CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 01/2015
CD is an independent and impartial magazine and is the medium of communication between foreign representatives of international and UN-organisations based in Vienna and the Austrian political classes, business, culture and tourism. CD features up-to-date information about and for the diplomatic corps, international organisations, society, politics, business, tourism, fashion and culture. Furthermore CD introduces the new ambassadors in Austria and informs about designations, awards and top-events. Interviews with leading personalities, country reports from all over the world and the presentation of Austria as a host country complement the wide range oft he magazine.
CD is an independent and impartial magazine and is the medium of communication between foreign representatives of international and UN-organisations based in Vienna and the Austrian political classes, business, culture and tourism. CD features up-to-date information about and for the diplomatic corps, international organisations, society, politics, business, tourism, fashion and culture. Furthermore CD introduces the new ambassadors in Austria and informs about designations, awards and top-events. Interviews with leading personalities, country reports from all over the world and the presentation of Austria as a host country complement the wide range oft he magazine.
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<strong>01</strong>/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Das führende Magazin für das diplomatische Corps, internationale Organisationen und Wirtschaft<br />
The leading magazine for the diplomatic corps, international organizations and the economy<br />
www.cercle-diplomatique.com<br />
44 Jahre<br />
Gegründet 1971<br />
Neu ab<br />
2<strong>01</strong>5!<br />
IRAK DIE WIEGE DER ZIVILISATION<br />
IRAQ THE CRADLE OF<br />
CIVILIZATION
EDITORIAL<br />
Ich steh<br />
auf Österreich.<br />
Ich sitz auf ADA.<br />
PHOTO: HARALD KLEMM<br />
Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser! | Dear Readers,<br />
Sie halten gerade die erste Ausgabe<br />
von Cercle Diplomatique<br />
in Händen, die wir gemeinsam<br />
mit unserem Team gestalten durften.<br />
Nach 18 Jahren erfolgreicher Herausgeberschaft<br />
haben Waltraud und<br />
Erik Steinböck die Agenden des<br />
Magazins vertrauensvoll in unsere<br />
Hände gelegt. Wir bedanken uns<br />
sehr herzlich für die reibungslose<br />
Übergabe und die laufende Unterstützung.<br />
Es freut uns ganz besonders,<br />
dass uns Waltraud Steinböck<br />
als Mit-Herausgeberin mit ihrer<br />
Expertise auch in Zukunft noch zur<br />
Seite stehen wird.<br />
Gemeinsam mit unserem Art<br />
Director Ralph Manfreda haben wir<br />
ein neues und modernes Erscheinungsbild<br />
entwickelt. Doch nicht<br />
nur optisch, sondern auch inhaltlich<br />
gibt es einige Veränderungen. Wie<br />
gehabt, bleiben unsere Kernkompetenzen<br />
Diplomatie, internationale<br />
Organisationen und Beziehungen<br />
sowie Wirtschaft. Neu dazugekommen<br />
sind die Ressorts „L’Autriche“<br />
und „Savoir-vivre“.<br />
Cercle Diplomatique wird in Zukunft<br />
viermal pro Jahr erscheinen<br />
und Sie mit interessanten Geschichten<br />
aus aller Welt und aus Österreich<br />
begleiten. Neben der internationalen<br />
Community und dem diplomatischen<br />
Corps werden künftig noch<br />
stärker als bisher Multiplikatoren,<br />
Führungskräfte und Entscheidungsträger<br />
aus Wirtschaft, Tourismus<br />
und Kultur angesprochen.<br />
Wir freuen uns natürlich auch<br />
über Feedback per Post, E-Mail oder<br />
auch gerne persönlich. Abschließend<br />
bleibt nur noch eines zu sagen:<br />
Wir wünschen Ihnen viel Spaß beim<br />
Lesen!<br />
In your hands, you are holding<br />
the first edition of Cercle Diplomatique<br />
that we were able to<br />
produce together with our team.<br />
After 18 years of successful editorship,<br />
Waltraud and Erik Steinböck<br />
have entrusted the magazine’s agendas<br />
to our hands. We are grateful to<br />
them for the smooth handover process<br />
and for their continued support.<br />
We are particularly pleased that Waltraud<br />
Steinböck, with all her expertise,<br />
will be continuing to work with<br />
and contribute to us as co-editor for<br />
the future.<br />
In cooperation with our art director,<br />
Ralph Manfreda, we have developed<br />
a new, modern layout for the<br />
magazine. There have been a few<br />
changes, not just in terms of appearance<br />
but also in terms of content.<br />
Our core competencies remain, as<br />
ever, diplomacy, international organisations<br />
and relations, and the economy.<br />
New in the portfolio are the<br />
sections “L’Autriche” and “Savoir Vivre”.<br />
Cercle Diplomatique is published<br />
four times a year in the future and<br />
will accompany you with interesting<br />
stories from Austria and all over the<br />
world. In addition to the international<br />
community and the diplomatic<br />
corps more than ever multipliers,<br />
managers and decision makers from<br />
business, tourism and culture will be<br />
addressed in the future.<br />
Of course, we welcome all feedback<br />
via mail, e -mail or personally.<br />
Finally, there is only one thing left to<br />
say: We hope you enjoy reading !<br />
Herzlichst | Warmest regards,<br />
Andrea Fürnweger<br />
Herausgeber | Publisher<br />
Mag. Alexander Bursky<br />
Herausgeber | Publisher<br />
www.ada.at<br />
facebook.com/ADA.Moebel<br />
Graz · Kasematten
ENTRÉE<br />
ES IST NICHT<br />
DIE LEISTUNG,<br />
SONDERN DIE<br />
FREUDE DARÜBER.<br />
DER NEUE BMW X6 MIT xDRIVE.<br />
Der neue BMW X6<br />
www.bmw.at/X6<br />
Freude auf jeder Strecke eindrucksvoll erfahren: Der neue BMW X6 – grenzenlos kraftvoll. Darüber hinaus Sinnbild für<br />
Ästhetik und Exklusivität. Doch was ist Kraft ohne Kontrolle? BMW xDrive, das intelligente Allradsystem, konzentriert<br />
Leistung dort, wo sie gebraucht wird: bis zu 100% auf Vorder- oder Hinterachse. Für Fahrfreude ohne Dynamikverlust.<br />
Von Beginn an ging es dabei nicht nur um das perfekte Auto. Vielmehr um ein Gefühl: Freude am Fahren.<br />
Freude am Fahren<br />
Symbolfoto<br />
PHOTO: PERTRAMER<br />
Grußworte<br />
Greetings<br />
Ich gratuliere zur Neugestaltung<br />
des Magazins Cercle<br />
Diplomatique.<br />
Ich finde die kreative Weiterentwicklung<br />
der traditionsreichen<br />
Publikation durch die neuen Verleger<br />
und Herausgeber Andrea<br />
Fürnweger und Mag. Alexander<br />
Bursky sehr gelungen.<br />
Die Einladung zu einer Grußbotschaft<br />
gibt mir auch die Gelegenheit,<br />
der bisherigen Herausgeberin,<br />
Frau KommR Prof.<br />
Waltraud Steinböck, sehr herzlich<br />
zu danken. Zwei Jahrzehnte lang<br />
hat sie in höchst engagierter Weise<br />
den Leserinnen und Lesern die<br />
Welt der Diplomatie innerhalb<br />
und außerhalb Österreichs nahe<br />
gebracht. Ihre Kompetenz und<br />
ihre große Auslandserfahrung haben<br />
Frau Prof. Steinböck die Anerkennung<br />
einer breiteren Öffentlichkeit<br />
eingebracht, weit über die<br />
Welt der internationalen Beziehungen<br />
und der Internationalen<br />
Organisationen hinaus.<br />
Gute Beziehungen zwischen<br />
Ländern und Nationen sind wichtiger<br />
denn je, um einander ohne<br />
Vorurteile oder historische Belastungen<br />
zu begegnen bzw. gemeinsam<br />
Probleme zu lösen. Österreich<br />
gilt diesbezüglich als offenes,<br />
sicheres und auch gastfreundliches<br />
Land, das seine globale Verantwortung<br />
durch gezielte Dialog-<br />
und Kooperationsbereitschaft<br />
stützt und fördert.<br />
Ich bin überzeugt davon, dass<br />
das nunmehr neu gestaltete Magazin<br />
Cercle Diplomatique wie<br />
gewohnt publizistische Brücken<br />
baut und dabei Menschen, Kulturen<br />
und Nationen miteinander im<br />
Sinne des Friedens und der<br />
Freundschaft verbindet.<br />
In diesem Sinn nochmals herzliche<br />
Gratulation und viel Erfolg<br />
für das neue Team!<br />
Congratulations on the reorganization<br />
of the magazine<br />
Cercle Diplomatique.<br />
I personally find the creative<br />
further development of this traditional<br />
publication by its new editors<br />
Andrea Fürnweger and Mag.<br />
Alexander Bursky very appealing.<br />
The invitation to send a greeting<br />
message also gives me the<br />
opportunity to thank Professor<br />
Waltraud Steinböck very cordially.<br />
For two decades she has<br />
brought the world of diplomacy<br />
in and outside Austria to the readers<br />
in a most dedicated manner.<br />
Her competence and vast foreign<br />
experience have gained Professor<br />
Steinböck great esteem within the<br />
general public, far beyond the<br />
world of international relations<br />
and international organizations.<br />
Good relations among countries<br />
and nations are more important<br />
than ever, in order to approach<br />
one another without<br />
prejudices or historical strains<br />
and find joint problem resolutions.<br />
In this respect Austria is<br />
known as an open, secure and<br />
hospitable country which recognizes<br />
and fosters its global responsibilities<br />
through targeted dialogue<br />
and cooperation.<br />
I am convinced that the newly<br />
designed magazine Cercle Diplomatique<br />
will continue to build<br />
journalistic bridges and thus unite<br />
people, cultures and nations in<br />
the sense of peace and friendship.<br />
In this sense, I congratulate<br />
the new team again and wish<br />
them great success for the future.<br />
Heinz Fischer<br />
Bundespräsident<br />
Dr. Heinz Fischer<br />
Denn was zählt, ist nicht das Ziel, sondern der Weg dorthin.<br />
Weitere Informationen erhalten Sie unter www.bmw.at oder beim<br />
BMW Partner Service unter Tel. 0800/21 55 55 oder info@bmw.at.<br />
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von 6 l/100 km bis 11,1 l/100 km, CO 2 -Emission von 157 g/km bis 258 g/km.<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
5
ENTRÉE<br />
Foto: © SRS/Michael Rzepa<br />
Grußworte<br />
Greetings<br />
WKO-Präsident Dr. Christoph Leitl<br />
an „Cercle Diplomatique“<br />
Wien, Februar 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
to „Cercle Diplomatique“<br />
Vienna, February 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
450TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPANISH<br />
RIDING SCHOOL IN VIENNA SILVERCOIN<br />
BRING ON THE<br />
DANCING HORSES<br />
Cercle Diplomatique ist seit<br />
vielen Jahren ein treuer<br />
Begleiter und exzellenter<br />
Berichterstatter der österreichischen<br />
Unternehmen auf dem internationalen<br />
Parkett und mediales<br />
Bindeglied zur gobalen<br />
diplomatischen Gemeinschaft in<br />
Österreich. In diesem Zusammenhang<br />
möchte ich der bisherigen<br />
Herausgeberin, Frau KR Prof.<br />
Waltraud Steinböck, für ihr unermüdliches<br />
Engagement danken<br />
und wünsche ihr das Beste für<br />
ihren weiteren Weg. Es freut mich<br />
aber auch, dass Frau Prof. Steinböck<br />
in Zukunft dem Magazin als<br />
Mit-Herausgeberin mit ihrer Expertise<br />
mit Rat und Tat weiter zur<br />
Verfügung stehen wird. Den neuen<br />
Herausgebern wünsche ich<br />
denselben Erfolg, und ich warte<br />
schon mit Spannung auf die erste<br />
Ausgabe des neu ausgerichteten<br />
Magazins, dessen Fokussierung ja<br />
noch stärker auf wirtschaftliche<br />
Aspekte ausgerichtet sein wird.<br />
For many years now, Cercle<br />
Diplomatique has been<br />
both a loyal companion<br />
and an outstanding reporter for<br />
Austrian companies on the international<br />
stage, and an essential<br />
media link to the global diplomatic<br />
community in Austria. With<br />
this in mind, I would like to thank<br />
the publisher to date, KR Prof.<br />
Waltraud Steinböck, for her tireless<br />
commitment to the magazine,<br />
and wish her all the very best<br />
for the future. I am also extremely<br />
pleased that Prof. Steinböck will<br />
continue to support the magazine<br />
in the future with her advice and<br />
expertise, in her role as co-publisher.<br />
I would like to wish the<br />
magazine’s new publishers the<br />
same degree of success, and look<br />
forward with interest to reading<br />
the first <strong>issue</strong> of the realigned magazine,<br />
which will focus even<br />
more closely on economic perspectives.<br />
Herzlichst Ihr | Sincerely,<br />
Christoph Leitl<br />
PHOTO: WKO<br />
The world’s oldest and most famous equestrian academy celebrates its 450th anniversary in 2<strong>01</strong>5. Considered an Intangible<br />
Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 2<strong>01</strong>0, the Spanish Riding School in Vienna continues to delight both connoisseurs and<br />
newcomers to horsemanship almost half a millennium since its foundation in 1565. Minted in the school’s honor, this superb<br />
20 euro silver coin brilliantly echoes the elegance of the Spanish Riding School and will no doubt delight you, too.<br />
Available from all fine coin dealers and at www.austrian-mint.at.<br />
AUSTRIAN MINT – INVEST. COLLECT. GIVE.<br />
www.austrian-mint.at<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
7
CONTENTS<br />
<strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong> –<br />
ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE<br />
Nr. 302<br />
Ausgabe | Issue <strong>01</strong>/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Coverstory<br />
IRAQ<br />
Seite | page 30<br />
Ein umfassendes Portrait über<br />
den Irak heute, seine glorreiche<br />
Vergangenheit, die Aussichten<br />
für die Zukunft und die<br />
Irakische Botschaft in<br />
Österreich.<br />
A comprehensive portrait of<br />
Iraq today, its glorious past,<br />
the prospects for the future<br />
and the Iraqi Embassy in<br />
Austria.<br />
12<br />
16<br />
30<br />
40<br />
44<br />
48<br />
52<br />
56<br />
60<br />
62<br />
66<br />
LE BULLETIN<br />
Die neuen Botschafter | The new Ambassadors<br />
Akkreditierungen durch Bundespräsident Fischer. Accreditations by Federal President Fischer.<br />
Offizielle Empfänge | Official Receptions<br />
Die großen Empfänge der letzten drei Monate. The great receptions of the past three months.<br />
LE MONDE<br />
Coverstory Irak | Cover story Iraq<br />
Die Wiege der Zivilisation. The cradle of civilization.<br />
