populär zu

machen, wird vielseits als „Ottolenghi-Effekt“ beschrieben. Nun hat der

Umtriebige auch seine eigene Geschirrlinie für Serax gestaltet.

Chef Yotam Ottolenghi runs six London delis and restaurants. His eight

cookbooks are international bestsellers. His commitment to transforming

vegetables into culinary highlights and popularising formerly

“exotic” ingredients is widely described as the “Ottolenghi effect”. Now

the busy bee has also designed his own line of tableware for Serax.

serax.com

TOP 5 OPENINGS

Neu in Wien | New in Vienna

Umgestaltung am

Donaukanal, 1020 /

Redesign on the Danube Canal

neni.at

Bayrisches Streetfood,

1010 / Bavarian street food

thebreznconcept.com

Mit Bio-Qualität, 1020 /

With organic quality

kolarik.at/luftburg

Eatertainment bei David

Alaba, 1020 / Eatertainment

at David Alaba’s

darosevienna.at

Bowls in The Mall, 1030 /

Bowls at The Mall

fatmonk.at

BUCHTIPP | BOOK TIP

Japanische Kochkunst |

Japanese culinary art

So erlesen kann japanische Küche sein! Spitzengastronom,

Musiker und Unternehmer, Joji Hattori gibt

gemeinsam mit Alois Traint, Chef de Cuisine im Shiki,

persönliche Einblicke in die Vielfalt der japanischen

Küche: Von einfachen, alltäglichen Rezepten bis hin zu

Gerichten aus Hattoris eigenem Restaurant – dem

Michelin-Stern-prämierten Shiki in der Wiener Innenstadt.

Japanese cuisine can be so exquisite! Top restaurateur,

musician and entrepreneur, Joji Hattori, together with

Alois Traint, Chef de Cuisine at Shiki, gives personal

insights into the diversity of Japanese cuisine: from

simple, everyday recipes to dishes from Hattori‘s own

restaurant - the Michelin-starred Shiki in downtown

Vienna.

shiki.at

The Art of Shiki

Pichler Verlag

ISBN 978-3-222-14051-8

Funky Monk Bowl@Fat Monk



SAVOIR VIVRE CONNOISSEUR

NEUERÖFFNUNG | NEW OPENING

Brasserie Zögernitz

Döbling hat einen neuen Treffpunkt! Einst gaben sich im Casino

Zögernitz musikalische Größen wie Johann Strauss, der mit dem

„Donauwalzer“ dort die Gäste begeisterte, ein Stelldichein. Das

Juwel des Biedermeier schlummerte jedoch sehr lange Jahre vor

sich hin. Nun aber ist die Brasserie Zögernitz, als Teil des

Gesamtprojekts Residenz Zögernitz, eröffnet. Die Innenräume

und das Design wurden sehr farbenfroh und pfiffig von Architekt

Denis Košutić gestaltet. Neben einem bald fertigen Festsaal

wurde auch der Garten revitalisiert. Gastronomisch hat Marco

Simonis (im Bild rechts) mit seinem Küchenchef Marian Link

(links)übernommen. Dieser Neuzugang wird dem Bezirk guttun.

Döbling has a new meeting point! Once upon a time, musical

greats like Johann Strauss, who thrilled the guests with the

“Donauwalzer“, came together at the Casino Zögernitz.

However, the Biedermeier jewel slumbered for a very long time.

Meanwhile, the Brasserie Zögernitz, as part of the overall

project Residenz Zögernitz, has opened. The interiors were

designed very colourful and smart by architect Denis Košutić. In

addition to a soon to be completed ballroom, the garden was

also revitalised. In terms of hospitality, Marco Simonis (pictured

right) and his chef Marian Link (left) have taken over. The

district will perfectly benefit from this new addition.

brasserie-zoegernitz.com

PHOTOS: WWW.PHOTO-SIMONIS.COM, JOHANNES KERNMAYER, LÖWEN HOTEL MONTAFON

BERGAUSFLUG | MOUNTAIN TRIP

Zu Gast bei Freunden | Visiting friends

Erholsame Tage kann man diesen Herbst im Vier-Sterne-Superior Löwen Hotel Montafon verbringen. Das

Haus im modernen Alpine-Chic-Stil liegt inmitten der idyllischen Bergwelt des Montafons und ist idealer

Ausgangspunkt für beeindruckende Bergerlebnisse. Ausgezeichnete Genussmomente locken außerdem:

Küchenchef Thomas Carvalho de Sousa verwöhnt mit fantastischen regionalen und internationalen

Highlights, serviert auf eigens angefertigter Keramik. Für pure Entspannung sorgt der 3.000 m² große

Löwen-Spa.

This autumn, you can spend relaxing days in the four-star superior Löwen Hotel Montafon. The house

in modern Alpine-chic style is located in the middle of the idyllic mountains of the Montafon and is

the ideal starting point for for impressive mountain experiences. Excellent pleasures also attract: Chef

Thomas Carvalho de Sousa spoils you with regional and international highlights, served on

custom-made ceramics. The 3,000 m² Löwen Spa ensures pure relaxation.

loewen-hotel.com

GENUSS | TREAT

Belebte Greisslerei | Vitalised grocery store

Einer der schönsten Weinlesehöfe der Wachau, der Prandtauerhof,

ist um eine Attraktion reicher: Das mehr als 20 Jahre leerstehende,

kleine Geschäft des Weinguts Holzapfel wurde liebevoll restauriert

und präsentiert sich nun als Delikatessen-Greisslerei. Neben

Wachauer Tapas und Jausenkörben warten hausgemachte Gutshof-

Gourmandisen auf Radfahrer, Wanderer und Genießer. Ideal für

einen kleinen, feinen Zwischenstopp!

One oft he most beautiful grape harvesting yards in the Wachau,

the Prandtauerhof, has one more attraction: The small shop of the

vineyard estate Holzapfel that has been vacant for more than 20

years, has been lovingly restored and is now a delicatessen store.

In addition to Wachau tapas and snack baskets, homemade

Gutshof gourmet products await cyclists, hikers and connoisseurs.

Ideal for a small, fine stopover!

holzapfel.at

Photo: Ana Barros

DER ENTSPANNTESTE WEG UNTER DIE ERDE.

THE MOST RELAXING WAY DOWN BELOW.

Etwa 36 Meter tief unter der Erde liegt der Weinkeller des Weinguts Stift Klosterneuburg. Als Empfangskomitee warten eine kühle Brise und ein

verführerischer Weingeruch. In dieser über 2.000 Quadratmeter großen Ruhezone lässt es sich das ganze Jahr über bei konstanten Temperaturen

zwischen 12 und 14 Grad verweilen. Dafür ist ein 300 Jahre altes, natürliches Lüftungssystem verantwortlich, das hinter den starken Mauern für

ein entspanntes Klima sorgt. 1730 erteilte Kaiser Karl VI. den Bauauftrag für den Barocktrakt, vielleicht auch, um bei politischen Angelegenheiten

einen kühlen Kopf zu bewahren. Erleben Sie unsere außergewöhnliche Ruhezone bei einer Weinkellerführung in Österreichs ältestem Weingut!

About 36 metres below the ground lies the wine cellar of the Klosterneuburg Abbey Wine Estate. A refreshing breeze and the fragrant smell of

wine await visitors upon their descend. Down here in these cellar vaults covering more than 2,000 square meters, you can relax at an all-yearround

temperature of 12-14 degrees. This is due to a 300-year-old natural ventilation system that ensures a relaxing climate within the sturdy

walls. In 1730, Emperor Charles VI commissioned the construction of the baroque Wing – perhaps to keep a cool head while dealing with political

affairs? Clear your own head in this extraordinarily relaxing environment during a wine cellar tour in Austria’s oldest wine estate!


Ein Ort. Tausend Geschichten.

One place. A thousand stories.

stift-klosterneuburg.at/weinkellerfuehrung

STIFT KLOSTERNEUBURG | Stiftsplatz 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg | T: +43 2243 411-212 | tours@stift-klosterneuburg.at | www.stift-klosterneuburg.at

SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADORS OF MUSIC

Culture Talk Víkingur Ólafsson

Der isländische Starpianist Víkingur Ólafsson im Cercle Diplomatique-Exklusivinterview über Musik durch das Mikroskop

betrachtet, Fragen an Mozart und die Freiheit der Interpretation.

The Icelandic star pianist Víkingur Ólafsson in the Cercle Diplomatique exclusive interview about music viewed through the

microscope, questions to Mozart and the freedom of interpretation.

Interview: Rois & Stubenrauch

INFO

4

Sie haben gerade ein Album mit Stücken von Mozart und

seinen Zeitgenossen veröffentlicht. Was möchten Sie

2021 über Mozart erzählen?

Mozart ist zusammen mit Bach der wahrscheinlich bedeutendste

Komponist der Musikgeschichte. Und ich denke, dass wir uns

diesen Komponisten mit zu viel Gepäck nähern. Bei diesem

Projekt ging es mir nicht darum, ein weiteres Album mit drei

Klaviersonaten von Mozart zu machen - wir haben Tausende

solcher Aufnahmen. Ich wollte, dass sich die Leute fragen: Kenne

ich Mozart wirklich? Ich habe versucht, mich von all meinen

Vorstellungen von Mozart als eine Art Gott und mir als sehr

menschliches Wesen voller Fehler und Unvollkommenheiten zu

befreien. Also habe ich mich hingesetzt und das Gesamtwerk von

Mozart durchgespielt. Aber auch das Gesamtwerk seiner

Zeitgenossen. Ich wollte genau verstehen, was in der Musikwelt

zu Mozarts Lebzeiten vorging. Das hat mir wirklich die Ohren

geöffnet und mich Mozarts Musik in einem völlig anderen

Kontext hören lassen.

You have just released an album with pieces by Mozart and his

contemporaries. What would you like to tell about Mozart in

2021?

Mozart, together with Bach, is probably the most iconic composer in

the history of music. And I think that we are approaching these

composers with too much baggage. This project was really not about

doing one more album with like three piano sonatas by Mozart - we

have thousands of recordings like that. I wanted people to ask

themselves: Do I really know Mozart? I tried to free myself from all

my ideas about Mozart as kind of God and me as a very human being

full of flaws and imperfections. So what I did was, I sat down and I

played through the complete work of Mozart. But also the complete

work of his contemporaries. Because I wanted to understand exactly

what was happening in the musical world when Mozart was alive.

This was really cleaning my ears and made me hear Mozart‘s music

in a very different context.

ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester

Wien

Víkingur Ólafsson

Wiener Singakademie

Simone Schneider

Marin Alsop

Cech, Adès, Bernstein

08.10.2021, Wiener Konzerthaus

Solorecital Víkingur Ólafsson

Mozart and his contemporaries

30.01.2022, Wiener Konzerthaus

konzerthaus.at

PERSONAL DETAILS

PHOTOS: ARI MAGG (2)

In Ihrer Interpretation klingt Mozarts Musik plötzlich, als

würde man sie zum ersten Mal hören.

Ich denke, das Wichtigste bei Mozart ist, keine Angst vor ihm zu

haben. Er war der spontanste, talentierteste Virtuose seiner Zeit

und ich bin mir absolut sicher, dass er seine eigenen Stücke nie

zweimal gleich gespielt hat. Es wohnt ihnen diese Dimension inne,

dass man immer wieder etwas Neues darin finden kann. Wenn man

versucht, Mozarts Musik durch ein Mikroskop zu sehen, dann

findet man seinen eigenen Zugang. Und wenn die eigene

Überzeugung da ist, bringt man die Leute dazu, zuzuhören.

Sie wurden in den Kritiken mit Glenn Gould verglichen.

Wie gehen Sie mit diesen hohen Erwartungen an Sie um?

Der einzige Weg, damit umzugehen, ist sicherzustellen, dass die

Erwartungen an sich selbst tiefer gehen. Was mir auch dabei

geholfen hat, auf dem Boden zu bleiben, ist Musik von Bach und

Mozart zu spielen. Im Vergleich zu ihnen sind das, was man tut, und

erhaltene Preise ziemlich irrelevant!

Zeitgenössische Musik ist ein wichtiger Teil Ihres

Repertoires. Im Wiener Konzerthaus spielen Sie ein Stück

von Thomas Adès.

Tom Adès‘ „In Seven Days“ ist ein unglaubliches Werk. Ich spiele

diese Stücke nicht, weil sie zeitgenössisch sind, sondern ebenso wie

ich Mozart spiele, weil es einfach großartige Musikstücke sind. Diese

müssen mich auf einer wirklich tiefgreifenden Ebene ansprechen. Das

ist das Einzige, was mich leitet bei der Auswahl der Stücke, die ich

meinem Publikum darbringen möchte. Daher gefällt mir auch die

Idee, Mozart und Thomas Adès in Wien zu spielen, sehr gut.

Hat die Arbeit mit zeitgenössischen Komponisten Ihre

Herangehensweise an klassische Stücke beeinflusst?

Unbedingt! Mit John Adams oder Tom Adès auf der Bühne zu

arbeiten, bedeutet viel Spontaneität und viel Freiheit. Wenn man

Mozart spielt, der natürlich nicht erreichbar ist für ein Telefongespräch,

kann man diesen Dialog im Kopf führen und die gleichen

Fragen stellen. Und da wird es dann sehr spannend.

In your interpretation, Mozart‘s music suddenly sounds like

listening to it for the first time.

I think with Mozart, the most important thing is not to be afraid of

him. He was the most spontaneous, the most gifted virtuoso of his

time and I‘m absolutely certain, that he never played his own pieces

the same way twice. They have this dimension to them, that you can

always find something new. You just have to try to see his music

through a microscope. Then you will find something to say that is

yours. And if the conviction is there, it will get people to follow.

You have been compared to Glenn Gould. How do you deal

with these huge expectations brought to you?

The only way to deal with it is to make sure your expectations of

yourself are deeper than this. One thing can also help you to keep

your feet on the ground, and that is to play music by Bach and

Mozart. Compared to those guys, what you do and your prizes are

pretty irrelevant!

Contemporary music is an important part of your repertoire.

At the Wiener Konzerthaus you will perform a piece by

Thomas Adès.

Tom Adès‘ „In Seven Days“ is an unbelievable work of music. I don‘t

play these pieces because they are contemporary, I play them like I

play Mozart, because they are incredible pieces of music. You have to

relate to it on a really deep level. That‘s the only thing that guides me

when I choose the music I want to bring to my audience. So I very

much like the idea of playing Mozart and Thomas Adès in Vienna.

Has working with contemporary composers influenced your

approach to classical pieces?

Absolutely! When working with John Adams or Tom Adès on stage,

you get a lot of spontaneity and a lot of freedom. When you play

Mozart, who is not available for a phone call, you can have this

dialogue in your head and ask the same kind of questions, and that‘s

where it becomes very interesting.

Víkingur Ólafsson bei der

Einspielung seiner neuen CD

„Mozart & Contemporaries“ in

Reykjavík.

Víkingur Ólafsson while

recording his new CD “Mozart &

Contemporaries” in Reykjavík.

Mit seiner brillanten wie tiefgründigen Spielweise gilt Víkingur Ólafsson als einer der

spannendsten Interpreten der Gegenwart. Seine wegweisenden Einspielungen mit

Werken von Philip Glass, Johann Sebastian Bach sowie Debussy und Rameau haben

weltweit für enormes Aufsehen gesorgt und zahlreiche Preise erhalten, darunter

„Recording of the Year“ des BBC Music Magazine und „Gramophone Artist of the Year“

2019. In seiner Heimat Island wurde Víkingur Ólafsson u. a. viermal als „Musiker des

Jahres” ausgezeichnet.

His brilliant and profound way of playing makes Víkingur Ólafsson one of the most

exciting interpreters of our time. His landmark recordings with works by Philip Glass,

Johann Sebastian Bach as well as Debussy and Rameau have made a great stir around

the world as well as received numerous awards, including BBC Music Magazine‘s

“Recording of the Year” and 2019 „Gramophone Artist of the Year“. In his home

country Iceland, Víkingur Ólafsson has been awarded “Musician of the Year” four

times.



SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS

Kultur-Highlights Herbst 2021

25 Jahre Festspielhaus |

Cultural highlights Autumn 2021 Text: Evelyn Rois

25-year anniversary of Festspielhaus

Das Festspielhaus St. Pölten feiert sein 25-jähriges Jubiläum mit einem großartigen Programm und Highlights wie den Österreichpremieren von „Schwanensee“, der neuen

Kreation des französischen Starchoreografen Angelin Preljocaj (25. und 26.09.2021) oder „Das Frühlingsopfer / common ground[s]“ (09.10.2021). Bei dieser packenden

Produktion der Pina Bausch Foundation mit der senegalesischen École des Sables, tanzen 28 Tänzerinnen und Tänzer aus 14 afrikanischen Ländern Pina Bauschs wegweisende

Choreografie zu Strawinskys Schlüsselwerk. Der zweite Teil des Abends gehört den beiden legendären Tänzerinnen Germaine Acogny und Malou Airaudo.

The Festspielhaus St. Pölten celebrates its 25th anniversary with a fantastic programme, featuring highlights such as the Austrian premieres of “Swan Lake”, the new creation

by French celebrity choreographer Angelin Preljocaj (25 and 26 September 2021) or “Le Sacre du printemps / common ground[s]” (09.10.2021). In this gripping production by

the Pina Bausch Foundation with the Senegalese École des Sables, 28 dancers from 14 different African countries perform Pina Bausch’s ground-breaking choreographies to

Stravinsky’s seminal work. The evening’s second part belongs to the two legendary dancers Germaine Acogny and Malou Airaudo.

festspielhaus.at

Tan Dun

Blockbuster Tizian

Die lange angekündigte, große Blockbuster-Ausstellung des Kunsthistorischen

Museums Wien „Tizians Frauenbild“ kreist um die Darstellung der Frau im Werk

Tizians und seiner Zeitgenossen wie Jacopo Tintoretto, Paolo Veronese und

Lorenzo Lotto. Hochkarätige internationale Leihgaben – etwa Tizians „Junge

Frau bei der Toilette“ aus dem Musée du Louvre oder „Junge Frau mit Federhut“

aus der Eremitage Sankt Petersburg – vertiefen dabei die ohnehin beeindruckenden

Bestände des KHM. Das Must-See des Herbsts!

The blockbuster exhibition “Titian’s Vision of Women” by the Kunsthistorisches

Museum Wien centres around the portrayal of women in the works of Titian

and his contemporaries such as Jacopo Tintoretto, Paolo Veronese and Lorenzo

Lotto. High-calibre international loans – such as “Woman with a Mirror” from

the Louvre Museum or “Portrait of a Young Woman with Feather Hat” from the

State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg – add even more depth to the

KHM’s already impressive holdings. This autumn’s must-see!

05.10.2021-16.01.2022

khm.at

Tizian, Junge Frau bei der

Toilette, um 1515.

Titian, Young woman doing

her toilet, around 1515.

PHOTOS: RMN-GRAND PALAIS (MUSÉE DU LOUVRE) / FRANCK RAUX; JEAN CLAUDE CARBONNE; NANA WATANABE; SIMON

PAULY; PETER RIGAUD; FRANK HORVAT, COURTESY KLV ART

Martin Grubinger, Wiener Symphoniker

Klangwelten im Einklang | Harmonious soundscapes

Der chinesische Komponist und Dirigent Tan Dun steht am 28. und

29.10.2021 im Wiener Konzerthaus am Pult der Wiener Symphoniker und

dirigiert sein Konzert für Schlagwerk und Orchester „The Tears of Nature“

sowie Werke von Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel und Fritz Kreisler.

Solisten sind Martin Grubinger am Schlagwerk und Ziyu He an der Violine.

Das Konzert vom 29.10. findet anlässlich 50 Jahre diplomatische

Beziehungen zwischen der Volksrepublik China und Österreich statt.

On 28 and 29 October 2021, Chinese composer and conductor Tan Dun

will take the podium of the Wiener Symphoniker at the Wiener

Konzerthaus to conduct his percussion and orchestra concerto “The Tears

of Nature” as well as works by Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and Fritz

Kreisler. Soloists are Martin Grubinger on percussion and Ziyu He on

violin. The concert on 29 October will be held on the occasion of the 50th

anniversary of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of

China and Austria.

wienersymphoniker.at

Pakistan and India revisited

Frank Horvat, Magnum-Fotograf und Teilnehmer der legendären Ausstellung „The

Family of Man“ im Museum of Modern Art in New York 1955, bereiste Indien und

Pakistan drei mal zwischen 1952 und 1975, wobei sich sein erster Aufenthalt über zwei

Jahre erstreckte. Eine seltene Gelegenheit, Horvats beeindruckende Fotoarbeiten über

den indischen Subkontinent zu sehen, bietet sich von 09.09. bis 12.11.2021 in der

Ausstellung „Frank Horvat – Pakistan und Indien“ in den Räumlichkeiten des Forum am

Schillerplatz.

