CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 02/2018

Summer <strong>2018</strong><br />

Nr. 2 | Juni – August | June – August<br />

International Affairs Global Business Exclusive Lifestyle<br />

cercle-diplomatique.com<br />

ASERBAIDSCHAN<br />

BRÜCKE ZWISCHEN OST UND WEST<br />

AZERBAIJAN BRIDGE<br />

BETWEEN EAST AND WEST

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EDITORIAL<br />

Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser! | Dear Readers!<br />

Emocijanogavalmore<br />

Def.: The incredibly refreshing feeling when<br />

Croatian waves kiss your toes for the first<br />

time, stirring your emotions in a way you<br />

previously thought impossible.<br />

derived from Croatian<br />

PHOTO: OURIEL MORGENSZTERN.<br />

Die Produktion einer unserer Magazin-Ausgaben<br />

ist stets eine schöne Aufgabe für das<br />

gesamte Team. Diesmal war diese von viel<br />

Traurigkeit und Trauer überschattet, denn wir mussten<br />

vom plötzlichen Ableben unseres Autors Rainer<br />

Himmelfreundpointner nach kurzer, schwerer<br />

Krankheit erfahren. Er war nicht nur einer der besten<br />

Wirtschaftsjournalisten des Landes, sondern vor allem<br />

unser umfassend gebildeter, die Dinge auf den<br />

Punkt bringender und lieber Team-Kollege. Wir verabschieden<br />

uns von ihm ab Seite 4.<br />

Aserbaidschan, dem diesmal unsere Cover-Story<br />

ab Seite 30 gewidmet ist, feiert heuer seinen 100. Jahrestag<br />

der Volksrepublik. Wir sind stolz darauf, beim<br />

feierlichen Empfang mit dabei zu sein und im Palais<br />

Liechtenstein mit dieser Ausgabe dort aufzuliegen.<br />

Auch Astana hat ein Jubiläum zu feiern. Die<br />

Hauptstadt von Kasachstan wird heuer jugendliche<br />

20 Jahre alt, zu lesen ab Seite 50.<br />

Südafrika, das heuer den Vorsitz der BRICS Gruppe<br />

führt, ist nicht nur touristisch gesehen ein faszinierendes<br />

Land, ab Seite 44. Zudem luden wir Wiens<br />

Botschafter bei einem unserer zahlreichen Eigenevents<br />

zu einer beeindruckenden Vorstellung von<br />

„Afrika! Afrika!“ ein, bei der auch der südafrikanische<br />

Botschafter, S.E. Tebogo Seokolo (im Interview<br />

ab S. 48) anwesend war.<br />

Neben unserem online News-Channel, den wir<br />

seit Oktober aktuell betreiben, stellen wir nun gleich<br />

nach den Akkreditierungen die neuen bilateralen<br />

Botschafter in Wien auf unserer Homepage vor.<br />

Neu in unserem Magazin ist auch das redaktionelle<br />

Format, in dem wir in Zukunft Honorarkonsule<br />

vor den Vorhang bitten und persönlich vorstellen<br />

wollen. Den Anfang macht Heinrich Schaller - der<br />

Chef der Raiffeisen Landesbank Oberösterreich ist<br />

Honorarkonsul der Tschechischen Republik in Oberösterreich,<br />

ab S. 84.<br />

Und für den Fall, dass Sie den Sommer über Zeit<br />

finden, die Stadt Wien noch besser zu erkunden, sei<br />

Ihnen die Geschichte über jüdische Kultur in Österreich<br />

(ab Seite 92) ans Herz gelegt.<br />

Wir wünschen Ihnen einen schönen Sommer in<br />

spannenden Zeiten, wenn mit diesem Juli Österreich<br />

die EU-Ratspräsidentschaft übernimmt.<br />

The production of our magazine <strong>issue</strong>s is always<br />

an exciting task for the whole team. This<br />

time, however, the process was overcast by<br />

tremendous sadness and sorrow, for we had to learn<br />

of the sudden passing of our author Rainer Himmelfreundpointner,<br />

following a brief and severe illness.<br />

He was not only one of the best business journalists<br />

in the country, but a widely educated, precise and beloved<br />

team colleague in particular. We bid farewell to<br />

him from page 4.<br />

Azerbaijan, to which this <strong>issue</strong>’s cover story (from<br />

page 30) is dedicated this time around, is celebrating<br />

the 100 th birthday of its democratic republic this year.<br />

We are proud to attend the festivities and will be present<br />

at the Palais Liechtenstein with this <strong>issue</strong> of our<br />

magazine.<br />

Astana also has a reason to celebrate. The capital<br />

city of Kazakhstan is turning 20 years young this year,<br />

find out more starting on page 50.<br />

South Africa, which is presiding over the BRICS<br />

group this year, is not just a fascinating country if you<br />

are a tourist – read more on page 44. We also invited<br />

Vienna’s Ambassadors to a brilliant performance of<br />

“Afrika! Afrika!“ at one of our many events, at which<br />

the South African Ambassador H.E. Tebogo Seokolo<br />

(interview starting on p. 48) was present as well.<br />

Next to our online news channel that we have<br />

been running since October, we also introduce the<br />

new bilateral Ambassadors to Vienna on our website<br />

once accreditation is complete.<br />

Another addition is our new editorial format,<br />

where we will be asking honorary consuls onto the<br />

stage for a personal introduction. The first is Heinrich<br />

Schaller – the Head of Raiffeisen Landesbank<br />

Oberösterreich is an Honorary Consul of the Czech<br />

Republic to Upper Austria, read more from page 84.<br />

And just in case you find the extra time to explore<br />

Vienna in a little more depth during the summer, we<br />

highly recommend the story about Jewish culture in<br />

Austria (starting on page 92).<br />

We wish you a wonderful summer during these<br />

exciting times, especially when Austria assumes the<br />

EU Council Presidency this July.<br />

Herzlichst, | Warmly,<br />

RESIDENCES SENIA<br />

Andrea Fürnweger<br />

Herausgeberin | Editor<br />

Invest in your Croatian dream property and benefit from all the advantages<br />

of the Falkensteiner Hotel group, such as 5* hotel and concierge service or<br />

access to the wellness & spa area. www.premiumliving.com<br />

Mag. Alexander Bursky<br />

Herausgeber | Editor

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NACHRUF OBITUARY<br />

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner (1961-<strong>2018</strong>)<br />

Ein letzter Gruß an unsere Edelfeder. Wir vermissen Dich!<br />

A final goodbye to our favourite wordsmith. We miss you!<br />

Unser Autor und lieber Kollege ist nach kurzer, schwerer Krankeit am 15. Mai <strong>2018</strong> verstorben.<br />

Our author and dear colleague has died after a brief, severe illness on 15 May <strong>2018</strong>.<br />

PHOTO: ROIS & STUBENRAUCH<br />

Einen Nachruf zu schreiben ist ein<br />

mieser Job. Immer. Besonders aber<br />

dann, wenn es sich um die Erinnerung<br />

an jemanden handelt, der nicht nur<br />

ein lieber Kollege war, sondern auch jemand,<br />

den man als einen sehr guten<br />

Freund und engen Wegbegleiter bezeichnen<br />

kann. Man schreibt ihn dann voller<br />

Trauer, weil man einen Menschen verliert,<br />

den man über die Jahre lieb gewonnen hat,<br />

voller Wut, weil man feststellt, dass man<br />

einem unberechenbaren Schicksal ausgeliefert<br />

ist, und voller Zorn, weil einer der<br />

ganz Guten wieder einmal viel zu früh abberufen<br />

wurde.<br />

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner, den alle<br />

auf Grund seines außergewöhnlich langen<br />

Namens nur kurz und prägnant HFP genannt<br />

haben, war einer der profiliertesten<br />

Journalisten Österreichs. Und einer der<br />

produktivsten. Er hat im Lauf der Jahre<br />

nicht nur für so ziemlich alle wichtigen österreichischen<br />

und für viele renommierte<br />

internationale Zeitungen und Zeitschriften<br />

gearbeitet, er hat auch als Chefredakteur<br />

die eine oder andere Zeitschrift betreut<br />

und er hat Bücher zu ganz unterschiedlichen<br />

Themen geschrieben – über Wirtschaft<br />

und Justiz ebenso wie über die „Dos<br />

& Don’ts auf der ganzen Welt“. Für seine<br />

Arbeit wurde er mit zahlreichen Preisen<br />

ausgezeichnet.<br />

Das Magazin Cercle Diplomatique hat<br />

er nach dem Relaunch vor fast vier Jahren,<br />

nahezu ab der ersten Stunde als Autor und<br />

als Ideengeber begleitet. Wie kein anderer<br />

hat er die Zeitschrift geprägt. Er hatte die<br />

Begabung, auch komplizierteste Zusammenhänge<br />

verständlich zu formulieren. Er<br />

verstand es, mit seinem Charme auch<br />

schwierige Gesprächspartner zu spannenden<br />

und erhellenden Gesprächen zu verführen<br />

und elegant größere Diskussionsrunden<br />

zu moderieren.<br />

Vor allem aber wird uns Rainer in Erinnerung<br />

bleiben als ungemein sympathischer,<br />

intelligenter, neugieriger und humorvoller<br />

Gesprächspartner. Es war immer<br />

ein Vergnügen, sich mit ihm auf einen<br />

Plausch im Kaffeehaus zu treffen; man hat<br />

ihm dann auch gerne verziehen, dass er<br />

jene Lokale bevorzugte, in denen noch fleißig<br />

geraucht werden durfte. Der Bogen der<br />

Gesprächsthemen spannte sich von internationaler<br />

Politik über aktuelle Wirtschaftsskandale<br />

bis hin zu Kulturereignissen<br />

und unterhaltsamem Tratsch aus der<br />

Medien- und aus der Politikszene. Es war<br />

immer ein Vergnügen. Diese Stunden werden<br />

uns in guter Erinnerung bleiben.<br />

Am Ende eines Nachrufs steht dann<br />

meist der Satz: Wir werden ihn nicht vergessen.<br />

Das ist manchmal nur so hingeschrieben<br />

und schnell wird zur Tagesordnung<br />

übergegangen. Hier, bei Cercle<br />

Diplomatique, wird das nicht der Fall sein.<br />

Kann es auch gar nicht. Noch sehr lange<br />

wird, wenn wieder einmal ein besonders<br />

schwieriges, komplexes Thema, das enorme<br />

Sachkenntnis verlangt, einen Autor<br />

sucht, uns allen durch den Kopf schießen:<br />

Da müsste jetzt der Rainer ran.<br />

Writing an obituary is always a<br />

miserable task. Always. But<br />

it’s especially the case when<br />

it’s about the memory of someone who was<br />

not just a dear colleague, but also a very<br />

good friend and a close companion. So, you<br />

write the obituary, filled with sadness, as<br />

you have lost a person whom you have<br />

grown very fond of over the years. And you<br />

write with anger, as you realise the unpredictable<br />

manner in which fate can strike,<br />

and with wrath, for he was, once again, one<br />

of the good ones who was taken from us<br />

way too soon.<br />

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner, who, as<br />

a result of his exceptionally long name was<br />

concisely called HFP, was one of Austria’s<br />

most distinguished journalists. And one of<br />

the most productive ones, too. Throughout<br />

the years, he not only worked for most of<br />

Austria’s important and renowned international<br />

newspapers and magazines, but also<br />

supervised several magazines as Editor in<br />

Chief and wrote books on a whole number<br />

of different topics – about business and justice,<br />

as well as the “Dos & Don’ts of the<br />

Whole World”. For his work, he was awarded<br />

countless prizes and awards.<br />

After the relaunch of the magazine Cercle<br />

Diplomatique four years ago, he accompanied<br />

the magazine as an author as well as<br />

a general source of ideas almost from the<br />

very beginning. He was able to formulate<br />

even the most complex ideas in a digestible<br />

manner. He knew how to use his charm to<br />

draw even the most difficult of dialogue<br />

partners into exciting and enlightening<br />

conversations and could moderate large<br />

discussion panels in the most elegant way.<br />

But above all, we will remember Rainer<br />

as an incredibly likeable, intelligent, curious<br />

and humorous conversation partner. It was<br />

always a pleasure to meet him at a café for a<br />

quick chat; you could easily forgive him that<br />

he usually selected those establishments<br />

that still permitted smoking. The talking<br />

points ranged from international politics<br />

and contemporary business scandals to cultural<br />

events and even entertaining gossip<br />

from the world of media and politics. It was<br />

always a pleasure. We will remember those<br />

hours for a long time.<br />

At the end of many obituaries, one will<br />

usually find a sentence like this: ‘We will not<br />

forget him’. Sometimes, this is only said as a<br />

formality, and things quickly go back to<br />

normal. Here, at Cercle Diplomatique, that<br />

won’t be the case. It couldn’t be the case. For<br />

a long, long time to come, whenever there<br />

will be one of those particularly complex<br />

subjects requiring an author with in-depth<br />

expertise, we will all be thinking one and<br />

the same thing: That would have been a job<br />

for Rainer.<br />

4 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

5

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<strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong> –<br />

ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE<br />

Nr. 315<br />

Ausgabe | Issue <strong>02</strong>/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Juni - August / June - August<br />

CONTENTS<br />

Cover story<br />

AZERBAIJAN<br />

Seite | page 30<br />

Das an Erdöl reiche Land am<br />

Kaspischen Meer feiert<br />

heuer seinen 100. Jahrestag<br />

der Unabhängigkeit.<br />

Azerbaijan, the oil-rich<br />

country at the Caspian Sea,<br />

is celebrating its 100 years<br />

of independence.<br />

10<br />

12<br />

30<br />

44<br />

50<br />

54<br />

62<br />

68<br />

70<br />

74<br />

80<br />

84<br />

88<br />

LE BULLETIN<br />

Die neuen Botschafter | The new Ambassadors<br />

Akkreditierungen durch Bundespräsident Alexander Van der Bellen.<br />

Accreditation by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen.<br />

Offizielle Empfänge | Official Receptions<br />

Die großen Empfänge der vergangenen Wochen. The great receptions of the last few weeks.<br />

LE MONDE<br />

Coverstory Azerbaijan | Cover story Azerbaijan<br />

Brücke zwischen Ost und West. Bridge between East and West.<br />

Südafrika | South Africa<br />

Willkommen in der „Regenbogen-Nation“! Welcome to the “Rainbow Nation“!<br />

Astana<br />

Stadt der Zukunft. City of the future.<br />

Gipfeltreffen der Botschafter | The Ambassadors‘ Summit<br />

4 Visegrád-Länder im Gespräch. 4 Ambassadors of the Visegrád Group in a talk.<br />

Europäisches Kulturerbe <strong>2018</strong> | European Year of Cultural Heritage <strong>2018</strong><br />

Wo die Vergangenheit die Zukunft trifft. Where the past meets the future.<br />

Essay<br />

Markus Kornprobst über die vernetzte Welt der Diplomatie.<br />

Markus Kornprobst on the networks of diplomats.<br />

News<br />

Neuigkeiten aus aller Welt. Latest update from around the globe.<br />

L‘AUTRICHE<br />

Interview<br />

Gernot Blümel, Minister für die EU, Kunst, Kultur und Medien.<br />

Gernot Blümel, Minister for the EU, Arts, Culture and Media.<br />

Interview<br />

Christian W. Konrad über die Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit. Christian Konrad on arbitration.<br />

Honorarkonsul | Honorary duty<br />

Heinrich Schaller vermittelt für Tschechien. Heinrich Schaller in duty for the Czech Republic.<br />

Wirtschaftsnews | Business news<br />

Neues aus Österreich. News from Austria.<br />

112<br />

118<br />

124<br />

128<br />

130<br />

134<br />

136<br />

140<br />

142<br />

144<br />

148<br />

160<br />

Immobilien | Property<br />

Wohnjuwelen. Residential gems.<br />

City Apartments<br />

Neues Zuhause auf Zeit. A new home from home.<br />

Lifestyle<br />

Ab ins Freie. Into the wild.<br />

Lifestyle News<br />

Trends für den Sommer. Trends for the summer season.<br />

Ambassador‘s Drive<br />

Italiens Botschafter auf CD-Testfahrt. Italy‘s Ambassador on a test drive.<br />

Motor<br />

Effizienz, Emotionen, Extreme. Efficiency, emotion, extremes.<br />

Weekender<br />

Kultur, Entertainment und Wellness in Budapest.<br />

Culture, entertainment and wellness in Budapest.<br />

Upcoming<br />

Wo es uns gefällt. Where we love to be.<br />

Buchempfehlungen | Must read<br />

Lesenswertes über Österreich. Book tips about Austria.<br />

Mein Wien | My Vienna<br />

Der Botschafter von Belgien. The Ambassador of Belgium.<br />

LES RENDEZVOUS<br />

Veranstaltungen | Events<br />

Exklusive Veranstaltungen im Fokus. Exclusive events in focus.<br />

LE GUIDE<br />

Adressen | Addresses<br />

Nützliche Adressen für die internationale Gesellschaft.<br />

Useful addresses for the international community.<br />

GENDER ERKLÄRUNG<br />

Im gesamten Magazin wird bei<br />

den deutschsprachigen Texten<br />

aus Gründen der besseren<br />

Lesbarkeit bei geschlechtsspezifischen<br />

Begriffen die maskuline<br />

Form verwendet. Diese Form<br />

versteht sich explizit als<br />

geschlechtsneutral.<br />

92<br />

98<br />

100<br />

104<br />

106<br />

110<br />

SAVOIR VIVRE<br />

Jüdische Kultur in Wien | Jewish culture Vienna<br />

Vom Wiener Salon bis New Klezmer. From Viennese salons to neo-klezmer.<br />

Botschafter der Musik | Ambassadors of Music<br />

Bassbariton Adam Plachetka. Bass-baritone Adam Plachetka.<br />

Kunst | Arts<br />

Kulturelle Highlights im Sommer. Cultural highlights in summer.<br />

Connaisseur | Connoisseur<br />

Essen und trinken mit Stil. Wine and dine in style.<br />

Reise | Travel<br />

Top-Hotels und -Restaurants aus aller Welt. Top hotels and restaurants around the world.<br />

Table Talk<br />

Zum Lunch mit Generaldirektorin Simone Dulies im Hotel Bristol Vienna.<br />

Lunch with General Manager Simone Dulies at the Hotel Bristol Vienna.<br />

3<br />

6<br />

161<br />

Titelbild | Cover<br />

Icheri Sheher (Alte Stadt) von Baku, Azerbaijan.<br />

Icheri Sheher (Old Town) of Baku, Azerbaijan.<br />

Editorial<br />

Inhalt | Contents<br />

Impressum | Imprint<br />

COVERPHOTO: FOTOLIA/ ELENA PETROVA; PHOTO: FOTOLIA/ VADIM NEFEDOV<br />

Die Moschee der Märtyrer und moderne Glas-Architektur in Baku.<br />

Mosque of the Martyrs and modern glass central business district skyscrapers in Baku.

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LE<br />

BULLETIN<br />

IN LE BULLETIN ERFAHREN<br />

SIE, WER DIE NEU<br />

AKKREDITIERTEN<br />

BOTSCHAFTER IN<br />

ÖSTERREICH SIND UND<br />

WELCHE OFFIZIELLEN<br />

EMPFÄNGE UND EVENTS IN<br />

DEN VERGANGENEN DREI<br />

MONATEN STATTGEFUN-<br />

DEN HABEN.<br />

LE BULLETIN TELLS YOU WHO<br />

THE NEWLY ACCREDITED<br />

AMBASSADORS TO AUSTRIA<br />

ARE AND WHICH OFFICIAL<br />

RECEPTIONS AND EVENTS<br />

TOOK PLACE IN THE PAST<br />

FEW MONTHS.

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LE BULLETIN CREDENTIALS<br />

Wir begrüßen die neuen Botschafter herzlich in Österreich: Willkommen!<br />

We cordially welcome the new Ambassadors to Austria!<br />

Carlos Alberto<br />

Játiva Naranjo<br />

Ambassador of the<br />

Republic of Ecuador<br />

H. E. H. E. H. E.<br />

Jabir Habeb Jabir<br />

Hemaidawi<br />

Ambassador of the<br />

Republic of Iraq<br />

Dato Ganeson Al<br />

Sivagurunathan<br />

Ambassador of the<br />

Monarchy of Malaysia<br />

Credentials: April <strong>2018</strong> Credentials: April <strong>2018</strong> Credentials: April <strong>2018</strong><br />

Sebastian Schoenaich-Carolath<br />

Ambassador of the<br />

Sovereign Order of Malta<br />

H. E. H. E. H. E. H. E.<br />

Željko<br />

Perović<br />

Ambassador of the<br />

Republic of Montenegro<br />

Kjersti Ertresvaag<br />

Andersen<br />

Ambassador of the<br />

Republic of Norway<br />

Ivana<br />

Červenková<br />

Ambassador of the<br />

Czech Republic<br />

Credentials: April <strong>2018</strong> Credentials: April <strong>2018</strong> Credentials: April <strong>2018</strong> Credentials: April <strong>2018</strong><br />

Born on 25 August, 1959<br />

Married, two children<br />

Education<br />

JD in Law from the Pontifical Catholic<br />

University of Ecuador. Attorney, Pontifical<br />

Catholic University of Ecuador. Licensed in<br />

law, Pontifical Catholic University of<br />

Ecuador. Diplom d’etudes superior<br />

diplomacy<br />

Professional Career<br />

<strong>2018</strong>: Ambassador of Ecuador to the<br />

Republic of Austria and Permanent<br />

Representative of Ecuador to the<br />

International Organizations in Vienna<br />

2017: Under-Secretary of North America<br />

and Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />

2016 Director of Regional Integration<br />

2015: Director of Bilateral Relations<br />

between Mexico and Central America and<br />

the Caribbean<br />

2009-2015: Ambassador of Ecuador to<br />

France<br />

2007: Under-Secretary of Multilateral<br />

Affairs<br />

2008: Under-Secretary of Bilateral<br />

Relations<br />

2003-2005: Ambassador of Ecuador to<br />

Sweden<br />

2000-2003: Deputy Ambassador of<br />

Ecuador to the United States<br />

Born on 27 July, 1955<br />

Education<br />

1980: Bachelor of Political Sciences from<br />

the College of LAW, Political Science<br />

1986-1991: University of Baghdad, PhD in<br />

Political Sciences from Great Britain<br />

Professional Career<br />

<strong>2018</strong>: Iraqi Ambassador to the Rep. Austria<br />

2013-2017: Iraqi Ambassador to Tunisia<br />

2012: Iraqi Ambassador to Washington DC<br />

2010: Ambassador in the Ministry of<br />

Foreign Affairs<br />

2006: member of Iraqi Parliament<br />

1992-2005: Assistant Professor in the<br />

College of Political Sciences University of<br />

Baghdad<br />

Born on 13 January, 1968<br />

Married, one son<br />

Education<br />

1995: Diploma in Public Administration,<br />

Institute Tadbiran Awam Negara, Malaysia<br />

1993: Advance Diploma in Business and<br />

Management, Swansea Institute of Higher<br />

Education, University of Wales, UK<br />

1992: Bachelor of Arts Hons – History,<br />

University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<br />

Professional Career<br />

2015-<strong>2018</strong>: Undersecretary for East Asia<br />

Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,<br />

Malaysia. Undersecretary for Africa Division,<br />

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia<br />

2011-2015: Ambassador of Malaysia to Chile<br />

2008- 2011: Undersecretary for Multilateral<br />

Political Division, Min. of FA, Malaysia<br />

2004-2008: Counselor, Permanent<br />

Mission of Malaysia to the UN, New York<br />

20<strong>02</strong>-2004: Principal Assistant Secretary,<br />

Multilateral Economic and Environment<br />

Division, Ministry of FA, Malaysia<br />

2000-20<strong>02</strong>: Assistant Secretary,<br />

Development and Environmental Affairs,<br />

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia<br />

1996-2000: Second Secretary and Head of<br />

Chancery - Malaysian High Commission in<br />

Papua New Guinea<br />

1995- 1996: Assistant Secretary, East Asia,<br />

Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />

PHOTOS: RIGEAUD, CARINA KARLOVITS & DANIEL TRIPPOLT/HBF<br />

Born on September 17 in Vienna<br />

Married, seven children<br />

Education<br />

2011–2012: Advanced Management<br />

Program, IESE Business School, Barcelona<br />

1978-1983: University of Applied Sciences,<br />

Diploma Industrial Engineering (Dipl.Ing.),<br />

Munich<br />

1976–1978: Advanced Technical College,<br />

Munich<br />

Professional Career<br />

2015– 2017: CEO, HETA Asset Resolution<br />

AG, Klagenfurt, Austria<br />

2012–2015: CEO, DZ Polska, Poland<br />

20<strong>02</strong>–2011: CEO, Kölner Bank, Germany<br />

1992-20<strong>02</strong>: Ulmer Volksbank, Germany<br />

1983-1992: Team Head, Corporate Clients,<br />

Trainee and several Branches, Deutsche<br />

Bank, Germany<br />

1981-1982: Allianz, Paris, France<br />

1979-1980: Siemens South Africa<br />

1976–1978: Army, First Lieutenant<br />

Born on November 15, 1954<br />

Married, two children<br />

Education<br />

1974-1978: Faculty of Law, Belgrade<br />

Professional Career<br />

2015-<strong>2018</strong>: Ambassador, Permanent<br />

Representative to the UN, New York<br />

2015: Ambassador of Montenegro to the<br />

Costa Rica and to the Republic of Cuba<br />

2014: Ambassador of Montenegro in the<br />

Portuguese Republic<br />

2013: Ambassador of Montenegro in the<br />

Kingdom of Spain<br />

2012: General Director for Bilateral Affairs,<br />

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European<br />

Integration of Montenegro<br />

2008-2012: Ambassador of Montenegro in<br />

the Republic of Albania<br />

2003-2006: Deputy Minister in the<br />

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia and<br />

Montenegro<br />

2000-2003: Head of Montenegrin Mission<br />

for Cooperation with UN, in New York<br />

1999-2000: Special Adviser to the Minister<br />

of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro<br />

1992-1998: Adviser in the Federal Ministry<br />

for Foreign Affairs of SFRY<br />

1990-1992: Adviser in the Office for<br />

Research and Documentation<br />

Born on May 1st, 1969<br />

Married, three children<br />

Education<br />

1997: Political Science, University of Oslo<br />

1993: History, Political Science and<br />

Geography. University of Oslo and London<br />

1989: Examen Artium, Stavanger Cathedral<br />

School, Stavanger, Norway<br />

1987: High School Diploma, University High<br />

School, Morgantown, West-Virginia, USA<br />

Professional Career<br />

<strong>2018</strong>: Ambassador to the Republic of<br />

Austria and Permanent Representative to<br />

the International Organisations in Vienna<br />

2014: Director General, Department of UN<br />

and Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of<br />

Foreign Affairs<br />

2010-2014: Chief of Staff to the Foreign<br />

Minister, Deputy Director General,<br />

Secretariat for the Foreign Minister,<br />

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chief of Staff to<br />

Foreign Ministers Støre, Eide and Brende.<br />

2006–2010: Deputy Director General and<br />

Assistant Director General, UN Affairs<br />

20<strong>02</strong>-2006: Advisor, Secretariat for the<br />

Foreign Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />

1999-2001: Second Secretary, Norwegian<br />

Embassy in Berlin, Germany<br />

1997-1999: Foreign Service Trainee<br />

Born on February 12, 1962<br />

Education<br />

1985: J.D. (Juris Doctor)<br />

1980–1984: Charles University of Prague,<br />

Faculty of Law<br />

Professional Career<br />

<strong>2018</strong>: Embassy of the Czech Republic in<br />

Vienna (Austria)<br />

2015-2017: Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />

2014–2015: Director General of Section of<br />

the Minister, Head of Office of the Minister<br />

2010–2014: Embassy of the CR in Vienna<br />

2006–2010: Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />

Head of Department of International Law<br />

2001–2006: Embassy of the Czech<br />

Republic in Bern (Switzerland)<br />

2000–2001: Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />

Advisor to the Deputy Minister of the<br />

Multilateral Section<br />

1999–2000: Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />

Advisor to the General Director of the<br />

Legal and Consular Section<br />

1995–1999: Embassy of the CR in Bonn<br />

1992–1995: Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />

Head of Unit, Department of Intern. Law<br />

1991–1992: Ministry of Justice Desk Officer,<br />

Department of International Law<br />

10 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

11

---

LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />

Official receptions<br />

Find more<br />

photos online<br />

cercle-diplomatique.com<br />

March <strong>2018</strong><br />

Presentation of the spring <strong>issue</strong> of „Cercle Diplomatique“<br />

at Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn<br />

Many Ambassadors, officials and company representatives gave the editors, Andrea Fürnweger and Alexander Bursky,<br />

the honour to welcome the first <strong>issue</strong> of <strong>2018</strong> with the cover story on Finnland, enjoying delicious food and pleasant encounters.<br />

The Ambassador of Finnland, H.E. Hannu Veikko Kyröläinen<br />

(2nd left) was welcomed by Hermann Gruber, Sales & Marketing<br />

Manager Austria Trend Hotels, and CD‘s editors, Andrea<br />

Fürnweger and Alexander Bursky.<br />

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />

Many guests followed the invitation and enjoyed the<br />

Imperial ambiance as well as a delicious buffet at the venue<br />

close to Schönbrunn Palace.<br />

12 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

13

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LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />

February <strong>2018</strong><br />

Kuwait<br />

The 57 th Independence Day and the 27 th Anniversary of Liberation were celebrated with<br />

a reception at Wiener Börsensäle.<br />

February <strong>2018</strong><br />

Russian Federation<br />

The Day of the Homeland Defenders was honoured<br />

with wreath-laying ceremonies and a reception.<br />

Top: H.E. Mikhail Ulyanov<br />

(2nd left), H.E. Alexander<br />

Lukashevich (middle) and H.E.<br />

Dmitry Lyubinskiy (very left).<br />

H.E. Sadiq M. Marafi with<br />

Hager Gewefel.<br />

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />

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14 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

STORES. AUCTIONS. HUNTING. MANUFACTURE.

---

LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />

February <strong>2018</strong><br />

Kosovo<br />

The 10 th Independence Day was celebrated with a reception at the Haus der Industrie.<br />

February <strong>2018</strong><br />

Dominican Republic<br />

The 174 th Independence Day and the uptaking of diplomatic relations<br />

between the Dominican Republic and Austria 80 years ago were honoured.<br />

H.E. Lourdes Victoria-<br />

Kruse asked to a<br />

reception at k47 Vienna.<br />

H.E. Sami Ukelli and his wife<br />

Brikena Keco Ukelli.<br />

M O Z A R T W O C H E<br />

2 0 1 9<br />

2 4<br />

. J Ä<br />

N N<br />

E R<br />

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3<br />

.<br />

F E B R<br />

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U A<br />

INTENDANT ROLANDO VILLAZÓN<br />

16 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />

Dirigenten Albrecht, Antonini, Bolton, Haitink,<br />

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Orchester Camerata Salzburg, Cappella Andrea<br />

Barca, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Giardino<br />

Armonico, Les Talens Lyriques, Mahler Chamber<br />

Orchestra, Mozart Kinderorchester, Mozarteumorchester<br />

Salzburg, Orchester Wiener<br />

Akademie, Orchestre des Champs-Élysées,<br />

Sinfonieorchester der Universität Mozarteum,<br />

Wiener Philharmoniker Sänger Aikin, Alder,<br />

Bartoli, Bemsch, Brower, Di Pierro, Erdmann,<br />

Forsythe, Gansch, Hoffman, Iervolino, Karg,<br />

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Soltani, Tjeknavorian, Uchida Szene Carlus<br />

Padrissa (La Fura dels Baus) u. a.<br />

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Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Konzerte Mozartwoche<br />

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17

---

LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />

March <strong>2018</strong><br />

Bulgaria<br />

On the occasion of National Day a reception was held at the Embassy.<br />

March <strong>2018</strong><br />

Ireland<br />

Green was the colour of the Day, when St. Patrick‘s Day was celebrated at<br />

the residence.<br />

Left: H.E. Ivan Sirakov<br />

(right) with H.E. Svetoslav<br />

Spassov (2nd left).<br />

Left: H.E. Tom Hanney (left)<br />

with his wife Paula Fitzmaurice<br />

Hanney (2nd left) and<br />

their guest of honour, Helen<br />

McEntee, Irish Minister of<br />

European Affairs (3rd r.).<br />

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March <strong>2018</strong><br />

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PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />

PHOTOS: DODGE&BURN<br />

Dean and Executive Secretary of the IACA, Martin Kreutner with<br />

Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs,<br />

Karin Kneissl.<br />

18 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

19

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LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />

March <strong>2018</strong><br />

Greece<br />

On the occasion of National Day, “Greek Gravures Panorama”, an exhibition of the<br />

Kolliali collection, was shown at the residence.<br />

March <strong>2018</strong><br />

Pakistan<br />

National Day was celebrated with a reception at the InterContinental Vienna.<br />

Left: H.E. Chryssoula<br />

Aliferi (2nd right) also<br />

said goodbye at the event<br />

as she is leaving Vienna.<br />

Left: H.E. Ayesha Riyaz<br />

March <strong>2018</strong><br />

Tunisia<br />

On occasion of National Day and the centenary of the Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, a<br />

tribute exhibition by Tunisian artist Meriem Bouderbala was opened at Kunstforum.<br />

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />

Chargé d‘Affaires Khalil Tazarki (2nd r.) and next to him the Tunisian<br />

artist Meriem Bouderbala.<br />

20 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

21

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LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />

March <strong>2018</strong><br />

Bangladesh<br />

The 48 th Independence Day was celebrated at the Vienna Marriott Hotel.<br />

April <strong>2018</strong><br />

Togo<br />

On the occasion of National Day a reception was held.<br />

Left: Honorary Consul<br />

Erich Szabo with his wife<br />

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22 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

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Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 23

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LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />

April <strong>2018</strong><br />

Israel<br />

To commemorate the 70 th Independence Day, a reception was held at the Gartenpalais<br />

Liechtenstein.<br />

Right: H.E. Talya<br />

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* The values given were determined according to the prescribed measuring method. These are the „NEFC CO 2<br />

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part of the offer, but serve to compare different vehicle types. The values vary depending on the selected optional equipment.<br />

Feel free to contact our Diplomatic Sales Experts:<br />

24 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />

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T: +43 1 60 176-90 46<br />

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Mr Ingobert Könczöl<br />

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T: +43 1 60 176-254 90 41<br />

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Mr Adrian Cyrus<br />

Donaustadtstrasse 51, 1220 Wien<br />

T: +43 1 2<strong>02</strong> 53 31-73 43<br />

adrian.cyrus@wiesenthal.at

---

LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />

May <strong>2018</strong><br />

Poland<br />

On the occasion of the 100 th Independence Day a reception was held at<br />

the Embassy.<br />

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May <strong>2018</strong><br />

Russian Federation<br />

The end of the Second World War 73 years ago was honoured with a wreathlaying<br />

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---

LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN<br />

AZER BAIJAN<br />

BRIDGE<br />

BETWEEN EAST<br />

AND WEST<br />

As Azerbaijan, the oil-rich country at the Caspian Sea,<br />

is celebrating its 100 years of independence, the world realizes<br />

how much this secular, modern islamic state could play<br />

a role model in the Muslim world and the<br />

greater Middle East region as well.<br />

Text: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />

PHOTO: FOTOLIA<br />

A panorama view of the capital of<br />

Baku at sunset.<br />

30 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

31

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LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN<br />

A stunning view of<br />

Nakhchivan and the<br />

Alindja Fortress<br />

(11 th -13 th century)<br />

near Djulfa city.<br />

Early morning in Baku.<br />

The International Mugham Center of Azerbaijan.<br />

FACTS &<br />

FIGURES<br />

The ”Heydar Aliyev Centre“ in<br />

Baku, built between 2007 and 2012<br />

according to the construction plan<br />

by architect Zaha Hadid.<br />

PHOTOS: NAZIM GURBANOV, SERGEI KIVRIN, LYOKIN, İRS ZEITSCHRIFT<br />

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, some hundred<br />

years ago: Large-scale oil exploration had turned<br />

the historical city on the shores of the<br />

Caspian Sea into an industrial Eldorado which attracted<br />

investors like the Nobel brothers or parts of<br />

the Rothschild family who made fortunes dwelling<br />

the industrial oil belt, known as the Black City, established<br />

around Baku.<br />

To get an imagination of the outstanding international<br />

role Baku has played at the time, just take a<br />

look into the contemporary report ”From Constantinople<br />

to the Home of Omar Khayyam“ by A.V. Williams<br />

Jackson of Columbia University: ”Baku is a city<br />

founded upon oil, for to its inexhaustible founts of<br />

naphtha it owes its very existence, its maintenance,<br />

its prosperity...“ At present, Baku produces one fifth<br />

of the oil that is used in the world, and the immense<br />

output in crude petroleum from this single city, far<br />

surpasses that in any other district where oil is found.<br />

Verily, the words of the scriptures find illustration<br />

here: 'The rock poured me out rivers of oil“, the work<br />

reads. And goes on: ”Oil is in the air one breathes, in<br />

one's nostrils, in one's eyes, in the water of the morning<br />

bath (though not in the drinking water, for that<br />

is brought in bottles from distant mineral springs),<br />

in one's starched linen – everywhere. This is the impression<br />

one carries away from Baku, and it is certainly<br />

true in the environs.“<br />

One century ago, the Azerbaijanis finally took<br />

control not only over their natural resources, but<br />

over their national fate at all. On May 28th, 1918, the<br />

independence of the ”Azerbaijan Democratic Republic“<br />

(ADR) was declared – a new nation which actually<br />

was the first modern parliamentary republic in<br />

the Muslim world.<br />

Among the important accomplishments of the<br />

Parliament was the extension of suffrage to women,<br />

making Azerbaijan the first Muslim nation to grant<br />

women equal political rights with men. Another important<br />

accomplishment of ADR was the establishment<br />

of Baku State University, which was the first<br />

modern-type university founded in the Muslim East.<br />

”The establishment of the first Azerbaijan Democratic<br />

Republic 100 years ago, has laid a solid basis<br />

for a free society and an independent country where<br />

people independent of their religion, ethnicity, sex or<br />

any political affiliation can live and prosper“, says<br />

Galib Israfilov, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to<br />

Austria about this only 23 months lasting first republic<br />

(see also interview starting at page 38). ”We are<br />

happy that we are among the first who granted the<br />

right to vote to women during this first republic,<br />

even ahead of many European countries. This short<br />

period – only 23 months – has made a significant<br />

contribution in the perception of national identity of<br />

Azerbaijanis. It has established the vision for a future<br />

of the Azerbaijan nation which is closely related to<br />

values of humanity such as peace, dignity, freedom<br />

and independence. And for a Muslim society in the<br />

beginning of the 20th century, to cherish these noble<br />

ideas of humanity and to promote them, was very<br />

brave.“<br />

Baku today: the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan,<br />

as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea<br />

and of the Caucasus region, with a population of nearly<br />

2.4 million people, is still (and again) the scientific,<br />

cultural and industrial center of Azerbaijan –<br />

after 71 years as a Soviet Socialist Republic and a<br />

newly declared independence from Soviet Union on<br />

October 18th, 1991.<br />

The Baku International Sea Trade Port is capable<br />

of handling two million tons of general and dry bulk<br />

cargoes per year. Also, the inner city of Baku, along<br />

with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower,<br />

were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in<br />

2000. And according to the Lonely Planet's ranking,<br />

Baku is also among the world's top ten destinations<br />

for urban nightlife.<br />

Plus, in recent years, Baku has become an important<br />

venue for international events. It hosted the 57th<br />

Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, the 2015 European<br />

Games, the 2016 European Grand Prix, the 4th Islamic<br />

Solidarity Games and Azerbaijan Grand Prix in<br />

2017, and will host UEFA Euro 2<strong>02</strong>0. The city is bidding<br />

for Expo 2<strong>02</strong>5 against Yekaterinburg, Russia<br />

and Osaka, Japan.<br />

So, as Azerbaijan is celebrating its 100 years of independence<br />

as of May 28th, <strong>2018</strong>, in the coming<br />

months, its population is extremely proud that that<br />

third republic is indeed built on many of the achievements<br />

of the first. Subsequently, the constitution of<br />

Azerbaijan does not declare an official religion and<br />

all major political forces in the country are secularist.<br />

However, the majority of the population are of Muslim<br />

background. Most Azerbaijanis, however, do not<br />

actively practice any religion, with 53 percent stating<br />

religion has little to no importance in their lives, according<br />

to Pew Research Center and Gallup polls.<br />

Azerbaijan has a high level of human develop-<br />

g<br />

AZERBAIJAN<br />

Official Name:<br />

Republic of Azerbaijan<br />

Capital: Baku<br />

Official language:<br />

Azerbaijani<br />

Government: Unitary<br />

presidential republic<br />

- President: Ilham Aliyev<br />

- Prime Minister: Novruz<br />

Mammadov<br />

Area: 86,600 km2<br />

Population: 9,898,1 mln.<br />

(2017)<br />

Ethnic groups:<br />

91.60% Azerbaijani,<br />

2 % Lezgian,<br />

1.3% Armenian,<br />

1.34% Russian,<br />

1.26% Talysh,<br />

2.5% others<br />

Religion: 96% Islam<br />

4 % Christian, Jewish, Bahai,<br />

Krishna<br />

Currency: Manat (AZN)<br />

GDP: 40.750 billion $<br />

GDP per capita: 4186 $<br />

Formation:<br />

28 May 1918: Democratic<br />

Republic<br />

28 April 1920: Soviet<br />

Socialist Republic<br />

18 October 1991 Azerbaijan<br />

Republic<br />

Data is taken from the State<br />

Statistical Committee of the<br />

Republic of Azerbaijan,<br />

based on 2017<br />

A skyline view of Baku, the<br />

capital of Azerbaijan by the<br />

Caspian Sea.<br />

Baku is located on the Caspian Sea, where<br />

sailing boats are cruising.<br />

The Mausoleum of Momine Khatun was<br />

built in the 12th century, Nakhchivan<br />

city, Azerbaijan.<br />

Shaki is in northern Azerbaijan on the<br />

southern part of the Greater Caucasus<br />

mountain range.<br />

Left:<br />

The ”Grandmothers“, a folklore<br />

group in the Lenkoran district.<br />

Right:<br />

Beautiful landscape at<br />

Shuvelan.<br />

32 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

33

---

LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN<br />

President Ilham Aliyev<br />

Celebrating centennial of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic<br />

with remarkable achievements<br />

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, İlham Aliyev.<br />

On May 28th the people of Azerbaijan proudly<br />

commemorate the centennial of the Azerbaijan<br />

Democratic Republic (ADR). May 28 of 1918 is the day<br />

of declaration of independence by the first Republic<br />

of Azerbaijan and is officially observed as the<br />

Republic Day.<br />

At that time, Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was<br />

destined to live as an independent State for only 23<br />

months during the years 1918-1920. Over such a<br />

short-lived period of time it has achieved remarkable<br />

progress in the political, economic and social spheres<br />

and has entered into world history as the first secular,<br />

democratic State in the whole Islamic East.<br />

ADR’s Declaration of Independence proclaimed,<br />

inter alia, guarantees of civil rights and liberties to all<br />

its citizens irrespective of nationality, religious<br />

affiliation, gender or ethnic background – the ideals<br />

that the people of Azerbaijan cherish today. Due to<br />

actively pursued foreign policy ADR was able to<br />

establish diplomatic relations with 16 countries.<br />

The National Council (Parliament) of ADR<br />

operated for just 17 months, but was able to adopt<br />

around 230 legislative acts, including the law granting<br />

women to the right to vote and to participate in the<br />

political life of the country, much earlier than many<br />

European nations.<br />

Throughout the past century the people of<br />

Azerbaijan preserved its determination to restore its<br />

statehood and independence – the goal it attained in<br />

1991.<br />

Today, the Republic of Azerbaijan is a modern,<br />

secular and independent State proud of its history<br />

and looking into the future with great aspirations,<br />

firm on its road to development as a vibrant,<br />

multicultural society.<br />

The people of Azerbaijan commemorate the<br />

centennial of ADR with remarkable achievements.<br />

Azerbaijan’s success today is an outcome of<br />

comprehensive reform programme implemented over<br />

the past decades. The economic figures for 2017<br />

speak volumes.<br />

The development of non-oil sector of the<br />

economy is the priority of the Government. Over the<br />

last year the non-oil sector of the economy grew by<br />

2.7 per cent, the non-oil sector in industry by 3.7 per<br />

cent and in agriculture by 4.1 per cent.<br />

Azerbaijan invests heavily in building its transport<br />

and transit potential and implements a number of<br />

large-scale infrastructure projects in the country and<br />

across the region along the East-West and<br />

North-South axes. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway<br />

successfully commissioned last year connected the<br />

growing Asian markets with consumers in Europe and<br />

vice versa. Over the past years, Azerbaijan built 6<br />

international airports, 11,000 kilometers of modern<br />

highways and roads. Azerbaijan has the biggest trade<br />

fleet in the Caspian Sea with 270 vessels.<br />

Azerbaijan contributes to the energy security of<br />

Europe and is a substantial contributor to – and<br />

enabler of – the Southern Gas Corridor, which will<br />

bring alternative gas supply to the European market.<br />

Another priority sector is telecommunication.<br />

Implementation of the State program on establishment<br />

and development of space industry in<br />

Azerbaijan gave additional impetus to the development<br />

of this sphere. With launching of two<br />

telecommunication and earth observation satellites<br />

“Azerspace” and “Azersky” our country joined the<br />

world’s space club. Third satellite “Azerspace-2” will<br />

be launched soon.<br />

Particular attention is given to strengthening of<br />

the industrial base of Azerbaijan with focus on fuel<br />

and energy, chemistry, mechanical engineering,<br />

metallurgy, food industry, light industry and other<br />

areas. The main objective of the state policy in the<br />

field of industry for the medium term is ensuring of<br />

steady and rapid production growth, structural<br />

improvement and increasing efficiency. The main<br />

activities include modernization and reconstruction of<br />

industrial sites, increasing the competitiveness of<br />

national products and development of the processing<br />

industry. There are five industrial parks the Sumgait<br />

Chemical Industrial Park, industrial parks in Garadagh,<br />

Balakhany, Mingachevir and Pirallakhi settlements, as<br />

well as Neftchala, Hajigabul and Masalli industrial<br />

districts, in Azerbaijan. This is underpinned by our<br />

policy and the confidence of foreign and local<br />

investors, because investment is made only in stable<br />

countries. According to the Davos Forum, we are<br />

ranked in 35th place in the world in terms of<br />

economic competitiveness.<br />

A drastic reduction of poverty and unemployment<br />

is a testimony that we are on the right track. The<br />

level of poverty in Azerbaijan is 5.4 percent and the<br />

level of unemployment is 5 percent. In the last 15<br />

years our population grew by 1.5 million people.<br />

Therefore, creating jobs for us is a permanent<br />

process. Last year alone we created 177,000<br />

permanent jobs.<br />

Particular attention has been paid to good<br />

economic governance through improving legislative<br />

framework and regulatory system, protection of<br />

investment, elimination of bureaucratic obstacles<br />

simplifying customs procedures and creating tax<br />

incentives. A number of steps have been taken to<br />

streamline procedures, making it easier to incorporate<br />

and register a new business in Azerbaijan, including<br />

by introducing e-registry and simplifying licensing<br />

procedures for entrepreneurs. The Government has<br />

been implementing large-scale programmes for<br />

strengthening the rule of law, providing facilitated<br />

access to public services. Azerbaijan is proud to have<br />

created its national brand – ASAN Service – an<br />

innovative national model of public service delivery,<br />

where numerous services by government agencies are<br />

delivered in an efficient and transparent way from<br />

PHOTOS: NAMIK, AZERTAG – ASERBAIDSCHANISCHE STAATLICHE NACHRICHTENAGENTUR, İRS ZEITSCHRIFT, LYOKIN<br />

one-stop shops throughout the country, called ASAN<br />

Service centres.<br />

I consider that high voters turnout and my<br />

reelection to the next term in office as the President<br />

as vote of confidence of the people of Azerbaijan to<br />

reform program of my government.<br />

Apart from connecting geographically Europe and<br />

Asia due to its strategic geographic location in the<br />

Caucasus isthmus, our nation’s deep-rooted traditions<br />

of multiculturalism and tolerance, manifested in<br />

peaceful coexistence of Muslims, orthodox Christians,<br />

Catholics and Jews, makes Azerbaijan a cultural<br />

bridge between various civilizations – the role widely<br />

recognized throughout the world. The 7th Global<br />

Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, successfully<br />

held in Baku in 2016, is one good example to that end.<br />

Azerbaijan launched Baku process in 2008 as a<br />

platform for a dialogue between cultures and<br />

civilizations. Since 2011, Azerbaijan hosts Baku<br />

International Humanitarian Forum, bringing together<br />

representatives of political scientific and cultural<br />

circles of various countries to discuss a wide range of<br />

global <strong>issue</strong>s in the interest of all humanity and seek<br />

joint solutions.<br />

Since 2000 Azerbaijan has been an active<br />

member of the EXPO movement. Our pavilions<br />

received awards in the last three exhibitions in Milan<br />

in 2015 with more than 3 million visits, in Antalya in<br />

2016 and in Astana in 2017. World Expos are a<br />

showcase for diversity, based on equality and respect<br />

for all cultures. They bring the entire international<br />

community together in a unique space for global<br />

discussion and cooperation. On 18 May 2017 we<br />

submitted Baku’s candidacy to host World Expo 2<strong>02</strong>5.<br />

We believe that Azerbaijan is one of the best places<br />

to host this universal platform. Our theme for EXPO<br />

2<strong>02</strong>5 - ‘Developing human capital, building a better<br />

future’ addresses the great challenge of our time the<br />

impact of technology and increasing connectivity on<br />

humankind. The capital of Azerbaijan Baku<br />

successfully hosted global forums, the Eurovision<br />

Song Contest, the first European Games, the 4th<br />

Games of Islamic Solidarity, the World Chess<br />

Olympiad and others. Holding of EXPO 2<strong>02</strong>5 in Baku<br />

will play an exceptional role in building of commercial,<br />

political and cultural bridge between East and<br />

West, North and South.<br />

I congratulate all Azerbaijanis around the world<br />

with this very important milestone in the development<br />

of independent Azerbaijan.<br />

ment which ranks on par with most Eastern European<br />

countries. It has a high rate of economic development<br />

and literacy, as well as a low rate of<br />

unemployment.<br />

Today, Azerbaijan can be seen as a major driving<br />

force of the whole region“, says Ambassador Israfilov.<br />

”Our country not only is a strong bridge between<br />

the West and the East, but also from North to<br />

South.“ One of the key goals of modern Azerbaijan<br />

has been to manage its potentially high dependence<br />

on the oil- and gas sector which still accounts, according<br />

to economists, for at least 50 percent of its GDP,<br />

– estimated to be around 4,100 US dollars nominal<br />

per person in <strong>2018</strong>. Therefore, already back in 1999,<br />

Azerbaijan has established the so called ”State Oil<br />

Fund of Azerbaijan“, or SOFAZ, that has until now<br />

accumulated funds of some 45 billion US dollar, dedicated<br />

for investments into the diversification of the<br />

country's economy.<br />

Focus in recent years has been put on the development<br />

of agriculture, logistics and transport, environmental<br />

technologies as well as information- and<br />

communications technologies. Plus, not to forget<br />

heavy investments into national tourism (to get a<br />

Top: Khinalug, a high mountain<br />

town at an elevation of 2.350 m<br />

above the sea level, with the<br />

picturesque mountain road.<br />

Below: Little Venice.<br />

The Formula One <strong>2018</strong> Azerbaijan Grand Prix.<br />

Opening Ceremony of the<br />

Islamic Games in Baku,<br />

2017.<br />

34 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

35

---

LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN<br />

A memorial of Nizami a famous poet,<br />

born in the city Ganja, Azerbaijan, in<br />

the 12th century.<br />

Top: Beautiful sunset on<br />

Mardakan Beach.<br />

Right: The capital Baku<br />

by night.<br />

visa just takes three hours) with the promotion of big<br />

projects like the European Olympic Games 2015, the<br />

start of the Formula One Grand Prix Azerbaijan in<br />

2016 and the Islamic Olympic Games in 2017.<br />

Apart from this non-oil-diversification, which is<br />

also coined in the strategic ”Vision 2<strong>02</strong>0“ that has<br />

been proclaimed in 2013 in order to react against falling<br />

oil prices, Azerbaijan has surpringly benefited<br />

from the sanctions the European Union has imposed<br />

on Russia and on Iran, too. Ambassador Israfilov:<br />

”This allowed us to increase our exports of products<br />

into the Russian markets as well as into the Iranian<br />

markets. So we invested into production, for instance<br />

of agricultural products.“<br />

Another absolutely outstanding diversification<br />

project is the construction of the city of Alat at the<br />

Caspian Sea. Having started as a shipyard that has<br />

been built together with Singapore and Dutch companies,<br />

already in 2019, the first cruise liner shall be<br />

constructed to travel the Caspian Sea all around<br />

from Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan und Iran.<br />

Alat itself, some 80 kilometers south of Baku, shall be<br />

a super-modern duty-free-destination and more liberal<br />

than Dubai. Plus, as Ambassador Israfilov reports,<br />

Alat will be developed in close cooperation<br />

with the Vienna Institute of Sustainable Development,<br />

and some 20 Austrian professors shall contribute<br />

to the rise of this smart city of the future at the<br />

Caucasus.<br />

Projects like these could very well intensify the<br />

economic relations between Azerbaijan and<br />

Austria which have been severely decreasing in recent<br />

years, expecially in terms of Austrian exports of<br />

goods, which last year reached only some 50 million<br />

Euro, while imports from Azerbaijan, mainly oil and<br />

gas, have jumped over 300 million Euro in 2017.<br />

Despite that, there is definitely some room for improvement<br />

of Austrian export figures. Azerbaijan<br />

counts as a strategic trade and investment market<br />

and, according to the Austrian Chamber of Commerce,<br />

in 2016, has been the number 5 of the former<br />

Soviet Union markets for Austrian exporters after<br />

Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan und Belarus. As of now,<br />