Thailand<br />
Eines der touristisch attraktivsten Länder der Welt. A leading tourist destination.<br />
Lettland | Latvia<br />
EU-Ratspräsidentschaft. Presidency of the Council of the European Union.<br />
Essay<br />
200 Jahre Wiener Kongress. 200 years of the Congress of Vienna.<br />
Panama<br />
Botschafterin Gloria Young im Fokus. Ambassador Gloria Young in focus.<br />
Außenwirtschaft | Foreign Affairs<br />
Außenminister Kurz zum Thema Integration. Foreign Minister Kurz on the topic of integration.<br />
Vienna Economic Forum<br />
Das VEF und seine Rolle in Südosteuropa. The VEF and its role in Southeastern Europe.<br />
Bangladesch | Bangladesh<br />
Rückblick, Ausblick und die Situation heute. Look back, forecast and the situation today.<br />
News<br />
Neuigkeiten aus der ganzen Welt. Latest update from all over the world.<br />
106<br />
112<br />
118<br />
122<br />
124<br />
126<br />
128<br />
132<br />
134<br />
136<br />
140<br />
144<br />
146<br />
Lyoness Open<br />
Die europäische Golfelite trifft sich in Tulln. The European golf elite meets in Tulln.<br />
Uhren | Watches<br />
Die exklusivsten Neuheiten des Marktes. The most exclusive innovations of the market.<br />
Prag | Prague<br />
Ein Wochenende in der Goldenen Stadt. A weekend in the Golden City.<br />
Suite Dreams<br />
Die Präsidenten Suite des Hotel Sacher. The President Suite in the Hotel Sacher.<br />
Check in<br />
Die Vorzüge des Hotel Meliá Vienna. The amenities of the Hotel Meliá Vienna.<br />
Wellness Hotels<br />
Zufluchtsorte für Ihre kleine Auszeit. Hideaways for your timeout.<br />
Kreuzfahrten | Cruises<br />
Die Kreuzfahrertrends 2<strong>01</strong>5. The cruising trends 2<strong>01</strong>5.<br />
Motor<br />
Powerpakete mit Allround-Qualitäten. Power packages with all-round qualities.<br />
Lifestyle<br />
Die Trends für den kommenden Frühling. The trends for the spring season.<br />
Kunst | Arts<br />
Kulturelle Höhepunkte 2<strong>01</strong>5. Cultural highlights 2<strong>01</strong>5.<br />
Reise | Travel<br />
Top-Hotels und -Restaurants aus aller Welt. Top hotels and restaurants around the world.<br />
Buchempfehlungen | Must-reads<br />
Buchtipps aus und über Wien. Book tips from and about Vienna.<br />
Mein Wien | My Vienna<br />
Spaniens Botschafter Alberto Carnero. Spain‘s Ambassador Alberto Carnero.<br />
72<br />
76<br />
80<br />
82<br />
84<br />
90<br />
96<br />
100<br />
102<br />
L‘AUTRICHE<br />
Wirtschaft | Economic Affairs<br />
Wirtschaftsminister Mitterlehner über den Welthandel. Mitterlehner on world trade.<br />
Wien Tourismus | Vienna Tourist Board<br />
Das Geheimnis des Erfolgs der Stadt Wien. The secret of the success of the City of Vienna.<br />
Forschung & Entwicklung | Research & Development<br />
Internationale Spitzenforscher in Wien. International Elite Researchers in Vienna.<br />
Zukunftslabor| Future Lab<br />
Georg Kapsch‘s Visionen für Österreich. Georg Kapsch‘s visions for Austria.<br />
Wirtschaftsnews | Business news<br />
Neues aus der Welt der Wirtschaft. News from the world of business.<br />
SAVOIR VIVRE<br />
Wiener Ringstraße | Vienna‘s Ringstraße<br />
150-Jahr-Jubiläum. 150 year anniversary.<br />
Wiener Sängerknaben | Vienna‘s Boys Choir<br />
Österreichs jüngste Botschafter. Austria‘s youngest ambassadors.<br />
Belvedere<br />
Wo der „Kuss“ zu Hause ist. The home of the „Kiss“.<br />
Spanische Hofreitschule | Spanish Riding School<br />
450 Jahre hohe Reitkunst. 450 Years of Consummate Horsemanship.<br />
150<br />
158<br />
3<br />
5<br />
8<br />
161<br />
LE RENDEZVOUS<br />
Veranstaltungen | Events<br />
Exklusive Veranstaltungen im Fokus. Exclusive events in focus.<br />
LE GUIDE<br />
Adressen | Addresses<br />
Nutzliche Adressen für die internationale Gesellschaft.<br />
Useful addresses for the international community.<br />
Editorial<br />
Entré<br />
Inhalt | Contents<br />
Impressum | Masthead<br />
COVERPHOTO: GETY IMAGES/ NICO TONDINI ; PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/ JANE SWEENEY<br />
2 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
3
LE<br />
BULLETIN<br />
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für 48 oder 72 Stunden freie Fahrt<br />
mit U-Bahn, Tram &Bus und mehr als<br />
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for 48 or 72 hours unlimited travel on<br />
the subway, tram and bus and more<br />
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IN LE BULLETIN ERFAHREN<br />
SIE, WER DIE NEU<br />
AKKREDITIEREN<br />
BOTSCHAFTER IN<br />
ÖSTERREICH SIND UND<br />
WELCHE OFFIZIELLEN<br />
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DEN HABEN.<br />
LE BULLETIN TELLS YOU WHO<br />
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AMBASSADORS TO AUSTRIA<br />
ARE AND WHICH OFFICIAL<br />
RECEPTIONS AND EVENTS<br />
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LE BULLETIN CREDENTIALS<br />
Empfang der neuen Botschafter bei Bundespräsident Dr. Heinz Fischer<br />
Reception of the new Ambassadors with Federal President Dr. Heinz Fischer<br />
H. E.<br />
Dr. Vasilka Poposka<br />
Trenevska<br />
Ambassador of the<br />
Republic of Macedonia<br />
Ambassador of the<br />
Kingdom of Norway<br />
Ambassador of the<br />
Kingdom of Thailand<br />
Credentials: 3rd of December 2<strong>01</strong>4 Credentials: 3rd of December 2<strong>01</strong>4 Credentials: 3rd of Decemeber 2<strong>01</strong>4<br />
H. E.<br />
Bente<br />
Angell-Hansen<br />
H. E.<br />
Arthayudh<br />
Srisamoot<br />
H. E. H. E. H. E.<br />
Vu Viet Anh Md. Abu Zafar Dr. Janos Perenyi<br />
Ambassador of the Socialist<br />
Republic of Vietnam<br />
Ambassador of the People‘s<br />
Republic of Bangladesh<br />
Ambassador of the<br />
Republic of Hungary<br />
Credentials: 3rd of Decemeber 2<strong>01</strong>4 Credentials: 10th of December 2<strong>01</strong>4 Credentials: 10th of December 2<strong>01</strong>4<br />
Born on 22nd of June 1964 in Prilep, Republic of Macedonia<br />
Education<br />
1982-1986 – Faculty of Economics at the University St.<br />
Clement of Ohrid, Bitola<br />
1993 – Master of Economics at the Faculty of Economics at<br />
the University St. Clement of Ohrid, Bitola<br />
1995 – PhD in Statistics at the Faculty of Economics at the<br />
University St. Clement of Ohrid, Bitola<br />
Professional Career<br />
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic<br />
of Macedonia to the Republic of Austria (2<strong>01</strong>4- )<br />
Accompanied her husband, Ambassador Martin Trenevski,<br />
during his mandate as Head of Mission of the Republic of<br />
Macedonia to NATO in Brussels (2<strong>01</strong>0-2<strong>01</strong>4)<br />
Accompanied her husband, Ambassador Martin Trenevski,<br />
during his mandate as Consul General in Toronto, Canada<br />
(2008-2<strong>01</strong>0)<br />
Professor of Biostatistics at the Faculty of Veterinary<br />
Medicine at the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje<br />
(2005-2008)<br />
Accompanied her husband, Ambassador Martin Trenevski,<br />
during his mandate as Ambassador in Sweden (20<strong>01</strong>-2005)<br />
Professor of Biostatistics at the Faculty of Veterinary<br />
Medicine at the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius”, Skopje<br />
(2000)<br />
Assistant Professor of Statistics at the Faculty of Economics<br />
at the University St. Clement of Ohrid, Bitola (1995-2000)<br />
Assistant Professor of Statistics at the Faculty of Economy at<br />
the University St. Clement of Ohrid, Bitola (1990-1993)<br />
Consultant at the National Bank of the Republic of<br />
Macedonia in Skopje (1987-1990)<br />
Born on 15th of December 1951<br />
Education<br />
1988: Leningrad State University, USSR. Degree in social<br />
sciences, University of Oslo. Programmes of study,<br />
concentrating on international politics; French, public law<br />
Professional Career<br />
Ambassador to the Republic of Austria and Permanent<br />
Representative to the International Organisations in<br />
Vienna (2<strong>01</strong>4- )<br />
Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2<strong>01</strong>1)<br />
Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent<br />
Mission of Norway in Geneva (2007-2<strong>01</strong>1)<br />
Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary (2005-2007)<br />
Director General, Department of International Affairs,<br />
Office of the Prime Minister (2000-2005)<br />
Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1998-2000)<br />
Assistant Director General, Department of Natural<br />
Resources and Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Foreign<br />
Affairs (1995)<br />
Assistant Director General, Department of External<br />
Economic Affairs I , Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1993)<br />
Head of Division, Department of External Economic Affairs<br />
I , Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1991)<br />
Head of Division, Department of Natural Resources and<br />
Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1990)<br />
Excecutive Officer, North-South Section, Department of<br />
Multilateral Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign<br />
Affairs (1986-1990)<br />
Attaché/Second Secretary, Norwegian Embassy in<br />
Canberra, Australia (1982-1985)<br />
Foreign Service Trainee, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1979)<br />
Executive Officer, Ministry of Trade and Shipping<br />
(1978-1979)<br />
Research Fellow, Norwegian Institue of International<br />
Affairs (1976-1978)<br />
Born on 29th December 1962, married<br />
Education<br />
1983, Bachelor of Sciences (Government and Economics)<br />
Monmouth College, Illinois<br />
1984 Master of Arts (Economic Policy) University of<br />
Chicago, Illinois<br />
Professional Career<br />
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the<br />
Federal Republic of Austria, Slovak Republic and Republic<br />
of Slovenia (2<strong>01</strong>4- )<br />
Permanent Representative to the United Nations and<br />
International Agencies in Vienna (2<strong>01</strong>4- )<br />
Director-General, Department of ASEAN Affairs<br />
(2<strong>01</strong>2-2<strong>01</strong>4)<br />
Consul General, Consulate General, Vancouver (2<strong>01</strong>0-2<strong>01</strong>2)<br />
Deputy Director-General, ASEAN-Thailand (2007-2<strong>01</strong>0)<br />
Director, Europe 1 Division (EC and Western Europe)<br />
(2005-2007)<br />
Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United<br />
Nations Office in Geneva (2002- 2004)<br />
First Secretary/Counsellor, Department of ASEAN-Affairs<br />
(1996-20<strong>01</strong>)<br />
First Secretary, Royal Thai Embassy, Manila (political/information/protocol)<br />
(1992-1996)<br />
Second Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs,<br />
(1991-1992)<br />
Second Secretary, Department of Political Affairs (South<br />
Asia & Middle East), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1990)<br />
Third Secretary, Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of<br />
Foreign Affairs (1988-1989)<br />
Armed Forces Information Office, Supreme Command<br />
Headquarters (1985-1987)<br />
PHOTOS: JULIA WEICHSELBAUM/HBF, CARINA KARLOVITS/HBF, KONRAD KHITTL/HBF<br />
Born on 2nd of November 1963, in Ha Noi, married,<br />
three children<br />
Education<br />
Master of International Journalism, Moscow State Institute<br />
of International Relations – Soviet Union<br />
PhD in Economics, Research Institute of International Politics<br />
and Economics – Russian Federation Academy of Sciences<br />
Management Training, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of<br />
Politics and Public Administration<br />
Professional Career<br />
Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the<br />
Republic of Austria (2<strong>01</strong>4- )<br />
Deputy Director General, Department of Europe, Ministry of<br />
Foreign Affairs (2009-2<strong>01</strong>4)<br />
Counsellor, then Minister Counsellor – Deputy Chief of<br />
Mission, Embassy of Vietnam in Austria (2006-2009)<br />
Deputy Director General, National Border Committee,<br />
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2002-2006)<br />
Desk Officer, then Chief of the Office, Consular Department,<br />
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1998-2002)<br />
Attaché, Embassy of Vietnam in the United States of<br />
America (1998-1998)<br />
Attaché, Embassy of Vietnam in the Russian Federation<br />
(1995-1997)<br />
Desk Officer, Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign<br />
Affairs (1993-1995)<br />
Officer, Vietnam Courier Newspaper, Ministry of Foreign<br />
Affairs (1988-1992)<br />
Born on 1st of March 1963, married, two daughters<br />
Education<br />
BSc Agriculture (Hons) Sher-e-Bangla Agriculture<br />
University in Dhaka, Bangladesh<br />
Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations from the<br />
International Institute of Public Administration (IIAP) in<br />
Paris, France<br />
MBA Preston University, USA (Karachi campus)<br />
Professional Career<br />
Career Diplomat to the Bangladesh Civil Service (Foreign<br />
Affairs) (1991-2<strong>01</strong>4)<br />
Consul General for Bangladesh in Dubai, UAE (2009-2<strong>01</strong>3)<br />
Consul General for Bangladesh in the Pacific Coast of the<br />
USA (2007-2009)<br />
Counsellor and Acting Deputy High Commissioner in<br />
Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, Karachi<br />
(1997-2004)<br />
The Hague as Second and First Secretary as well as<br />
Alternate Representative to the Organization for the<br />
Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (1997-1999)<br />
Assistant Post Master General in the Ministry of Post and<br />
Telecommunication, Bangladesh Civil Service (Foreign<br />
Affairs) (2009-1991)<br />
Scientific Officer of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute<br />
under the Ministry of Agriculture ( 1987-1989)<br />
Born on 14th of September 1949, married, two children<br />
Education<br />
1979 Doctor of Philosophy, Uppsala University<br />
1972 Bachelor of Arts, Uppsala University, Faculty of<br />
Philosophy, History, English, French<br />
Professional Career<br />
Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco (2<strong>01</strong>1-2<strong>01</strong>4)<br />
Counsellor at the Hungarian Embassy in Paris (2009-2<strong>01</strong>1)<br />