Frank Horvat, Magnum photographer and participant in the legendary “The Family

of Man” exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1955, travelled to

India and Pakistan three times between 1952 and 1975, his first stay spanning two

years. From 9 September to 12 November 2021, a rare opportunity to see Horvat’s

impressive works from across the Indian subcontinent will present itself in the

exhibition “Frank Horvat – Pakistan and India” at the Forum am Schillerplatz.

klv-artprojects.com


SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS

M. Wutky, The Eruption of

Vesuvius, 1779 (left)

Raqs Media Collective (below)

H. Bosch, Weltgerichts-Triptychon,

1490-1505 (at the bottom)

Zeit für neue Klänge | Time for new sounds

Konfrontation mit Bosch & Dürer | Confrontation with Bosch & Dürer

Mit der großen Eröffnungsausstellung „Hungry for Time“ feiert die Gemäldegalerie die Rückkehr in ihre

angestammten Räumlichkeiten im Gebäude der frisch renovierten Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien

am Schillerplatz. Das international tätige Raqs Media Collective aus Neu-Delhi inszeniert die Sammlungen

der Akademie aus einem nicht-eurozentrischen Blickwinkel neu und konfrontiert historische Werke

der Gemäldegalerie, Glyptothek und des Kupferstichkabinetts von Hieronymus Bosch über Albrecht

Dürer bis Egon Schiele mit zeitgenössischen Arbeiten u. a. von Discursive Justice Ensemble oder Rohini

Devasher sowie eigenen Beiträgen. 09.10.2021-30.01.2022

The Gemäldegalerie celebrates its return to its traditional premises at the newly renovated Academy of

Fine Arts Vienna on Schillerplatz with the grand opening exhibition “Hungry for Time”. As part of the

exhibition, the internationally renowned Raqs Media Collective from New Delhi will restage the

academy’s collection from a non-Eurocentric perspective, confronting historical works from the

Gemäldegalerie, the Glyptothek and the Kupferstichkabinett that range from Hieronymus Bosch to

Albrecht Dürer and Egon Schiele with contemporary works by the Discursive Justice Ensemble and Rohini

Devasher, to name but a few, as well as their own contributions. 09.10.2021-30.01.2022

akademiegalerie.at

PHOTOS: GEMÄLDEGALERIE DER AKADEMIE DER BILDENDEN KÜNSTE WIEN (2); K. HAJIME /YOKOHAMA TRIEN-

NALE 2020; M. SEPPERER; I. RIPAK; FONDS DE DOTATION J. NETTER (JEANNE HÉBUTERNE, 1918); MUSÉE D’ART

MODERNE DE LA VILLE DE PARIS / DR. M.GIRARDIN (DAME MIT BLAUEN AUGEN, 1918)

Das Festival Wien Modern, vom damaligen Musikdirektor der Wiener Staatsoper

Claudio Abbado 1988 initiiert, überzieht mit seiner 34. Ausgabe wieder einen Monat

lang die ganze Stadt mit zeitgenössischer Klassik: 50 Produktionen mit über 70

Ur- und Erstaufführungen – von Improvisationen und zahlreichen Darbietungen

jenseits herkömmlicher Konzertformate bis zur großen Opernuraufführung

Poppaea, wollen entdeckt, gehört und diskutiert werden! 30.10.-30.11.2021.

The Wien Modern festival, launched in 1988 by then music director of the Vienna

State Opera Claudio Abbado, now in its 34th edition, will once again fill the entire

city with contemporary classical music for a whole month: 50 productions with

more than 70 premieres and first performances – ranging from improvisational

works and numerous performances that push the boundaries of conventional

concert formats to the opera premiere of Poppaea, are waiting to be discovered,

heard and discussed! 30.10.-30.11.2021. wienmodern.at

Wien

Modern im

KHM.

Rojin

Sharafi.

Endlich Modigliani! | Modigliani at last!

Die Albertina Wien bittet zur ersten umfassenden Retrospektive von Amedeo

Modigliani in Österreich. Die eigentlich zum 100. Todestag des Künstlers 2020

angesetzte Schau „Modigliani – Revolution des Primitivismus“ vereint von

17.09.2021-09.01.2022 viele Hauptwerke des künstlerischen Einzelgängers sowie

Arbeiten seiner Kontrahenten Picasso, Brâncuşi oder Derain aus wichtigen Museen

und Privatsammlungen, von den USA über Russland bis Singapur, mit größeren

Leihgaben aus dem Musée Picasso-Paris.

The Albertina Museum is hosting Austria’s first comprehensive Amedeo Modigliani

retrospective. Originally scheduled for the centenary of the artist’s death in 2020,

the exhibition “Modigliani – The Primitivist Revolution” brings together major

works by the maverick artist as well as pieces by his rivals Picasso, Brâncuşi or

Derain from leading museums and private collections from the USA to Russia and

Singapore, featuring major loans from the Musée Picasso.

albertina.at

RUDOLF BUCHBINDER

COMPLETE

BEETHOVEN

SONATAS

Rudolf Buchbinder gilt als einer der größten Beethoven-Interpreten

unserer Zeit. Sein Klavierspiel ist eine beispiellose Kombination seiner

langen Karriere, die sich mittlerweile über 60 Jahre erstreckt sowie

seiner Spontanität. Nur wenige Musiker haben sich so intensiv und

über so einen langen Zeitraum mit Beethoven beschäftigt wie Rudolf

Buchbinder. Er hat die 32 Sonaten mehr als 60 mal auf der ganzen Welt

komplett gespielt und seine Interpretation über die Jahre immer weiter

verfeinert und entwickelt. Bei den Salzburger Festspielen im Jahre

2014 war er der erste Pianist überhaupt, der sämtliche Sonaten in einer

Festspiel-Saison gespielt hat. Bisher war diese Aufnahme nur auf DVD

erhältlich. Nun werden die, von der Presse hochgelobten, Konzerte in

dieser 9-CD-Edition verfügbar gemacht.

Rudolf Buchbinder, einer der größten Beethoven-Interpreten unserer

Zeit, hat sich mit diesem Projekt der 5 Klavierkonzerte einen lang

gehegten Traum erfüllt. Fünf Dirigenten, mit denen er eine sehr enge

Zusammenarbeit pflegt und „deren“ Orchester spielen mit ihm jeweils

eines der berühmten Klavierkonzerte von Ludwig van Beethoven live

im Musikverein Wien. Mit allen Beteiligten verbindet Rudolf Buchbinder

eine lange musikalische Beziehung und Freundschaft. Vier der Konzerte

konnten in Wien stattfinden, das Konzert mit der Staatskapelle Dresden

unter Christian Thielemann fand in Dresden statt. Entstanden ist eine

unglaubliche Einspielung der Klavierkonzerte in einer absoluten Traum-

Besetzung. Mit der Staatskapelle Dresden, Christian Thielemann, den

Münchner Philharmonikern, Valery Gergiev, dem Gewandhausorchester

Leipzig, Andris Nelsons, dem Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen

Rundfunks, Mariss Jansons (in seiner letzten Aufnahme) und den

Wiener Philharmonikern unter Riccardo Muti.

BEETHOVEN

PIANO

CONCERTOS

THE

MUSIKVEREIN

CYCLE

Prunksaal der

Österreichischen

Nationalbibliothek

Josefsplatz 1, 1010 Wien

www.onb.ac.at

SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS

Dorfplatz EU | EU Village Square

Experimentierfeld

Vienna

Design Week.

Vienna Design

Week as field for

experimentation.

Als Leistungsschau, Experimentierfeld und Diskussionsforum gleichermaßen präsentiert die Vienna Design Week von 24.09.-03.10.2021 Wien als „City Full of Design“. Gastland bei

der 15. Ausgabe des Festivals ist die EU: Mit Unterstützung des Bundeskanzleramtes im Rahmen der Konferenz zur Zukunft Europas, sind Festivalpublikum und Designszene auf

den von auf’strich und studiotut gestalteten „Dorfplatz EU“ eingeladen, die Herausforderungen und Möglichkeiten der europäischen Zusammenarbeit zu ergründen.

As a design showcase, experimental space and discussion forum all in one, the Vienna Design Week will, from 24.09.2021 to 03.10.2021, present Vienna as a “City Full of

Design”. The guest country of the festival’s 15th edition will be the EU: With support from the Austrian Chancellery as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe, both

festival goers, as well as members of the design scene, are invited to the “EU Village Square” – created by the art collective auf’strich in collaboration with the Vienna-based

design studio studiotut – to explore the challenges and opportunities of European cooperation. viennadesignweek.at

DAS ADRIA-RELAX-RESORT IN OPATIJA

Unvergessliche Ferien an der Opatija Riviera in Kroatien.

UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAYS ON THE OPATIJA RIVIERA IN CROATIA.

S

Kunstherbst | Art autumn

Fighting Locust Invasion,

East Africa, L. Tato.

Österreichs bedeutendste Kunstmesse

präsentiert sich diesen Herbst mit neuem

Standort und frischem Konzept: In der Alten Post

zeigt viennacontemporary eine große

Ausstellung in Kooperation mit ausgewählten

Galerien und Schwerpunkt Mittel- und

Osteuropa. Gleichzeitig markieren geführte

Touren, Talks und künstlerische Interventionen in

der Stadt den Übergang zu einer flexibleren,

dezentralisierten Kunstmesse.

02.09.-05.09.2021.

This autumn, Austria’s most important art fair

launches in a new location and with a fresh

concept: viennacontemporary is putting a major exhibition on display at

the Alte Post in cooperation with selected galleries and with a focus on

Central and Eastern Europe. Guided tours, talks and artistic interventions

spread across the city, will mark the transition to a more flexible

and decentralised art fair. 02.09.-05.09.2021.

viennacontemporary.at

Welt im Wandel | World in flux

California Sea Lion,

R. Pace.

Die Welt kommt wieder nach Wien! Bereits zum 20. Mal präsentiert das WestLicht

den international bedeutendsten Preis für Pressefotografie: World Press Photo 21 zeigt

ab 10.09.2021 die prämierten Fotoarbeiten von 45 Fotografinnen und Fotografen aus

28 Ländern.

The world is coming to Vienna! For the 20th time, WestLicht is presenting the most

important international prize for press photography: From 10 September 2021,

World Press Photo 21 will highlight award-winning photographs by 45 photographers

from 28 countries.

westlicht.com

PHOTOS: VIENNA DESIGN WEEK / NIKO HAVRANEK; NIKO HAVRANEK; SEBASTIAN GANSRIGLER; LUIS TATO / THE

WASHINGTON POST; RALPH PACE

90

Falstaff

points

INFO & BOOKING

HR-51410 Opatija · Ive Kaline 11

T. +385 (0)51 / 28 00 00 · F. 28 00 28

info@hotel-miramar.info

www.hotel-miramar.info

Spa, Kultur, Ausflüge, Unterhaltung & Genuss.


SAVOIR VIVRE VISION DIALOGUE

„Ich möchte leidenschaftlich involvieren!“

“I want to get the public passionately involved!”

Lilli Hollein | MAK – Museum für angewandte Kunst | MAK – Museum of Applied Arts

Interview: Rois & Stubenrauch

INFO

LILLI HOLLEIN

ist Kulturmanagerin und Kuratorin. Sie ist Mitbegründerin

des Festivals Vienna Design Week, das sie 15 Jahre

lang leitete. Ab September 2021 übernimmt Lilli Hollein

die Generaldirektion des Museums für angewandte

Kunst Wien.

Die neue Generaldirektorin des MAK

möchte das Haus für ein breites Publikum

öffnen und mehr Popkultur ins

Museum bringen.

The new director of the MAK wants to

open the museum to a broad audience

and bring more pop culture into the

museum.

Welches wird die erste von Ihnen als neue Generaldirektorin

programmierte Ausstellung? Haben Sie auch Pläne für

große Blockbuster-Schauen im MAK?

Ich möchte in meiner Position von Anfang an Akzente

setzen, räumlich, inhaltlich, visuell. Das kommende

Jahr ist mit langfristig geplanten und vorbereiteten

Projekten programmiert. Ende 2022 ist dann

meine erste große Ausstellung geplant, es wird ein

eher politisches Thema sein. Ich freue mich, wenn es

uns gelingt, mit Themen aus dem Sammlungsbereich

des Museums im engeren und weiteren Sinne ein breites,

vielfältiges und natürlich gerne zahlreiches Publikum

anzuziehen. Ich glaube aber nicht, dass man das

als Blockbuster bezeichnen kann.

Sie haben gesagt, dass Sie Popkultur stärker ins MAK

einbringen möchten – wie werden Sie diesen Ansatz

konkret umsetzen?

Es gibt viele popkulturelle Phänomene, die einen

starken gestalterischen Aspekt haben, die auf unser

aller Wahrnehmung von Design und auf eine gegenwärtige

Definition von Ästhetik einen Effekt haben.

Solche Strömungen sind es in meinen Augen wert,

mit den Mitteln eines Museums aufbereitet und für

ein Publikum dargestellt zu werden.

„Wien 1900“ war bis anhin ein wichtiges Themenfeld im

MAK, das in den letzten Jahren mit zahlreichen Ausstellungen

beleuchtet wurde – wird dies auch zukünftig ein Fokus

des Museums bleiben?

Wien 1900 ist ein Sammlungsschwerpunkt, hier

hat das MAK absolut herausragende und einzigartige

Stücke in seiner Sammlung, und das macht das

Haus zur internationalen Anlaufstelle. Dieser Bereich

wird natürlich weiterhin eine wesentliche Stellung

einnehmen.

PHOTOS: STEFAN OLAÌH; MAK / GERALD ZUGMANN, KATRIN WISSKIRCHEN, GEORG MAYER; MAK; ROYA AGHIGHI

In Ihrer vorherigen Position als Leiterin der Vienna Design

Week haben Sie einen sehr weiten Designbegriff gepflegt,

Stichwort „Social Design“, sowie dem Festival eine starke

internationale Ausrichtung gegeben - wie viel davon

werden Sie ins MAK mitnehmen?

Der weit ausgelegte Designbegriff entspricht einer

heutigen Sichtweise auf den Bereich der angewandten

Kunst und des Designs. Social Design ist

eine der wesentlichsten Entwicklungen in diesem

Feld in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten. Natürlich

wird das auch im MAK Thema sein. Aber es ist nicht

mein Bestreben, das zehntägige Festival von nun an

ganzjährig im Museum stattfinden zu lassen. Das

MAK hat eine großartige Sammlung, andere Aufgaben

und Zielsetzungen. Internationaler Austausch

ist wichtig, ob für ein Festival oder das MAK. Also

international: ja, unbedingt, aber anders. Ich freue

mich auch besonders auf wissenschaftliche Kooperationen

mit Institutionen im Ausland.

Wo wollen Sie die Akzente Ihrer Direktion setzen - was

wird prägend für die Ära Hollein?

Wofür das MAK steht, das möchte ich mit dem

Team des MAK herausarbeiten und damit ein breites,

diverses Publikum ansprechen und gewinnen, leidenschaftlich

involvieren. Das Haus soll so offen wie

möglich auf sein Publikum zugehen, das ist mir ein

wesentliches Anliegen.

What will be the first exhibition with you as new director? Do you

already have plans for major blockbuster shows at the MAK?

I want to set accents from the very beginning in

my new position – spatially, visually and in terms of

content. We’re working on several long-term projects

for the coming year. My first major exhibition is planned

for the end of 2022; the theme will be rather

political. I will be very pleased if we succeed in attracting

a broad, diverse and, of course, a preferably

large audience with themes based on the museum’s

collections. But I am not sure whether this qualifies

as a blockbuster show.

You have said that you would like to incorporate more pop culture

into the MAK – how do you plan on doing this?

There are many pop-cultural phenomena that

have a strong design aspect and that have an effect on

our perception of design and on our definition of aesthetics.

In my view, such tendencies deserve to be

looked at by a museum and present to an audience.

Until recently, “Vienna 1900” was a key theme for the MAK that

has been illuminated with numerous exhibitions – will it remain a

point of focus for the museum going forward?

Vienna 1900 is a collection focal point; the MAK

has absolutely outstanding and unique pieces in its

collection from this time, making it an international

address for works from this era. It will, of course,

continue to remain an integral part of the museum.

In your previous position as the head of the Vienna Design Week,

you cultivated a very broad understanding of design, including the

notion of “social design”, and gave the festival a strong international

orientation – how much of this will carry over into the MAK?

The broader understanding of design corresponds

to a contemporary view of applied arts and

design. Social design has been one of the key developments

in this area in recent decades. Of course,

this will also be an important theme at the MAK.

However, it is not my intention to let a 10-day festival

take over the whole museum all year round. The

MAK has a fantastic collection and very different duties

and objectives. International exchange is, of

course, important, whether for a festival or for the

MAK. So, international? Yes, absolutely, but different.

I am especially looking forward to scientific

collaborations with international institutes.

Where do you plan on setting accents as director – what will define

the Hollein era?

What the MAK stands for is something I want to

work out with the MAK team and in doing so speak

to and win over a broad, diverse audience and get it

passionately involved. The museum should approach

the public as openly as possible; that is very important

to me.

James Turrell, Lichtinstallation MAKlite;

Säulenhalle; MAK-Schausammlung Wien 1900

(von links).

James Turrell, Light installation MAKlite; Portico;

MAK public collection Vienna 1900 (from left).

MAK – Museum für

angewandte Kunst

Current exhibitions

Die Frauen der Wiener Werkstätte

Women Artists of the Wiener Werkstätte

bis | until 03.10.2021

Vienna Biennale for Change 2021

Planet Love. Klimafürsorge im

Digitalen Zeitalter | Climate Care in

the Digital Age

bis | until 03.10.2021

Showroom Wiener Werkstätte

Ein Dialog mit Michael Anastassiades

A Dialogue with Michael Anastassiades

06.10.2021–03.09.2022

Wiener Werkstätte, M. Flögl;

Climate Care, R. Aghighi, Living

photosynthetic textile.

is a cultural manager and curator. She is a co-founder of

the Vienna Design Week festival, which she headed for

15 years. Starting in September 2021, Lilli Hollein will

take over as director of the Museum of Applied Arts in

Vienna.

INFO:

mak.at



SAVOIR VIVRE GLOBAL ADVISER

Verreisen, logieren und besuchen

Where to go, where to stay and what to see

Das Beste aus aller Welt. | The best from around the world.

Text: Gerald Sturz

Abu Dhabi

Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara

Understatement ist nicht die Sache der Arabischen Emirate und

so ist es keine Überraschung, dass das Qasr Al Sarab by

Anantara ein Resort der Superlative ist. Knapp drei Stunden

dauert die Fahrt von der Stadt Abu Dhabi durch die Wüste bis

zur Liwa Oase. Da steht es, das Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara. Eine

sandfarbene Festung mitten in der Wüste mit Türmen, Zinnen,

Treppen und Kuppeln. Es ist eine arabische Fantasiewelt. 250

Millionen Dollar hat sie gekostet, bis zu 5.000 Arbeiter haben

drei Jahre daran gebaut. Jetzt gibt es hier mehr als 200 Zimmer,

Suiten und Villen, Restaurants, Bars, Pools und Hubschrauberlandeplätze.

Im Angebot sind Kamelreiten, Wüsten-Yoga,

Sandboarding, Bogenschießen, Dune Crashing, Fat Biking und

vieles mehr. Es wird einem hier nicht langweilig.

The United Arab Emirates hasn’t exactly made a reputation for

itself by keeping a low profile. It comes as no surprise then that

the Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara is a truly spectacular resort. The

desert journey from Abu Dhabi to the Liwa Oasis takes just under

three hours. There you will find the Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara. A

sand-coloured fortress in the middle of the desert with towers,

battlements, staircases and domes. It’s an Arabic fantasy world. It

cost 250 million dollars and took 5,000 workers three years to

build. It features more than 200 rooms, as well as suites and villas,

restaurants, bars, pools and helipads. Also on offer are camel

rides, desert yoga, sandboarding, archery, dune crashing, fat

biking and more. You won’t get bored here.

anantara.com

Toskana | Tuscany

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco

Mehr als 2.000 Hektar ist das Anwesen groß, das Massimo Ferragamo, der Amerika-CEO

des Florentiner Modelabels, mit seiner Frau Chiara im Herzen der Toskana, im berühmten

Weinanbaugebiet Brunello di Montalcino 2003 erworben hat. Es ist ein Traum. Mit

Wäldern, Weingärten und einer hügeligen Landschaft, die quintessenzielle Toskana ist.