14 Austrian companies are active in Azerbaijan,<br />

being engaged in joint-ventures, subsidiaries or re-<br />

PHOTOS: SERGEI KIVRIN, LYOKIN<br />

presenta tions – for example Siemens, Waagner-Biro<br />

or Liebherr.<br />

As a matter of fact, says Rudolf Lukavsky, Austria's<br />

Commercial Counsellor covering Azerbaijan (see<br />

also page 41) reports, the major business chances for<br />

Austrian companies could be found in the many diversification<br />

projects and also in the privatisation of<br />

big industries. The modernisation of agriculture, especially<br />

in the sectors of food processing and the development<br />

of breeding farms, would be areas in<br />

which foreign direct investment can find attractive<br />

fiscal support. Recent best practice examples would<br />

be the construction of a bitumen factory for SOCAR,<br />

the delivery of special breeding cattle and a water<br />

pumping system for an industrial factory.<br />

And then, apart from China itself, there is maybe<br />

no other country which has more pushed forward Xi<br />

Jingpin's „One Belt, One Road“ mega-project. Just<br />

end of October last year, Azerbaijan's President Ilham<br />

Aliyev together with the Turkish President Recep<br />

Tayyip Erdogan and Giorgi Kvirikashvili, the Prime<br />

Minister from Georgia, have opened a 826<br />

kilometer railroad transit from Baku to Tiflis to Kars.<br />

The Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, located on the south-eastern foothills of the<br />

Great Caucasus Mountain ridge.<br />

“Bir k<br />

e<br />

r<br />

e<br />

yüks<br />

e<br />

l<br />

e<br />

n bayraq, bir daha enm<br />

“The flag once raised, will never fall!”<br />

e<br />

z!”<br />

This year we celebrate a remarkable page in our history - the 100 th<br />

anniversary of establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.<br />

Diversity &<br />

Resilience<br />

European Forum Alpbach<br />

15.–31.8.<strong>2018</strong> | #efa18 | www.alpbach.org<br />

It’s time to break new ground.<br />

Get a glimpse into Europe’s future together<br />

with renowned speakers from across the world.<br />

Register now: www.alpbach.org<br />

I belong to the generation of young Azerbaijanis who has got advanced<br />

education and started his business career in leading European financial<br />

structures. It is a great pleasure to see that, as in the times of ADR,<br />

nowadays the Government invests in young and bright Azerbaijanis by<br />

sending them to study in leading European universities. Such a policy,<br />

besides promoting Azerbaijani values and traditions in foreign countries<br />

and serving as a bridge-builder among different cultural backgrounds,<br />

has a strong potential of becoming a solid basis for long-term relations<br />

between Azerbaijan and other countries in future.<br />

As an established entrepreneur in Austria, striving to promote bilateral<br />

trade and economic relations with Azerbaijan, I would like to congratulate<br />

my fellow Azerbaijanis living in Austria and across the world with<br />

such an outstanding achievement as the Centennial Anniversary of the<br />

Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. I encourage every Azerbaijani to contribute<br />

to consolidation of independent and democratic Republic of<br />

Azerbaijan and rally around our tricolor flag.<br />

Nariman Bakhishev, MBA, CFC CEO of Private Equity Fund in Austria<br />

and prior to 2014 was a manager at Bank Austria in Vienna.<br />

PHOTO: DODGE & BURN

---

LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN<br />

Baku is located 28 metres below<br />

sea level, which makes it the<br />

lowest lying national capital in<br />

the world and also the largest<br />

city in the world located below<br />

sea level.<br />

The beautiful<br />

Maiden Tower in<br />

the heart of Baku,<br />

one of the many<br />

historical sites in<br />

the capital of<br />

Azerbaijan.<br />

EXCLUSIVE<br />

CONDOMINIUMS<br />

IN VIENNA<br />

The Heydal Aliyev<br />

İnternational Airport<br />

in Baku.<br />

Azerbaijan has contributed the biggest part of this<br />

one-billion-dollar-investment, which shortens down<br />

the time of travel between China and Europe to 15<br />

days compared to sea transit and cuts the costs by half<br />

compared to air transport. ”Our aim“, says Ambassador<br />

Israfilov to sum up these One-Belt- One-Roadambitions<br />

of his country, ”is to transform Azerbaijan<br />

into a 5-Star-Kervanseray along the new Silk Road.“<br />

The biggest obstacle for the country on this path<br />

certainly would be the conflict between Armenia<br />

and Azerbaijan about the Nagorno-Karabakh<br />

region, landlocked in the South Caucasus region and<br />

internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan. This<br />

region is populated with the Armenian ethnic majority<br />

and Azerbaijan has lost control over the region<br />

since 1992.<br />

With ceasefire reached in 1994 representatives of<br />

the government of Armenia and Azerbaijan have<br />

been holding peace talks mediated by OSCE Minsk<br />

Group. Despite the ceasefire having been established<br />

in May 1994, fatalities due to armed conflicts between<br />

Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers continued<br />

with the last big incident in April 2016, with at least<br />

30 soldiers killed.<br />

The conflict, which roughly covers some 20 percent<br />

of Azerbaijan's territory, has created not only<br />

many victims on both sides but close to one million<br />

of refugees, both from Armenian soil as well as from<br />

the Nagorno-Karabakh and seven other surrounding<br />

regions of Azerbaijan which the country has to<br />

shoulder also in terms of social and security costs. In<br />

the interview with Cercle Diplomatique, Ambassador<br />

Israfilov is opening a door to his Armenian<br />

neighbours: ”To resolve the conflict, Armenia has to<br />

bring back its troops to the military barracks. Then<br />

we can talk about rights, about the privileges or the<br />

volume of autonomy.“ As of now, there are only just<br />

a few signs that Nikol Pashinyan, the newly elected<br />

Prime Minister of Armenia has similar ambitions.<br />

Just early May, he said in a news conference that he<br />

was ready for more talks with Azerbaijan but wanted<br />

the separatists to take part, too.<br />

But to be honest, this dispute will supposedly be<br />

drawn into the background in the upcoming days<br />

and months. Be it at the 100 years of independence<br />

celebration at the Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna,<br />

where you might hold this magazine in your hands.<br />

Or be it at one of the many cultural und economic<br />

exhibitions and events which will demonstrate the<br />

close ties between Austria and Azerbaijan which<br />

date back to the times of the Habsburg monarchy.<br />

As the center piece of one of these cooperations<br />

features a rare meteorite with a core of solid iron, having<br />

crashed down on the territory of Azerbaijan<br />

years ago. As to demonstrate the friendship between<br />

these two countries, the government of Azerbaijan<br />

donated piece of this stone of space to the Natural<br />

History Museum of Vienna both for exhibition and<br />

for joint research project.<br />

PHOTOS: NAZIM GURBANOV, SERGEI KIVRIN, LYOKIN<br />

50–230<br />

SQUARE METRES<br />

AUTUMN<br />

2019<br />

PLANNED COMPLETION<br />

Tel. +43 1 224 227 100<br />

info@lindengasse.co.at<br />

38 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

---

LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN | INTERVIEW<br />

H.E. Galib Israfilov<br />

“Azerbaijan not only is a strong bridge from the East to the West,<br />

but from the North to the South as well.“<br />

On the occasion of the celebrations of the country‘s “100 Years of Independence“, the Ambassador of<br />

Azerbaijan sits down to discuss the far-reaching values of its First Republic‘s open society that are still<br />

fundamental for today‘s modern powerhouse at the Caspian Sea.<br />

Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA<br />

CD: Ambassador Israfilov, on the 28 th of May,<br />

<strong>2018</strong>, the Republic of Azerbaijan is celebrating its<br />

“100 Years of Independence“. Can you please lay<br />

out the historic circumstances of the independence<br />

and the subsequent history of Azerbaijan?<br />

Galib Israfilov: We are currently living<br />

in the Third Republic of Azerbaijan, which<br />

is celebrating the 27 th anniversary of its restored<br />

independence. The establishment of<br />

the First Azerbaijan Democratic Republic<br />

100 years ago, has laid a solid basis for a free<br />

society and an independent country where<br />

people – independent of their religion, ethnicity,<br />

sex or any political affiliation – can<br />

live and prosper. We are happy that we were<br />

among the first states which granted the<br />

right to vote to women during the First Republic,<br />

even ahead of many European countries.<br />

Although short-lived – only 23 months<br />

– the First Republic has made a significant<br />

contribution to the perception of national<br />

identity of Azerbaijanis. It has established<br />

the vision for a future of the Azerbaijani nation<br />

which is closely linked with the values<br />

of humanity such as peace, dignity, democracy,<br />

freedom and independence. And for a<br />

Muslim society in the beginning of 20th<br />

century, to cherish these noble ideas of humanity<br />

and to promote them, was very brave.<br />

At the Versailles Peace Conference, the<br />

Azerbaijan statehood was recognised, and<br />

both Azerbaijan and Georgia were officially<br />

allowed to join the nations. Countries recognised<br />

our borders, our territory, our<br />

government and our nation. So for us that<br />

period of 100 Years of Independence is a solid<br />

foundation of placing Azerbaijan as the<br />

first democratic state on the political map of<br />

the region.<br />

Can you give us an impression of Azerbaijan<br />

around 1918 to 1920, when your capital Baku had<br />

roughly as many inhabitants as Vienna, around<br />

two million people, and the rich oil and gas<br />

resources have turned it into one of the most<br />

vibrant places of that time?<br />

By the end of the 19 th century and the beginning<br />

of the 20 th century, we were a multiethnic,<br />

multi-religious and multi-confessional<br />

society and this inclusiveness also<br />

allowed Baku to be recognised as one of the<br />

world’s most dynamically developing cosmopolitan<br />

cities. For example, the Rothschild<br />

family or the Noble brothers, the later<br />

founders of the Noble Prize, have benefitted<br />

a lot from Azerbaijani oil industries. The<br />

problem for us was that we have never been<br />

in full command of our oil and gas resources,<br />

until we became independent in 1918.<br />

What will be the highlights of the 100 Years<br />

Independence Celebration?<br />

Along with the celebration on May 28 th as<br />

the National Day, we plan a number of<br />

events and this will also continue throughout<br />

the year. One of them will be an official<br />

reception on May 29 th , in Vienna. We plan to<br />

bring Azerbaijani culture, music, food, Jazz<br />

and singers. There will be a presentation of<br />

the 100-year-old history of Azerbaijan, the<br />

architecture and establishment of the First<br />

Republic. After these launching events, we<br />

have plans to arrange a number of trips to<br />

Azerbaijan. One of them had already taken<br />

place, as my wife Farah had taken spouses of<br />

Ambassadors, accredited to Austria, for a<br />

one week-tour to Baku and other beautiful<br />

cities of Azerbaijan. We are planning also to<br />

present a research book about the architecture<br />

of Baku at the end of the 19 th and beginning<br />

20 th centuries. Also, we plan to do a<br />

number of concerts, especially dedicated to<br />

the composers of that period of time. What<br />

we want is to show the world a centenniallong<br />

nurtured experience of Azerbaijan as a<br />

country of multiculturalism, tolerance and<br />

non-discrimination. We want to prove that<br />

an inclusive society like ours can be a source<br />

of inspiration for a country. So multiculturalism<br />

is state policy of Azerbaijan and this is a<br />

rather unique experience that we would like<br />

to share.<br />

How would you judge the relationship between<br />

Austria and Azerbaijan today?<br />

Azerbaijan is a strategic trade partner for<br />

Austria in the Caucasus region and since an<br />

Embassy of Austria was opened in 2010 in<br />

Baku, our economic relations have increased.<br />

We have some 14 Austrian companies<br />

with a strong presence in Azerbaijan like<br />

Siemens, Waagner Biro, Strabag, Doppelmayr,<br />

Red Bull or Swarovski. We also put an<br />

emphasis on diversification of our trade relations,<br />

which is still dominated by the oiland<br />

gas-sector.<br />

It makes up nearly all of Austria‘s imports, some<br />

300 million Euro, from Azerbaijan. But our<br />

exports have fallen in 2016 by a third, and rose<br />

back again in 2017. Why are the Austrian<br />

businesses have been going back?<br />

There are many reasons for that. First of all,<br />

the market in Azerbaijan is very competitive.<br />

There are many big European companies<br />

from Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany or<br />

the UK, or even the US, which are having<br />

more long-term relationships with our private<br />

and public sectors. Nevertheless, we are<br />

FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />

H.E. GALIB ISRAFILOV<br />

Having studied international relations at Baku State<br />

University and at Georgetown University, Ambassador<br />

Israfilov, a father of three sons, has been in<br />

diplomatic services for Azerbaijan to Washington,<br />

New York and now Vienna, where he presented his<br />

credentials already back in the year 2011.<br />

40 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

41

---

LE MONDE AZERBAIJAN | INTERVIEW<br />

LE MONDE EXPERT´S VIEW<br />

“We do not have anything against<br />

the Armenian nation. But to resolve<br />

the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh,<br />

Armenia has to bring back its<br />

troops to the military barracks.“<br />

Azerbaijan – where tourism has<br />

increased<br />

Rudolf Lukavsky, Commercial Counsellor for Azerbaijan<br />

encouraging Austrian companies to do more<br />

business in our country. Azerbaijan possesses<br />

a unique geostrategic advantage, being<br />

situated at the crossroads of East and West.<br />

We have invested a lot into establishing transit<br />

and transportation corridors in Azerbaijan<br />

and a number of mega-projects were realised<br />

by the will of three neighbouring<br />

countries in the energy and transport sectors.<br />

In fact, these projects have not only<br />

linked three countries – Azerbaijan, Georgia,<br />

and Turkey, they have not only bridged<br />

the European and Asian railroads, making<br />

them twice shorter than current connections<br />

and cheaper than the current prices for bringing<br />

goods from East to West. These projects<br />

have brought a lot of positive dynamic and<br />

development to the Caspian region, exposed<br />

it to cooperation, transformed it into one of<br />

the central logistic and industrial hubs and<br />

integrated it into European and Asian markets.<br />

By the way, it is the same transit link we<br />

also provide for Russia and Iran. Therefore,<br />

Azerbaijan not only is a strong bridge between<br />

the East and West, but also from North<br />

to South. Our priority is to strengthen good<br />

neighbourly relations with our direct neighbours<br />

and neighbouring regions, based on<br />

mutual respect and account of the interests.<br />

And this is what we are doing through our<br />

independent policy. So for over the last 100<br />

years, we have never been as strong and independent<br />

as we are now. We are in full<br />

command of our economy, political relationship<br />

and our people and region benefit<br />

from it. This is the clear vision for the future<br />

of Azerbaijan.<br />

The most burdened relationship is with your<br />

neighbour Armenia because of the Armenian<br />

Galib Israfilov, the Ambassador of the<br />

Republic of Azerbaijan, during the<br />

interview with Cercle Diplomatique.<br />

Nagorno-Karabakh settlement on the territory of<br />

Azerbaijan which has been heavily disputed for<br />

some 150 years now. Also the ceasefire of 1994<br />

has been broken many times, the latest incident<br />

was in 2016. What is the current situation<br />

between Azerbaijan and Armenia?<br />

The conflict is one of the biggest injustices<br />

committed against us. It could have brought<br />

Azerbaijan almost at the brink of existential<br />

threat, if it were not the late President Heydar<br />

Aliyev, who managed to stop the<br />

bloodshed and to establish cease-fire. We<br />

have now close to one million of refugees,<br />

both from Armenian soil as well as from the<br />

Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding<br />

regions of Azerbaijan. 20 percent of the territory<br />

of Azerbaijan is under occupation<br />

and all the cultural, political, and ethnic affiliation<br />

of these territories with Azerbaijan<br />

are now being attempted to be erased. There<br />

were several fact-finding missions of the<br />

OSCE to these territories which recognised<br />

the fact that there are attempts to resettle<br />

Armenians into these territories, that our<br />

names, our cultural heritage, our landmarks<br />

are being completely changed. This is the<br />

biggest challenge for security. The United<br />

Nations Security Council has adopted four<br />

resolutions demanding immediate, unconditional<br />

and complete withdrawal of occupying<br />

forces from Azerbaijan. But so far, Armenia<br />

has not implemented any of these<br />

resolutions for 24 years now. They have violated<br />

them because the Armenian troops<br />

are deeply inside in the Azerbaijani territory.<br />

So, the status quo is unsustainable as it<br />

has no future. We in Azerbaijan want this<br />

region to become free of foreign military<br />

troops, we want it to become free of occupation,<br />

of conflicts, but this is not in the<br />

mindsets of the current Armenian government.<br />

What could be a solution?<br />

Our independence, our nation can not be<br />

overwhelmed by the conflict. So we develop<br />

and strengthen our country in the 80 percent<br />

of our territory. Those 20 percent, we<br />

see them as temporarily occupied and we<br />

wish to resolve this conflict peacefully. We<br />

up to now have close to 30,000 Armenians<br />

living in Baku, in mixed marriages, working<br />

even in government offices and we do not<br />

have anything against the Armenian nation.<br />

To resolve the conflict, Armenia has to<br />

bring back its troops to the military barracks.<br />

This is what the Security Council is<br />

also demanding. Once the troops are withdrawn<br />

and the territories are liberated, Armenians<br />

of Nagorno-Karabakh can restore<br />

their relationship with Azerbaijanis of Nagorno-Karabakh.<br />

And for doing so, the military<br />

occupation factor has to be off the table<br />

and then we can talk about equal rights<br />

for both communities, we can talk about<br />

the privileges, the volume of autonomy, but<br />

they can not do it under the gun. If Armenians<br />

are afraid of security of Armenians in<br />

the Nagorno-Karabakh region, there is an<br />

option of international peace-keeping force<br />

that can be deployed. We will stay where we<br />

are and our militaries will not move inside<br />

the region, but the occupied territories have<br />

to be liberated. We want to rehabilitate those<br />

territories. We will invest into Karabakh,<br />

into the other occupied territories to rebuild<br />

the infrastructure, to bring back the<br />

refugees, the internally displaced persons<br />

and to allow them restoring their normal<br />

life. The current territory which is now occupied<br />

is close to 18,000 km2 and only<br />

about 30,000 Armenian civilians live in that<br />

territory. If you get rid of the troops then<br />

there is enough land for everyone. We will<br />

not expel anyone, there will be a peace-keeping<br />

force, but our people have to return<br />

back. If we speak of the rights of the Armenian<br />

population, we have to, of course, see<br />

equal rights of Azerbaijanis of the Nagorno-<br />

Karabakh as well.<br />

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA<br />

PHOTO: VALERI ANGELOV<br />

Rudolf Lukavsky is<br />

currently Austria‘s<br />

Commercial Counsellor<br />

for Azerbaijan, working<br />

from Moscow. Prior to<br />

coming to Russia in<br />

2016, he held posts in<br />

Cairo and Bucarest.<br />

Major global projects have promoted the country as an attractive travel destination.<br />

In general, it can be said that in <strong>2018</strong> an economic recovery is<br />

expected in Azerbaijan. This year a GDP growth of 1.6% is<br />

predicted, while the GDP fell by -0.5% in 2017 and shrank by<br />

-3.1% in 2016. However, Azerbaijan‘s growth rates correlate<br />

with oil and gas export revenues and it is estimated that the oil<br />

industry has a share of 50 % of the GDP. In addition, incoming<br />

tourism has significantly increased in the last years, with major<br />

projects such as the European Olympic Games in 2015, the Formula 1 Grand Prix<br />

Azerbaijan since 2016 and the Islamic Olympic Games in 2017. These important<br />

global events have promoted Azerbaijan as an attractive destination.<br />

Azerbaijan‘s main trading partners were Italy (31.9%) in 2017, followed by Turkey<br />

(9.9%), Israel (4.6%), Russia (4.2%), the Czech Republic (4%) and Canada (3.8%).<br />

On the import side, Russia was the main supplier (17.7%), followed by Turkey<br />

(14.5%), China (9.7%), the USA (8.2%) and Ukraine (5.2%).However, the Azerbaijani<br />

economy is largely dominated by revenues from oil and gas exports. In 2017,<br />

Azerbaijan has exported around USD 16.1 bn. and the share of oil and gas products in<br />

total exports is still more than 88%. The total trade volume in 2017 between Austria<br />

and Azerbaijan has reached around EUR 421.8 mil. EUR 59.5 mil. was accounted by<br />

Austrian exports and EUR 362.3 mil. by imports from Azerbaijan. In comparison to<br />

the previous year, the trading volume between the two states increased by 92.3%. In<br />

2017, Azerbaijan‘s imports increased by +124.4% and Austrian exports to Azerbaijan<br />

by +1.1%. In 2017, Azerbaijan was the fifth most important CIS market for Austrian<br />

exports after Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus.<br />

Austrian export structure to Azerbaijan did not change much in the last years.<br />

The main export products are machinery and equipment. Pharmaceuticals and<br />

beverages form the second most important group of export goods, followed by the<br />

third largest export group, optical instruments and live animals. Azerbaijan remains<br />

a classic supplier of raw materials to Austria and therefor it mainly imports mineral<br />

fuels from Azerbaijan. Mineral fuels account for around 99.8% of total imports.<br />

Unfortunately, Austrian investments are still weakly established. Approximately 14<br />

Austrian companies are currently represented in Azerbaijan through subsidiaries,<br />

joint ventures or representations with an investment volume of approximately USD<br />

0.7 mil. Mostly these are larger companies, such as Siemens, Waagner-Biro or<br />

Liebherr, who have already been active in Azerbaijan for years. The areas of<br />

telecommunications, infrastructure, renewable energy and the privatization of<br />

large-scale industry would open up attractive opportunities for the market entry of<br />

Austrian companies. In addition, Azerbaijan is particularly looking for knowledge<br />

transfer in the industries of mechanical engineering, chemicals, building materials,<br />

textiles, motor vehicles and food industry. Besides that, there are good business<br />

opportunities for Austrian companies in the modernization of agriculture, for<br />

example in the area of food processing, feed production or the establishment of<br />

breeding farms. In general, foreign investment is desired and promoted by<br />

Azerbaijan. There are special economic zones or industrial parks that offer<br />

attractive investment incentives. In addition, the Republic of Austria supports<br />

Austrian investors in Azerbaijan with the Austrian-Azerbaijani investment<br />

protection and double taxation treaties.<br />

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42 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

---

LE MONDE SOUTH AFRICA<br />

Welcome to the “Rainbow Nation“!<br />

Female workers are slicing the<br />

mangoes which are later on<br />

washed and packed on trays<br />

for drying.<br />

FACTS &<br />

FIGURES<br />

Xyx yxy xyxyxyxyx yxyxyxyxyxyx yxyxyxyxy xyxyxyxyxyx<br />

yxyxyxyxyxyxyx yxyxyxyxyxyx<br />

yxyxyxyxyxyxyxyxyxyx<br />

Text: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />

PHOTOS: FOTOLIA,CHRIS KICRHHOFF, MAURIZIO DE MATTEI<br />

There is hardly any other state in the world to<br />

be found where more than 10 languages are<br />

also the country’s official languages. There, it<br />

is said, you have landed right in the middle of the<br />

rainbow, consequently South Africa is often called<br />

the “Rainbow Nation“. Many different ethnic groups<br />

live here together, in the special focus of the international<br />

public after the end of apartheid. It was Archbishop<br />

Desmond Tutu who coined the term describing<br />

post-apartheid South Africa, after the country’s<br />

first fully democratic election in 1994. Living together<br />

are coloured, whites, and several other ethnic<br />

groups who all represent their own culture.<br />

From hard times to good vibes – South Africa has<br />

gone a long way to be the country it represents today.<br />

Among the key sectors that keep South Africa’s economic<br />

engine running are manufacturing, wholesale<br />

and retail trade, financial services, transport, mining,<br />

agriculture and tourism.<br />

The mining sector is an integral part of South<br />

Africa’s economy. Recent decades, however, have<br />

seen a structural shift in output. Since the early<br />

1990s, economic growth has been driven mainly by<br />

the tertiary sector, which includes wholesale and retail<br />

trade, tourism and communications.<br />

Now, and empowered by the newly elected President<br />

Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa is moving towards<br />

becoming a knowledge-based economy, with a<br />

greater focus on technology, e-commerce, financial<br />

and other services.<br />

Only this April, President Ramaphosa has successfully<br />

secured 50 million pounds of funding from<br />

the United Kingdom – to help South Africa improve<br />

its business environment, making it more attractive<br />

to investors with the aim of creating jobs and opportunities.<br />

This agreement was reached between the<br />

President and the British Prime Minister Theresa<br />

May.<br />

This investment by the UK followed the President’s<br />

announcement that South Africa would be hosting a<br />

major investment conference in early autumn <strong>2018</strong>,<br />

which aims to raise over one trillion rand in new investments<br />

over five years.<br />

”The investment conference, which will involve<br />

domestic and international investors in equal mea-<br />

South Africa<br />

Official name:<br />

Republic of South Africa<br />

Capital and largest city:<br />

Pretoria (administrative)<br />

Cape Town (legislative)<br />

Bloemfontein (judicial)<br />

The Constitutional Court is<br />

based in Johannesburg<br />

(largest city).<br />

Official languages: English,<br />

isiZulu, isiXhosa,<br />

isiNdebele, Afrikaans,<br />

Siswati, Sepedi, Sesotho,<br />

Setswana, Tshivenda,<br />

Xitsonga<br />

Ethnic groups:<br />

Zulu (21%),Xhosa (17%),<br />

Sotho (15%), Tswana,<br />

Venda, Ndebele, Swasi,<br />

Pedi.<br />

Government:<br />

Constitutional multiparty<br />

democracy with three<br />

spheres - national,<br />

provincial and local<br />

government.<br />

President:<br />

Cyril Ramaphosa<br />

Vice President:<br />

David Mabuza<br />

Area: 1,221,037 km 2<br />

Population:<br />

57,31 million<br />

(UN estimate)<br />

GDP: $280.37 billion<br />

(2017 estimate)<br />

GDP per capita: 5.273,59 $<br />

(2016, nominal)<br />

Currency: Rand (ZAR)<br />

View of Cape Town.<br />

A breathtaking view of Table Mountain – a flat-topped<br />

mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking<br />

the city of Cape Town. It is a significant tourist<br />

attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or<br />

hiking to the top. The mountain forms part of the<br />

Table Mountain National Park. Table Mountain is also<br />

known as home to a large array of fauna and flora.<br />

44 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

---

LE MONDE SOUTH AFRICA<br />

The South African coastline<br />

stretches more than 2,500<br />

kilometres.<br />

sure, is not intended merely as a forum to discuss the<br />

investment climate. Given the current rates of investment,<br />

this is an ambitious but realisable target that<br />

will provide a significant boost to our economy,“ said<br />

Ramaphosa.<br />

Yet, tourism as well is a huge factor, taking so<br />

many tourists coming from all over the world to South<br />

Africa. From the Cape West Coast on the desert<br />

border with Namibia to northern KwaZulu-Natal,<br />

the South African coastline stretches more than<br />

2,500 kilometres and boasts some of the most beautiful<br />

beach landscapes in the world. And hiking is<br />

one of the sports not to be missed by travellers enjo-<br />

ying lush forests, rugged shorelines, mountain<br />

streams, waterfalls and fragrant fynbos. The Otter<br />

Trail along the Tsitsikamma coast is probably the<br />

most popular hike in the country.<br />

One might choose to start the South African tour<br />

in Pretoria, Cape Town or Bloemfontein. You have<br />

landed in Johannesburg, for it is the biggest city of<br />

South Africa and known as a vibrant and dynamic<br />

place with a throbbing pulse and an awesome sense<br />

of rhythm.<br />

Johannesburg is also known as Jozi, Joburg or<br />

JHB and is the major international gateway into South<br />

Africa. There, it seems that everyone is on the<br />

move – doing business, jogging, going to the gym,<br />

cycling, enjoying life, eating out, and attending<br />

shows, movies and exhibitions.<br />

Regarding food, South Africa is triply blessed: A<br />

long and varied coastline supplies the country with<br />

an astonishing amount and variety of seafood. The<br />

fertile soils and wonderful climate work together to<br />

produce an enormous range of agricultural products.<br />

South Africa’s history has endowed the country with<br />

a population with such diverse cultural backgrounds<br />

PHOTOS: WAYNE KEET<br />

that fusion in cuisine is hardly anything new. You<br />

will find a whole range of restaurants serving<br />

anything from hamburgers to sushi, but let’s focuse<br />

on specialities: The seafood in South Africa is legendary,<br />

and is best sampled at one of the West Coast’s<br />

open air restaurants – sometimes not much more<br />

than simple shelters on the beach. As well as mussels,<br />

fish stew, grilled fish and lobster, you may be offered<br />

pickled fish – a well-loved dish which you’ll also find<br />

in some traditional Cape Malay restaurants. Other<br />

Malay specialities include fruity, spicy but not overpowering<br />

curries, the traditional fish dish smoorsnoek,<br />

koeksisters (a sweet, syrupy treat), bobotie (a spicy<br />

mince dish), and some Indian specialities, such as<br />

rotis and samosas, with a local twist.<br />

Giving just a last little advice: Bring your golf<br />

clubs as the Rainbow Country is going to make you<br />

swing! And if you would like to highlight your journey<br />

with something extraordinary beautiful, watch a<br />

performance by the Lippizaner horses on a Sunday<br />

morning, at their premises in Kyalami. There you can<br />

enjoy the precious animals which you otherwise can<br />

experience only in Austria.<br />

At the fun park.<br />

A history of sustainable growth<br />

Photo: Mondi Group<br />

Mondi is a global packaging and paper group with roots in South Africa.<br />

Like the company itself, the name Mondi is also South African in origin,<br />

coming from the Mondia whitei flower that grows in the hills near Durban<br />

where the first paper mill was located. The name was chosen to reflect<br />

Mondi’s commitment to the environment, which has only grown stronger in<br />

the 50 years since its founding. Today Mondi embeds the principles of sustainability<br />

in everything it does – from forestry, pulp and paper to sophisticated<br />

packaging for consumer and industrial use. It develops and manufactures<br />

innovative, sustainable packaging and paper solutions that answer industry<br />

trends and address global challenges. The Group employs around 26,000<br />

people at more than 100 operations in over 30 countries. It has a dual listing<br />

on the Johannesburg and London Stock Exchanges and is a member of their<br />

sustainability indices. From this solid foundation, Mondi looks forward to<br />

another 50 years of sustainable growth.<br />

www.mondigroup.com<br />

www.sappi.com<br />

it to connect<br />

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sharing a<br />

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Every business<br />

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At Sappi, we are<br />

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we are working to<br />

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---

LE MONDE SOUTH AFRICA | INTERVIEW<br />

H.E. Tebogo Seokolo<br />

“South Africa is Austria‘s main trading partner in Africa.“<br />

The Ambassador of South Africa to Austria is providing insights<br />

into his country‘s economic relations and regards culture and<br />

music as a vital link between the two countries.<br />

Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />

H.E. TEBOGO SEOKOLO<br />

FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA<br />

CD: Excellency, could you please give a survey of<br />

the state of the bilateral relations between South<br />

Africa & Austria?<br />

Tebogo Seokolo: Cooperation in science<br />

and technology is one of the flagship programmes<br />

between South Africa and Austria.<br />

In 2016, the two countries concluded a<br />

Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific<br />

and Technological Cooperation in order<br />

to: (a) contribute to scientific advancement<br />

in both countries by funding<br />

researchers mobility in the frame of joint<br />

research (b) provide an opportunity for<br />

young researchers in the two countries to<br />

meet and interact (c) support the advancement<br />

of basic research and to (d) contribute<br />

meaningfully to research capacity development.<br />

What is important about this<br />

programme of cooperation is that it is<br />

jointly equally financed by both countries.<br />

Recently, in 2017, the bilateral relations<br />

between the two countries were enhanced<br />

with the visit to South Africa by Former<br />

Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and<br />

current Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz who<br />

was accompanied by a a high-level delegation<br />

of Austrian companies led by the Austrian<br />

Chamber of Commerce.<br />

Visiting each other’s countries is another<br />

key contributor to fruitful relations.<br />

We have witnessed a growing increase of<br />

Austrians visiting South Africa. In 2017, a<br />

total number of 29,6<strong>02</strong> tourists from Austria<br />

visited South Africa and this number is<br />

expected to grow with the introduction of a<br />

direct flight from Vienna to Cape Town by<br />

Austrian Airlines in October this year.<br />

South African Airways (SAA) also services<br />

the Austrian tourism market via a<br />

code-sharing arrangement with the Lufthansa<br />

Group and flies from Munich and<br />

Frankfurt to Johannesburg.<br />

In addition, there is also an intensive cooperation<br />

in the field of culture.<br />

Particularly music is one area with great<br />

potential. A number of young South African<br />

musicians, mostly in the classical genre,<br />

are placed in various institutions and<br />

opera houses in Austria. The trailblazer in<br />

this area is none other than the late indomitable<br />

Johan Botha, a South African tenor<br />

who settled in Austria in the early<br />

1990s. The high-point in the South Africa-<br />

Austria cooperation in the field of music<br />

was in 2015 the hosting of the “Tribute to<br />

Nelson Mandela Concert“ which featured<br />

both Johan Botha and Pretty Yende, supported<br />

by the Vienna Chamber Orchestra<br />

conducted by Stefan Vladar. It was the late<br />

Johan Botha’s wish to make this collaboration<br />

an annual event, alternating between<br />

South Africa and Austria - this however,<br />

was not to be. I am glad that the newly<br />

elected President, His Excellency, Mr Cyril<br />

Ramaphosa has on 28 April <strong>2018</strong> bestowed<br />

on Johan Botha (posthumously) the Order<br />

of Ikhamanga for his excellent contribution<br />

to opera music and putting South Africa<br />

on the world stage.<br />

What is the state of economic relations between<br />

South Africa & Austria - could you please give us<br />

a short overview of Austrian companies active in<br />

South Africa as well as South African investment<br />

activities in Austria?<br />

South Africa is Austria’s main trading<br />

partner in Africa. One third of Austria’s<br />

exports to Africa are with South Africa.<br />

According to the SA Reserve Bank’s<br />

Quarterly Report from December 2017,<br />

South African total direct investments in<br />

Austria in 2016 amounted to Euro 3.4 billion,<br />

while the Austrian direct investments<br />

to South Africa amounted to Euro 758 million.<br />

According to the Austrian National<br />

Bank report, Austrian total direct investments<br />

in South Africa in 2016 amounted to<br />

Euro 220 million.<br />

Mondi, whose head office in Vienna is<br />

responsible for the rest of the world excluding<br />

Africa, has invested US$ 250 million<br />

in the Austrian paper and pulp sector, including<br />

shares in Austria’s largest private<br />

company Patria Paper. In 2014, Mondi invested<br />

a further Euro 24 million in its plant<br />

in Frantschach, Carinthia. Sappi Ltd. owns<br />

a paper mill in Gratkorn, Styria. Sasol Wax<br />

GmbH has a small plant in Linz, Upper<br />

Austria. In 2013, Steinhoff International<br />

bought the furniture group Kika-Leiner. In<br />

2014, Dimension Data SA acquired 100%<br />

of the NextiraOne Austria.<br />

About 79 Austrian companies are directly<br />

involved in South Africa, of which 16<br />

have direct investment, 51 have distribution<br />

and sales offices and 12 are involved in<br />

projects, training and other services.<br />

Among the top investors are Voestalpine,<br />

Alpla, Christof Industries, Constantia Flexibles,<br />

Benteler International, Doka, Efkon/Strabag,<br />

Plasser&Theurer, Tyrolit, Andritz,<br />

Agrana, Kapsch TrafficCom and<br />

Swarovski (Tyrolit).<br />

The economy of South Africa has been catching<br />

up again in 2017, but it still has to overcome<br />

many problematic <strong>issue</strong>s of the former Zuma<br />

administration. What are the major pillars of<br />

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic strategy<br />

and his goal to attract more investments in the<br />

coming years?<br />

The President and government have announced<br />

a strong intention to attract<br />

around 100 billion US dollars worth of investments<br />

into the economy in the next five<br />

years. In this regard, later this year, South<br />

Africa will host a major International Investment<br />

Conference, which will bring together<br />

potential investors from both South<br />

Africa and abroad. Among some of the<br />

strong attributes which we believe count in<br />

on South Africa’s favour, include the fact<br />

that the country has stable institutions, a<br />

thriving democracy as well as an independent<br />

judiciary.<br />

South Africa has an advanced financial<br />

sector and a sound regulatory and legal<br />

framework. Furthermore, South Africa recognizes<br />

that to attract more investments,<br />

it needs to invest in its infrastructure. That<br />

is why in recent years, the country has upgraded<br />

and continues to upgrade its infrastructure<br />

especially in the fields of energy,<br />

road, rail and ports. South Africa has also<br />

established special economic zones which<br />

offer a range of incentives. These special<br />

economic zones are becoming manufacturing<br />

hubs thus significantly boosting the<br />

country’s export capacity.<br />

The Ambassador of South Africa to Austria, Slovakia<br />

and Slovenia also serves as the Permanent<br />

Representative to the UN and International<br />

Organisations which include among others the IAEA,<br />

UNODC, UNIDO, CTBTO and UNOOSA.<br />

48 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

49

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LE MONDE 20 TH ANNIVERSARY OF ASTANA<br />

City of the future<br />

The headquarters of the oil<br />

company KazMunayGas.<br />

FACTS &<br />

FIGURES<br />

This year, Astana is celebrating its 20 th birthday.<br />

Within a very short period of time, Kazakhstan’s<br />

capital city has developed into an internationally<br />

renowned hub for politics and culture, business and<br />

the sciences.<br />

Text: Gerald Sturz<br />

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT/BOTSCHAFT VON KASACHSTAN<br />

Early morning in Astana. Slowly, the limousine,<br />

bringing the visitor from the airport to his hotel,<br />

glides through the capital city’s streets. Past<br />

towers that look like football cups, a giant pyramid<br />

and various golden monuments. Bewildered, the visitor<br />

rubs his eyes. Is what he is seeing merely a hallucination?<br />

Perhaps caused by the little sleep he managed<br />

to catch on the airplane, the early hour, the slight jetlag?<br />

Buildings are passing by him that make him<br />

think he’s found himself in some kind of futuristic<br />

city, a metropolis of tomorrow, a kind of grand, visionary<br />

project.<br />

Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital city, is indeed a modern<br />

city. Perhaps the most modern capital city in the<br />

world. And this year, it is celebrating its 20th birthday.<br />

A steppe village called Akmola used to stand in its<br />

place before President Nursultan Nazarbayev decided<br />

to move the capital from the strategically inconvenient<br />

Almaty to the north.<br />

It required an iron will, immense assertiveness and<br />

impressive resources to realise a project like Astana.<br />

President Nursultan Nazarbayev had all of this.<br />

Astana’s architectural concept is actually based on<br />

one of the President’s own ideas. He called for the development<br />

of a unique style that would harmoniously<br />

connect the cultural traditions of the East with those<br />

of the West. In fact, the architect who designed the<br />

masterplan was Kishō Kurokawa from Japan. Dozens<br />

of famous architects and hundreds of domestic and<br />

foreign construction companies participated in the<br />

building of the new Kazakh capital.<br />

On 6 July 1994, Astana was declared the new capital<br />

of Kazakhstan and in the summer of 1998, Astana<br />

was first presented internationally.<br />

This is an important date in Kazakhstan’s history<br />

as an independent nation. A new political centre was<br />

constructed right in the heart of the Eurasian continent<br />

and was ultimately declared a “World City” by<br />

UNESCO. “We can say that Kazakhstan’s capital city<br />

has been a triumph of our independence. Astana is<br />

our symbol that looks toward the future, connected to<br />

our history, culture and our worldview,” says President<br />

Nursultan Nazarbayev.<br />

Today, Astana is a modern and safe city. It is the<br />

centre of culture, education and business. Astana has<br />

also become attractive to tourists. The city boasts a<br />

unique energy. Various new and quite exceptional objects<br />

of world culture were erected here, such as the<br />

Astana Opera, the National Museum, the Palace of<br />

Astana<br />

Official name:<br />

Astana.<br />

Astana is the Kazakh word for<br />

capital city<br />

Astana is the capital city of<br />

the Republic of Kazakhstan .<br />

Population: 1,000,000. This<br />

makes Astana the second largest<br />

city in Kazakhstan after Almaty.<br />

Today, representatives from over<br />

100 nationalities live in the city.<br />

History: Astana has had many<br />

different names throughout time.<br />

The municipality that was founded<br />

in its place in 1832 was called<br />

Akmolinsk until 1961, Tselinograd<br />

until 1992, Akmola until 1998.<br />

Infrastructure:<br />

Astana is an important<br />

transportation hub. The city is<br />

located on the New Silk Road that<br />

connects China with Europe. The<br />

airport is located 15 kilometres<br />

south of the city. It is the base of<br />

Air Astana. It offers countless<br />

international connections to<br />

Europe.<br />

Economy:<br />

Most notably, Astana harbours<br />

the headquarters of the most<br />

important Kazakh state-owned<br />

enterprises. Among them are the<br />

“KazMunayGas” oil company,<br />

“GE Transportation” locomotive<br />

assembly plant and helicopter<br />

assembly plant of “Eurocopter”.<br />

The “KazakhTelecom”, the<br />

“Eurasian Resources Group”<br />

mining company and the private<br />

credit institution “Tsesnabank”<br />

also have their bases here.<br />

Astana: Kazakhstan‘s new capital.<br />

Visionary project.<br />

View of the center of<br />

Astana. In the foreground is<br />

the Baiterek monument.<br />

Nazarbayev Center.<br />

50 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

51

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LE MONDE 20 TH ANNIVERSARY OF ASTANA<br />

In the evening, the sights of the city are spectacularly<br />

illuminated.<br />

Arts and entertainment:<br />

a fountain in front of the<br />

National Museum and the<br />

Khan Shatyr shopping and<br />

entertainment center.<br />

Independence, Central Concert Hall and the Kazak<br />

Eli and Máńgilik El monuments. The tower that looks<br />

like a football cup is the 97-metre-high Baiterek Tower.<br />

It is the architectural symbol of the city as well as<br />

its landmark. It is intended to symbolise the “Tree of<br />

Life”. According to an old Kazakh legend, it is the tree<br />

in whose treetop the miracle bird Samruk laid a golden<br />

egg, containing the wishes and expectations of<br />

the people – and their future. Up in the tower’s panorama<br />

sphere, one can find the open hand of the president,<br />

chiselled into marble. “Put your hand into that<br />

of the President,” the young women in the red uniforms<br />

say as they welcome visitors exiting the elevator.<br />

“Make a wish, and perhaps you will see your<br />

dreams come true”.<br />

Another iconic building in the city is the pyramid,<br />

known as the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. It<br />

was designed by the British star architect Norman<br />

Foster and is marked by its surprising formal simplicity<br />

and its elaborate and exquisite furnishing. The<br />

interior contains event halls, a theatre and exhibition<br />

rooms. Khan Shatyr, the futuristic shopping and entertainment<br />

centre, was also built in accordance with<br />

Norman Foster’s designs. It is the largest pavilionroof<br />

dome in the world. And now, another one of<br />

Lord Foster’s grandiose ideas is being realised: the<br />

Abu Dhabi Plaza. It is like a city within the city and<br />

will include Central Asia’s tallest 88-floor skyscraper,<br />

hotels, a traditional Kazakh bazar and a huge winter<br />

garden the size of a football field.<br />

But it is not just its architectural achievements that<br />

make Astana so unique. In the 20 years of its existence,<br />

the city has become a major hub for politics,<br />

business, science and research. Today, it is a major<br />

centre in the Eurasian region, hosting various forums,<br />

conferences and other events with international significance.<br />

Thus, Astana was the host of the 2010<br />

OSCE Summit, where the historical “Declaration of<br />

Astana” was signed, in which the summit’s participants<br />

emphasised the commitments, principles and<br />

values anchored within the Helsinki Final Act and the<br />

Charter of Paris for a New Europe and other documents<br />

by the organisation. Kazakhstan’s capital also<br />

held large events for the Conference on Interaction<br />

and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, the Organisation<br />

for Islamic Cooperation, the Shanghai Cooperation<br />

Organisation and the Congress of Leaders<br />

of World and Traditional Religions. Here, Kazakhstan’s<br />

experience as a multi-national and multi-religious<br />

state that has managed to maintain inter-ethnic stability<br />

is important. As is well known, this is the most<br />

important factor when it comes to ensuring a<br />

country’s security.<br />

In 2012, Astana was declared a Culture and Arts<br />

Capital of the Turkic World. This designation made it<br />

possible for the city to act as a bridge between the Eastern<br />

and the Western civilisations, as an instrument<br />

for the creation of communication between the cultures<br />

and to be a role model for tolerance. In October<br />

<strong>2018</strong>, representatives of the world religions will meet<br />

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT/BOTSCHAFT VON KASACHSTAN<br />

in Astana for the VI Congress of Leaders of World<br />

and Traditional Religions. The capital city was thus<br />

able to establish itself as a platform for peace negotiations<br />

and dialogue between the world religions of Islam,<br />

Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism<br />

and Hinduism.<br />

The most significant event, however, was the execution<br />

of the EXPO 2017 in Astana, centred around<br />

the subject of “Future Energy”. The event brought together<br />

the greatest talents and leaders from the areas<br />

of energy conservation as well as new developments<br />

and technologies to be employed for renewable energy<br />

sources — sun and wind energy, as well as hydropower<br />

— from around the world.<br />

Similarly, the Astana Economic Forum (AEF) is an<br />

annual platform for dialogue with the goal of finding<br />

effective solutions to the most important economic<br />

and social challenges of the present. The forum<br />

gathers leading statesmen, international experts, scientists,<br />

politicians, public individuals as well as representatives<br />

from various financial institutions and the<br />

business world, and is the biggest forum of its kind in<br />

Eurasia. The main organiser of the event is the Eurasian<br />

Economic Club of Scientists, which was founded<br />

in 2008 on the initiative of President Nursultan<br />

Nazarbayev as an instrument for detecting the mechanisms<br />

that could help overcome the global financial<br />

and economic crisis. Today, the association includes<br />

academics and experts, global thinkers,<br />

politicians, leaders of international organisations, re-<br />

search institutions and business representatives from<br />

over 120 countries around the globe.<br />

And thus, there will likewise be a series of international<br />

and bilateral meetings this year. One of these<br />

conventions will be the Austrian-Kazakh Economic<br />

Forum, organised in cooperation with the Austrian<br />

Federal Economic Chamber. Between 25 and 28 June,<br />

various “Green Technologies made in Austria” will be<br />

presented by regional Austrian business representatives<br />

to Kazakh partners as part of the forum.<br />

This way, Astana has managed to make a big impression<br />

on visitors, statesmen from all over the world<br />

and many decision-makers from business. Alfred Gusenbauer,<br />

the former Chancellor of Austria, put it as<br />

follows, “It is quite astonishing how Astana has managed<br />

to become such a lively city in such a short period<br />

of time. It is 20 years old. In terms of history, that’s not<br />

a long time at all. It’s a blip in time. I know of no other<br />

example where a new capital city developed as quickly<br />

as Astana.” Richard Schenz, Vice President of the<br />

Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, has also been<br />

impressed by Astana. “First, because it was a brave<br />

decision by Kazakhstan’s President to found a new capital<br />

city in a strategically more advantageous position.<br />

And second, because the city appeals to me. It has<br />

beautiful and innovative architecture. You can truly<br />

take in the works of the world’s greatest architects.”<br />

And thus, President Nursultan Nazarbayev wish to<br />

make Astana into a triumph of Kazakhstans’ independence<br />

has come true.<br />

One of the futuristic buildings of Astana is Norman<br />

Foster‘s The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.<br />

Astana has established itself as a political, economic and<br />

interreligious center of Eurasia.<br />

52 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

53

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LE MONDE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - V4<br />

Ambassadors‘ Summit #7<br />

“We have similar stories and have chosen a shared path toward integration .“<br />

Founded after the fall of the Iron Curtain, the Visegrád Group consists of the<br />

Central European countries of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and<br />

Hungary. In Cercle Diplomatique’s seventh Ambassadors’ Summit, the four<br />

Ambassadors of the “V4“ countries joined the discussion about not only<br />

Europe’s migration <strong>issue</strong>s but also their hopes for their countries’ youth.<br />

Moderated by Rainer<br />

Himmelfreundpointner<br />

H.E. PETER MIŠÍK<br />

H.E. IVANA ČERVENKOVÁ<br />

PHOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />

H.E. JOLANTA RÓŻA KOZŁOWSKA<br />

H.E. JÁNOS PERÉNYI<br />

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA<br />

The Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to<br />

Austria and Permanent Representative to the<br />

UN in Vienna since October 2017, prior has<br />

served as Political Director (Ministry of Foreign<br />

and European Affairs; 2015) and Director of the<br />

Foreign Relations Department (Office of the<br />

President, 2014-2015).<br />

The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to<br />

Austria and Permanent Representative to the<br />

UN in Vienna presented her credentials this<br />

April. Before that, she has served as Deputy<br />

Minister of Chancery of the Ministry and Head<br />

of Chancery Office at the Ministry of Foreign<br />

Affairs (2015-2017).<br />

The Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to<br />

Austria also acts as Permanent Representative<br />

to the United Nations in Vienna. Before she has<br />

joined the Vienna Embassy in December 2017,<br />

she has served as CEO at the Fundacja<br />

Uniwersytecka (Branch of KUL, the Catholic<br />

University in Lublin).<br />

The Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary to<br />

Austria and Permanent Representative to the UN<br />

in Vienna took his post in December 2014. Prior<br />

to this, he has served as Hungarian Ambassador<br />

to Morocco (2011-2014) and as Councillor at the<br />

Hungarian Embassy in Paris (2009-2011).<br />

54<br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

55

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LE MONDE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - V4<br />