National Coordinator for the Alliance of Civilizations in the<br />
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary (2008-2009)<br />
Director General for lnternational Relations, Crans Montana<br />
Forum, Monaco (2005)<br />
Senior Advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary<br />
(2003-2005)<br />
Special Advisor to the Secretary General of the Council of<br />
Europe (2002-2003)<br />
Member of the Governing Board of the Council of Europe<br />
Development Bank (1993-2002)<br />
Ambassador, Permanent Representation of Hungary to the<br />
Council of Europe, (1998 - 2002)<br />
Chairman of the Ministers‘ Deputies during the Hungarian<br />
Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council<br />
of Europe (1998-1999)<br />
Project Manager of the Joint Programme of the Council of<br />
Europe and the European Commission for the development<br />
and capacity building of local self- government in<br />
Bosnia-Herzegovina and Ukraine (1997-1998)<br />
Chairman of the Liaison Committee between the Council of<br />
Europe and OECD (1993-1996)<br />
Ambassador, Permanent Representation of Hungary to the<br />
Council of Europe (1992- 1996)<br />
Counsellor at the Embassy of Hungary in Vienna<br />
(1990-1992)<br />
Head of Department , Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary<br />
(1990)<br />
12 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
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13
LE BULLETIN CREDENTIALS<br />
H. E.<br />
Gloria Young<br />
Ambassador of the<br />
Republic of Panama<br />
H. E.<br />
Dr. Olexander<br />
Scherba<br />
Ambassador of the<br />
Republic of Ukraine<br />
Credentials: 10th of December 2<strong>01</strong>4 Credentials: 10th of December 2<strong>01</strong>4<br />
Paul Cézanne, Montagne Sainte-Victoire, 1900–1902; Musée d’Orsay, Paris © RMN-Grand Palais (musée d’Orsay)/ Tony Querrec<br />
Born on 30th of December 1952, married, three children,<br />
three grandchildren<br />
Education<br />
2009: Master of Education Systems with specialization in<br />
Curriculum and Supervision, 1984-1985, ICASE, University<br />
of Panama<br />
1998: Social Aspects of Reproductive Health, El Colegio de<br />
México, Mexico<br />
1980: BA in Political Science and Public Administration,<br />
National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM),<br />
Mexico<br />
Professional Career<br />
Executive Director of the Institute for the Consolidation of<br />
Democracy at the Panama Latina University (2<strong>01</strong>1-2<strong>01</strong>4)<br />
Executive Director of the Center for Gender Studies at the<br />
Panama Latina University (2009- )<br />
University Professor at the Faculty of Law and Political<br />
Science at the Panama Latina University and Professor of<br />
Graduate Studies and Masters in Higher Teaching and<br />
others (2007- )<br />
Foreign Service Trainee, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1979)<br />
Executive Officer, Ministry of Trade and Shipping<br />
(1978-1979)<br />
Research Fellow, Norwegian Institute of International<br />
Affairs (1976-1978)<br />
Political positions<br />
National Coordinator, political training of the National<br />
Secretariat of Women of the Panamanian Party; Executive<br />
Secretary of Education of the Panamanian Party (at the<br />
current time)<br />
National Director of the Panamanian Party (2006-2<strong>01</strong>0)<br />
Chief Opposition Party Caucus (2004-2003)<br />
Legislator of the Republic of Panama (2004-1994)<br />
Coordinator of the Expanded Government Legislative<br />
Caucus (20<strong>01</strong>-2000)<br />
President of the Political Party, Movimiento Papa Egoró,<br />
founded by Ruben Blades (1998-1995)<br />
Born on 22th of June 1970, in Kiew, married, two children<br />
Education<br />
Master of Linguistics, National Taras Shevchenko<br />
Kiev University<br />
Doctor of Political Science, Kiev Institute of<br />
International Relations<br />
Professional Career<br />
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the<br />
Ukraine in Austria (2<strong>01</strong>4- )<br />
Special Envoy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the<br />
Ukraine<br />
Participant of the crisis team “Crimea and East”<br />
(2<strong>01</strong>4-2<strong>01</strong>4)<br />
Advisor to the first Deputy Prime Minister of the Ukraine<br />
Participant in negotiations with the IMF and the EU<br />
(2<strong>01</strong>3-2<strong>01</strong>4)<br />
Special Envoy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the<br />
Ukraine (2<strong>01</strong>0-2<strong>01</strong>3)<br />
Advisor to the presidential candidate, MP Arseniy<br />
Yatsenyuk (2009-2<strong>01</strong>0)<br />
Employee in the EU Department in the Ministry of Foreign<br />
Affairs in the Ukraine (2008-2009)<br />
Counsellor of the Embassy of the Ukraine in Washington<br />
Responsible for relations with the congress and Jewish<br />
organizations (2004-2008)<br />
First Secretary, the Deputy Director of the Minister’s Office,<br />
the Foreign Minister speechwriter Anatolii Zlenko<br />
(2000-2003)<br />
Attaché, the third secretary of the Embassy of the Ukraine<br />
in BR (1996-2000)<br />
PHOTOS: JULIA WEICHSELBAUM/HBF, CARINA KARLOVITS/HBF<br />
MUST SEE<br />
UNTIL MAY 3, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Archives of the Dream<br />
from the Musée d’Orsay<br />
Albertinaplatz 1, 1<strong>01</strong>0 Vienna<br />
Daily 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday 10 am to 9 pm<br />
www.albertina.at<br />
14 00 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5
LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />
Official receptions<br />
December 10, 2<strong>01</strong>4<br />
Qatar<br />
National Day reception of Qatar at the Hotel Intercontinental.<br />
December 3, 2<strong>01</strong>4<br />
Romania<br />
National Day reception of Romania at the Liechtenstein Garden Palace.<br />
Ambassador<br />
Silvia Davidoiu<br />
Ambassador Ali<br />
Al-Mansouri<br />
December 12, 2<strong>01</strong>4<br />
Kenya<br />
Reception on the occasion of Kenya‘s Independence Day.<br />
PHOTOS: <strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong><br />
Ambassador Michael A. O. Oyugi and wife<br />
16 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5
LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />
December 15, 2<strong>01</strong>4<br />
Kazakhstan<br />
23rd Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan at The Ritz-Carlton Vienna.<br />
January 19, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Armenia<br />
On the occassion of the signing of the cultural agreement between Armenia<br />
and Austria Arman Kirakossian, Ambassador of Armenia, held a reception at<br />
the Armenian Cultural Center.<br />
Ambassador Kairat<br />
Sarybay and his wife Leila<br />
Makhat-Sarybay<br />
January 9, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Governor‘s Conference<br />
Ceremony at the Palais Niederösterreich in Vienna as part of the handing over of the presidency of the<br />
Governors‘ Conference from Vienna to Lower Austria.<br />
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PHOTOS: <strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong><br />
Ambassador<br />
Arman<br />
Kirakossian<br />
18 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
19
LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />
January 22, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
India<br />
65th anniversary of the Republic of India at the Hotel Bristol, Vienna.<br />
January 23, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Latvia<br />
To mark the beginning of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union the Latvian Embassy invited to<br />
a concert of classical music performed by Latvian musicians at the Vienna City Hall, followed by a reception.<br />
Ambassador Edgars<br />
Skuja (on the right)<br />
February 4, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Sri Lanka<br />
The Ambassador of Sri Lanka hosted a reception in honor of the 67th National Day of Sri Lanka.<br />
Ambassador<br />
Abdul Azeez<br />
Aliyar Lebbe<br />
Ambassador<br />
Rajiva Misra<br />
PH"OTOS: <strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong>/ HARALD KLEMM, PARLAMENTSDIREKTION / BKA / GEORG STEFANIK, BOTSCHAFT SRI LANKA<br />
February 8, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Peace Brunch Stift Melk<br />
On the occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week of the United Nations Abbot Georg Wilfinger and Jordan’s<br />
Ambassador Hussam Al Husseini invited to an interreligious dialogue at Stift Melk.<br />
20 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5
LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />
February 11, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Iran<br />
On the occasion of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran the Iranian Embassy invited to a reception.<br />
February 19, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Kuwait<br />
On the occassion of the 54th anniversary of independence and the 24th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait and<br />
to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations with Austria the Ambassador of Kuwait Sadiq M. Marafi held a<br />
reception at the Hotel Imperial in Vienna.<br />
Ambassador<br />
Hassan Tajik (on<br />
the left)<br />
February 12, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
First Foreign Economic Policy Reception<br />
Viceminister Bernadette Marianne Gierlinger invited to the 1st Foreign Economic Policy Reception at the Federal Ministry of<br />
Science, Research and the Economy. Countless ambassadors accepted the invitation.<br />
Ambassador<br />
S.E. Sadiq M.<br />
Marafi and his<br />
wife<br />
Viceminister<br />
Bernadette<br />
Marianne<br />
Gierlinger<br />
PHOTOS: <strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong>/ HARALD KLEMM<br />
22 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
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LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />
February 20, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Russia<br />
To honor the fallen soldiers of the Red Army on the “Defender of the Fatherland Day” the Ambassador of the<br />
Russian Federation Sergey Nechaev invited to a reception at the Russian Embassy.<br />
Ambassador Sergey<br />
Nechaev (on the right)<br />
March 4, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Estonia<br />
97th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.<br />
Ambassador<br />
Eve-Külli Kala<br />
(2nd from left)<br />
PHOTOS: <strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong>/ HARALD KLEMM<br />
24 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5
LE BULLETIN REVIEW<br />
February 26, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Egypt<br />
On the occasion of the visit of the Egyptian-Austrian Business Council and the Egyptian Federation of Industries there was a<br />
reception at the Embassy of Egypt.<br />
Ambassador<br />
Khaled Shamaa (in<br />
the middle)<br />
March 4, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Bulgaria<br />
Reception on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria.<br />
Ambassador<br />
Mag. Elena<br />
Shekerletova<br />
(left)<br />
PHOTOS: <strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong>/ HARALD KLEMM<br />
26 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5
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HERE YOU WILL FIND A<br />
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PEPPERED WITH INTERVIEWS<br />
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LE MONDE IRAQ<br />
THE<br />
CRADLE<br />
OF<br />
CIVILIZATION<br />
The territory of present-day Iraq roughly corresponds to that<br />
of ancient Mesopotamia, which is considered to be ‘the cradle<br />
of civilization’. About 10,000 years ago, larger human settlements<br />
first appeared in this area, which would eventually<br />
develop into places of intellectual and spiritual progress and<br />
centres of empires.<br />
Text: Petra Stix<br />
PHOTO: GETTTY/JANE SWEENEY<br />
Erbil Citadel:<br />
The earliest evidence<br />
for occupation date<br />
to the 5th<br />
millennium B.C.<br />
30 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
31
LE MONDE IRAQ<br />
FACTS &<br />
FIGURES<br />
IIraq is bordered by the Zagros Mountains to the north-east,<br />
and the Arabian High Plateau to the south-east. The name ‘Mesopotamia’<br />
actually comes from the Greek, meaning „Land between<br />
the Rivers“. The two mighty rivers, the Euphrates and the Tigris,<br />
snake across the country from high in the north and west,<br />
before flowing into the the waters of the Persian Gulf in the south.<br />
Their influence holds the key to why the land developed as early as<br />
it did, and the rivers are the reason why people often speak of Iraq<br />
as the Land of Two Rivers.<br />
Northern Iraq is made up of the Autonomous Region of Kurdistan,<br />
which maintains its own parliament and official administrative<br />
language, Kurdish. Present-day Iraq only came into being in<br />
1920, when it was created out of the three former Ottoman provinces<br />
of Baghdad, Mosul and Basra.<br />
The glorious days of ancient Mesopotamia<br />
For many thousands of years, during the era of the Sumerian,<br />
Babylonian and Assyrian Empires, Iraq constituted the centre of<br />
the ancient civilised world. Present-day Iraq has something like<br />
10,000 registered settlement mounds, the vast majority of which<br />
have not yet been excavated. They bear witness to the long period<br />
of prosperity of these highly-developed civilisations of the past.<br />
Around 3,200 B.C., the Sumerians invented the wheel, which<br />
was also used as a potter’s wheel. The earliest known potter’s wheel<br />
in the world was found at the famous Royal Tombs of Ur. In the<br />
third millennium B.C., expanding trade led to the development of<br />
written language, as the first symbols were scratched on clay tablets<br />
using styluses. This eventually developed into cuneiform, which<br />
was perfected in about 2,700 B.C.<br />
In the 1st Millennium B.C., the Assyrians (883–612) and the Babylonian<br />
King Nebuchadnezzar (604–562) created the first empires,<br />