Mit einem Borgo, das die Ferragamos zu einem Luxusresort umgestaltet haben und das

von der ultrafeinen Hongkonger Gruppe Rosewood gemanagt wird. Das Borgo ist ein

italienisches Dörfchen wie aus dem Bilderbuch. Mit einer Kapelle, in der immer noch

Hochzeiten gefeiert werden, mit einem Herrenhaus, in dem jetzt Restaurant und Lounge

zu finden sind, mit den ehemaligen Stallungen, die zu luxuriösen Apartments umgebaut

wurden, und einigen Villen in der Umgebung für besonders anspruchsvolle Gäste, die auf

Exklusivität viel Wert legen. Es gibt Spa, Swimmingpool, Shop und Golfplatz. Es versteht

sich von selbst, dass an Komfort, Service und anderen Bequemlichkeiten nicht gespart

wird. Nach Siena oder nach Grosseto ist es nicht weit. Einen besseren Ort, von dem aus

man die Toskana erforschen wird, kann man sich schwer vorstellen.

The estate that Massimo Ferragamo, CEO of the US branch of the Florentine fashion label,

purchased together with his wife Chiara in the heart of Tuscany in the famous wine-growing

region of Brunello di Montalcino in 2003 covers more than 2,000 hectares. It is a dream.

The forests, vineyards and rolling countryside perfectly embody Tuscany. It features a borgo

that has been redesigned by the Ferragamos into a luxury destination and is being managed

by the Hongkong-based Rosewood Group. The borgo is an Italian village straight out of a

picture book. With a chapel that is still being used for weddings, a manor house that now

harbours a restaurant and lounge, the former stables that have been converted into luxury

apartments, and several villas in the surrounding area for particularly demanding guests who

value exclusivity. There is a spa, swimming pool, shop and golf course. And it goes without

saying that there is no skimping on comfort, excellent service and various other amenities. It

doesn’t take long to get to Siena or Grosseto. It would be hard to imagine a better base from

which to explore Tuscany.

rosewood.com

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

Paris

Damien Hirst: Cherry Blossoms

Als eine durchaus ironisch gemeinte, zwischen Figuration und Abstraktion

chargierende Hommage an die großen Maler des 19. und des frühen 20.

Jahrhunderts, an die Impressionisten und Pointillisten, die so unnachahmliche

florale Motive malten, möchte Damien Hirst seine „Cherry Blossoms“-Serie

verstanden wissen. Seine großformatigen Kirschblüten sind noch bis 2. Jänner

2022 in der Fondation Cartier in Paris zu sehen.

Damien Hirst wants his “Cherry Blossoms” series to be understoood as a

thoroughly ironic homage to the great painters of the 19th and early 20th

centuries, the impressionists and pointillists, who created such inimitable floral

motifs. His large-format cherry blossoms will remain on display at the Fondation

Cartier in Paris until 2 January 2020.

fondationcartier.com




Oslo

Munch Museum

Nun haben die vielen Variationen von „Der Schrei“ ein neues

Zuhause. Am 22. Oktober eröffnet an der Waterfront von Oslo, die

ohnehin schon mit einigen eindrucksvollen Kulturbauten wie dem

Opernhaus punktet, das neue Munch Museum, das Norwegens

berühmtestem Künstler gewidmet ist. Die erste Ausstellung stellt

unter dem Titel „The Loneliness of the Soul“ Arbeiten der britischen

Künstlerin Tracey Emin jenen von Edvard Munch gegenüber und

zeigt, wie Emin von Munch beeinflusst wurde.

The many variations of “The Scream” have found a new home. On 22

October, the new Munch Museum, dedicated to Norway’s most

famous artist, opens on Oslo’s waterfront, which already scores with a

host of impressive buildings such as the Oslo Opera House. The first

exhibition titled “The Loneliness of the Soul” juxtaposes works by

British artist Tracey Emin with those by Edward Munch, showing

Munch’s influence on Emin.

munchmuseet.no

Berlin

The Cool and the Cold

Eine spannende Gegenüberstellung unternimmt der Martin Gropius-Bau in Berlin ab dem

24. September. Er zeigt Kunst, die zwischen 1960 und 1990 sowohl in den USA als auch in der

Sowjetunion entstanden ist, und ermöglicht so einen kritischen Dialog von Werken aus beiden

Lagern des Ost-West-Konflikts. Gezeigt werden unter anderem Arbeiten von Andy Warhol,

Jasper Johns, Ilja Kabakov, Erik Bulatov, Jackson Pollock, Helen Frankenthaler, Viktor Pivovarov,

Natalja Nesterova und Ivan Čujkov.

From 24 September, Berlin’s Gropius Bau exhibition venue will host an exciting new exhibition. It

will juxtapose art created between 1960 and 1990 in the USA with that from the Soviet Union,

allowing for a critical dialogue between works from both sides of the East-West conflict. Works by

Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Ilya Kabakov, Erik Bulatov, Jackson Pollock, Helen Frankenthaler, Viktor

Pivovarov, Natalya Nesterova, Ivan Chuĭkov and many others will be on display.

berlinerfestspiele.de

Mauritius

Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury

Wenn Isabelle Bouvier am 1. Oktober als General Manager des Royal Palm Beachcomber

Resorts & Hotels antritt, dann wird sie die erste Frau sein, die auf Mauritius ein Luxusresort

leitet. Mit Premieren ist das Royal Palm vertraut. So war es auch das erste Mitglied der

prestigeträchtigen Leading Hotels of the World im Indischen Ozean. „Das Hotel“, so Isabelle

Bouvier, die aktuell noch das Lutetia in Paris führt, „ist eine der bekanntesten Adressen im

Indischen Ozean, auf einer tollen Insel, die Authentizität, Luxus und Tradition miteinander

verbindet.“ Es empfängt seine Gäste mit kolonialem Charme, zeitloser Eleganz und himmlischer

Ruhe. Es liegt nahe dem Ort Grand Baie, an der sonnenverwöhnten Nordwestküste von

Mauritius, und bietet 69 luxuriöse Suiten entlang einer schönen Bucht. Die Natursteinpools, die

nur wenige Schritte vom Strand entfernt sind, fügen sich perfekt in die Landschaft. Und Sports

Beachcomber, die größte Sportschule im Indischen Ozean, bietet den Gästen des Hotels ein

umfangreiches Angebot an Land- und Wasseraktivitäten.

When Isabelle Bouvier takes over as general manager of the Royal Palm Beachcomber Resorts

& Hotels on 1 October, she will be the first-ever woman to head a luxury resort in Mauritius. The

Royal Palm has experience when it comes to firsts. It was, for instance, the first member of the

prestigious Leading Hotels of the World organisation in the Indian Ocean. “The Hotel,” says

Bouvier, who is currently still managing the Lutetia in Paris, “is one of the best-known

addresses in the Indian Ocean, located on a beautiful island that combines authenticity, luxury

and tradition.” The hotel welcomes guests with its colonial charm, timeless elegance and

heavenly tranquillity. It is located near the village of Grand Baie, on Mauritius’ sun-drenched

north-west coast, and boasts 69 luxurious suites positioned along a beautiful bay. The natural

stone swimming pools, located just steps away from the beach, fit perfectly into the landscape.

And Sports Beachcomber, the largest sports school in the Indian Ocean, offers hotel guests a

wide range of land and water activities.

beachcomber.com

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

Menorca

Hauser & Wirth Menorca

Hauser & Wirth ist weltweit eine der größten Galerien mit Headquarters in Zürich und

zahlreichen Außenstellen in aller Welt. Kürzlich hat sie auf der Baleareninsel Menorca eine neue

Filiale eröffnet und dafür die gesamte Isla del Rey, eine Insel, die in fünfzehn Minuten mit einem

Shuttle-Boot vom Hafen von Mahón erreicht wird und auf der ein historisches Militärkrankenhaus

aus dem 18. Jahrhundert stand, in ein Kulturzentrum umgebaut. Mit Ausstellungsräumen, einem

„sculpture trail“ mit Arbeiten von Louise Bourgeois, Eduardo Chillida, Franz West und anderen,

mit Shops und dem Restaurant Cantina. Jeder, der sie bereits besucht hat, war begeistert.

Hauser & Wirth is one of the biggest art galleries in the world with headquarters in Zurich and

outposts all over the world. Most recently, the gallery opened a new branch on the Balearic island of

Menorca and for this purpose converted the entire island of Isla del Rey, which can be reached in 15

minutes via shuttle boat from the port of Mahón and which used to house a historic 18th-century

military hospital, into a cultural centre. With exhibition spaces, a “sculpture trail” with works by

Louise Bourgeois, Eduardo Chillida, Franz West and others, shops and the restaurant “Cantina”.

Everyone who has already visited has been thrilled.

hauserwirth.com




Modena

Ristorante Cavallino

Wenn Modena als Italiens „Motor City“ gilt, dann liegt das an

der Tatsache, dass rund um das Städtchen in der Emilia-Romagna

die Headquarters und Werkstätten einiger der berühmtesten

Auto- und Motorrad-Firmen der Welt zu finden sind:

Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Ducati. Bekannt ist Modena

aber auch als Stadt, in der einer der besten Küchenchefs der

Welt beheimatet ist - Massimo Bottura mit seiner Osteria

Francescana. Und nun kommt also zusammen, was früher oder

später zusammenkommen musste. Ferrari relauncht seine legendäre Trattoria Cavallino im benachbarten Maranello, in

der schon Enzo Ferrari so gerne Hof gehalten hat. Und Massimo Bottura ist ihr neuer Küchenchef. Auf der Speisekarte

stehen italienische Klassiker mit einem innovativen Touch.

If Modena is Italy‘s “Motor City”, then that‘s due to the fact that the headquarters and workshops of some of the

world‘s most famous car and motorcycle companies can be found around the town in Emilia-Romagna. Ferrari,

Maserati, Lamborghini, Ducati. Modena is also known as the city that is home to one of the best chefs in the world -

Massimo Bottura with his Osteria Francescana. And now comes together what had to come together sooner or later.

Ferrari is relaunching its legendary Trattoria Cavallino in neighboring Maranello, where Enzo Ferrari loved to hold court.

And Massimo Bottura is her new head chef. The menu features Italian classics with an innovative touch.

ferrari.com

Buchtipp | Book tip

Thomas Wegmann: Persian Nights

Dass der Iran als eines der schönsten und

sehenswertesten Länder der Welt gilt, liegt

selbstverständlich vor allem an seinen

historischen Städten, Stätten und Gebäuden.

Isfahan und Shiraz sind zwei Orte, die jeder

zumindest einmal im Leben gesehen haben

sollte. Was weniger bekannt ist: Im Iran findet

man auch Cafés, Boutique-Hotels und Concept

Stores, für die man gerne Bezeichnungen wie

„cool“, „hip“ oder „lässig“ verwenden möchte –

die jeder anderen Metropole zur Ehre gereichen

würden und die dennoch nie in internationalkosmopolitische

Beliebigkeit abgleiten, sondern

fest in einer lokalen Tradition verwurzelt sind.

Für dieses schöne Buch hat der Autor Thomas

Wegmann einige dieser Orte versammelt.

The fact that Iran is one of the most beautiful and

worth seeing countries in the world is of course

primarily due to its historical cities, sites and

buildings. Isfahan and Shiraz are two places that

everyone should see at least once in a lifetime.

What is less well known: In Iran you can also find

cafés, boutique hotels and concept stores for

which one would like to use terms such as “cool“,

“hip“ or “casual“ – that would do credit to any

other metropolis and which nevertheless never

slide into international-cosmopolitan arbitrariness,

but are firmly rooted in a local tradition. For

this beautiful book, the author Thomas Wegmann

has collected some of these places.

teneues.com

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enjoying the perfect view on the gentle waves of the turquoise sea. On Funamadua you

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Riehen bei Basel | Riehen near Basel

Goya

Das ist wohl die Ausstellung des Jahres. Von 10. Oktober 2021 bis 23. Jänner 2022 zeigt die Fondation Beyeler in Riehen

bei Basel über 75 Gemälde und ein Konvolut von rund 50 meisterhaften Zeichnungen sowie 50 Druckgrafiken von

Francisco de Goya, der als einer der letzten großen Hofkünstler und gleichzeitig als einer der Wegbereiter der Moderne

gilt. Heuer jährt sich sein Geburtstag zum 275. Mal.

This is probably the exhibition of the year. From October 10, 2021 to

January 23, 2022, the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen near Basel is showing

over 75 paintings and a bundle of around 50 masterful drawings and 50

prints by Francisco de Goya, one of the last great court artists and at

the same time one of the pioneers Modernism applies. This year marks

the 275th anniversary of his birthday.

fondationbeyeler.ch

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

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SAVOIR VIVRE TOP HOTELS IN VIENNA

Suite Dreams

The Ritz-Carlton Albertina Suite, Vienna

Interview: Daniela Pötzl

Wien als Drehscheibe internationaler Diplomatie und UNO-Standort sowie ab 2022 wieder Schauplatz gewichtiger Konferenzen,

verfügt über zahlreiche 5-Sterne Häuser, die den Ansprüchen höchster Würdenträger und Staatsgäste gerecht werden. Seit August

2012 komplettiert das The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna den Reigen glanzvoller Wiener Ringstraßenhotels. CD hat Generaldirektor Jürgen

Ammerstorfer persönlich zur Albertina Suite in seinem Haus befragt.

Vienna is a hub for international diplomacy, a UN location and the setting for numerous key conferences, starting in 2022 again. The

city’s countless 5-star hotels are guaranteed to fulfil the demands of the highest of dignitaries and state guests alike. Since August

2012, the Ritz-Carlton, Vienna has been complementing the ranks of Vienna’s Ringstrasse hotels. Cercle Diplomatique has asked the

hotel’s General Manager Jürgen Ammerstorfer for a few words on the Albertina Suite.

PHOTOS: MATTHEW SHAW, LISA LEUTNER

Sie sind auch ein Botschafter – ein „Botschafter der

Gastlichkeit“ und waren international tätig. Welche

Stationen und Häuser haben Sie am meisten geprägt?

Jede einzelne Aufgabe hat mich geprägt. Als gebürtiger Linzer

habe ich als 15-jähriger im Rahmen meiner Reisebüro-Lehre die

Berufsschule in Wien gemacht. Danach war ich als Destinationen-

Manager für einen Reiseveranstalter weltweit unterwegs – und

war alle 6 Monate woanders. Mit 30 absolvierte ich das Modul in

Wien und startete danach in der Hotellerie, in einem „Leading

Hotel of the World“ in San Diego. Dort durfte ich u. a. als Bankett

Manager ein tolles High End Fine Dining auf die Beine stellen. Es

folgten Hotels in Salzburg und London, danach war ich im

Mittleren Osten, in Ägypten, Jordanien und auf einem Kreuzfahrtschiff

der „Celebrity Cruises“ mit 3.500 Passagieren an Bord tätig.

Danach ging ich wieder nach London und eröffnete dort zuerst

das „Shangri-La The Shard“ und danach das erste „Edition Hotel“

der Marriott Gruppe. Nun fühle ich mich in Wien sehr wohl.

„The Ritz-Carlton Albertina Suite“ ist bei Ihren Gästen sehr

beliebt – und huldigt der Kunst.

Kunst ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil unserer Branche – vor allem,

weil wir in Wien sind. Nach der Präsidenten-Suite ist „The

Ritz-Carlton Albertina Suite“ die beliebteste unserer 43 Suiten im

Haus. Mit dieser Suite wurde etwas Spezielles realisiert – ein

Erlebnis, das in den Hotel-Aufenthalt eingebunden wird. Der Blick

der Suite führt auf den Schwarzenberg-Platz. Auf dem kleinen

Balkon steht eine Staffelei, mit einem Vordruck und Pinsel. So

können sich unsere Gäste als Künstler betätigen. Zudem erhalten

sie eine VIP Membership und können ganz unkompliziert, ohne

Anstehen, die beiden Museen – Albertina wie auch die Albertina

Modern – besuchen. In der Suite ist man zudem von Nachdrucken

aus der Batliner Sammlung umgeben, von Cézanne, Monet, Degas

sowie anderen Impressionisten und Post-Impressionisten. Kunst,

Kultur und Hotellerie sollen so eins werden. Zudem sind in

Zukunft weitere Suiten geplant.

Welche neuen Ideen verfolgen Sie zusätzlich?

Unser Haus soll innovativ und frisch, aber dabei auch qualitativ

hochwertig bleiben. Das Dstrikt Steakhouse im The Ritz-Carlton,

Vienna ist der neue Frühstücks-Hotspot in Wien und sorgt für ein

facettenreiches à-la-carte Frühstückskonzept bis 14:30 Uhr.

Das Pastamara – Bar con Cucina hat wieder geöffnet und

überrascht heuer mit italienischen Besonderheiten. Darunter

individuelle Cocktails, gemixt ganz nach der Lieblingsfarbe des

Gastes, sizilianische Spezialitäten „to go“ bzw. als Lieferung über

Mjam.at sowie als Luxus-Picknick im Wiener Stadtpark. Und wir

arbeiten an noch vielen weiteren Innovationen.

You are also an ambassador - an “Ambassador of hospitality”

who has worked very internationally. Which stations and

houses have shaped you the most?

Every single assignment has shaped me. As a native of Linz, when

I was 15, I attended vocational school in Vienna as part of my

travel agency apprenticeship. After that, I was travelling around

the world as a destination manager for a tour operator - and was

somewhere else every 6 months. At the age of 30, I completed

the Modul school in Vienna and then I started in the hotel

industry, in a “Leading Hotel of the World” in San Diego. There I

was able to set up great high-end fine dining as a banquet

manager. Hotels in Salzburg and London followed, then I worked

in the Middle East, in Egypt, Jordan and on a “Celebrity Cruises”

cruise ship with 3,500 passengers on board. Then I returned to

London and first opened the “Shangri-La The Shard”, followed by

the first “Edition Hotel” of the Marriott Group. Now I feel very

comfortable in Vienna.

“The Ritz-Carlton Albertina Suite“ is very popular with your

guests - and pays homage to art.

Art is an important part of our industry - especially because we

are in Vienna. After the Presidential Suite, “The Ritz-Carlton

Albertina Suite“ is the most popular of our 43 suites. Hereby

something special was realised - an experience that is integrated

into the hotel stay. The view of the suite leads to Schwarzenberg-

Platz. There is an easel on the small balcony with a preprint and a

brush - so our guests can work as artists. In addition, they receive

a VIP membership and can visit the museums Albertina and the

Albertina Modern easily, without queuing. In the suite you are

also surrounded by reprints from the Batliner Collection, by

Cézanne, Monet, Degas, as well as other impressionists and

post-impressionists. Art, culture and the hotel industry should

become one. In addition, further suites are planned in the future.

What other new ideas are you pursuing?

The Dstrikt Steakhouse in The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna is the new

breakfast hotspot in Vienna and provides a multifaceted à-la-carte

breakfast concept until 2:30 p.m.

The Pastamara - Bar con Cucina has reopened and is surprising this

year with Italian specialties. These include individual cocktails,

mixed according to the guest‘s favorite colour, Sicilian specialties

“to go“ or as delivery via Mjam.at as well as a luxury picnic in the

Vienna City Park. And we are working on many more innovations.

Generaldirektor Jürgen Ammerstorfer über

The Ritz-Carlton Albertina Suite, Vienna.

General Manager Jürgen Ammerstorfer on

The Ritz-Carlton Albertina Suite, Vienna.

INFO:

THE RITZ-CARLTON, VIENNA

SCHUBERTRING 5-7

1010 WIEN

TEL.: +43 1 31188

ritzcarlton.com/vienna

CELEBRATING


SAVOIR VIVRE WELLNESS

Y E A R S

1971–2021

„Selfness“ – Synonym für gesunde Lebensweise

“Selfness” – a synonym for a healthy lifestyle

Text: Michaela Hocek

Das Beste aus zwei Welten: Fernöstliche und europäische Medizin im Einklang

zwischen Alltag, Gesundheit, Wellness und Urlaub.

The best of both worlds: Far Eastern and European medicine in harmony in everyday

life, health, wellness and the holidays.

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK

Der achtsame Umgang mit sich selbst und das

proaktive Handeln hin zu einem gesunden

Lebensstil bewegen immer mehr Menschen

dazu, sich mit TCM (Traditionelle Chinesische Medizin),

Ayurveda (indische Massage-, Ernährungs-,

Reinigungs- und Yogalehre) oder auch dem Kneippen

zu beschäftigen. Ganzheitliche Ansätze führen

zu gestärkten Vitalwerten, einer widerstandsfähigen

und stressresistenten Psyche und einem verbesserten

(Körper-)Gefühl. Oder wie ein chinesisches Sprichwort

sagt: „Zu drei Zehnteln heilt das Medikament,

zu sieben Zehnteln die richtige Lebensweise.“

Fünf Säulen der TCM

Symptome oder Krankheiten schlicht mit einer

Tablette zu kontern, ist der Traditionellen Chinesischen

Medizin fremd. Vielmehr wird auf ein Konglomerat

aus Akupunktur und Moxibustion, Arzneimitteln,

aktiven Koordinationsübungen mit Qi

gong und Tai-Chi, Tuina-Massagen und Ernährung

gesetzt. Im Mittelpunkt steht stets die Lebensenergie

Qi, die bei Störungen nicht richtig fließt. Die Behandlung

mit Akupunkturnadeln ist in unseren

Breitengraden die wohl am meisten bekannte Gegenstrategie.