“The V4 functions within the EU and<br />

wants to contribute its part to the<br />

integration process.“<br />

CD: The Visegrád Group goes way back and was<br />

founded after the fall of the Iron Curtain. In the<br />

beginning, its activities were largely centred<br />

around questions pertaining to the economy and<br />

economic cooperation, until 1999, when the topics<br />

were further examined in depth. May I ask you for<br />

your take on the Visegrád Group?<br />

Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: The presidents<br />

of what were still three countries at the<br />

time – Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary<br />

– met in Visegrád, Hungary in 1991 in<br />

order to sign the Visegrád Declaration. It<br />

was a symbolic location, because it was also<br />

where the kings of Poland, Czechia and<br />

Hungary met in the 14th century and put<br />

aside their differences to form a pact. The<br />

declaration of 1991 set out the exact aims<br />

of the cooperation which would later become<br />

the V4. Economic collaboration was,<br />

of course, an important part of the agreement.<br />

In 1992, the Central European Free<br />

Trade Agreement was founded, though the<br />

countries’ primary motivation was the mutual<br />

support in the transformation and democratisation<br />

process, as well as the integration<br />

into the structures of the EU and<br />

NATO. Similar experience and goals<br />

brought the countries together back then<br />

and they still form part of the foundation<br />

for our cooperation.<br />

Ivana Červenková: We have similar stories<br />

and have chosen a shared path toward<br />

integration. Our cooperation is not limited<br />

to politics, but we also seek to deepen it in<br />

the areas of business and culture. Between<br />

1993 and 1997, this collaboration was not<br />

as deep as we had just separated from Slovakia.<br />

But in the years 1998 and 2004, before<br />

joining NATO and the European Union<br />

respectively, we realised that it would be<br />

better to stand for a common position regarding<br />

our interests within the European<br />

Union.<br />

János Perényi: In 1991, the primarily<br />

goal of the countries was for the Soviet troops<br />

to leave. The departure from the Warsaw<br />

Pact and the integration process into<br />

the transatlantic organisations were prepared.<br />

For a few years, our countries acted<br />

more like competitors. Cooperation was<br />

sporadic, sometimes more, sometimes less,<br />

and then became more profound again following<br />

a summit in Bratislava. Since then,<br />

one might say that the group has become<br />

stronger, and since the financial and migration<br />

crises, we have moved even closer together.<br />

Peter Mišík: In the 1990s, we were in a<br />

specific situation, and Visegrád ended up<br />

becoming incredibly important for us. In<br />

1997, the Czech Republic, Poland and<br />

Hungary were invited to join NATO, whilst<br />

Slovakia was not. We also started much later<br />

with the negotiations to join the EU.<br />

Thus, it became very important to us to<br />

maintain a good working relationship and<br />

dialogue within the Visegrád Group back<br />

then. This really helped us, especially when<br />

it came to catching up with what we had<br />

missed. Even within the EU, we look for topics<br />

where we have a common interest and<br />

try to articulate and enforce them. But it’s<br />

not just about us, about our four countries,<br />

we take a stance for common European solutions.<br />

In other words, Visegrád is not an<br />

alternative, but an instrument that should<br />

aid the European Union and make it more<br />

efficient. And this is our philosophy, too.<br />

Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: The International<br />

Visegrád Fund was created in 2000 in<br />

order to finance different projects intended<br />

to bring the V4 countries closer together.<br />

The successful activities of the V4F have<br />

shown that the Visegrád cooperation does<br />

not only take place on a political or economic<br />

level, but also on a social level. This<br />

aspect is very important to us.<br />

János Perényi: We also share this Visegrád<br />

Fund with other countries and it<br />

works fabulously. Not just within the Visegrád<br />

Group, but, for example, with the<br />

countries of the Western Balkans. I would<br />

also like to emphasise that it is completely<br />

wrong to view the Visegrád Group as an<br />

alternative or even as a rejection of the European<br />

Union. On the contrary.<br />

Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: The V4 functions<br />

within the EU and wants to contribute<br />

its part to the integration process. Despite<br />

the fact that they were forcefully<br />

separated from the European integration<br />

process for a long time, the Central European<br />

countries belong to Europe. Their citizens<br />

are Europeans. According to surveys,<br />

between 80% and 90% of Poles<br />

support their country’s membership in the<br />

EU. In the 1980s, Pope John Paul II spoke<br />

in favour of unity on the European continent.<br />

He repeatedly spoke of the two lungs<br />

of Europe, both of which are needed in order<br />

to breathe. He repeated these words in<br />

1988, before the fall of the Iron Curtain,<br />

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA<br />

even in the European Parliament, to emphasise<br />

the necessity of European integration.<br />

In many countries, especially in Germany and in<br />

many parts of the population of other countries,<br />

there is the impression that the Visegrád<br />

countries reject the EU allocation plan for<br />

refugees. And that your countries’ separate<br />

approach to the refugee question has led to less<br />

of an integration and perhaps to a somewhat<br />

separate bloc within the EU. What policies and<br />

measures are your countries pursuing?<br />

János Perényi: Let’s go back to 2015,<br />

which was a symbolic year. The migration<br />

process is a process that has taken decades<br />

in Western Europe. And the problems with<br />

multicultural societies had already started<br />

to become apparent and were, from our<br />

point of view, neglected by the Western European<br />

political system. That is our first<br />

point. We don’t want anything to be forced<br />

onto us, we want to be able to make our<br />

“We are now working on an agency that will be truly responsible for border<br />

control and we are investing a lot of money in it.“<br />

Cool head<br />

in heated disputes<br />

We are an international law firm<br />

providing legal services in all areas of<br />

dispute resolution, with a particular focus<br />

on international arbitration<br />

VIENNA PRAGUE SKOPJE BRATISLAVA LONDON<br />

www.konrad-partners.com<br />

56 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

---

LE MONDE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - V4<br />

“We are confident in Austria‘s ability<br />

to play an honest broker staking out<br />

common ground for the EU to deliver<br />

better wherever we need action at<br />

European level.“<br />

own decisions. And as per our estimate, the<br />

integration process of migrants has not<br />

succeeded in Western Europe. This is an<br />

important argument. Politically speaking,<br />

the EU’s government leaders came to the<br />

agreement in June 2015 that the allocation<br />

of migrants could only occur on a voluntary<br />

basis. Two months later, the interior ministers<br />

voted on the <strong>issue</strong>. That was unacceptable<br />

and a breach of trust.<br />

Ivana Červenková: During the era of socialism,<br />

we didn’t have a multicultural society<br />

as such. Following the fall of the Iron<br />

Curtain, we opened up and now have a lot<br />

of people from Ukraine and Vietnam who<br />

live with us and are very well integrated.<br />

But: The number one priority is to secure<br />

the external border, so that we can control<br />

who comes into our country. Quotas just<br />

aren’t a practical approach here. They split<br />

the EU states. The people who came to us<br />

wanted to continue to Germany or to Austria<br />

and didn’t even want to stay in the<br />

Czech Republic. We want to find a joint solution<br />

that is acceptable to all countries.<br />

For example, we favour aid on site, in war<br />

zones or in underdeveloped regions - with<br />

financial resources for third countries,<br />

countries of origin or migration countries.<br />

János Perényi: The inflows from the<br />

summer of 2015 were a shock to all of us.<br />

The Ambassadors‘ Summit took place<br />

at The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna.<br />

The European Union was in no way prepared<br />

for such a number of people.<br />

Peter Mišík: What became apparent was<br />

that the system wasn’t working in that particular<br />

situation. The European Commission<br />

didn’t think the problem through well<br />

enough and came up with the recommendation<br />

to solve the problem by way of migration<br />

quotas. Back then, we said that this<br />

wasn’t going to work. You cannot force<br />

people to go to this or that country within<br />

the Schengen system. That also led to that<br />

cliché that we failed to act in solidarity, because<br />

we wouldn’t accept a solution like<br />

that. Even though today, everyone knows<br />

that it just wasn’t a good solution.<br />

As a political topic, the <strong>issue</strong> of migration now<br />

wins elections in many parts of Europe.<br />

Ivana Červenková: Yes, exactly. We can<br />

see in Austria, the Czech Republic or other<br />

European countries that this is becoming a<br />

major topic.<br />

Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: Successful integration<br />

is a daunting task for all countries.<br />

Poland doesn’t shut itself off to migration<br />

or to the support for migrants. More than a<br />

million people from Eastern Europe, especially<br />

from Ukraine, but also from war zones,<br />

have come to us in the last few years. In<br />

terms of residence permits granted for<br />

work-related purposes, Poland is number<br />

one on the list and surpasses other EU<br />

member states. Poland has allocated<br />

493,000 work-related residence permits, 28<br />

EU member states in total only 847,000<br />

permits. Poland supports the immigration<br />

of people who want to work and want to<br />

integrate through work, too.<br />

Peter Mišík: Our citizens have great<br />

trust in the European Union. But the people<br />

also feel that a well-functioning European<br />

Union without adequate security is<br />

unimaginable.<br />

János Perényi: It’s why there is a great<br />

consensus among our governments, in<br />

terms of the need for efficient control of the<br />

external borders.<br />

Ivana Červenková: Exactly, this is the<br />

number one priority.<br />

János Perényi: We are now working on<br />

an agency that will be truly responsible for<br />

border control and we are investing a lot of<br />

money in it. We have around 98% agreement<br />

within the European Union in terms<br />

of what needs to be done. We aren’t of the<br />

same opinion when it comes to mandatory<br />

quotas.<br />

Could a new type of development aid be of help?<br />

Aiding development in the countries where<br />

people are coming from so that they no longer<br />

have a reason to leave? The EU’s development<br />

funds up until now, which are rather generous in<br />

comparison to the USA, don’t seem to have done<br />

much.<br />

Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: Climate<br />

change, famine and a lack of drinking water<br />

– these problems are closely interwoven<br />

with one another and should also be part of<br />

the solution. These are problems that Europe<br />

cannot solve on its own. To truly solve<br />

these <strong>issue</strong>s, we will need involvement<br />

from all continents. Personally, I am of the<br />

opinion that more should be invested in<br />

education, especially in the developing<br />

countries.<br />

János Perényi: On a global level, there<br />

are different discussions taking place<br />

around development aid – the world would<br />

end up looking really different than 20 ye-<br />

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA<br />

ars ago. The governments in Africa and<br />

Asia, for example, should do everything<br />

within their power so that young people<br />

don’t lose hope. If those governments are<br />

interested in offering their people better<br />

educations and better employment opportunities<br />

– if this is truly in their interest –<br />

then us Visegrád countries would make a<br />

great partner for them. This could lead to<br />

responsible, lasting and sustainable partnerships.<br />

What are your expectations regarding the<br />

Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU?<br />

Peter Mišík: First of all I am confident<br />

that the high-class and very experienced<br />

Austrian diplomacy will prove its qualities<br />

also during the forthcoming Presidency of<br />

the Council of the EU. Since there are<br />

very complicated <strong>issue</strong>s on the table, such<br />

as Brexit, migration or Multiannual Financial<br />

Framework 2<strong>02</strong>0-2<strong>02</strong>7, I expect the<br />

AUSTRIA CONNECT<br />

WIR BAUEN BRÜCKEN IN DIE WELT<br />

ZENTRALEUROPA<br />

LATEINAMERIKA<br />

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND<br />

GULF<br />

UNITED KINGDOM<br />

IBERISCHE HALBINSEL<br />

NORDAMERIKA<br />

CHINA<br />

“The future of any country depends on its youth. We need to invest more into<br />

excellent universities and science and we should support new ideas.“<br />

AUSSENWIRTSCHAF T AUSTRIA<br />

Vernetzen Sie sich auf unseren weltweit stattfindenden Konferenzen<br />

mit Top-Managern und Experten, den Leitern österreichischer<br />

Niederlassungen sowie Österreichern im jeweiligen Exportmarkt!<br />

wko.at/aussenwirtschaft/austriaconnect<br />

58 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

---

LE MONDE ROUNDTABLE<br />

DISCUSSION – V4<br />

FACTS<br />

The Visegrád Group<br />

Occasionally also referred to as the<br />

Visegrád countries and known under the<br />

term V4, the group consists of the Central<br />

European countries of Poland, the Czech<br />

Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Their name<br />

originates from the Hungarian city of<br />

Visegrád at the Danube Bend. In October<br />

1335, it was the location of a summit<br />

between the Hungarian King Charles of<br />

Anjou, Casimir the Great of Poland and<br />

John of Bohemia, who came with his son<br />

Charles (Charles later became his successor<br />

as the King of Bohemia, King of Germany<br />

and, from 1355, Holy Roman Emperor<br />

Charles IV).<br />

On 15 February 1991, a free-trade<br />

agreement was agreed upon in Visegrád<br />

between the founding nations of Poland,<br />

Hungary and Czechoslovakia in order to<br />

solve, in a cooperative manner, the<br />

common problems that followed the fall of<br />

the Eastern Bloc and the end of the Cold<br />

War.<br />

Effective on 14 May 1999, the<br />

international Visegrád Fund was founded in<br />

Bratislava with the group’s member<br />

nations. The fund is financed by all<br />

members and supports cultural projects<br />

and also awards scholarships to students,<br />

graduates and scientists for the sake of<br />

academic exchange. On the initiative of the<br />

Visegrád Fund, the international Visegrád<br />

Day is celebrated every year on 15 February.<br />

Austrian Presidency to maintain the unity<br />

of the European Union in these difficult<br />

times. I also believe in the capacity of the<br />

Austrian Presidency of the Council of the<br />

EU to come with well balanced proposals<br />

that will take into account the positions of<br />

the member states. Therefore, the willingness<br />

of the Austrian Presidency to be ready<br />

to listening to the opinions and expectations<br />

of the Member States will be very helpful<br />

and conducive towards finding compromises.<br />

Ivana Červenková: To echo my Slovak<br />

colleague, we are confident in Austria’s ability<br />

to play an honest broker staking out<br />

common ground for the EU to deliver better<br />

wherever we need action at European<br />

level. We wholeheartedly support the Austrian<br />

Presidency’s priorities, namely the efforts<br />

to make us fitter for the digital era and<br />

advance Western Balkan countries on their<br />

path toward EU membership. In line with<br />

what Chancellor Kurz declared on Europe<br />

Day, we also understand Austrian<br />

Presidency’s focus on securing external<br />

borders as a way to maintain the EU’s historic<br />

achievement of unhindered Schengen<br />

travel without border checks. Moreover, we<br />

are looking forward to Austrian Presidency<br />

adding further impetus to the Czech-Slovak-Austrian<br />

trilateral dubbed Slavkov, or<br />

Austerlitz, cooperation.<br />

What are your hopes for young people, growing<br />

up in your country?<br />

Jolanta Róża Kozłowska: As for the<br />

young generations, born in the free Poland,<br />

the biggest priorities are education, stable<br />

labour market and the standard of living.<br />

And current Poland is going in this direction<br />

consequently, overcoming the lost decades<br />

of socialism forced by the Soviet Union.<br />

The fight for freedom which was the<br />

priority for my generation, hopefully does<br />

not exist as the young people live in democracy<br />

now.<br />

Peter Mišík: The future of any country<br />

depends on its youth. Therefore it is in our<br />

utmost interest to create such conditions<br />

that will motivate the young people to remain<br />

in their own country in order to contribute<br />

to its development and prosperity.<br />

We need to invest more into excellent universities<br />

and science, we should support<br />

new ideas, innovations and create good<br />

economic and social incentives for young<br />

people and families. At the same time, we<br />

should provide the necessary framework<br />

through respecting rule of law and fighting<br />

against corruption.<br />

In the times of hoaxes and information<br />

wars we have to strengthen education that<br />

is based on critical thinking which is the<br />

source of success of our civilisation. Our<br />

young people should be proud of their<br />

countries, the European values and ready<br />

to contribute to the further development of<br />

the democratic, peaceful and prosperous<br />

European Union.<br />

Ivana Červenková: It is critical to any<br />

country’s social contract for the youth to<br />

have reason to believe they will be better off<br />

than their parents. I am happy to note that<br />

the Czech youth do, living in a country that<br />

is free, peaceful, prosperous and secure.<br />

That is not to say we cannot do more to<br />

support them. And in at least one respect,<br />

we needn’t look for inspiration any further<br />

than our neighbours. In terms of smoothing<br />

transition from school into work, we can<br />

take a cue from the Austrian dual education<br />

system to perfect our own vocational<br />

training. That Austrian example goes to<br />

show that even though our youth do very<br />

well by Europe-wide comparison, resting<br />

on laurels is no option.<br />

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA<br />

Bild: Kästenbauer/Ettl<br />

Winzige Teilchen mit großer Wirkung<br />

Tiny Particles With Big Impact<br />

Die Partikeltherapie ist eine innovative, komplementäre Form der Strahlentherapie zur Krebsbehandlung. In Österreich kommt sie am<br />

MedAustron Zentrum in Wiener Neustadt zur Anwendung. | Particle therapy is an innovative, complementary type of radiotherapy<br />

for cancer treatment. In Austria, the therapy is available at the MedAustron center in Wiener Neustadt.<br />

Die Ionen- oder Partikeltherapie ist eine evolutionäre<br />

Form der Strahlentherapie, die vor allem<br />

für Tumoren verwendet wird, die gegen konventionelle<br />

Strahlung resistent sind oder die in der<br />

Nähe von strahlungsempfindlichen Organen<br />

liegen. Die Bestrahlung erfolgt mittels geladener<br />

Teilchen, die ihre Strahlendosis großteils im<br />

Tumor deponieren und dadurch das umliegende<br />

Gewebe besser schonen. Auf diese Weise können<br />

Nebenwirkungen und Langzeitschäden reduziert<br />

und die Strahlendosis für aggressive Tumore erhöht<br />

werden.<br />

MedAustron ist nur eines von wenigen Zentren weltweit,<br />

deren Anlage verschiedene Arten von geladenen<br />

Teilchen generieren kann: Protonen und Kohlenstoffionen.<br />

Dazu ist komplexe Technik nötig,<br />

die in enger Zusammenarbeit mit dem Europäischen<br />

Kernforschungszentrum CERN entwickelt<br />

wurde. Ein Teilchenbeschleuniger beschleunigt<br />

die geladenen Teilchen auf bis zu zwei Drittel der<br />

Lichtgeschwindigkeit, bevor diese in die Bestrahlungsräume<br />

und dort millimetergenau auf den<br />

Tumor gelenkt werden.<br />

Seit Ende 2016 werden bei MedAustron Patientinnen<br />

und Patienten behandelt, darunter auch Kinder. Die<br />

Behandlung erstreckt sich über einen Zeitraum von<br />

mehreren Wochen, in denen täglich eine ambulante<br />

Bestrahlung erfolgt. Parallel zum Klinikbetrieb werden<br />

die Behandlungsmodalitäten erweitert und die<br />

Anlage für Forschung auf den Gebieten der Strahlenbiologie<br />

und der (medizinischen) Strahlenphysik<br />

genutzt.<br />

◆<br />

Ion beam therapy or particle therapy is an evolution<br />

of radiation therapy and is mainly used for<br />

tumors which are resistant to conventional radiation,<br />

or are located in a delicate anatomical position.<br />

The therapy uses charged particles, which deposit<br />

their energy (for the most part) directly in the tumor.<br />

Thus, side effects and long-term effects can be<br />

significantly reduced, and the radiation dose for<br />

aggressive tumors can be increased. MedAustron<br />

is one of only a few centers worldwide that is able<br />

to generate two different kinds of charged particles:<br />

protons and carbon ions.<br />

In order to achieve this, complex technology is<br />

necessary, which was developed in cooperation<br />

with the European Organization for Nuclear Research<br />

CERN: a particle accelerator is used to accelerate<br />

the particles up to two thirds of the speed of<br />

light before they enter the treatment rooms, where<br />

they emit their energy directly to the tumor volume<br />

with millimeter-precision.<br />

MedAustron started treating patients, including<br />

children, in late 2016. In the outpatient clinic, patients<br />

receive one irradiation session daily over the<br />

course of several weeks. In parallel, not only the<br />

treatment modalities are being expanded step by<br />

step, but also non-clinical research is conducted in<br />

the fiels of radiobiology and (medical) radiation<br />

biology.<br />

60 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

www.facebook.com/medaustron<br />

www.medaustron.at

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LE MONDE EUROPEAN YEAR OF CULTURAL HERITAGE <strong>2018</strong><br />

1<br />

Where the past meets the future<br />

In May 2017, the European Union declared the year <strong>2018</strong> as „European Year of Cultural Heritage“ (EYCH)<br />

in which 32 countries take part with a total of 10,150 events. Cercle Diplomatique presents five nations<br />

and places worth visiting and experiencing.<br />

2<br />

Text: Daniela Pötzl<br />

3<br />

4<br />

Cultural heritage is at the heart of the European<br />

way of life. It defines who we are and<br />

creates a sense of belonging” said Tibor Navracsics,<br />

the EU Commissioner for Education, Culture,<br />

Youth, and Sport, during the official launch of<br />

the EYCH last December at the European Culture<br />

Forum in Milan.<br />

The purpose of this year is to raise awareness of<br />

the social and economic importance of cultural heritage.<br />

Thousands of initiatives and events across Europe<br />

provide throughout the whole year <strong>2018</strong> the<br />

possibility to involve citizens from all backgrounds.<br />

The aim is to reach out to the widest possible audience,<br />

in particular children and young people, local<br />

communities and people who are rarely in touch<br />

with culture, to promote a common sense of ownership.<br />

According to the recent Eurobarometer survey, 8<br />

out of 10 Europeans think cultural heritage is not<br />

only important to them personally, but also to their<br />

community, region, country and the European Union<br />

as a whole. The survey also shows that 9 in 10<br />

think cultural heritage should be taught in schools.<br />

To make sure the EU efforts leave an imprint beyond<br />

<strong>2018</strong>, the Commission, in collaboration with the<br />

Council of Europe, UNESCO, and other partners,<br />

will be running ten long-term impact projects. These<br />

will include activities with schools, research on innovative<br />

solutions for re-using heritage buildings or the<br />

fight against illicit trafficking of cultural goods.<br />

europa.eu/cultural-heritage/european-year-cultural-heritage_de<br />

5<br />

PHOTOS: FOTOLIA; VISITFLANDERS.COM<br />

1 | Poland<br />

Warsaw is the capital and largest city of the<br />

country. Moreover, its historical Old Town was<br />

designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<br />

warsawtour.pl<br />

2 | Slovenia<br />

Driving on the river Ljubljanica with a boat is a<br />

marvellous experience in Ljubljana, the capital.<br />

visitljubljana.com<br />

3 | Bulgaria<br />

The capital Sofia has been an area of human<br />

habitation since at least 7000 BC.<br />

bulgariatravel.org<br />

4 | Belgium<br />

Brussels hosts the official seats of the<br />

European Commission, the Council of the<br />

European Union, and the European Council, as<br />

well as a seat of the European Parliament.<br />

visit.brussels<br />

5 | Hungary<br />

Budapest attracts 4.4 million international<br />

visitors per year, making it the 25th most<br />

popular city in the world.<br />

budapest.com<br />

62 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

63

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LE MONDE EUROPEAN YEAR OF CULTURAL HERITAGE <strong>2018</strong><br />

Poland: Remembering the restoration<br />

<strong>2018</strong> is not only the European Year of Cultural Heritage. For Poland it also marks the restoration of Poland‘s<br />

sovereignty as the Second Polish Republic in 1918 from the German, Austrian and Russian Empires.<br />

Slovenia: Getting to know one‘s heritage<br />

The celebration of the European Year of Cultural Heritage will take place with numerous activities, which main<br />

events are focused on the promotion of heritage, also among young people.<br />

PHOTOS: MARTA NAE, KARL PEHERSTORFER, WARSAW RISING MUSEUM, BEIGESTELLT<br />

In November 1918, after 123 years of absence<br />

on European political maps, Poland<br />

regained its independence. This was<br />

mainly due to the perseverance and dedication<br />

of the active part of Polish society,<br />

who, during the period of servitude, passed<br />

down their allegiance to the language and<br />

national culture to new generations of<br />

young Poles.<br />

On the occasion of the 100 th anniversary<br />

of the restoration of Poland’s sovereignty,<br />

the Polish Institute in Vienna has prepared<br />

a rich program. Numerous projects are intended<br />

to commemorate these crucial<br />

events in the Polish history. The events are<br />

meant to be thought-provoking – about<br />

how independence can be understood and<br />

what an enormous importance for modern<br />

states it has, also with respect to current<br />

challenges.<br />

The promotional action „Free Pegasus“ deserves special<br />

attention. The original visual identification of EYCH in<br />

Poland has been created by Krzysztof Radoszek.<br />

The following are amongst the most important<br />

projects planned by the Institute in<br />

upcoming months to commemorate the<br />

100th anniversary of the rebirth of Poland<br />

and promote Polish cultural heritage: the<br />

scientific conference “Parliaments and<br />

Constitutions in Poland and Austria 1918-<br />

1921“, organised in June in cooperation<br />

with the Hans Kelsen Institute, the University<br />

of Vienna and the Scientific Centre of<br />

the Polish Academy of Sciences in Vienna<br />

as well as the exhibition “Fight for freedom.<br />

Warsaw Uprising 1944“ presented from<br />

July until September in cooperation with<br />

and in the seat of the Museum of Military<br />

History in Vienna. From mid-June until<br />

mid-September the gallery p_art, located<br />

at the Polish Institute Vienna, is hosting the<br />

exhibition “The Best Polish Illustrators:<br />

POSTER“, presented in cooperation with<br />

the Polish foundation SLOW. Furthermore,<br />

Poland has been chosen the guest country<br />

during this year’s edition of Austria’s largest<br />

design festival, Vienna Design Week, starting<br />

on 29 September, with most interesting<br />

works of Polish design to be presented.<br />

In Poland over 70 activities will be implemented<br />

under the patronage of European<br />

Year of Cultural Heritage. The institution<br />

responsible for supporting<br />

organisations in carrying out EYCH initiatives<br />

is the International Cultural Center in<br />

Cracow. The activities are addressed to the<br />

general public, primarily to children and<br />

youth, decision makers and representatives<br />

of the business world. The involvement of<br />

these groups in heritage protection and<br />

encouraging the cooperation of entities<br />

operating in various sectors (environmental<br />

protection, business, the cultural and<br />

creative sector, tourism, etc.) are given the<br />

highest priority.<br />

More information can be found on the<br />

official website of the Polish EYCH<br />

erdk<strong>2018</strong>.pl/en<br />

From top:<br />

Exhibition „Fight<br />

for Freedom“ at<br />

the Warsaw Rising<br />

Museum; the<br />

Polish Institute in<br />

Vienna is hosting<br />

the exhibition „The<br />

Best Polish Illustrators:<br />

POSTER!“;<br />

Poland will be the<br />

guest country<br />

during the Vienna<br />

Design Week<br />

<strong>2018</strong>; inside the<br />

and outside view<br />

of the Polish<br />

Institute Vienna.<br />

From top to<br />

bottom: The<br />

Memorial Church<br />

of the Holy Spirit<br />

in Javorca;<br />

Bled island in Lake<br />

Bled with the<br />

Pilgrimage Church<br />

of the Assumption<br />

of Maria;<br />

lovely Piran on the<br />

Slovenian adriatic<br />

coast.<br />

To enthrall and inspire young people to<br />

get interested in their heritage, numerous<br />

avtivities are carried out the whole<br />

year, like Cultural bazaar, Europe at school,<br />

the European Cultural Heritage Days as<br />

well as the Cultural Heritage Week.<br />

A traveling exhibition about the Slovene<br />

intangible heritage is visiting Slovenia‘s<br />

embassies. It features 25 cultural heritage<br />

units which are listed in the National register<br />

of the intangible heritage of Slovenia,<br />

including, for example, the Skofja Loka<br />

passion plays and door-to-door rounds of<br />

Kurenti, which both are registered on the<br />

UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible<br />

Cultural Heritage of Humanity.<br />

Lipica, home of the famous Lipizzaner<br />

horse breed from the 16th century, has also<br />

a remarkable significance as a cultural, historical<br />

and natural heritage for Slovenia<br />

and Europe.<br />

The Slovenian cultural heritage is another<br />

award richer this year. The Memorial<br />

Church of the Holy Spirit in Javorca received<br />

the European Heritage Label this year.<br />

This mainly wooden church represents an<br />

exceptional example of European cultural<br />

heritage and an architectutal pearl in an<br />

outstanding Alpine cultural landscape. The<br />

church is also included in the Path of Peace,<br />

which leads from the Alps to the Adriatic.<br />

In addition to this church, the Franja Partisan<br />

Hospital is also included on the list<br />

since 2015.<br />

One of the most beautiful towns on the<br />

Slovenian coast grew with the help of salt.<br />

The Piran salt pans, where the world-class<br />

fleur de sel (flower of salt) is still produced<br />

today by using age-old methods, were the<br />

reason why the picturesque Mediterranean<br />

walled town flourished. The old port town<br />

with remnants of a medieval wall is protected<br />

as a cultural and historical monument.<br />

Narrow streets with closely constructed<br />

houses descending from the hill and its<br />

Lipica harbours one of the oldest stud farms in the<br />

world with a tradition dating back to 1580.<br />

church to the central square on the coast<br />

emphasise its Mediterranean character.<br />

The coastal town, which developed under<br />

the influence of Venice, is considered to be<br />

one of the most authentic and most photogenic<br />

motifs on the Adriatic coast.<br />

Slovenian cultural heritage is an integral<br />

part of the “Green, Active, Healthy“ brand<br />

in Slovenia, in which movable and immovable<br />

cultural heritage with traditional and<br />

exquisite food, picturesque vineyards as<br />

well as hearty people and beautiful landscape<br />

and nature with the highest rate of<br />

biodiversity in the world.<br />

Part of the diverse natural heritage in<br />

Slovenia are spas, parks, walking and cycling<br />

trails, such as the Triglav natural park,<br />

the Kocevje virgin forrest with bears, the<br />

carstic caves of Postojnska jama with the<br />

cave-dwelling salamander Proteus and<br />

Skocjanske jame.<br />

The Ljubljana marsh nature park with<br />

prehistoric crannogs in the Slovenian capital,<br />

combines rich traditional and cultural<br />

heritage, as well as the Idrija Mercury mine<br />

world heritage site and Idrija bobbin lace.<br />

In addition, the territory of Slovenia is<br />

also rich in archeological sites such as the<br />

paleolitical flute, found in 1995.<br />

PHOTOS: FRANCI FERJAN, MARKO GREGO-TOLMINSKI, JACOB RIGLIN, ALENKA ÊTRUKELJ<br />

64 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

65

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LE MONDE EUROPEAN YEAR OF CULTURAL HERITAGE <strong>2018</strong><br />

Bulgaria: A painting transfers geography<br />

The exhibition ‘European Dialogues’ marks the 70 th anniversary of the foundation of the National Gallery.<br />

During that period, it established itself as a leading cultural institute during the decades.<br />

Hungary: A unique architectural art monument<br />

The Esterházy palace in Fertőd is one of the most extraordinary historical art monuments in Hungary and is<br />

waiting for visitors in its regained late magnificence.<br />

The exhibition ‘European Dialogues’<br />

also illustrates the ‘geography’ and the<br />

intensity of the gallery’s participation in the<br />

broad spectrum of European cultural relations<br />

during this time. From over 200 presentations<br />

outside the country of collections<br />

and works owned by the gallery, 76<br />

artefacts from 40 exhibitions were selected<br />

that exemplify Bulgarian contacts with different<br />

European cultural institutions. The<br />

first exhibitions abroad were organised in<br />

the 1950s in the countries of Eastern Europe.<br />

The tendency to present Bulgarian art<br />

in all its varieties was particularly strong in<br />

the 1970s and 1980s. The exhibition of<br />

‘Vladimir Dimitrov–The Master’ in 1973<br />

was the first presentation of a Bulgarian artist<br />

at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris.<br />

During those two decades, the National<br />

Gallery displayed its collections all over<br />

Europe. Although different in character,<br />

they revealed the wealth of Bulgarian art:<br />

the National Revival print and the advanced<br />

professionalism of Bulgarian contemporary<br />

graphic artists as well as the mastery<br />

of the artists of the 1930s and 1940s.<br />

The first appearance, in 1972, of Franz<br />

von Stuck’s painting, ‘Lucifer’, in an international<br />

exhibition in Berlin, increased interest<br />

in the <strong>issue</strong>s of Symbolism and the<br />

creativity of the artist has predetermined<br />

its inclusion in numerous exhibitions even<br />

today. For ‘European Dialogues’, exhibitions<br />

and works were chosen that also reveal<br />

the changes in attitude towards the<br />

past and present – both paintings will also<br />

be presented at Haus Wittgenstein, the Bulgarian<br />

Cultural Institute in Vienna.<br />

Top:<br />

“Whitening<br />

Cloth“, by<br />

Vladimir<br />

Dimitrov<br />

(around 1930)<br />

Right:<br />

“Lucifer“, by<br />

Franz von Stuck<br />

(1890–91)<br />

After having<br />

been abandoned<br />

for 100 years,<br />

Esterházy palace<br />

is open to the<br />

public in its<br />

splendour again.<br />

From top: Outside<br />

view of the palace,<br />

the garden and the<br />

Sala terrena.<br />

The real golden age of Eszterháza was<br />

created by Nicolas Esterházy I. in the 18 th<br />

century. He visited the palace of Versailles<br />

twice in his lifetime and felt rich enough to<br />

build his own “Hungarian Versailles“.<br />

His in-house orchestra was conducted<br />

by the famous Austrian composer Joseph<br />

Haydn who spent 24 years in Eszterháza.<br />

Nicolas was the captain of The Hungarian<br />

Noble Guards. Maria Theresa, the Queen<br />

of Hungary paid a visit to Eszterháza in<br />

September 1773. When Nicolas died in<br />

1790, pomp and happy life also ended here.<br />

The palace was partially abandoned for<br />

hundred years.<br />

Around 1900, Duke Miklós Esterházy<br />

IV and his wife, Countess Margit Cziráky<br />

renovated the palace and moved into it.<br />

This time was the 2 nd golden age of the palace<br />

which then suffered additional damages<br />

during World War II. The palace was<br />

occupied by the German military headquarter<br />

and a Russian military hospital.<br />

Renovation of the ruined building began in<br />

1957, after the revolution of 1956. Today,<br />

the Hungarian state is its owner.<br />

Currently in the central part of the museum<br />

the already renovated Summer-time dining<br />

room, the sala terrena, the main dining<br />

room and the ceremonial hall, the chapel<br />

and the Chinese cabinet are visitable. The<br />

rosegarden of Countess Cziráky is located<br />

next to the french and english garden and<br />

open to the public in high season as well.<br />

PHOTOS: ESTERHÀZY PALACE<br />

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, WHITE LIGHT, LOUISE MERTENS<br />

Belgium: Flemish Masters and city reflections<br />

Flanders invites to experience two Old Flemish Masters, Peter Paul Rubens and Peter Bruegel the Elder. On the<br />

other hand, the newly opened DIVA Museum in Antwerp and Bruges Triennal <strong>2018</strong> offer new insights.<br />

This year is the year of the famous painter<br />

Peter Paul Rubens. In no other city<br />

in the world will you find as many tangible<br />

reminders of him as in Antwerp, for he<br />

spent most of his life living and working<br />

there. It was where he received his training,<br />

where he experienced family joys and sorrows,<br />

and where he welcomed princes and<br />

dignitaries as a diplomat for the Low Countries.<br />

It was also the place where he did his<br />

painting, becoming by popular acclaim,<br />

the greatest painter of his era. His presence<br />

is still keenly felt in the city.<br />

2019 sees the 450 th anniversary of the<br />

death of Pieter Bruegel the Elder. To<br />

mark the occasion the Kunsthistorisches<br />

Museum Vienna is dedicating the world’s<br />

first ever major monograph exhibition to<br />

the artist widely regarded as the 16 th<br />

century’s greatest Flemish painter, to be<br />

seen from October <strong>2018</strong>–January 2019.<br />

Clearly fascinated by nature, humanity<br />

and humour, he doesn’t quite fit the mold<br />

of one or another ‘type’ of artist. And the<br />

European Year of Cultural Heritage offers<br />

the possibility to experience Bruegel and<br />

his legacy all over Flanders and, especially,<br />

Brussels.<br />

Turning from Old Flemish Masters to<br />

contemporary times: The Province of<br />

Antwerp’s former Diamond Museum and<br />

Silver Museum have joined forces – since<br />

this May, DIVA is Antwerp’s brand-new<br />

museum for silver, jewellery and diamonds.<br />

Worth a visit is also Bruges Triennial <strong>2018</strong>:<br />

Liquid City has invited international artists<br />

and architects to reflect on how flexible, a<br />

historic city like Bruges can be.<br />

Right and below:<br />

Just opened this<br />

May, DIVA,<br />

Antwerp‘s<br />

brand-new museum<br />

for silver, jewellery<br />

and diamonds shows<br />

beauty in jewellery.<br />

Our HOtel at tHe center Of yOur jOurney<br />

66 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

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---

LE MONDE ESSAY<br />

Networks of Diplomats, Networks<br />

of the World<br />

MARKUS KORNPROBST<br />

holds a M.A. in Political<br />

Studies of the University of<br />

Cape Town and a Ph.D. in<br />

Political Science of the<br />

University of Toronto. Since<br />

2009, he is Professor and<br />

Chair of Political Science<br />

and International Relations<br />

at the Vienna School of<br />

International Studies. His<br />

research and teaching<br />

interests are: International<br />

Peace and Security;<br />

International Relations<br />

Theory; Political Agency and<br />

Practical Reason;<br />

Governance and Diplomacy;<br />

Nuclear Non-proliferation;<br />

Crisis Management;<br />

European Politics and<br />

African Politics.<br />

da-vienna.ac.at<br />

Diplomacy has penetrated more and more <strong>issue</strong> areas, including human rights,<br />

development, environment, health and migration.<br />

Andrew Schoultz’s painting “Crisis“ boasts<br />

many colourful lines on a black and grey<br />

background. Some of these are symmetrical<br />

and span the entire painting, almost like frames.<br />

Others are broken and look much more chaotic.<br />

They are reminiscent of whirlwinds that threaten to<br />

sweep everything into a dark hole. I suppose that this<br />

painting captures quite well how many of us think<br />

about international politics in our days: hoping for<br />

order, being bewildered by complexity, and perceiving<br />

increasing chaos. Albert-László Barabási sums<br />

this up very well: ‘We are surrounded by systems that<br />

are hopelessly complicated.’<br />

But ‘hopelessly complicated’ is a poor guide for<br />

action. More and more scientists, Barabási very<br />

much included, attempt to get at this complexity by<br />

relying on a metaphor, i.e. the network. Simply put, a<br />

network consists of nodes and ties. Seen through this<br />

lens, the internet is about webpages (nodes) and hyperlinks<br />

(ties), a power grid about generators (nodes)<br />

and transmission lines (ties), and so on. Social<br />

scientists, too, write about networks. Organizations<br />

are networks in which individuals are linked together<br />

by their daily interaction. Communication<br />

networks are constituted by channels of communication<br />

connecting actors. The small world phenomenon<br />

is a particularly interesting finding. In its popularised<br />

form, for instance the play Six Degrees of<br />

Separation by John Guare, it postulates that linkages<br />

from any person in the world to any other one, are at<br />

most six steps away.<br />

Juxtapose these insights from network theory to<br />

simplistic views of diplomacy as they often prevail in<br />

the media, among political elites and even in academia.<br />

There is the assumption that just a few militarily<br />

powerful states matter. When it comes to these few<br />

states, it is only their leaders that have agency. And, if<br />

the world is lucky, these leaders succeed to reach<br />

some kind of agreement behind closed doors about<br />

how to manage a crisis, resolve a conflict, and keep<br />

international order afloat.<br />

To be sure, this simplistic view of diplomacy as<br />

statecraft of the powerful is not entirely wrong. During<br />

a major military crisis when war and peace are<br />

at stake, the leaders of militarily powerful states tend<br />

to have plenty of agency. But there is much more to<br />

diplomacy than acute military crises.<br />

The last decades have witnessed a proliferation of<br />

diplomatic actors, <strong>issue</strong>s and processes. It is no longer<br />

just state representatives that populate the diplomatic<br />

stage. There are business and citizen diplomats,<br />

celebrity and science diplomats, music and<br />

sports diplomats, and so on. Diplomacy has penetrated<br />

more and more <strong>issue</strong> areas, including human<br />

rights, development, environment, health and migration.<br />

Diplomatic interaction patterns range from<br />

coercive diplomacy via bargaining to deliberation.<br />

More or less strategic forms of deliberation potentially<br />

reach deep. They do not just affect decisions and<br />

actions but even the understandings upon which<br />

such decisions and actions are based.<br />

Diplomatic actors spin more and more networks<br />

with more and more actors, using more and more<br />

differentiated modes of communication and aiming<br />

to control, steer, foster or even eliminate more and<br />

more networks other than diplomatic ones. To give<br />

just a few examples, diplomatic networks attempt to<br />

understand and do away with networks that constitute<br />

pandemics and international terrorism as much<br />

as they seek to grasp and foster global finance and<br />

trade networks for their advantage. Words such as<br />

‘understand’ and ‘grasp’ are to be taken seriously in<br />

this context. Given the complexities of all of these<br />

networks – diplomatic and non-diplomatic – sense<br />

making has become an ever more important challenge<br />

for diplomacy.<br />

Diplomacy has survived and remained functional<br />

to this present day because it has always succeeded to<br />

reinvent itself. It seems to me that we have again<br />

reached a point where such reinvention is necessary<br />

(and, indeed, has already begun). There are at least<br />

five reasons for drawing from the network metaphor<br />

to reflect about adaptations of diplomacy: First, thinking<br />

about network diplomacy cautions against assumptions<br />

that big events always have big causes.<br />

Networks may fall prey to cascading failures. The<br />

origins of these failures can be small and locally<br />

highly limited. But these origins then cascade,<br />

causing a major system failure.<br />

Second, the network metaphor encourages us to<br />

think more carefully about power. There is power in<br />

having ties. Note that it is not to be taken for granted<br />

that the state with the most military capabilities is<br />

also always the state with the most ties. Ties always<br />

have to be fostered. This ranges from more tangible<br />

dimensions, for example taking advantage of technological<br />

innovations, to more intangible ones such as<br />

PHOTO: DIPLOMATISCHE AKADEMIE WIEN/PILO PICHLER<br />

keeping up one’s authority and appeal.<br />

Third, the network metaphor reminds us that<br />

today’s diplomacy requires taking a host of different<br />

actors seriously. It is not just ties from foreign ministry<br />

to foreign ministry that count. Other ministries<br />

and agencies, representatives of international organizations<br />

and non-governmental actors (profit and<br />

non-profit) matter a great deal, too. They also<br />

amount to important nodes in the network; having<br />

ties to them multiplies opportunities to leave a mark.<br />

Fourth, the metaphor makes us think harder<br />

about what ties are to be put to use and how. It is, for<br />

instance, no coincidence that science diplomacy has<br />

become a buzzword. Expert knowledge moulds our<br />

grasp of the world. Having ready access to it and<br />

being able to diffuse it to a broader audience yields<br />

opportunities to exert influence.<br />

Fifth, the pace of network diplomacy is different.<br />

Once diplomats use windows of opportunity skilfully,<br />

initiatives can generate a velocity that is not found<br />

in traditional forms of diplomacy. This is tied to the<br />

small world effect. Networks can be put to use<br />

quickly to achieve a major – even global – reach.<br />

Diplomacy thus understood is anything but exclusive.<br />

It presupposes active state institutions as<br />

much as active civil society actors. It requires actors<br />

that do not shy away from acquiring knowledge that<br />

transcends academic disciplines as well as skills sets.<br />

And, perhaps most of all, it cannot work without actors<br />

who are willing to enter more open forms of<br />

communication. We’ll always disagree upon many<br />

things. Contestation is, to a considerable extent, the<br />

name of the game. But we also have a lot to figure out<br />

together.<br />

BOOKTIP<br />

Understanding International Diplomacy<br />

Theory, Practice and Ethics, 2nd Edition<br />

Markus Kornprobst<br />

First published in 2013, this book provides a comprehensive<br />

introduction to the study of international diplomacy, covering<br />

both theory and practice. This second edition has been revised<br />

and updated, with new material<br />

on such key contemporary <strong>issue</strong>s<br />

as Syria, Ukraine, migration and<br />

the South China Sea.<br />

Routledge, ISBN : 978113871734<br />

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www.seniorenresidenzen.co.at<br />

68<br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

---

LE MONDE NEWS<br />

Latest update from around the globe<br />

Text: Daniela Pötzl<br />

Grant<br />

OFID supports WHO<br />

PHOTOS:FOTOLIA, OFID<br />

Statistics<br />

Nest squatters in the EU<br />

The citizens of Malta keep living in their parents’ home for the longest<br />

time of all the countries in the EU. According to new data by Eurostat,<br />

they only left home at the age of 32.2 on average in 2017. The EU<br />

average is 26 years. The first to leave mummy’s watchful eye are the<br />

Swedes, with 21 years. With 25.2 years, the Austrians are below the EU<br />

average. After Malta, the longest nest squatters live in Croatia (31.9<br />

years), Slovakia (30.8 years) and Italy (30.1 years).<br />

ec.europa.eu/eurostat/<br />

OFID – the OPEC Fund for International Development – has signed a US$ 1 million grant<br />

agreement recently with the World Health Organization (WHO) for an initiative aimed at<br />

eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like River Blindness in seven African countries.<br />

The agreement was signed by Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, and<br />

Suleiman J Al-Herbish (picture), OFID Director-General. At the signing ceremony, Al-Herbish<br />

outlined OFID’s long-standing partnership with WHO, which dates back to 1979 and<br />

emphasized that the majority of this aid was directed to low-income African countries.<br />

ofid.org<br />

Urban development<br />

Amsterdam puts brakes on tourism<br />

According to a plan by Amsterdam’s newly elected city<br />

government, the capital city of the Netherlands wants to restrict<br />

tourism for the sake of its residents. Amsterdam’s tourism<br />

industry has been booming in the last few years. According to<br />

Amsterdam’s city government, however, the city is primarily a city<br />

for “living and working”. Tourism comes second. This is why<br />

short-term rentals are soon going to be restricted in order to<br />

prevent an increasing number of residential properties from<br />

turning into holiday apartments. Additionally, the visitor tax is<br />

going to increase starting in 2019, and measures will be pursued<br />

in order to restrict the number of hotel rooms in the city.<br />

amsterdam.nl<br />

Fund<br />

Education in emergencies<br />

The European Commission has adopted a new policy framework that<br />

aims to increase humanitarian funding for education in emergencies<br />

due to conflict, forced displacement, violence, climate change and<br />

disaster to 10% of its overall humanitarian aid budget as of 2019. The<br />

EU‘s largest ever humanitarian programme for education in emergencies<br />

worth €84 million is currently the “Conditional Cash Transfer for<br />

Education“ programme in Turkey that helps put 290,000 refugee<br />

children into school.<br />

ec.europa.eu<br />

When the sun is shining in Vienna, the desire<br />

for a place in the open air increases. Enjoy the<br />

warm days of summer with a glass of sparkling<br />

Moët & Chandon Champagne – pure, on ice<br />

or as a cocktail at the Am Hof Schanigarten on<br />

the Bognergasse, right in the heart of Vienna.<br />

Along with the champagne, small, light snacks<br />

from the kitchen are served. An absolute must<br />

for all lovers of sweet treats are the different<br />

ice cream creations – from the classic ice<br />

cream, to sherbet, to granite, each and every<br />

taste is satisfied. The Am Hof Schanigarten<br />

is open daily from 9.00am to 10.00pm.<br />

70 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

AM HOF SCHANIGARTEN<br />

Tel. +43 (0) 1 22740 1183, vienna.park@hyatt.com<br />

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Summer is here:<br />

The “Moët & Chandon” Champagne Bar Am Hof

---

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THE NAME SAYS IT ALL.<br />

IN L’AUTRICHE THE FOCUS IS<br />

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INTERNATIONAL STAGE.<br />

Rudolfi nerhaus is Austria’s most prestigious Private<br />

Hospital for international patients.<br />

The Rudolfi nerhaus Outpatient Clinic in cooperation<br />

with the Rudolfi nerhaus Centers of Excellence offers<br />

medical care at a highest international level –<br />

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Its prime location, state-of-the-art evidenced based<br />

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Vienna’s leading private hospital.<br />

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---

L’AUTRICHE INTERVIEW<br />

Gernot Blümel<br />

„Wir wollen eine EU, die stärker ist in großen Fragen.“<br />

”We want an EU that is stronger when it comes to big questions.“<br />

Gernot Blümel ist Minister für die EU, Kunst, Kultur und Medien. Im Interview mit Cercle<br />

Diplomatique nimmt er zum Ausbau der Breitbandkapazitäten, zur Position Österreichs in der<br />

EU und Übernahme der EU-Ratspräsidentschaft Stellung.<br />

Gernot Blümel is Minister for the EU, Arts, Culture and Media. In the interview<br />

with Cercle Diplomatique, he comments on the expansion of broadband capacities, the position<br />

of Austria in the EU and the assumption of the EU Council Presidency.<br />

Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />

„Europa, das schützt“ – könnten Sie bitte die Inhalte, die<br />

hinter diesem Motto der dritten österreichischen<br />

EU-Präsidentschaft stehen, genauer schildern? Insbesondere<br />

die Position Österreichs zum Thema legale und<br />

illegale Migration, respektive die angestrebte Mittlerrolle<br />

zwischen teils sehr unterschiedlichen Standpunkten zu<br />

diesem Thema innerhalb der EU-Mitgliedsstaaten.<br />

Gernot Blümel: Unsere Schwerpunkte sind Sicherheit<br />

& Kampf gegen illegale Migration, Wohlstand<br />

& Wettbewerbsfähigkeit sowie Stabilität in der<br />

Nachbarschaft. Das alles fällt unter das Dach des<br />

Schutzes. Genau darum geht es uns, genau das erwarten<br />

die Menschen zu Recht von der Europäischen<br />

Union. Wir wollen eine EU, die stärker ist in<br />

großen Fragen, wo sich die Bürgerinnen und Bürger<br />

zu Recht eine Antwort von der EU erwarten. Dazu<br />

zählen für mich Bereiche wie die Außen-, Sicherheits-<br />

und Verteidigungspolitik, der Schutz der Außengrenzen,<br />

Digitalisierung oder Wettbewerbsfähigkeit.<br />

Dafür sollte sich die EU in anderen Fragen<br />

zurücknehmen, die besser direkt vor Ort geregelt<br />

werden können.<br />

Der österreichische EU-Vorsitz wird zu einem<br />

herausfordernden Zeitpunkt stattfinden – BREXIT,<br />

der mehrjährige Finanzrahmen und allgemein in einer<br />

Zeit der Debatte um die Zukunft der EU. Es ist<br />

daher wichtig, in dieser Phase geeint zu bleiben. Hier<br />

braucht es eine grundsätzliche Mittlerrolle.<br />

jüngst kritisierten Rückstand beim Ausbau der Breitbandkapazitäten<br />

als zentraler Beitrag zur Qualität des<br />

Wirtschaftsstandortes aufholen?<br />

Österreich wird während seiner Präsidentschaft<br />

die wichtigsten Dossiers zum digitalen Binnenmarkt<br />

weiter vorantreiben und auch hier dem Prinzip der<br />

Subsidiarität folgen. Welche Themen können einzelne<br />

Länder und Regionen besser lösen; in welchen<br />

Bereichen braucht es gemeinsame Antworten?<br />

Die Bundesregierung hat sich in ihrem Regierungsprogramm<br />

zum Ziel gesetzt, Österreich bis<br />

Anfang 2<strong>02</strong>1 zum 5G-Pilotland zu machen und dazu<br />

bereits in den ersten Wochen eine nationale 5G-Strategie<br />

verabschiedet. Diese 5G-Strategie enthält 34<br />

konkrete Maßnahmen in den Handlungsfeldern Infrastruktur<br />

und Anwendungen, mit denen einerseits<br />

deutliche Erleichterungen wie auch Kostensenkungen<br />

des Ausbaus der digitalen Infrastruktur und andererseits<br />

die zentrale Entwicklung von 5G-Diensten<br />

und -Anwendungen unterstützt werden.<br />

Österreich kann im internationalen Wettbewerb<br />

nur dann erfolgreich sein, wenn die auf Basis der<br />

neuen Schlüsseltechnologien entwickelten Anwendungen<br />

und Dienste möglichst allen Menschen im<br />

Bundesminister Blümel<br />

bei einem Arbeitsbesuch<br />

in Straßburg, hier beim<br />

Empfang der Österreicher<br />

im Europäischen Parlament.<br />

Federal Minister Blümel at a<br />

working visit at Strasbourg,<br />

here pictured at a reception<br />

for Austrian citizens at the<br />

European Parliament.<br />

FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />

PHOTOS: ANDY WENZEL/ BKA<br />

Das österreichische EU-Präsidentschaftsprogramm sieht<br />

auch die Sicherung und den Schutz des Wohlstands vor und<br />

es wurde insbesondere auf den digitalen Binnenmarkt und<br />

regulatorischen Umgang mit Internetkonzernen hingewiesen.<br />

Was steht hier konkret auf Österreichs Agenda,<br />

welche Maßnahmen sollen in diesem Bereich gesetzt und<br />

vorangetrieben werden und wie will Österreich seinen<br />

GERNOT BLÜMEL<br />

Bundesminister Gernot Blümel<br />

bei einem Arbeitsbesuch in<br />

Straßburg.<br />

Federal Minister Gernot Blümel<br />

during a working visit in<br />

Strasbourg.<br />

absolvierte ein Studium der Philosophie an der Universität Wien (Magister<br />

phil.) und der Université de Bourgogne in Dijon sowie ein Studium an der<br />

Executive Academy der Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien (MBA). Seit Jänner<br />