which controlled the overwhelming majority of what was the<br />
known world at that time. Nebuchadnezzar used the resources of<br />
his empire to build up his capital city, Babylon, into a gleaming metropolis<br />
with an estimated population of one million people. He<br />
completed the 100-metre-high Tower of Babel (the high temple dedicated<br />
to the god Marduk), built the well-known Ishtar Gate, also<br />
known as the Babylon Gate (parts of which can still be seen to this<br />
day at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin), and created an everlasting<br />
myth surrounding the city. Constructions such as the legendary<br />
Hanging Gardens of Babylon, sometimes referred to as the Hanging<br />
Gardens of Semiramis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient<br />
World, have, together with stories from the Bible, ensured that<br />
the city – a symbol of wealth and power – has retained its glory.<br />
Destruction and Devastation<br />
Mesopotamia was to experience its final peak under Alexander<br />
the Great, who wanted to make Babylon the capital of his empire.<br />
Alexander took a large number of Greek experts with him, who<br />
were to transport the proverbial teachings of the Chaldeans – the<br />
‘Wise Men from the East’ – to Europe, where they had a definite<br />
influence on science in the West.<br />
However, the Mongols then swept through the country: they advanced<br />
from Central Asia to the Middle East in a series of destructive<br />
conquests. They conquered Baghdad in 1258, killing the last<br />
Caliphs along with the country’s entire scholarly, artistic and religious<br />
elite. They destroyed the infrastructure – in particular the<br />
cities and canal systems – to such an extent that the country was<br />
unable to recover for centuries to come. As a result, irreplaceable<br />
cultural heritage was lost forever.<br />
Recent history and the situation today<br />
Since its establishment as a new state in 1920 Iraq has been one<br />
of the strong pillars of diplomacy, mainly in the Middle East. The<br />
invasion of Kuwait in 1990 forced Iraq to part from the International<br />
Community. Iraq was isolated over two decades, but since 2003<br />
Iraq showed sincere efforts towards establishing a federal democratic<br />
government. Iraq and the Iraqis gave their best to come back to<br />
the international arena. Iraq‘s emerge came through intense diplomatic<br />
efforts on both bilateral and multilateral levels. The new established<br />
government was working hard on implementing strategic<br />
approaches towards democracy, human rights and liberal economy.<br />
The Kurdistan Regional Government has emerged towards the<br />
path of democracy and federalism at an early stage. The semiautonomous<br />
character of the region since the early 1990s provided Kurdistan<br />
with a very good and unique position. The measures of economy,<br />
stability and the sustainability of the Kurdish political system<br />
could be seen as a pilot project for the other governorates of Iraq.<br />
The Kurdistan Regional Government represents Iraq as a hub for<br />
investment, political reconciliation, human rights and education.<br />
The Kurdish peshmarga and people in Kurdistan have stood firmly<br />
and bravely against ISIS and terrorism. They believe strongly that<br />
they are part of Iraq’s general security and territorial integrity.<br />
Unfortunately, the era of conflict after 2003 was not easy at all<br />
neither for Iraqi government nor Iraqis in general. The wild wave of<br />
insurgency that later on developed into terrorism has been a big<br />
obstacle. The Iraqi government‘s original objectives were development,<br />
education, health and other projects. In the shadow of terrorism<br />
and its destructive forces, however, the Iraqi government finds<br />
itself obliged to invest heavily in the security field instead.<br />
The need for the international community‘s support is still a key<br />
factor for Iraq‘s future success. A collective approach through broad<br />
international cooperation could help the country to endure, steadfast<br />
and ease challenges imposed by terrorism. Despite Iraq’s situation<br />
it is still considered to be one of the best states for development<br />
and investment on all levels. The infrastructure of Iraq has suffered<br />
great loss due to war and sabotage. Iraq nowadays is at the edge of<br />
historical shift. That is why Iraq‘s relations with Austria, other states<br />
and the international community in general is essential for the<br />
future of Iraq and the region.<br />
PHOTOS: GETTTY/RASOUL ALI (3); AHMAD AL-RUBAYE, SPECTRUM COLOUR LIBRARY/HERITAGE-IMAGES, ARCHIV<br />
The Iraqi capital Baghdad with its<br />
population of 5.4 million is one of the<br />
largest cities in the Middle East.<br />
The shrine of Imam<br />
Hussein, grandson of<br />
the Prophet<br />
Mohammed.<br />
The Iraqi capital Baghdad<br />
with its population of 5.4<br />
million is one of the largest<br />
cities in the Middle East.<br />
Shiite Muslim Pilgrims<br />
gather at the shrine of<br />
Imam Mussa<br />
al-Kadhim in<br />
Kadhimiya.<br />
Abu Ja‘far al-Mansur: Second Abbasid<br />
Caliph of the Abbasid Caliphate,<br />
founder of the Imperial capital<br />
Baghdad.<br />
Fortress of Al Ukhaidir,<br />
built in the late 8th<br />
century by the Abbasids.<br />
Iraq<br />
Official name:<br />
Republic of Iraq<br />
Location: Iraq borders Iran<br />
to the east, Kuwait to the<br />
south-west, Saudi Arabia<br />
to the south, Jordan to the<br />
south-west, Syria and<br />
Turkey to the north, and<br />
the Persian Gulf to the<br />
south.<br />
Area: 434,128 km2<br />
Population: 28 million<br />
(2009)<br />
Official languages: Arabic<br />
and Kurdish<br />
Other languages: Azeri,<br />
Aramaic<br />
Religion: 97 % Muslim (of<br />
that number, 60 % Shiite<br />
and 32-37 % Sunni). 3 %<br />
Christian, Yazidi and other<br />
religions.<br />
Capital: Baghdad<br />
Currency: Iraqi Dinar<br />
Climate: extreme seasonal<br />
differences in temperature<br />
ranging from 34°C to 50°C<br />
in summer and as low as<br />
0°C in winter. Tendency to<br />
be dry, with winds from a<br />
north-westerly direction<br />
all-year-round, including<br />
sand storms.<br />
Independence:<br />
3rd October 1932<br />
Form of government:<br />
Federal Republic<br />
Head of State:<br />
Muhammad Fuad Masum<br />
Head of Government:<br />
Haider Jawad Kadhim<br />
Al-Abadi<br />
Cuneiform writing<br />
developed as early as the<br />
third millennium B.C.<br />
32 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5
LE MONDE IRAQ | INTERVIEW<br />
Dr. Surood R. Najib<br />
“There is an outstanding basis for talks between Austria and Iraq“<br />
“If I had a wish, it<br />
would be for peace of<br />
mind for all the people<br />
of my country.“<br />
Ambassador of the<br />
Republic of Iraq in<br />
Vienna<br />
Iraq’s Ambassador Dr. Surood R. Najib talks about the bilateral and economic<br />
relations between Iraq and Austria, and his very personal wishes for the future of<br />
his country.<br />
Interview: Petra Stix<br />
Ambassador Najib talking<br />
about his wishes for the<br />
future in the CD-Interview.<br />
Your Excellency, you’re a great lover of the arts and culture.<br />
Apart from the cultural and historical treasures Austria has<br />
to offer, what else do you like about the country?<br />
I feel entirely at ease here – it‘s almost like being at<br />
home. The people are always nice and friendly. If you<br />
ask a complete stranger the way, he won‘t just explain<br />
how to get there, he‘ll accompany you all the way to<br />
the front door. This has happened to me personally.<br />
It was a lovely experience, and a fine example of Austrian<br />
hospitality. But I don’t just love the historic<br />
buildings of the City of Vienna – I also love the beautiful<br />
countryside in the other federal states and the<br />
history that can be felt and experienced everywhere.<br />
How would you describe bilateral relations between Austria<br />
and Iraq?<br />
Relations between Austria and Iraq are strong on<br />
every level. Only recently I travelled to Iraq together<br />
with the Austrian Foreign Minister, Sebastian Kurz.<br />
We were involved in important talks with Iraq’s President,<br />
Fuad Masum, Iraq’s Foreign Minister Ibrahim<br />
al-Jaafari, the Prime Minister of Kurdistan, Nechirvan<br />
Idris Barzani, and the Kurdistan Minister for<br />
Foreign Relations, Falah Mustafa Bakir. In Erbil, we<br />
visited a refugee camp together. Kurz was able to see<br />
the dramatic situation in my home country for<br />
himself. At the same time he saw children of different<br />
denominations and beliefs – Shiites, Sunnis,<br />
Christians and Yazidis –<br />
playing peacefully with one<br />
another. On a political level,<br />
there is an outstanding basis<br />
for discussion between Austria<br />
and Iraq. The former Foreign<br />
Minister, Michael Spindelegger,<br />
was also taking<br />
part in bilateral discussions<br />
in Iraq. The Iraqi Austrian<br />
Joint Supreme Committee<br />
has been meeting regularly<br />
again since 2<strong>01</strong>3. Its next meeting will take place in<br />
Baghdad.<br />
The Iraqi economy is dominated by the oil sector. What other<br />
promising sectors would you recommend foreign investors to<br />
look at?<br />
We maintain good relations with the Austrian<br />
Economic Chamber and Austrian business people.<br />
Thanks, first and foremost, to the Austro-Arab<br />
Chamber of Commerce; we are extremely well-networked<br />
when it comes to economic matters and<br />
commercial matters. Many Austrian firms are already<br />
investing in Iraq – predominantly in the oil sector,<br />
of course. The biggest of these is OMV. But there is<br />
also huge potential for investors in the construction<br />
industry and the supply industry. It is not just due to<br />
the falling oil prices that makes it necessary for Iraq<br />
to develop additional economic pillars which will<br />
promise stability and security. In order to be successful<br />
in the agricultural sector, for instance, irrigation<br />
facilities need to be constructed, and intense negotiations<br />
are already underway with Austrian companies<br />
about making this happen.<br />
What needs to be done to intensify relations between our<br />
two countries even further?<br />
Direct flights between Vienna and Baghdad, the<br />
capital of Iraq, would be good. It would facilitate cooperation<br />
a lot.<br />
If you had three wishes for your country, what would you<br />
wish for?<br />
First of all, peace of mind for all the people of my<br />
country. Apart from that, I also wish from the bottom<br />
of my heart for the international community to<br />
continue backing Iraq, and to continue supporting it<br />
in the future. And my wish for this generation is to<br />
protect the country’s cultural heritage for the next<br />
generation, and to honour the people who gave their<br />
lives to preserve that heritage.<br />
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
PERSONAL DETAILS<br />
Dr. Surood R. Najib Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq<br />
in Vienna and Permanent Representative of Iraq to the<br />
United Nations (Vienna).<br />
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35
LE MONDE IRAQ<br />
Awoken from its sleeping beauty sleep<br />
Before, 2008 … … and after, in 2<strong>01</strong>4.<br />
The time-honored Ringstraßen Palais<br />
Larisch-Mönnich is the home of the<br />
Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in<br />
Vienna. After two years of renovation<br />
work, the building has now been<br />
returned to its original splendour.<br />
Text: Petra Stix<br />
PHOTOS: EMBASSY OF IRAQ, RALPH MANFREDA (1)<br />
Palais Larisch-Mönnich, near the Kursalon<br />
Hü bner in the City Park of Vienna, has belonged<br />
to the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq<br />
since the 1950s. The current Ambassador of Iraq,<br />
Surood R. Najib, is a great lover of the arts and culture,<br />
and he was deeply saddened to see the sorry<br />
state of the once noble residence; the interior furnishings<br />
and decoration had been almost totally destroyed,<br />
and the rooms on the bottom floor were flooded.<br />
All in all, the building was a sad relic of Austria’s<br />
dark past, and of the destiny that the Palais shared<br />
with other residences of the nobility which also fell<br />
victim to the devastations of the war.<br />
Historical significance<br />
The Palais was originally built in 1867 and 1868<br />
according to the plans of the famous Austrian architects<br />
August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard<br />
van der Nü ll (also responsible – amongst other<br />
things – for building the Vienna State Opera). Palais<br />
Larisch-Mönnich was the final piece of work by the<br />
two architects, and eventually completed posthumously<br />
by Karl Stattler. The building has been kept<br />
in the style of the French Renaissance, its representative<br />
character emphasised by the oriel tower, high bel<br />
étage and broad central projecting risalits. It is one of<br />
the most striking examples of grand residential homes<br />
of the second half of the 19th century, and one of<br />
the few palais of the old feudal type in Vienna’s Ringstraße<br />
architecture to have been built to allow a single<br />
family to hold court. Historically, it is a highly significant<br />
construction which would have been the<br />
backdrop to many a grand and splendid festival and<br />
banquet at that time, to which members of the imperial<br />
family were invited again and again.<br />
The Austrian landowner and Finance Minister Johann,<br />
Count Larisch von Mönnich, commissioned<br />
the building of the Palais. He originally came from a<br />
wealthy family of Prussian-Austrian nobility. Marie<br />
Louise von Larisch-Wallersee, a niece and close confidante<br />
of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also frequented<br />
the beautiful Palais on the Ringstraße on a<br />
regular basis. Marie Louise was the illegitimate child<br />
of Duke Ludwig von Bayern and actress Henriette<br />
Mendel – a relationship which served to generate<br />