Sie soll die Ausschüttung von Endorphinen,

Kortison und entzündungshemmende körpereigene

Substanzen bewirken. Die Stimulierung

wird durch ein Druck-, Hitze- oder Kälteempfinden

oder auch ein Taubheitsgefühl wahrgenommen. Der

beißende Geruch von Beifußkraut ist allen Menschen

in Erinnerung, die je eine Moxibustion gemacht

haben. Bei der Stimulation der Akupunkturpunkte

mittels Hitze wird das getrocknete Kraut in

Zigarrenform gedreht nahe der Haut zum Glimmen

gebracht. Brandblasen sind dabei keine Seltenheit.

Das Kapitel Arzneimittel in der TCM wird,

mit genauen Anwendungsanleitungen,

hauptsächlich von zubereitetem Sud oder

Tee aus Wurzeln, Rinden, Blättern, Stängeln

und Blüten dominiert. Hochwirksame

Extrakte, Pulver und Pillen, die in die Geschmacksrichtungen

– salzig, sauer, süß, scharf,

bitter, neutral, aromatisch und adstringierend – unterteilt

sind, zählen ebenfalls zur Arzneimitteltherapie.

Wichtig sind auch die Wirkung auf die Leitbahnen

und Temperaturqualitäten. Dem Umstand, dass

auch Bewegung, bewusstes Atmen und geistige Vorstellungskraft

das Qi beeinflussen, ist das aktive

Wiederholen bestimmter Bewegungsabläufe und

Koordinationsübungen geschuldet. Qigong und Tai-

Chi sorgen für innere Ruhe und gelöste Spannungen

im Körper, wenn sie regelmäßig ausgeübt werden.

Die angenehmste Säule der TCM – wagen wir zu behaupten

– ist die der Tuina-Massage, eine der wirksamsten

manuellen Therapien. Diese spezielle Form

des Schiebens („Tui“) und Nach-oben-Ziehens der

Muskeln („Na“) ist ein Mix aus Chiropraktik, Akupressur

und einem ganzheitlichen Ansatz, der den

Menschen wieder ins Gleichgewicht bringen soll.

Mit 18 Grundgriffen und rund 300 Einzelgriffen, die

mit Fingerkuppen, Handballen, -flächen und dem

Ellenbogen ausgeführt werden, lösen sich Blockaden

der Meridiane und der Energiefluss wird wiederhergestellt.

Mit Sicherheit der komplexeste Teil

der TCM, wie unseres Lebens überhaupt, ist die Ernährung

– wobei sich eine kurze Zusammenfassung

der sechs Ernährungsprinzipien als einfach und logisch

nachvollziehbar erweist: früh frühstücken,

sich immer nur zu 80% satt essen, warm essen und

trinken, Salz und Fett in Maßen genießen, gekochte

Speisen rohem Essen vorziehen. Milz, Magen und

Niere sind in Hinblick auf die Zuführung von Energie

besonders im Fokus. Sind diese geschwächt, ist

chronische Müdigkeit und Antriebslosigkeit die Folge.

Grundsätzlich sind für eine hohe Lebensqualität

alle Organe im energetischen Gleichgewicht zu halten.

Ayurvedische Lebenslehre

Die traditionell indische Heilkunst erfährt

im Tiroler Thiersee durch die

Das Wissen um ganzheitliche Medizinlehren,

gesunde Ernährung, Bewegung und Massagen

steigern die Lebensqualität.

The knowledge of holistic medicine, exercise and

massage can improve one’s quality of life.

Ginseng, in der TCM

„Menschenwurzel“ genannt,

belebt und regt an.

Ginseng, known as the

“human root” in TCM,

invigorates and stimulates.



CELEBRATING



Y E A R S

1971–2021

DAS

HOCH

GEFÜHL

se, komplementärmedizinischen Diagnose- und Behandlungsmethoden

auf Basis von fundiertem Ayurveda-Wissen

voraus. Individuelle Ernährung ist

der nächste Schritt. Da der Grundsatz, dreimal täglich

frisch zu kochen, hierzulande schwer umzusetzen

ist und viele Lebensmittel der traditionellen Ayurveda-Ernährung

durch die lange Anreise

Nährstoffverluste aufweisen, werden vegetarische

Alternativen mit heimischen Kräutern und Gewürzen

kredenzt. Die mentale Ebene wird mit Mental- &

Mind-Detox, Glory Mind Retreats, Duft- und

Farbtherapie oder schamanischem Coaching gestärkt.

Yoga, Meditationen, die richtige Atmung und Bewegung

in der Natur werden empfohlen, um Blockaden

zu lösen und Lebensenergie fließen zu lassen.

Akupunktur ist eine

wichtige Säule der TCM, um

das Qi im Fluss zu halten.

Acupuncture is an important

pillar of TCM that will keep

one’s qi flowing.

Neuinterpretation von Elisabeth Mauracher eine

Anpassung an unseren westlichen Lebensstil. „Es hat

einen Grund, warum wir in Europa geboren wurden,

und deswegen sollten wir mit den Schätzen unserer

heimischen Natur arbeiten“, lautet der Leitgedanke

der Pionierin, die mit dem European Ayurveda Resort

Sonnhof einen besonderen Kraftort geschaffen

hat. Hier wird auf gesundheitliche Probleme eingegangen,

die im fernen Osten keine Rolle spielen, wie

Migräne und Rückenschmerzen durch zu viel Zeit

vor dem Bildschirm oder Burn-out durch ständige

Erreichbarkeit, permanentes Multitasking und einen

herausfordernden Alltag. So wird beim European

Ayurveda mit Erkenntnissen weitsichtiger Schulmediziner,

der Kraft der jahrtausendalten Heilslehre

und dem regionalen Bezug zur westlichen Welt gegen

Zivilisationskrankheiten vorgegangen. Mit Bedacht

auf die individualisierte Gesellschaft werden

Massagen, Gespräche, Ernährung, sanfte Yogaeinheiten

und Coachings gestaltet, um die Bioenergien

Vata, Kapha und Pitta in Balance zu bringen.

Standbeine des European Ayurveda

Der Erstellung eines individuellen Therapieplans

geht eine ganzheitliche Betrachtung mit Pulsdiagno-

Kraft des Wassertretens

Zu guter Letzt wollen wir noch altbewährtes Wissen

streifen, das auf Pfarrer Sebastian Kneipp zurückgeht.

Auch hier stehen fünf Säulen – Wasser,

Heilkräuter, Ernährung, Bewegung, Lebensordnung

– im Mittelpunkt, die in vielen österreichischen Kurhäusern

erlernt und für den Alltag verinnerlicht werden

können. Oder wie Kneipp es ausdrückte: „Man

muss auf den ganzen Körper wirken, wenn man den

Krankheitsstoff beseitigen will. Nicht viele Anwendungen

heilen, sondern die rechten Anwendungen

in der rechten Weise gemacht.“ Es geht darum, achtsamer

mit sich selbst zu sein, Intuition und Bauchgefühl

walten zu lassen, eigene Grenzen und Reserven

zu erkennen. Das Wissen um die Wirkkraft von

Kräutern in Bädern, Wickeln, Tees oder beim Kochen

unterstützt bei Erkältungen, Nervosität und

Unruhe, Schlafstörungen, Verdauungsbeschwerden

und fördert die Bekömmlichkeit von Speisen. In den

Behandlungen wird die Natur mit den Reizen Hitze,

Kälte und Hunger nachgeahmt.

Alle erwähnten Zugänge haben eines gemein: Sie

sehen den Menschen als Individuum mit wechselnden

Bedürfnissen. Es ist somit eigentlich unerheblich,

ob Sie sich Gutes in der Tradition aus China,

Indien oder Europa tun. Wichtig ist, rechtzeitig, idealerweise

präventiv, aktiv zu werden und die Schatzkiste

Natur in all ihrer therapeutischen Vielfalt auf

sich wirken zu lassen. In diesem Sinne möchten wir

Ihnen ein letztes Sprichwort des chinesischen Philosophen

Laotse mit auf den Weg geben: „Eine Reise

von tausend Meilen beginnt mit dem ersten Schritt.“

PHOTOS: ADOBE STOCK

Im See-Bad schwimmen Sie das ganze Jahr hindurch in karibisch warmem, reinem Wasser:

Das beheizte, 25 Meter lange See-Bad im Turracher See macht es möglich.

Eine wahre Sinnesfreude. Eine von vielen für Ihren Urlaub im Hotel Hochschober.

Turracher Höhe, Kärnten

hochschober.com


CELEBRATING



Y E A R S

1971–2021

E

Güsse, Bäder und

Wassertreten sind essentiell

beim Kneippen.

Affusions, baths and water

treading are all essential for

Kneipp therapy.

Recent trends, such as a more mindful attitude

towards oneself and the adoption of a healthier

lifestyle, are encouraging more and more people

to explore TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine),

Ayurveda (Indian massage, nutrition, cleansing and

yoga teachings) and even Kneipp therapy. Holistic approaches

to health contribute to increased vitality, a

more resilient and stress-resistant psyche and improved

physical wellbeing. Or, as a Chinese proverb says,

“Three-tenths of the cure is the medicine, seventenths

the right lifestyle.”

The five pillars of TCM

The concept of treating the symptoms of disease

with a pill is alien to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Rather, it relies on a combination of acupuncture,

moxibustion, traditional medicines, active coordination

exercises such as qi gong and tai chi, tui na massages

and nutrition. At the centre of TCM is the life

energy “qi”, which, when disturbed, is inhibited in its

flow. In the West, we are probably most familiar with

acupuncture. It is supposed to stimulate the release of

endorphins, cortisone and endogenous anti-inflammatory

substances. Said stimulation is perceived as a

sensation of pressure, heat, cold or even numbness.

Anyone who has ever tried moxibustion, on the other

hand, will remember the pungent smell of the burning

mugwort. While stimulating the acupuncture points

using heat, the dried herb is twisted into a cigar shape

and then brought to a glow near the skin. Burn blisters

are not uncommon. Medicines in TCM mainly take

the form of brews or teas made from roots, barks, leaves,

stems and flowers with precise instructions for

use. Highly effective extracts, powders and pills are

also part of the medicinal therapy, which are further

subdivided into the flavours salty, sour, sweet, spicy,

bitter, neutral, aromatic and astringent. The effects on

pathways and temperature qualities also carry a high

level of importance. The active repetition of certain

sequences of movement and coordination exercises is

based on the fact that movement, conscious breathing

and mental imagination also influence qi. When

practiced regularly, qi gong and tai chi can provide inner

peace and release tension in the body. The most –

dare we say – pleasant pillar of TCM is the tui na massage,

one of TCM’s most effective manual therapies.

This special form of pushing (“tui”) and pulling (“na”)

of the muscles is a blend of chiropractic, acupressure

and a holistic approach designed to restore people’s

inner balance. With 18 basic grips and around 300 individual

grips, which are performed with the fingertips,

palms and elbows, they release blockages in the

meridians and restore the body’s natural energy flows.

The most complex part of TCM, and of our lives in

general, is nutrition – although a brief summary of the

six nutritional principles proves to be simple and

straightforward: Eat breakfast early, only ever eat 80%

of your fill, eat and drink warm foods and beverages,

enjoy salt and fat in moderation, choose cooked meals

to raw foods. The spleen, stomach and kidneys are especially

important for the supply of energy. If weakened,

chronic tiredness and lethargy are the results.

Basically, the goal is to maintain all organs in balance

to ensure a high quality of life.

The Ayurvedic way of life

In Thiersee, Tyrol, Elisabeth Mauracher is adapting

the traditional Indian art of healing to our Western

lifestyles. “There is a reason why we were born in

Europe and that is why we should work with the domestic

treasures that nature provides us with,” is the

guiding principle of the pioneer and head of the European

Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof. Here, health problems

are addressed that normally do not receive much

attention in the East, such as migraines and back pain

from spending too much time in front of the screen or

PHOTO: KNEIPPBUND

Hideaway

DIE KRAFT DER BERGE, DIE RUHE DER NATUR UND

DIE HEILENDE WIRKUNG VON EUROPEAN AYURVEDA.

Sanfte Reinigung, belebendes Detox, heilendes Pancha Karma: Die nender Luxus und viel Wissen der alten indischen Heillehre machen

Kuren nach dem ganzheitlichen Konzept von European Ayurveda einen Aufenthalt im European Ayurveda Hideaway an der Grenze

bringen Körper, Geist und Seele in Balance. Hochwertig und nachhaltig

inmitten der Berge. Eine Auszeit, sorgfältig auf individuelle unserem täglichen Mantra „Es geht mir richtig gut“.

zwischen Tirol und Bayern zu einem ganzheitlichen Erlebnis. Getreu

Bedürfnisse abgestimmt, die Kraft gibt und Ruhe spendet. Entspan-

Für Körper,

Geist und Seele.

10 Übernachtungen

9 Behandlungstage

18 Anwendungen

DIE KÖNIGIN DER AYURVEDA KUREN:

PANCHA KARMA KUR

Erlebe eine intensive Reinigung von Körper, Geist und Seele durch die Königin

der ayurvedischen Kuren. In drei Schritten wird Dein Körper von Altlasten befreit,

Dein Immunsystem aufgebaut und Deine Gesundheit nachhaltig gestärkt. Doch

die Reinigung wirkt nicht nur auf physischer Ebene, sondern auch Seele und Geist

werden geklärt und beruhigt. Du verspürst neue Lebensenergie, fühlst Dich leicht

und unbeschwert.

> Konsultation & Pulsdiagnose

> Ernährungs- & Lifestyleberatung

> Abschlussgespräch

> Therapeutische Begleitung

> Snehana – Ghee-Abgabe

> Virechana – Reinigungstag

> Behandlungen laut Anamnese

> Svedana – Wärmetherapie

> Heißwassertrinkkur, Ingwerwasser

> Kräuter während des Aufenthalts

> Yoga & Meditation laut Wochenprogramm

> Benützung des Ayurveda Spa

> Pancha Karma Verpflegung


WWW.SONNHOF-AYURVEDA.AT

CELEBRATING



Y E A R S

1971–2021

strengthened through mental & mind detox, glory

mind retreats, aroma and colour therapy or shamanic

coaching. Yoga, meditation, proper breathing, exercise

in nature are further recommended to release blockages

and let one’s natural life energy flow freely.

Das European Ayurveda

Resort Sonnhof setzt auf

eine Symbiose von

Erkenntnissen der

Schulmedizin und

fernöstlicher Heillehre.

The European Ayurveda

Resort Sonnhof relies on a

combination of the findings

of conventional medicine and

Eastern healing teachings.

burnout due to constant work pressure, permanent

multi-tasking and the challenges posed by everyday

life. European Ayurveda combines the insights of conventional

medicine, the power of millennia-old

healing techniques and a deep connection with the

local environment in order to combat the diseases of

civilisation. With the individualisation of society in

mind, massages, talks, nutrition, gentle yoga sessions

and coaching are employed to restore balance to the

life forces vata, kapha and pitta.

Pillars of European Ayurveda

The creation of a custom-tailored therapy plan is

based on a holistic approach comprising pulse diagnosis,

complementary medical diagnosis and treatment

methods and sound Ayurvedic knowledge. Individualised

nutrition is the next step. Since the principle of

cooking fresh food three times a day can be difficult to

implement in the West and many food products that

are part of the traditional Ayurvedic diet lose their nutritional

value because they have to be shipped over

from abroad, vegetarian alternatives made with local

herbs and spices are served instead. The mind is

The power of water treading

Last but not least, we would like to touch on some

time-honoured knowledge that goes all the way back

to Father Sebastian Kneipp. Here, too, the focus is on

five pillars – water, healing herbs, nutrition, exercise

and a balanced lifestyle – which can be learned and

experienced in everyday life at many spa centres in

Austria. Or as Kneipp himself put it: “You have to act

on the whole body if you want to eliminate the source

of disease. …not many treatments cure, but the right

treatment done in the right way does.” It is about being

more mindful with oneself, letting one’s intuition and

gut take charge, recognising one’s own strengths and

limits. The knowledge of the role of herbs in baths,

compresses, teas or while cooking helps with colds,

nervousness and restlessness, sleep disorders, digestive

issues and improving the digestibility of food. In

the treatments, nature is simulated through the use of

heat, cold and hunger.

All these approaches have one thing in common:

They view the human being as an individual with

changing needs. It is therefore actually not important

whether you choose a tradition from China, India or

Europe to do yourself and your body good. It is much

more important to choose to take action in a timely

and preventative manner and to let the treasure chest

of nature in all of its therapeutic diversity take effect

on you. With this in mind, we’ll share a proverb from

Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu with you: “A journey of

a thousand miles begins with the first step.”

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

Spüre

die Kraft

der Natur.

Elīna GaranČa, Opern-Weltstar & Master Lin-Markenbotschafterin

Master Lin setzt ausschließlich natürliche Inhaltsstoffe ein – aus Überzeugung

und Respekt vor der Natur. Master Lin-Produkte vereinen das Wissen der

Traditionellen Chinesischen Medizin mit dem Know-how des 21. Jahrhunderts.

www.masterlin.com

eine marke der

familie


SAVOIR VIVRE HOLIDAY RESIDENCES

Run auf Ferienimmobilien

Run on holiday homes


Welche Destinationen besonders im Fokus liegen und worauf man beim

Kauf achten muss, haben wir im Gespräch mit Experten herausgefunden.

We spoke to the experts to find out which destinations are in high demand

and what to look out for while buying.

PHOTOS: KNIGHT FRANK/OTTO IMMOBILIEN

D

as Fernweh ist aktuell um eine Nuance reicher,

wie die starke Nachfrage nach Ferienimmobilien

zeigt. Es ist die Sehnsucht nach

einem zweiten Zuhause zum Entspannen unter der

Prämisse von Privatsphäre, ausreichend sozialem Abstand

und hohem Wohnkomfort, die die Märkte belebt.

Architektonisch pusht im Premiumsegment das

Prädikat „neu und modern“ die Nachfrage. Im High-

End-Segment sind historische Revitalisierungen am

meisten gefragt, weiß Bernd Gabel-Hlawa, CEO von

FINDMYHOME zu berichten. Als dritten Trend

sieht er ein starkes Wachstum in der Nachfrage nach

Eigentum in Luxushotels. „Luxus heißt auch, sich um

nichts kümmern zu müssen und die oft spärliche

Freizeit in vollen Zügen zu genießen. Das gelingt,

wenn Hotelangestellte sich um die Pflege, Wartung

und Gästebetreuung kümmern, den Einkauf organisieren

und alle Hoteleinrichtungen mit Kauf des Objekts

zur Verfügung stehen.“

Fern oder nah?

Die Gretchenfrage der Ferienimmobilien-Wahl

bleibt letztlich eine sehr persönliche. Oder wie Peter

Marschall, CEO von Marschall Immobilien und

Gründungsmitglied des Immobiliennetzwerks

EREN (Europas führendem Netzwerk unabhängiger

Makler für Designer- und Premiumimmobilien)

ausführt: „Der Ferienimmobilien-Markt ist geprägt

davon, dass Interessenten kein dringendes Wohnbedürfnis

decken, sondern aus besonderer Vorliebe

eine Immobilie kaufen. Daraus ergibt sich ein individuelles

Kundenverhalten.“ Allgemeine Tendenzen

wie Homeoffice-Tauglichkeit, die Unabhängigkeit

vom Flugverkehr oder der Wunsch nach einem

schnell erreichbaren und zugleich stillen Rückzugsort

in Gestalt eines Land-Forsthauses oder eines

Chalets in einer Skiregion oder am See dominieren

seit Pandemie-Beginn. Gabel-Hlawa hat für Cercle

Diplomatique analysiert, welche aktuell die beliebtesten

Destinationen der Suchenden sind. „Im Premiumsegment

führt Österreich mit Wohnen am See

oder in den Bergen. Auf Platz zwei und drei liegen

Kroatien und Mallorca, gefolgt von Italien mit dem

Schwerpunkt nördliche Adria (Jesolo und Grado).

Ibiza besetzt mit ausgewählten griechischen Inseln

ex aequo Platz fünf. Auf der Überholspur befinden

sich die Destinationen Montenegro und Slowenien.

Im High-End-Segment sind klassische Hotspots wie

Kitzbühel, der Wörthersee und das Salzkammergut

gefragt. Direkt dahinter in der Beliebtheitsskala liegt

Südfrankreich mit Schwerpunkt Cannes und Nizza.