<strong>2018</strong> ist er Minister für die EU, Kunst, Kultur und Medien.<br />

graduated in Philosophy at the University of Vienna (Magister phil.) and<br />

the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon as well as at the Executive Academy<br />

of the Vienna University of Economics and Business (MBA). Since January<br />

<strong>2018</strong>, he is Minister for the EU, Arts, Culture and Media.<br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

75

---

L’AUTRICHE INTERVIEW<br />

„In Sachen Brexit<br />

dürfen wir uns<br />

keinesfalls auseinander<br />

dividieren<br />

lassen.“<br />

“In terms of Brexit,<br />

we can absolutely<br />

not let any divisions<br />

among us.“<br />

Land zur Verfügung stehen, jeder an der Digitalisierung<br />

aktiv teilhaben kann und eine breite Nutzung<br />

erfolgt. Mit dieser 5G-Strategie soll bis Ende 2<strong>02</strong>0<br />

das Ziel einer nahezu flächendeckenden Verfügbarkeit<br />

mit ultraschnellen Breitbandanschlüssen (100<br />

Mbit/s) verwirklicht werden. Gleichzeitig soll die<br />

Markteinführung von 5G in allen Landeshauptstädten<br />

erfolgen. Bis Ende 2<strong>02</strong>3 sollen 5G-Dienste auf<br />

den Hauptverkehrsverbindungen nutzbar sein und<br />

bis Ende 2<strong>02</strong>5 soll das Ziel einer nahezu flächendeckenden<br />

Verfügbarkeit von 5G verwirklicht werden.<br />

In die Zeit der österreichischen EU-Präsidentschaft fallen<br />

auch die finalen Brexit-Verhandlungen und die Verhandlungen<br />

hinsichtlich des mehrjährigen EU-Finanzrahmens 2<strong>02</strong>1<br />

bis 2<strong>02</strong>7. Welche Inputs und Beiträge kann und wird<br />

Österreich bei diesen beiden Themen geben?<br />

In Sachen Brexit dürfen wir uns keinesfalls auseinanderdividieren<br />

lassen. Als EU27 haben wir mit<br />

dem EU-Chefverhandler Michel Barnier einen guten<br />

Vertreter unserer Interessen. Wie sich die Verhandlungen<br />

weiter entwickeln werden, kann niemand<br />

so genau abschätzen. Es wurden gute<br />

Fortschritte erzielt, aber es gibt – so wie die Frage der<br />

Grenzregelung zwischen Irland und Nordirland –<br />

noch einige Hürden.<br />

Der mehrjährige Finanzrahmen der EU, der den<br />

Fokus der EU für die nächsten sieben Jahre festlegt,<br />

ist ein weiteres wichtiges Thema, das uns vor allem in<br />

der Zeit unserer EU-Ratspräsidentschaft und vermutlich<br />

darüber hinaus vor besondere Herausforderungen<br />

stellen wird. Die Herangehensweise, dass<br />

eine Lücke, die durch den Brexit entsteht, einfach<br />

gestopft wird, ist für Österreich nicht die richtige.<br />

Diese Zeit der Umbrüche bietet vor allem Gelegenheit<br />

im System und an der Struktur zu sparen. Das ist<br />

der österreichische Standpunkt, den wir mit anderen<br />

Nettozahlern bereits besprechen. Anschließend wird<br />

eine gemeinsame Lösung unter den EU27 gesucht<br />

werden.<br />

Österreich gilt als Unterstützer der Westbalkan-Länder<br />

hinsichtlich ihrer EU-Beitrittsperspektive. Inwiefern und<br />

mit welchen Maßnahmen kann, will und wird Österreich die<br />

Westbalkan-Staaten auf ihrem Weg in die EU unterstützen?<br />

Wichtig ist, dass den Westbalkanländern eine realistische<br />

Beitrittsperspektive geboten wird. EU-<br />

Kommissar Hahn hält 2<strong>02</strong>5 für eine realistisch-optimistische<br />

Richtschnur dafür. Österreich wird diese<br />

Länder weiterhin bei der Annäherung begleiten.<br />

Wenn die österreichische Bevölkerung diesen Annäherungsprozess,<br />

was Rechtsstaatlichkeit, Wettbewerbsfähigkeit<br />

und Meinungsfreiheit betrifft, positiv<br />

erlebt, sehe ich kein Hindernis.<br />

Ist die diplomatische Bühne Österreich als Verhandlungsstandort<br />

durch die gescheiterte Syrien-Initiative<br />

geschwächt und inwiefern kann die EU-Präsidentschaft<br />

dazu beitragen, insbesondere den Amtssitz Wien, der bei<br />

den Bewerbungen für EMA und EBA ebenfalls nicht<br />

besonders gut abgeschnitten hat, zu stärken und zu<br />

festigen?<br />

Österreich war, ist und wird immer Brückenbauer<br />

sein, weil wir in erster Linie mit jedem den Dialog<br />

suchen. Darüber hinaus werden wir während unserer<br />

Ratspräsidentschaft auch wieder ein Ort des Dialogs<br />

sein. Nach derzeitigem Planungsstand werden<br />

13 informelle Ministerräte in ganz Österreich stattfinden.<br />

Insgesamt wird es rund 300 geplante Vorsitzveranstaltungen<br />

in Österreich und 130 im Austria<br />

Center Vienna geben. Am 19. Juni wird auch die<br />

Präsidentenkonferenz des Europäischen Parlaments<br />

in Wien stattfinden. Außerdem ist es natürlich auch<br />

wichtig auf politischer Ebene Menschen zu verbinden.<br />

Sie sind auch für ein kulturelles Rahmenprogramm, das Österreichs<br />

EU-Präsidentschaft begleiten soll, verantwortlich.<br />

Was werden die Highlights und herausragenden Angebote<br />

in dieser Hinsicht sein?<br />

Der österreichische Ratsvorsitz ist für uns eine<br />

Gelegenheit, den Ruf Österreichs als Kunst- und<br />

Kulturnation weiter zu festigen. Es gibt nicht viele<br />

PHOTOS: ANDY WENZEL/ BKA, DRAGAN TATIC<br />

FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />

Bereiche, in denen Österreich Weltspitze ist – Kunst<br />

& Kultur ist aber einer davon.<br />

Das kulturelle Rahmenprogramm wird ein breites<br />

Spektrum aus unterschiedlichen Bereichen abdecken:<br />

Von der Musik über die bildende bis zur darstellenden<br />

Kunst. Besondere Highlights sind dabei<br />

das Konzert der Wiener Philharmoniker in Brüssel<br />

und die Belvedere-Ausstellung „Beyond Klimt. New<br />

Horizons in Central Europe 1914-1938“ im Palais<br />

des Beaux-Arts de Bruxelles (BOZAR).<br />

”A Europe that protects“ — could you please elaborate on<br />

the content behind the theme of the third Austrian EU<br />

Presidency? Especially Austria’s position in regard to legal<br />

and illegal immigration, considering the aspired middle way<br />

within the sometimes very conflicting viewpoints on the<br />

subject among EU member states.<br />

Gernot Blümel: Our focus is security and the<br />

fight against illegal migration, prosperity and competitiveness,<br />

as well as stability in the region. All of<br />

this falls under protection. This is what matters most<br />

to us and in fact this is what people rightfully expect<br />

of the European Union. We want an EU that is stronger<br />

when it comes to big questions where citizens<br />

rightfully expect an answer from the EU. For me, this<br />

includes areas such as foreign policy, security and<br />

defence, the protection of external borders, digitalisation<br />

or competitiveness. On the other hand, it<br />

would be best for the EU to retreat in cases where it<br />

may be better to handle <strong>issue</strong>s on a more local level.<br />

The Austrian EU Presidency will also take place<br />

during a rather challenging period - Brexit, the Multiannual<br />

Financial Framework of the EU and the debate<br />

about the future of the EU in general. Thus, it is<br />

important to remain unified during times like this. A<br />

mediating role is essential here.<br />

The programme of the Austrian EU Presidency also has<br />

security and the protection of prosperity on the agenda and<br />

there has been a special focus on the digital domestic market<br />

and the regulation of internet companies. What concrete<br />

actions is Austria planning, what measures should be taken<br />

in this area and how is Austria going to catch up in terms of<br />

the recently criticised lag in the extension of its broadband<br />

network as a key component in the quality of the overall<br />

economic state?<br />

Throughout its Presidency, Austria will continue<br />

to promote the most important dossiers concerning<br />

the digital domestic market and suggest additional<br />

subsidiaries in this sector. What <strong>issue</strong>s are better<br />

tackled by the individual provinces and regions?<br />

Which <strong>issue</strong>s require joint initiatives?<br />

The Federal Government has made it part of its<br />

governing programme to make Austria a 5G pilot<br />

country by the beginning of 2<strong>02</strong>1 and has already<br />

passed a national 5G strategy within its first weeks of<br />

governing. This 5G strategy contains 34 concrete<br />

measures in the areas of infrastructure and application<br />

which will, on the one hand, significantly simplify<br />

and reduce the costs of the expansion of the digital<br />

infrastructure and, on the other hand, support the<br />

centralised development of 5G services and applications.<br />

Austria will only be successful in international<br />

competition if the applications and services developed<br />

based on the new key technologies are available<br />

to all of the people in the country, when everyone<br />

can actively participate in the process of digitalisation<br />

and broad usership follows. With this 5G strategy,<br />

nearly total coverage of ultra-fast broadband connections<br />

(100 Mbit/s) is envisioned by the end of<br />

2<strong>02</strong>0. By the end of 2<strong>02</strong>3, 5G services are to become<br />

available across the main traffic connections and by<br />

the end of 2<strong>02</strong>5, the goal of nearly total 5G coverage<br />

is to be realised.<br />

Minister Gernot Blümel (2.v.r.) bei der Pressekonferenz zur EU-<br />

Ratspräsidentschaft Österreichs, mit Bundeskanzler Sebastian Kurz<br />

(Mitte) und Ministerin Karin Kneissl, im heurigen März in Wien.<br />

Minister Gernot Blümel (2nd from r.) at the press conference on the EU<br />

Council Presidency of Austria, with Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz<br />

(middle) and Minister Karin Kneissl, this March in Vienna.<br />

76 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

77

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L’AUTRICHE INTERVIEW<br />

„Österreich war,<br />

ist und wird immer<br />

Brückenbauer sein.“<br />

“Austria has been,<br />

is and will always be<br />

a builder of bridges.“<br />

be around 300 planned council events in Austria and<br />

130 at the Austria Centre Vienna. On 19 June, the<br />

Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament<br />

will also be hosted by Vienna. It goes without<br />

saying that it is also important to connect on a political<br />

level.<br />

You are also responsible for a cultural framework that<br />

Austria’s EU Presidency is set to accompany. What are going<br />

to be the highlights and the most significant offers here?<br />

The Austrian Council Presidency is an opportunity<br />

for us to further cement Austria’s reputation as<br />

an art and culture nation. There aren’t many areas<br />

where Austria leads the world – but art & culture is<br />

certainly one of them.<br />

The cultural framework will cover a broad spectrum<br />

of various themes: from music to the visual and<br />

the performance arts. Special highlights will be the<br />

concert by the Vienna Philharmonic in Brussels and<br />

the Belvedere exhibition “Beyond Klimt. New Horizons<br />

in Central Europe 1914-1938“ at the Palais des<br />

Beaux-Arts de Bruxelles (BOZAR).<br />

Bundesminister Gernot Blümel startete sein Arbeitsjahr diesen<br />

Jänner mit einer Reise nach Brüssel, im Bild beim Presse-Statement.<br />

Federal Minister Gernot Blümel started his working year with a trip to<br />

Brussels this January, pictured while the press statement.<br />

During the Austrian EU Presidency, we will see the Brexit negotiations<br />

as well as the negotiations pertaining to the Multiannual<br />

Financial Framework from 2<strong>02</strong>1 to 2<strong>02</strong>7. What inputs<br />

and contributions will Austria make concerning these two<br />

subjects?<br />

In terms of Brexit, we can absolutely not let any<br />

divisions arise among us. As the EU27, we have EU<br />

Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier on our side to represent<br />

our interests. Nobody can say how exactly<br />

the negotiations are going to play out. Good progress<br />

has been made, however, there are still several obstacles<br />

left, such as the border between Ireland and<br />

Northern Ireland.<br />

The Multiannual Financial Framework of the EU,<br />

which will determine the EU’s focus for the next seven<br />

years, is an additional important subject, and<br />

will likely pose as a special challenge, particularly<br />

during our EU Council Presidency. The approach of<br />

assuming that the gap created through Brexit can<br />

simply be plugged is not shared by Austria. This current<br />

period of upheaval provides the opportunity to<br />

make savings both in terms of the system as well as<br />

the structure.<br />

This is Austria’s view, which we are already discussing<br />

with all the remaining net contributors. Subsequently,<br />

we will look for a joint solution among the<br />

EU27.<br />

Austria is considered a supporter of the Western Balkan<br />

countries in regard to their EU membership accession. To<br />

what extent and through what measures will Austria give<br />

support to the countries of the Western Balkans on their path<br />

toward EU accession?<br />

What is important is that the countries of the<br />

Western Balkans are offered a realistic chance for<br />

membership. EU Commissioner Hahn sees 2<strong>02</strong>5 as a<br />

realistic and optimistic guide. Austria is going to<br />

continue to support these countries in their rapprochement.<br />

If the Austrian population sees this rapprochement<br />

process as a positive factor in terms of the<br />

rule of law, competitiveness and freedom of expression,<br />

then I don’t see any obstacles.<br />

Has Austria’s image as a diplomatic stage and centre for<br />

negotiation been weakened by the failed Syria initiative? And<br />

to what extent can the EU Presidency contribute to<br />

improving the situation, especially in regard to Vienna as a<br />

headquarter city, as it didn’t do particularly well when it<br />

came to the applications to host EMA and EBA?<br />

Austria has been, is and will always be a builder of<br />

bridges, for we always strive for dialogue with everyone<br />

first. Additionally, we will, once again, be a hub<br />

for dialogue during our Council Presidency. As per<br />

current planning, 13 informal councils of ministers<br />

are set to take place across Austria. In total, there will<br />

PHOTOS: ANDY WENZEL/ BKA<br />

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78 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

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L’AUTRICHE LEGAL SYSTEM<br />

Christian W. Konrad<br />

„Wien bietet internationale Standards in Sachen Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit.“<br />

“When it comes to arbitration, Vienna is on par with international standards.”<br />

Der Wiener Rechtsanwalt macht sich für Österreichs Hauptstadt als<br />

Mittelpunkt für internationale Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit stark.<br />

The Viennese lawyer takes a stance in favour of Austria’s capital city<br />

as a hub for international arbitration.<br />

Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />

PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA<br />

Beschreiben Sie doch bitte zuerst Ihr umfassendes<br />

Tätigkeitsfeld.<br />

Christian W. Konrad: Wir sind als<br />

Kanzlei seit fast zehn Jahren am Markt und<br />

haben uns vom ersten Moment an auf internationale<br />

Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit spezialisiert.<br />

Internationale Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit<br />

ist eine alternative Streitbeilegung<br />

außerhalb staatlicher Gerichte. Schiedsgerichte<br />

sind international immer stärker im<br />

Kommen, ich sehe da einen ganz klaren<br />

Trend in der Wirtschaft.<br />

Wie laufen solche Fälle ab?<br />

Schiedsverfahren gibt es in unterschiedlichen<br />

Ausformungen. Eine breite Unterscheidung<br />

wäre zum einen zwischen der<br />

klassischen Handelsschiedsgerichtsbarkeit<br />

und zum anderen der Investitionsschiedsgerichtsbarkeit.<br />

Bei der einen tragen zwei<br />

Vertragsparteien zumeist eine kommerzielle<br />

Streitigkeit aus einem Vertrag aus. Bei<br />

der anderen begehrt ein privater Investor<br />

Rechtsschutz gegen einen Gaststaat in dem<br />

eine erhebliche Investition getätigt wurde.<br />

Denke Sie aber auch an die Verfahren zwischen<br />

Staaten selbst in denen etwa Landesgrenzen<br />

oder Wasserreserven in Streit stehen.<br />

Welche Rolle haben Sie dabei?<br />

Einerseits bieten wir unsere Dienste als<br />

klassische Parteienvertreter an, das bedeutet,<br />

wenn unsere Mandanten Ansprüche<br />

durchsetzen und vollstrecken wollen oder<br />

sich auch entsprechend zur Wehr setzen<br />

müssen. Aber ich stehe auch persönlich als<br />

Schiedsrichter in solchen Streitfällen zur<br />

Verfügung. Für mich ist es ein Herzensanliegen,<br />

dass wir die Vorteile der Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit<br />

bekannt und erkennbar machen.<br />

Ich bin fest davon überzeugt, dass<br />

dies der Streitbeilegungsmechanismus der<br />

Zukunft ist. Und es ist mir wichtig, Wien<br />

und seine Bedeutung als einen Sitz für solche<br />

Verfahren herauszustreichen.<br />

Wie schlägt sich Wien als Standort für<br />

Schiedsgerichte?<br />

Wien steht in großer Konkurrenz zu anderen<br />

bekannten Schiedsorten. Die<br />

Schweiz gilt schon seit Jahren als beliebter<br />

Ort für die Austragung von Schiedsverfahren.<br />

Von den europäischen Städten liegt<br />

London (trotz Brexit) immer noch gut im<br />

Rennen. Zu erwähnen ist dann natürlich<br />

auch Paris, mit der ICC, der Internationalen<br />

Handelskammer, die dort ihren Hauptsitz<br />

hat. Aber ich glaube, dass Wien es geschafft<br />

hat, in den vergangenen Jahren von<br />

sich reden zu machen.<br />

Wo liegen die Stärken der Stadt?<br />

Erstens - und das ist der juristische Gesichtspunkt<br />

- hat man einen intelligenten<br />

und modernen gesetzlichen Rahmen geschaffen.<br />

Die großen Schiedsrechtsnovellen<br />

im Jahr 2006 und 2013 haben dazu geführt,<br />

dass wir das juristische Grundgerüst,<br />

das es für solche Verfahren braucht, auf<br />

einen internationalen Standard gebracht<br />

haben. Dabei ist vor allem die Beseitigung<br />

des dreigliedrigen Instanzenzuges für Aufhebungsklagen<br />

zu nennen. Seit der 2013<br />

Novelle besteht fast durchgängig eine<br />

exklusive Zuständigkeit des Obersten<br />

FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />

CHRISTIAN W. KONRAD<br />

80 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

ist österreichischer Rechtsanwalt, Englischer Solicitor und Euroadvokat in der Slowakei und der<br />

Tschechischen Republik. Seine Spezialgebiete sind Wirtschaftsrecht, internationales Recht und<br />

internationale Handels- und Investitionsschiedsgerichtsbarkeit. Seine Kanzlei „Konrad & Partners“<br />

hat neben Wien auch Büros in Prag, Bratislava, Skopje und London.<br />

is an Austrian Rechtsanwalt, a Solicitor of England and Wales and admitted as Euroadvokat in the<br />

Slovak Republic and Czech Republic. He specializes in commercial & corporate law, public<br />

international law and international commercial and investment arbitration. Next to Vienna, his law<br />

firm “Konrad & Partners“ also has offices in Prague, Bratislava, Skopje and London.<br />

konrad-partners.com<br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

81

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L’AUTRICHE XYXY<br />

„Schiedsgerichte müssen<br />

internationales Recht schaffen.“<br />

”Arbitration courts must abide by<br />

international law.”<br />

Der Rechtsanwalt Christian W. Konrad (rechts) von<br />

„Konrad & Partners“ im CD-Interview.<br />

The lawyer Christian W. Konrad (right) from<br />

“Konrad & Partners“ in the interview with CD.<br />

Gerichtshofes bei Fragen zur Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit.<br />

Das spart Zeit und Kosten.<br />

Zusätzlich hat Österreich es insgesamt geschafft,<br />

sich innerhalb der europäischen<br />

Konkurrenz von Schiedsplätzen zu behaupten.<br />

Dies fördert ganz besonders auch<br />

die Spezialisierung der hier tätigen Rechtsanwaltskanzleien.<br />

Auch die privaten und<br />

öffentlichen Universitäten in Österreich<br />

haben auf diese Entwicklung reagiert und<br />

bieten spezielle internationale Ausbildungen<br />

in diesem Rechtsgebiet an.<br />

Schiedsgerichte sind medial gerade rund um das<br />

Handelsabkommen TTIP immer wieder heftig<br />

kritisiert worden. Zu Unrecht?<br />

Dass sich multinationale Konzerne<br />

Rechtsprechung untereinander ausmachen<br />

und dann Staaten unter Druck setzen können,<br />

entspricht nicht den Tatsachen.<br />

Investitionsschiedsgerichtsbarkeit hat<br />

mit Intransparenz überhaupt nichts zu tun.<br />

Diese Verfahren werden sogar meist unter<br />

Beteiligung der interessierten Öffentlichkeit<br />

geführt. Der Vorwurf, dass Staaten immer<br />

mehr den Interessen privater Investoren<br />

dienen und regelmäßig horrende<br />

Schadenersatzforderungen zu bedienen<br />

haben, ist haltlos. Da reicht ein Blick in die<br />

Statistik: Staaten sind in der Mehrzahl der<br />

Fälle die Gewinner solcher Verfahren,<br />

nicht die Verlierer. Diese Schiedsgerichte<br />

müssen natürlich auch internationales<br />

Recht schaffen. Hier ist ein Ausgleich zu<br />

finden zwischen den legitimen Interessen<br />

und Erwartungen ausländischer Investoren<br />

und denen eines Staates.<br />

Kommen eigentlich alle Schiedsrichter aus dem<br />

Rechtsbereich?<br />

Durchaus nicht. Gerade internationale<br />

Diplomaten werden zusehend gerne als<br />

Schiedsrichter benannt. Ich nehme an, weil<br />

man ihnen natürlich auch ein gewisses<br />

Vermittlungsgeschick nahelegt. Auch als<br />

Zeugen habe ich namhafte Würdenträger<br />

Auswärtiger Dienste persönlich schon erlebt,<br />

vor allem bei Investitionsschutzfällen.<br />

Und vergessen Sie nicht, dass gewisse internationale<br />

Organisationen die Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit<br />

für interne Streitigkeiten verwenden,<br />

wenn sie diese bewusst nicht vor<br />

nationalen Gerichten austragen wollen. Ich<br />

bin mir sicher, dass viele Ihrer Leserinnen<br />

und Leser damit schon einmal Erfahrungen<br />

machen konnten.<br />

CD: Please begin by briefly describing the range<br />

of your work-related activities.<br />

Christian Konrad: We have been active<br />

as a law firm for nearly ten years and<br />

have specialised in international arbitration<br />

from the very beginning. International<br />

arbitration is an alternative form of dispute<br />

resolution, outside of the official court system.<br />

Arbitration courts are gaining traction<br />

internationally, and I can see a clear<br />

trend in the business world.<br />

What do those kinds of cases look like?<br />

There are different types of arbitration<br />

cases. One distinctive difference would be<br />

between classic commercial arbitration<br />

and, on the other hand, investment arbitration.<br />

In the case of the former, two contracting<br />

parties settle a usually commercial dispute<br />

on the basis of a contract. In the case<br />

of the latter, a private investor requests legal<br />

protection against a host country where<br />

a significant investment has been made.<br />

There are also legal proceedings between<br />

two countries, where national borders or<br />

water reserves may be the subjects of the<br />

dispute.<br />

What role do you play in all of this?<br />

On the one hand, we offer our services<br />

as a classic counsel, in other words, we assist<br />

our clients if they seek to assert and<br />

enforce claims or must defend themselves.<br />

However, I am also personally available as<br />

an arbitrator in such cases. It is very important<br />

to me that we raise awareness about<br />

the benefits of arbitration. I am convinced<br />

that this is the dispute resolution mechanism<br />

of the future. And it is just as important<br />

to me to emphasise Vienna and its significance<br />

as a seat for such proceedings.<br />

How does Vienna compete as a hub for arbitration<br />

courts?<br />

Vienna is in strong competition with<br />

other known arbitration seats. Switzerland<br />

has been a popular destination for arbitra-<br />

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA<br />

tion proceedings for many years. Among<br />

European cities, London (despite Brexit)<br />

still remains a popular choice. Paris must,<br />

of course, also be mentioned, with the ICC,<br />

the International Chamber of Commerce,<br />

which has its headquarters there. But I believe<br />

that Vienna has been able to expand<br />

its reputation in the past few years.<br />

What are some of the city’s main strengths?<br />

First – and this is the legal aspect – an<br />

intelligent and modern legal framework is<br />

present. The big arbitration law amendments<br />

from the years 2006 and 2013 have<br />

led to the legal framework required for<br />

such cases having been elevated to an international<br />

level. What should be highlighted<br />

especially is the elimination of the tripartite<br />

court system for annulments. Since the<br />

2013 amendment, the supreme court is almost<br />

exclusively responsible for questions<br />

concerning arbitration. This saves time and<br />

money. Additionally, Austria has managed<br />

to assert itself against its European arbitration<br />

competitors. This promotes specialisation<br />

among the active law firms here. Private<br />

and public universities in Austria have<br />

also responded to this development and are<br />

beginning to offer special international<br />

education and training in this legal area.<br />

www.wohntraum-hietzing.at<br />

Arbitration courts have been heavily criticised in<br />

the media, especially in terms of the TTIP trade<br />

agreement. Unfairly so?<br />

The notion that multinational corporations<br />

are settling dispensation of justice<br />

among one another and then pressuring<br />

governments does not conform to reality.<br />

Investment arbitration has nothing to<br />

do with a lack of transparency. These proceedings<br />

are usually even held with the attendance<br />

of interested members of the public.<br />

The accusation that governments are<br />

merely serving the interests of private investors<br />

and simultaneously have to pay<br />

massive damage claims is baseless. All that<br />

is needed is a look at the statistics. Governments<br />

tend to be the winners of such proceedings,<br />

not the losers. Naturally, these<br />

arbitration courts must abide by international<br />

law, too. Here, a balance needs to be<br />

found between the legitimate interests and<br />

expectations of foreign investors and those<br />

of governments.<br />

Do all arbitrators come from a legal background?<br />

Not at all. International diplomats in<br />

particular are often chosen as arbitrators.<br />

I assume that this is the case because of<br />

their diplomatic and mediating abilities.<br />

I have also seen notable dignitaries from the<br />

diplomatic service acting as witnesses, especially<br />

in investment protection cases. And<br />

don’t forget that certain international organisations<br />

are using arbitration for internal<br />

disputes, especially if they don’t want to resolve<br />

them through their national courts.<br />

I am certain that many of your readers will<br />

have had some experience with this.<br />

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82 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

---

L’AUTRICHE HONORARY DUTY<br />

Heinrich Schaller<br />

„Wir werden in Tschechien als Freunde gesehen.“<br />

”In the Czech Republic, we are regarded as friends.“<br />

FACTS &<br />

FIGURES<br />

Der Chef der Raiffeisenlandesbank<br />

Oberösterreich ist Honorarkonsul für<br />

Tschechien und plädiert für den Ausbau<br />

der S 10 nach Böhmen.<br />

The head of the Raiffeisenlandesbank<br />

Oberösterreich is an Honorary Consul for<br />

the Czech Republic and makes the case<br />

for the expansion of the S 10 to Bohemia.<br />

Text: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />

Am 10. März 2017 erhielt Heinrich Schaller,<br />

Generaldirektor der Raiffeisen Landesbank<br />

Oberösterreich AG das Dekret, als Honorarkonsul<br />

für Tschechien in Linz tätig zu werden. Er<br />

setzt damit eine mehrfache Tradition fort. Schon sein<br />

Vorgänger Ludwig Scharinger war dies 23 Jahre lang.<br />

Und zweitens war in den Jahren vor 1989 der Grenz-<br />

Vorhang zwischen Oberösterreich und Südböhmen<br />

nicht ganz so eisern wie es aussah. Vor allem die Bauern<br />

kauften – für die Mühlviertler Brauereien - Hopfen<br />

in Südböhmen, und gut versteckt in diesen Hängern<br />

gab es auch einen „informellen Waren-Handel“<br />

über Stacheldraht und Befestigungen hinweg …<br />

Am 2. Dezember 1989 gingen auch an der 133 Kilometer<br />

langen Grenze Oberösterreichs zur damaligen<br />

Tschechoslowakei die Grenzbalken endgültig<br />

hoch. Dass sich Industrie-Regionen wie Tschechien<br />

und Oberösterreich gut verstehen werden, war von<br />

vorne herein klar. 1991 eröffnete die Raiffeisen Landesbank<br />

Oberösterreich ihre erste Filiale in Budweis.<br />

„Wir werden in Tschechien als Freunde gesehen“,<br />

sagt Heinrich Schaller heute. Als Investor ist Österreich<br />

Nummer 2 in Tschechien, 14 Prozent aller<br />

Auslands-Investitionen kommen aus Österreich<br />

(Nummer 1 sind die Niederlande, aber auch unter<br />

deren Holdings befinden sich österreichische Unternehmen).<br />

Dass sich der Banker Schaller daher vor<br />

allem als „Wirtschafts-Konsul“ betrachtet, kann wenig<br />

verwundern. Zwar unterstützt das Konsulat, das<br />

ein Büro in der Linzer Zentrale der Raiffeisenbank<br />

betreibt, nach wie tschechische Staatsbürger, die<br />

konsularische Hilfe benötigen, aber der Hauptaugenmerk<br />

liegt in der Verbreiterung der wirtschaftlichen<br />

Zusammenarbeit. Schallers Lieblingsprojekt:<br />

Die sogenannte „S 10“, eine Schnellstraße, die von<br />

Linz kommend derzeit in Freistadt (37 Kilometer<br />

PHOTOS: ERWIN WIMMER, MICHAEL STROBL, FOTOLIA/ RALF WERNER FROELICH, WIKIPEDIA<br />

Seit März 2017 ist Heinrich Schaller Honorarkonsul.<br />

Since March 2017, Heinrich Schaller is Honorary Consul.<br />

nördlich von Linz) endet. „Der Ausbau würde den<br />

Handel mit Böhmen beschleunigen. Es geht mir vor<br />

allem darum, die Verkehrswege zu stärken, das würde<br />

auch Betriebsansiedlungen beiderseits der Staatsgrenze<br />

erleichtern“, sagte Schaller. Die Investition für<br />

die paar Kilometer zur Grenze auf österreichischer<br />

Seite wären – so Schaller – „überschaubar“. Die Planungen<br />

auf tschechischer Seite sind hingegen nicht<br />

so leicht zu durchschauen. „Mir wurde von tschechischer<br />

Seite gesagt, es gibt Überlegungen, vielleicht<br />

auch Planungen“, so Schaller.<br />

Von Freistadt ins böhmische Budweis sind es 58<br />

Straßenkilometer, also auch nicht die Welt. Eine<br />

schnelle Verbindung zwischen Linz und Budweis<br />

würde wohl wirtschaftlich einen ähnlichen Effekt<br />

haben wie die legendäre Pferde-Eisenbahn zwischen<br />

beiden Städten, die um 1830 errichtet wurde, und<br />

Salz nach Norden karrte – viele Händler und Fabrikanten<br />

folgten. Diese Pferdeeisenbahn war die zweite<br />

Eisenbahnstrecke, die auf europäischen Festland<br />

errichtet worden war. In den 1870er Jahren wurde<br />

die Strecke unter Dampf gesetzt.<br />

„Im Herbst <strong>2018</strong>“, sagt Schaller, „soll in der österreichischen<br />

Botschaft in Prag für Raiffeisen Oberösterreich<br />

ein Empfang organisiert werden, bei dem<br />

sich österreichische und tschechische Unternehmer,<br />

Manager und Politiker austauschen können.“<br />

Denn die RLB OÖ, wie das bekannte Firmenkürzel<br />

lautet, ist nicht nur noch mit 25 Prozent an der<br />

tschechischen Raiffeisen-Tochter beteiligt, sondern<br />

betreibt selbst noch eine Leasing- und Immobilien-<br />

Gesellschaft in Tschechien.<br />

Politisch will Schaller zu den Unbilden der tschechischen<br />

Regierungsbildung „keine Wertung vornehmen.<br />

Aber eine lange Zeit ohne Regierung ist in<br />

keinem Land positiv.“ Dafür sieht er wirtschaftspolitisch<br />

Tschechien ebenso als Freund.<br />

Angesprochen auf die Beteiligung der tschechischen<br />

Sazka-Gruppe an den Casinos Austria meint<br />

der Honorarkonsul lakonisch: „Warum sollten<br />

Tschechen nicht als Investor in Österreich auftreten?<br />

Heimische Unternehmen haben das umgekehrt ja<br />

auch gemacht.“<br />

Eine kluge diplomatische Antwort, wie es einem<br />

Honorarkonsul geziemt …<br />

1991 eröffnete die<br />

Raiffeisen Landesbank<br />

OÖ ihre erste Filiale in<br />

Budweis.<br />

In 1991, Raiffeisen<br />

Landesbank Upper Austria<br />

opened its first branch in<br />

České Budějovice.<br />

Wirtschaftswunder Tschechien | The Czech Republic, an<br />

economic miracle<br />

Ein Wirtschaftswachstum von 4,5 Prozent, eine Arbeitslosenrate von 2,9 Prozent,<br />

Exportwachstum zirka neun Prozent: Tschechiens Wirtschaftsdaten für 2017 erinnern an<br />

längst vergangene Wirtschaftswunder-Daten. Tatsächlich brummt die Wirtschaft in Tschechien,<br />

das Lohnwachstum für qualifizierte Mitarbeiter lag 2017 bei 15 Prozent – und die<br />

Inflationsrate bei 2,5 Prozent. Das Bruttoinlandsprodukt pro Kopf lag bei 37.150 Dollar, das<br />

Land hat 10,6 Millionen Einwohner. Die Wirtschaftsbeziehungen zwischen Tschechien und<br />

Österreich entwickeln sich dementsprechend. Die Gesamtexporte nach Tschechien stiegen<br />

2017 um 9,9 Prozent, die Gesamtimporte um neun Prozent. Beide liegen um 6,4 Milliarden<br />

Euro. Tschechien ist damit der sechstgrößte Handelspartner Österreichs. Österreich ist mit<br />

Direktinvestitionen in Umfang von 13 Milliarden Nummer 2 als Auslandsinvestor. Österreichische<br />

Unternehmen beschäftigen in Tschechien 95.000 Mitarbeiter. Für <strong>2018</strong> ist ein Rückgang<br />

des Wachstums auf 3,6 Prozent prognostiziert, gleichzeitig sinkt die Arbeitslosenrate weiter.<br />

Das Fehlen qualifizierter Arbeitskräfte ist in Tschechien mittlerweile ein ökonomisches<br />

Problem, manche Firmen müssen deswegen Aufträge ablehnen, daher auch der Rückgang der<br />

Wachstumszahlen. Probleme hat am ehesten die Bauwirtschaft, da die öffentliche Hand<br />

sowohl im Wohn- als auch Straßenbau zurückhaltend ist. Dafür hat das Nachbarland einen<br />

Budgetüberschuss von umgerechnet zwei Milliarden Euro aufzuweisen, die staatliche<br />

Schuldenquote liegt bei 35 Prozent. Analysten warnten vor einer Überhitzung der Konjunktur.<br />

An economic growth rate of 4.5 percent, an unemployment rate of 2.9 percent. Export growth<br />

approximately nine percent: The Czech Republic’s economic data values for 2017 are<br />

reminiscent the of long-forgotten numbers from the economic miracle era. The Czech Republic’s<br />

economy is booming indeed, wage growth for qualified employees was at 15 percent in 2017<br />

— and the inflation rate at 2.5 percent. GDP per capita was 37,150 USD, whilst the country has a<br />

population of 10.6 million. The economic relations between the Czech Republic and Austria have<br />

been developing accordingly. In 2017, total exports to the Czech Republic grew by 9.9 percent,<br />

total imports by nine percent. Both are around 6.4 billion euro. This makes the Czech Republic<br />

Austria’s sixth biggest trading partner. Austria, with direct investments of 13 billion, is the<br />

number two foreign investor. Austrian enterprises employ 95,000 workers in the Czech<br />

Republic. For <strong>2018</strong>, a decline in growth to 3.6 is expected, whilst the unemployment rate will<br />

continue to fall. The lack of qualified workers has become an economic problem in the Czech<br />

Republic, due to which some companies now<br />

have to reject contracts, thus the decline in<br />

growth. The biggest problems can be seen in the<br />

construction industry, as the public sector is<br />

restrained both in terms of housing as well as<br />

road construction. In turn, Austria’s neighbour<br />

has a converted budget surplus of two billion<br />

euro, government debt is at 35 percent. Analysts<br />

warn that the economy may overheat eventually.<br />

Personenverkehr I. Klasse auf der Strecke<br />

Linz–Budweis, Zeichnung von A. Krúzner<br />

Passenger traffic 1st class on the route<br />

Linz-České Budějovice, drawing by A. Krúzner.<br />

84 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

85

---

L’AUTRICHE HONORARY DUTY<br />

PROMOTION<br />

In Prag, der Hauptstadt der<br />

Tschechischen Republik:<br />

Panorama-Ansicht des<br />

Vltava Flusses vom Letna<br />

Park aus betrachtet.<br />

In Prague, the capital of the<br />

Czech Republic: panoramic<br />

view of the Vltava river,<br />

looked upon from Letna Park.<br />

On 10 March 2017, Heinrich Schaller, General<br />

Director of the Raiffeisen Landesbank Oberösterreich<br />

AG, received a decree to become<br />

an honorary consul for the Czech Republic in Linz. In<br />

doing so, he is continuing a manifold tradition. First,<br />

because his predecessor Ludwig Scharinger acted in<br />

the same position for 23 years. And second, because<br />

in the years before 1989, the iron curtain on the border<br />

between Upper Austria and South Bohemia no<br />

longer seemed quite as solid as it once did. It was especially<br />

farmers who were purchasing hops in South<br />

Bohemia for the breweries in the Mühlviertel region.<br />

Well hidden in these trailers was also an “unofficial<br />

goods market“ that reached well beyond the barbed<br />

wire and fortifications …<br />

On 2 December 1989, the barriers were finally removed<br />

from the 133-kilometre-long border between<br />

Upper Austria and the former Czechoslovakia. The<br />

fact that the industry-heavy regions of the Czech Republic<br />

and Upper Austria would get along seemed<br />

clear from the very beginning. In 1991, Raiffeisen<br />

Landesbank Oberösterreich opened its first branch<br />

in České Budějovice. ”In the Czech Republic, we are<br />

regarded as friends,“ Heinrich Schaller says today.<br />

Austria is the number-two investor in the Czech Republic,<br />

14 per of all foreign investments come from<br />

Austria (the Netherlands are number one, although<br />

there are Austrian companies among their holdings).<br />

The fact that Schaller, being a banker, mainly sees<br />

himself as an “economic consul“ should thus come as<br />

no surprise. Although the consulate, which operates<br />

an office at Raiffeisenbank’s headquarters in Linz,<br />

continues to support Czech citizens in need of consular<br />

help, its primary task is focused on expanding<br />

economic cooperation. Schaller’s favourite project is<br />

the so-called “S 10“, a motorway extending from<br />

Linz to Freistadt (37 kilometres north of Linz). ”The<br />

expansion would accelerate trade with Bohemia.<br />

Heinrich Schaller (2.v.r.) wurde am 10. März 2017 das Dekret,<br />

als Honorarkonsul für Tschechien in Linz tätig zu werden, von<br />

Martin Smolek (3.v.r.), stellvertretender Außenminister<br />

Tschechiens, überreicht. On March 10, 2017 Heinrich Schaller<br />

received the decree to become honorary consul for the Czech<br />

Republic in Linz, by Deputy Foreign Minister Martin Smolek of<br />

the Czech Republic.<br />

What’s especially important to me is the strengthening<br />

of the traffic routes, which also make business<br />

expansion on both sides of the borders easier,“ says<br />

Schaller. On the Austrian side, investments for the<br />

handful of kilometres toward the border would – according<br />

to Schaller – be “manageable“. The planning<br />

on the Czech side, on the other hand, could be a little<br />

less manageable. ”I was told from the Czech side<br />

that there are considerations, perhaps even plans,“<br />

says Schaller.<br />

It’s around 58 road kilometres from Freistadt to<br />

the Bohemian České Budějovice, which isn’t very far.<br />

A fast connection between Linz and České<br />

Budějovice would likely have a similar economic impact<br />

as the legendary horse-drawn railway connection<br />

between the two cities, which was created in<br />

1830 in order to ship salt up north – many merchants<br />

and manufacturers followed. This horse-drawn railway<br />

was the second railway line that was built on<br />

European mainland. In the 1870s, the line started to<br />

be serviced by a train that used steam rather than<br />

horses.<br />

”In the autumn of <strong>2018</strong>,“ says Schaller, ”there will<br />

be a reception of Raiffeisen Oberösterreich at the<br />

Austrian embassy in Prague, which will give Austrian<br />

and Czech entrepreneurs, managers and politicians<br />

the opportunity to mix and mingle.“<br />

The RLB OÖ (the company’s well-known acronym)<br />

does not only own 25 percent of the Czech<br />

Raiffeisen subsidiary, but also operates its own leasing<br />

and real estate company in the Czech Republic.<br />

Politically, and especially in regard to the difficulties<br />

in the formation of the new Czech government,<br />

Schaller does not ”want to make a judgement. But an<br />

extended period of time without a government<br />

wouldn’t have a positive effect on any country.“ Nevertheless,<br />

he also sees the Czech Republic as a friend<br />

in economic terms. In response to a question about<br />

the Czech Sazka Group’s stake in Casinos Austria, the<br />

Honorary Consul remarks laconically, ”Why wouldn’t<br />

the Czechs invest in Austria? Our domestic companies<br />

have done the same thing vice versa, after all.“<br />

A smart and diplomatic answer, as one would expect<br />

from an Honorary Consul.<br />

PHOTOS: FOTOLIA/ SERGEY BOGOMYAKO, MICHAEL STROBL<br />

ENTGELTLICHE EINSCHALTUNG • PHOTO: BMDW/ADOBE STOCK<br />

Austrian Presidency of the Council<br />

of the EU - Challenges and Chances<br />

ahead<br />

Driven by the motto “A Europe that protects” Austria<br />

will - for the third time after 1998 and 2006 - take<br />

over the Presidency of the Council of the European<br />

Union in July <strong>2018</strong>. This occasion entails not only<br />

the opportunity to steer discussions in the EU but<br />

also many demanding tasks and responsibilities.<br />

The Austrian Presidency is a common endeavour of<br />

the entire Federal Government. A creative spirit of<br />

high motivation has been tangible already in the<br />

run-up to the comprehensive task ahead, which<br />

comprises two substantial challenges at EU level:<br />

First, the negotiation on the withdrawal of the United<br />

Kingdom from the EU (BREXIT), which should<br />

be concluded by October <strong>2018</strong>, and second, the negotiations<br />

for the new Multiannual Financial Framework<br />

after 2<strong>02</strong>0.<br />

In line with the motto, the Austrian Presidency will<br />

focus on three areas: Security and fight against illegal<br />

migration, prosperity and competitiveness through<br />

digitalisation as well as stability in the neighbourhood<br />

– rapprochement of the Western Balkans/<br />

South-East Europe to the EU.<br />

Against this background, the Austrian Presidency<br />

will also aim at advancing the discussion on the principle<br />

of subsidiarity, enshrined in Article 5(3) of the<br />

Treaty on European Union. It serves to ensure that<br />

the EU only intervenes if it is able to act more effectively<br />

than EU countries at their respective national<br />

or local levels.<br />

However, Austria has not been completely unlimited<br />

in shaping its 6-month programme: Three member<br />

states, a so-called “trio”, consisting of the preceding,<br />

current and succeeding Presidencies, work together<br />

closely, with the current trio made up of Estonia,<br />

Bulgaria and Austria. Austria’s programme is therefore<br />

based on the common agenda of the trio, determining<br />

the major topics that will be addressed by the<br />

Council over the 18-month period.<br />

Within the competence of the Austrian Federal Ministry<br />

for Digital and Economic Affairs, one of the<br />

priorities will be the progress of the Digital Single<br />

Market. It can provide up to € 415 billion per year to<br />

Europe’s economy and offers new opportunities to<br />

businesses and consumers. Today, 70% of Austrian<br />

consumers shop online, but only 15% of Austrian<br />

SMEs sell online. The Austrian Presidency will support<br />

SMEs in their digital transformation in order to<br />

stay competitive and to keep pace with the digital<br />

economy.<br />

Another priority of the Austrian Federal Ministry<br />

for Digital and Economic Affairs will be the creation<br />

of a renewed EU-industrial policy aiming at a continuous<br />

transition towards a sustainable and low carbon<br />

industry. This new policy must be in line with<br />

other important policy areas such as energy, climate<br />

and environment. The transition should encourage<br />

innovation and modernisation efforts within the<br />

sector without impeding energy-intensive industries.<br />

A particular focus will be put on the potential of<br />

the digital transformation and new technologies,<br />

such as Artificial Intelligence, as a driving force for a<br />

reindustrialisation of Europe.<br />

Austria has been known for its dual education system,<br />

which has acted as a best practice model for<br />

other European countries in the past. During its Presidency,<br />

Austria will also strive for an expansion of<br />

the dual education system, especially with regard to<br />

digital skills. Clear emphasis will be placed on dual<br />

education at informal council meetings, and the constructive<br />

discussion on the New Skills Agenda will<br />

be continued.<br />

Taking over the Presidency goes hand in hand with a<br />

large number of complex and challenging dossiers<br />

and additional duties in the service of the European<br />

Union. The two main tasks of the Presidency include<br />

planning and chairing the meetings in the Council<br />

and its preparatory bodies as well as representing the<br />

Council in its relations with other EU institutions.<br />

The Presidency must always act as an honest and<br />

neutral intermediary. After Austria, the next trio will<br />

take over: Romania (first half of 2019), Finland (second<br />

half of 2019) and Croatia (first half of 2<strong>02</strong>0).<br />

INFO<br />

For further information<br />

please visit the following<br />

website:<br />

www.eu<strong>2018</strong>.at<br />

86 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

---

L‘AUTRICHE BUSINESS<br />

Neues aus Österreich<br />

News from Austria<br />

Text: Daniela Pötzl<br />

Wirtschaft | Economy<br />

Neuer WK-Präsident | New President of the Austrian Federal<br />

Economic Chamber<br />

Harald Mahrer, davor Staatssekretär und zuletzt Präsident des Österreichischen Wirtschaftsbundes,<br />

folgte per 18. Mai <strong>2018</strong> auf Christoph Leitl, der das Amt seit 2000 innehatte und nun seit<br />

Jahresbeginn Präsident der Europäischen Wirtschaftskammern (Eurochambres) ist. Der neue<br />

WKÖ-Präsident will „Wirtschaft neu denken“: Die Zukunft der Wirtschaftskammer sieht er in<br />

effizienten Strukturen, exzellentem Mitgliederservice und starken Positionen für Reformen.<br />

Schwerpunkte will er vor allem in den Bereichen Digitalisierung, Weiterbildung und Außenwirtschaft<br />

setzen.<br />

On 18 May <strong>2018</strong>, Harald Mahrer, previously Secretary of State and most recently President of the<br />

Österreichischer Wirtschaftsbund (Austrian Economic Association), succeeded Christoph Leitl,<br />

who had held the office since 2000 and has been the new President of Eurochambres since the<br />

beginning of the year. The new President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber wants to<br />

“rethink business“: He sees the future of the Federal Economic Chamber in efficient structures,<br />

excellent member services and strong takes on reform. The primary focus will lie on topics such<br />

as digitalisation, further education and foreign trade.<br />

wko.at<br />

Christoph Leitl,<br />

Wirtschaftsministerin<br />

Margarete Schramböck<br />

und der neue WKÖ-<br />

Präsident Harald Mahrer<br />

(von links).<br />

Christoph Leitl, Minister<br />

of Economic Affairs<br />

Margarete Schramböck<br />

and the new President of<br />

the Austrian Federal<br />

Economic Chamber Harald<br />

Mahrer (from left).<br />

Immobilien | Property<br />

International im Büro | International offices<br />

Nach der Etablierung ihrer beiden Retailmarken Stop Shop und<br />

Vivo! führte die Immofinanz 2016 mit myhive auch für ihre<br />

Büroimmobilien ein internationales Markenkonzept ein. Dabei<br />

steht der Name für ein umfangreiches Qualitäts- und Serviceversprechen:<br />

Die Büros punkten mit zahlreichen Serviceleistungen,<br />

bester Infrastruktur und bieten Raum für ein kommunikatives und<br />

lebendiges Miteinander der Mieter – als Netzwerk für geschäftlich<br />

wie privat.<br />

Following the establishment of the two retail brands Stop Shop and<br />

Vivo!, Immofinanz introduced myhive, a new international brand<br />

concept for their office properties, in 2016. The brand name stands for<br />

a broad and extensive quality and service programme: The offices<br />

score with countless services, state-of-the-art infrastructure and offer<br />

space for lively interactions between tenants – resulting in new<br />

private as well as business networks alike.<br />

myhive-offices.com<br />

PHOTOS: PHOTONEWS.AT/GEORGES SCHNEIDER, AUSTRIAN AIRLINES, MARTIN HÖRMANDINGER, IMMOFINANZ<br />

Technologie | Technology<br />

Infineon baut Chipfabrik | Infineon to build a<br />

chip factory<br />

Die Infineon Technologies AG wird eine neue Fabrik für Leistungshalbleiter<br />

errichten. Am Standort Villach wird neben der bestehenden Fertigung<br />

eine vollautomatisierte Chipfabrik für die Fertigung auf 300 Millimeter-<br />

Dünnwafern gebaut. Bundeskanzler Sebastian Kurz und die Infineon-<br />

Vorstandsvorsitzenden Reinhard Ploss (r.) und Sabine Herlitschka stellten<br />

das Projekt in Wien vor. Über einen Zeitraum von sechs Jahren sind<br />

Investitionen von insgesamt rund 1,6 Milliarden Euro geplant. Durch die<br />

neue, hocheffiziente Fabrik werden rund 400 neue, hochqualifizierte<br />

Arbeitsplätze entstehen.<br />

Infineon Technologies AG is building a new power semiconductor factory.<br />

Next to the existing production, a new and fully automated chip factory for<br />

the manufacture of 300-millimetre thin-wafers will be built in the location of<br />