much excitement in aristocratic circles at the time.<br />
Like her mother, she was not admitted to the nobility<br />
until many years later.<br />
Renovation work<br />
It took a total of two years and countless hours of<br />
painstaking precision work for the Palais to be restored<br />
to be its original splendour. Ambassador Najib’s<br />
aim was for the grand residence for nobility to be<br />
returned the original using original drafts and images.<br />
Even individual items of furniture, such as<br />
chairs, mirrors, tables and two Bösendorfer pianos,<br />
were retained and completely renovated. Today,<br />
some of the oldest chandeliers in Austria are part of<br />
the interior furnishings of the Embassy of Iraq in Vienna.<br />
Ambassador Najib watched over the restoration<br />
work with an eagle eye. “The constructors went<br />
mad with me,” he told Cercle Diplomatique with a<br />
twinkle in his eye. But he was absolutely right to do<br />
so, because the results are impressive. The Embassy<br />
of Iraq has made a significant contribution to the<br />
preservation of a valuable cultural treasure – for<br />
which Austria can only say “Thank you”.<br />
The Embassy of Iraq has<br />
made a significant<br />
contribution to the<br />
preservation of valuable<br />
cultural treasures.<br />
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37
LE MONDE IRAQ<br />
Working together against Jihadism<br />
Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz visited Iraq at the beginning of February.<br />
Together with Elmar Brok, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs at the<br />
European Parliament, he set a sign of solidarity with this trip.<br />
Text: Petra Stix<br />
Isabel Schmiedbauer<br />
An expert view on the huge economic importance of Iraq in Austrian<br />
business, difficulties in the market there at the present time, and<br />
opportunities for the future.<br />
Left: Foreign Minister<br />
Sebastian Kurz and Iraq’s<br />
Foreign Minister Ibrahim<br />
al-Jaafari.<br />
Right: Kurz in conversation<br />
with his Kurdish counterpart,<br />
Falah Mustafa Bakir, and<br />
Iraq‘s Ambassador Dr.<br />
Surood R. Najib.<br />
Recent talks in Baghdad and Erbil with Iraq’s<br />
President, Fuad Masum, Iraq’s Foreign Minister,<br />
Ibrahim al-Jaafari, the Prime Minister of<br />
the Autonomous Region of Kurdistan-Iraq, Nechirvan<br />
Idris Barzani, and the Kurdistan Minister for<br />
Foreign Relations, Falah Mustafa Bakir, focused on<br />
joint efforts to fight jihadism and the Islamic State<br />
campaign of terror.<br />
Austria promised financial aid (a sum of 1.25 million<br />
Euro) for refugees in northern Iraq. “Our first<br />
aim is to strengthen mutual cooperation. This also<br />
relates to dealing with foreign jihadists who pose a<br />
threat to Europe upon their return. On the one hand,<br />
they should be prevented from leaving, on the other,<br />
they should be observed while they are in Iraq,” Kurz<br />
announced in a joint press conference with Iraq’s<br />
Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.<br />
Austria strengthens cooperation with Kurdistan<br />
During his stay in Erbil, after a meeting with Falah<br />
Mustafa Bakir, the Minister for Foreign Relations<br />
of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Foreign Minister<br />
Sebastian Kurz announced that an Honorary<br />
Consulate was to be opened in Kurdistan. This could<br />
be opened by the end of the year.<br />
Austrian businesspeople were also to be given the<br />
opportunity to invest in the region as part of a specially-dedicated<br />
economic forum. Both AUA and<br />
OMV already have a strong presence in Erbil.<br />
Austrian Embassy desired<br />
Al-Jaafari stated that while cooperation with Austria<br />
was still in its initial phase: “This visit will give<br />
new impetus to the development.” Al-Jaafari also expressed<br />
a wish for Austria to reopen its diplomatic<br />
mission in Baghdad.<br />
Kurz told Iraq’s President Fuad Masum that it was<br />
possible that the EU would open a police mission in<br />
Iraq. Masum said he was interested in this concept,<br />
and that an official request would be sent to the EU<br />
shortly. This would make it possible for EU Member<br />
States to train Iraqi security forces in the future. This<br />
should make “a further contribution to greater security<br />
in Iraq,” Kurz said.<br />
The situation in Iraq<br />
Thousands of people have already been forced to<br />
flee the terror, and are now living in tents in refugee<br />
camps. These refugee camps have no clean water or<br />
functioning sanitary facilities. The meeting also touched<br />
upon the position of religious and ethnic minorities<br />
in Iraq, particularly Christians and Yazidis.<br />
PHOTOS: DRAGAN TATIC<br />
PHOTO: WKO<br />
The Iraqi economy grew by an average of 6.9<br />
percent per annum from 2008 to 2<strong>01</strong>2, and<br />
enjoyed an increase of 4.2 percent in 2<strong>01</strong>3. By<br />
2<strong>01</strong>4, how ever, the Iraqi economy was being hit hard<br />
by a combination of factors, including the expansion<br />
of the Islamic State (IS) within the country, the falling<br />
oil price and continuing tensions in the security<br />
situation, which slowed economic growth significantly.<br />
Estimates by a range of institutions including<br />
the World Bank and the International Monetary<br />
Fund now suggest that Iraqi economic growth in<br />
2<strong>01</strong>4 was between 0.5 percent and 1.8 percent. This<br />
figure is expected to rise to 1.5 percent in 2<strong>01</strong>5.<br />
The falling oil price has meant that oil revenues<br />
have been lower, despite higher oil exports. These lower<br />
revenues, coupled with increased expenditures<br />
driven by the delicate security situation and the humanitarian<br />
catastrophe in the country, have of course<br />
had a negative impact on Iraq’s financial position. A<br />
budget of USD 103 billion was adopted in 2<strong>01</strong>5 – approximately<br />
30 percent down on the previous year.<br />
From an Austrian viewpoint, Iraq is the sixth largest<br />
Arab export market. Because much Austrian business<br />
in Iraq is project-based, export statistics tend to<br />
vary widely from year to year. 2<strong>01</strong>1, for example, was<br />
a record year, with exports reaching almost EUR 193<br />
million, but this figure differed vastly from 2009,<br />
when exports were worth less than EUR 80 million.<br />
Exports to Iraq from January to September 2<strong>01</strong>4<br />
totalled EUR 55 million, down by around 57 percent<br />
on the comparison period of the preceding year. The<br />
types of goods which feature regularly amongst the<br />
top export products include transformers, pharmaceutical<br />
products, cheese, machinery such as mechanical<br />
diggers, cranes, cars and switches. Although<br />
the security situation does complicate direct market<br />
cultivation on location, the Iraqi market offers opportunities<br />
for Austrian companies operating in<br />
fields such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture (irrigation),<br />
foodstuffs and equipment used in the health<br />
“From an Austrian viewpoint, Iraq is the sixth largest<br />
Arab export market.”<br />
sector. Due to planned higher expenditure in the<br />
mili tary sector and a lower budget, it is not yet clear<br />
which sectors the government will be prioritising for<br />
investment this year, but it is worth keeping an eye<br />
on the Iraqi market. Although the current security<br />
situation makes it difficult to take advantage of the<br />
high rates of growth seen in recent years, Iraq is still<br />
a country with large oil and gas revenues and enormous<br />
demand for reconstruction.<br />
It is also important that companies are aware of<br />
the fact that Iraq now consists de facto of two different<br />
markets which need to be treated differently: the<br />
Autonomous Region of Kurdistan in the north of the<br />
country on the one hand, and the country’s central<br />
and southern provinces on the other. There are often<br />
differences affecting import procedures, the jurisdiction<br />
of official authorities, policies on attracting new<br />
investors to the region, and of course language. A<br />
Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs<br />
travel warning is already in place for Iraq.<br />
The security situation in the Autonomous Region<br />
of Kurdistan is noticeably better than in most other<br />
provinces of Iraq, and Austrian Airlines continues to<br />
offer direct flights from Vienna to the regional capital,<br />
Erbil. Although it is possible to travel to Erbil,<br />
you should always look into the prevailing security<br />
situation before travelling outside conurbations, and<br />
observe certain basic rules during your stay. When<br />
arriving in Erbil, European travellers receive an entry<br />
visa which is (exclusively) valid for the Region of<br />
Kurdistan.<br />
The Austrian Chamber of Commerce’s Foreign<br />
Trade Centre in Amman, Jordan, is responsible not<br />
only for Iraq, but also for Lebanon, Syria and Jordan<br />
itself. We research market information and will always<br />
be happy to answer any questions you may have<br />
involving the Iraqi market. International experience<br />
is important for the Middle East as a whole, and Iraq<br />
should not be viewed as a target market for those<br />
new to the region.<br />
ABOUT THE AUTHOR<br />
Isabel Schmiedbauer<br />
is a delegate for<br />
Economic Affairs of<br />
theAustrian Economic<br />
Chambers‘ Foreign<br />
Trade Centre in Amman,<br />
Jordan. She is responsible<br />
for Iraq, Jordan,<br />
Lebanon and Syria.<br />
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39
LE MONDE THAILAND<br />
The Heart of South-East Asia<br />
Text: Petra Stix<br />
FACTS &<br />
FIGURES<br />
Thailand is one of the world’s most<br />
attractive tourist destinations. The<br />
country is currently under going<br />
enormous social, cultural and<br />
political change.<br />
The Grand Palace.<br />
The palace is situated in the<br />
heart of Bangkok and used to<br />
be the official residence of<br />
the Kings of Siam.<br />
PHOTOS: TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND<br />
The Thailand we know today was formerly<br />
known as Siam for thousands of years and<br />
was transformed in 1932, when public officials<br />
first promulgated a constitutional monarchy<br />
and democratic constitution. The country has undergone<br />
radical change, as democratic and authoritarian<br />
forces have taken turns in forming a government.<br />
The military has played a central political role<br />
at all times, and the former Commander in Chief of<br />
the Royal Thai Army, Prayuth Chan-o-cha, currently<br />
is the Prime Minister of the country. He has been in<br />
charge since August 2<strong>01</strong>4. His current challenges are<br />
to undertake reforms aimed at strengthening the political<br />
morality and transparency of the country.<br />
Thailand’s head of state is King Bhumibol Adulyadej,<br />
also known as Rama IX, who is the longest-reigning<br />
monarch in the world. He is hugely revered by the<br />
Thai people, and his picture hangs not only in all public<br />
buildings, but also in most private homes and<br />
businesses. The King’s portrait is found on the banknotes<br />
and coins of the official currency of the Kingdom<br />
of Thailand, the Baht.<br />
International relations<br />
Thailand pursues a liberal economic policy internationally,<br />
and is represented in a range of organisations,<br />
including the WTO, IMF, APEC and the Asian<br />
Development Bank (ADB). It has always maintained<br />
good relations with the West. This policy is based on<br />
economic relations being deepened through new<br />
trade and investment treaties currently.<br />
Thailand is a target country for a great deal of foreign<br />
direct investment. This investment comes first<br />
and foremost from the USA, Japan, ASEAN and the<br />
European Union. The World Bank finances projects<br />
in Thailand, primarily in social services and education,<br />
and in the energy sector. Thailand’s most important<br />
trading partners after China and Japan are<br />
the USA, Hong Kong and Malaysia. The country’s<br />
main imports are machinery, jewellery, chemicals,<br />
glassware and pharmaceuticals, while it exports<br />
jewellery, machinery and<br />
electrical goods, textiles, vehicles,<br />
rubber and essential oils in return.<br />
The trading volume between Austria<br />
and Thailand hit an all-timehigh<br />
of 777 million Euros in 2<strong>01</strong>3.<br />
While Thai imports increased overall by<br />
21 percent, exports fell by 5.5 percent.<br />
Revenues from tourism and direct<br />
investment have ensured that Thailand’s trade balance<br />
and balance of payments have almost always been<br />
positive in the past. In an effort to promote external<br />
trade further still, the country has entered into bilateral<br />
free trade agreements with states such as Australia,<br />
New Zea land, China, India and Bahrain.<br />
Austrian success stories in Thailand<br />
Around one hundred Austrian companies have<br />
so far established subsidiaries in Thailand. Half of<br />
these are in the sector of services and production,<br />
while the rest have sales branches. According to data<br />
<strong>issue</strong>d by the National Bank of Austria, investment<br />
in 2<strong>01</strong>3 is estimated to have been worth some 117<br />
Million Euros.<br />
The best-known Thai-Austrian success story is<br />
Dietrich Mateschitz’ Red Bull. In 1982, Mateschitz<br />
discovered a drink in Thailand called ‘Krating Daeng’<br />
(Thai for ‘red bull’), a cheap drink popular<br />
among taxi drivers. Together with Thai billionaire<br />
Chaleo Yoovidhya, Mateschitz founded a joint venture,<br />
reworked the recipe and and started the legendary<br />
triumph of Red Bull, which is now sold in more<br />
than 100 countries. Red Bull has only been marketed<br />
in Thailand itself, however, since May 2<strong>01</strong>3.<br />
Another long-standing industrial presence in<br />
Thailand is the company Semperit, the global market<br />