Die Toskana und Venedig belegen Platz drei. Ebenfalls

unter den Top Fünf rangieren Marbella und die

ligurische Küste.“

Italien und Frankreich

Eine aktuelle Analyse von OTTO Immobilien,

Partner des internationalen Immobilienberaters

Knight Frank, kommt zu ähnlichen Ergebnissen.

„Die Toskana, der Raum Venedig, die Provence, die

Côte d´Azur, aber auch die spanischen Küstenregionen

sind sehr gefragt“, berichtet Martina Gruber

vom OTTO International Network Management aus

ihrer Erfahrung. Der Markt hat sich vom langsamen

Käufermarkt des Vorjahres in der ersten Jahreshälfte

2021 in einen aktiven Markt verwandelt, mit deutlichen

Anzeichen für eine Verknappung des Angebots

vor allem bei hochwertigen Bestandsobjekten. Die

Preise in der Lagunenstadt liegen aktuell in einer

Bandbreite zwischen 6.000 und 20.000 Euro pro

Quadratmeter – Tendenz nach oben. An der Côte

d‘Azur kann der Quadratmeter bis zu 35.300 Euro

kosten. Preise, die sich nicht zuletzt durch rückkehrende

Expats ergeben. „Viele zieht es nach Mougins,

Valbonne oder Aix-en-Provence, da es dort gute internationale

Schulen gibt“, so Gruber. Ebenfalls beliebt:

das „goldenen Dreieck“ der Provence zwischen

den mittelalterlichen Orten Gordes, Ménerbes und

Bonnieux. Ein Tipp für aktuell Suchende in dieser

Region: Der Luxusimmobilienmakler Hendrich Real

Estate trifft mit der Vermarktung der Villa Bellevue

in Cannes mit üppigem Garten und beheiztem Infinity-Pool

für seine Klienten mitten ins Schwarze.

Außerhalb der EU

Besonders in den Wintermonaten sind weiter

entfernte Feriendomizile wie die Malediven, Dubai,

Miami und Mauritius für Langzeitaufenthalte interessant.

Die Landschaft, das Klima, die rechtliche Eigentumssicherheit

und die Direktflugverbindung

sind entscheidende Hauptfaktoren. Für die Insel

Mauritius im Indischen Ozean als zweites Zuhause

plädiert Gerda Chalupa, Immobilienmaklerin und

Prokuristin bei Chalupa Immobilien, die seit fast 20

Jahren hier beruflich und privat aktiv ist. „Erholungssuchende

erwarten wirtschaftliche und demo-

MR. C RESIDENCES COCONUT GROVE

Voraussichtlich im Herbst 2022 wird diese moderne Ferienimmobilie mit 112 Einheiten in Miami

fertiggestellt – Panoramablick, Concierge und High-End-Service à la Cipriani inklusive.

This state-of-the-art holiday home with 112 units in Miami is expected to be completed by autumn 2022 –

panoramic views, concierge and high-end service à la Cipriani included.




Mauritius bietet angenehmes Klima von Oktober

bis Mai, direkte Flugverbindungen und eine

maximale Zeitverschiebung von drei Stunden.

Mauritius offers a pleasant climate from October

through May, direct flight connections and a time

difference of no more than three hours.

2372 Gießhübl

Dieses schlossähnliche Anwesen mit traumhaft

schönem Blick auf Wien besticht mit einzigartiger

Lage und parkähnlichem Garten.

Grund ca. 6900m², Wfl. ca. 810m²

Mit den Werten

steigen die Ansprüche

PRIVATVILLEN IM

ONE&ONLY LE SAINT

GÉRAN | PRIVATE VILLAS

AT THE ONE&ONLY LE

SAINT GÉRAN

52 Häuser umfasst die

limitierte Kollektion von

Chalupa Immobilien mit

Direktanbindung an den

Beach Club und Zugang zum

Fünfstern-Luxusresort an

der Ostküste von Mauritius.

Chalupa Real Estate’s limited

collection is comprised of 52

homes, providing direct

access to both a beach club

and the five-star luxury

resort on Mauritius’ east

coast.

kratische Stabilität sowie üppige Vegetation, klares

Wasser, angenehmes Klima und eine sehr sympathische

Mentalität der Mauritier.“

Ferienimmobilien als Anlageobjekt

Möchte man mit seinem Domizil im Ausland Erträge

erzielen, sind mehrere Faktoren zu berücksichtigen.

Diese reichen von der Lage, der Länge der Saison

und Verfügbarkeit lokaler Betreiber über die

laufende Organisation und Reinigung vor Ort bis

zur erhöhten Abnutzung. Außerdem werden Sharing-Modelle

im Luxussegment zunehmend salonfähig.

Für Chalupa machen exotische Ferienimmobilien

als Anlageobjekt Sinn, wenn auch eine persönliche

Nutzung für sich selbst und die Familie vorliegt. Sie

empfiehlt eine Vermietung mit der Anbindung an

ein Luxushotel wie beispielsweise beim One&Only-

Resort Le Saint Géran an der Ostküste. „Hier gibt es

auch die Sicherheit der professionellen Nutzung und

Abdeckung des monatlichen Erhaltungsaufwands

bzw. darüber hinaus. Der Immobiliensektor ist besonders

attraktiv für Investitionen, da es auf Mauritius

keine Kapitalgewinnsteuer, keine Grundsteuer

und keine Erbschaftsteuer gibt. Außerdem können

Erwerber von bestimmten Immobilien eine dauerhafte

Aufenthaltsgenehmigung (IRS = Integrated Resort

Scheme) bekommen.“

Steuerliche Fragen

Bezüglich der steuerlichen Besonderheiten beim

Kauf einer Ferienimmobilie im Ausland gibt Karin

Fuhrmann, Partnerin bei TPA-Steuerberatung und

Expertin für internationale Immobilienfragen Orientierungshilfe:

„Falls die Ferienimmobilie nicht nur

der Eigennutzung dient, sondern auch vermietet

werden soll, wird eine steuerliche Registrierung im

jeweiligen Land erforderlich sein. Zusätzlich sollte

man sich einen Überblick über die Nebenkosten des

Erwerbs (Grunderwerbsteuer, eventuell Umsatzsteuer)

sowie über die steuerlichen Folgen eines Verkaufs

verschaffen. In vielen Ländern gibt es auch

Vermögens- und Erbschaftssteuern, die ebenfalls

mitzuberücksichtigen sind. Ebenso kann es im Vermietungsfall

gewerberechtliche Erfordernisse geben,

welche eingehalten werden müssen. Sofern die Immobilie

nur eigengenutzt wird, ist ertragssteuerlich

keine Änderung der Steueransässigkeit zu befürchten,

da es sich maximal um einen Zweitwohnsitz

PHOTOS: CHALUPA IMMOBILIEN

Das exklusive Segment mit hochwertigen

Liegenschaften. Die Sehnsucht nach beständigen

Werten manifestiert sich in steigender

Nachfrage nach historischen Villen, parkähnlichen

Gärten und moderner Architektur.

2371 Hinterbrühl

In bester Hinterbrühler Ruhelage gelegen

findet man in dieser Jahrhundertwende-Villa

ein Altbaujuwel, welches erstklassiges und

komfortables Wohngefühl garantiert.

Grund ca. 1.814m², Wfl. ca. 260m²

Mit lieben Grüßen,

Karin Bosch, MBA

Leitung s REAL Exklusiv


2531 Gaaden bei Wien

Die zeitlose Architektur der Extraklasse – versteckt im wunderschönen

Wienerwald! In Verbindung mit den Wünschen des

Bauherren entstand dieses einmalige und außergewöhnliche

Familiendomizil. Grund ca. 5000m 2 , Wfl. ca. 1000m²


COSTA BLANCA UND

IBIZA | COSTA BLANCA

AND IBIZA

Empfehlung des Spanien-

Experten Marschall

Immobilien: exquisite Villen

auf Jávea an der Costa

Blanca oder die Casa Monet

auf Ibiza.

Recommend by the Spain

experts at Marschall

Immobilien: exquisite villas

on Jávea on the Costa Blanca

or Casa Monet on Ibiza.

handelt. Es könnten hier aber zeitliche Limits zu beachten

sein, die bei Überschreitung zu einer steuerlichen

Ansässigkeit im Urlaubsland führen könnten,

die wiederum in weiterer Folge, z. B. bei Vermögenssteuern,

zu unliebsamen Folgen führen könnte. Bei

der Einkommensteuer sollten sich trotzdem keine

Veränderungen ergeben. In einigen Ländern (GB,

USA, Italien) kann es bei Vermietung und Verkauf

zu einer Besteuerung sowohl im Wohnsitzstaat als

auch Urlaubsland kommen, wobei in diesem Fall die

Steuer in der Folge angerechnet wird.“

Wanderlust is on the rise, as the strong demand

for holiday homes shows. Behind

this trend is the desire for a second home

that offers relaxation and privacy, sufficient social distance

and a high standard of living. Architecturally

speaking, the desire for “new and modern” is what is

driving demand in the premium segment. In the highend

segment, historical revitalisations are highly

sought-after, CEO of FINDMYHOME Bernd Gabel-

Hlawa reports. He sees a third trend in the demand for

properties in luxury hotels. “Luxury also means not

having to concern oneself with more mundane tasks

and being able to enjoy one’s often sparse free time to

the fullest. This works especially well at hotels where

the staff is in charge of care, maintenance, guest welfare

and even shopping. Hotel facilities are usually also

available upon the purchase of a property.”

Far or near?

The crucial question of the perfect holiday home

is ultimately a very personal one. Or as Peter Marschall,

CEO of Marschall Immobilien and founding

member of the real estate network EREN (Europe’s

leading independent designer and premium real estate

agent network) points out: “The holiday home

market is characterised by the fact that prospective

buyers are not in the process of meeting an urgent

housing need but are buying out of love for a particular

property. This results in very individualised customer

behaviour.” General tendencies such as workfrom-home

suitability, convenient air travel links

and the desire for a quickly accessible and, at the

same time, quiet retreat in the form of a country

house or a chalet in a skiing region or by a lake have

been prevalent since the beginning of the pandemic.

Gabel-Hlawa has analysed the most sought-after destinations

for Cercle Diplomatique. “In the premium

segment, Austria leads with accommodations near

lakes and mountains. Croatia and Mallorca are in second

and third place respectively, followed by Italy

with a focus on the northern Adriatic (Jesolo and

Grado). Ibiza occupies fifth place along with selected

Greek islands. In the fast lane, we can see destinations

such as Montenegro and Slovenia rising up in

the ranks. In the high-end segment, classic hotspots

such as Kitzbühel, Lake Wörth and the Salzkammergut

region continue to dominate. Right behind on

the popularity scale is the South of France with

Cannes and Nice as the main hubs. Tuscany and Venice

are in third place. Also in the top five are Marbella

and the Italian Riviera.”

Italy and France

A recent analysis by OTTO Immobilien, partner of

the international property advisor Knight Frank, has

reached similar conclusions. “Tuscany, Venice and the

surrounding area, Provence, the French Riviera, as

well as the Spanish coasts are in high demand,” Martina

Gruber from OTTO International Network Management

reports from her experience. The market

has transformed from the slow buyer’s market of the

previous year into a very active market in the first half

of 2021, with clear signs of supply shortage, especially

for already built high-quality properties. Prices in Ve-

PHOTOS: MARSCHALL IMMOBILIEN

nice range from 6,000 to 20,000 euro per square metre

– trending upward. On the French Riviera, a square

metre can cost up to 35,300 euro. These prices are often

due to returning expats. “Many people are drawn

to Mougins, Valbonne or Aix-en-Provence because of

the great international schools there,” says Gruber.

Also popular: the “Golden Triangle” of Provence between

the medieval towns of Gordes, Ménerbes and

Bonnieux. A tip for those looking to buy something in

the region right now: Luxury property agent Hendrich

Real Estate has hit the nail on the head with Villa

Bellevue in Cannes with its lush gardens and heated

infinity pool.

Outside the EU

Especially in the winter months, faraway holiday

residences for long-term stays in places such as the

Maldives, Dubai, Miami and Mauritius can be very

enticing. Here, the landscape, the climate, the legal

security of ownership and direct flights are the main

decisive factors. Gerda Chalupa, property agent and

authorised signatory at Chalupa Immobilien, who

has been active in this field both professionally as

well as privately for nearly 20 years, likes to make the

case for the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean

as the ideal second home. “Here, holidaymakers can

expect economic and democratic stability as well as

lush vegetation, clear water, a pleasant climate and

the very friendly attitude of the Mauritians.”

Holiday homes as investment

If you would like to earn a return on your residence

abroad, then there are several factors to consider. These

range from the location, the length of the season

and the availability of local businesses to ongoing organisational

and cleaning duties and increased wear

and tear. Home-sharing models are becoming increasingly

commonplace in the luxury segment. For Chalupa,

exotic holiday homes only make sense as an investment

if one is also eyeing it for personal use. She

recommends renting out in connection to a luxury

hotel, such as the One&Only-Resort Le Saint Géran

on Mauritius’ east coast. “This ensures professional

use and coverage of monthly maintenance expenses

and beyond. The property sector in Mauritius is especially

attractive for investors as there is no capital gains

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


ZWEITES ZUHAUSE | SECOND HOME

presents

Hier eine Auswahl interessanter Feriendomizile, die

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE mit Kooperationspartner

Findmyhome und weiteren Premium-Immobilienanbietern

getroffen hat.

Here is a selection of interesting holiday homes that CERCLE

DIPLOMATIQUE has compiled with their partner Findmyhome

and other high-end property agencies.

HWB 31,70

fGEE 0,73

HWB 84,77

Österreich | Austria

Golfresidenzen Zell am See/Sbg.

findmyhome.at/zell

Alpen Refugium Zauchensee/Sbg.

findmyhome.at/zauchensee

Villa Magnolia Oberwaltersdorf/Bgld.

findmyhome.at/magnolia

Renaissance-Schloss Lichtenau/OÖ

findmyhome.at/lichtenau

Hendrich Real Estate

International

Villa Bellevue Côte d‘Azur/Frankreich

findmyhome.at/cannes

Villa Anahita Mauritius/Indischer Ozean

findmyhome.at/anahita

Privathäuser One & Only Le Saint Géran Mauritius/

Indischer Ozean

findmyhome.at/oneandonly

Traditionelles Anwesen Toskana/Italien

findmyhome.at/toscana

Residencial Olivera Palma Palma/Mallorca

findmyhome.at/mallorca

tax, no property tax and no inheritance tax. In addition,

buyers of certain types of residences are able to

obtain permanent residency (IRS = integrated resort

scheme).”

Tax matters

When it comes to the tax particularities of buying a

holiday home abroad, Karin Fuhrmann, partner at

TPA-Steuerberatung and expert in international property

matters, can offer guidance: “If the property is

not just for personal use but is also going to be rented

out, then tax registration in the respective country is

going to be necessary. In addition, one should try to

get an overview of the ancillary costs associated with

the purchase (land transfer tax, possibly VAT) as well

as the tax situation in case of a sale. Many countries

also impose property taxes that should be taken into

account. Likewise, in the case of letting, there may be

commercial law requirements to be complied with. If

the property is exclusively reserved for personal use,

then there is no need to worry about changing one’s

tax residency for income tax purposes, as such a property

would at most be considered a second home.

However, time limits may apply in this case, which, if

exceeded, could result in tax residency in the holiday

country, which could subsequently lead to unpleasant

consequences, e.g. with regard to property taxes. Still,

this should not affect income tax matters. In some

countries (UK, USA, Italy), taxation may occur both

in the country of residence and in the holiday country

when renting and selling, in which case the tax is subsequently

credited.”

STEINHAUS IN DER

PROVENCE | STONE

HOUSE IN PROVENCE

In Gordes, einem der

schönsten Dörfer

Frankreichs, bieten ca. 160

m² auf zwei Etagen, Terrasse

und Doppelgarage jeglichen

Urlaubskomfort.

In Gordes, one of the most

beautiful towns in all of

France, approx. 160 m² on

two floors, a terrace and a

double garage provide every

holiday comfort.

PHOTOS: JANSSENS/OTTO IMMOBILIEN, BEIGESTELLT

HARING HOMES @FONTANA

Living on the golf course

195 - 343 m 2 from € 3.665.000 2522

Oberwaltersdorf

findmyhome.at/fontana

RESIDENCIAL OLIVERA PALMA

High quality project in the center of Palma de Mallorca

47 - 297 m 2 from € 195.000 Palma de Mallorca

A JEWEL WITH A FANTASTIC VIEW

Outstanding apartment with 24/7 hotel-services

126,5 m 2 € 2.540.000 1010 Vienna

findmyhome.at/jewel

HWB 86,6 - 175

findmyhome.at/oliverapalma

Find more exclusive real estate on FindMyHome.at/premiumliving


SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE

Festlicher Modeherbst

Festive fashion autumn


Multisaisonale Kollektion |

Multi-seasonal collection

Augen auf

Eyes open

Chanel hat es bei seiner Haute

Couture-Show gezeigt: Der

Eyeliner ist im XXL-Format und in

Farbe zurück. Der Rest des

Make-ups übt sich in Zurückhaltung.

Gelingt am besten mit „Stylo

Yeux Waterproof 38 Bleu Métal"

und „88 Noir Intense".

Chanel showed at its Haute

Couture show that eyeliner is back

in XXL format and in colour.

The rest of the make-up though

should still exercise restraint.

Works best with "Stylo Yeux

Waterproof 38 Bleu Métal"

and "88 Noir Intense".

chanel.com

Anschmiegsame Eleganz |

Snug elegance

Seit 2009 ist Anelia Peschev eine fixe Modeinstanz,

wenn es um opulente Roben, kesse Cocktailkleider und

außergewöhnliche Stoffqualitäten geht. Zeitlose Eleganz

und perfekt betonte Silhouetten durch weich fallende

Kreationen sind die Stärke der österreichischen

Designerin mit bulgarischen Wurzeln. Die Kollektionen

sind u. a. im Kaufhaus Steffl erhältlich.

Since 2009, Anelia Peschev has been a leading fashion

authority when it comes to opulent gowns, saucy

cocktail dresses and exceptional fabrics. Timeless

elegance and perfectly accentuated silhouettes through

softly falling creations are the strengths of the Austrian

designer with Bulgarian roots. The collections are

available at Kaufhaus Steffl and elsewhere.

aneliapeschev.com

Meisterstück in Bronze | Masterpiece

in bronze

Ein seltenes Material in der Uhrenwelt setzt Tudor beim

neuen Modell der „Black Bay Fifty-Eight“ mit

Manufakturwerk Kaliber MT5400 ein. Das Armband aus

Bronze kreiert im Laufe der Zeit eine einzigartige Patina

aufgrund der Tragegewohnheiten seines Besitzers.

Tudor is employing a material rarely seen in the world of

watches in its new “Black Bay Fifty-Eight” model with an

MT5400 manufacture movement

calibre. Over time, the bronze

bracelet creates a unique patina

based on the wearing habits of

the owner.

tudorwatch.com

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT

Zeitlose Silhouetten mit einem Hauch von Science-Fiction: Eine vorsichtig optimistische Attitüde

streut Helmut Lang in dieser Saison. Seine multifunktionalen und nicht saisonal festgelegten

Modelle sind inspiriert von Sportkleidung und wasserfesten sowie winddichten Hightech- Materialien.

Timeless silhouettes with a touch of sci-fi: This season, Helmut Lang exudes a cautiously

optimistic attitude. The brand’s multifunctional and non-seasonal styles are inspired by sportswear

and waterproof and windproof high-tech materials.

helmutlang.com

Mode mit Kunst-Appeal |

Fashion with artistic appeal

Die Wiener Künstlerin D.EVDO kreiert Accessoires

mit kunstvollen Collagen als Hommage an die

schönsten Orte Österreichs. Unter dem Motto „Wear

your City“ werden bekannte Motive aus Wien auf

Seidentüchern, Beuteln und Taschen verewigt. Ideal

als Geschenk für Menschen rund um den Globus.

The Viennese artist D.EVDO creates accessories with

artistic collages that pay homage to Austria’s most

beautiful places. As per the motto “Wear Your City”,

well-known Viennese motifs are thus immortalised

on silk scarves, bags and satchels. Also ideal as a gift

for people from around the world.

districtart-webshop.com

Aufsehenerregende Neuinterpretation |

Exciting reinterpretation

Als dynamische Reform einer Ikone hat Donatella Versace für die

aktuelle Kollektion das „Versace La Greca“-Logo präsentiert. Das

Monogramm durchzieht alle Herbst-/Winter-Modelle in unterschiedlicher

Präsenz – vom Innenfutter bei Jacken bis zu flächendeckender

Präsenz bei Anzügen, Kleidern oder auch auf Plateausohlen. Glänzende

Abendlooks unterstreichen ebenfalls die Wirkungskraft eines

Monogramms, das seit 40 Jahren nicht an Aktualität verloren hat.