Villach. Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and the Infineon chairmen Reinhard<br />

Ploss (r.) and Sabine Herlitschka introduced the project in Vienna. Investments<br />

of around 1.6 billion euro are planned throughout a time span of six years. The<br />

new and highly efficient factory will create around 400 new, high-skill jobs.<br />

infineon.com/austria<br />

2016 93%<br />

2017 100%<br />

25 YEARS<br />

Luftfahrt | Aviation<br />

Mit der AUA nach Tokio | Taking AUA to Tokyo<br />

Seit Mitte Mai geht es mit dem größten Flugzeug der Austrian Airlines Flotte, einer<br />

Boeing 777, wieder in Japans Hauptstadt. Bis zu 57.000 Passagiere sollen bis Jahresende<br />

mit einem Austrian Airlines Flug auf dieser Strecke unterwegs sein. Neben der Attraktivität<br />

für Touristen bietet die Strecke zwischen Wien und Tokio auch hohes Potenzial an<br />

Transferpassagieren nach Prag, Zagreb, Innsbruck und Mailand. Die Flugdauer von Wien<br />

zum über 9.100 km entfernten Tokio beträgt etwa 11 Stunden.<br />

The biggest plane from the Austrian Airlines fleet, a Boeing 777, has been flying to Japan’s<br />

capital city again since mid-May. By the end of the year, up to 57,000 passengers will have<br />

travelled the route with Austrian Airlines. Next to the appeal to tourists, the route from Vienna<br />

to Tokyo will also come in handy for transfer passengers to Prague, Zagreb, Innsbruck and Milan.<br />

The flight from Vienna to Tokyo is 9,100 kilometres long and lasts for approximately 11 hours.<br />

austrian.com<br />

‘striving for<br />

EXCELLENCE, by<br />

ENGAGING minds,<br />

EXCITING learners,<br />

acting ETHICALLY and<br />

showing EMPATHY’<br />

88 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Ages 3-18<br />

Öffentlichkeitsrecht<br />

Boarding School option available

---

SAVOIR<br />

VIVRE<br />

IN „SAVOIR VIVRE“ DREHT<br />

SICH ALLES UM DIE SCHÖNEN<br />

DINGE DES LEBENS WIE KULTUR<br />

& REISEN, KULINARIK & HOTELS,<br />

AUTO & SPORT, UHREN &<br />

SCHMUCK, MODE & DESIGN,<br />

WELLNESS & GESUNDHEIT<br />

UND VIELES MEHR.<br />

"SAVOIR VIVRE" FOCUSES ON<br />

THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE SUCH<br />

AS CULTURE & TRAVELLING,<br />

HOTELS & RESTAURANTS, CARS &<br />

SPORTS, WATCHES & JEWELLERY,<br />

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& HEALTH AND MUCH MORE.<br />

NEU<br />

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KAP FÜR ENTDECKER<br />

myAustrian fliegt mich mit herzlichem Service nonstop ins eindrucksvolle Kapstadt. Denn die<br />

schönsten Orte sind jene, die mich jeden Tag mit etwas Neuem zum Staunen bringen.<br />

the charming way to fly

---

SAVOIR VIVRE JEWISH CULTURE VIENNA<br />

Vom Wiener Salon bis New Klezmer<br />

From Viennese salons to neo-klezmer<br />

Text: Evelyn Rois und Bruno Stubenrauch<br />

Ohne den Beitrag jüdischen Kulturschaffens wäre<br />

die Wiener Moderne undenkbar, heute ist die<br />

florierende jüdische Kulturszene wieder selbstbewusster<br />

Bestandteil des Wiener Kulturlebens.<br />

Without the contribution of Jewish culture, the<br />

Viennese Modern Age likely wouldn’t have<br />

happened. Today, the flourishing Jewish cultural<br />

scene is an indispensable part of Vienna’s overall<br />

cultural life.<br />

PHOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />

PHOTOS: JÜDISCHES MUSEUM WIEN; SONJA BACHMAYER; CHRISTOFER MEIDINGER; EVA ELLERSDORFER MEISSNEROVA<br />

Teddy Kollek und Franz Vranitzky blicken über<br />

das Häusermeer Jerusalems, das sich unterhalb<br />

des Ölberges erstreckt. Die beiden verbindet<br />

nicht nur ihr hohes politisches Amt (der eine<br />

ist Bürgermeister von Jerusalem, der andere österreichischer<br />

Bundeskanzler) – beide haben ihre Kindheit<br />

und Jugend in Wien verbracht, wie in der Ausstellung<br />

„Teddy Kollek. Der Wiener Bürgermeister von Jerusalem“,<br />

die momentan im Jüdischen Museum Wien<br />

läuft, in Erfahrung zu bringen ist. Die berühmte Fotografie<br />

aus dem Jahr 1993 illustriert die enge Verbindung<br />

zwischen dem jüdischen Wien und Israel. Das<br />

jüdische Wien hat aber nicht nur bei der Staatsgründung<br />

Israels wichtige Impulse geliefert – die einst<br />

größte deutschsprachige Gemeinde der jüdischen<br />

Diaspora stand auch Pate beim großen Aufbruch in<br />

die Moderne am Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts und ist<br />

heute, trotz des schmerzlichen Einschnittes und ihrer<br />

fast kompletten Auslöschung in der Shoah, wieder<br />

ein gewichtiger und umtriebiger Bestandteil des Wiener<br />

Kulturlebens.<br />

Das Jüdische Museum Wien als Ort jüdischer Geschichte<br />

und Gegenwart<br />

„Wiener und jüdische Kultur sind voneinander<br />

nicht zu trennen. Sie sind miteinander verflochten.<br />

Denken wir nur an die Wienerlieder – die meisten<br />

sind von jüdischen Komponisten und Textdichtern<br />

geschrieben, ich nenne pars pro toto Hermann Leopoldi“,<br />

unterstreicht Danielle Spera, Direktorin des<br />

Jüdischen Museums Wien, die entscheidenden, von<br />

Jüdinnen und Juden hervorgebrachten kulturellen<br />

Errungenschaften in Österreich. Das 1988 wiedergegründete<br />

Jüdische Museum Wien, mit den beiden<br />

Standorten Dorotheergasse und Judenplatz, ist ein<br />

wichtiges Zentrum jüdischer Kultur und gibt vielfältige<br />

und spannende Einblicke in die (Wiener) jüdische<br />

Geschichte und Gegenwart. Neben der angesprochenen<br />

Ausstellung zur Person Teddy Kollek<br />

beleuchtet derzeit „The Place to Be“ die Wiener Salons<br />

berühmter jüdischer Gastgeberinnen wie Fanny<br />

Arnstein oder Berta Zuckerkandl und ihre Rolle als<br />

Orte der gesellschaftlichen Emanzipation. Dazu Spera:<br />

„Das Gleichstellungsgesetz unter Kaiser Franz<br />

Joseph sorgte für den Zuzug von tausenden Jüdinnen<br />

und Juden in die boomende Metropole Wien.<br />

Das jüdische Bürgertum hatte entscheidenden Einfluss<br />

auf die Entwicklung und Etablierung eines außergewöhnlich<br />

interessanten Kultur- und Geisteslebens,<br />

einerseits durch das Mäzenatentum,<br />

andererseits durch den herausragenden Anteil von<br />

Jüdinnen und Juden in Wissenschaft und Kunst.“<br />

Die Wiener Moderne, Psychoanalyse und Literatur<br />

Die Erkenntnisse Sigmund Freuds und ihr Einfluss<br />

auf das Werk von Arthur Schnitzler bis Karl<br />

Kraus wird gerade in der Ausstellung „Parallelaktionen.<br />

Freud und die Literaten des Jungen Wien“ im<br />

Sigmund Freud Museum ausgelotet. „Für die moderne<br />

Literatur ist die Errungenschaft der Psychoanalyse<br />

ganz unverzichtbar,“ betont auch der Lyriker<br />

und Schriftsteller Robert Schindel. „Es ist eine der<br />

Aufgaben der Literatur, was ungesagt und unbegriffen<br />

ist, zu Sprache erstarren zu lassen. Ich denke daher,<br />

dass der Beginn der modernen Literatur sehr<br />

viel mit Freud zu tun hat.“ Schindel zählt zur gegenwärtigen<br />

Generation jüdischer Intellektueller in<br />

Wien. Auf die Frage, ob es nach der Katastrophe der<br />

Shoah jemals wieder so etwas wie eine Normalität<br />

geben kann, meint Schindel, dessen Vater im KZ Dachau<br />

ermordet wurde und dessen Mutter Auschwitz<br />

und Ravensbrück überlebte: „Ich kann nicht davon<br />

sprechen, wie es in 400 Jahren sein wird, ob die Shoah<br />

dann die Rolle eines furchtbaren, aber fernen Geschehens<br />

in der Weltgeschichte einnimmt. Jetzt ist es<br />

so, dass natürlich die Shoah nicht nur das jüdische<br />

Wien, sondern Wien überhaupt literarisch dominiert.“<br />

Nach der Veröffentlichung seines zweiten Romans<br />

„Der Kalte“ 2013, der auf 660 Seiten die Verwerfungen<br />

der Waldheim Affäre auslotet, schreibt<br />

der Autor derzeit an einem dritten Roman über das<br />

Leben einer jüdischen Kommunistin im 20. Jahrhundert,<br />

für die auch die eigene Mutter Vorbild<br />

steht. Die hohe Zahl jüdischer Protagonisten der<br />

Aliosha Biz,<br />

Musiker / musician.<br />

Danielle Spera, Direktorin<br />

Jüdisches Museum Wien /<br />

Director Jewish Museum<br />

Vienna.<br />

Robert Schindel,<br />

Autor / author.<br />

Der Wiener Salon (hier der Familie Todesco, Foto vor 1900)<br />

als Zentrum gesellschaftlicher Emanzipation. Aktuelle<br />

Ausstellung Jüdisches Museum Wien.<br />

The Vienna Salon (here of the Todesco family, photo before<br />

1900) as a center of social emancipation. Current exhibition<br />

at the Jewish Museum Vienna.<br />

Das von Rachel Whiteread<br />

gestaltete Mahnmal am Wiener<br />

Judenplatz.<br />

The memorial designed by<br />

Rachel Whiteread at Vienna‘s<br />

Judenplatz.<br />

92 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

93

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SAVOIR VIVRE JEWISH CULTURE VIENNA<br />

Berühmte jüdische Gastgeberinnen des Wiener<br />

Salons: Hilde Spiel und Berta<br />

Zuckerkandl.<br />

Famous Jewish hosts of the Vienna Salon: Hilde<br />

Spiel and Berta Zuckerkandl.<br />

Brief Sigmund Freuds an<br />

Arthur Schnitzler, 1922.<br />

Letter from Sigmund Freud to<br />

Arthur Schnitzler, 1922.<br />

Teddy Kollek im Wahlkampf in<br />

Jerusalem, 1965 (oben) und bei der<br />

Eröffnung des Jüdischen Museums<br />

Wien, 1993.<br />

Teddy Kollek in the election campaign<br />

in Jerusalem in 1965 (top) and at the<br />

opening of the Jewish Museum in<br />

Vienna in 1993.<br />

Arthur Schnitzler, 1908.<br />

Wiener Moderne – so wie Freud stammten Arthur<br />

Schnitzler, Felix Salten und Karl Kraus aus dem jüdischen<br />

Bürgertum und auch Hugo von Hofmannsthal<br />

(der sich selbst als katholischen Aristokraten sah)<br />

hatte prominente jüdische Vorfahren – sieht Schindel<br />

im besonderen Naheverhältnis von Judentum<br />

und Sprache begründet: „Das ist ja das ganze Geheimnis,<br />

warum es in Wien der 1920er Jahre eine<br />

derartige Blüte an jüdischer Kultur gegeben hat – die<br />

aber gar nicht unbedingt jüdische Kultur, sondern<br />

einfach deutschsprachige Kultur, gemacht von Juden,<br />

gewesen ist.“<br />

World Fusion: Wiener Klezmer<br />

Ihr fulminantes Comeback hat in den letzten Jahren<br />

die Wiener Klezmer Musik hingelegt. Ein so umtriebiger<br />

wie vielseitiger Protagonist der Szene ist<br />

Aliosha Biz, der mit Formationen von Frejlech bis<br />

Dobrek Bistro auf der Bühne stand und steht und<br />

auch schon mit dem Wiener Oberkantor Shmuel<br />

Barzilai musiziert hat. In Moskau aufgewachsen, wo<br />

er Mitglied des Moskauer Jugendorchesters war, kam<br />

Biz 1989 nach Wien. „Es war eine Art Rückkehr in<br />

die unbekannte Heimat meiner Vorfahren – meine<br />

Großmutter ist gebürtige Wienerin. Erst in Wien<br />

habe ich dann alle diese Arten jüdischer Kultur und<br />

jüdischer Musik für mich entdeckt. Und zu meinem<br />

Glück bin ich genau zu einer Zeit hier angekommen,<br />

als eine regelrechte Explosion an jüdischem Kulturleben<br />

stattgefunden hat!“ Nach Bands wie Geduldig<br />

un Thimann oder dem Timna Brauer & Elias Meiri<br />

Ensemble in den 1970er und 1980er Jahren waren es<br />

vor allem jüdische Zuwanderer aus der damaligen<br />

Sowjetunion wie Roman Grinberg (der aus Moldavien<br />

über den Umweg Israel nach Österreich gekommen<br />

ist), die die Klezmertradition in Wien weiterführten.<br />

„Aber dadurch, dass Wien ein Melting Pot<br />

für sehr viele Kulturen ist, mischt sich in diese Klezmertradition<br />

auch andere Musik: Balkaneinflüsse,<br />

Jazz, orientalische Musik – es wird zu einem ganz<br />

neuen Ding!“ fügt Aliosha Biz an. Bands wie Mandys<br />

Mischpoche oder Hatz & Klok stehen für diesen, mit<br />

den unterschiedlichsten Musiktraditionen verschmolzenen<br />

Wiener Klezmerstil.<br />

Jüdische Kultur in Wien liefert heute wieder einen<br />

vielfältigen Input zum Kulturleben der Stadt,<br />

wie Danielle Spera, die Direktorin des Jüdischen<br />

Museums Wien betont: „Es vergeht kein Tag, an dem<br />

in Wien nicht irgendein jüdisch konnotiertes Kulturereignis<br />

stattfindet!“ Vom KlezMORE Festival über<br />

die Jüdischen Filmwochen bis zum gerade laufenden,<br />

von der Iraelitischen Kultusgemeinde organisierte<br />

Festival der Jüdischen Kultur, inklusive hochkarätiger<br />

Gäste und Straßenfest, gilt es, einen starken<br />

und blühenden Ast des Wiener Kulturlebens mit einer<br />

großen Geschichte und Tradition zu entdecken.<br />

PHOTOS: IMAGNOPICTUREDESK; JMW; SIGMUND FREUD PRIVATSTIFTUNG; ONB; STEFAN FUHR, DAVID RUBINGER, YEDIOTH AHARONOT; VOTAVA PID<br />

Teddy Kollek and Franz Vranitzky gaze at the<br />

dense accumulation of roofs that is the city of<br />

Jerusalem, extending beneath the Mount of<br />

Olives. The two are not only connected due to their<br />

high-ranking political offices (one is the Mayor of<br />

Jerusalem, the other the Austrian Chancellor) – both<br />

have also spent their childhoods in Vienna, as the<br />

”Teddy Kollek. The Viennese Mayor of<br />

Jerusalem“exhibition, currently on display at the Jewish<br />

Museum Vienna, reveals. The famous photograph<br />

from 1993 illustrates the close bond between<br />

Jewish Vienna and Israel. Jewish Vienna not only<br />

lent important momentum to the creation of the State<br />

of Israel – what was once the largest German-speaking<br />

community of the Jewish diaspora also played a<br />

major role during the dawn of Modernism in the<br />

early 20th century. Despite the community’s painful<br />

history and their nearly complete extinction during<br />

the Holocaust, it remains an important and bustling<br />

part of Vienna’s cultural scene to this day.<br />

The Jewish Museum Vienna as a place for Jewish history and<br />

contemporary affairs<br />

”Viennese and Jewish culture can not be separated<br />

from one another. They are interwoven with each<br />

other. Let’s take the “Wienerlieder“ (“Viennese<br />

Songs“), for example – most of them were written by<br />

Jewish composers and lyricists, like Hermann Leopoldi,<br />

to name just one,“ emphasises Danielle Spera,<br />

Director of the Jewish Museum Vienna, as she discusses<br />

the cultural achievements of Austria’s Jewish<br />

community. The Jewish Museum Vienna, founded in<br />

1988, with its two locations at Dorotheergasse and<br />

Judenplatz, is an important hub for Jewish culture<br />

and offers diverse and exciting insights into (Viennese)<br />

Jewish history and contemporary affairs. Next to<br />

the already mentioned exhibition about Teddy Kollek,<br />

there is also “The Place to Be“, which is currently<br />

shedding light on Viennese café salons owned by famous<br />

Jewish hosts, such as Fanny Arnstein or Berta<br />

Zuckerkandl, and their role as spaces for social<br />

emancipation. Spera adds, ”The equality law passed<br />

by Emperor Franz Joseph allowed for the influx of<br />

thousands of Jews into the booming metropolis of<br />

Vienna. The Jewish bourgeoisie had a significant influence<br />

on the development and establishment of a<br />

remarkably interesting cultural and intellectual<br />

scene, on the one hand by way of patronage, and on<br />

the other hand due to the exceptional proportion of<br />

Jews involved in the sciences and arts.“<br />

Paradisus Vindobonensis<br />

Blumenaquarelle<br />

von Anton Hartinger<br />

25. Mai bis 26. August <strong>2018</strong><br />

Kupferstichkabinett<br />

der Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien<br />

zu Gast im Theatermuseum<br />

Lobkowitzplatz 2, 1010 Wien<br />

www.kupferstichkabinett.at<br />

Das Jüdische Museum Wien im Palais Eskeles,<br />

Dorotheergasse.<br />

The Jewish Museum Vienna in the Palais<br />

Eskeles, Dorotheergasse.<br />

94 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Abbildung: Anton Hartinger (Wien 1806 – 1890 ebda.): Lilium speciosum var. punctatum,<br />

Detail, 1843, Aquarell und Deckweiß, Spuren einer Vorzeichnung mit Bleistift, auf Papier<br />

(Beschriftung und Umrahmung mit Bleistift)<br />

© Kupferstichkabinett der Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien

---

SAVOIR VIVRE JEWISH CULTURE VIENNA<br />

CULTURE<br />

INFO<br />

JÜDISCHE KULTUR IN<br />

WIEN / JEWISH CULTURE IN<br />

VIENNA - HIGHLIGHTS<br />

<strong>2018</strong>:<br />

Teddy Kollek. Der Wiener<br />

Bürgermeister von<br />

Jerusalem<br />

bis 25.11.<strong>2018</strong><br />

The Place to Be. Salons als<br />

Orte der Emanzipation<br />

30.05.-14.10.<strong>2018</strong><br />

Jüdisches Museum Wien<br />

jmw.at<br />

Parallelaktionen. Freud<br />

und die Literaten des<br />

Jungen Wien<br />

bis 31.12.<strong>2018</strong><br />

Sigmund Freud Museum<br />

freud-museum.at<br />

Festival der Jüdischen<br />

Kultur<br />

bis 17.06.<strong>2018</strong><br />

ikg-kultur.at<br />

Machen Sie mich schön,<br />

Madame D’Ora!<br />

13.07. - 29.10.<strong>2018</strong><br />

leopoldmuseum.org<br />

Moderne Jüdische Klänge<br />

– 70 Jahre Israel<br />

01.07.<strong>2018</strong><br />

MuTh / Konzertsaal<br />

muth.at<br />

Großmütterchen Hatz &<br />

Klok; Mandys Mischpoche;<br />

Erwin Steinhauer &<br />

klezmer reloaded<br />

06.07. - 08.07.<strong>2018</strong><br />

schrammelklang.at<br />

Yiddish Tango<br />

Timna Brauer & Elias Meiri<br />

26.08.<strong>2018</strong><br />

kultursommer-semmering.at<br />

Russian Gentlemen Club<br />

feat. A. Biz und R.<br />

Grinberg<br />

11. u. 12.09.<strong>2018</strong><br />

Theater am Spittelberg<br />

r-g-c.at<br />

Jüdisches Filmfestival<br />

Wien<br />

11.-18.10.<strong>2018</strong><br />

jfw.at<br />

Klezmore Festival <strong>2018</strong><br />

10.-25.11.<strong>2018</strong><br />

klezmore-vienna.at<br />

Erwin Steinhauer & klezmer reloaded. Yiddish Tango, Timna<br />

Brauer (oben rechts/ top right).<br />

The Viennese Modern Age, psychoanalysis and literature<br />

The insights of Sigmund Freud and their influence<br />

on the work of Arthur Schnitzler to Karl Kraus<br />

are currently being explored in the exhibition “Parallel<br />

Actions, Freud and the Writers of Young Vienna“<br />

at the Sigmund Freud Museum. ”For modern literature,<br />

the achievements of psychoanalysis are indispensable,“<br />

accentuates the lyricist and author Robert<br />

Schindel. ”One of the tasks of literature is to express<br />

in language what is neither said nor understood. This<br />

is why I think that the beginning of modern literature<br />

owes a lot to Freud.“ Schindel is considered part<br />

of the contemporary generation of Jewish intellectuals<br />

in Vienna. In response to the question whether<br />

something akin to normality can ever return after<br />

the Holocaust, Schindel, whose father was murdered<br />

at the Dachau concentration camp and whose mother<br />

survived Auschwitz and Ravensbrück, says, ”I<br />

can’t say how things are going to look like in 400 years,<br />

whether the Holocaust will then play the role of<br />

a horrific, but far distant event in world history.<br />

Right now, the Holocaust not only dominates Jewish<br />

Vienna, but Vienna’s literature scene in general.“ After<br />

the release of his second novel “Der Kalte“ (“The<br />

Cold One“) in 2013, which dealt with the upheavals<br />

of the Waldheim Affair across 660 pages, the author<br />

is currently working on a third novel about the life of<br />

a female Jewish communist in the 20th century, for<br />

whom his own mother stood as a role model. The<br />

high number of Jewish protagonists in the Viennese<br />

Modern Age – such as Freud, Arthur Schnitzler, Felix<br />

Salten and Karl Kraus had their origins in Jewish<br />

bourgeoisie, and even Hugo von Hofmannsthal<br />

(who saw himself as a Catholic aristocrat) had prominent<br />

Jewish ancestors – is a result of Judaism’s special<br />

relationship with language, says Schindel. ”This<br />

is the reason why there was such a blossoming of Jewish<br />

culture in Vienna in the 1920s – which wasn’t<br />

even necessarily Jewish culture, but simply Germanspeaking<br />

culture, made by Jews.“<br />

Fusion of worlds: Viennese klezmer<br />

Viennese klezmer music has made a great comeback<br />

in the last few years. One of the protagonists in<br />

this scene, who is as restless as he is eclectic, is Aliosha<br />

Biz, who has been performing on stage with<br />

groups like Frejlech and Dobrek Bistro and has even<br />

played with Vienna’s chief cantor Shmuel Barzilai.<br />

Having grown up in Moscow, where he was a member<br />

of the Moscow Youth Orchestra, Biz came to Vienna<br />

in 1989. ”It was like returning to the unknown<br />

ancestral homeland – my grandmother was born in<br />

Vienna. It was only in Vienna that I discovered this<br />

form of Jewish culture and music. And luckily, I arrived<br />

right at the cusp of an explosion of Jewish cultural<br />

life!“ After bands such as Geduldig un Thimann<br />

or the Timna Brauer & Elias Meiri Ensemble in the<br />

1970s and 1980s, it was especially Jewish migrants<br />

from the former Soviet Union, such as Roman Grinberg<br />

(who came to Austria from Moldavia via a detour<br />

in Israel), who kept the klezmer tradition alive<br />

in Vienna. ”Since Vienna is a melting pot of so many<br />

different cultures, klezmer doesn’t shy away from mixing<br />

with other types of music: Balkan influences,<br />

jazz, oriental music - it’s become a completely new<br />

thing!“ Aliosha Biz adds. Bands like Mandys Mischpoche<br />

or Hatz & Klok are the representatives of this<br />

new Viennese klezmer style that has fused various<br />

different musical traditions.<br />

Today, Jewish culture in Vienna once again contributes<br />

to the city’s overall cultural scene, as Danielle<br />

Spera, the Director of the Jewish Museum Vienna,<br />

highlights, ”Not a single day passes during which<br />

there isn’t some kind of Jewish-related cultural event<br />

taking place!“ From the Klezmore Festival, the Jewish<br />

Film Festival Vienna and the Jewish Culture<br />

Festival organised by the Vienna Israelite Community,<br />

which is currently running and includes top-tier<br />

guests and a street festival, there is a sturdy and blossoming<br />

branch of Vienna’s cultural life waiting to be<br />

explored, steeped in history and tradition.<br />

PHOTOS: MAX MOSER; HANS RINGHOFER<br />

PUNCH<br />

SOMMER IM MQ<br />

12.05. – 01.09.<br />

Rosebud<br />

entgeltliche Einschaltung<br />

KULTUR HAT VIELE GESICHTER.<br />

WWW.MQW.AT/SOMMER<br />

#MQSOMMER<br />

Generalsponsor des MQ<br />

Gefördert von<br />

96 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

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SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADORS OF MUSIC<br />

Culture Talk Adam Plachetka<br />

Der tschechische Bassbariton Adam Plachetka im Exklusivinterview mit Cercle Diplomatique über seinen Auftritt als Papageno<br />

bei den Salzburger Festspielen, die tschechische Nationaloper Libuše und seine Leidenschaft für Musicals.<br />

In an exclusive interview with Cercle Diplomatique, Czech bass-baritone Adam Plachetka discusses his performance as Papageno at<br />

the Salzburg Festival, the Czech national opera “Libuše“ and his passion for musicals.<br />

Interview: Rois & Stubenrauch<br />

INFO<br />

4<br />

Die Neuinszenierung der Zauberflöte bei den Salzburger<br />

Festspielen – in der Sie den Papageno singen werden –<br />

wagt unter der Regisseurin Lydia Steiner einen frischen<br />

Zugang zur viel gespielten Mozart-Oper. Was für einen<br />

Papageno wird man in Salzburg zu sehen bekommen?<br />

Papageno ist, wie er selber sagt, ein einfacher Mensch. Ich sehe<br />

ihn vor allem menschlich – im guten und schlechten Sinne. Die<br />

Zauberflöte kann man ja auf viele Weisen betrachten und<br />

verschiedene Aspekte betonen. Ich bin auf die Inszenierung von<br />

Lydia Steiner selbst sehr gespannt und glaube, dass mir diese<br />

Zauberflöte eine Chance geben wird, auch neue Zugänge zu<br />

meiner Rolle zu finden.<br />

Trotz ihrer vielen internationalen Engagements sind Sie<br />

ihrer Heimatstadt Prag treu geblieben.<br />

Ich bin in Prag aufgewachsen, habe dort viele Freunde und meine<br />

Frau ist als Sängerin oft in Prag tätig. Was mich zur Prager Oper<br />

zieht, ist das tschechische Repertoire, vor allem Smetana. Ich<br />

werde im September in einer Neuinszenierung von seiner Libuše<br />

singen. Libuše ist unsere Nationaloper und ich finde es<br />

unglaublich, dass ich den Přemysl in einer Inszenierung für das<br />

hundertjährige Jubiläum der Republik verkörpern darf.<br />

Letzten Oktober ist ihre CD „Impossible Dream“ mit<br />

berühmten Broadway Nummern erschienen – was hat es<br />

mit Ihrem Hang zu Musicals auf sich?<br />

Ich mag Musicals sehr und das schon seit einer langen Zeit. Ich<br />

wollte auch, als ich fünfzehn war, Operngesang studieren, um<br />

dann Musicals zu singen. Bald war mir jedoch Oper viel wichtiger<br />

und es ist nie dazu gekommen. Dennoch wollte ich es wenigstens<br />

einmal probieren und habe nun mit dem Prager Radiosinfonieorchester<br />

einen tollen Partner für mein konzertantes Musical-<br />

Programm gefunden. Letzten Sommer haben wir dann die CD<br />

aufgenommen – was mich riesig gefreut hat.<br />

Under the direction of Lydia Steiner, the new production of<br />

“The Magic Flute” at the Salzburg Festival – where you will be<br />

singing Papageno – is taking a fresh approach to one of<br />

Mozart’s most beloved operas. What kind of Papageno are we<br />

going to see in Salzburg?<br />

As he says about himself, Papageno is a simple man. I see him as<br />

someone very human – and that comes with as much bad as<br />

good. The Magic Flute can be interpreted in a multitude of ways.<br />

I myself am very excited about Lydia Steiner’s take on it and<br />

believe that version of The Magic Flute will give me the<br />

opportunity to find a new approach to my role.<br />

Despite your many international engagements, you have<br />

remained faithful to your hometown of Prague.<br />

I grew up in Prague, I have many friends there and my wife –<br />

who is also a singer – is often there for work purposes. What<br />

attracts me to Prague’s opera are the Czech treasures, especially<br />

Smetana. In September, I will be a singing part of a new<br />

production of his opera “Libuše“. It is our national opera and I<br />

am excited that I will have the privilege to play Přemysl on the<br />

occasion of the 100-year anniversary of our republic.<br />

Last October, you released your CD “Impossible Dream” with<br />

several well-known Broadway hits – what attracts you to<br />

musicals?<br />

I like musicals very much, and this has been the case for a long<br />

time. Since I was 15 years old, I wanted to study opera in order to<br />

be able to sing musicals. The opera, however, ended up becoming<br />

much more important to me and so I had to put the musical idea<br />

aside for a while. Nevertheless, I have wanted to try it out at<br />

least once and so I found a great partner for my concertante<br />

musical programme in the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra.<br />

Last Summer, we finally recorded the CD, which was a real joy for<br />

me.<br />

Zauberflöte<br />

Oper von W. A. Mozart<br />

Salzburger Festspiele <strong>2018</strong><br />

Musikalische Leitung:<br />

Constantinos Carydis<br />

Regie: Lydia Steiner<br />

Premiere 27.07.<strong>2018</strong><br />

Libuše<br />

Oper von Bedřich Smetana<br />

Nationaltheater Prag<br />

Dirigent: Jaroslav Kyzlink<br />

Regie: Jan Burian<br />

Premiere: 14.09.<strong>2018</strong><br />

PERSONAL DETAILS<br />

PHOTOS: PAVEL HEJNÝ; DON GIOVANNI, L‘ELISIR D‘AMORE. METROPOLITAN OPERA / MARTY SOHL<br />

Sie zählen mit 33 Jahren zur jungen Generation der<br />

heutigen Opernstars. Wie sehen Sie die Zukunft der Oper?<br />

Ich bin optimistisch. Es wird viel davon gesprochen, dass das<br />

Publikum immer älter wird. Ich sehe das nicht ganz so. Nach der<br />

Schule haben sich nur wenige von meinen Freunden für die Oper<br />

interessiert – wenn ich aber heute Konzerte gebe, sehe ich viele<br />

junge Gesichter im Zuschauerraum. Ich denke ganz allgemein,<br />

dass noch viele Menschen den Weg zur Oper entdecken werden.<br />

Die großen Mozartpartien wie Figaro oder Don Giovanni<br />

zählen zu Ihren Paraderollen – welche Rollen würden Sie<br />

gerne in Zukunft singen?<br />

Ich beginne jetzt, nachdem ich mehr als zehn Jahre hauptsächlich<br />

Mozartpartien gesungen habe, immer mehr den Belcanto zu<br />

entdecken. Dieses Jahr habe ich die erste richtige Baritonrolle –<br />

Riccardo in Bellinis I Puritani – gesungen, und mich dabei sehr<br />

wohlgefühlt. In der kommenden Spielzeit werde ich erstmals die<br />

Titelpartie im Barbier von Sevilla verkörpern. Ich denke also, dass<br />

das der richtige Weg ist und ich mehr ins italienische Fach<br />

wechseln werde.<br />

With your 33 years, you’re considered to be part of the<br />

younger generation of today’s opera stars. How do you see the<br />

future of the opera?<br />

I’m optimistic. There is a lot of talk about the audience becoming<br />

older. I don’t see it that way. After finishing school, only a few of<br />

my friends were interested in the opera – but when I give<br />

concerts today, I see plenty of young faces in the audience. In<br />

broad terms, I think that many more people will be developing a<br />

taste for the opera in the coming years.<br />

The great Mozart roles, like Figaro or Don Giovanni, are among<br />

your best-known – what type of roles would you like to sing in<br />

the future?<br />

After 10 years of primarily singing Mozart roles, I am starting<br />

to discover Belcanto more and more. This year, I sang my first<br />

real baritone role – Riccardo in Bellini’s “I Puritani” – and felt<br />

very comfortable in it. In the coming season, I will perform the<br />

title role in “The Barber of Seville” for the first time. So, I think<br />

that this is the right path for me, to slowly move into the<br />

Italian craft.<br />

Adam Plachetka zählt mit 33<br />

Jahren zur jungen Riege der<br />

Opernstars.<br />

At the age of 33, Adam<br />

Plachetka belongs to the young<br />

band of opera stars.<br />

Adam Plachetka debütierte 2005 nach der Ausbildung am Konservatorium seiner<br />

Heimatstadt am Prager Nationaltheater. Bereits 2007 folgte ein Engagement bei<br />

den Salzburger Festspielen, wo der tschechische Bassbariton seither regelmäßig zu<br />

Gast ist. 2010 wurde der Opern-Jungstar ins Ensemble der Wiener Staatsoper<br />

aufgenommen. In der kommenden Saison ist Adam Plachetka unter anderem bei<br />

den Salzburger Festspielen, an der Metropolitan Opera New York und an der Opéra<br />

National de Paris zu hören.<br />

Following his training at the Prague Conservatory and his winning of Antonin<br />

Dvorak‘s International Singing Competition, Adam Plachetka debuted at Prague’s<br />

National Theatre in 2005. Since 2007, the Czech bass-baritone has been a regular<br />

guest at the Salzburg Festival, and in 2010, Plachetka became part of the ensemble<br />

of the Vienna State Opera. In the coming season, Adam Plachetka will, among other<br />

roles, sing as Papageno at the Salzburg Festival, at the Metropolitan Opera New<br />

York and at the Opéra National de Paris.<br />

salzburgerfestspiele.at<br />

narodni-divadlo.cz<br />

adamplachetka.com<br />

98 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

99

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SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS<br />

Kultur-Highlights Sommer <strong>2018</strong><br />

Cultural highlights summer <strong>2018</strong><br />

Gustav Klimt, Sitzendes<br />

junges Mädchen, um 1894.<br />

Seated young girl, around<br />

1894.<br />

Text: Evelyn Rois<br />

Gustav Klimt Superstar<br />

Diesen Sommer feiert das Leopold Museum Gustav Klimt mit<br />

einer große Schau anlässlich des Jubiläumsjahres zur Wiener<br />

Moderne. Die hochkarätigen Bestände der Sammlung Leopold<br />

und ausgewählte Leihgaben zeichnen vom 22.06.–04.11.<strong>2018</strong> den<br />

künstlerischen Werdegang Klimts vom späten Historismus zum<br />

bedeutendsten Vertreter des Jugendstils nach. Besonderes<br />

Highlight: Die Präsentation seines letzten, unvollendet<br />

gebliebenen Meisterwerks „Die Braut“ im Kontext von<br />

Werkzeichnungen und dem heute einzig erhaltenen Skizzenbuch<br />

des Malerfürsten.<br />

This summer, the Leopold Museum is set to celebrate Gustav<br />

Klimt with a large exhibition on the occasion of the anniversary<br />

year of Viennese Modernism. From 22.06. to 04.11.<strong>2018</strong>, brilliant<br />

pieces from the Leopold Collection, as well as selected loan items,<br />

will trace Klimt’s artistic career from the late historicist period to<br />

becoming one of the most significant representatives of the art<br />

nouveau movement. A special highlight: The presentation of his<br />

final and incomplete masterpiece “The Bride” in the context of<br />

various sketches, as well as the master’s only remaining<br />

sketchbook.<br />

leopoldmuseum.org<br />

PHOTOS: LEOPOLD MUSEUM WIEN; RMN-GRAND PALAIS, MUSÉE DU LOUVRE; E. ELLERSDORFER MEISSNEROVA; A. DACOS; C. SCHOPPE; T. BRÖNNER; J. DIMMOCK<br />

Der Glanz des Ostens |<br />

The glow of the East<br />

Kultur unter Sternen |<br />

Culture under the stars<br />

Das Wiener Museumsquartier<br />

bespielt auch <strong>2018</strong> die lauen<br />

Sommerabende wieder mit einem<br />

prallen Kulturangebot – vieles<br />

davon unter freiem Himmel und bei<br />

freiem Eintritt! Das breit gestreute<br />

Programm in Wiens größtem<br />

Freiluftwohnzimmer reicht vom<br />

Literaturfestival „O-Töne“, das an<br />

acht Abenden im Juli und August<br />

den Haupthof zur Bühne für das<br />

aktuelle literarische Schaffen<br />

Österreichs macht, über klassische<br />

Konzertabende, etwa beim mdw<br />

Chamber Open Air (29.06.) oder<br />

mit dem European Union Youth<br />

Orchestra (22.08.) bis zu den<br />

Open-Air-Filmfestivals frame[o]ut<br />

und Architektur.Film.Sommer.<br />

In <strong>2018</strong>, the Vienna Museumsquartier<br />

will, once again, provide a<br />

brilliant culture offer throughout<br />

the mild summer evenings — many<br />

of them under the open sky and<br />

with free entry! The extensive<br />

programme at Vienna’s biggest<br />

open-air living room reaches from<br />

the “O-Töne” literature festival,<br />

turning the main court into a stage<br />

of Austria’s contemporary literature<br />

scene on eight evenings in July and<br />

August, classical concert evenings,<br />

such as the mdw Chamber Open Air<br />

(29.06.) or the European Union<br />

Youth Orchestra (22.08.), to the<br />

frame[o]ut open-air film festival as<br />

well as Architektur.Film.Sommer.<br />

mqw.at<br />

Das legendäre Südbahnhotel.<br />

The legendary Südbahnhotel.<br />

Belle Époque am Semmering | at the Semmering<br />

Birgit Minichmayr, Karl Markovics (Fotos oben), Maria Bill, Claus Peymann, Angelika<br />

Kirchschlager, Roland Neuwirth, Elisabeth Leonskaja ...! Äußerst prominent besetzt lädt<br />

der Kultursommer Semmering vom 30.06.–<strong>02</strong>.09.<strong>2018</strong> zu einem Reigen von Lesungen,<br />

Theater, Klassik und Klezmer bis Chanson. Die Spielorte Kurhaus Semmering und das<br />

legendäre Südbahnhotel lassen die großen Zeiten von Wiens Zauberberg wieder<br />

aufleben.<br />

Birgit Minichmayr, Claus Peymann, Maria Bill, Peter Simonischek, Angelika<br />

Kirchschlager, Roland Neuwirth, Elisabeth Leonskaja ...! The line-up of the<br />

Kultursommer Semmering event from 30.06. to <strong>02</strong>.09.<strong>2018</strong> is filled with celebrities<br />

and invites visitors to a wide range of readings, theatre, classical music, as well as<br />

klezmer and chanson performances. The Kurhaus Semmering and legendary<br />

Südbahnhotel venues are set to revive the grandiose days of Vienna’s Zauberberg.<br />

kultursommer-semmering.at<br />

Kaiser Herakleios als<br />

Kreuzfahrer.<br />

Emperor Heraclius as<br />

Crusader.<br />

Über Jahrhunderte war das Byzantinische Reich und seine Hauptstadt Konstantinopel ein Sehnsuchtsort des Westens. Die Ausstellung „Byzanz & der Westen. 1000<br />

vergessene Jahre“ auf der Schallaburg in Niederösterreich folgt bis zum 11.11.<strong>2018</strong> den Wegen von französischen Rittern, byzantinischen Prinzessinnen, Händlern und<br />

Kreuzfahrern und lässt diese Faszination, anhand von wertvollen Exponaten aus namhaften Sammlungen wie dem Pariser Musée du Louvre oder dem Israel Museum in<br />

Jerusalem, wieder aufleben.<br />

For centuries, the Byzantine Empire and its capital Constantinople were a place of longing for the West. The exhibition “The Byzantine Empire & the West. 1000 Forgotten<br />

Years” at Schallaburg Castle in Lower Austria will trace the steps of French knights, Byzantine princesses, merchants and sailors until 11.11.<strong>2018</strong>, reviving fascination in the era<br />

through precious exhibits from renowned collections, such as the Parisian Musée du Louvre or the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.<br />

schallaburg.at<br />

Entlang der Donau |<br />

Along the Danube<br />

Inge Morath (1923–20<strong>02</strong>), Pionierin<br />

der Dokumentarfotografie und erstes<br />

weibliches Mitglied der berühmten<br />

Fotoagentur Magnum, unternahm<br />

zwischen 1958 und 1994 mehrere Reisen<br />

auf und entlang der Donau.<br />

Im Sommer 2014 begaben sich acht<br />

zeitgenössische Fotografinnen auf die<br />

Spuren der österreichischen Fotokünstlerin<br />

und dokumentierten, über 2800<br />

Kilometer durch 10 Länder, aktuelle<br />

Lebensthemen entlang des Flusses. Die<br />

Landesgalerie Linz zeigt nun bis<br />

16.09.<strong>2018</strong> in der Ausstellung<br />

„Donaureise. Auf den Spuren von Inge<br />

Morath“ die Arbeiten der Fotografinnen,<br />

ergänzt durch ausgewählte Fotografien<br />

von Inge Morath.<br />

Inge Morath (1923-20<strong>02</strong>), documentary<br />

photography pioneer and the first female<br />

member of the famous Magnum photo<br />

agency, embarked on several journeys<br />

along the Danube between 1958 and 1994.<br />

In the summer of 2014, eight contemporary<br />

female photographers began to retrace<br />

the Austrian’s photo artist’s journeys -<br />

spanning more than 2,800 kilometres and<br />

10 countries - and document life along the<br />

river. The Landesgalerie Linz will now<br />

display the works of the photographers in<br />

the exhibition “Journey on the Danube.<br />

Following the Traces of Inge Morath” until<br />

16.09.<strong>2018</strong>, complemented with selected<br />

photographs by Inge Morath herself.<br />

landesmuseum.at<br />

Jessica Dimmock, aus der Serie<br />

„Untitled“, 2014 / from the series<br />

“Untitled“, 2014.<br />

100 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 101

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SAVOIR VIVRE ARTS<br />

Hoher Besuch | High-ranking visit<br />

Beginn einer neuen Ära | The beginning of a new era<br />

Stars beim JazzFest<br />

Wien / Stars at the<br />

JazzFest Vienna: Corinne<br />

Bailey, Baldachin Trio,<br />

Kris Kristofferson, Maja<br />

Jaku.<br />

Jazz and the City<br />

Gewohnt stilsicher präsentiert sich das JazzFest Wien vom 15.06.–10.07.<strong>2018</strong>: Von Kris Kristofferson in der<br />

Wiener Stadthalle über die grandiose Caro Emerald oder das Duo Till Brönner & Dieter Ilg in der Wiener<br />

Staatsoper, Mammal Hands aus der ostenglischen Universitätsstadt Norwich im Porgy & Bess bis zum<br />

Ausnahmetrompeter Thomas Gansch im Jazzland reicht der weit gespannte Bogen.<br />

Between 15.06 and 10.07.<strong>2018</strong>, the JazzFest Vienna will, once again, present itself as stylish as always: The<br />

broad programme reaches all the way from Kris Kristofferson at the Wiener Stadthalle, the grandiose Carl<br />

Emerald and the duo Till Brönner & Dieter Ilg at the Vienna State Opera, Mammal Hands from the<br />

East-Anglian university city of Norwich at the Porgy & Bess jazz club to the brilliant trumpeter Thomas<br />

Gansch at Jazzland.<br />

jazzfest.wien<br />

Vivian Maier, Florida, 1957;<br />

New York, 1955 (unten).<br />

Unterwegs mit der Rolleiflex<br />

| On the go with the Rolleiflex<br />

Ein zufälliger Kauf einiger Kisten voll mit Negativen auf einer<br />

Zwangsauktion führte zur posthumen Weltkarriere der bis<br />

dato völlig unbekannten amerikanischen Fotografin Vivian<br />

Maier. Die grandiosen Straßenszenen aus New York und<br />

Chicago, die Maier ab den 1950er Jahren mit ihrer Rolleiflex<br />

aufgenommen hat, sind nun erstmals in Österreich in der<br />

Ausstellung „Vivian Maier, Out of the Shadows“ vom<br />

29.05.–19.08.<strong>2018</strong> im Fotomuseum Westlicht in Wien zu<br />

sehen.<br />

A coincidental purchase of a few boxes filled with negatives<br />

at a court-ordered auction led to the posthumous world<br />

career of the American photographer Vivian Maier, who<br />

was unknown at the time. The brilliant street shots from<br />

New York and Chicago, which Maier had been taking with<br />

her Rolleiflex since the 1950s, will now be presented in<br />

Austria for the very first time at the exhibition “Vivian<br />

Maier, Out of the Shadows” at the WestLicht photography<br />

museum in Vienna, from 29.05 to 19.08.<strong>2018</strong>.<br />

westlicht.com<br />

PHOTOS: A. VALENTI; BALDACHIN TRIO/MGMT; A. NEWELL; M. JAKU/MGMT; ESTATE OF VIVIAN MAIER, COURTESY OF MALOOF COLLECTION AND H. GREENBERG GALLERY, NY; ST. PETERSBURG,<br />

STAATLICHE EREMITAGE; UNIVERSALMUSEUM JOANNEUM<br />

Die Eremitage St. Petersburg gibt eines ihrer seltenen Gastspiele und kommt mit 16<br />

bedeutenden Gemälden der Kunstgeschichte nach Wien ins Kunsthistorische Museum, wo<br />

sie (diese streichen) Werken aus der Sammlung des KHM gegenüber gestellt werden. Unter<br />

den „Gästen“: Ambrosius Holbeins Bildnis eines zwanzigjährigen Mannes, ein großformatiges<br />

Selbstportrait von Anthonis van Dyck oder Tintorettos dramatischer Heiliger Georg. Die<br />

Ausstellung „Die Eremitage zu Gast. Meisterwerke von Botticelli bis van Dyck“ läuft vom<br />

06.06.–<strong>02</strong>.09.<strong>2018</strong> in Wien, im Herbst wird sie dann in St. Petersburg zu sehen sein.<br />

The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is making one of its rare trips abroad and<br />

will bring 16 significant paintings from throughout the history of art to Vienna’s<br />

Kunsthistorisches Museum, where they will be<br />

positioned alongside works from the KHM’s own<br />

collection. Among the “guests”: Ambrosius<br />

Holbein’s Portrait of a Young Man, a large<br />

self-portrait by Anthony van Dyck or Tintoretto’s<br />

dramatic St. George. The exhibition “Old Masters<br />

from the Hermitage. Masterpieces from Botticelli<br />

to van Dyck” will be on in Vienna from 06.06. to<br />

<strong>02</strong>.09.2019. Starting in autumn, it can be seen in<br />

St. Petersburg. khm.at<br />

A. Holbein, Bildnis eines<br />

zwanzigjährigen Mannes,<br />

1518.<br />

Portrait of a twenty-yearold<br />

man, 1518.<br />

Der Friede von Passarowitz (heute Požarevac, Serbien) beendete 1718 die<br />

militärischen Auseinandersetzungen des Venezianisch-Österreichischen<br />

Türkenkrieges und markiert den Beginn von Wirtschaftsbeziehungen<br />

zwischen der Habsburgermonarchie und dem Osmanischen Reich<br />

einhergehend mit dem Aufbau einer diplomatischen Infrastruktur mit<br />

Botschaften und Konsulaten. Die Ausstellung „Wir und Passarowitz. 300<br />

Jahre Auswirkungen auf Europa“ im Landeszeughaus des Universalmuseum<br />

Joanneum in Graz untersucht (bis 04.11.<strong>2018</strong>) den epochalen Friedensund<br />

Handelsvertrag auf seine Nachwirkungen in die Gegenwart.<br />

In 1718, the Treaty of Passarowitz (today Požarevac, Serbia) ended the<br />

military conflicts of the Ottoman-Venetian War and marked the<br />

initiation of economic relations between the Habsburg Monarchy and<br />

the Ottoman Empire, beginning with the construction of a diplomatic<br />

infrastructure consisting of<br />

embassies and consulates. The<br />

exhibition “The Impact of<br />

Passarowitz. 300 Years of<br />

Continuity in Europe” at the<br />

Universalmuseum Joanneum’s<br />

Styrian Armoury in Graz will<br />

explore the epochal peace and<br />

trade agreement, as well as its<br />

impact on the present, until<br />

04.11.<strong>2018</strong>.<br />

museum-joanneum.at<br />

1<strong>02</strong> Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

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SAVOIR VIVRE CONNOISSEUR<br />

Essen und trinken mit Stil<br />

Wine and dine in style<br />

Text: Daniela Pötzl<br />

Kochen ist Kunst | Cooking as art<br />

TOP 5 OPENINGS<br />

Neu in Wien | New in Vienna<br />

Top-Koch Günzel ist zurück!<br />

Top chef Günzel is back!<br />

aend.at<br />

Drink pink<br />

Roséweine sind nicht nur allein bei<br />

den Damen beliebt und eignen sich<br />

daher optimal als Mitbringsel für die<br />

sommerliche Garten- oder Grillparty.<br />

„Fräulein Rosé von Döbling 2017“ ist<br />

ein reinsortiger Pinot Noir aus Wiener<br />

Weingärten vom Weingut Mayer am<br />

Pfarrplatz und punktet mit feinen<br />

Aromen von Erdbeer-Rhabarber.<br />

Rosé wines are not just popular with<br />

the ladies but are also something<br />

great to bring along to a garden<br />

party or barbeque on a hot summer<br />

day. “Fräulein Rosé von Döbling<br />

2017” is a pure Pinot Noir from the<br />

Mayer am Pfarrplatz winery in<br />

Vienna and scores with its splendid<br />

strawberry-rhubarb aromas.<br />

shop.pfarrplatz.com<br />

Saurer Trend<br />

Sour trend<br />

Unternehmer und Kunstliebhaber Martin Ho hat einen neuen Küchenchef verpflichtet:<br />

Sören Herzig übernimmt die konzeptionelle und kreative Neuausrichtung des DOTS in der<br />

Wiener Mariahilfer Straße. Der gebürtige Deutsche, der zuvor bei Juan Amador groß<br />

aufkochte, war zuletzt im Restaurant Aï. Sein neues Konzept beschreibt er so: mit<br />

„französischer Tradition, japanischer Demut, österreichischer Qualität und vietnamesischer<br />

Passion und Leidenschaft“.<br />

Entrepreneur and art lover Martin Ho has hired a new chef: Sören Kerzig is now<br />

assuming the conceptual and creative redirection of DOTS at Vienna’s Mariahilfer<br />

Strasse. The German chef, who had previously worked with Juan Amador, was most<br />

recently at the Aï restaurant. He describes his new concept as follows: with “French<br />

tradition, Japanese humility, Austrian quality and Vietnamese passion and fervour.”<br />

dotsgroup.eu<br />

Zeit für Champagner | Time for champagne<br />

Moët & Chandon Champagner kann man pur, auf Eis oder als Cocktail trinken – besonders<br />

schön gelingt dies im „Am Hof Schanigarten“ des Hotels Park Hyatt Vienna in der<br />