leader in surgical and protective gloves The primary<br />
reason for Semperit producing its gloves in Thailand<br />
was the proximity to the raw material latex. Since<br />
then, however, the dynamic growth in the Asian<br />
market has become an equally important factor.<br />
Austrian jewellery manufacturer Swarovski<br />
also has a number of subsidiaries in Thailand.<br />
The company, the world’s leading producer of<br />
cut-crystal, not only maintains its largest production<br />
location outside Austria in Thailand,<br />
but also has a distribution centre there<br />
which serves all of South-East Asia. Products<br />
from the region already make up<br />
to 35 percent of Swarovski’s total sales.<br />
The Austrian company Cargo-<br />
Partner has been active in Thailand<br />
since 2008. It primarily serves the<br />
needs of small and medium-sized<br />
enterprises entering the market, and has<br />
succeeded in establishing itself<br />
against 3,000 rival companies<br />
in the logistics sector with<br />
this orientation.<br />
Thailand<br />
Official name:<br />
Kingdom of Thailand<br />
Location: state in<br />
South-East Asia –<br />
bordering Myanmar, Laos,<br />
Cambodia, Malaysia, the<br />
Andaman Sea (part of the<br />
Indian Ocean) and the Gulf<br />
of Thailand (part of the<br />
Pacific Ocean)<br />
Area: 513,115 km2<br />
Population: 69,522,234<br />
(2<strong>01</strong>0)<br />
Official language: Thai<br />
Other languages: 73<br />
Religions: Theravada<br />
Buddhism (94 %), Islam<br />
(5 %), Christianity and<br />
Hinduism<br />
Capital city: Bangkok<br />
Currency: Thai Baht<br />
Climate: tropical with mild<br />
winters from October to<br />
March and hot, damp<br />
summers from March to<br />
June; average annual<br />
temperature ranges<br />
between 28 °C in south and<br />
19 °C in extreme north;<br />
seasonal fluctuations low<br />
throughout<br />
Public holidays: 5th<br />
December, HM The King’s<br />
Birthday; 10th December,<br />
Constitution Day<br />
Form of government:<br />
Constitutional monarchy<br />
Head of State: King<br />
Bhumibol Adulyadej, also<br />
known as Rama IX<br />
Head of Government:<br />
Prime Minister General<br />
Prayuth Chan-o-cha<br />
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LE MONDE THAILAND<br />
Arthayudh Srisamoot<br />
“We’re aiming to strengthen our<br />
position as the connectivity hub of South-East Asia”<br />
Interview: Petra Stix<br />
INFO<br />
Ambassador Arthayudh Srisamoot about his government’s plans for the economic<br />
future of Thailand and the potential synergies between Austria and Thailand from<br />
a business point of view.<br />
Thailand is South-East Asia’s second-largest economy.<br />
In 2<strong>01</strong>2 it was described by the World Bank as “one of the<br />
great development success stories”. After the political<br />
turmoil of the past few years, what are the prospects for the<br />
future from a business viewpoint?<br />
Thailand has long been one of the widely-cited<br />
development success stories, with its strategic location<br />
at the heart of South-East Asia and strong economic<br />
fundamentals in the agriculture, industrial<br />
and service sectors, and an impressive record of poverty<br />
reduction. The country’s economy has also experienced<br />
a number of setbacks, however, including<br />
the severe flooding in 2<strong>01</strong>1 and the political turmoil<br />
of the recent years. Despite these factors, the Thai<br />
economy is fundamentally strong, based on a range<br />
of agricultural products, extensive manufacturing<br />
capacity in the automotive, electronics and chemicals,<br />
and petro-chemical sectors, and health services<br />
and tourism sectors. The Thai economy is projected<br />
to grow by 3.0-3.5 percent in 2<strong>01</strong>5, underpinned by<br />
factors such as improved exports, revival in tourism,<br />
increasing private investment, a stable political environment,<br />
and forecast improvement of the global<br />
economy.<br />
How would you define Thailand’s role in the global arena?<br />
Thailand has always been an active and responsible<br />
member of the global community. The Association<br />
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was<br />
established by the “Bangkok Declaration” in 1967.<br />
In 1996 Thailand convened the first Asia-Europe<br />
Summit –ASEM. Thailand has placed great<br />
emphasis on all aspects of the work of the United<br />
Nations – peace and security, human rights and<br />
development. Since 1950 over 20.000 Thai military<br />
and police personnel have proudly served in more<br />
than 20 peacekeeping and related missions of the<br />
UN. Regarding human rights, we have worked<br />
tirelessly with the international community to<br />
protect and promote human rights both at home<br />
and worldwide. We served in the Human Rights<br />
Council from 2<strong>01</strong>0-2<strong>01</strong>3, where we were entrusted<br />
with the Presidency of the Council in 2<strong>01</strong>0-2<strong>01</strong>1.<br />
Thailand is also chairing the Commission on<br />
Narcotics Drugs (CND) in 2<strong>01</strong>5. Concerning development,<br />
we have actively participated in the<br />
global discussion on the Post-2<strong>01</strong>5 Development<br />
Agenda and sustainable development goals<br />
through hosting a number of regional and<br />
PHOTOS: UNAMID, TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
international meetings. At present, we are actively<br />
campaigning for our candidature for non-permanent<br />
membership in the UN Security Council for the<br />
term 2<strong>01</strong>7-2<strong>01</strong>8. We believe that our experiences<br />
and track record in the UN can demonstrate that we<br />
are able to make positive contributions in strengthening<br />
global peace and security. Our candidature has<br />
been endorsed by all ASEAN Member States.<br />
How would you describe the current relationship between<br />
Thailand and Austria?<br />
Thailand and Austria have long enjoyed close and<br />
cordial relations. The relationship between the two<br />
countries began 150 years ago, when consular relations<br />
were formally established in 1865 and the<br />
Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation was<br />
signed in 1869. Thailand and Austria have developed<br />
close and mutually beneficial cooperation in the intervening<br />
years, in a wide range of political, economic,<br />
social and cultural fields, as well as through<br />
tools such as academic cooperation. Most importantly,<br />
Thailand cherishes the close ties that have developed<br />
between the two countries through tourism<br />
and business relations.<br />
What are the most promising economic relations between<br />
the two countries?<br />
Austria is an important trading partner for<br />
Thailand, ranking 10th among all European Union<br />
Member States. Trading volume between the two<br />
countries is gradually increasing, but there remains<br />
plenty of potential for further growth. I hope that<br />
Austrian companies will invest more in Thailand in<br />
areas such as health and medical technologies,<br />
waste water management, alternative and renewable<br />
energies and infrastructure - Austria is an acknowledged<br />
expert in all these areas. Tourism is another<br />
growth area which deserves to be explored further.<br />
Thailand is one of the world’s top 10 tourist destinations;<br />
Austria is one of Europe’s top 10 destinations.<br />
What potential synergies do you think the countries could<br />
have in the area of tourism?<br />
More than 24 million tourists visited Thailand in<br />
2<strong>01</strong>4, a fact of which the country is immensely<br />
proud. Over 100,000 of these visitors were from<br />
Austria. Austria and Thailand can definitely create<br />
synergies in health and eco-tourism, develop strong<br />
medical networks and services, and exploit their respective<br />
cultural heritages.<br />
Thai Peacekeeping operation with the United Nations Mission<br />
in Dafur: a Thai Military doctor performing an eye examination<br />
for children.<br />
Something else that Thailand and Austria share is<br />
their strategic location. Both countries have the potential<br />
to become logistical and tourist hubs for<br />
South-East Asia and Central Europe respectively. To<br />
promote this, Austrians should be encouraged not<br />
just to travel to Thailand, but to use the country as a<br />
springboard for visiting Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia,<br />
Myanmar and other destinations. At the same time,<br />
Thai visitors to Vienna should be encouraged to travel<br />
on to Germany, Italy and Switzerland, as well as<br />
the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia or<br />
Croatia. This connectivity hub role could easily be a<br />
means for Thailand and Austria to stimulate tourism<br />
in both countries.<br />
What Austrian companies are currently investing in<br />
Thailand?<br />
In total, some 100 Austrian companies have investments<br />
in Thailand. Their investments amount to<br />
approximately EUR 500 million, and are responsible<br />
for employing over 20,000 people in Thailand. These<br />
companies include Semperit, Swarovski, Tyrolit,<br />
MAM baby products, Mosdorfer GmbH, Greiner<br />
Bio-One, iSi Automotive, Anita and Cargo-Partner.<br />
Their products range from rubber gloves to technical<br />
rubber and plastic products, costume jewellery and<br />
medical supplies. Without doubt, the most famous<br />
joint venture is the energy drink Red Bull – originally<br />
an energy drink used by Bangkok taxi drivers<br />
to stay awake at night, which was spotted by an Austrian<br />
entrepreneur and developed into a JV for both<br />
countries. Its original name, ‘Krating Daeng‘, is Thai<br />
for ’Red Bull‘.<br />
Did you know<br />
that ...<br />
… Thailand is one of the<br />
world’s Top 10 car<br />
producers?<br />
... Thailand is the world‘s<br />
largest producer of rice?<br />
… Thailand is a top<br />
exporter of preserved fish?<br />
… Thailand is the world’s<br />
second-largest manufacturer<br />
of hard drives?<br />
… Thailand is the world’s<br />
biggest exporter of farmed<br />
shrimps?<br />
… Thailand is the world’s<br />
biggest producer of optical<br />
lenses?<br />
… Thailand is the world‘s<br />
second-largest producer of<br />
cane sugar after Brazil?<br />
PERSONAL DETAILS<br />
Arthayudh Srisamoot was<br />
born on 29th December, 1962.<br />
He is the current Ambassador<br />
of Thailand to Austria,<br />
Slovakia and Slovenia.<br />
42 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
43
LE MONDE LATVIA<br />
Edgars Skuja<br />
“The Presidency of the Council of the European Union<br />
will once more highlight Latvia on the map of Europe“<br />
Interview: Petra Stix<br />
The Freedom Monument,<br />
at the heart of the Latvian<br />
capital Riga, symbolises<br />
the unity, independence<br />
and freedom of the Latvian<br />
people.<br />
Ambassador Edgars Skuja explains why the grinding stone is the symbol of Latvia‘s<br />
Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and the three principal priorities<br />
for Europe during his country’s presidency.<br />
PERSONAL DETAILS<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
FOTOS:<br />
PHOTOS:<br />
XYXXYXYXY<br />
PARLAMENTSDIREKTION/BKA/GEORG STEFANIK SECRETGARDENSTUDIO/ VALTS KLEINS, WWW.DDL.LV<br />
Cercle Diplomatique: For the first time in the history of the<br />
EU, Latvia has assumed the presidency of the Council of the<br />
European Union. What will be the biggest challenges of the<br />
forthcoming six months for your country?<br />
Edgars Skuja: We started with a prepared program<br />
and main priorities for the six-month period. It<br />
has also to be seen within a context of the trio: Italy,<br />
Latvia and Luxemburg. But real life brought in its<br />
dramatic modifications. And I dare say that the attack<br />
on the main office of the Charlie Hebdo magazine<br />
in Paris has again confirmed the need for a strict<br />
counter-terrorism policy. This tragic event is evidence<br />
of threats posed to one of the fundamental<br />
values of European democracy – the freedom of<br />
speech and expression.<br />
With the crisis in Ukraine, there were unprecedented<br />
challenges to national and European security.<br />
Now, an agreement between the leaders of Russia,<br />
Ukraine, Germany and France on the Ukraine crisis<br />
offers hope, with a ceasefire from February 15th, followed<br />
by the withdrawal of heavy weapons. We fully<br />
support this agreement and hope that it will be fully<br />
implemented.<br />
As to the Presidency’s primary tasks, we have to<br />
continue to implement two broad objectives: to fully<br />
overcome the economic and financial crisis, and to<br />
promote stability, security and development in the<br />
European neighbourhood and all over the world.<br />
Our Presidency‘s symbol is the grinding stone, which<br />
is a sign of tradition for Latvians, but also an emblem<br />
of innovation and change - it represents both stability<br />
and movement.<br />
What do you think the benefits for your country will be, as a<br />
result of the presidency of the Council of the EU?<br />
The Presidency will show our identity and ability<br />
as Europeans. I have no doubt that the preparations<br />
for the Presidency and the Presidency itself will<br />
make our public administration and society in Latvia<br />
more experienced and more confident. Following on<br />
from a year when Riga was the European Capital of<br />
Culture, the Presidency’s public diplomacy and culture<br />
programme will once more highlight Latvia on<br />
the map of Europe.<br />
In a close dialogue with non-governmental organisations<br />
and social partners at home, and with Italy<br />
and Luxembourg in the Presidency Trio, Latvia has<br />
defined three principal priorities for Europe during<br />
its presidency in the first semester of 2<strong>01</strong>5.<br />
The first priority of the Presidency is the enhancement<br />
of Europe’s competitiveness. In practical<br />
terms, this will mean hard work on the drafting of a<br />
new investment plan for the EU, the so-called “Juncker<br />