In a dynamic reform of an icon, Donatella Versace has presented the

“Versace La Greca” logo for the current collection. The monogram runs

through all autumn/winter models in different variations – from the

lining on jackets to a blanket presence on suits, dresses or even on

platform soles. Gleaming evening looks likewise underscore the impact

of a monogram that hasn’t lost its relevance in 40 years.

versace.com


SAVOIR VIVRE

LIFESTYLE

Nonchalanter Mix |

Nonchalant mix

Schachbrett im Fokus: Urbaner

Lebensstil und formelle

Office-Silhouetten in lässigem

und zeitlosem Chic sind die

Leitthemen von Virgil Abloh,

Kreativdirektor von Louis

Vuitton.

Checkerboard in focus: Urban

lifestyle and formal office

silhouettes in casual and

timeless chic are the guiding

themes of Virgil Abloh, creative

director of Louis Vuitton.

louisvuitton.com

Natur als Inspiration | Nature as

inspiration

Tamara Comollis Gespür für harmonische Kompositionen

aus Farbsteinen – in dieser Saison überwiegend Citrine,

Mandarin Granaten, Rauchquarz, Peridot und bunte

Saphire harmonieren mit gedeckten Herbsttönen. Ihre

Kombination mit Holz und Roségold ruft nicht zufällig

Assoziationen mit dem Indian Summer hervor.

Tamara Comolli’s flair for harmonious colour stone

compositions – this season, mainly in the form of citrine,

mandarin garnet, smoky quartz, peridot and colourful

sapphire – harmonise best with muted autumn tones.

It is no coincidence that their combinations with wood

and rose gold evoke associations with Indian summer.

tamaracomolli.com

Ungewöhnliche Materialien | Unusual materials

Javier Goyeneche gründete sein Modelabel Ecoalf 2009. Die

Kollektionsstoffe für Jacken, Pullover, Hosen, Schuhe und

Accessoires etc. entstehen aus PET-Flaschen, alten

Fischernetzen, gebrauchten Reifen und sogar „postconsumer“-Kaffee

und anderen nachhaltigen Rohstoffen.

Javier Goyeneche founded his fashion label Ecoalf in

2009. The fabrics for his jackets, pullovers, trousers,

shoes and accessories were sourced from PET

bottles, old fishnets, used tyres and even

“post-consumer” coffee and

other sustainable raw

materials.

ecoalf.com

Smokey Eyes

Die „Hypnôse Palette 5 Couleurs #17 Bronze Absolu“-

Lidschattenpalette #17 in fünf Nuancen von schimmerndem

Rosé-Gold bis zu mattem Kastanienbraun

unterstreicht herbstliche Outfits.

The “Hypnôse Palette 5 Couleurs #17 Bronze Absolu”

eyeshadow palette #17 in five shades from shimmery

rose gold to matte maroon is the perfect enhancement

for any autumn outfit.

lancome.com

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT


SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADOR'S DRIVE

Auf der Straße: BMW iX3. Am Steuer: S.E. Dario Ernesto Chirú Ochoa.

On the road: BMW iX3. At the wheel: H.E. Dario Ernesto Chirú Ochoa.

Der Botschafter von Panama auf CD-Testfahrt. The Ambassador of Panama performs a test drive for CD.

Interview: Stephan Burianek

PHOTOS: ADRIAN ALMASAN

Dario Ernesto Chirú Ochoa wirkt anfangs nicht

überglücklich, als wir ihn hinter das Steuer

des neuen BMW iX3 bitten. „Wollen Sie nicht

fahren?“, fragt er den Autor hoffnungsvoll. Früher sei

er gerne und häufig selbst gefahren, mittlerweile sitze

er lieber auf dem Beifahrersitz. Sein Chauffeur ist derzeit

außerdem im Urlaub, also muss der Botschafter

der Republik Panama doch selbst ran – er wird es, soviel

sei bereits jetzt verraten, nicht bereuen.

Wir starten in der Innenstadt, die panamaische

Botschaft befindet sich in unmittelbarer Nähe zur

Peterskirche. Schnell fahren kann man hier nicht,

dafür bietet der Stopp-and-Go-Verkehr dem Botschafter,

der üblicherweise einen herkömmlichen

BMW fährt, die Gelegenheit, sich mit den besonderen

Eigenschaften eines Elektroautos vertraut zu machen

– etwa mit der starken Bremsfunktion, wenn

man den Fuß vom Gaspedal nimmt. Der iX3 ist der

erste Wagen der Marke BMW, der zur Gänze in China

hergestellt wird – da erscheint es nur folgerichtig,

dass wir für die Fotos ein chinesisches Sujet suchen.

Wir finden es in der Arbeiterstrandbadstraße, wo

das pittoreske China Sichuan Restaurant am Rande

des Donauparks mit traditionell geschwungenen Kacheldächern

und –türmchen die Blicke auf sich zieht.

Die Beziehungen zwischen Panama und China

haben sich in den vergangenen Jahren intensiviert.

Die geographische Lage des kleinen zentralamerikanischen

Landes ist für den Riesen aus Asien von besonderem

Interesse: Durch den Panamakanal müssen

gleichsam alle Schiffe durch, die von der

chinesischen zur US-amerikanischen Ostküste fahren,

daher ist China jenes Land, das den Kanal am

zweithäufigsten befährt.

Auf Panamaer in Österreich angesprochen, klärt

der Botschafter über ein weiteres Charakteristikum

seines Landes auf: Es ziehe nur wenige Staatsbürger

dauerhaft ins Ausland, denn der generelle Lebensstandard

sei höher als beispielsweise in den Nachbarländern,

„70 Prozent unseres BNP basiert auf

Dienstleistungen, mit mehr als 70 internationalen

Banken sind wir das Finanzzentrum der gesamten

Region.“

Mit Europa fühlt sich Panama laut dem Botschafter

aufgrund einer ähnlichen, demokratischen Wertekultur

verbunden, was den Aufbau von wirtschaftlichen

Beziehungen erleichtert. Insbesondere der

globale Umwelt- und Klimaschutz ist dem überwiegend

grünen Land wichtig: „Wir sind ein CO2-neutrales

Land, de facto sind wir sogar CO2-negativ.“


SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADOR'S DRIVE

Klimatische Veränderungen könnten für Panama,

dessen Flüsse und Regen nicht nur das Trinkwasser

garantieren, sondern auch den Panamakanal speisen,

problematische Auswirkungen haben. Panama

ist daher stark an Europas grünen Technologien interessiert

– ein Feld, in dem bekanntlich auch Österreich

einiges zu bieten hat.

Am Ende hat der Botschafter die Zeit hinter dem

Steuer sichtlich genossen: Kaum ist der Wagen wieder

vor der Botschaft geparkt, wendet sich Chirú

Ochoa an den BMW-Verkaufsberater Victor Bara:

„Könnte ich das Auto mal für zwei, drei Tage haben,

um es intensiver zu testen?“

Dario Ernesto Chirú Ochoa doesn’t seem exactly

overjoyed when we ask him to sit behind

the wheel of the new BMW iX3. “Don’t

you want to drive?” he asks the author hopefully. He

used to enjoy driving, but now he prefers to take the

passenger seat. However, his driver is currently on

holiday, and thus the ambassador of the Republic of

Panama has to do it himself – but I can already tell

that he is going to love it.

We begin in the city centre. The Panamanian embassy

is located in the immediate vicinity of St.

Peter’s Church. You can’t drive fast here, but the stopand-go

traffic offers the ambassador, who normally

drives a regular BMW, the opportunity to inspect the

new electric model more closely – including, for example,

the power braking function when you take

your foot off the gas pedal. The iX3 is the BMW

brand’s first vehicle made completely in China – so it

seems only fitting to look for a Chinese backdrop for

our photos. We find it on Arbeiterstrandbadstrasse,

where the picturesque China Sichuan Restaurant on

the edge of Donaupark, with its traditionally curved

tiled roofs and turrets, catches everyone’s eye.

Relations between Panama and China have intensified

in recent years. The small Central American

country’s geographical location is of particular interest

to the Asian giant: All ships travelling from China

to the US east coast have to pass through the Panama

Canal, making China the country that uses the

canal the second most.

Asked about Panamanians in Austria, the ambassador

explains another characteristic of his country:

Very few Panamanians settle abroad permanently,

because Panama’s standard of living is higher than

PHOTOS: ADRIAN ALMASAN

Der Botschafter (2.v.r.) mit CD-Herausgeber

Alexander Bursky (r.), Victor Bara (2.v.l.),

Diplomatic Sales bei BMW Wien, sowie CD-Autor

Stephan Burianek (l.).

The ambassador (2nd r.) with CD editor Alexander

Bursky (r.), Victor Bara (2nd l.), Diplomatic Sales

at BMW Vienna, as well as CD's author Stephan

Burianek.

Im Flow einer neuen Zeit | In the flow of a new era

Der BMW iX3 ist die neue, vollelektrische Variante der beliebten X3-Reihe. Dieser Kompakt-SUV

wird ausschließlich im BMW-Werk BBA Plant Dadong in Shenyang (China) produziert. Im Interesse

der Nachhaltigkeit wird beim Elektromotor weitgehend auf seltene Rohstoffe verzichtet bzw. nur

aus Ländern zugekauft, in denen eine nachhaltige Produktion garantiert wird. Der für diesen Artikel

getestete Wagen verfügte über eine besonders hochwertige „Impressive“-Innenausstattung.

The BMW iX3 is the new fully electric version of the popular X3 series. This compact SUV is

exclusively manufactured at the BMW BBA Plant Dadong in Shenyang (China). For reasons of

sustainability, the electric engine largely dispenses with rare raw materials, only using those

purchased from countries that can guarantee sustainable production methods. The vehicle tested

for this article came with the especially high-end “Impressive” interior.

Technische Daten / Technical data

E-Motor-Leistung | E-motor performance

Höchstgeschwindigkeit (km/h)

Top speed (km/h)

Batteriekapazität | Battery capacity

Reichweite | Range

Beschleunigung 0-100 km/h (sek.)

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

Preis Price

210 kW (286 PS)

180 km/h

80 KWh

450 km

6,8 Sekunden

ab | from € 60.692 (inkl. | incl. 20% Mwst. and NoVA. (60 kW)

„Impressive“-Variante inklusive aller Sonderausstattungen |

“Impressive” version including all optional extras: :

€ 80.438,- (inkl. Mwst. | incl. VAT)

that of some of its neighbouring countries: “70 percent

of our GDP comes from services and with more

than 70 international banks we are the finance hub

for the whole region.”

According to the ambassador, Panama feels a

connection to Europe because of shared democratic

values, which is also facilitating the development of

economic relations. The protection of the environment

and the climate is especially important for the

predominantly green country. “We are a CO2-neutral

country, de-facto speaking we are even CO2-negative.”

Changes in the climate could have severe repercussions

for Panama, whose rivers and rain not

only provide drinking water but also feed the Panama

Canal. Panama has therefore taken a strong interest

in Europe’s green technologies – an area where

Austria famously also has a lot to offer.

By the end of our trip, the ambassador seems to

have thoroughly enjoyed his time behind the wheel.

As soon as the car is parked in front of the embassy,

Chirú Ochoa turns to the BMW sales consultant

Victor Bara and asks, “Could I have the car for another

two or three days to test it more intensively?”

INFO:

bmw.at

bmw-wien.at

qi3 modulwand

PARTNER VON

magerglas.at quint-it

raumsysteme

SAVOIR VIVRE MOTOR

Hohe Ambitionen für den Herbst

High ambitions for the autumn

Text: Rois & Stubenrauch

Audi RS3: Maximaler Fahrspaß | Maximum driving pleasure

400 PS katapultieren den Boliden in 3,8 Sekunden auf 100 km/h. Cockpitanzeigen wie im Motorsport, ausgestellte Radhäuser und Semi-Slicks sorgen dafür, dass der neue

RS3 auf der Rennstrecke ebenso gute Figur macht wie auf der Straße. Der neue Torque Splitter mit elektronisch gesteuerten Lamellenkupplungen sorgt für optimale

Kurvenlage und macht den Audi RS3 noch kraftvoller und agiler. Definitiv kein Vernunftauto, aber glücklicherweise ist Autofahren nicht nur Vernunftsache.

With 400 hp under the hood, the new Audi RS3 races from 0 to 100 in just 3.8

Motor Engine

R5 2,5l TFSI

seconds. With race-car-like cockpit displays, flared wheel arches and

Antrieb Drive

Allradantrieb quattro | Quattro all-wheel drive

semi-slicks, the RS3 performs just as well on the racetrack as it does on the

kW (PS) kw (HP) 294 (400)

road. The new torque splitter with electronically controlled multi-plate

Hubraum Engine displacement

2.480 ccm

clutches provides optimal cornering, making the Audi RS3 even more powerful

Verbrauch Consumption

8,8–8,2 l/100km

and even more agile. Definitely not a “reasonable” car – but then again,

Preis | Price ab | from: € 69.800,–

driving has never just been about reason.

Ford Mustang Mach-E: Eine Legende unter Strom |

Electrifying a legend

MG EHS Plug-in-Hybrid: Solider Luxus | Solid luxury

Ford bringt eine vollelektrische Variante seines legendären Mustangs. Der

elegante Crossover-SUV mit dem schönen Namen Mustang Mach-E kommt

wahlweise mit Heck- oder Allradantrieb und zwei Batteriegrößen. In der starken

„Extended Range“ Variante mit 88 kWh Netto Batteriekapazität schafft der

Mach-E laut Werksangabe 610 km Reichweite – im Praxistest bei einer Fahrt quer

über Großbritannien im Juli 2021 wurden sogar 500 Meilen erreicht, was etwas

mehr als 800 Kilometern entspricht und dem Ford Mustang Mach-E den Guinness

World Record für Reichweite bei Serienfahrzeugen beschert.

Ford has introduced a fully electric version of its legendary Mustang. The elegant

crossover SUV with the beautiful name Mustang Mach-E comes with rear or

all-wheel drive and two optional battery sizes. In the powerful “Extended Range”

version with 88 kWh net battery capacity, the Mach-E boasts a range of up to 610

km according to the manufacturer – during a test drive across the UK in July 2021,

it even reached 500 miles – which is just over 800 kilometres – giving the Ford

Mustang Mach-E the Guinness World Record for production vehicle range.

Motor Engine

Elektromotor(en) | Electric engine(s)

Antrieb Drive

Hinterrad, Allrad | Rear-wheel drive,

all-wheel drive

kW (PS) kw (HP) 245-385 (333-524)

Reichweite Range

676-780 km

Energieverbrauch Energy consumption 21,4-15,8 kWh/100km

Preis | Price ab | from € 115.880,–

MERCEDES-BENZ EQS: Luxusklasse elektrisiert | The luxury segment goes electric

Die „Ambition 2039“ von Mercedes-Benz kommt in der S-Klasse an: Der EQS ist die erste vollelektrische Luxuslimousine der Stuttgarter

und überzeugt mit einer sehr komfortablen Reichweite von bis zu 780 km, effizienter Rekuperation, schnellen Ladezeiten und natürlich

einer luxuriösen, den hohen Ansprüchen der S-Klasse gerecht werdenden Ausstattung. Mit einem cw-Wert von 0,20 ist der Mercedes-

Benz EQS außerdem das aerodynamischste Serienfahrzeug weltweit. Die neue vollelektrische Luxuslimousine startet als EQS 450+ mit

245 kW sowie mit Allradantrieb und 385 kW, eine Performance-Version mit 560 kW ist in Planung.

Mercedes-Benz’s “Ambition 2039” has reached the S-Class. The EQS is the Stuttgart-based carmaker’s first fully electric luxury

saloon and impresses with a range of up to 780 km, efficient recuperation, fast charging times and, of course, the luxurious interior

that one expects of the S-Class. With a Cd value of 0.20, the Mercedes-Benz EQS is also the most aerodynamic production vehicle

in the world. The new fully electric luxury saloon will launch as the EQS 450+ with 245 kW and also as an all-wheel drive and 385

kW. A performance version with 560 kW is on the way.

PHOTOS: MERCEDES-BENZ AG; AUDI AG; MG MOTOR UK LTD; FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Der MG EHS Plug-in-Hybrid ist das zweite Modell, mit dem sich MG unter

Federführung des chinesischen Eigners SAIC auf dem österreichischen Markt

präsentiert. Ein effizienter, 1,5 l Turbobenzinmotor kombiniert mit einer 16,6 kWh

starken Lithium-Ionen-Batterie bringen 258 PS Systemleistung und satte 52 km rein

elektrische Reichweite für den geräumigen SUV mit 2,72 m Radstand. Ein großes

Panoramasonnendach, elektrische Heckklappe, Lederlenkrad oder die Keyless-Go

Funktion zählen zur starken Serienausstattung des MG EHS Plug-in-Hybrid.

The MG EHS Plug-in Hybrid is MG’s second foray into the Austrian market since its

acquisition by Chinese carmaker SAIC. An efficient 1.5 l turbo petrol engine

combined with a 16.6 kWh lithium-ion battery give the spacious SUV with the 2.72

m wheelbase 258 hp of system power and a whopping 52 km of pure electric

range. A large panoramic roof, an electric tailgate, a leather steering wheel and the

keyless entry function are just some of the MG EHS Plug-in Hybrid’s top standard

features.

Motor Engine 1.5T GDI Benziner, Elektromotor |

Petrol engine, Electric engine

Antrieb Drive

Frontantrieb | Front-wheel drive

kW (PS) kw (HP)

190 (258) Systemleistung | System performance

Reichweite Range

vollelektrisch 52 km | Fully electric

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption

1,8 l/100km

Energieverbrauch Energy consumption

240 Wh/km

Preis | Price ab | from: 32.240,–

Motor Engine

Elektromotor(en) | Electric engine(s)

Antrieb Drive Heckantrieb, Allradantrieb |

Rear-wheel drive, All-wheel drive

kW (PS) kw (HP) 198-258 (269-351) / Mustang Mach-E GT: 358 (487)

Reichweite Range

400-610 km

Verbrauch Consumption 20,0-16,5

Energieverbrauch Energy consumption 20,0-16,5 kWh/100km

Preis | Price ab | from: € 48.900,–



SAVOIR VIVRE WEEKENDER

WIENER NEUSTADT

Auf den Spuren des letzten Ritters

On the trails of the last knight

Text: Gerald Sturz

Nicht nur als Industrie- und Forschungsstandort hat Wiener Neustadt einen guten Ruf. Mit seiner

Geschichte und seinen zahlreichen Sehenswürdigkeiten ist es auch ein ideales Ziel für Tages- und

Wochenendausflüge.

Wiener Neustadt’s reputation is not only that of an excellent industry and research hub. With its long

history and countless tourist sights, it also makes for an ideal day and weekend trip destination.

Ein Wahrzeichen der Stadt.

A landmark of the city.

PHOTOS: FRANZ ZWICKL, THOMAS SCHMOLL/BUSY SHUTTERS, CHRISTOPH SCHUBERT

Wer weiß schon, dass Wiener Neustadt seine

Existenz dem englischen König Richard

Löwenherz zu verdanken hat? Der

wurde bekanntlich im 12. Jahrhundert bei seiner

Rückkehr vom Dritten Kreuzzug ins Heilige Land

festgenommen, nachdem er mit dem Babenbergerherzog

Leopold V. aneinandergeraten war, auf der

Burg Dürnstein in der Wachau festgehalten, später

an den Rhein verschickt und schließlich gegen eine

große Summe an Lösegeld wieder freigelassen. Einen

guten Teil dieses Lösegelds investierte Herzog

Leopold V. in den Bau einer befestigten Nova Civitas,

einer Neuen Stadt, im Steinfeld, einem Landstrich

südlich von Wien. Aus der Neuen Stadt wurde

später die „Babenbergerburg“ und schließlich Wiener

Neustadt.

Oder wer weiß schon, dass Wiener Neustadt einst

Residenzstadt des deutschen Kaisers war? Kaiser

Friedrich III. und sein Sohn Maximilian I., der als

„letzter Ritter“ in die Geschichte einging, residierten

hier im 15. Jahrhundert. Maximilian I. ist in Wiener

Neustadt begraben. Sein Grab befindet sich in der St.

Georgs-Kathedrale, die Teil der Burg zu Wiener

Neustadt ist, direkt unter den Stufen des gotischen

Hochaltars, sodass der Priester während der Messe

genau über seinem Leichnam zu stehen kommt. Maximilians

Herz wurde getrennt bestattet: in der Liebfrauenkirche

in Brügge, im Sarkophag seiner Ehefrau

Maria von Burgund.