Bognergasse. Begleitend werden kleine und feine Snacks gereicht. Der Schanigarten ist<br />

täglich von 9.00 bis 22 Uhr geöffnet. Der Sommer kann kommen!<br />

Moët & Chandon champagne can be enjoyed pure, on ice or as a cocktail — and this is<br />

done particularly well at the Park Hyatt Vienna’s “Am Hof Schanigarten” at Bognergasse.<br />

Neat little snacks are also served on the side. It is open daily from 09:00 until<br />

22:00. Let the summer in!<br />

parkhyattvienna.com<br />

Einfachheit als indisches<br />

Mantra Simplicity as an<br />

Indian mantra<br />

in-dish.at<br />

Tartines und tolle Weine<br />

Tartines and great wines<br />

alma-gastrotheque.at<br />

Pop-up an der Alten Donau<br />

Pop-up at Alte Donau<br />

cafe-wien.at<br />

Wiens erste Piadineria<br />

Vienna’s first piadineria<br />

bocconcino.eatbu.com<br />

Der Morgen beginnt mit Schwung | Start the morning with a bounce<br />

Seit sieben Jahren hat sich yamm! am Schottentor mit seiner modernen, leichten Küche etabliert. Jetzt geht man einen Schritt<br />

weiter und ergänzt das Angebot mit einer Frühstücks- und Abendkarte.<br />

Lust auf einen typischen New Yorker Bagel? Bei yamm! kommt dieser mit Eierspeis, knackigen Gurken und Avocado gefüllt daher<br />

und nimmt am Weg auch noch einen cremigen Mungobohnen-Dip und frische Gemüsesticks mit. Einen Green Smoothie gibt es<br />

als Begleitung dazu.<br />

Die Kreativität von Chefkoch Markus Krenn kann man nun auch am Abend als kulinarische Raffinessen aus dem „Gemüsekist‘l à la<br />

carte“ genießen. „Wir setzen auf regionale Zutaten, die wir von ausgewählten Lieferanten beziehen. Außerdem gibt es davon<br />

stets einen hohen Bio-Anteil, der uns besonders wichtig ist“, so Krenn.<br />

For the past seven years, yamm! at Schottentor has slowly but surely established itself with its both contemporary and light<br />

cuisine. Now, the popular eatery is making another step forward and will begin complementing its offer with a breakfast and<br />

evening menu.<br />

Up for a typical New York bagel? At yamm!, you will be served the classic dish with scrambled eggs, crunchy cucumber and<br />

avocado, as well with a creamy mung bean dip and fresh veggie sticks on the side. A fresh green smoothie completes the<br />

experience. And now, you will finally also be able to flavour chef Markus Krenn’s creations in the evening, namely in the form<br />

of a creative, culinarily exciting new menu. “We’re betting on local ingredients, which we are sourcing from selected<br />

producers only. Many of our ingredients are also organic, which is something that’s very important to us,” says Krenn.<br />

yamm.at<br />

Fast in Vergessenheit geratenes<br />

traditionelles Küchenwissen findet<br />

erneut Einkehr in heimische Küchen.<br />

Zur Haltbarmachung wird wieder<br />

eingekocht, eingelegt und fermentiert<br />

wie in alten Zeiten. Die natürlich<br />

gebraute Sojasauce von Kikkoman ist<br />

ein Beispiel für ein Fermentationsprodukt,<br />

das sich auch für den Ansatz<br />

eines Gemüse-Mix im Glas bestens<br />

eignet.<br />

Nearly forgotten traditional cooking<br />

techniques are being rediscovered<br />

right at home. Canning, pickling and<br />

fermenting like in the good old days.<br />

Kikkoman’s naturally brewed soy<br />

sauce is an example of a fermented<br />

product that would also act as a<br />

great base for pickled veggies in<br />

a jar.<br />

kikkoman.at<br />

FOTOS: WWW.PIXELCOMA.AT, MAYER AM PFARRPLATZ WINERY, DOTS GROUP, KIKKOMAN, FOTOLIA, BOCCONCINO<br />

GENIESSEN SIE DEN UNTERSCHIED.<br />

TASTE THE DIFFERENCE.<br />

104 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Besuchen Sie uns / Visit us: Josefstädter Straße 10-12, 1080 Wien, T. +43 1 205 99-0, www.flemings-hotels.com

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SAVOIR VIVRE TRAVEL<br />

Fernweh<br />

Itchy Feet<br />

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

Text: Gerald Sturz<br />

Singapur /Singapore<br />

Atlas Bar<br />

Als Geburtsort des Singapore Sling hat Singapur<br />

Cocktail-Geschichte geschrieben. Dass es außer der<br />

Long Bar im Raffles Hotel kaum eine nennenswerte<br />

Bar gab, war eine andere Geschichte. Doch das hat<br />

sich in jüngster Zeit gewaltig geändert. Einer der<br />

spektakulärsten Bar-Neuzugänge ist die Atlas Bar im<br />

Parkview Square Building. Sie beeindruckt mit der<br />

weltgrößten Gin-Auswahl, angeblich sind mehr als<br />

1.000 Varianten hier zu verkosten. Und die Barkeeper,<br />

das stellt man bald fest, verstehen ganz hervorragend<br />

ihr Handwerk.<br />

Singapore has already made cocktail history as the<br />

birthplace of the Singapore Sling. The circumstance<br />

that there hasn’t been another bar worth naming<br />

other than the Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel is another<br />

story. But this has completely changed in recent<br />

times. One of the most spectacular new additions to<br />

Singapore’s bar scene is the Atlas Bar in the Parkview<br />

Square Building. It impresses with the world’s biggest<br />

gin selection - supposedly, more than 1,000 types are<br />

available for sampling. And, as you will soon realise,<br />

the barkeepers know exactly what they are doing.<br />

atlasbar.sg<br />

Kopenhagen / Copenhagen<br />

Radisson Collection Royal Hotel<br />

Als Update und nicht als Relaunch will das gefragte Design-Duo Space Copenhagen verstehen, was sie mit<br />

dem Radisson Royal Hotel Copenhagen angestellt haben. Wie auch immer: Sie haben diesem legendären<br />

Hotel, das von dem großen dänischen Designer Arne Jacobsen in den 1950er Jahren so sehr bis ins kleinste<br />

Detail gestaltet wurde, dass man es nahezu als Gesamtkunstwerk bezeichnen kann, und das vermutlich das<br />

erste Designhotel der Welt war, eine Verjüngungskur verpasst, die man durchaus als sehr gelungen<br />

bezeichnen kann. Sehr, sehr stylisch ist nun das, was es zu sehen gibt.<br />

The sought-after designer duo Space Copenhagen sees their take on the Radisson Royal Hotel Copenhagen<br />

as more of an update than a relaunch. Whatever it may be: The legendary hotel, designed by Arne Jacobsen<br />

in the 1950s with so much attention to detail that it can very well be referred to as a complete work of art,<br />

and which was likely the first design hotel in the world, has undergone a successful rejuvenation treatment.<br />

The result is very, very stylish.<br />

radissoncollection.com<br />

Mauritius<br />

Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Resort & Spa<br />

106 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Das Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa gilt als das romantischste<br />

Hotel auf Mauritius. Aber nicht nur das. Kein anderes Resort auf der Insel hat ein so<br />

großes kulinarisches Angebot. Es verfügt über feinsten weißen Sandstrand, eine<br />

türkisfarbene Lagune mit kristallklarem Wasser und einen 35 Hektar großen<br />

tropischen Garten. Und dann ist da noch die Lage an der Nordwestküste von<br />

Mauritius. Sie garantiert gigantische Sonnenuntergänge! So verbindet das Resort<br />

tropische Eleganz, Modernität, Komfort und Privatsphäre. All das macht den<br />

zeitlosen Charme des Luxushotels aus. Gäste können aus sieben verschiedenen<br />

Zimmerkategorien – Suiten und Villen – wählen, die über die üppige Gartenanlage<br />

verteilt liegen. Selbstverständlich bietet das Resort eine große Auswahl an Landund<br />

Wassersportaktivitäten. Seit November 2017 ermöglicht das Resort dank seiner<br />

Partnerschaft mit dem „Mont Choisy Le Golf“ 18-Loch Golfplatz, dem ersten im<br />

Norden der Insel, auch Golfen.<br />

The Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa is considered the most<br />

romantic hotel in Mauritius. But that’s not all that there is to it. No other resort on<br />

the island offers such a broad culinary selection. It calls a beach made up of the<br />

finest white sand, a turquoise lagoon with crystal-clear water and a 35-hectaresized<br />

tropical garden its own. And then there is the incredible location on Mauritius’<br />

north-western coast, which promises unforgettable sunsets! Thus, the resort<br />

combines tropical elegance, modernity, comfort and privacy. All of these elements<br />

combined create the luxury hotel’s unique charm. Guests can choose from seven<br />

different room categories – suites and villas – which are spread across the lush<br />

gardens. Naturally, the resort also provides a wide selection of land and water<br />

sports activities. Since November 2017, thanks to its partnership with the “Mont<br />

Choisy Le Golf“ 18-hole golf course, the resort also offers golf on this first course in<br />

the north of the island.<br />

beachcomber-hotels.com<br />

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT<br />

London<br />

Duddell’s Restaurant<br />

Das mit zwei Michelin-Sternen ausgezeichnete Restaurant Duddell’s in Hongkongs Central District ist ein<br />

Hotspot für Gourmets und Kunstliebhaber. Nun gibt es eine Filiale in London in der St. Thomas Church, am<br />

Fuß des Shard-Hochhauses, ganz in der Nähe des Borough Markets. Wie das Mutterhaus im Fernen Osten<br />

begeistert es mit tollem Design und überzeugt bei Lunch oder Dinner mit ausgezeichneter und authentischer<br />

kantonesischer Küche und den besten (handgefertigten) Dim Sums der Stadt.<br />

Duddell’s in Hongkong’s Central District has been awarded two Michelin Stars and is a hotspot for gourmets<br />

and art enthusiasts. Now, a new branch has opened in London’s St. Thomas Church at the foot of the Shard,<br />

near Borough Market. Like the parent establishment in the far east, it impresses with its brilliant interior<br />

design and also with authentic Cantonese cuisine for lunch or dinner, not to forget the best (hand-made)<br />

dim sum in the city.<br />

duddells.co

---

SAVOIR VIVRE TRAVEL<br />

ALL AROUND RELAXED<br />

IN A DREAMLIKE ENVIRONMENT<br />

Osaka<br />

Conrad Osaka<br />

Austrian Airlines hat soeben die Strecke von Wien nach Tokio wieder in ihr Programm aufgenommen und man<br />

sollte die Gelegenheit wahrnehmen, Japan mit all seinen eindrucksvollen Sehenswürdigkeiten kennenzulernen.<br />

Osaka, die dynamische Wirtschaftsmetropole, sollte auf jeden Fall eine Station auf einer Rundreise sein. Die<br />

perfekte Unterkunft: das erst kürzlich eröffneten Conrad Hotel. Von der Lobby mit den riesigen Fensterflächen<br />

hoch oben im Nakanoshima Tower und von den Zimmern kann man einen einzigartigen Blick auf den Hochhausdschungel<br />

von der Stadt werfen. Hier liegt einem Osaka zu Füßen. Dass in diesem Hotel auch sonst alles vom<br />

Feinsten ist, versteht sich von selbst.<br />

Austrian Airlines has just begun offering flights from Vienna to Tokyo again – and therefore, the chance to<br />

experience Japan with all its incredible sights should not be missed. Osaka, the dynamic business metropolis,<br />

should undoubtedly be part of any cross-country trip. The perfect accommodation: the recently opened Conrad<br />

Hotel. Standing in the lobby with the massive windows high up in the Nakanoshima Tower or in the rooms, you<br />

get a brilliant view of one of Japan’s major concrete jungles. Here, Osaka lies at your feet. The fact that everything<br />

else is also top-notch in this hotel goes without saying.<br />

conradhotels.com<br />

Florenz /Florence<br />

Gucci Osteria<br />

Man sollte sich vom Namen nicht täuschen<br />

lassen. Garten gibt es im Gucci Garden keinen.<br />

Neben einem Gucci-Museum und einem<br />

Gucci-Verkaufsraum gibt es aber auch eine<br />

Gucci Osteria und an der sollte kein Weg<br />

vorbeiführen, wenn man wieder einmal in<br />

Florenz ist. Sie wird nämlich von Massimo<br />

Bottura geführt, dessen Restaurant Osteria<br />

Francescana in Modena neulich zum besten der<br />

Welt gekürt wurde. Es ist ein Erlebnis.<br />

Don’t let the name deceive you – there is no<br />

garden in the Gucci Garden. Nevertheless, there<br />

is a Gucci Osteria next to the Gucci Museum and<br />

the Gucci Store, and you shouldn’t miss it under<br />

any circumstances if you are already paying a<br />

visit to Florence. It is, after all, run by Massimo<br />

Bottura, whose restaurant Osteria Francescana<br />

in Modena was recently named the best<br />

restaurant in the world. It’s an experience.<br />

gucci.com<br />

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT<br />

With ROBINSON you can leave everyday life<br />

behind in the most beautiful way. Culinary delights,<br />

wellness and sporting activities are essential<br />

for those holidaymakers seeking relaxation. And<br />

what better place is there to enjoy such moments<br />

than at a ROBINSON Club? The premium resort<br />

holiday provider understands the needs of its guests<br />

like no other and offers a wide variety of possibilities<br />

to satisfy them and more besides. Providing guests<br />

with quality time to unwind and feel completely at<br />

ease is a key factor in the ROBINSON philosophy.<br />

Experiencing the latest trend sports with like-minded<br />

people seems suddenly so easy and fun. The activity<br />

classes held in the consistently high-quality gyms<br />

ROBINSON Club Khao Lak<br />

ROBINSON Club Cala Serena<br />

ROBINSON Club Cala Serena<br />

are complemented by a variety of offers such as the<br />

GroupFitness or Body&Mind programmes. With time<br />

afterwards to revitalize and relax in the WellFit ® -Spa.<br />

The WellFood ® concept, specially devised and<br />

patented by ROBINSON, consists of trend-oriented<br />

and innovative cuisine which provides energy and balance<br />

for the body and soul while allowing the palate<br />

to delight in a unique taste experience. WellFood ®<br />

is not the only experience to savour at ROBINSON,<br />

the many varied buffets and specialty restaurants,<br />

weekly festive gala buffets, live cooking and late<br />

breakfast are also guaranteed to put a smile on<br />

one’s face. Locally sourced products have absolute<br />

priority, ensuring fresh local produce rich in vitamins<br />

is on the menu every day. Cooked and served<br />

by master craftsman in a wonderful atmosphere!<br />

Individual wishes are commonplace at ROBINSON,<br />

whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan or susceptible to<br />

food intolerances, ROBINSON aims to please every<br />

guest and treat them all to culinary delights of the<br />

highest level.<br />

For all those sunseekers looking for a warm and inviting<br />

destination in winter, the legendary ROBINSON<br />

Club Jandia Playa on Fuerteventura will be opening<br />

its doors in December after extensive renovations.<br />

An absolute must-see is the sheltered rooftop bar<br />

with infinity pool located on top of the 11-storey<br />

main house “Torre”, where guests can enjoy aromatic<br />

and refreshing cocktails. Guests can reflect<br />

on the day in the new bar as the sun sinks slowly<br />

into the sea soothed by the magnificent view over<br />

the ocean and the town of Morro Jable. The unique,<br />

endless sandy beach and beachfront location are<br />

perfect for those who love sun and watersports all<br />

year round. The club resort’s WellFit ® spa unites<br />

a Finnish sauna with a wonderful sauna garden<br />

including pool, massage and beauty rooms. Why<br />

not enjoy an outdoor massage today? Masseurs,<br />

physiotherapists and beauticians pamper the guests<br />

and ensure their absolute well-being. Experience a<br />

spa and relaxation holiday of a very special kind.<br />

In addition to the comprehensive WellFit ® programmes,<br />

ROBINSON also offers special event weeks in<br />

which not only the latest trends in fitness and spa<br />

are presented, but also functional training, yoga and<br />

Pilates events. For those who want to recharge their<br />

batteries, the “YOGA, four seasons” event and the<br />

“Mindbody Rejuvenation Week” are the ideal choice.<br />

The wonderful and dynamic setting of the<br />

ROBINSON Club Cala Serena on Majorca provides<br />

the ideal backdrop for “YOGA, four seasons”, during<br />

which from 8 July, <strong>2018</strong> until 15 July, <strong>2018</strong> the four<br />

fundamental opposites in yoga: strength & flexibility,<br />

stability & agility, concentration & release, exertion<br />

& relaxation are effectively linked together.<br />

“Time out for emotions – time out for me” is the<br />

prevailing theme at the “Mindbody Rejuvenation<br />

Week” at the ROBINSON Club Khao Lak in Thailand<br />

from 5 July, <strong>2018</strong> until 15 July, <strong>2018</strong>. Holistic and<br />

intelligent methods for the body, mind and soul will<br />

be shown and tested in a casual and relaxed setting.<br />

Why can’t I let go? Am I really satisfied with life? Experienced<br />

and intuitive coaches for body movement<br />

and communication will be on hand to offer ways to<br />

reflect and rediscover oneself.<br />

Advice and bookings at your local TUI shop or at<br />

www.robinson.com<br />

© Robinson Club 4/4<br />

108 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Illustration: new main building in ROBINSON Club Jandia Playa

---

SAVOIR VIVRE TABLE TALK<br />

Zum Lunch im Hotel Bristol Vienna | Lunch at the Hotel Bristol Vienna<br />

Generaldirektorin Simone Dulies lud zum Mittagessen im Hotel Bristol.<br />

General Manager Simone Dulies invited to lunch at the Hotel Bristol.<br />

Text: Daniela Pötzl<br />

Schöner Anblick. Das Hotel Bristol, im linken<br />

Bild rechts, betrachtet vom Nachbarn aus, der<br />

Wiener Staatsoper. Im eleganten Ambiente kann<br />

man in der Bristol Lounge speisen oder auf<br />

einen Drink verweilen (rechts).<br />

Beautiful view. The Hotel Bristol, on the right<br />

side of the picture on the left, as seen from its<br />

neighbour, the Vienna State Opera. Enjoy fine<br />

dining or a refreshing drink in the elegant<br />

ambience of the Bristol Lounge (right).<br />

SIMONE DULIES<br />

Generaldirektorin Simone Dulies im Gespräch<br />

mit CD Chefredakteurin Daniela Pötzl.<br />

General Director Simone Dulies in conversation<br />

with CD Editor-in-Chief Daniela Pötzl.<br />

PHOTOS : H HOTEL BRISTOL, LUKAS KIRCHGASSER, INGE PRADER, MARION HOFER, PICTURESBORN<br />

Das Bristol ist ein Wiener Traditionshotel.<br />

Und wurde mehr als 120<br />

Jahre hindurch immer von Männern<br />

geleitet. Bis Simone Dulies kam und<br />

nun seit August 2015 Generaldirektorin im<br />

Haus gegenüber der Staatsoper ist. Sie<br />

führt ein Team von 140 Mitarbeitern aus<br />

rund 40 Nationen. Die gebürtige Rheinländerin<br />

stammt aus Erkelenz, einer Stadt mit<br />

rund 44.500 Einwohnern, nahe Mönchengladbach.<br />

„Eigentlich wollte ich ja Tierärztin oder<br />

Staatsanwältin werden“, erzählt sie lachend.<br />

Schon als Kind sei sie viel mit ihren Eltern<br />

herumgereist und absolvierte mit 15 Jahren<br />

ein Praktikum in einem Mönchengladbacher<br />

Hotel. „Ich war im Einkauf tätig und<br />

musste Zimmer putzen“, erzählt sie. Ihre<br />

Lehre zur Hotelfachfrau startete sie nach<br />

der Matura im Swissotel Düsseldorf, wo sie<br />

danach noch rund ein Jahr an der Rezeption<br />

arbeitete. Schnell wurde der Weg international,<br />

danach ging Simone Dulies nach<br />

Newport Beach in Kalifornien zu Four<br />

Seasons. Einige amerikanische Jahre folgten:<br />

im ebenfalls kalifornischen Westin<br />

South Coast Plaza, bis das bekannte W<br />

New York für zwei Jahre ihre neue Wirkungsstätte<br />

wurde.<br />

2007 kehrte sie nach Europa zurück -<br />

von Stationen in Turnberry (Schottland),<br />

über Bratislava in der Slowakei und die ungarische<br />

Haupstadt Budapest. Von diesen<br />

hat die große Tierfreundin auch zwei<br />

schwarze Kater aus Schottland, einen Schäfer-Husky-Mischlingshund<br />

namens Brix<br />

aus Bratislava und einen dritten Kater aus<br />

Budapest, alle aus Tierheimen, mitgebracht.<br />

„Ich besitze auch ein Pferd“, erklärt<br />

sie weiter. „Daher lebe ich vor den Toren<br />

Wiens, quasi am Land“, erzählt sie, während<br />

wir beide das vegane Tagesgericht<br />

„Geschmorter Glockenpfeffer - Kichererbse/Curry/Gurke“<br />

bestellen. Simone Dulies<br />

entschied sich aus ihrer „Liebe zu Tieren<br />

und zur Umwelt“ 2015 für den Veganismus.<br />

„Hin und wieder koche ich auch, das<br />

ist sehr entspannend“, stellt sie fest.<br />

Wie schwierig es mitunter sein kann,<br />

mit einem Tier zu verreisen, hat sie selbst<br />

schon öfter erlebt. Im Hotel Bristol werden<br />

Tiere jedoch besonders geschätzt.<br />

„Neben unseren Hausgästen kehren<br />

auch viele Wienerinnen und Wiener gerne<br />

mit ihrem Hund auf einen Kaffee bei uns<br />

ein“, freut sich Dulies. Neben den Fellnasen<br />

seien aber auch Katzen, Kaninchen, Schildkröten<br />

und sogar Schlangen willkommen.<br />

Mit dem Programm „Salon Opéra“, das<br />

mit namhaften Künstlern zu den Premieren<br />

der Wiener Staatsoper stattfindet,<br />

kommen ebenfalls neue Gäste ins Haus:<br />

Für die Großen wird Afternoon Tea und<br />

Sekt geboten, für die Kleinen Mittagessen<br />

und ein Schmink-Workshop. Und alle Papas<br />

und Opas werden heuer am 10. Juni<br />

beim Vatertags-Brunch, zudem mit einer<br />

Carrera-Bahn im Restaurant verwöhnt.<br />

In ihrer Freizeit zieht Frau Direktor<br />

dann ihre Tanzschuhe an und wiegt sich im<br />

Walzer- oder Sambaschritt. Professionell,<br />

versteht sich. Österreichische Staatsmeisterin<br />

der Senioren 2016 im Ballroom Dancing<br />

ist sie bereits.<br />

The Bristol is a hotel with Viennese<br />

heritage. Throughout its more than<br />

120-year-long history, it was, however,<br />

always led by a man. Until there was<br />

Simone Dulies, who assumed the position<br />

of the General Director of the establishment<br />

located right across the Vienna State<br />

Opera. She heads a team of 140 employees<br />

from around 40 different nations. The Rhineland<br />

native is from Erkelenz, Germany, a<br />

city with around 44,500 inhabitants, near<br />

Mönchengladbach.<br />

”Originally, I wanted to be a veterinarian<br />

or public prosecutor,“ she says with a<br />

laugh. She spent much of her childhood<br />

travelling with her parents and completed<br />

an internship at a hotel in Mönchengladbach<br />

when she was just 15 years old. ”I<br />

worked in purchasing and had to clean<br />

rooms,“ she says. After finishing school,<br />

she started training at the Swissotel Düsseldorf<br />

to become a hotel manager, where she<br />

began working at the reception after<br />

around a year. Her path soon took her abroad<br />

and Simone Dulies ended up joining<br />

the Four Seasons in Newport Beach, California.<br />

Several years in America followed:<br />

first at the Westin South Coast Plaza in California,<br />

then the well-known W New York<br />

for another two years.<br />

In 2007, she returned to Europe – from<br />

stations in Turnberry (Scotland), Bratislava<br />

in Slovakia and then to the Hungarian capital<br />

city, Budapest. While there, the animal<br />

lover picked up two black tomcats in<br />

Scotland, a shepherd/husky mix called Brix<br />

in Bratislava and a third tomcat in Budapest,<br />

all of them from shelters. ”I also have<br />

a horse,“ she continues. ”That is why I live<br />

at the gates of Vienna, basically in the<br />

countryside,“ she says, as we both opt for<br />

the vegan meal of the day, “Braised bell<br />

pepper – chickpeas/curry/cucumber“.<br />

Since 2015, Simone Dulies has been living<br />

and eating vegan, basing her decision on<br />

her “love of animals and the environment.“<br />

From time to time, ”I like to cook myself,<br />

which is very relaxing,“ she says.<br />

And she has experienced just how difficult<br />

it can be to travel with a pet several<br />

times over. Animals are very much welcome<br />

at the Hotel Bristol.<br />

”Next to our visiting guests, many locals<br />

like to come to us for a coffee, together with<br />

their four-legged friend,“ Dulies remarks.<br />

Besides pooches, cats, bunnies, tortoises<br />

and even snakes are welcome.<br />

Similarly, the “Salon Opéra“ programme,<br />

taking place with well-known artists<br />

on the premiere days of the Vienna State<br />

Opera, likewise brings new guests into the<br />

establishment. Adults are treated with afternoon<br />

tea and champagne, while the little<br />

ones get to enjoy a kids’ lunch and participate<br />

in a make-up workshop. And this year,<br />

on 10 June, all daddies and grand-daddies<br />

will be treated with a Carrera race track for<br />

the restaurant’s Father’s Day brunch.<br />

In her leisure time, the General Director<br />

likes it a little more athletic. This is when<br />

she puts on her dancing shoes and graces<br />

the dance floor with her waltz and samba<br />

moves. Professionally, of course. She happens<br />

to be the 2016 Austrian Senior National<br />

Champion in ballroom dancing.<br />

ist in Erkelenz, nahe Mönchengladbach, im Rheinland aufgewachsen und machte nach der<br />

Matura eine Lehre zur Hotelfachfrau. Ihre berufliche Karriere führte sie nach Düsseldorf,<br />

Kalifornien, New York, Schottland, Bratislava und Budapest. Seit August 2015 ist sie<br />

Generaldirektorin im Hotel Bristol Wien.<br />

grew up in Erkelenz in Rhineland, near Mönchengladbach, and began training to become a hotel<br />

manager after completing school. Her professional career has taken her to Dusseldorf, California,<br />

New York, Scotland, Bratislava and Budapest. Since August 2015, she has been the General Director<br />

at the Hotel Bristol Vienna.<br />

INFO:<br />

HOTEL BRISTOL,<br />

A LUXURY COLLECTION<br />

HOTEL, VIENNA<br />

Kärntner Ring 1, 1010 Wien<br />

bristolvienna.com<br />

#bristolvienna<br />

Köstlich & vegan. Wer süße Desserts liebt, muss<br />

als Veganer im Hotel Bristol nicht darauf<br />

verzichten - besonders köstlich gelingt hier der<br />

Kaiserschmarrn, ganz ohne Eier.<br />

Delicious & vegan. If you have a sweet tooth,<br />

then you’re not going to miss out at the Hotel<br />

Bristol as a vegan – the Kaiserschmarrn is<br />

particularly great, even without eggs.<br />

Exklusive Besonderheiten. Der „Salon Opéra“<br />

bietet diverse Veranstaltungen zu den Premieren<br />

der Wiener Staatsoper für Jung & Alt (ganz links).<br />

Ein Hundeleben ist im Hotel Bristol besonders<br />

komfortabel. Exclusive features. The “Salon<br />

Opéra“ offers various events accompanying the<br />

premiere days of the Vienna State Opera for both<br />

young & old (at the very left). A dog’s life is made<br />

especially comfortable at the Hotel Bristol.<br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

111

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SAVOIR VIVRE PROPERTY<br />

Wohnjuwelen<br />

Residential gems<br />

Text: Michaela Hocek<br />

Luxusgut und Spekulationsobjekt: Zwei Begriffe, die auf Edelsteine wie Immobilien<br />

gleichermaßen passen. In Wien und Umgebung sind viele Schätze zu finden.<br />

Luxury commodity and added value over time: two ways to describe<br />

precious gems as well as real estate. In Vienna and its surrounding<br />

communities, treasures hide in plain sight.<br />

Sotheby’s und Christie’s schreiben immer wieder<br />

Schlagzeilen mit Rekordauktionen und historischen<br />

Finessen zu exzeptionellen Edelsteinen.<br />

Im letzten Jahr beispielsweise wechselte mit dem<br />

„Grand Mazarin“ ein pinkfarbener Diamant den Besitzer,<br />

der vor Jahrhunderten bereits in der mit Sicherheit<br />

überdimensionierten Schmuckschatulle von<br />

Sonnenkönig Ludwig XIV. zu liegen kam. Der 59,60<br />

Karat schwere „Pink Star“ wurde mit dem aktuellen<br />

Auktionsergebnis von 67 Millionen Euro zum teuersten<br />

Diamant aller Zeiten. Auf Riesenecho stieß 2011<br />

auch die Versteigerung von Liz Taylors Schmuck kurz<br />

nach ihrem Tod. Eine von ihr bei der Oscar-Verleihung<br />

1957 getragene Tiara übertraf das Sechsfache<br />

des Schätzpreises. Insgesamt wurde ein Erlös von 89<br />

Millionen Euro erzielt. Bevor Sie sich jetzt wundern,<br />

wieweit diese Fakten mit unserer aktuellen Immobiliengeschichte<br />

in Zusammenhang stehen, wollen wir<br />

nur ein Schlagwort beiläufig erwähnen: Emotion!<br />

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT<br />

Lupenreine Wohnjuwelen<br />

Sowohl Schmuck als auch das Zuhause sind Ausdruck<br />

der eigenen Persönlichkeit. Sie wecken Gefühle<br />

und spiegeln ohne Worte die Individualität des<br />

Besitzers wider. Daher lohnt es sich, nach kostbaren<br />

Exemplaren zu suchen und überlegt zu investieren.<br />

Begehrenswerte Luxusobjekte, die demnächst fertig<br />

werden oder aktuell bezugsfertig sind, existieren.<br />

Eine Auswahl mit Fokus auf Wien und Umgebung<br />

zeigen wir auf den folgenden Seiten. Denn hier konzentrieren<br />

sich begehrte Zielregionen im Immobilienbereich,<br />

die auch im Hinblick auf wertsteigernde<br />

Investitionen interessant sind, da regelmäßig Quadratmeter-Höchstpreise<br />

für Eigentumsobjekte erzielt<br />

werden. Zwei spannende Wohnprojekte in Wieden<br />

hat beispielsweise Realtrade im Portfolio. Bereits in<br />

diesem Sommer wird „The Secret Garden“ fertiggestellt,<br />

der mit Luxusresidenzen inmitten eines Gartens<br />

im ehemaligen Pálffy Palais repräsentative<br />

Wohnintimität mit zentraler Lage an der Prinz-Eugen-Straße<br />

bietet. Die aufwändige Revitalisierung<br />

unterstreicht den Charme des historischen Gründerzeithauses.<br />

Im Spätherbst 2019 werden die ersten<br />

REALTRADE „NEW PRESTIGE“<br />

In der Wiedner Wohllebengasse 3–5 werden Luxusresidenzen mit<br />

Wohnflächen von 30 bis 138 m2 teilweise mit Eigengarten, Balkon<br />

und Dachterrassen mit 360-Grad-Blick geschaffen.<br />

At Wiedner Wohllebengasse 3–5, luxury residences are being created<br />

with floor plans from 30 to 138 m2, partially with private garden,<br />

balcony and roof terrace with a 360-degree view.<br />

112 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

113

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SAVOIR VIVRE PROPERTY<br />

im Wienerwald spezialisiert: „Unsere Kunden wollen<br />

aufgrund der höheren Lebensqualität und des<br />

besseren Preis-Leistungsverhältnisses vermehrt aufs<br />

Land. Dafür werden längere Anfahrtswege in die<br />

Stadt und zur Arbeit gerne in Kauf genommen.“ Obwohl<br />

die Preise für Immobilien in Wien nicht mehr<br />

so stark wie in den vergangenen Jahren steigen, sind<br />

gute Lagen weiterhin extrem teuer. Die bessere Lebensqualität<br />

in Verbindung mit sehr guter öffentlicher<br />

und PKW-Verkehrsanbindung wird geschätzt.<br />

Die Kunden haben sehr konkrete Vorstellungen, wie<br />

ihre Traumimmobilie aussehen soll. Das zeigt sich in<br />

der Nachfrage nach ausgefallenen und sehr hochwertigen<br />

Objekten, z. B. einem Bauernhof nahe der<br />

Stadtgrenze sowie nahegelegenen Freizeitmöglichkeiten<br />

wie Reitstall oder Golfplatz.<br />

HYPO NÖ REAL CONSULT „WOHNTRAUM HIETZING“<br />

In einer charmanten Villengegend mit der Nähe zur Natur durch den Lainzer Tiergarten zu leben, ist der Luxus des urbanen<br />

Lifestyles.<br />

A charming villa district with close access to nature in form of the Lainzer Tiergarten, offering all the luxuries of the urban lifestyle.<br />

Sotheby’s and Christie’s are always making big<br />

headlines with their record sales and their historical<br />

expertise when it comes to exceptional<br />

gems. Last year, for example, a pink diamond called<br />

the “Grand Mazarin”, which hundreds of years ago<br />

GLORIT ANDREAS HOFER-STRASSE IN KLOSTERNEUBURG<br />

In der Nähe von Wien wird hier in Grünruhelagen mit Blick auf das Stift auf Eigengrund in<br />

vollunterkellerten Einzelhäusern gewohnt.<br />

Located near Vienna, these cellared detached homes on freehold land offer lush green surroundings<br />

and a gorgeous view of the Monastery.<br />

Eigentümer das Wohnprojekt „New Prestige“ beleben.<br />

Auch hier wurde ein imposanter Altbau inmitten<br />

des Wiener Botschaftsviertels in Belvedere-Nähe<br />

an die hohen Ansprüche des urbanen Wohnens angepasst.<br />

Fischgrätparkett, Holzkastenfenster und<br />

Deckenhöhen von beinahe vier Metern ermöglichen<br />

herrschaftliches Residieren mit allem luxuriösen<br />

Komfort der Jetztzeit.<br />

Luxus Grünruhelage<br />

Eine Besonderheit an Wien ist das Wohnen in der<br />

Stadt mitten im Grünen. Dieses begehrte Wohnprofil<br />

erfüllt das bereits bezugsfertige Projekt der Hypo<br />

NÖ Real Consult „Wohntraum Hietzing“. Auf dem<br />

Grundstück der Eigentumsobjekte befindet sich ein<br />

Mammutbaum, der seit 1939 unter Naturschutz<br />

steht, und der Lainzer Tiergarten ist ebenfalls nur<br />

einen Steinwurf entfernt. In Kombination mit großzügigen<br />

Grundrissen und erstklassiger Ausstattung<br />

sowie Tiefgarage sind die zehn Geschosswohnungen<br />

und zwei Penthäuser mit vorgelagerten Terrassen<br />

und Wienblick in Ober St. Veit ein Musterbeispiel<br />

urbanen Lebens.<br />

Abseits der Großstadt<br />

In Klosterneuburg realisiert Glorit als einer der<br />

größten privaten Bauträger im Großraum Wien, der<br />

sich als Premiumbauträger positioniert hat und als<br />

„Top Developer 2017“ ausgezeichnet wurde, Einzelhäuser<br />

in der Andreas Hofer-Straße. Neben hochwertiger<br />

Ausstattung und dem Bau auf Eigengrund<br />

sind vor allem die idyllische Grünruhelage im Sachsenviertel<br />

und der einzigartige Ausblick auf das Stift<br />

Klosterneuburg überzeugende Argumente für den<br />

Eigentumserwerb außerhalb Wiens. Weitere Wohnungen<br />

in der Schauergasse und der Josef-Brenner-<br />

Straße profitieren ebenso von der guten Infrastruktur<br />

und der Nähe zur Bundeshauptstadt. Aufgrund<br />

der hohen Nachfrage hat Glorit hier mehrere Projekte<br />

in der jüngeren Vergangenheit umgesetzt. Die Eigentümer<br />

profitieren indes von der starken Steigerung<br />

der Grundstückspreise in den vergangenen<br />

Jahren. Weltweit gibt es nicht viele Regionen, wo das<br />

Wohnen in einem Weinbaugebiet mit unkomplizierter,<br />

öffentlicher und rascher Verkehrsanbindung an<br />

eine Innenstadt möglich ist.<br />

Ruraler Profit<br />

Den Kundenwunsch nach Mehrwert abseits des<br />

Stadtzentrums unter der Prämisse der guten Anbindung<br />

haben auch die Professionalisten der Dräxler<br />

Immobilientreuhand erkannt und sich auf Objekte<br />

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT<br />

IMPERIAL PALATIAL VILLA<br />

FOR SALE IN HIETZING’S COTTAGE AREA<br />

FLOOR SPACE: 1.049M2 GARDEN: 1.000M2 GARAGE: 409M2<br />

WWW.PALAISWIEN.AT<br />

+43 [1] 586 27 40<br />

OFFICE@THURN.AT<br />

FURTHER PROPERTIES CAN BE FOUND AT<br />

114 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

WWW.THURN.AT<br />

PHOTO © OLIVER GAST

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SAVOIR VIVRE PROPERTY<br />

Info<br />

BÖRSEPLATZ 1 Skyview<br />

Penthouses, Imperial<br />

Lofts, Luxury Apartments<br />

boerseplatz1.com<br />

EHL IMMOBILIEN<br />

ehl.at<br />

GLORIT Andreas<br />

Hofer-Straße, Schauerstraße,<br />

Brennerstraße<br />

Klosterneuburg<br />

glorit.at<br />

HYPO NOE REAL CONSULT<br />

wohntraum-hietzing.at<br />

OTTO IMMOBILIEN Vienna<br />

Prime Residence<br />

otto.at<br />

REALTRADE New Prestige,<br />

The Secret Garden<br />

newprestige.at, the-secretgarden.at<br />

RUDI DRÄXLER IMMOBI-<br />

LIENTREUHAND<br />

Immobilien im Wienerwald<br />

haus-haus.at<br />

SORAVIA Post Palais,<br />

Triiiple, Danube Flats<br />

soravia.at<br />

STRABAG REAL ESTATE<br />

Über den Linden<br />

lindengasse.co.at<br />

THURN & BAUER<br />

Immobiliengruppe<br />

thurn.at<br />

DRÄXLER IMMOBILIENTREUHAND HIGH-TECH-VILLA IN PENZING<br />

Luxuriöses Domizil mit kontrollierter Wohnraumlüftung, Wellness-Oase und beheizbarem Salzwasser-Pool.<br />

Luxurious domicile with controllable housing ventilation, wellness oasis and heated saltwater pool.<br />

had belonged to the Sun King Louis XIV of France,<br />

changed owners. The 59.60-carat stone became the<br />

most expensive diamond of all time with an auction<br />

price of 67 million euro. A similar media response<br />

followed the auction of Liz Taylor’s jewellery shortly<br />

after her death. A tiara, worn by the actress at the<br />

1957 Academy Awards, ended up selling for six times<br />

the estimated price. In total, proceeds of 89 million<br />

euro were made. Before you start wondering what, if<br />

anything, these facts and numbers have to do with<br />

our present real estate story, we’ll just drop one little<br />

keyword: emotion!<br />

Flawless residential gems<br />

Both jewellery and the home are expressions of<br />

one’s personality. They trigger feelings and, without<br />

words, reflect the individuality of their owner. This<br />

is why it pays off to be on the lookout for precious<br />

specimens and invest carefully. There are many desirable<br />

luxury properties that are about to be completed<br />

or are ready for occupation already. On the following<br />

pages, we will present a selection with a<br />

focus on Vienna and the city’s surroundings. For<br />

there is a dense concentration of properties in desirable<br />

destinations here, which are also interesting in<br />

terms of long-term investing, since square-metre<br />

prices for property objects are always on the rise.<br />

Realtrade, for example, currently has two particularly<br />

exciting residential projects in their portfolio.<br />

“The Secret Garden” is set to be completed this sum-<br />

mer already, offering luxurious residential intimacy<br />

with a central location at Prinz-Eugen-Straße amid<br />

a lush garden in the former Pálffy Palais. The extensive<br />

revitalisation work underscores the charm of<br />

the historic “Gründerzeit” building. In late autumn<br />

2019, on the other hand, the first set of owners will<br />

be moving into the “New Prestige” residential project.<br />

Here, we have another impressive historic building<br />

amid Vienna’s diplomatic quarter near the Belvedere,<br />

retrofitted to meet contemporary living<br />

standards. Herringbone parquet flooring, wooden<br />

frame windows and nearly four-metre-tall ceilings<br />

allow for imperial living standards with all the comforts<br />

of the present.<br />

Luxury green oasis<br />

One of the many special things about Vienna is<br />

the ability to live surrounded by a lush, green environment.<br />

This desirable residential profile is covered<br />

by the “Wohntraum Hietzing” project by<br />

Hypo NÖ Real Consult, which is now ready for<br />

occupancy. On the property’s plot, one can find a<br />

sequoia tree that has been protected since 1939,<br />

and the Lainzer Tiergarten is also no more than a<br />

stone’s throw away. In combination with the generous<br />

floor plans and the top-notch furnishing,<br />

as well as an underground car park, the ten apartments<br />

and two penthouses in Ober St. Veit with<br />

extended terraces and gorgeous views of Vienna<br />

are prime examples of urban living.<br />

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT<br />

HWB EG-5.St. 18,20 (B) | HWB DG 43,35 (B)<br />

Away from the city<br />

In Klosterneuburg, Glorit, not only one of<br />

Vienna’s biggest property developers but also a premium<br />

developer that has been awarded the title<br />

“Top Developer 2017”, is realising detached houses<br />

at Andreas Hofer-Straße. Next to excellent furnishing<br />

and construction on freehold land, it is especially<br />

the idyllic natural environment in Sachsenviertel<br />

and the unique view of the Klosterneuburg<br />

Monastery that speak for a property acquisition<br />

outside of Vienna’s city limits. Additional apartments<br />

at Schauergasse and Josef-Brenner-Straße<br />

likewise benefit from fantastic infrastructure and<br />

close proximity to the nation’s capital. Due to high<br />

demand, Glorit has realised several projects like<br />

this in recent times. Owners are benefiting from the<br />

increasing property prices in the last few years.<br />

There aren’t many residential destinations in the<br />

world that offer living in a wine-growing region<br />

with quick and easy public transport connections to<br />

a major city centre.<br />

Modern Wohnen<br />

mit Alt-Wien<br />

Charme.<br />

WOHLLEBENGASSE 3-5<br />

1040 WIEN<br />

♦<br />

♦<br />

♦<br />

♦<br />

♦<br />

Repräsentative Eigentumswohnungen<br />

im Botschaftviertel am Schloss Belvedere<br />

30m 2 bis 138m 2 mit exklusiver Ausstattung<br />

Eigengärten, Terrassen oder Balkone<br />

Moderne Penthäuser mit 360° Panoramablick<br />

Hauseigene Tiefgarage<br />

WWW.NEWPRESTIGE.AT<br />

Rural profit<br />

The customer desire for more smart investments<br />

outside of the city centre with the promise of good<br />

transport connections has also been recognised by the<br />

property pros at Dräxler Immobilientreuhand, who<br />

specialise in objects in the Vienna Woods. “Due to the<br />

higher standard of living and the improved price-performance<br />

ratio, more and more of our clients want to<br />

move to greener places in the outskirts. To do this,<br />

they are perfectly willing to accept longer commutes<br />

to the city and the workplace. Although property prices<br />

in Vienna aren’t rising as steeply as they did a few<br />

years ago, good locations remain very expensive. The<br />

improved quality of life, as well as the excellent public<br />

transport and traffic connections, are valued especially.<br />

Customers have very concrete wishes and expectations<br />

of what their dream home is supposed to<br />

look like. This becomes especially clear when looking<br />

at the demand for more eccentric and high-end objects,<br />

such as farmsteads near the city limits, as well as<br />

leisure features, like riding stables or golf courses.<br />

116 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

EXKLUSIVER VERKAUF<br />

REALTRADE Immobilienvermittlung<br />

+43 (0) 1 535 01 13 16 living@newprestige.at

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SAVOIR VIVRE CITY APARTMENTS<br />

Neues Zuhause auf Zeit<br />

A new home from home<br />

Text: Michaela Hocek<br />

City Apartments sind die gemütlich-luxuriöse Antwort auf<br />

die Frage nach sympathischen Unterkünften auf Zeit mit<br />

Mehrwert.<br />

City apartments are the cosy and luxurious response to the<br />

demand for comfortable temporary residences with extra<br />

benefits.<br />

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT, KLIMPT<br />

Wer sich länger aus beruflichen oder privaten<br />

Gründen in einer fremden Stadt<br />

aufhält, lebt nicht gerne aus dem Koffer<br />

in einem relativ knapp bemessenem Hotelzimmer.<br />

Wien hat hier vor allem im innerstädtischen Bereich<br />

schöne Alternativen zu bieten. Als Urlaubs- und<br />

Kongressstadt ist die Bundeshauptstadt eine Ganzjahresdestination,<br />

die die Zahl der verfügbaren Zimmer<br />

und Apartments weiter nach oben schnellen<br />

lässt. Gäste der sogenannten City-Apartments schätzen<br />

die Nähe zum Zentrum und den Sehenswürdigkeiten.<br />

Infrastruktur und Shopping-Möglichkeiten<br />

sind weitere Entscheidungskriterien. Ein nicht zu<br />

unterschätzender Faktor ist allerdings auch das<br />

Ruhe- und Rückzugsbedürfnis nach Seminaren oder<br />

City-Trips.<br />

Hoher Servicecharakter<br />

Diesem werden beispielsweise die Unterkünfte in<br />

der „Singerstrasse 21/25“ gerecht. Diese Adresse wurde<br />

1995 als erstes Apartmenthaus in der Wiener Innenstadt<br />

bekannt. Vor drei Jahren wurde umfassend<br />

renoviert. Die Ausstattung mit diversen Jugendstilelementen<br />

stieß auf positives Feedback. Heute kann<br />

der Gast zwischen kleinem Studio mit 31m2 bis zum<br />

City Penthouse mit 160m2 wählen. Letzteres hat neben<br />

drei Schlafzimmern einen beeindruckenden<br />

Blick von der Terrasse auf den Stephansdom zu bieten.<br />

Eine Gelegenheit, die sonst nur sehr wohlsituierten<br />

Wohnungsbesitzern vorbehalten ist, da City-<br />

Apartments meist in Lagen zu finden sind, wo<br />

Immobilien mit Rekordpreisen den Eigentümer<br />

wechseln. Direktor Wolfgang Epple erläutert die Vorzüge<br />

seiner City-Apartments: „Unsere hohe, ganzjährige<br />

Auslastung ist ein Ausdruck hoher Servicekompetenz:<br />

Unsere Rezeption ist 24 Stunden besetzt.<br />

Zusätzlich verfügt unser Haus über einen Konferenzraum<br />

für maximal zehn Personen und einen Frühstücksraum<br />

mit Buffetfrühstück täglich von 6.30 bis<br />

„Die Anzahl, der in<br />

Wien verfügbaren<br />

Zimmer und<br />

Apartments steigt<br />

ständig.“<br />

“The number of rooms<br />

and apartments in<br />

Vienna is continuously<br />

increasing.”<br />

Wolfgang Epple<br />

Direktor Singerstrasse 21/25<br />

General Manager at<br />

Singerstrasse 21/25<br />

SINGERSTRASSE 21/25<br />

Diplomaten, Geschäftsleute, Künstler und Langzeittouristen<br />

residieren gerne an dieser Adresse in der<br />

Wiener Innenstadt.<br />

Diplomats, business people, artists and long-term tourists<br />

like to stay at this address in Vienna’s city centre.<br />

118 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 119

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SAVOIR VIVRE CITY APARTMENTS<br />

verleihen.“ Neu ist auch das Konzept, die Räumlichkeiten<br />

für Seminare, Meetings und Workshops für 10<br />

bis 14 Personen zu nützen. Dafür kann kurzerhand<br />

die Art Suite in ein Besprechungszimmer umgewandelt<br />

werden. Catering ist in den VCA Vienna City<br />

Apartments ebenso möglich wie kulinarische Höhenflüge<br />

mit einem Privatkoch.<br />

HOCH 33<br />

100 Serviced Apartments in fünf Kategorien werden im Sommer im aufstrebenden Stadtentwicklungsgebiet Monte Laa eröffnet.<br />

100 serviced apartments in five different categories are set to open at Monte Laa, the emerging urban development zone, this summer.<br />

If you have to stay in an unfamiliar city for an extended<br />

period of time for either business or pleasure,<br />

you may not want to spend much of your<br />

stay in a small hotel room. Vienna has plenty of great<br />

alternatives to offer, especially in the city centre. As a<br />

popular holiday and conference destination, Austria’s<br />

capital is visited throughout the year, significantly<br />

increasing the number of available rooms and apartments.<br />

Guests at the so-called city apartments appreciate<br />

the proximity to the centre and attractions. Infrastructure<br />

and shopping opportunities are<br />

additional criteria. Another factor that shouldn’t be<br />

underestimated is also the need for relaxation and<br />

deceleration after seminars or trips to the city.<br />

LIV’IN RESIDENCE BY FLEMING‘S<br />

Die Josefstädter Apartments, in einem Gründerzeithaus aus dem Jahr 1900, sind ein Highlight in<br />

Sachen Komfort und Architektur.<br />

The Josefstadt apartments in a “Gründerzeit” building from 1900 are a highlight in terms of comfort<br />

and architecture.<br />

„Diesen Sommer eröffnen<br />

wir mit HOCH<br />

33 bereits unseren<br />

vierten Standort.“<br />

“This summer, we are<br />

opening HOCH 33,<br />

which is already our<br />

fourth location.”<br />

Helga Mayer<br />

Geschäftsführerin room4rent<br />

Managing director at room4rent<br />

10.30 Uhr. Unsere 37 Tiefgaragenplätze mit einem<br />

Aufzug direkt zu den Apartments sowie der Wäscheraum<br />

werden von unseren Gästen sehr geschätzt.“<br />

Innovative Standorte<br />

room4rent ist ein Anbieter von Serviced Apartments<br />

in Wien, der eine digitalorientierte Strategie<br />

verfolgt: „Wohnen auf Zeit“ lässt sich hier problemlos<br />

über eine komfortable Buchungsplattform realisieren.<br />

Neben dem Wohnraum stehen Serviceleistungen<br />

wie hauseigener Concierge, Wäscheservice<br />

oder Wellness- und Fitnesszonen zur Verfügung.<br />

Individuelle Wünsche können zusätzlich gebucht<br />

werden. Viele Einheiten verfügen über Loggia, Balkon<br />

oder Terrasse. Die Standorte sind breit gestreut<br />

und vorzugsweise in U-Bahnnähe. Nach dem Storchengrund<br />

in der Nähe der Längenfeldgasse, dem<br />

Messecarrée Nord nahe der Krieau und dem Leopoldtower<br />

in Floridsdorf steht demnächst die Eröffnung<br />

von „HOCH 33“ in der Laaer-Berg-Straße 47A<br />

in Favoriten an. „Wir freuen uns schon sehr, diesen<br />

Sommer die ersten Mieter an unserem bereits vierten<br />

Standort begrüßen zu dürfen“, so Helga Mayer,<br />

Geschäftsführerin von room4rent. Ebenfalls in Wien<br />

verstreut sind die 70 Unterkünfte der „IG City Apartments“,<br />

die den Anforderungen verschiedenster<br />

Zielgruppen gerecht werden. Ein Highlight ist beispielsweise<br />

der Outdoor-Pool im OrchideenPark in<br />

Döbling. 24-Stunden-Online-Check-In, Concierge,<br />

Fitness-Bereich oder Business-Corner sind weitere<br />

Beispiele für Gesamtkonzepte, die das rasche Eingewöhnen<br />

in neuer Umgebung erleichtern.<br />

Absolute Kundenorientierung<br />

Residiert man bei Alfred Krammer und Barbara<br />

Krammer-Punzet in einem der Vienna City Apartments<br />

stellt sich schon kurz nach dem Check-In ein<br />

Wohngefühl der Extraklasse ein. „Wir bieten Serviceleistungen<br />

wie man sie von Hotels gewöhnt ist in<br />

einer Beletage mit einzigartigem Ambiente. Auf den<br />

ersten Blick entdeckt der Gast bei uns kein Bett. Unsere<br />

Zimmer sind mit viel Holz eingerichtet. WLAN<br />

und Apple 4K TV sind technische Annehmlichkeiten.<br />

Auf unserer ständigen Suche nach Neuem sind<br />

wir zwei außergewöhnlichen Künstlerinnen – Kim<br />

Okura und Noémi Kiss – begegnet, die nun unseren<br />

Zimmern mit einzigartigen Bildern und kunstvollen<br />

Vintage-Wandteppichen einzigartigen Charakter<br />

PHOTOS: CLAUDIOANDERWALD.COM, HNP, LUKAS ILGNER, BEIGESTELLT<br />

120 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

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SAVOIR VIVRE CITY APARTMENTS<br />