plan”, the establishment of the Energy Union,<br />
and the strengthening of the Banking Union, to put<br />
Europe back on the path of long-term growth.<br />
The second priority is the development of a Digital<br />
Agenda. This means the mainstreaming of the<br />
digital agenda in EU policies, increased data security,<br />
cybersecurity, and the promotion of the EU’s Digital<br />
Single Market to increase the digital competitiveness<br />
of the European Union.<br />
Thirdly, Latvia’s EU Presidency will also turn attention<br />
to enhancing the EU’s global and regional role. I<br />
wish to place a special emphasis on this priority, due<br />
to its strong foreign policy dimension.<br />
Latvia’s Presidency will focus on the strengthening<br />
of EU cooperation with the Eastern Partnership<br />
countries. On 22nd May, Riga will host the Eastern<br />
Partnership Summit. I am certain that this will prove<br />
to be a historic milestone, one of the most significant<br />
events of the Presidency, with a number of challenging<br />
tasks. The Riga Summit should send a signal<br />
that the European Union has clear interests in the<br />
strengthening and continuation of the Eastern Partnership.<br />
Secondly, the Riga Summit will take stock of<br />
the fulfilment of objectives set by the Vilnius Summit<br />
and provide a preliminary assessment of the implementation<br />
of the Association Agreements. An assistance<br />
programme should be prepared to support<br />
The beautiful coastline of<br />
the Baltic Sea.<br />
Edgars Skuja was born on 20th February, 1966 in<br />
Valmiera, Latvia. He is a Latvian diplomat and is the<br />
current Ambassador of Latvia to Austria.<br />
44 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
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45
LE MONDE LATVIA<br />
INFO<br />
Latvian-Austrian Relations<br />
Left: The new National<br />
Library of Latvia was opened<br />
in August 2<strong>01</strong>4.<br />
Right: Characteristic „Art<br />
Nouveau“-building in Riga.<br />
practical implementation of the Association Agreements.<br />
Thirdly, the process of visa liberalisation with<br />
the Eastern Partnership countries should be taken<br />
forward. And fourthly, the EU, while pursuing this<br />
initiative, should be looking at the individual interests<br />
of each EaP country and their readiness to cooperate<br />
with the EU, and not merely apply the same<br />
approach to all six countries.<br />
Latvia joined the EU in 2004. What have been the most<br />
significant changes in your country since then?<br />
We have gone a long way since we joined the Union.<br />
There were challenging times with the Lisbon<br />
Treaty, the financial crisis, the enlargement of the<br />
Schengen area and of the Euro area. Over this period<br />
of time, we have developed a sense of belonging to<br />
the EU, an understanding of the daily work of the EU<br />
institutions, and also a greater sense of common responsibility<br />
for this project. Prior to joining the EU in<br />
2004, Latvia had an accession period, which was the<br />
most important reform process in our country. We<br />
were able to successfully develop our democratic system<br />
and economy in a short time. And the Presidency<br />
itself is kind of proof and confirmation that we<br />
were able to turnaround from our past and develop<br />
fast. Since 2004, when Latvia joined the EU, the confidence<br />
of the people of Latvia in the European Union<br />
has grown considerably. 80 percent of Latvians<br />
have indicated that the membership has clearly<br />
brought economic and social benefits, the most popular<br />
among them are the rights for free movement<br />
– the possibility to live, work, establish business and<br />
study in any of the EU countries.<br />
Latvia has proven to be one of the most visible<br />
member states since its accession. Ten years in the<br />
EU have resulted in a 30 percent GDP increase and a<br />
45 percent increase of real wages, as well as many<br />
other economic benefits.<br />
The comparisons in the cities of Latvia are remarkable,<br />
and prove once again that joining the EU was<br />
a wise decision. Just one example: thanks to EU funding,<br />
60,000 grants have been received by Latvian<br />
students for professional education, 405 health care<br />
facilities have been renovated, improving the overall<br />
quality of life.<br />
Just one year ago, you joined the Euro-Zone. Which benefits<br />
has the Euro brought to Latvia?<br />
This clearly shows that Latvia is one step closer to<br />
the core of the European Union and is a full-fledged<br />
member. This demonstrates to the people of Latvia<br />
and to the entire world that we are a modern Western<br />
state and honour the values of Western countries,<br />
such as freedom, tolerance, individual responsibility,<br />
security and welfare. Since becoming an<br />
independent state on 18th November 1918, Latvia<br />
has always sought to be a respected European state in<br />
its own right.<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
PHOTOS: JURIS KALNIŅŠ/FOTOCENTRS; SECRETGARDENSTUDIO/VALTS KLEINS; ILMARS ZNOTINS<br />
Bilateral relations between Latvia and Austria are<br />
extremely good, with regular political dialogue taking<br />
place in the form of consultations on a range of<br />
different levels between the two countries’ Foreign<br />
Ministries. The Austrian President, Dr. Heinz Fischer,<br />
visited Latvia in the summer of 2<strong>01</strong>4, and a state visit<br />
to Vienna by Latvian President Andris Bērziņš is<br />
planned for April of this year.<br />
Arts and Culture<br />
The two countries are also very close in the cultural<br />
field, and there is already a high level of cultural<br />
exchange. Latvian singers, conductors and actors, such<br />
as Elīna Garanča, Kristīne Opolais, Marina Rebeka,<br />
Aleksandrs Antoņenko, Mariss Jansons, Andris Nelsons,<br />
Alvis Hermanis and Gundars Āboliņš, are well-known<br />
and well-liked in Austria, and play the role of “cultural<br />
ambassadors” for the small country of Latvia. Riga<br />
was the European Cultural Capital in 2<strong>01</strong>4, and the<br />
Latvian Embassy highlighted projects associated with<br />
this role by putting on a series of events such as the<br />
exhibition “Riga’s Art Nouveau. Architecture and Art”,<br />
Sacher Anz. Circle Diplomatique 230x148,5_Druck 25.02.15 14:17 Seite 1<br />
Song and Dance Festival 2<strong>01</strong>3 at the Latvian National<br />
Centre for Culture.<br />
which ran at Vienna’s Academy of the Visual Arts in<br />
November 2<strong>01</strong>4. The exhibition focussed on the extent<br />
to which Riga played a role in shaping Western<br />
European culture, architecture and lifestyle at the<br />
beginning of the 20th century.<br />
Business<br />
There remains strong potential for development in<br />
economic relations between Austria and Latvia. Goods<br />
with a value of approximately EUR 154 million were<br />
exported from Austria to Latvia in 2<strong>01</strong>3, while goods<br />
with a value of EUR 26 million were imported. The<br />
main exports from Austria to Latvia were in the<br />
pharmaceutical products, electrical and mechanical<br />
goods sectors. Austria, on the other hand, primarily<br />
imports goods produced in the wood processing and<br />
chemicals sectors from Latvia. Ambassador Skuja sees<br />
the engineering goods, metal processing, electronics,<br />
electrotechnology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical<br />
sectors as having the greatest potential for development.<br />
Tourism<br />
In the tourism sector, in comparison, the trend is<br />
already positive on both sides, with the number of<br />
visitors to both countries increasing from year to year.<br />
According to Statistik Austria, overnight stays in<br />
Austria by visitors from Latvia rose by two percent in<br />
2<strong>01</strong>3 compared to the preceding year. The daily direct<br />
flight with Air Baltic between Riga and Vienna is a<br />
major benefit here. “Latvians love the Austrian<br />
mountains, and Austrians enjoy our 400 km long Baltic<br />
coastline, the well-wooded landsape and the numerous<br />
music and cultural festivals in Riga and all over the<br />
country“, said Ambassador Skuja.<br />
TIMELESS<br />
ELEGANCE<br />
WITH<br />
VIENNESE<br />
CHARM<br />
Philharmonikerstraße 4 • A-1<strong>01</strong>0 Wien<br />
Tel.:+43/1/514 56-0 • wien@sacher.com<br />
www.sacher.com<br />
46 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
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47
LE MONDE ESSAY<br />
The Invention of Europe<br />
Turn of an era: “Miranda en la<br />
Caraca” (1896) by Arturo<br />
Michelena, “Napoleon in Berlin”<br />
(1810) by Charles Meynier and<br />
“Portrait of Monsieur Lavoisier<br />
and his Wife” (1788) by<br />
Jacques-Louis David.<br />
The congress was dancing, as a fact. But that’s only<br />
half the story. In his essay, Manfred Matzka,<br />
Director General of the Chancellery, examines the<br />
political relevance of a major historical event.<br />
Author Manfred Matzka<br />
is the Head of the<br />
Presidential Section in the<br />
Federal Chancellery. In<br />
addition, he was a lecturer<br />
at the University of Vienna,<br />
and is a speaker at the<br />
Danube University Krems.<br />
I<br />
have spent the majority of my professional life in<br />
the former Secret Court and State Chancellery<br />
on Ballhausplatz, and hardly a day went by when<br />
I did not use, show or explain the famous „Kongresssaal”<br />
(congress hall). So, in a way it was an everyday<br />
occurrence to be asked about the Congress of Vienna,<br />
which took place there. Unfortunately, it was also<br />
a given thing, that the event was reduced to the same<br />
two preconceptions which seem to characterise its<br />
image, namely, that the congress danced, but did not<br />
achieve anything, and that the conservative Metternich<br />
only contributed to a restoration of the old political<br />
conditions. Hardly any of the guests and visitors<br />
established a relationship to the current importance<br />
of the Congress of Vienna. Both images – like every<br />
good preconception – contain a grain of truth, but<br />
they are both far away from reality. Therefore, it is<br />
time to put a great deal right, and shed new light on<br />
it: this includes things like long term goals, planning<br />
and action plans, the target oriented and clever use<br />
of top entertainers in the music programme for the<br />
conference, networking and lobbying whole droves<br />
of experts, hangers-on, society ladies and conduits,<br />
for the dynamic of a series of summits with preparation<br />
by working groups and confessional negotiations,<br />
for the readiness for international law sanctions<br />
and the correction of borders within Europe,<br />
for the importance of single individuals that are charismatic<br />
for the whole of Europe in an unstable historical<br />
situation …<br />
All of these are also current phenomena of the<br />
European cooperation, it seems to me. You can obviously<br />
describe the congress fittingly with the current<br />
EU vocabulary: Vienna was really the cultural capital<br />
of Europe in this „chairmanship year“; strategic concepts,<br />
state political and economic interests were<br />
brought home to the heads of state and government<br />
in a professional way, and they integrated these into<br />
the negotiations. Even the fact that the working method<br />
– many people from different states sitting together,<br />
in a succession of meetings according to the<br />
rising order of the position of the participants – is<br />
still the same in the EU today, does not put the Congress<br />
of Vienna in a bad light, but rather the working<br />
style of today‘s European bureaucracy. And the fact<br />
that at the time you didn‘t have to strive for and pay<br />
for translation services is going in a similar direction.<br />
The thought of supranationality, the legitimacy of<br />
normative stipulations on a level above the states –<br />
which previously had the monopoly on legislation –<br />
continued to develop from Ballhausplatz into the late<br />
20th Century. The fact that the EU successfully eliminated<br />
some borders within Europe (or at least<br />
their perception) with Schengen, only to recreate<br />
them unsuccessfully and paradoxically somewhere<br />
else, is something else it has in common with the<br />
congress. Incidentally, the whole thing cost about as<br />
much as an EU Council Presidency today, took a similar<br />
amount of time, worked in the same format<br />
and was paid without objection by tax payers, just<br />
like today, who were not quite clear on how it actually<br />
happened.<br />
However, it also makes sense to go deeper underneath<br />
the surface, to look at some of the basic principles<br />
of the Congress of Vienna from a current European<br />
perspective, and ask yourself whether, and if<br />
PHOTOS: GEROLD VERLAG<br />
yes, which effects and significance it has for the current<br />
political Europe.<br />
A joint conviction was at the beginning of the<br />
whole thing – it seemed possible to turn a fundamental<br />
crisis into a chance. The wars with their consequences,<br />
and the wide reaching internal and external<br />
destabilisation of the European states enabled<br />
joint initiatives to be set up, in economics, state<br />
structure and society, which would previously hardly<br />
have been possible without a huge turning point – a<br />
stable, comprehensive reorganisation of the whole<br />
continent.<br />
The congress proved something else: Cooperative<br />
action is possible in Europe. Not only could the individual<br />
states be the bearers of political decisions, there<br />
were further possibilities outside of their sphere of<br />
action, which had previously hardly been recognised,<br />
and were almost never used.<br />
After that it was shown that diplomacy and law<br />
can also bring about what until then had mostly only<br />
occurred through the use of armies. The conquests<br />
of the revolutionary Napoleonic France could be reversed,<br />
without having to enforce this on the battlefield.<br />
You could give yourself and others a new order,<br />