Man sieht schon: Wiener Neustadt ist eine Stadt

mit einer interessanten Vergangenheit. Hier gibt es

so einiges zu besichtigen und so ist sie auch ein ideales

Ziel für einen Wochenend- oder auch nur Tagesausflug.

Es ist nicht weit von Wien. Mit dem formidablen

und flotten Railjet der ÖBB erreicht man in

einer halben Stunde vom Wiener Hauptbahnhof

Wiener Neustadt.

Bekannt ist Wiener Neustadt, die nach St. Pölten

zweitgrößte Stadt Niederösterreichs, jedoch vor allem

als Mittelpunkt des sogenannten Industrieviertels.

Auch als Standort für wissenschaftliche Forschung

hat Wiener Neustadt einen guten Ruf. Hier

befindet sich zum Beispiel mit dem Unternehmen

MedAustron, eines der weltweit führenden Forschungszentren

für Krebsbehandlung, das seit 2019

auch die innovative Kohlenstoffionen-Therapie anbietet.

Wer sich für Militär interessiert, der wird wissen,

dass sich hier die österreichische Militärakademie

Ein guter Stadtspaziergang führt auch zur Residenz der

Kaiser und zum Wasserturm. A good city walk also leads to the

residence of the emperors and the water tower.

befindet. Ins Leben gerufen wurde sie von Kaiserin

Maria Theresia, die frustriert war von den verlässlichen

Niederlagen ihrer K. u. k.-Armee und eine bessere

Ausbildung ihrer Offiziere wünschte. Die 1751

eröffnete Akademie, die sich in der Burg zu Wiener

Neustadt befindet, gilt als die älteste noch bestehende

Militärakademie der Welt. Auch heute noch werden

an der Theresianischen Militärakademie die Offiziere

des österreichischen Bundesheeres

ausgebildet.

Die Burg mit der Militärakademie kann auch besichtigt

werden. Sie diente einst Friedrich III. und

Maximilian I. als Residenz. Heute beleuchtet eine

multimediale Ausstellung das Leben und Wirken

Kaiser Maximilians. Eine andere widmet sich der

Militärgeschichte. Sehenswert sind auch die Kasematten

aus dem 12. Jahrhundert. Dieses vor Artilleriebeschuss

geschützte Gewölbe befindet sich an der

Südwestecke der Südmauer der Stadtbefestigung

und wurde anlässlich der Niederösterreichischen

Landesausstellung 2019 einer Generalsanierung unterzogen.

Heute werden die Kasematten vor allem als

schöne Location für Veranstaltungen der unterschiedlichsten

Art genutzt, für bis zu 900 Personen.

Was sollte sich der Wochenendausflügler, der

nach Wiener Neustadt kommt, noch ansehen? Was

sollte er besucht haben?

Zuerst einmal den Dom. Der ist mit seinen spitzen

Türmen nicht nur das Wahrzeichen der Stadt,

sondern auch von Weitem schon zu sehen. Seine Geschichte

reicht bis ins 12. Jahrhundert zurück. Der

ursprünglich romanische Bau wurde im Lauf der

Zeit mehrmals überarbeitet, sodass sich heute gotisch

wie barocke Elemente finden.

Im Museum St. Peter an der Sperr werden Stadt-

Der Dom mit seinen beiden spitzen

Türmen ist nicht zu übersehen.

The cathedral with its two pointed

spires cannot be overlooked.



SAVOIR VIVRE WEEKENDER

Was man in Wiener Neustadt gesehen

haben sollte: das jährliche Straßenfestival

sowie das Museum St. Peter

an der Sperr, die Burg und die Kasematten

(von oben nach unten).

What you should see in Wiener

Neustadt: the annual street festival

as well as the St. Peter an der Sperr

Museum, the castle and the casemates

(from top to bottom).

INFO:

Wiener Neustadt

wiener-neustadt.at

kasematten-wn.at

geschichte und die städtische Schausammlung gezeigt.

Ein besonderes Highlight ist der Corvinus-

Becher, ein spätgotischer Deckelpokal aus dem 15.

Jahrhundert.

Viel Geschichte also in der Neuen Stadt.

Who knew that Wiener Neustadt owes its

existence to the English king Richard the

Lionheart? He was famously arrested in

the 12th century after clashing with Leopold V, Duke

of Austria upon his return from the Third Crusade

into the Holy Land. He was held at Dürnstein Castle

in Lower Austria’s Wachau region, later shipped to

the Rhine and finally released for a large sum of ransom.

Leopold V invested a good chunk of the ransom

money into the construction of a fortified “Nova

Civitas” or “new city” in Steinfeld, a stretch of land

south of Vienna. The new city would later become

Babenberg Castle and then eventually Wiener Neustadt.

And who would have known that Wiener Neustadt

was once also the residence of the German emperor?

Frederick III and his son Maximilian I, who

would go down in history as “the last knight”, resided

here in the 15th century. Maximilian I is buried in

Wiener Neustadt. His tomb is at St. George’s Cathedral,

which is part of Wiener Neustadt Castle, right

under the steps of the Gothic high altar, as a result of

which priests stand directly above his remains during

mass. Maximilian’s heart was buried separately:

in the sarcophagus of his wife Maria von Burgund at

the Church of Our Lady in Bruges.

As you can see, Wiener Neustadt really is a city

with a fascinating history. There is plenty to see here,

making it an ideal destination for a weekend or day

trip. It isn’t far from Vienna. With the speedy and

formidable ÖBB Railjet, you get can get from Vienna

Central Station to Wiener Neustadt in around half

an hour.

Wiener Neustadt, Lower Austria’s second-biggest

city after St. Pölten, is especially well-known as the

centre point of the so-called “Industrieviertel” (Industry

Quarter). The city also enjoys an excellent

reputation as a hub for scientific research. One of the

world’s leading cancer treatment research centres,

MedAustron, is based here and has also been offering

innovative carbon ion therapy since 2019.

Those interested in the military will know that

the Austrian Military Academy is also located here.

It was founded by Empress Maria Theresia, who was

frustrated by the repeated defeats of her army and

sought better training for her officers. The academy,

which opened in 1751, is located inside Wiener Neustadt

Castle and is considered the oldest still-existing

military academy in the world. To this day, the officers

of the Austrian Armed Forces are still trained

at the Theresian Military Academy.

Wiener Neustadt Castle, which harbours the Austrian

Military Academy, is open to visitors. It used to

serve Friedrich III and Maximilian I as their residence.

Today, a multimedia exhibition illuminates

the life and work of Emperor Maximilian. Another

one is dedicated to military history. Likewise worth

seeing are the casemates from the 12th century. Offering

protection against artillery fire, the structure is

located on the southwest corner of the southern wall

of the city fortification and underwent a wide-ranging

renovation on the occasion of the Lower Austrian

State Exhibition in 2019. Today, the casemates are

mainly used as event locations for events up to 900

people.

What else should weekend visitors coming to

Wiener Neustadt see? What are some of the mustvisits?

First of all, there is the cathedral. With its pointed

spires, it is not only the city’s main landmark, but can

already be seen from afar. Its history dates back all

the way to the 12th century. The originally Romanesque

building has been revamped several times

over the course of history, so that it also features Gothic

and Baroque elements today.

The Museum St. Peter an der Sperr presents the

history of the city and the municipal collection. A

special highlight is the Corvinus Cup, a late Gothic

lidded goblet from the 15th century.

So then, a lot of history in the “new city”, Wiener

Neustadt.

PHOTOS: C. PRENNER, WR. ALPEN/CHRISTOPH SCHUBERT, WIENERALPEN/ZWICKL; BEIGESTELLT

Bild: Kästenbauer/Ettl

Krebsbekämpfung mit geladenen Teilchen

Fighting Cancer with Charged Particles

Krebsbehandlung mit geladenen Teilchen?

Was vielleicht etwas futuristisch klingt, ist für

eine Vielzahl von Tumoren bereits eine etablierte

Therapieform. Es handelt sich dabei

um eine besondere Form von Strahlentherapie:

die Partikeltherapie. Bestrahlt wird dabei

entweder mit Protonen oder Kohlenstoffionen.

Das Behandlungs- und Forschungszentrum

MedAustron in Wiener Neustadt südlich

von Wien ist eines von nur sechs Zentren

weltweit, dass auch beide Teilchenarten zur

Verfügung hat.

Vorteile der Therapiemethode

Im Gegensatz zu einer konventionellen Strahlentherapie

kann bei der Partikeltherapie das

umliegende Gewebe besser geschont werden,

was sowohl das Risiko für akute Nebenwirkungen

als auch für Langzeitfolgen senkt.

Lokalisierte Tumore in heiklen anatomischen

Lagen oder solche, die mit anderen Methoden

nur unzureichend behandelt werden

könnten, eignen sich oft für eine Bestrahlung

mit Teilchen. Das Ziel ist es, dabei nicht nur

die Erkrankung wirkungsvoll zu bekämpfen,

sondern auch die Lebensqualität der Patient*innen

zu erhalten.

Weltweit wurden bereits über 260.000 Patient*innen

mit der Partikeltherapie behandelt,

bei MedAustron bereits über 1.000. Unter ihnen

auch viele Kinder und Jugendliche, da das

Gewebe im Wachstum besonders sensibel ist

und daher von den Vorteilen der Partikeltherapie

in hohem Maß profitiert. Weiterführende

Informationen über die Therapiemethode

und dafür geeignete Krankheitsbilder bieten

unsere Website und Social Media Kanäle.

Therapieanfragen • Therapy Inquiries:

patient@medaustron.at

02622 / 26100 – 300

Cancer treatment with charged particles? What

may sound somewhat futuristic is already an

established form of therapy for a large number

of tumors. The treatment is a special form of

radiation therapy: particle therapy. Radiation

is administered either with protons or carbon

ions. The MedAustron treatment and research

center in Wiener Neustadt, south of Vienna, is

one of only six centers worldwide that has both

particle types available.

Advantages of the Therapy Method

In contrast to conventional radiation therapy,

particle therapy can better spare the surrounding

tissue, which reduces the risk of both acute

side effects and long-term effects. Localized

tumors in sensitive anatomical locations or

those that could only be treated with insufficient

success by other methods are often suitable

for irradiation with particles. The goal is not

only to effectively combat the disease, but also

to preserve the patient's quality of life.

More than 260,000 patients worldwide have

already been treated with particle therapy, and

more than 1,000 at MedAustron, including

many children and adolescents, as the tissue is

particularly sensitive during growth and therefore

benefits greatly from the advantages of

particle therapy. Further information about

the therapy method and suitable disease entities

can be found on our website and social

media channels.


www.medaustron.at

SAVOIR VIVRE MUST READ

Lesenswertes über Österreich

Books on Austria worth reading

Text: Gerald Sturz

Fine hotels

selected by

CERCLE

DIPLOMATIQUE

ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL

can also be found in these exclusive hotels:

©Park Hyatt Vienna

Irene Hanappi

Vienna Biking

Während also die Wiener Stadtverwaltung darüber

nachdenkt, wie sie den Autoverkehr mit Autobahnen

und Tunneln fördern kann, steigt die Autorin und

Journalistin Irene Hanappi auf ihr Fahrrad, um zu

sehen, wie Wien aussieht, was es zu bieten hat, was

man erleben kann, wo man chillen und wo man die

Natur genießen kann, wenn man die Stadt vom

Sattel aus betrachtet und nicht aus dem Inneren

eines Autos. „Radeln, Rasten & Genießen. 5 Routen

– vom Zentrum zu neuen Vierteln der Stadt.

Geschichte, Kultur, Architektur, Natur, Essen und

Trinken“, so nennt sich das Buch im Untertitel, das

kürzlich in der Reihe „City Walks“ des Falter Verlags

erschienen ist und das ein guter Anreiz sein sollte,

um vom Auto auf das Fahrrad umzusteigen.

As Vienna’s City Government ponders how to

promote car transport with new motorways and

tunnels, author and journalist Irene Hanappi prefers to

hop on her bike and explore what Vienna looks like,

what it’s got to offer, what is there to be experienced,

where one can chill, where one can enjoy nature,

when one explores the city with two wheels instead

of four. “Radeln, Rasten & Genießen. 5 Routen – vom

Zentrum zu neuen Vierteln der Stadt. Geschichte,

Kultur, Architektur, Natur, Essen und Trinken”

(“Cycling, Resting & Indulging. 5 Routes – from the

Centre to the City’s New Quarters. History, Culture,

Architecture, Nature, Food and Drink”) is the subtitle

of the book recently released by Falter as part of the

“City Walks” series, offering strong incentives to make

the switch from the car to the bike.

–

Falter Verlag, 136 Seiten

€ 14,90

Wolfgang Kos

Der Semmering

Eine exzentrische

Landschaft

Erlebt der Semmering, diese Berglandschaft an der

Grenze zwischen Niederösterreich und der

Steiermark, endlich jenes Comeback, das er sich so

sehr verdient? Wolfgang Kos, Ex-Direktor des Wien

Museums und ausgewiesener Semmering-Kenner,

erzählt in seinem Buch nun die spannende Geschichte

dieser Landschaft, die man einst als den „Balkon

von Wien“ bezeichnet hat. Aus gutem Grund: Hier

traf sich um die vorletzte Jahrhundertwende nicht

nur die noble Gesellschaft aus Wien und aus

anderen Teilen der k. u. k. Monarchie, sondern auch

Künstler der Wiener Moderne und die Bohemiens

aus den Kaffeehäusern. Sie kamen in eleganten

Villen, in mondänen Grand Hotels und auf den

Terrassen der Cafés zusammen. Wolfgang Kos

begibt sich auf die Spuren dieser Persönlichkeiten,

ohne dabei in eine „Nostalgiefalle“ zu tappen.

Is Semmering, the mountain-rich region on the border

between Lower Austria and Styria, finally making the

comeback it so rightly deserves? In his new book,

Wolfgang Kos, former director of the Wien Museum

and established Semmering expert, tells the exciting

history of the region that was once called the ‘balcony

of Vienna’. And for good reason: Around the turn of

the 20th century, Semmering was not only a favourite

meeting spot for the high society of Vienna and other

parts of the imperial monarchy, but also for artists of

the Viennese Modernism period and the coffee house

bohemians. They would meet at elegant villas,

fashionable grand hotels and café terraces. Wolfgang

Kos embarks on a journey that traces back the

footsteps of said personalities without falling into the

nostalgia trap.

–

Residenz Verlag, 384 Seiten

€ 34,–

Anton Holzer, Frauke Kreutler

Augenblick!

Straßenfotografie in Wien

Dieses Buch begleitet die sehenswerte Ausstellung,

die zur Zeit das Wien Museum in seinem

temporären Quartier, dem MUSA, zeigt. Street

Photography aus Wien, von der Mitte des 19.

Jahrhunderts bis in die Gegenwart: Alltags- und

Straßenszenen, Schnappschüsse und flüchtige

Momentaufnahmen des urbanen Lebens. Sie

erzählen, wie sich die Großstadt über die

Jahrzehnte entwickelt hat, wie sich ihre Textur

gewandelt hat, ihre Architektur, ihre Moden, wie die

Motorisierung das Straßenbild verändert hat. So

entsteht auf eine ganz selbstverständliche Art eine

Geschichte der Stadt, die nicht von den Taten der

Mächtigen und Berühmten erzählt, sondern vom

Leben der Leute.

This book serves as a companion to the excellent

exhibition currently on display at the Wien Museum’s

temporary quarters, the MUSA. Street photography

from Vienna, from the mid-19th century to the

present: Daily life and street scenes, snapshots and

fleeting moments of urban existence. They recount

the way the city has changed over the decades, how

its texture has been transformed, its architecture, its

fashion, how motorisation altered its streets. In the

process, a new history of Vienna emerges in a very

natural way, recounting not the deeds of the powerful

and famous, but the lives of ordinary people.

–

Kehrer Verlag, 448 Seiten

€ 39,80

Christoph Braumann

Eine Reise auf den Glockner.

Das Abenteuer der

Besteigung im Jahr 1802

Nachdem 1786 erstmals der Mont Blanc, der höchste Berg Europas,

bestiegen worden war und 1800 eine großangelegte Expedition den

Gipfel des Großglockners erreicht hatte, folgte zwei Jahre später die

erste private Besteigung des höchsten Berges Österreichs durch

eine kleine Alpinistengruppe. Mitglied dieser Gruppe war der Arzt

Joseph August Schultes. Die Reise, die ihren Höhepunkt mit dem

Aufstieg zum Großglockner fand, führte die Reisenden durch die

Obersteiermark, Kärnten, Salzburg und das Berchtesgadener Land.

Der Reisebericht, den Joseph August Schultes ein paar Jahre später

veröffentlichte, beschreibt diese Landschaften, das alltägliche

Leben, die Natur. Christoph Baumann hat nun den Bericht neu

herausgegeben. Er bietet eine hochinteressanten Einblick in die

alpine Welt vor fast 200 Jahren.

After the first ascent of Mont Blanc – Europe’s tallest mountain – in

1786 and a large-scale expedition in 1800 that reached the summit of

the Grossglockner, the first privately funded ascent of Austria’s tallest

mountain by a small group of alpinists followed only two years later.

The group included the doctor Joseph August Schultes. The journey,

which culminated in the ascent of the Grossglockner, led the travellers

through Upper Styria, Carinthia, Salzburg and Berchtesgadener Land.

The travelogue, published by Schultes only a few years later, describes

the landscapes, the daily life as well as the flora and fauna that they

encountered on their journey. Christoph Baumann has now re-released

the report, offer a fascinating insight into the world of the Alps as it

was nearly 200 years ago.

–

Verlag Anton Pustet, 194 Seiten

€ 25,00

General Manager

Monique Dekker

Park Hyatt Vienna

Am Hof 2, 1010 Wien

+43 1 22 74 01 234

parkhyattvienna.com

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SAVOIR VIVRE MY AUSTRIA

S.E. Baker Fattah Hussen

Botschafter von Irak | Ambassador of Iraq


Top in Österreich |

Top in Austria

PERSONAL DETAILS

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA, FAISTAUER PHOTOGRAPHY, PETER HAAS/WIKIPEDIA

Sie sind nun seit 2019 in Österreich. Wie ist denn Ihr

Eindruck des Landes und der Stadt Wien?

Wien ist eine sehr schöne Stadt und ganz Österreich ein

sehr wunderbares Land. Was die Kultur betrifft, ist Wien

natürlich ein sehr bekannter Ort. Ich mag die Art und den

Stil der Palais, die man hier finden kann. Ich erlebte auch

einige Konzerte und hoffe, bald eine Oper besuchen zu

können. Ein anderer wichtiger Punkt scheint mir zu sein,

dass Wien auch dafür berühmt ist, internationale Krisen zu

meistern. Ich bin sehr glücklich, hier Botschafter für mein

Land sein zu dürfen.

Welche Bundesländer haben Sie bis jetzt besucht?

Als ich ankam, im ersten Jahr, hatte ich die Gelegenheit zu

reisen. Das war vor der Corona-Krise. Ich habe auch einige

Bundesländer besucht - ich war in Graz, Linz und Salzburg.

Und ich reiste nach Tirol. Ich habe auch Zell am See einen

Besuch abgestattet - ein sehr netter Ort am See und die

umgebende Natur ist auch sehr schön.

Wir treffen einander hier in einer sehr geschichtsträchtigen

Umgebung. Können Sie bitte mehr über

die Geschichte der Botschaft erzählen?

Kaum ein Palais im Bereich der Wiener Ringstraße verfügt

über eine so hochwertige und komplexe künstlerische

Ausstattung wie das Palais Larisch-Mönnich. Sie wurde

maßgeblich von einer der mächtigsten Persönlichkeiten der

österreichischen Monarchie beeinflusst: Graf Johann

Larisch von Mönnich, ehemaliger Statthalter von Schlesien,

österreichischer Finanzminister und späterer Obersthofmarschall.

Ursprünglich als Familienwohnsitz genutzt,

wurde es Ende der 1950er Jahre vermietet, schließlich in

den 1970er Jahren von der Republik Irak erworben und

dient heute als Botschaftssitz. Von 2012 bis 2014 wurde

das Gebäude mit seinen 150 Jahre alten, erhaltenen Möbeln

aufwendig saniert.

Außerdem haben wir hier in der Botschaft ein Programm

mit freiem Eintritt am „Tag des Denkmals“ in Kooperation

mit dem Österreichischen Bundesdenkmalamt. Heuer ist

unsere Botschaft am 26. September für die Öffentlichkeit

zugänglich.

Wo sehen Sie das wirtschaftliche Potential Ihres

Landes und wie sind die wirtschaftlichen Beziehungen

zwischen Österreich und dem Irak?