IG CITY APARTMENTS<br />

In Döbling, Mariahilf, Alsergrund, Leopoldstadt und Innere Stadt finden sich 70 Residenzen, die sich an Business-Kunden oder<br />

Privatpersonen richten, die für einige Wochen oder Monate in Wien wohnen möchten.<br />

70 residences aimed at business clients and private individuals who want to spend a few weeks or months in Vienna can be found<br />

across Döbling, Mariahilf, Alsergrund, Leopoldstadt and the city centre.<br />

onal examples of the overall concept, intended to<br />

make settling into the local environment easier.<br />

Strong customer focus<br />

If you choose to stay with Alfred Krammer and<br />

Barbara Krammer-Punzet in one of the Vienna City<br />

Apartments, you will experience first-class residential<br />

perks soon after checking in. ”We provide the<br />

kinds of services you might be used to from hotels in<br />

a bel étage with a unique ambience. The first thing<br />

our guests will notice with us won’t be the bed. Our<br />

rooms are furnished with plenty of wood. Wireless<br />

internet and Apple 4K TV are among the technical<br />

amenities. On our continuous search for novelties,<br />

we came across two exceptional artists – Kim Okura<br />

and Noémi Kiss – who have added an exciting character<br />

to our rooms with unique images and artful<br />

vintage wallpapers.“ What’s also new is the ability to<br />

use the premises for meetings and workshops for 10<br />

to 14 persons. To do so, the Art Suite can quickly be<br />

transformed into a meeting room. Catering and even<br />

culinary journeys with a private chef are also available<br />

at VCA Vienna City Apartments.<br />

VCA VIENNA CITY APARTMENTS<br />

Neu ist das Konzept der „Business-Etage“ für Seminare. Schon<br />

längst beliebt ist bei Gästen die VIP-Karte mit individuellen<br />

Kooperationen wie z. B. dem Sacher-Spa.<br />

The “Business Floor” is a new approach to seminars. The VIP<br />

Card with individual partnerships with the Sacher Spa and many<br />

other businesses has been very popular with guests.<br />

Info<br />

Links zu empfehlenswerten<br />

City-Apartments für einige<br />

Urlaubstage oder<br />

Business-bedingte<br />

Kurzaufenthalte:<br />

Links to recommended city<br />

apartments for a quick<br />

holiday or business-related<br />

stay:<br />

apartment.co.at<br />

flemings-hotels.com<br />

ig-city-apartments.com<br />

my-place.at<br />

riemergasse.at<br />

room4rent.at<br />

singerstrasse2125.at<br />

schottenring33.com<br />

Quality service<br />

Some of the apartments that meet these criteria<br />

can be found at ‘Singerstraße 21/25’. In 1995, this<br />

address became known as the first apartment building<br />

in Vienna’s city centre. Three years ago, it was<br />

extensively renovated. The furnishing, consisting of<br />

various art nouveau elements, was warmly received.<br />

Today, guests can choose from a 31m2 studio to a<br />

160m2 city penthouse. Next to three bedrooms, the<br />

latter also offers an impressive view of St. Stephen’s<br />

Cathedral from the balcony. This privilege is normally<br />

reserved for specially situated apartment owners,<br />

for city apartments tend to be found where properties<br />

change hands at record prices. Director<br />

Wolfgang Epple elaborates on the advantages of his<br />

city apartments: ”Our year-round high occupancy<br />

rate is an expression of our dedication to service. The<br />

reception is staffed 24/7. Additionally, the building<br />

offers a conference room for up to 10 persons, as well<br />

as a breakfast room with a buffet from 06:30 until<br />

10:30. Our 37 underground parking spaces are appreciated<br />

immensely by our guests, as is the elevator<br />

that leads directly from the parking lots to the apartments,<br />

and also the laundry room.“<br />

Innovative locations<br />

room4rent is a serviced apartments provider in<br />

Vienna that pursues a digitally oriented strategy.<br />

“Temporary residences“ can be organised hassle-free<br />

via an easy-to-use booking platform. Next to the living<br />

space itself, there are also several services that<br />

are offered, such as an in-house concierge, laundry<br />

services or a dedicated wellness area and a gym. Individual<br />

requests can also be booked. Several units have<br />

loggias, balconies or terraces. The locations are spread<br />

out widely across the city, predominantly with nearby<br />

access to the underground transport system. After<br />

Storchengrund near Längenfeldgasse, Messecarrée<br />

Nord near Krieau and the Leopoldtower in Floridsdorf,<br />

the opening of ‘HOCH 33’ at Laaer-Berg-Straße<br />

47A is next in line. ”We are very excited to welcome<br />

the first tenants this summer to what is already our<br />

fourth location,“ says Helga Mayer, managing director<br />

at room4rent. Likewise spread out across Vienna<br />

are the 70 residences of ‘IG City Apartments’, which<br />

tries to meet the requirements of several different target<br />

groups. One of the highlights is the outdoor pool<br />

at OrchideenPark in Döbling. 24-hour online checkin,<br />

a concierge, gym and a business corner are additi-<br />

PHOTOS: FOTOSTUDIO AUGUST LECHNER,VIENNA, WWW.360PERSPEKTIVEN.AT, AK (2)<br />

YOUR PRIVATE HIDEAWAY IN SOUTH STYRIA<br />

The lifestyle and wine region of South Styria is a sun-drenched oasis filled with a zest for life.<br />

Here, Barbara and Andreas Reinisch welcome their guests to their private hideaway. Enjoy your<br />

holiday moments in soothing privacy, with gorgeous views, fine cuisine and exquisite wines.<br />

• Panorama loft with private spa and infinity swimming pond, exclusive for two guests<br />

• Romanic country house and three new luxury country chalets for 2-6 persons each,<br />

each with private spa and one chalet with own horse paddock<br />

• 15,000 m 2 idyllic park facility with relaxation oases, 600 m 2 natural swimming pond, sauna<br />

and fitness area and “sparkling” champagne lounge<br />

• Wine cellar, Barbara’s private dining, candlelight dinner and barbecue<br />

• Golfing deluxe: custom golfing package and scenic golf courses nearby<br />

• Vineyard experience: with horse-drawn carriage, e-bike, free use of BMW/Mini, motorcycle<br />

or tractor, balloon rides, helicopter flights, horseback riding, hiking (solo or with alpacas),<br />

gourmet picnic in vineyard, snowshoe hiking and cross-country skiing during winter<br />

• Massages or spending the day in the bathrobe whilst enjoying the art of idleness<br />

GOLDEN HILL COUNTRY CHALETS & SUITES<br />

MMag. Dr. Barbara Reinisch & Andreas Reinisch<br />

Member of the HIDEAWAYS HOTELS Collection<br />

Steinfuchsweg 2, 8505 St. Nikolai im Sausal, Austria<br />

Phone: +43 (0)650 350 59 36<br />

welcome@golden-hill.at | www.golden-hill.at<br />

122 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

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SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE<br />

Ab ins Freie<br />

Into the wild<br />

Text: Michaela Hocek<br />

Charmanter Nestcharakter<br />

Charming nest vibes<br />

Die Sitzmöbel „Orbitry“ von Paolo Lenti, aus einer Stahlkonstruktion in Verbindung mit zweifarbigem<br />

Garn, sind um die eigene Achse schwenkbar. Das Sitzkissen ist aus Polyurethan-Schaum und<br />

Polyester-Fasern gefertigt. Die Flechtoptik, bunten Kissen und grünen Farbnuancen verleihen der<br />

Kollektion erfrischende Leichtigkeit.<br />

The “Orbitry“ seating furniture by Paola Lenti, which consists of a steel structure combined with<br />

bicoloured yarn, can pivot around its own axis. The cushion is made from polyurethane foam and<br />

polyester fibres. The woven look, the colourful cushions and the green colour tones provide the<br />

collection with a refreshing sense of lightness.<br />

paolalenti.it<br />

Outdoor-Stimmungslicht<br />

Outdoor mood light<br />

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT<br />

„Battery“ von Kartell kommt bis zu acht<br />

Stunden ohne Stromversorgung aus, ist somit<br />

die ideale Lichtquelle für den Outdoor-Bereich<br />

und kann leicht versetzt werden. Geladen wird<br />

die Leuchte mit facettierter Oberfläche aus<br />

transparentem PMMA, die in ansprechenden<br />

Farbvarianten erhältlich ist, bequem über die<br />

Steckdose.<br />

Erhältlich bei Kartell Flagshipstore, Opernring<br />

17, 1010 Wien<br />

“Battery“ by Kartell can last for up to eight<br />

hours without a direct power supply, making it<br />

the ideal outdoor light source that is also very<br />

mobile. The lamp has a faceted surface made<br />

from transparent PMMA and is available in<br />

various colours. It can be charged quickly and<br />

easily via the power outlet.<br />

Available at the Kartell flagship store,<br />

Opernring 17, 1010 Vienna<br />

Leben unter freiem Himmel<br />

Life under the open sky<br />

Das oberösterreichische Unternehmen<br />

Screenroom hat sich auf Freiräume, die keine<br />

Baugenehmigung erfordern, spezialisiert. Dazu<br />

zählen Pergolen, Markisen, Lamellendächer,<br />

Outdoorküchen, Carports, Terrassenüberdachungen,<br />

Faltdächer, Zipscreens u. v. m. Starkes<br />

Know-how ist im Bereich der Reflexion von<br />

Sonneneinstrahlung vorhanden, was für ein<br />

angenehmes Raumklima sorgt.<br />

The Upper Austrian company Screenroom has<br />

specialised in open spaces that do not require a<br />

building permit. This includes pergolas,<br />

awnings, slatted roofs, outdoor kitchens,<br />

carports, terrace roofs, folding roofs, zip screens<br />

and others. The company has significant<br />

expertise when it comes to the reflection of<br />

sunlight, which creates a comfortable indoor<br />

climate.<br />

screenroom.at<br />

Terrasse mit Spa-Flair<br />

Terrace with spa flair<br />

Wind- und wetterfeste Outdoor-Whirlpools<br />

mit Blick in die freie Natur und wohltuender<br />

Wassermassage fördern den Stressabbau.<br />

Bei Villeroy & Boch können die JetPaks<br />

individuell angeordnet werden, um<br />

bestimmte Muskelgruppen zu erreichen.<br />

Wind and weather-resistant outdoor jacuzzis<br />

with views of the outdoors and soothing<br />

water massages promote stress relief. The<br />

JetPaks can be ordered individually at<br />

Villeroy & Boch to target certain muscle<br />

groups.<br />

villeroyboch.de/whirlpools<br />

124 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 125

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SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE<br />

Bezahlte Anzeige<br />

Garten mit Charakter<br />

A garden with character<br />

Christiane und Jörg Zecha stehen für perfekt<br />

abgestimmte Details und langfristige,<br />

individuelle Planungen in der Gartenarchitektur<br />

und Terrassengestaltung. Erreicht wird<br />

dies durch durchdachte Sichtachsen,<br />

Blütenreihenfolgen und das Abstimmen des<br />

Wuchsverhaltens der Bepflanzungen.<br />

When it comes to garden architecture and<br />

terrace design, Christiane and Jörg Zecha<br />

value perfectly harmonised details and<br />

long-term, custom-tailored planning. This is<br />

achieved by way of carefully thought-through<br />

visual axes, flower arrangements and the<br />

coordination of the growth behaviours of the<br />

various plants.<br />

begruender.at<br />

MALEN<br />

WIE IN<br />

FLORENZ.<br />

Multifunktionales<br />

Kochvergnügen<br />

Multifunctional cooking fun<br />

LEBEN<br />

Ein Gartenaccessoire, das im Sommer und Winter<br />

Freude bereitet, ist der Multifunktionsgriller von<br />

Funco. Er kann als Kohle-, Gas- oder Elektrogrill<br />

betrieben werden und ist außerdem noch als<br />

Getränkekühler, Suppen- oder Punschkoch<br />

einsetzbar. Als Steh- oder Sitzvariante ist er ein<br />

zentrales Element für kulinarische Outdoor-<br />

Treffen der besonderen Art.<br />

The multifunctional grill by Funco is a garden<br />

accessory that offers good times during both<br />

summer and winter alike. It can be used as a<br />

coal, gas or electric grill and can even cool beverages<br />

and act as a soup or punch cooker. With<br />

settings for both standing and sitting, it quickly<br />

becomes an indispensable companion to any<br />

outdoor meet-up. funco.at<br />

126 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Wozu in die Ferne schweifen? Wien legt großen Wert auf einen offenen Zugang zu Kunst<br />

und Kultur sowie ein vielfältiges und interessantes Angebot. Neben den zahlreichen<br />

Wiener Museen und Sammlungen können viele Veranstaltungen kostenfrei besucht<br />

werden. Das gilt auch im Wien Museum, im ZOOM Kindermuseum und in der Kunsthalle<br />

Wien für alle Dauer- und Sonderausstellungen für Jugendliche unter 19 Jahren.<br />

Darüber hinaus kann das MUSA ohne Altersbeschränkung kostenlos besucht werden.<br />

Kultur zum Nulltarif unter www.kultur.wien.at/veranstaltungen/nulltarif.html<br />

Alle Museen und Sammlungen unter www.museen.wien.at<br />

Lebendig. Vielseitig. Weltoffen.

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SAVOIR VIVRE LIFESTYLE<br />

Auszeit im Sommer<br />

Summer time-out<br />

Text: Michaela Hocek<br />

Edel & maritim<br />

Exquisite & maritime<br />

Luxuriöser Schlafkomfort<br />

Luxurious sleeping comfort<br />

Im „Seidenkleid Pura“ von Bogner Woman<br />

mit Gürtel und raffinierten Längsstreifen in<br />

sattem Blau, Rot und Weiß macht man<br />

nicht nur an Bord einer Segelyacht,<br />

sondern auch bei einem Stadtspaziergang<br />

oder auf Reisen eine gute Figur.<br />

Dressed in Bogner Woman’s “Pura“<br />

silk dress – with its clever vertical<br />

stripes and belt in lush blue, red<br />

and white colours – you will not<br />

only stun on board of a sailing<br />

yacht, but also during a walk<br />

around the city or while<br />

travelling.<br />

bogner.com<br />

Superfood der Schönheit |<br />

The superfood of beauty<br />

Mit der Demeter Kosmetikmarke dieNikolai werden aus<br />

Safran, Traubenkernen, Lindenblüten und Rebwasser<br />

regionale Kostbarkeiten aus der Wachau zu hochwertigen<br />

bio-dynamischen Pflegeprodukten verarbeitet.<br />

The Demeter-certified cosmetics brand dieNikolai refines<br />

saffron, grape seeds, lime blossoms, grape water and<br />

other natural treasures from Austria’s Wachau Valley<br />

into bio-dynamic care products.<br />

dienikolai.at<br />

PHOTOS: BEIGESTELLT<br />

1918 legte Swiss Sense-Gründer Piet<br />

Diks den Grundstein für die heutigen<br />

Boxspringbetten, die die niederländischen<br />

Marke anbietet. Das 100-Jahr-<br />

Jubiläum des Unternehmens wird mit<br />

einer Limited Edition-Kollektion,<br />

bestehend aus drei Modellen gefeiert<br />

– in gewohnter Swiss Sense-Qualität<br />

und mit natürlichen Materialien.<br />

In 1918, Swiss Sense founder Piet Diks<br />

laid the foundations for today's<br />

box-spring beds, which the Dutch<br />

brand offers. The company is<br />

celebrating its 100 th anniversary with a<br />

limited edition collection consisting of<br />

three different models – with the usual<br />

Swiss Sense quality and using natural<br />

materials.<br />

swisssense.at<br />

Uhr mit Geschichte | A watch with history<br />

Seit den 1950er Jahren ist die Kollektion „Memovox<br />

Polaris“ von Jaeger-LeCoultre nicht mehr aus der<br />

Welt der Uhren wegzudenken. Das aktuelle<br />

Modell „Deep Sea“ mit überarbeitetem<br />

Gehäusedesign geht auf die weltweit erste<br />

Taucheruhr mit Alarmfunktion zurück, die die<br />

Manufaktur 1959 präsentierte.<br />

Since the 1950s, it’s been difficult for<br />

watch enthusiasts to imagine a world<br />

without Jaeger-LeCoultre’s “Memovox<br />

Polaris“ collection. The current “Deep<br />

Sea“ model, with its reworked case<br />

design, pays tribute to the world’s first<br />

diving watch with alarm function, which<br />

the manufacturer introduced in 1959.<br />

jaegerlecoultre.com<br />

Charme des Jugendstils | The charm of Art Nouveau<br />

Unretuschiert schön | Unretouched<br />

and beautiful<br />

Die Sommerkampagne <strong>2018</strong> von Popp & Kretschmer<br />

stand unter dem Motto „Ganz ohne Photoshop“ und<br />

zeigt die Models Michaela Hlaváčková und Marina<br />

Lindskjold in edlen Roben weiblich und selbstbewusst<br />

– wie Fashionistas im echten Leben.<br />

Popp & Kretschmer’s <strong>2018</strong> summer campaign was<br />

announced under the headline “Completely without<br />

Photoshop“ and presented the feminine and confident<br />

models Michaela Hlavácková and Marina Lindskjold in<br />

fine robes – like real-life fashionistas.<br />

popp-kretschmer.at<br />

Luxury Furniture<br />

CLASSICAL TO CONTEMPORARY<br />

COMMERCIAL TO RESIDENTIAL<br />

HOTELS<br />

COMPLETE RENOVATION PROJECTS<br />

INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE SUITES<br />

999 Stück umfasst die schmucke Limited Edition „Gustav Klimt“ von Frey Wille. Sie ist inspiriert von der<br />

unverkennbaren Bildsprache des Wiener Ausnahmekünstlers, speziell vom dreiteiligen Wandmosaik<br />

„Stoclet-Fries“ der gleichnamigen Brüsseler Villa.<br />

Frey Wille’s new “Gustav Klimt“ limited edition collection includes 999 pieces. Inspired by the exceptional<br />

Viennese artist’s unmistakable visual style, it is especially Klimt’s three-part “Stoclet-Frieze“wall mosaic in the<br />

villa in Brussels of the same name that is referenced. freywille.at<br />

128 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

CLASSICAL TO CONTEMPORARY<br />

COMMERCIAL TO RESIDENTIAL<br />

HOTEL<br />

COMPLETE RENOVATION PROJECTS<br />

INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE SUITES<br />

Luxury Furniture<br />

CLASSICAL TO CONTEMPORARY<br />

Cengarle Home Furnishing GmbH Nibelungengasse 7/19, 1010 Wien info@cengarlegroup.com www.cengarlegroup.com<br />

Cengarle Home Furnishing GmbH<br />

Nibelungengasse 7/19, 1010 Wien

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SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADOR´S DRIVE<br />

Auf der Straße: Maserati Quattroporte. Am Steuer: S.E. Sergio Barbanti<br />

On the road: Maserati Quattroporte. At the steering wheel: H.E. Sergio Barbanti<br />

Interview: Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />

Der Botschafter von Italien auf CD-Testfahrt.<br />

The Ambassador of Italy performs a test drive for CD.<br />

Sergio Barbanti, der neue Botschafter von Italien in Wien,<br />

hatte gleich zwei Limos von Maserati für den diesmaligen<br />

Ambassador's Drive zur Auswahl – den spritzigen Ghibli und<br />

den wuchtigen Quattroporte.<br />

Sergio Barbanti, Italy's new Ambassador to Austria, could<br />

choose between two Maserati limos for this <strong>issue</strong>'s<br />

Ambassador's Drive – the nitty-gritty Ghibli and the mighty<br />

Quattroporte.<br />

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA<br />

Es herrscht Hochbetrieb im Hof des ehrwürdigen<br />

Palais Metternich im dritten Wiener Gemeindebezirk,<br />

dem Sitz der italienischen Botschaft<br />

in Wien. Dienstautos werden in die Garage<br />

verfrachtet, der Fotograf baut eine mächtige Lichtanlage<br />

auf, rasch noch ein paar störende Gegenstände<br />

versteckt, und dann heißt es: Bühne frei für zwei<br />

Spitzenboliden aus dem Hause Maserati – den taufrischen<br />

Ghibli GranLusso und den wuchtigen Quattroporte.<br />

Diese beiden exquisiten Luxus-Limousinen<br />

stehen dem neuen italienischen Botschafter Sergio<br />

Barbanti für den nunmehr bereits neunten<br />

„Ambassador's Drive“ von „Cercle Diplomatique“<br />

zur Auswahl.<br />

Wenn man dem gebürtigen Mailänder, von Kopf<br />

bis Fuß ein Signore der alten Schule, eines auf den<br />

ersten Blick ansieht, dann seine Leidenschaft für das<br />

schöne Auto an und für sich, Segment alte mechanische<br />

Meisterwerke. „Ich habe schon als Kind mit<br />

Modellautos gespielt“, erzählt er begeistert. „Die Faszination<br />

für diese Maschinen – ihr Tempo, ihre<br />

Kraft, ihr Lärm – hat mich nie mehr losgelassen.“<br />

Sein erstes Auto, erinnert er sich, war ein Autobianchi,<br />

ein kleiner, schnittiger Flitzer, und nichts habe<br />

mehr Spaß gemacht, also ihn Gang für Gang, immer<br />

mit Zwischengas, Hände und Füße wie in einem<br />

Tanz vereint, durch die Straßen zu treiben. „Die besten<br />

dieser Oldtimer waren wie Kunst“, sagt Barbanti.<br />

„Und die Mechaniker wie Spitzendoktoren. Mal sehen,<br />

was die neuen können.“<br />

Sagt's, wirft einen respektvollen, aber nicht ausreichend<br />

bewundernden Blick auf den Ghibli Gran-<br />

Lusso, murmelt ein paar lobende Worte über dessen<br />

edles Interieur von Ermenegildo Zegna, und steigt<br />

aber dann ohne großes Zögern in den Quattroporte,<br />

die doch etwas stärkere Maschine, ein. Zuerst einmal<br />

lässt Brabanti, der seinen gelernten Beruf als Rechtsanwalt<br />

für eine diplomatische Karriere aufgegeben<br />

hat („zu langweilig“), seinen Maserati so richtig aufheulen,<br />

und nach ein paar Dröhnungen legt er los in<br />

Richtung Gasometer, dieser „tollen Architektur“<br />

130 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

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SAVOIR VIVRE AMBASSADOR´S DRIVE<br />

Barbanti zwischen den Maseratis<br />

Ghibli GranLusso (links) und Quattroporte<br />

– eine schwere Wahl.<br />

Tough choice – Barbanti took the<br />

Quattroporte for the test drive, not<br />

the Ghibli GranLusso (left).<br />

nahe der Botschaft. Überkommt ihn da gar ein fast<br />

kindliches Vergnügen, als er am freien Rennweg<br />

kräftig ins Pedal tritt und die Tourennadel hochtreibt?<br />

Umspielt hier nicht ein kleines Grinsen seine<br />

Lippen, wie er einem BMW oder Mercedes die Gurke<br />

gibt? Sicher ist: Brabanti liebt diesen Maserati –<br />

„ein richtiges Spaß-Auto“, urteilt er.<br />

Der Botschafter lässt seine bisherigen diplomatischen<br />

Berufungen – Simbabwe, Washington, Madrid,<br />

Montenegro – Revue passieren und bleibt<br />

schließlich an seiner letzten Position vor seiner Entsendung<br />

nach Österreich hängen.<br />

Vier Jahre lang war Barbanti in der Generalinspektion<br />

im Außenministerium in Rom tätig, zuletzt<br />

als stellvertretender Generalinspektor. Er erzählt von<br />

ernsthaft detaillierten Fragenbögen, die Botschaften<br />

penibel beantworten müssen, von Punktevergaben<br />

und Rechnungsprüfungen, von einem kaum bekannten<br />

Job eines Botschafters als Kontrolleur. Denn<br />

er ist schon auf dem Weg zur Garage, wo er stolz<br />

zwei Objekte seiner anderen Leidenschaft präsentiert<br />

– für ihn maßgeschneiderte Fahrräder aus dem<br />

Hause Lamborghini, auf denen er Wien durchmisst.<br />

Wenn er nicht lieber doch seinen Sportwagen<br />

nimmt.<br />

For the first time in the “Ambassador's Drive“<br />

series, our test-driver could choose between<br />

two exquisite luxury limos – a Maserati Ghibli<br />

GranLusso and a Maserati Quattroporte. Without<br />

much tatitata Signor Sergio Barbanti, the Ambassador<br />

of Italy to Austria since mid-2017, left the Ghibli<br />

INFO:<br />

pappas.at<br />

132 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA<br />

Botschafter Sergio Barbanti im Gespräch mit Pappas-Markenleiter Alexander Frybert und CD-Autor<br />

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner vor einem Gemälde von Luca Giordano in der italienischen Botschaft<br />

(oben), bei einem Zwischenstopp vor dem Gasometer und mit seinem maßgeschneiderten Citybike<br />

von Lamborghini.<br />

Ambassador Sergio Barbanti with Alexander Frybert, brand manager of the Pappas Group, and CDauthor<br />

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner beneath a wonderful painting by Luca Giordano in the Italian<br />

Embassy, during a short stop in fornt of the Viennese Gasometer und proudly presenting his bespoke<br />

city-bike manufactured for him by Lamborghini.<br />

Maserati Ghibli GranLusso – die Ikone auf vier Rädern<br />

Maserati Ghibli GranLusso – the icon on four wheels<br />

Die Sportslimousine Ghibli ist das meistverkaufte Maserati-Modell aller Zeiten. Seit 2013 wurden über 70.000<br />

Exemplare in 70 Ländern ausgeliefert. Für den Ghibli gibt es nun zwei neue, unverkennbare Ausstattungslinien:<br />

GranLusso und GranSport. Der Ghibli GranLusso zeichnet sich durch neue Details beim Exterieur und<br />

durch ein luxuriöses Interieur mit Seide von Ermenegildo Zegna aus. Der Ghibli GranSport knüpft hingegen an<br />

die Rennsporttradition von Maserati an.<br />

The Ghibli sports-limo is regarded as the best-selling Maserati model of all times. Since its introduction in<br />

2013, more than 70,000 vehicles have been shipped to 70 countries. Now, Maserati has introduced two new<br />

distinctive Ghibli versions – the GranLusso (pictured above) and the Gran Sport. Connoisseurs are especially<br />

overwhelmed by the luxury interior of the GranLusso by Ermenegildo Zegna.<br />

Technische Daten Technical data<br />

Motor Engine<br />

3,0-Liter-V6 Turbo Twin<br />

Antrieb Drive<br />

Allrad-, Hinterradantrieb/four-wheel, back-wheel drive<br />

kW (PS) kw (HP) 316/430 (max.)<br />

High Speed<br />

286 km/h<br />

Kraftstoffverbrauch 8,9l/100 km<br />

Fuel consumption (combined)<br />

Preis Price<br />

ab | from € 77.000,– (inkl./ incl. NoVA & 20% Mwst./ VAT)<br />

“Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy.”<br />

Thomas Jefferson<br />

At AMADEUS Internaonal School Vienna, character development is<br />

emphasized just as strongly as educaonal development. We realize that<br />

educaon is not just learning facts and increasing skill levels, but also the<br />

culvaon of a person as a whole. Students are in the most impressionable<br />

years of their lives and we want to support them in growing up to be the<br />

empathec, socially responsible leaders that our world needs.<br />

Founders Dr. Wilson and Karen Goh believe strongly in the power and<br />

importance that a creave educaon plays in the development of students.<br />

They have dedicated their lives to the supporng the creave educaon of<br />

young people, both through the founding of AMADEUS Internaonal School<br />

Vienna and its Music & Arts Academy and their work with the Goh Family<br />

Collecon - a collecon of string instruments from some of the most<br />

important makers in history. The instruments are available for loan to<br />

promising young musicians. The recipients of instruments from the Goh<br />

Family Collecon must seek out opportunies to do their part for the<br />

beerment of society through their musical performances.<br />

This emphasis on holisc educaon was recently recognized when the Goh<br />

family and the AMADEUS Internaonal School were honored by receiving the<br />

Flame of Peace award from the Habsburg-Lothringen family for their<br />

contribuon to world peace through the educaon of internaonal-minded,<br />

compassionate individuals.<br />

The Flame of Peace is granted to individuals and organizaons by the<br />

Associaon for the Promoon of Peace, which was founded in 2007 by Herta<br />

Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen. The mission of the organizaon is to<br />

promote and reward peace by creang a space for conflict management<br />

dialogue and peace-creang ideas.<br />

for the Quattroporte, certainly the stronger machine,<br />

behind in the court of the former Palais Metternich-<br />

Embassy in Vienna's 3rd district and headed for the<br />

Gasometer, one of his favourite places here. To cut a<br />

long story short: Barbanti, a lawyer-turned-diplomat<br />

born in Milano, has fallen in love with this Maserati<br />

– “a real fun-car“, he says.<br />

When he let the engine roar, his ears began to<br />

smile. When he hit the gas pedal at the free Rennweg,<br />

his heart jumped with joy. And when he overtook a<br />

BMW 5 on the way back, wasn't there a twinkle in<br />

his eye? “Already as a child, I have been playing with<br />

model cars“, Barbanti recalls with a still boiling passion.<br />

“The fascination for mechanical machines –<br />

their speed, their power, their noise – has never left<br />

me.“ It was in this Maserati Quattroporte where he<br />

has once again experienced “this dance of hands and<br />

feet, just like in the old times of the oldtimers“.<br />

Such were the topics that dominated CD's 9th test<br />

drive. And he was more than happy to show his two<br />

bespoke bicycles tailored for him by Lamborghini.<br />

For cruising Vienna, he said. And if it's raining, there<br />

is always his sports car available in the garage.<br />

L-R: Karen Goh, Sandor Habsburg-Lothringen, Herta Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen,<br />

Chris Greulich, Wilson Goh<br />

The vision of the AMADEUS and Goh's is to create a more peaceful world<br />

through educaon, music and the arts. To commemorate the honor of<br />

being recipients of the Flame of Peace, the Habsburg-Lothringens, the<br />

Gohs and the AMADEUS community came together to plant a rose bush<br />

in the newly established Garden of Peace on the AMADEUS campus. It is<br />

our hope that peace will bloom in the lives of all who pass through<br />

AMADEUS’s doors and that peacefulness will be shared with the world.<br />

For more informaon about AMADEUS Internaonal School Vienna and<br />

our programs, visit our website at www.amadeus-vienna.com or email us<br />

at info@amadeus-vienna.com.<br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 133

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SAVOIR VIVRE MOTOR<br />

Vier Bestseller in neuem Gewand<br />

Four bestsellers with new looks<br />

Text: Rois & Stubenrauch<br />

VW Touareg:<br />

Innovativer, kantiger, komfortabler<br />

More innovation, more comfort, more edge<br />

Das Erfolgsmodell von VW geht in die dritte Runde – mit geschärftem Design und einem satten Paket an innovativen Assistenzsystemen.<br />

Von der Infrarot-unterstützten Nachtsichtfunktion bis zum Stauassistenten, der selbstständig bremst, beschleunigt und<br />

lenkt, enthält der neue Touareg alles, was VW momentan diesbezüglich aufzubieten hat. Eine Spur größer ist der SUV auch<br />

geworden, was sich insbesondere beim auf beachtliche 810 l angewachsenen Kofferraum bemerkbar macht. Extras wie Allradlenkung<br />

oder Luftfederung erhöhen den Fahrkomfort. Gelenkt wird das VW-Flaggschiff aus<br />

dem Innovision Cockpit via riesigem Touch-Display mit integrierter Gestensteuerung. Motor Engine<br />

V6 TDI<br />

VW’s success model goes into the third round – with a sharpened design and a rich set of Antrieb Drive<br />

Allrad 4Motion / Four-wheel 4Motion<br />

innovative assistance systems. From the infrared-supported night vision function to the kW (PS) kw (HP) 210 (286)<br />

traffic assistant that automatically brakes, accelerates and steers, the new Touareg packs Hubraum Capacity<br />

2.967 ccm<br />

everything that VW currently has to offer in this area. The SUV has also gotten a tad<br />

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 6,9 l/100 km (Diesel)<br />

bigger, which becomes especially apparent when looking at the impressive 810-litre<br />

Preis | Price ab | from € 72.690,–<br />

luggage compartment. Additional extras, such as four-wheel drive and air suspension<br />

improve driving comfort even more. VW’s flagship is steered from the Innovision Cockpit<br />

via the giant touch display with integrated gesture control.<br />

Peugeot 508: Neustart in der Premiumliga | Reboot in the<br />

premium segment<br />

Audi A6: Präzisionsarbeit aus Nekarsulm | Precision work<br />

from Neckarsulm<br />

Radikal neues Design, bissige Frontpartie, Fastback und neue Motorisierung – der<br />

Peugeot 508 erfindet sich komplett neu und wandelt sich zum kraftvoll-sportlichen<br />

Hightech Coupé. Ein markantes Lichtdesign, rahmenlose Türen, digitales<br />

Cockpit und ein luxuriöser Innenraum komplettieren den neuen Stil. Der neue 508<br />

stammt übrigens zur Gänze aus französischer Produktion – in den Worten von<br />

Peugeot: „Origine France Garantie“.<br />

A radical new design, snappy front, fastback and a new engine – the Peugeot 508<br />

reinvents itself completely, becoming a powerful yet racy high-tech coupé. A<br />

striking lighting design, frameless doors, a digital cockpit and a luxurious interior<br />

complement the new style. The new 508 was, incidentally, made in France from<br />

beginning to end – “Origine France Garantie“, in the words of Peugeot.<br />

Motor Engine<br />

R4 und R6 Diesel, R6 Benziner - R4 and R6 diesel, R6 petrol<br />

Antrieb Drive<br />

Allrad 4Matic / Four-wheel 4Matic<br />

kW (PS) kw (HP) 180 - 270+16 (245 - 367+22)<br />

Hubraum Capacity<br />

1.950 - 2.999 ccm<br />

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 5,7 - 5,3 (Diesel) / 7,5 (Benziner/petrol) l/100 km<br />

Preis Price ab | from € 71.300,–<br />

Mercedes-Benz CLS: Eine Stilikone startet durch | A style icon takes off<br />

Im Herbst 2017 stellte Mercedes-Benz an der LA Auto Show die dritte Generation seines CLS vor: Das neue Design des viertürigen Coupés beeindruckt mit einer markanten<br />

Frontpartie, seinem nach vorn geneigten Kühlergrill – was auch unter der schönen Bezeichnung Sharknose firmiert – und langgezogenen Scheinwerfern. Schmale Seitenfenster<br />

und die flache Silhouette betonen den sportlichen Charakter der Stilikone aus Stuttgart. Unter der mächtigen Motorhaube des CLS sorgt eine neue Motorengeneration für<br />

dynamische Fahrleistung und bringt in der stärksten Variante als Sechszylinder Benziner satte 367 PS plus 22 PS elektrischer Extraschub auf die Straße.<br />

During autumn of 2017, Mercedes-Benz presented the third generation of its CLS at the LA Auto Show: The four-door coupé’s new design impresses with its striking front, its<br />

forward-tilted grille – also known under the descriptive name “sharknose“ – and the extended headlights. The narrow side windows and the flat silhouette accentuate the<br />

sporty character of the style icon from Stuttgart. And underneath the CLS’ mighty hood, a new generation of engines enables dynamic driving and, in its strongest variation,<br />

offers a six-cylinder petrol engine with 367 hp and an additional electric boost of 22 hp.<br />

FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />

PHOTOS: DAIMLER AG, PICTURESERVICE VOLKSWAGEN AG, PEUGEOT KOMMUNIKATION, AUDI AG<br />

Die bereits achte Generation von Audis äußerst erfolgreichen Business-Limousine<br />

feierte im März diesen Jahres am Genfer Autosalon ihre Premiere. Ihre klare,<br />

athletische Designsprache, ein volldigitaler Innenraum und höchste Präzision bei<br />

den Details zeichnen den Klassiker der Business-Klasse aus. Die neue, dynamische<br />

Allradlenkung bringt sportliche Lenkansprache und Fahrstabilität unter einen Hut<br />

und reduziert den Wendekreis des neuen Audi A6 um bis zu 1,1 Meter. Gefertigt<br />

wird der A6 im Werk Nekarsulm.<br />

The eighth generation of Audi’s exceptionally successful business limousine will be<br />

celebrating its premiere at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Its clear and athletic<br />

design, the fully digital interior and its extreme precision in every corner are details<br />

that define this business class classic. The new, dynamic four-wheel drive brings<br />

both easy steering as well as driving stability under a single roof, reducing the new<br />

Audi A6’s turning circle to just 1.1 metres. The A6 is manufactured at Audi’s factory<br />

in Neckarsulm.<br />

Motor Engine<br />

V6 Diesel und Benziner / V6 diesel and petrol<br />

Antrieb Drive<br />

Allrad quattro / Four-wheel quattro<br />

kW (PS) kw (HP) 210 - 250 (286 - 340)<br />

Hubraum Capacity<br />

2.967 - 2.995 ccm<br />

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 5,8 - 5,5 (Diesel) / 7,1 - 6,7 (Benziner/petrol) l/100 km<br />

Preis | Price ab | from € 65.500,-<br />

Motor Engine<br />

R4 Diesel und Benziner / R4 diesel and petrol<br />

Antrieb Drive<br />

Vorderradantrieb / Front-wheel drive<br />

kW (PS) kw (HP) 96 - 165 (130 - 225)<br />

Hubraum Capacity<br />

1.499 - 1.997 ccm<br />

Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 4,7 - 3,8 (Diesel) / 5,7 - 5,4 (Benziner/petrol) l/100 km<br />

Preis | Price Peugeot 508 First Edition ab | from € 49.950,–<br />

134 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 135

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SAVOIR VIVRE WEEKENDER<br />

BUDAPEST<br />

An der blauen Donau<br />

By the blue Danube<br />

Text: Gerald Sturz<br />

Wien und Budapest verbindet eine lange gemeinsame<br />

Geschichte. Heute wetteifern die beiden Städte darum, wer<br />

von beiden die Schönere ist. Ein Lokalaugenschein.<br />

Vienna and Budapest are connected through a long and<br />

shared history. Today, the two cities compete with one<br />

another about which of the two cities is more<br />

beautiful – here, a small review.<br />

Buda und Pest.<br />

Buda and Pest.<br />

Mehrere Brücken überqueren<br />

die Donau und verbinden die<br />

beiden Stadthälften. Eine<br />

davon ist die Freiheitsbrücke.<br />

Several bridges cross the<br />

Danube and connect the two<br />

halves of the city. One of them<br />

is the Liberty Bridge.<br />

PHOTOS: HELLOHUNGARY.COM<br />

Kultur, Entertainment und Wellness: das Riesenrad, der Palast<br />

der Künste und eine Badelandschaft (im Uhrzeigersinn).<br />

Culture, entertainment and wellness: the ferris wheel, the Palace<br />

of Arts and a bathing area (clockwise).<br />

Wien und Budapest sind wie zwei Geschwister,<br />

die so viel gemeinsam haben:<br />

eine lange gemeinsame Geschichte und<br />

zahllose kulturelle, politische und gesellschaftliche<br />

Berührungspunkte. Und die, wie das bei Geschwistern<br />

nun mal so üblich ist, in steter Konkurrenz<br />

sind. Wer von beiden ist die Schönere, fragen<br />

sie sich? Wer sieht besser aus? Wer hat mehr zu<br />

bieten? Einst waren Wien und Budapest die beiden<br />

Metropolen der Habsburger Doppelmonarchie.<br />

Die eine vom Kaiserreich Österreich, die andere<br />

vom Königreich Ungarn. Von Cisleithanien beziehungsweise<br />

von Transleithanien, wie es damals<br />

hieß. Jede der beiden Städte kann vortreffliche Argumente<br />

ins Spiel bringen, die sie ins bessere Licht<br />

rücken lassen. Doch es gibt ein Argument, das alle<br />

anderen zu übertreffen scheint und dieses Argument,<br />

das muss man auch als Österreicher neidlos<br />

zugeben, spricht für Budapest. Budapest liegt<br />

nämlich tatsächlich an der Donau. Mitten durch<br />

die Stadt fließt der Strom. Rechts ist Buda, links ist<br />

Pest. Und jede dieser beiden Stadthälften hat sich<br />

ihre einzigartige Persönlichkeit bewahrt.<br />

Blicken wir also zuerst nach rechts. Nach Buda.<br />

Es ist eine hügelige Gegend. Der Burgberg und der<br />

Gellértberg sind die bekanntesten Erhebungen.<br />

Der Gellért ist der höchste dieser Hügel und so ist<br />

er wohl der beste Ort, um sich einen Überblick<br />

über die Stadt zu verschaffen. Hier oben liegt einem<br />

die Stadt tatsächlich zu Füßen. Direkt unter<br />

einem die Donau, die Elisabethbrücke, dahinter<br />

das Pester Ufer mit dem Parlamentsgebäude, den<br />

Türmen der Kirchen und der schönen Dachlandschaft.<br />

Wenn man Glück hat, dann reicht der Blick<br />

weit über die Stadt hinaus. Es ist ein wunderbarer<br />

Ausblick, bei dem Instagrammer vor Glück gar<br />

nicht mehr den Finger vom Auslöser ihrer Kamera<br />

oder ihres iPhones bekommen. Es fällt einem<br />

schwer, sich loszureißen.<br />

Der Namen Gellért hat aber auch aus einem anderen<br />

Grund einen ausgezeichneten Ruf. Das Hotel<br />

Gellért (danubiushotels.hu) ist Budapests<br />

prächtigstes Hotel. Eine Institution. Eine Art-nouveau-Extravaganza.<br />

Ein Mythos. Erbaut wurde es<br />

zwischen 1912 und 1918 zusammen mit dem Gellértbad<br />

im Stil der Wiener Secession. Üppig ausgestattete<br />

Innenräume, nahezu altmodische Eleganz,<br />

die Erinnerung an einstige Größe. Und von den<br />

Steinbalkonen blickt man auf die Donau. Das Bad<br />

sollte man besuchen, auch wenn man nicht im Hotel<br />

absteigt. Es ist traditioneller Budapester Lifestyle.<br />

Das Burgviertel wird von einer mittelalterlichen<br />

Festungsanlage definiert, in der einst die ungarischen<br />

Könige residierten. Hier finden sich<br />

nicht nur historische Bauten, sondern neuerdings<br />

auch Galerien und Design Stores, Restaurants und<br />

Cafés. Die Fischerbastei, die erst Anfang des 20.<br />

Jahrhunderts errichtet wurde, die also nie irgendeinen<br />

militärischen Zweck erfüllte, ist ein beliebtes<br />

Ausflugsziel der Budapester. Kein Wunder bei dem<br />

Blick, den man von hier oben hat. Hier befindet<br />

sich auch das Hilton Hotel (hiltonhotels.com), das<br />

in die Überreste eines Dominikanerklosters eingepasst<br />

wurde, und in seiner gelungenen Synthese<br />

von Alt und Neu wohl eines der besten und luxuriösesten<br />

Hotels der Stadt ist.<br />

Die Rollen von Buda und Pest sind auch heute<br />

noch gut verteilt. Buda hat Geschichte, Eleganz<br />

und ein eher ruhigeres Tempo. Pest hingegen ist<br />

voller Leben, hat seine hippen Ecken und sucht<br />

nach einem modernen Lifestyle. Mehrere Brücken<br />

verbinden die beiden Stadtteile. Die schönsten unter<br />

ihnen sind die Kettenbrücke, die als ein Wahrzeichen<br />

Budapests gilt und als erste die beiden<br />

Stadthälften miteinander verbunden hat, und die<br />

Elisabethbrücke.<br />

Die interessantesten Bezirke von Pest sind die<br />

Innenstadt, das Jüdische Viertel und die Josefstadt.<br />

136 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 137

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SAVOIR VIVRE WEEKENDER<br />

Der Burggarten mit seiner<br />

Neorenaissance-Architektur und<br />

der Gloriette.<br />

The garden of the castle with its<br />

neo-renaissance architecture and<br />

the gloriette.<br />

Budapester Potpourri:<br />

ein Einkaufszentrum, das<br />

„Der Wal“ genannt wird, eine<br />

beschauliche Gasse im Vorort<br />

Szentendre und das Hotel Gellért<br />

(von links nach rechts).<br />

Budapest medley:<br />

a shopping center called „The<br />

Whale“, a quiet alley in the<br />

suburb of Szentendre and Hotel<br />

Gellért (from left to right).<br />

Ein Klassiker: das<br />

Restaurant Gundel.<br />

A classic: the restaurant<br />

Gundel.<br />

HOTELTIPP<br />

RADISSON BLU BÉKE<br />

HOTEL<br />

Das Gebäude ist ein<br />

historischer Prachtbau, die<br />

Zimmer sind modern, hell,<br />

freundlich und überraschen<br />

mit starken Farbakzenten.<br />

Nicht nur Geschäftsreisende<br />

werden mit diesem Haus ihre<br />

Freude haben, sondern auch<br />

alle, die hier sind, um die<br />

Stadt zu besichtigen. Die Lage<br />

in unmittelbarer Nähe zum<br />

Westbahnhof ist dabei sehr<br />

hilfreich.<br />

Located in a splendid historic<br />

building, the hotel’s rooms are<br />

modern, bright, friendly and<br />

surprise with strong colour<br />

accents. Not only business<br />

travellers will have a brilliant<br />

time at this hotel, but also<br />

those who have simply come<br />

here to see the city. The<br />

location’s close proximity to<br />

the Western Railway Station<br />

comes in quite handy for this<br />

reason.<br />

radissonblue.com<br />

danubiushotels.hu<br />

Zu sehen und zu besichtigen gibt es in Pest eine<br />

Menge. Eine kleine Auswahl: die Sankt-Stephans-<br />

Kirche, die Budapests Basilika ist; das Museum der<br />

Bildenden Künste, das mit Arbeiten von Tizian,<br />

Tintoretto, Goya, El Greco, Raffael Albrecht Dürer<br />

zu den besten Europas zählt; die im byzantinischmaurischen<br />

Stil errichtete Synagoge in der Dohány<br />

utca, die die größte Europas ist; der Franziskanerplatz<br />

mit der Franziskanerkirche; das legendäre<br />

Kaffeehaus Gerbeaud, wo man unbedingt eine<br />

wunderbare Dobos-Torte verkosten sollte und die<br />

eindrucksvolle Markthalle. Auf jeden Fall sollte<br />

man einen Spaziergang entlang der Donau unternehmen.<br />

Am Ende der Andrássy út, einem großzügigen<br />

Boulevard, befindet sich der Heldenplatz und dahinter<br />

der Stadtwald. Das ist eine riesige Parkanlage<br />

mit einem Zoo, mit einem Vergnügungspark,<br />

mit künstlichem See, Heilbad und mit der Burg<br />

Vajdahunyad. Der Városliget, wie der Stadtwald<br />

auf Ungarisch heißt, ist für die Budapester in etwa<br />

das, was der Prater für die Wiener ist. Es ist auch<br />

ein guter Ort, um Hunger zu haben. Am Rand des<br />

Stadtwaldes steht nämlich eines von Budapests<br />

schönsten und besten Restaurants: das Gundel<br />

(gundel.hu). Hier wird klassische ungarische Küche<br />

auf einem zeitgemäßen und modernen Niveau<br />

zubereitet. Die Gänseleber ist weltberühmt. Man<br />

sollte sie kennenlernen.<br />

Vienna and Budapest are like two siblings<br />

that have a lot in common: a long, shared<br />

history, as well as countless cultural, political<br />

and social points of contact. And, as is often<br />

the case with siblings, they are frequently in competition<br />

with one another. Which of the two is<br />

more beautiful, they ask themselves. Which looks<br />

better? Which has more to offer? There was a time<br />

when Vienna and Budapest were the two metropolitan<br />

cities of the Habsburg Dual Monarchy, one<br />

belonging to the Austrian Empire, the other to the<br />

Kingdom of Hungary. The respective capitals of<br />

Cisleithania and Transleithania, as they were called<br />

back then. Each of the two cities could come up<br />

with a long list of arguments that will make it look<br />

a little better than the other. But, there is one argument<br />

that sur-passes all the others, and this argument<br />

– and any Austrian will have to admit – favours<br />

Budapest. For Budapest is actually located<br />

right by the Danube. The river passes right through<br />

the city, with Buda on the right side, Pest on the<br />

left. And each of the two city halves has maintained<br />

its unique and extraordinary personality to<br />

this day.<br />

Let’s start by looking at the right side, at Buda.<br />

It’s a hilly terrain. Castle Hill and Gellért Hill are<br />

the two most recognisable elevations. Gellért Hill<br />

is the highest of the hills and thus probably the<br />

best spot to get a good view of the city. Up here, the<br />

city is literally at one’s feet. And right underneath<br />

is the Danube, the Elisabeth Bridge, and behind it,<br />

Pest’s river bank with the Parliament building, the<br />

church towers and the beautiful roofscape. If<br />

you’re lucky, then the panorama reaches far beyond<br />

the city limits. It’s a beautiful view, which<br />

keeps the fingers of avid Instagrammers glued to<br />

the shut-ter releases of their smartphones. It is difficult<br />

to break free from its spell.<br />

However, the name Gellért also enjoys an excellent<br />

reputation for another reason entirely. The<br />

Ho-tel Gellért (danubiushotels.hu) is Budapest’s<br />

most magnificent hotel. An institution. An art<br />

nouveau extravaganza. A myth. Together with the<br />

Gellért Spa, the hotel was constructed between<br />

1912 and 1918 in the style of the Vienna Secession.<br />

Opulently furnished rooms, nearly old-fashioned<br />

ele-gance, reminders of the glories of the past. And<br />

from the stone balcony, one likewise has a perfect<br />

view of the Danube. The spa should be visited even<br />

if not staying at the hotel itself, for it is part of the<br />

traditional Budapest lifestyle.<br />

The Castle Quarter is defined by its medieval<br />

fortress, which was once inhabited by Hungarian<br />

kings. Here, one will not only find historic buildings,<br />

but more recently also new galleries and designer<br />

stores, restaurants and cafes. The<br />

Fisherman’s Bastion, only built in the beginning of<br />

the 20th century and thus never used for any kind<br />

of military purpose, is a popular trip destination<br />

for Budapest’s locals. And it should come as no<br />

PHOTOS: HELLOHUNGARY.COM, GUNDEL GRUPPE <strong>2018</strong><br />

The Original<br />

Gundel Experience<br />

www.gundel.hu reservations@gundel.hu +36 1 889 8111<br />

Gundel Károly St 4, H-1146 Budapest, Hungary<br />

surprise when one considers the view that presents<br />

itself from this spot. The Hilton Hotel (hiltonhotels.com)<br />

is also located here and was fitted into<br />

the re-mains of an old Dominican monastery, making<br />

the excellent synthesis between old and new<br />

one of the best and most luxurious hotels in the<br />

city.<br />

The roles of Buda and Pest remain quite divided<br />

to this day. Buda has history, elegance and a slower<br />

rhythm. Pest, on the other hand, is full of zest, has<br />

many hip places and aspires toward a modern lifestyle.<br />

The two city halves are connected by several<br />

bridges. The most gorgeous among them is the<br />

Chain Bridge, one of Budapest’s landmarks and the<br />

first bridge to connect the two halves with one<br />

another, and the Elisabeth Bridge.<br />

The most interesting districts in Pest are the Inner<br />

City, the Jewish Quarter and Joseph Town.<br />

There is so much to see and do in Pest. Just a small<br />

sample: St. Stephen’s Basilica; the Museum of Fine<br />

Arts (considered one of the best in Europe with<br />

works by Tizian, Tintoretto, Goya, El Greco, Raphael<br />

and Albrecht Dürer); the Dohány Street Synagogue<br />

(built in the Byzantine-Moorish style and<br />

the biggest synagogue in Europe); the Square of<br />

the Franciscans with the Franciscan Church; the<br />

legendary Café Gerbeaud, where you absolutely<br />

must sample a piece of Dobos torte and the impressive<br />

Great Market Hall. A walk along the Danube<br />

should likewise be part of any itinerary.<br />

At the end of the Andrássy út, a wide boulevard,<br />

you will find the Heroes’ Square, and behind it the<br />

City Park. It’s a massive complex with its own zoo,<br />

amusement park, artificial lake, traditional spa<br />

and the Vajdahunyad Castle. Városliget, as the City<br />

Park is called in Hungarian, is to Budapest’s locals<br />

what the Prater is to the Viennese. It’s also a good<br />

place if you’re hungry. At the edge of the City Park,<br />

you will find one of Budapest’s finest restaurants:<br />

the Gundel (gundel.hu). Here, classic Hungarian<br />

cuisine is prepared in accordance with contemporary<br />

standards. The foie gras is world-renowned<br />

and you should definitely not miss out on this culinary<br />

treat.<br />

Die Zahnradbahn auf den Burgberg und die<br />

Fußgängerzone mit der Sankt-Stephans-<br />

Basilika im Hintergrund. The cog railway to the<br />

castle hill and the pedestrian area with<br />

St. Stephen‘s Basilica in the background.<br />

RADISSON BLU BÉKE HOTEL<br />

The 105-year-old hotel celebrated the anniversary of its iconic<br />

building with spectacular transformation: the rooms and the<br />

ground floor with the Zsolnay Café was reborn in the spirit of<br />

tradition and renewal.<br />

Teréz krt. 43., H-1067 Budapest, Hungary<br />

danubiushotels.com<br />

138 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

DHG RAdisson hird_95x125.indd 1<br />

5/11/18 11:21 AM

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SAVOIR VIVRE UPCOMING<br />

Wo es uns gefällt<br />

Where we love to be<br />

Erlebnistourismus | Adventure tourism<br />

Das Weinviertel vollends genießen | Taking in the Weinviertel region<br />

Spitzenköche servieren auf langen, weiß gedeckten Tafeln unter freiem Himmel und inmitten der<br />