Es ist für österreichische Firmen und Unternehmen wichtig,

mit dem Irak die alten Beziehungen wieder aufzunehmen,

die wir vor dem Krieg hatten. Zurzeit gibt es viele

wirtschaftiche Möglichkeiten im Irak, in allen Bereichen –

zum Beispiel im Bereich Kommunikation, Transport,

Gesundheitswesen, Wohnbau und Öl. Wir möchten unsere

wirtschaftlichen Ressourcen breiter aufstellen und uns

nicht nur aufs Öl verlassen. Es gibt also viele Möglichkeiten

für österreichische Firmen, um im Bereich des Wiederaufbaus

des Iraks teilnehmen zu können.

You have been here in Austria since 2019. What is your

impression of the country and the city of Vienna?

Vienna is a very beautiful city and all Austria a very

wonderful country. Regarding culture, Vienna is, of course,

a very famous place. I also like the style of the Palais which

you can find here. I have also experienced some concerts

and hope to see an opera in the near future. Another

important point seems to me that Vienna is also famous for

tackling all the international crises also. I am very happy to

be here as an Ambassador of my country.

Which Austrian provinces have you visited so far?

When I arrived, in the first year, I had the opportunity to

travel. That was before the Corona crisis. I also travelled to

some provinces – I have been to Graz, Linz and Salzburg

and I went to Tyrol. I also visited Zell am See which is a

very nice place at the lake and the nature around is very

beautiful.

We are meeting here in a very historical surrounding.

Could you please tell more about the Embassy’s

history?

There is hardly a single Palais in the area of the Vienna

Ringstraße that has such a high quality and complex

artistic interior as the Palais Larisch-Mönnich. It was

significantly influenced by one of the most powerful figures

of the Austrian Monarchy: Count Johann Larisch of

Mönnich, former governer of Silesia, Austrian Finance

Minister and later Obersthofmarschall. Originally used as

family residence, it was rented by the end of the 1950s,

finally purchased in the 1970s by the Republic of Iraq and

now serves as the Embassy headquarters. From 2012 to

2014, the building and its 150 year old preserved furniture

have been elaborately renovated.

We also have a programme here at the Embassy which

includes free entry at “Monument Day“ in cooperation with

the Austrian Federal Monuments Office. This year, our

Embassy will be open to the public on 26 September.

Where do you see the economic potential of your

country and how are the economic relations between

Austria and Iraq?

It is very important for Austrian businesses and companies

to go to Iraq and restore the old relationships we had with

Austria before the war. Right now, you see a lot of

economic opportunity in Iraq in all sectors – for example in

communications, transportation, health, housing and oil.

We want to diversify our economy ressources and not rely

only on oil. So there are many possibilities for Austrian

companies to participate in the stage of reconstruction in

Iraq.

Der Botschafter absolvierte 2019 einen

Besuch in Zell am See (oben).

Außenansicht der Irakischen Botschaft in

Wien (darunter).

The Ambassador visited Zell am See in

2019 (top).

Exterior view of the Iraqi Embassy in

Vienna (below).

S.E. Baker Fattah Hussen wurde 1957 in Sulaimaniya im Irak geboren und hat einen Bachelor of Science-Abschluss in

Chemie der Universität Sulaimaniya. Der Botschafter spricht sieben Sprachen: Arabisch, Englisch, Farsi, Italienisch,

Kurdisch, Portugiesisch und Spanisch. Er ist verheiratet und Vater zweier Töchter.

H.E. Baker Fattah Hussen was born in Sulaimaniya in Iraq in 1957 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in

Chemistry of the University of Sulaimaniya. The Ambassador speaks seven languages: Arabic, English, Farsi, Italian,

Kurdish, Portuguese and Spanish. He is married and the father of two daughters.



CELEBRATING


SAVOIR VIVRE

ETIQUETTE

Y E A R S

1971–2021

201920021

Über gutes Benehmen in China | On good etiquette in China

Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer, Leiter der Tanzschule Elmayer in Wien | Head of the Elmayer Dance School


Good to know

IMPRESSUM

Thomas Schäfer-Elmayer

studierte Wirtschaftswissenschaften

in Wien und St.

Gallen mit Abschluss als lic.

oec. HSG. Danach war er

17 Jahre lang in leitenden

Funktionen bei internationalen

Industriekonzernen tätig.

Seit 1987 leitet er in dritter

Generation die Tanzschule

Willy Elmayer-Vestenbrugg

in Wien. Er ist Autor von

9 Büchern zum Thema

Etikette. In seinen

Seminaren in Business

Etikette schöpft er aus

seiner internationalen,

jahrzehntelangen

Berufspraxis in Industrieund

Dienstleistungsunternehmen.

studied economics in Vienna

and St. Gallen, graduating as

lic.oec. HSG. Afterwards, he

worked in leading positions

at various multinational

industrial groups for 17 years.

Since, 1987, he has been the

third-generation head of the

Elmayer Dance School in

Vienna. He is the author of

nine books on the subject of

etiquette. In his seminars on

business etiquette, he draws

from his long, international

experience of working at

major firms.

etikette.at

elmayer.at


Die besten Tipps, wie man in der Volksrepublik China schon bei der Begrüßung,

beim Small Talk sowie bei Geschäftsessen gute Figur macht.

The best tips on how to make a good impression in the People’s Republic of China when

greeting people, making small talk and at business dinners.

CD: Wie begrüßt man einander im Business-Bereich richtig?

Schäfer-Elmayer: Man begrüßt sich auf westliche

Art und Weise, statt dem kräftigen europäischen

Handschlag genügt auch eine angedeutete Verneigung.

Damen gibt man die Hand – wie bei uns – erst

dann, wenn diese sie offerieren. Wie in Europa grüßt

zuerst der Rangniedere, der Jüngere, der Herr die

Dame und wartet darauf, dass ihm oder ihr die Hand

gegeben wird, wie bei uns.

Wie geht das Austauschen von Visitkarten vonstatten?

Beim Austausch von Adressen und Namen reichen

Sie Ihre Visitkarte mit beiden Händen und tauschen

diese gleichzeitig mit der Karte Ihres Gegenübers,

aber möglichst unterhalb seiner Karte, aus. Dieses

Darunterlegen ist ein Zeichen, dass Sie Ihr Visasvis

schätzen. Lesen Sie die Karte aufmerksam durch und

stecken Sie sie erst dann weg. Werden vor oder während

eines Meetings Karten ausgetauscht, legen Sie

sich die Karten Ihrer Gesprächspartner vor sich auf

den Tisch, so können Sie die Personen mit den richtigen

Namen ansprechen. Ihre chinesischen Partner

werden das auch machen.

Welche Themenbereiche sind gut für Small Talk geeignet?

Small Talk wird sehr geschätzt. Chinesen interessieren

sich sehr für Sport wie Fußball und Formel 1.

Viele haben auch eine Liebe zu klassischer Musik

und Filmen, die Europa zeigen. Ein sehr beliebtes

Thema ist auch der Film „The Sound of Music“, der

in Österreich gedreht wurde und den sehr viele Chinesen

kennen. Wollen Sie zudem Eindruck hinterlassen,

dann üben Sie folgende Begriffe:

• Ni Hao – Hallo

• Xie Xie – Danke

• Hao Chi – Schmeckt gut

• Hen Bang – Sehr gut

• Mei Wen Ti – Kein Problem

Wie verhält man sich bei einem Essen, damit man sich

nicht blamiert?

Harmonie und Höflichkeit stehen an oberster

Stelle. Pünktlichkeit wird auch in China sehr geschätzt.

Wer zu spät kommt, verärgert seine Geschäftspartner

oder Gastgeber. Die Regeln für Tischmanieren

unterscheiden sich grundlegend von

unseren. Versuchen Sie, es Ihren Gastgebern nachzumachen.

Ehrenplätze befinden sich genau gegenüber

der Türe, wo sich der Gastgeber platziert. Die

zwei Ehrenplätze sind rechts und links von ihm. Stecken

Sie niemals Ihre Stäbchen in den Reis, sodass

sie darin steckenbleiben. Denn das macht man nur

zu Beerdigungen. Das Essen beginnt, sobald der

Gastgeber seine Stäbchen in die Hand nimmt, und

endet, wenn er eine letzte Runde einschenken lässt.

Welchen Stellenwert haben Zahlen?

Die Zahlenmystik hat in China sehr große Bedeutung.

Wichtige Termine, Vertragsunterzeichnungen,

Operationen etc. werden immer auf „gute“ Tage gelegt.

Niemals die 4, meiden Sie sie, wo immer es geht.

Die 8 ist optimal, die 6 und die 9 sind knapp darunter.

Laden Sie auf keinen Fall 250 Personen ein, die

Zahl hat die Bedeutung „Idiot“. Auch 249 geht nicht,

da ja die 4 vorkommt – daher also 251 Eingeladene.

Haben Sie Wichtiges vor, wählen Sie den 8. August,

bevorzugt um 8 Uhr.

CD: How do you properly greet another person in a business

setting?

Schäfer-Elmayer: You greet each other in a Western

way; instead of a firm European handshake, an

implied bow can also suffice. Like here, you only shake

hands with ladies once they offer it. As in Europe, lower-ranking

persons, younger persons and gentlemen

greet the lady first and wait for the other person to

initiate the handshake, just like here.

How are business cards exchanged?

When exchanging names and addresses, hand

over your business card with both hands and exchange

it with your counterpart’s card at the same

time, but underneath his or her card if possible. Placing

your card underneath the other person’s card is

PHOTOS: TANZSCHULE ELMAYER, ADOBE STOCK, TOURISMUS SALZBURG/GÜNTER BREITEGGER

a sign of respect. Read through the card thoroughly

and only then put it away. If you exchange cards before

or during a meeting, then place the other

person’s card on the table in front of you so that you

can address them with their right name. Your Chinese

partners will do the same.

Which topics are suitable for small talk?

Small talk is very much appreciated. Chinese people

are very interested in sports such as football or

Formula 1. Many also have a fondness for classical

music and films set in Europe. Another very popular

topic is the film “The Sound of Music”, which was filmed

in Austria and many Chinese people have seen. If

you want to make an impression, then practice the

following expressions:

• Ni Hao – Hello

• Xie Xie – Thank you

• Hao Chi – Delicious

• Hen Bang – Very good

• Mei Wen Ti – No problem

How do I avoid embarrassing myself during a meal?

Harmony and politeness are paramount. Punctuality

is also regarded very highly in China. If you arrive

late, you risk frustrating your business partners or

hosts. Table manners are fundamentally different than

in the West. Try to imitate your hosts. The honorary

seats are exactly opposite of the door, where the host is

seated. The two honorary seats are to the host’s left and

right. Never stick your chopsticks into your rice bowl

so that they stick out. This is only done at funerals. The

meal begins when your host picks up their chopsticks

and ends after they have poured a final round.

What is the significance of numbers?

Beliefs around numbers are very important in

China. Important dates, contract signings, operations,

etc. are always performed on “good” days. Never

the number four, avoid it wherever possible.

Eight is ideal, six and nine are just behind. Never invite

250 people to an event, as the number means

“idiot”. Don’t invite 249 either, because it includes the

number four – so invite 251 people. If you’re planning

something important, then do it on 8 August,

ideally at eight o’clock.

Das Geschäftsessen endet, wenn der Gastgeber

eine letzte Runde einschenken lässt.

The business lunch ends when the host has one

last round poured.

Visitkarten werden grundsätzlich beidhändig

überreicht.

Business cards are generally handed over with

both hands.

Der Film „The Sound of Music“ wurde u. a.

auch beim Schloss Leopoldskron gedreht und

ist ein gutes Small Talk-Thema.

The movie “The Sound of Music“ was filmed,

among others, at Leopoldskron Castle and is a

good subject for small talk.

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Danube International School Vienna

2021 IB Diploma Results

LES RENDEZ-

VOUS

EIN RÜCKBLICK AUF

GESELLSCHAFTLICHE

EREIGNISSE DER

JÜNGSTEN

VERGANGENHEIT.

A REVIEW OF SOCIAL

EVENTS OF THE RECENT

PAST.

registrar@danubeschool.com

www.danubeschool.com

+43 1 720 3110 22

Josef Gall-Gasse 2

1020 Vienna, Austria

LES RENDEZVOUS EVENTS

Popping of Flashbulbs

Find more

photos online


May 2021

On “World Bee Day“, H.E. Ksenija Škrilec, then Ambassador of Slovenia, presented the President of the Vienna

Police Headquarters, Gerhard Pürstl, with a Slovenian beehive on the roof of the police headquarters.

Left: The beehive will provide a

home for two colonies of Carnica

bees from Slovenia and was a

present on the occasion of

Slovenia‘s taking over the EU

Presidency in the second half

of 2021.

July 2021

The Chinese Embassy invited to the traditional summer party.

Left: Traditionally, the event took place

at the garden of the residence.

Pictured from left: Professor Gerd

Kaminski, CD editor Alexander Bursky,

the Ambassador‘s wife, Mrs LI Huang

Yan, Heinz Fischer (President of the

Austrian-Chinese Society), with his wife

Margit, the Chinese Ambassador, H.E. LI

Xiaosi, and CD editor Andrea Fürnweger.

The guests also enjoyed the interesting

outdoor exhibition on occasion of the

founding of the Communist Party of

China 100 years ago.

PHOTOS: MICHAEL CHUOP

Beekeeping and bees are an

important link between Austria,

Slovenia and the City of Vienna.

PHOTOS: LPD/ BERNHARD ELBE

MUSTANG MACH-E

VOLLELEKTRISCH IN DIE ZUKUNFT.

July 2021

Belgian professor Stefaan Missinne discovered unknown Mozart portrait from 1766 in Salzburg.

Top: In 2018, a bonbonnière was discovered with a miniature

portrait of a child‘s face, a wig and a red nobleman‘s coat painted

on the lid. Prof. Stefaan Missinne (middle) spent two years

investigating the origin and attribution of the portrait and came

to the conclusion that it is a previously unknown French portrait

of the 10-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from 1766.

PHOTOS: STEFAAN MISSINNE

* Gemäß Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) können bis zu 610 km Reichweite bei voll aufgeladener Batterie erreicht werden – je nach

vorhandener Konfiguration und gegen Aufpreis. Die tatsächliche Reichweite kann aufgrund unterschiedlicher Faktoren (Wetterbedingungen, Fahrverhalten,

Fahrzeugzustand, Alter der Lithium-Ionen-Batterie) variieren. Unverbindlich empfohlener, nicht kartellierter Listenpreis ab netto € 40.750,– und inkl. 2 Jahre Garantie

(beginnend mit Auslieferungsdatum), unbegrenzte Kilometer. Auf Batterie und Hochvoltkomponenten 8 Jahre, unbegrenzte Kilometer.

SO EINFACH

WIE DAS

AUFLADEN IHRES

SMARTPHONES

Das erste vollelektrische

SUV von Ford wird Sie

mit seinem revolutionären

Design, wegweisenden

Technologien und einer

maximalen elektrischen

Reichweite von bis zu 610 km *

begeistern.


Exklusiv an den Standorten

MVC Wien-Nord und MVC Brunn

verfügbar. Ihr MVC MOTORS

Verkaufsteam berät Sie gerne!

Brünner Straße 66, 1210 Wien

T +43 1 277 80-0

E wiennord@mvcmotors.at

Wiener Straße 152, 2345 Brunn am Gebirge

T +43 2236 31 600-0

E brunn@mvcmotors.at

www.mvcmotors.at


A

July 2021

Welcome to Vienna and Austria! CD invited to the traditional Ambassadors‘ Welcome

Lunch at the Restaurant Patara.

Event

Left: The newly accredited

Ambassadors enjoyed new

encounters, nice talks in relaxed

atmosphere and the superb Thai

Cuisine of the Restaurant Patara.

PHOTOS: MICHAEL CHUOP



July 2021

The “Europe Readr“, a free digital library and a project initiated by the Slovenian

Embassy, was presented at the main railway station in Vienna.

Left: At the kick-off at the main

railway station in Vienna: Federal

Minister Leonore Gewessler

(middle), H.E. Aleksander

Geržina, the new Ambassador of

Slovenia to Austria (left), as well

as Andreas Matthä, CEO of ÖBB

Holding AG, were present.

TINY PARTICLES, BIG IMPACT.

COMPELLING STORIES, BIG IMPACT.

MedAustron, the center for particle therapy and research,

congratulates the Cercle Diplomatique Magazine on its

50 th anniversary and wishes its team continued success

in the future!

Celebrating

50

years

PHOTOS: ÖBB/ MAREK KNOPP

www.medaustron.at

July 2021

Sparkling Wine in the City

The “Mentory Club“ invited to the popular summer event, this time in the courtyard of the Pizzeria Regina Margherita at Palais Esterhazy in Vienna‘s first district.

We congratulate and say thank you!

As a long-standing partner, we congratulate Andrea Fürnweger, Alexander

Bursky and their entire team on 50 years of CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE

– the expert on topics concerning diplomacy, politics and business.

With cool Schlumberger Rosé sparkling wine and a present from

Hotel Warmbaderhof, Maria Rauch-Kallat (r.) and the numerous

Mentory Club members enjoyed an entertaining networking evening.

PHOTOS: DANIELA REISENDER, DILARA GUTSCHMIDT

Appreciation of exquisite quality and the shared business

values of integrity and mutual trust unite CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE

and Druckerei Berger.

Peter Berger

Congratulations on 50 years of

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE!

Zentrale Horn

+43 2982 4161-0

Büro Wien

+43 1 313 35-0

Vertretungen in allen

Bundesländern


www.berger.at

AU REVOIR

Ingenious view!

Akademie der bildenden Künste | Schillerplatz 3 | Wien, 1. Bezirk | Vienna, 1st district

Text & Photo: Rois & Stubenrauch

Blick nach vorn.

Den großartigen Blick

vom historischen

Akademiegebäude

hinüber zur Secession

genoss vor mehr als

hundert Jahren bereits

Egon Schiele als Student

der Akademie der

bildenden Künste. Ab

sofort inspiriert der

Ausblick wieder alle

Studierenden und

Lehrenden: Nach

dreieinhalb Jahren

aufwändiger Sanierungsarbeiten

wird der

Wiedereinzug in das 1877

nach Plänen von Theophil

Hansen erbaute Gebäude

am Schillerplatz am

08.10.-10.10.2021 mit

einem großen Eröffnungswochenende

gefeiert.

Looking ahead.

More than a hundred years

ago, Egon Schiele himself

already enjoyed the

magnificent view from the

historical building of the

academy across to the

Secession Building as a

student at the Academy of

Fine Arts in Vienna. Now,

the same view is set to

inspire both students and

teachers alike all over

again: Following three and

a half years of extensive

renovations, the academy’s

return to its historic

premises on Schillerplatz,

built according to plans by

architect Theophil Hansen,

will be celebrated with a

grand opening weekend

from 8 to 10 October 2021.

akbild.ac.at

100 years of obstetrics at Goldenes Kreuz

Experience, expertise and comprehensive maternity care

One hundred years ago, on May 12, 1921, the first baby was born at Goldenes Kreuz Private Hospital, and by now over 74,000

children have been brought into the world here. With around 1,600 babies delivered each year, Goldenes Kreuz now operates

the largest private maternity department in Austria.

Secure, comfortable and well cared for

With 21 midwives, 36 qualified nurses in the maternity and neonatal

wards, and a neonatal care team of 9 pediatricians – who all

have additional qualifications in neonatal and pediatric intensive

care medicine – mothers and babies receive round-the-clock care,

seven days a week.

Pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal care

In addition to obstetric care, we provide a comprehensive program

of monitoring, advice and support during pregnancy, including

information evenings, midwives’ clinics and consultations, prenatal

classes for expectant mothers and couples, and much more.

After the baby is born, Goldenes Kreuz offers new mothers

postnatal and rehabilitation exercise sessions, help with

breastfeeding, and advice on caring for and carrying your baby.

Expertise and experience

Our closely coordinated maternity care, relaxed atmosphere

and years of experience in the field of obstetrics are highly

valued – many families have trusted us for generations now.

They particularly appreciate the professional teamwork of our

midwives and specialist obstetric departments, the flawless

logistics behind the warm and skilled care we provide, together

with the human values underlying everything we do.

Find out more on our website and take a virtual walk through our delivery suites and rooms.


Privatklinik Goldenes Kreuz • Lazarettgasse 16-18 • 1090 Wien • www.privatklinik-goldenes-kreuz.at/de/geburtshilfe

Ein Unternehmen der PremiQaMed Group

#bornelectric

CHARGED

WITH

JOY.

THE BMW iX3.

BMW Wien

Heiligenstadt

1190 Wien

Heiligenstädter Lände 27

Tel. 01/360 61-0

www.bmw-wien.at

Donaustadt

1220 Wien

Rautenweg 4-6

Tel. 01/259 35 46-0

BMW iX3: 210 kW (286 hp), fuel consumption 0 l/100 km, CO2 emission 0 g CO2/km,

Electricity consumption of 18.6 kW/h. Values calculated according to WLTP.

Symbolfoto

CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 03/2021

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