Landschaft beste Gerichte. Die Winzer aus der Region liefern die harmonierenden Weine. Da darf das<br />

„Pfefferl“ im Grünen Veltliner auf keinen Fall fehlen, wenn bei „Tafeln im Weinviertel“ an malerischen<br />

Plätzen Hof gehalten wird – in der Kellergasse, zwischen den Reben, in märchenhaften Schlosshöfen oder<br />

mit Blick ins weite Land. Die 5-Gang-Menüs werden mit regionalen Produkten wie Wild, Zwiebel, Kürbis,<br />

Erdäpfel zubereitet – dabei kann man dem Koch großteils direkt vor Ort über die Schulter schauen. Die<br />

Veranstaltungsserie mit 26 Terminen zwischen 15. Juni und 24. August <strong>2018</strong> in verschiedenen Locations ist<br />

ein besonderes und kommunikatives Erlebnis. Und ein Gesamtkunstwerk nicht nur für den Gaumen,<br />

sondern auch für Auge und Ohr.<br />

Top chefs serve their exquisite creations across extended tables set in white, right under the open sky<br />

and amid a gorgeous landscape. The local winemakers have provided the fitting wines. And just as<br />

crucial is the touch of peppery spice in the Grüner Veltliner wine, when “Tafeln im Weinviertel” hosts<br />

their guests for a session of fine dining at one of their picturesque locations – outside of wine cellars,<br />

among grapevines, in magical palace courtyards or with mesmerising views of the countryside. The<br />

5-course menus are prepared with local produce such as game, onions, pumpkin, potatoes – and the<br />

chefs will even let you glance over their shoulder as they work. The series with 26 different events<br />

between 15 June and 24 August <strong>2018</strong> at various locations is a quite exceptional and communicative<br />

experience. It’s not unlike a work of art – not just for the palate, but for all the senses.<br />

tafeln-im-weinviertel.at<br />

Text: Daniela Pötzl<br />

Bio-Pioniere | Organic pioneers<br />

Urlaub im Jubeljahr<br />

| A holiday in the<br />

anniversary year<br />

Gegründet 1928 als Bad mit<br />

eigener Heilquelle, führt die<br />

Familie Daberer ihr Bio-Hotel<br />

heuer nun seit 40 Jahren. Das<br />

4-Sterne Superior-Haus der<br />

Top-Pioniere wurde 2017<br />

intensiv umgestaltet. Neben<br />

44 Zimmern mit heimischem<br />

Holz und toller Aussicht sind<br />

auch die Küche und der<br />

Spa-Bereich mit der<br />

entzückenden Waldsauna (im<br />

Bild) nicht nur im Sommer eine<br />

Reise wert.<br />

Originally founded as a spa<br />

with its own healing spring in<br />

1928, the Daberer Family has<br />

now been running their<br />

organic hotel for the past 40<br />

years. In 2017, the 4-star<br />

superior establishment was<br />

extensively remodelled. Next<br />

to 44 rooms furnished with<br />

domestic wood and offering<br />

magnificent views, the<br />

restaurant and the spa area<br />

with its delightful forest sauna<br />

(pictured) likewise make any<br />

visit pay off, and not just in<br />

the summer.<br />

biohotel-daberer.at<br />

PHOTOS: WEINVIERTEL TOURISMUS/ WURNIG, BIO HOTEL DABERER, HOTEL PALAIS HANSEN<br />

KEMPINSKI, FOTOLIA, BEIGESTELLT<br />

Trinkkultur | Fine drinking<br />

Edle Inhalte | Exquisite content<br />

Nobles im Glas wird auf der Barkarte der 26° EAST<br />

Bar im Hotel Palais Hansen Kempinski hochgehalten.<br />

Der ungewöhnliche Name verrät das Konzept:<br />

Die Signature Cocktails sind von Ländern entlang<br />

des 26. östlichen Längengrads inspiriert – und von<br />

der Bar-Adresse. Neben schottischen und<br />

japanischen Whiskys, werden auch einzelne Gläser<br />

aus der Magnum-Flasche Champagner ausgeschenkt.<br />

Da kann man dann stilvoll gleich auf den<br />

fünften Hotel-Geburtstag anstoßen.<br />

A good glass with precious content is the number<br />

one priority at the 26° EAST Bar at the Hotel Palais<br />

Hansen Kempinski. The unusual name reveals its<br />

theme: The signature cocktails have been inspired<br />

by countries along the 26th eastern degree of<br />

longitude – as well as by the bar’s address. Next to<br />

Scottish and Japanese whiskies, individual glasses<br />

are also poured straight from the magnum bottle<br />

of champagne. Why not take the opportunity and<br />

clink glasses on the occasion of the hotel’s fifth<br />

birthday?<br />

kempinski.com/vienna<br />

Urlaub mit Stil<br />

Musikerziehung | Musical education<br />

Musik durch Englisch, Englisch durch<br />

Musik | Music through English, English<br />

through Music<br />

Eine Sprache durch Musik lernen – das bietet die internationale<br />

Wiener Musikschule „Musical Munchkins“, gegründet 2003 von<br />

der Pianistin Isabella Tabibian Cho, für Kinder und Erwachsene.<br />

Das Programm bietet durch die Anwendung von Musikinstrumenten<br />

wie Klavier die Möglichkeit, Musik und Sprache<br />

zeitgleich zu erlernen. Verwendet wird eigens erstelltes<br />

Lehrmaterial, die Unterrichtssprache ist Englisch. Pädagogisch<br />

verbindlich ist die aktive Teilnahme eines Elternteils oder<br />

Erziehungsberechtigten, der das Kind in den Unterrichtseinheiten<br />

begleitet.<br />

Learning a language with music – this is exactly what is offered<br />

by the “Musical Munchkins” international music school,<br />

founded in 2003 in Vienna by the pianist Isabella Tabibian Cho<br />

for children and adults alike. By employing musical instruments<br />

like the piano, the programme makes it possible to learn music<br />

and languages at the same time. The school uses its own<br />

specially created curriculum, whilst the language of instruction<br />

is English. The active participation of a parent or a legal guardian<br />

who accompanies the child to individual lessons is<br />

pedagogically uniting.<br />

musicalmunchkins.eu<br />

140 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Lassen Sie sich verwöhnen. In einem der besten Hotels in Österreich, am Turracher See in Kärnten, auf belebenden 1.763 Metern Seehöhe. Die Besonderheiten?<br />

Das beheizte See-Bad, der Chinaturm mit Teehaus, der Hamam, das abwechslungsreiche Aktiv-Programm. Freuen Sie sich auf regionale und vegane<br />

Gaumenfreuden und auf über 100 fabelhafte Inklusivleistungen.<br />

www.hochschober.com

---

SAVOIR VIVRE MUST READ<br />

Lesenswertes über Österreich<br />

Books on Austria worth reading<br />

Text: Gerald Sturz<br />

Fine hotels<br />

selected by<br />

<strong>CERCLE</strong><br />

<strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong><br />

ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL<br />

can also be found in these exclusive hotels:<br />

© Klaus Vyhnalek, Katharina Gossow<br />

Andreas Nierhaus / Eva-Maria Orosz<br />

(Herausgeber)<br />

Otto Wagner<br />

Österreichische Nationalbibliothek<br />

(Herausgeber)<br />

Schatzkammer des<br />

Wissens<br />

Peter Payer<br />

Quer durch Wien<br />

Bodo Hell / Peter M. Kubelka / Elsbeth<br />

Wallnöfer<br />

Wilder Dachstein<br />

Wien steht in diesem Jahr ganz im Zeichen der<br />

Wiener Moderne, die am Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts<br />

die Stadt zu einem kulturellen und intellektuellen<br />

Laboratorium machte. Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt,<br />

Kolo Moser und Otto Wagner waren vier der<br />

bedeutendsten Protagonisten; sie alle starben im Jahr<br />

1918. Zum hundertsten Todestag werden sie<br />

entsprechend gewürdigt. Dieser prächtige Bildband<br />

begleitet die Ausstellung, die zurzeit im Wien<br />

Museum zu sehen ist, und zeigt Otto Wagner nicht<br />

nur als Architekten der Stadtbahn, der Postsparkasse,<br />

der Kirche am Steinhof und vieler anderer bedeutender<br />

Bauten, sondern auch als Stadtplaner, der das<br />

Aussehen von Wien bis heute mehr geprägt hat als<br />

irgendein anderer Architekt und Planer.<br />

This year, Vienna celebrates the legacy of ‘Wiener<br />

Moderne’ or Viennese Modernism, which in the early<br />

20th century transformed the city into a cultural and<br />

intellectual laboratory. Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt,<br />

Kolo Moser and Otto Wagner were four of the<br />

movement’s key figures; they all died in the year 1918.<br />

The 100th anniversary of their deaths marks an<br />

appropriate time to honour their legacy once more.<br />

This gorgeous illustrated book is a companion to the<br />

exhibition which can currently be seen at the Vienna<br />

Museum, presenting Otto Wagner not just as the<br />

architect of the Wiener Stadtbahn, the Austrian Postal<br />

Savings Bank, the Church of St. Leopold and many<br />

other significant buildings, but also as an urban<br />

planner who shaped Vienna’s appearance more than<br />

any other architect.<br />

–<br />

Residenz Verlag<br />

€ 50,00<br />

Jubiläen allerorts. Die Österreichische Nationalbibliothek<br />

in der Wiener Hofburg wird heuer 650 Jahre alt.<br />

Dieses hervorragend illustrierte Buch begleitet die<br />

Jubliäumsausstellung, die noch bis 13. Jänner 2019 in<br />

der Nationalbibliothek zu sehen ist, und vermittelt<br />

einen Überblick über die Kostbarkeiten der<br />

Sammlung. Die prächtige Handschriften und<br />

Frühdrucke, Papyri, Musiknoten, Landkarten, Fotos<br />

und Grafiken bilden nicht nur eine „Schatzkammer des<br />

Wissens“, sie erzählen auch 650 Jahre Kultur- und<br />

Mediengeschichte, wie sie kaum eine andere<br />

Bibliothek zu erzählen vermag.<br />

Anniversaries abound. The Austrian National Library<br />

in Vienna’s Hofburg is turning 650 this year. This<br />

excellent illustrated book is a companion to the<br />

Library’s anniversary exhibition, which can still be<br />

seen until 13 January 2019, and provides an overview<br />

of the collection’s many treasures. The precious<br />

manuscripts and early prints, papyri, musical notes,<br />

maps, photos and graphics not only make up a<br />

“Treasury of Knowledge”, they also tell a 650-yearold<br />

story of culture and media in a way that no other<br />

library could tell.<br />

–<br />

Kremayr & Scheriau<br />

€ 29,90<br />

Wie kein anderer erforscht der Historiker Peter Payer<br />

Wiener Alltagsgeschichten, historische ebenso wie<br />

aktuelle. Dieses Buch versammelt kurze Essays,<br />

überraschende und spannende Beobachtungen sowie<br />

Wahrnehmungen wenig beachteter Phänomene. Der<br />

Autor erzählt von Monumentaluhren, Paternostern,<br />

Wetterhäuschen, Hollywoodschaukeln, der Ring- und<br />

der Mariahilfer Straße, Balkonen als Bühnen im<br />

öffentlichen Raum und dem Tourismus im Wandel der<br />

Zeit. Und von Wien bei Nacht. Doch Peter Payer blickt<br />

nicht nur zurück. Auch die Frage, wie Wien in Zukunft<br />

aussehen und klingen wird, treibt ihn um.<br />

Whether historical or contemporary, nobody explores<br />

stories from everyday life in Vienna the way historian<br />

Peter Payer does. This book brings together short<br />

essays, surprising and exciting observations and<br />

thoughts on frequently overlooked phenomena. He<br />

tells stories of monumental clocks, paternosters,<br />

weather houses, canopy swings, the Vienna<br />

Ringstrasse boulevard and Mariahilferstrasse,<br />

balconies as stages in public spaces and tourism<br />

through the ages. And of Vienna by night. But Peter<br />

Payer doesn’t just look back on the past. The question<br />

of what Vienna will look and sound like in the future<br />

also drives him.<br />

–<br />

Czernin Verlag<br />

€ 23,00<br />

Einem der eindrucksvollsten Gebirgsmassive<br />

Österreichs ist dieses wunderbare Buch gewidmet:<br />

dem Dachstein, der sich an der Grenze von Steiermark<br />

und Oberösterreich befindet. Wintersportler wissen<br />

diese Region wegen seiner ausgezeichneten Skipisten<br />

zu schätzen. Im Sommer locken Wege und Umwege,<br />

überlaufene und völlig verlassene Routen Kletterer,<br />

Wanderer und Abenteurer an. Der Schriftsteller und<br />

Alpenhirt Bodo Hell, die Volkskundlerin Elsbeth<br />

Wallnöfer und der Fotograf Peter M. Kubelka zeichnen<br />

ein faszinierendes Bild dieser Gebirgskette, erzählen<br />

vom Leben auf der Alm, von den Schönheiten der<br />

Landschaft, von Hüttengaudi und von Traditionen. Ein<br />

schönes und verführerisches Buch.<br />

This book is dedicated to Austria’s most impressive<br />

massif: the Dachstein, located at the border between<br />

Styria and Upper Austria. Winter sports enthusiasts<br />

know to appreciate this region with its many excellent<br />

skiing slopes. During summer, various trails, a<br />

multitude of detours, crowded and completely<br />

desolate routes attract climbers, hikers and<br />

adventurers. Writer and alpine herdsman Bodo Hell,<br />

ethnologist Elsbeth Wallnöfer and photographer Peter<br />

M. Kubelka join forces to create a fascinating picture<br />

of the mountain range, describing everyday life on the<br />

mountain pasture, the gorgeous landscapes, the<br />

‘Hüttengaudi’ mountain hut parties and the traditions.<br />

A beautiful and enticing book.<br />

–<br />

Verlag Anton Pustet<br />

€ 29,00<br />

General Manager<br />

Isabella Wexberg<br />

LENIKUS Hotel- und Gastronomiebetriebs<br />

GmbH<br />

Lichtensteg 2, A -1010 Vienna<br />

T +43 532 22 40<br />

F +43 1 532 22 50 599<br />

office@lenikushotels.com<br />

lenikushotels.com<br />

These selected hotels offer<br />

<strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong> - ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL<br />

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Fleming‘s Deluxe Hotel l Golden Hill Country Chalets & Suites l Hotel de France Wien l Hotel Goldener<br />

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Vienna Plaza l Hilton Vienna l Hotel Imperial A Luxury Collection l Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof<br />

l Imperial Riding School Renaissance Hotel Vienna l Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol l Kitzbühel Country<br />

Club l Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort l Hotel Lamée l Le Meridien Vienna l Luxuslodge<br />

„Zeit zum Leben“ l MGallery by Sofitel Hotel am Konzerthaus Vienna l Park Hyatt Vienna l Palais<br />

Hansen Kempinski Vienna l Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol l Austria Trend Hotel Park Royal Palace Vienna<br />

l Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn l The Ritz-Carlton Vienna l Sacher Salzburg l Sacher Wien l<br />

Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna l Schloss Fuschl, A Luxury Collection Resort & SPA l Romantik<br />

Hotel Schloss Pichlarn l The Guesthouse Vienna l Austria Trend Hotel Schloss Lebenberg l The Ring,<br />

Vienna‘s Casual Luxury Hotel l Hotel Topazz l Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom l Stanglwirt l Vienna<br />

Marriott Hotel l Vila Vita Pannonia l Warmbaderhof<br />

Would you like to belong to these exclusive hotels?<br />

If so, please contact us!<br />

office@firstclassmedia.at<br />

ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL<br />

142 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

---

SAVOIR VIVRE MY VIENNA<br />

H.E. Baron Willem Van de Voorde<br />

Botschafter von Belgien | Ambassador of Belgium<br />

Interview: Daniela Pötzl<br />

Top in Wien | Top in Vienna<br />

PERSONAL DETAILS<br />

PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA (4), WIEN TOURISMUS/ CHRISTIAN STEMPER; PETER RIGAUD, WIENER ALPEN/ FRANZ ZWICKL<br />

Sie sind nun seit fast vier Jahren in Wien. Welche<br />

Orte in der Stadt haben Sie in dieser Zeit besonders<br />

liebgewonnen?<br />

Ich mag die gelegentlichen Spaziergänge und Erkundungstouren,<br />

oft mit dem Fahrrad in der Innenstadt, in ruhigen<br />

und kleinen Straßen und in kopfsteingepflasterten Gassen.<br />

Alle 20 Meter entdeckt man ein besonderes Geschäft, eine<br />

Galerie, Boutique oder ein Restaurant. Ein weiterer Favorit<br />

ist die Freudenau mit ihrem ländlichen Charakter im<br />

östlichen Prater. Unvergesslich sind auch Besuche der<br />

umfangreichen Sammlungen des Kunsthistorischen<br />

Museums und des Museums für Angewandte Kunst (MAK),<br />

die beide mit Sammlungen alter flämischer Meister oder<br />

des belgischen Jugendstils beeindrucken. Darüber hinaus<br />

genieße ich eine ganz besondere Gegend sehr, und zwar<br />

die äußeren Hänge in den Weinbergen Richtung<br />

Kahlenberg und Leopoldsberg, mit Blick auf die Stadt und<br />

die mächtige Donauebene, mit Blick bis zu den Hügeln von<br />

Bratislava – einer anderen Hauptstadt, in der ich aktiv war.<br />

Was macht Wien aus Ihrer Sicht so einzigartig?<br />

Wien versteht es, durch die Organisation von ausgewählten<br />

öffentlichen (oder privaten) Veranstaltungen seine Bürger<br />

und Besucher zu unterhalten - meist auf eine freundliche,<br />

entspannte und doch sehr professionelle Art. All das wird<br />

immer wieder in der beachtlichen und umfangreichen<br />

Ballsaison unter Beweis gestellt. Ich nahm an einigen<br />

Bällen teil, und diese freudige, überschäumende Atmosphäre<br />

veranschaulicht für mich diesen Zugang. Es ist, wie das<br />

Leben auch, ähnlich einer Theaterinszenierung, aber hier<br />

eben kompetent und durchdacht in Szene gesetzt!<br />

Wien ist eine wundervolle Stadt, perfekt gelegen zwischen<br />

verschiedenen Welten, die Berge in der Nähe, mit einem<br />

reichen kulturellen Erbe und einer endlosen Vielfalt an<br />

gemütlichen Cafés, in die man einfach hineingehen kann,<br />

um Zeitungen zu lesen ...<br />

Welche Parallelen sehen Sie zwischen Belgien und<br />

Österreich?<br />

Sowohl Belgien als auch Österreich sind Grenzländer und<br />

strategisch günstig gelegen: ob entlang wichtiger Seewege<br />

oder an Häfen (Belgien) oder in der Mitte des Kontinents<br />

(Österreich), mit seinen bedeutenden Pässen und Flüssen.<br />

Beide Länder beherbergen wichtige internationale<br />

Organisationen. Beide Länder genießen das Leben,<br />

schätzen gutes Essen und Kultur: der belgische burgundische<br />

Lebensstil oder die österreichische Genusskultur.<br />

Daher ist es nicht überraschend, dass Österreicher und<br />

Belgier auch in Ehen gut miteinander harmonieren: von<br />

1477 (Kaiser Maximilian I. mit Maria von Burgund) bis<br />

heute (Prinzessin Astrid von Belgien und Lorenz<br />

Habsburg-Lothringen), um die prominentesten zu nennen.<br />

Haben Sie einen Lieblingsort, den Sie uns verraten?<br />

Meine bevorzugten Fluchtstätten sind die unteren Pisten<br />

des Schneebergs bei Puchberg oder in Losenheim. Dort<br />

habe ich die Gelegenheit, für ein paar Stunden wegzukommen,<br />

eine gute Wanderung zu machen und dann frisches<br />

Bier und eine saftige Wurst auf der Terrasse der Edelweißhütte<br />

zu mir zu nehmen – am liebsten in der Sonne, wie ich<br />

es zum Glück einige Male erlebt habe.<br />

You have now lived in Vienna for almost four years.<br />

Which parts of the city have you grown particularly<br />

fond of during your time here?<br />

I like the occasional walks, often by bike in the inner city, in<br />

quiet and small streets, often cobble stoned alleys, and you<br />

discover a new special shop every 20 meters, or a gallery,<br />

boutique or restaurant. Another favourite is the countryside<br />

feeling of the Freudenau area in the far East end of the<br />

Prater. Unforgettable, too, are visits to the rich collections<br />

of the Kunsthistorisches Museum and of the Museum für<br />

Angewandte Kunst (MAK), both of which have astonishing<br />

collections of old Flemish masters or Belgian art nouveau.<br />

A last area which I enjoy very much is the outer slopes in<br />

the vineyards towards the Kahlenberg and the Leopoldsberg,<br />

with views across the city and the mighty plain of the<br />

Danube, where the eye reaches as far as the Bratislava hills<br />

– another capital where I have been active.<br />

In your view, what makes Vienna so unique?<br />

Vienna is excellent in entertaining its citizens and visitors,<br />

mostly in a friendly, relaxed yet very professional way, with<br />

a speckless organisation of public (or private) events. All<br />

this comes together in the impressive and extensive ball<br />

season. I participated in some of them and that joyful,<br />

exuberant atmosphere etipomises this state of mind and<br />

affairs for me. It is also somehow a piece of theatre, as life<br />

usually is, but played with a lot of seriousness and professionalism<br />

here!<br />

Vienna is a wonderful city, perfectly located between<br />

different worlds, the mountains at a stone‘s throw, with a<br />

rich cultural heritage and an endless variety of cosy cafés<br />

which you can just visit to read newspapers ...<br />

Which parallels do you recognise between Belgium and<br />

Austria?<br />

Both Belgium and Austria are border countries and<br />

strategically located: whether along important sea routes<br />

or harbours (Belgium), or in the middle of the continent<br />

with dominating, important mountain passes or rivers<br />

(Austria). Both countries host important international<br />

organisations. We both enjoy life, good food and culture:<br />

the Belgian Burgundian life style or the Austrian<br />

Genusskultur... Not surprising also that Austrians and<br />

Belgians are a good match in marriages: from 1477<br />

(Emperor Maximilian I with Mary of Burgund) to today<br />

(Princess Astrid of Belgium and Lorenz Habsburg-<br />

Lothringen), to name but the most prominent.<br />

Do you have a favourite place in Vienna or Austria and<br />

where is it?<br />

My favourite escape zones are the lower slopes of the<br />

Schneeberg at Puchberg or in Losenheim. There, I have the<br />

chance to get away for a few hours, make a good climb and<br />

then have fresh beer and a juicy sausage on the terrace of<br />

the Edelweißhütte – preferably in the sun, as I was lucky to<br />

experience a few times.<br />

Blick auf das Kunsthistorische<br />

und das Naturhistorische<br />

Museum Wien, Wiener<br />

Kaffeehaus-Atmosphäre im Café<br />

Sperl und die Edelweißhütte am<br />

Schneeberg (von oben nach<br />

unten).<br />

View of the Kunsthistorisches<br />

Museum and the Museum of<br />

Natural History Vienna, Viennese<br />

coffeehouse atmosphere at the<br />

Café Sperl and the Edelweißhütte,<br />

located on the Schneeberg (from<br />

top to bottom).<br />

S.E. Baron Willem Van de Voorde wurde in Brüssel geboren und studierte Rechtswissenschaften in Löwen und<br />

London sowie Philosophie und Politikwissenschaften in Brüssel. Seit September 2014 ist er Botschafter von Belgien in<br />

Wien. Davor war er in Brüssel, Berlin und Tokio stationiert. Er ist verheiratet und Vater von vier Kindern.<br />

H.E. Baron Willem Van de Voorde was born in Brussels and studied law in Leuven and London as well as philosophy<br />

and political science in Brussels. He has been Ambassador of Belgium in Vienna since September 2014. Previously, he<br />

served in Brussels, Berlin and Tokyo. He is married and the father of four children.<br />

Der Botschafter in der Botschaft,<br />

exquisites Interieur und mit seiner<br />

Ehefrau, Kristin Van de Voorde-<br />

Heidbüchel (von oben nach unten).<br />

The Ambassador at the embassy,<br />

exquisite interior and with his wife,<br />

Kristin Van de Voorde-Heidbüchel.<br />

144 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 145

---

im morgengrau<br />

DAS OPERNHAUS<br />

beyond | Herwig Zens<br />

SAISON<br />

Händel<br />

ALCINA<br />

Stefan Gottfried | Tatjana Gürbaca<br />

Concentus Musicus Wien<br />

Arnold Schoenberg Chor<br />

Marlis Petersen, David Hansen, Rainer Trost,<br />

Katarina Bradic, Mirella Hagen, Florian Köfler<br />

Premiere: 15. September <strong>2018</strong><br />

Purcell<br />

DIE ZAUBERINSEL *<br />

Markellos Chryssicos | Jean Renshaw<br />

Bach Consort Wien<br />

Junges Ensemble Theater an der Wien<br />

Premiere: 29. September <strong>2018</strong><br />

Rossini<br />

GUILLAUME TELL<br />

Diego Matheuz | Torsten Fischer<br />

Wiener Symphoniker | Arnold Schoenberg Chor<br />

Christoph Pohl, John Osborn, Jane Archibald,<br />

Edwin Crossley-Mercer, Ante Jerkunica<br />

Premiere: 13. Oktober <strong>2018</strong><br />

Händel<br />

TESEO<br />

René Jacobs | Moshe Leiser & Patrice Caurier<br />

Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin<br />

Arnold Schoenberg Chor | Christophe Dumaux,<br />

Gaëlle Arquez, Mari Eriksmoen, Robin Johannsen<br />

Premiere: 14. November <strong>2018</strong><br />

Verdi<br />

DON CARLOS *<br />

Matteo Pais | Sébastien Dutrieux<br />

Wiener KammerOrchester<br />

Junges Ensemble Theater an der Wien<br />

Premiere: 28. November <strong>2018</strong><br />

Weber<br />

EURYANTHE<br />

Constantin Trinks | Christof Loy | RSO Wien<br />

Arnold Schoenberg Chor | Jacquelyn Wagner,<br />

Norman Reinhardt, Andrew Foster-Williams,<br />

Theresa Kronthaler, Stefan Cerny<br />

Premiere: 12. Dezember <strong>2018</strong><br />

Purcell<br />

KING ARTHUR<br />

Stefan Gottfried | Sven-Eric Bechtolf<br />

Concentus Musicus Wien<br />

Arnold Schoenberg Chor | Jonathan Lemalu,<br />

Robin Johannsen, Mark Milhofer,<br />

Johannes Bamberger, Dumitru Mădărăśan<br />

Premiere: 17. Januar 2019<br />

Mendelssohn Bartholdy<br />

ELIAS<br />

Jukka-Pekka Saraste | Calixto Bieito<br />

RSO Wien | Arnold Schoenberg Chor<br />

Christian Gerhaher, Maria Bengtsson,<br />

Maximilian Schmitt, Ann-Beth Solvang<br />

Premiere: 16. Februar 2019<br />

Ravel | Offenbach<br />

L’ENFANT | OLYMPIA *<br />

Raphael Schluesselberg | Barbora Horáková-Joly<br />

Wiener KammerOrchester<br />

Junges Ensemble Theater an der Wien<br />

Premiere: 26. Februar 2019<br />

Tschaikowski<br />

DIE JUNGFRAU<br />

VON ORLEANS<br />

Oksana Lyniv | Lotte de Beer<br />

Wiener Symphoniker | Arnold Schoenberg Chor<br />

Oksana Volkova, Daniel Schmutzhard,<br />

Dmitry Golovnin, Willard White, Martin Winkler<br />

Premiere: 16. März 2019<br />

Händel<br />

ORLANDO<br />

Giovanni Antonini | Claus Guth<br />

Il Giardino Armonico<br />

Christophe Dumaux, Florian Boesch,<br />

Anna Prohaska, Giulia Semenzato<br />

Premiere: 14. April 2019<br />

Bernstein<br />

CANDIDE *<br />

Benjamin Bayl | NN<br />

Wiener KammerOrchester<br />

Junges Ensemble Theater an der Wien<br />

Premiere: 30. April 2019<br />

Weber<br />

OBERON<br />

Thomas Guggeis | Nikolaus Habjan<br />

Wiener KammerOrchester<br />

Arnold Schoenberg Chor | Mauro Peter,<br />

Annette Dasch, Daniel Schmutzhard,<br />

Vincent Wolfsteiner, Natalia Kawalek<br />

Premiere: 13. Mai 2019<br />

* Theater an der Wien in der Kammeroper<br />

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---

LES RENDEZVOUS EVENTS<br />

Popping of Flashbulbs<br />

Find more<br />

photos online<br />

cercle-diplomatique.com<br />

February <strong>2018</strong><br />

The traditional ball of the OSCE took place at the Hofburg.<br />

The guests enjoyed the event in the festive ambiance.<br />

March <strong>2018</strong><br />

On invitation of the Chinese tourism<br />

board, a gala evening was arranged<br />

where guests could make a virtual<br />

journey through China.<br />

March <strong>2018</strong><br />

The Vienna Private Hospital invited to<br />

a vernissage under the motto “Colour<br />

and Dance“.<br />

Left: Annemarie<br />

Ebm-Schaljo<br />

(right) with the<br />

artist Moje<br />

Menhardt who<br />

exhibited acrylic<br />

paintings and<br />

drawings.<br />

Left: The Chinese Ambassador to Austria, H.E. LI Xiaosi<br />

was also present.<br />

February <strong>2018</strong><br />

The Amadeus International School Vienna organised<br />

a gala concert at the Gläserner Saal of the Musikverein.<br />

The performances of the students as well as of some guest artists<br />

were a great success and fascinated the audience.<br />

PHOTOS: HARALD STOCKINGER, AMADEUS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL VIENNA,<br />

PHOTOS: QIANLI LIU, VERENA PODIWINSKY, WIENER PRIVATKLINIK, MICHEAL HIMML, WALTER HANZMANN<br />

March <strong>2018</strong><br />

The annual exhibition <strong>2018</strong> “Roman<br />

camp Arrianis - the Limes in Klosterneuburg“<br />

at Klosterneuburg Abbey<br />

was officially opened.<br />

The exhibition is open to<br />

interested visitors until<br />

18 November <strong>2018</strong>.<br />

Left: Deputy Director Margareta Griessler-Hermann led through the evening and moderated in perfect<br />

Chinese. Right: Secretary General Josef Plank, Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism.<br />

148 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong> 149

---

LES RENDEZVOUS EVENTS<br />

March <strong>2018</strong><br />

The Belvedere and the Belgian Embassy invited to the opening of the exhibition<br />

„Beyond Klimt - New horizons in Central Europe“ in the Lower Belvedere.<br />

April <strong>2018</strong><br />

The Austrian Farmers and Forest Owners Club<br />

invited to the Hotel Imperial Vienna.<br />

Stella Rolig, General Director of the Belvedere, (middle) and<br />

the Belgian Ambassador, H.E. Willem Van de Voorde (2nd<br />

left). The exhibition is a cooperation of the Belvedere in<br />

Vienna and the Center for Fine Arts in Brussels (BOZAR).<br />

Top: The Club‘s President<br />

Ursula Ludwig (left) organised<br />

together with Ali Meyer a<br />

panel discussion, pictured here<br />

also with CD editor Andrea<br />

Fürnweger.<br />

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top level hotel services are combined with warm Burgenland<br />

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April <strong>2018</strong><br />

The Union of the Consular Corps in Austria (UCCA) asked to a<br />

guided tour at Ögussa.<br />

Accomodation with 4*service<br />

n 127 Pannonian country houses with terrace, furnished<br />

kitchen and 2 bedrooms<br />

n 27 double rooms and 8 spacious Adebar-Suites<br />

Very top: President of U.C.C.A. Honorary General<br />

Consul Wolfgang Andreas Breitenthaler (l.).<br />

Top: Marcus Fasching (middle), CEO of Ögussa, took his time and<br />

informed the interested guests about his company and the process of<br />

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PHOTOS: SANDRO ZANZINGER © BELVEDERE, WIEN, DODGE & BURN, ADRIAN ALMASAN<br />

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n 9 conference rooms in different buildings<br />

Gastronomic choice<br />

n Breakfast and half board restaurant VITAVESTA<br />

n A la carte Restaurant VITATELLA<br />

n Csarda with sun terrace<br />

n Further bars and restaurants in the area<br />

Spa area<br />

n Heated indoor pool, outdoor pool with waterfall shower,<br />

Jacuzzi<br />

n Swimming pond with sauna area<br />

n Steam baths, different types of sauna<br />

n Relaxation beds<br />

n Premium wellness oasis<br />

Leisure facilities<br />

n 600 VILA VITA bicycles for all guests of the hotel<br />

n Eco-touristic center for renewable energy<br />

n Riding stable, tennis courts, minigolf and playgrounds<br />

n 76,4 km of running tracks<br />

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150 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

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Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

151

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LES RENDEZVOUS EVENTS<br />

Eigenevent<br />

April <strong>2018</strong><br />

At the 10 th gala evening of the apprentice initiative Amuse Bouche, around 1,200<br />

guests from top gastronomy gathered to honour the best apprentices at the townhall<br />

of Vienna.<br />

Cercle Diplomatique was also present and invited<br />

Ambassadors to Austria in Vienna to a special „CD Lounge“.<br />

PHOTOS: DODGE & BURN<br />

Top: Piroska Payr (5th from right), the founder and<br />

coordinator of Amuse Bouche, in the CD Lounge.<br />

152 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

---

LES RENDEZVOUS EVENTS<br />

Eigenevent<br />

April <strong>2018</strong><br />

Cercle Diplomatique had the opportunity to welcome a small group of Ambassadors<br />

to the premiere of the show AFRIKA! AFRIKA! to the Wiener Stadthalle.<br />

April <strong>2018</strong><br />

The new Minister of Finance Hartwig Löger gave a speech in the banqueting<br />

hall of the Raiffeisenbank Klosterneuburg on the subject “Fiscal policy<br />

priorities of the coming years“.<br />

The new production of the<br />

show is based on an idea<br />

by André Heller and was<br />

a complete success.<br />

Right: Guest of honour was<br />

the Ambassador of Egypt,<br />

H.E. Omar Amer Youssef (r.).<br />

Top: The President of<br />

the „Austrian Society<br />

for International<br />

Understanding“, Josef<br />

Höchtl (r.) with the<br />

Minister of Finance,<br />

Hartwig Löger.<br />

April <strong>2018</strong><br />

In the ceremonial hall of the archive of the University of Vienna, the ostrich egg globe by Leonardo<br />

da Vinci from the year 1504, was presented.<br />

PHOTOS:DODGE & BURN, CD, BEIGESTELLT, ALFRED NECHVATAL<br />

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154 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

---

LES RENDEZVOUS EVENTS<br />

TRUST THE NUMBER 1<br />

April 2017<br />

Former Ambassador of Austria in Belgium, Karl Schramek, was awarded the Grand Cross<br />

of the Order of the Crown in the residence of the Belgian Ambassador.<br />

Top: This high Belgian<br />

award was presented by<br />

the Ambassador of the<br />

Kingdom of Belgium to<br />

Austria, Baron Willem Van<br />

de Voorde (left), pictured<br />

here with Karl Schramek.<br />

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Birgit Sarata, Honorary Vice Consul of Senegal, invited to one<br />

of her wonderful private receptions.<br />

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156 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong>

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living@theambassy.com<br />

Thurn & Bauer Immobiliengruppe<br />

+43 1 586 27 40<br />

thurn.at<br />

Über den Linden<br />

+43 1 224 227 100<br />

lindengasse.co.at<br />

Wohntraum Hietzing<br />

+43 5 909 10 2240<br />

wohntraum-hietzing.at<br />

Serviced City Apartments<br />

Adagio Vienna City<br />

+43 1 908 303<br />

adagio-city.com<br />

Hotel NH Wien City<br />

+43 1 521 720<br />

nh-hotels.de<br />

IG City Apartments<br />

ig-city-apartments.com<br />

LIV‘iN Residence by Fleming‘s<br />

Wien-Parlament<br />

+43 1 227 37-5555<br />

basedinvienna.at<br />

My place City Centre<br />

My place Riverside<br />

+43 1 317 17 17–75<br />

my-place.at<br />

Room4Rent<br />

+43 1 890 20 10 9000<br />

room4rent.at<br />

Singerstrasse 21/25<br />

+43 1 514 490<br />

singerstrasse2125.at<br />

Top Apartments Vienna<br />

+43 676 780 69 24<br />

top-apartments-vienna.com<br />

VCA Vienna City Apartments<br />

+43 (0)650 443 38 00<br />

Schottenring33.com<br />

viennaresidence<br />

+43 1 307 22 22<br />

viennaresidence.com<br />

Lawyers<br />

Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati<br />

+43 1 514 35-0<br />

chsh.com<br />

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz<br />

+43 1 404 43-0<br />

cms-rrh.com<br />

Dorda Brugger Jordis<br />

+43 1 533 47 95-0<br />

dbj.at<br />

Dr. Gabriele Peterfy, LL.M<br />

+43 1 236 36 39<br />

peterfy-law.com<br />

Konrad & Partners<br />

+43 1 512 95 00<br />

konrad-partners.com<br />

Lansky, Ganzger + Partner<br />

+43 1 533 33 30-0<br />

lansky.at<br />

Schönherr Rechtsanwälte<br />

+43 1 534 37-0<br />

schoenherr.eu<br />

TaylorWessing enwc<br />

+43 1 716 55-0<br />

taylorwessing.com/at/home.html<br />

Health & Private Clinics<br />

Austrian Health-agency for high<br />

quality medicine<br />

+43 1 361 88 66<br />

austrianhealth.at<br />

Goldenes Kreuz Privatklinik<br />

+43 1 40 111-0<br />

goldenes-kreuz.at<br />

International Pharmacy<br />

+43 1 512 28 25<br />

internationale-apotheke.at<br />

Implantologie und Ästhetische Zahnheilkunde<br />

– Dr. Robert Stillmann<br />

+43 676 83 1815 86<br />

stillmann.at<br />

Privatklinik Döbling<br />

+43 1 360 66-5599<br />

privatklinik-doebling.at<br />

RC Radiology Center<br />

+43 1 408 12 82<br />

radiology-center.com<br />

Residenz Josefstadt GmbH<br />

+49 1 890 24 64<br />

residenz-josefstadt.at<br />

Rudolfinerhaus<br />

+43 1 360 36-0<br />

rudolfinerhaus.at<br />

Sanlas Holding<br />

+43 3133 2274-9110<br />

sanlas.at<br />

Senioren Residenzen<br />

+43 1 680 81<br />

seniorenresidenzen.co.at<br />

Service Department for foreign patients<br />

of the Vienna Medical Association<br />

+43 1 513 95 95<br />

aekwien.at<br />

Wiener Privatklinik<br />

+43 1 40 180-0<br />

wiener-privatklinik.com<br />

ZWD Zahnklinik Wien Döbling<br />

+43 1 320 97 97<br />

zwd.at<br />

Useful links & ressources<br />

Emergency numbers<br />

(all without prefix):<br />

Fire-brigade 122<br />

Police 133<br />

Ambulance 144<br />

PHOTO: WIENTOURISMUS/BRYAN DUFFY<br />

City Of Vienna<br />

wien.gv.at/english<br />

Vienna Tourist Board<br />

vienna.info<br />

Immigration & residency<br />

wien.gv.at/english/administration/<br />

civilstatus<br />

Vienna Service Office<br />

(in the UN-center)<br />

vso.wien.at<br />

Vienna Expat Center<br />

A service provided by the City of Vienna:<br />

Schmerlingplatz 3, 1010 Vienna<br />

Tel: +43 1 4000-86949<br />

Info@expatcenter.at<br />

expatcenter.at<br />

Vienna Business Agency<br />

Mariahilfer Strasse 20, 1070 Vienna<br />

viennabusinessagency.at<br />

Transportation<br />

Vienna public transport information<br />

wienerlinien.at<br />

Austrian Federal railways ÖBB<br />

oebb.at<br />

Austrian Airlines<br />

austrian.com<br />

Vienna Airport<br />

viennaairport.com<br />

Avcon Jet AG<br />

avconjet.at<br />

Vienna Airportlines<br />

viennaairportlines.at<br />

CAT (City airport train)<br />

cityairporttrain.com<br />

Taxi 40100<br />

taxi40100.at<br />

Taxi 60160<br />

taxi60160.at<br />

Taxi 31300<br />

taxi31300.at<br />

Austrian Automobilist Club ÖAMTC<br />

(AAA – partner)<br />

oeamtc.at<br />

please call 120 for breakdown-assistance<br />

Maurizius Stipek Mietwagen GmbH<br />

Tel.: +43 676 350 01 70<br />

msm-limousine.at<br />

Security<br />

The Investigator<br />

Tel.: +43 (0) 664 44 99 464<br />

derfahnder.at<br />

4mation<br />

Tel.: +43 (0) 664 124 14 67<br />

4mation.at<br />

International Schools<br />

in Vienna<br />

Vienna International School<br />

Straße der Menschenrechte 1, 1220 Vienna<br />

Tel: +43 1 2035595-0<br />

Fax: +43 1 2030366<br />

vis.ac.at<br />

The American International School<br />

Salmannsdorfer Straße 47, 1190 Vienna<br />

Tel: +43 1 40132-0<br />

Fax: +43 1 40132-5<br />

ais.at<br />

Danube International School Vienna<br />

IB World School Kindergarten/Elementary<br />

School/Secondary School<br />

Josef Gall Gasse 2, 1<strong>02</strong>0 Vienna<br />

Tel: +43 1 7203110<br />

Fax: +43 1 7203110-40<br />

registrar@danubeschool.at<br />

danubeschool.at<br />

Diplomatische Akademie Wien –<br />

Vienna School of International<br />

Studies<br />

Favoritenstrasse 15a, 1040 Vienna<br />

Tel: +43 1 5057272<br />

Fax: +43 1 5042265-116<br />

info@da-vienna.ac.at<br />

da.vienna.ac.at<br />

Amadeus<br />

International School Vienna<br />

Bastiengasse 36-38, Haus 3, 1180 Vienna<br />

Tel.: +43 1 470 30 37-00<br />

amadeus-vienna.com<br />

Vienna Elementary School<br />

Lacknergasse 75, 1180 Vienna<br />

Tel: +43 1 4704600<br />

Fax: +43 1 4704600-99<br />

vienna-elementary-school.at<br />

International Christian School of<br />

Vienna<br />

Wagramer Straße 175, 1220 Vienna<br />

Tel: +43 1 25122-0<br />

Fax: +43 1 25122-518<br />

icsv.at<br />

Lycée Francais de Vienne<br />

• SECONDARY SCHOOL / LYCÉE<br />

Liechtensteinstraße 37A, 1090 Vienna<br />

Tel: +43 1 3172241<br />

Fax: +43 1 31<strong>02</strong>417<br />

• KINDERGARTEN + PRIMARY SCHOOL /<br />

MATERNELLE ET ELÉMENTAIRE<br />

Grinzingerstraße 95, 1190 Vienna<br />

Tel: +43 1 3701217<br />

Fax: +43 1 3701217-22<br />

(for both): lyceefrancais.at<br />

Svenska Skolan / Swedish School<br />

Scheibelreitergasse, 15, 1190 Vienna<br />

Tel: +43 1 3207980<br />

Fax: +43 1 3207980-20<br />

svenskaskolan.at<br />

Japanese School in Vienna<br />

Prandaugasse 2, 1220 Vienna<br />

Tel: +43 1 2042201-0<br />

Fax: +43 1 2042201-85<br />

japaneseschool.at (Japanese only)<br />

Musical Munchkins Productions<br />

GmbH<br />

English Speaking Music School<br />

Esslinggasse 6, 1010 Wien<br />

Tel: +43 1 239 24 08<br />

office@musicalmunchkins.eu<br />

musicalmunchkins.eu<br />

<strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong> – ECONOMIQUE et<br />

TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL<br />

International Affairs • Global Business • Exclusive<br />

Lifestyle<br />

<strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong> is Austria‘s leading and<br />

only bilingual medium for the diplomatic corps,<br />

leading officials of international organisations and<br />

for the majority of decision-makers from politics,<br />

business, tourism and art & culture in Austria.<br />

Publisher:<br />

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Media Owner, Publisher & Producer:<br />

FCM firstclassmedia GmbH<br />

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Print Documentation:<br />

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Editors:<br />

Mag. Daniela Pötzl (Editor-in-chief)<br />

dani.poetzl@firstclassmedia.at<br />

Mag. Gerald Sturz (Editorial concept)<br />

Rainer Himmelfreundpointner<br />

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Transvox Language Services<br />

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Ouriel Morgensztern, Joe Haider, Dodge and Burn/<br />

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Frequency of Publication:<br />

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Issue price €10, annual subscription €36<br />

(within Austria)<br />

All articles in <strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong> are<br />

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of text, photographs and layout without written<br />

permission of the publisher and the designers is<br />

prohibited and punishable by law. No liability is<br />

assumed for unsolicited manuscripts, pictures, etc.<br />

received. The author bears responsibility for articles<br />

which identify anyone or anything by name. The<br />

views expressed in the articles do not necessarily<br />

reflect those of the publisher or editors. All articles<br />

contained in this magazine serve informational<br />

purposes and freedom of expression only.<br />

Price list valid from 1 January <strong>2018</strong>.<br />

Disclosure:<br />

Published according to § 25 media law and always<br />

available at www.cercle-diplomatique.com/impressum<br />

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For the lists of foreign Embassies in Austria, the Austrian Embassies abroad<br />

and the Foreign Trade Centers of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce,<br />

please visit our website at:<br />

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160 Cercle Diplomatique 2/<strong>2018</strong><br />

VIENNA’S ONLY<br />

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---

FACTS & FIGURES<br />

Total alles über Österreich<br />

The complete Austria<br />

Die verbreitetsten Vornamen in Österreich. | The most popular first names in Austria.<br />

14<br />

Damit das Kind einen Namen hat<br />

On a first-name basis<br />

Anna<br />

Karl<br />

Die verbreitetsten Vornamen in Österreich bzw. wie heute Kinder benannt werden. Auch für<br />

Gegenstände und Situationen haben ÖsterreicherInnen mitunter einen Namen parat. /<br />

The most popular first names in Austria, or what people today name their babies. Austrians<br />

also have favourite names for animals, objects and situations.<br />

Renate<br />

Brigitte<br />

Walter<br />

Christine<br />

Gerhard<br />

Franz<br />

Waldi<br />

Ulf<br />

Daniel<br />

Maria<br />

Elisabeth<br />

Helga<br />

Johann<br />

Michael<br />

Hund<br />

Dog<br />

Der höchste Gipfel der Ammergauer Alpen<br />

The highest peak in the Ammergau Alps<br />

Wiener Straßenbahn<br />

Viennese tram<br />

Christian<br />

Josef<br />

Karl<br />

Monika<br />

Andrea<br />

Andreas<br />

Peter<br />

Steffl<br />

Jennifer<br />

Elfriede<br />

Emma<br />

Marie<br />

Jonas<br />

Jakob<br />

Lena<br />

Tobias<br />

Stephansdom<br />

St. Stephen’s Cathedral<br />

… aber Jennifer, aber dalli<br />

(von Jennifer Rush)<br />

Get a move on!<br />

„Da hama an Koal ghabt!“<br />

(Da hatten wir Spaß.)<br />

We had so much fun.<br />

Sophie<br />

Felix<br />

Hannah<br />

Lukas<br />

Marie<br />

Anna<br />

Hansi<br />

David<br />

Elias<br />

Peppi<br />

Alexander<br />

Laura<br />

Mia<br />

Eichhörnchen<br />

Squirrel<br />

Geld<br />

Money<br />

Perücke<br />

Wig<br />

Sarah<br />

Sophia<br />

Maximilian<br />

Paul<br />

BUCHTIPP<br />

Sisi, Falco und die<br />

Sachertorte gehören zu<br />

Österreich wie die Kugel zu<br />

Mozart und die Couch zu<br />

Freud – aber kennen Sie die<br />

korrekten Walzerschritte,<br />

die schrägsten Wunschkennzeichen<br />

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nützliches und unnützes<br />

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you know the right steps<br />

for the waltz, the most<br />

outlandish vanity plates in<br />

Austria and the country´s<br />

out-of-this-world place<br />

names?<br />

Here you´ll find interesting<br />

and fun facts about the<br />

alpine republic packed into<br />

whimsical charts and<br />

unusual graphics.<br />

–<br />

Folio Verlag<br />

folioverlag.com<br />

€ 24,90