and at the same time avoid military violence. This<br />
proved, that in future it could even be possible to solve<br />
conflicts diplomatically, and moreover, even prevent<br />
them in this way.<br />
This was a new political quality – the instrument<br />
was a new category of norms, namely supranational<br />
law, which was determined by the states together, but<br />
then was also binding for them, where they did not<br />
expressly agree. This applied both for the whole of<br />
Europe, and – with even denser regulations – for<br />
parts of the continent, such as the small states merging<br />
in the German Confederation. Thus, a variable<br />
geometry of the European, political organisation – a<br />
very modern image.<br />
48 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
49
LE MONDE ESSAY<br />
BOOK-TIP<br />
<strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong><br />
ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL<br />
finden Sie auch in diesen<br />
exklusiven Häusern:<br />
can also be found in these exclusive hotels:<br />
Napoleon and the<br />
consequences: Swiss<br />
Federal Agreement of<br />
1815; “The Plum-pudding<br />
in Danger” (1805), a<br />
caricature by James<br />
Gillray.<br />
Popular uprising:<br />
“Heimkehrender Tiroler<br />
Landsturm im Krieg von<br />
1809” [Returning Tyrolean<br />
militiamen in the war of<br />
1809], (1876) by Franz von<br />
Defregger.<br />
The Congress<br />
of Vienna<br />
We have taken Manfred<br />
Matzka‘s – here slightly<br />
abridged – essay from the<br />
very clever, richly<br />
illustrated book „Der<br />
Wiener Kongress. Die<br />
Erfindung Europas“ (The<br />
Congress of Vienna. The<br />
invention of Europe),<br />
which appeared in Carl<br />
Gerold’s Sohn Verlagsbuchhandlung<br />
(90 Euro),<br />
and in which 23 Austrian<br />
and international authors<br />
explore the secrets to the<br />
success of an unprecedented<br />
congress of the most<br />
powerful rulers of Europe,<br />
in which the foundations<br />
were laid for a peace order,<br />
enuring until the outbreak<br />
of the First World War.<br />
New international law emerged, for the first time<br />
as a compact, detailed regulation at this standardisation<br />
level. It not only determined states, their borders<br />
and mutual recognition, but also rules for everyday<br />
life of living together on this small and richly structured<br />
continent. The statutory provision of freedom<br />
of international river navigation, and the legally binding<br />
regulation of diplomatic law serve as proof of<br />
this.<br />
And – what none of my visitors to the congress<br />
hall praise – the Vienna Congress also had an important<br />
influence on the emergence and definition of<br />
generally applicable basic rights in Europe: the abolition<br />
of slavery in article 118 of the conference papers<br />
are the proof of this.<br />
Of course, the restoration of former relationships<br />
was also a focal point of the congress. But these focussed<br />
on the domestic situations, not on the development<br />
of Europe. Restorative principles and a basic<br />
scepticism towards all revolutionary and liberal<br />
efforts were their guidelines, but the repression was<br />
also oriented towards nationalist movements – and<br />
that was not to a reactionary extent, in that nationalism<br />
did not have to be seen as a progressive development<br />
in Europe. An extensive discussion would<br />
serve to find out whether middle class nationalism<br />
should be seen as progressive and positive, from the<br />
point of view of the time and/or today. But in 1848 at<br />
the latest, it showed its not at all progressive face to<br />
the proletariat, to the students, to democratic movements.<br />
However, the Congress of Vienna brought new<br />
ways of thinking and principles into international<br />
politics, which are still significant for today‘s Europe.<br />
It became clear that there is a joint European identity,<br />
which some things should sensibly be subordinated<br />
to. People assumed that a hegemony of the policy on<br />
economics and society made sense. They were firmly<br />
convinced that after uncertainty and war, peace is<br />
possible, if you get together and make joint decisions.<br />
Even more so, because they assumed that clever<br />
and long-term planning could also ensure long-term<br />
peace. The fact that defeated France was once again<br />
accepted into the concert of the great powers shows<br />
this just as much as the system of pentarchy oriented<br />
towards equality.<br />
In any case, the congress created stable peace for a<br />
long time. For the first time, the people in Europe<br />
had the real experience that you can evolve and grow<br />
without war. Because, after the congress and up to<br />
PHOTOS: GEROLD VERLAG<br />
the Crimean war in the early 1850s, Europe remained<br />
protected against wars between the great powers<br />
for more than 35 years. That was a great achievement<br />
after thirty wars in the 17th century and fifteen in<br />
the 18th century, and after the 17 years of the Napoleonic<br />
Wars immediately beforehand; after two centuries,<br />
in which there were always at least two, but<br />
mostly a handful of battlegrounds in Europe at the<br />
same time, a whole generation lived in peace for the<br />
first time.<br />
This has to be the most important message that<br />
the Congress of Vienna left behind for future European<br />
development: a permanent peace project is<br />
possible on this continent, if the states agree to put<br />
supranational laws in place, which obligate them to<br />
provide counter measures, at least where there is a<br />
risk of violent confrontation. To do this, one must<br />
carry out many negotiations until then, and accept a<br />
large-scale staging and the prepotency of individual<br />
interests (from supranationalists to financial capital).<br />
Overall, however, it is worth taking such a path. It is<br />
better than building up hostile images and nationalism,<br />
which one can perhaps no longer control – see<br />
Ukraine.<br />
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50 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5
LE MONDE PANAMA<br />
Ambassador, politician, poet, scientist<br />
Text: Petra Stix<br />
Gloria Young, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama in Vienna, has a very<br />
versatile and engaging personality. She writes books and poems, is committed to<br />
research projects and is a respected politician in her country. For a period of over<br />
ten years, she was politically active for her country and therefore has the best<br />
possible credentials to represent the interests of Panama in Austria.<br />
Diablos y Congos Festival.<br />
Two weeks after Carnival,<br />
communities in and around<br />
Portobelo hold the Diablos y<br />
Congos (Devils and Slaves)<br />
festival to honour their<br />
ancestors who managed to<br />
escape slavery during the<br />
Spanish colonial period.<br />
PHOTOS: JOSÉ CARLOS LEIS, JULIA WEICHSELBAUM/HBF<br />
February 3rd 2<strong>01</strong>5, Embassy of Panama, Goldschmiedegasse<br />
10, 1st district in the Vienna<br />
city centre: interview with I.E. Gloria Young,<br />
Ambassador of Panama in Vienna since December<br />
8th 2<strong>01</strong>4. One can hardly imagine a warmer welcome.<br />
We are greeted by a highly charismatic, lively<br />
and alert lady and feel very comfortable in her presence.<br />
She doesn’t hold back and recounts the story<br />
of her eventful life since arriving in Austria in early<br />
December. Still at war with speaking German, she<br />
admits that the complexity of the language is a tough<br />
hurdle to overcome. In an effort to give her best, she<br />
is attending a German course to improve her language<br />
skills. In Austria, she rushes from meeting to meeting.<br />
„Due to the presence of the UN in Vienna there<br />
are plenty of <strong>issue</strong>s on a bilateral as well as multilateral<br />
level“, explains Ambassador Young. Since she<br />
took office in Vienna, she is proud to have acted as<br />
chairman for the Group of Latin American and Caribbean<br />
States (GRULAC) within the United Nations<br />
as well. “I grow with the challenge. It is very exciting<br />
to learn so much about the other Latin American<br />
countries,” said Young.<br />
As Versatile as a Book<br />
The charismatic lady teaches to this day at the Latin<br />
University of Panama City in the Faculty of Law<br />
and Political Science. Furthermore, she is the executive<br />
director of the Department of Gender Studies.<br />
She lectures on various topics such as politics, gender<br />
politics, literature, education and human rights<br />
both at national and international level. She is president<br />
of the Association of Former Parliamentarians<br />
of the Republic of Panama and member of the Central<br />
American Network of „No Violence against Women“<br />
in San Jose, Costa Rica.<br />
From 2<strong>01</strong>0 to 2<strong>01</strong>2, she was president of the National<br />
Council of Writers of Panama. She has released<br />
nine books in total, and over 300 of her articles and<br />
essays have been printed in national and international<br />
publications. Her latest literary work “Nada que<br />
ocultar” (“Nothing to Hide”) is a collection of prose<br />
poems with impressive illustrations by the Panamanian<br />
artists Pearl Bajdez, Silvia Costa and Soledad<br />
Velasco Hernandez. According to Gloria Young’s description,<br />
“It is a book for all the senses, a book to<br />
feel, a book to see, a book to read, to listen to and to<br />
smell”. The famous Panamanian writer Pedro Crenes<br />
Castro referred to Gloria Young in his book review as<br />
“one of the great female literary voices of the country”.<br />
“Nothing to Hide” touches the soul and makes it<br />
shiver at the same time. Gloria Young just recently<br />
presented her book in MUSA (Museum Startgalerie<br />
Artothek) to the Viennese public for the first time.<br />
The Indigenous People of Panama<br />
Ambassador Young tells us about a research project,<br />
she was involved in, with great enthusiasm.:<br />
“The leadership of the Nagbe Buglé woman: Silvia<br />
Carrera”. That is how we also got an insight into the<br />
way of life of the indigenous peoples in Panama. We<br />
learned that in 2<strong>01</strong>1, Silvia Carrera Concepción was<br />
the first woman to be voted cacica (native chief) of<br />
the Ngäbe-Buglé tribe. In 2<strong>01</strong>2, she even made international<br />
headlines by arranging large-scale roadblocks<br />
with her people to prevent the construction of<br />
a hydroelectric power plant on her people‘s land,<br />
which brought traffic to Panama City to a standstill.<br />
Ever since then, mining projects in the autonomous<br />
territories of the indigenous peoples have only been<br />
allowed to go ahead upon their consent. An enormous<br />
victory for a woman from a small Indian tribe<br />
in the mountains of Veraguas.<br />
The Ngäbe-Buglé represent the most numerous<br />
of the indigenous peoples in Panama. About 180.000<br />
Ngäbes and 10.000 Buglé live in the protected “Ngäbe-Buglé<br />
Comarca”, comparable to a reservation.<br />
They have their own political system. The majority<br />
of the Ngäbe-Buglé live in small towns or villages,<br />
particularly in the mountain region of Bocas del<br />
Ambassador<br />
Gloria Young at her<br />
accreditation.<br />
52 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
53
LE MONDE PANAMA<br />
FACTS &<br />
FIGURES<br />
1 Two Kuna Yala boys, fishing.<br />
2 Panama City at night.<br />
3 Diablos y Congos Festival in<br />
Portobelo.<br />
Trade Relations<br />
Austria - Panama<br />
Export: 18,03 million euro<br />
Main export products:<br />
Machinery and equipment,<br />
medicine, products made<br />
of iron and steel, slot<br />
machines and motor<br />
vehicles, pharmaceutical<br />
products.<br />
Import: 3.26 million euro<br />
Main import products:<br />
Fruits (pineapple, melons,<br />
bananas), consumer<br />
products and metal<br />
structures<br />
2<br />
3<br />
1<br />
Toro, Veraguas and Chiriqui.<br />
The Kuna Yala are another interesting indigenous<br />
group as is it not known exactly when they migrated<br />
from South America to Panama. In any case, they<br />
had populated the 360 islands, known as the San Blas<br />
Islands in the Archipelago de San Blas by the 16th<br />
century. Today, most of the 36.000 Kuna Yala still live<br />
there. They fought for centuries to keep their culture<br />
and traditions alive, but it was only in 1930 that they<br />
succeeded in securing a political settlement to establish<br />
the semi-autonomous Kuna Yala territory.<br />
The people of the Emberá and the Wounaan are<br />
equally fascinating. With an estimated population of<br />
15.000, most of the Emberá live in the Darien rainforest<br />
in Panama. Together with the Wounaan people,<br />
they were formerly known as the Choco, as they originally<br />
came from the Choco province in Colombia<br />
which they left in the 18th century. There are approximately<br />
2.600 Wounaan Indians who also live in the<br />
Darien rainforest. In 1983, the government of Panama<br />
recognized the Comarca Emberá-Drua as a semi-autonomous<br />
indigenous territory for both the<br />
Emberá as well as the Wounaan. The area extends to<br />
the Darien National Park and the biosphere reserve.<br />
Along the banks of the many rivers, these tribes live<br />
far away from the comforts and problems of civilization<br />
– in perfect harmony with their environment.<br />
They are proud, peaceful and honest, but wary of<br />
strangers. They lead a day-to-day existence without<br />
real economic pressure and choose to ignore laws<br />
and regulations of local authorities. Instead, they<br />
created their own laws.<br />
The Panama Canal, an Economic Miracle<br />
The Panama Canal is by far the most important<br />
factor for the national economy. After all, 82 percent<br />
of the country’s economic output is generated almost<br />
entirely via transit revenue. It is also considered the<br />
eighth Wonder of the World, a masterpiece of engineering<br />
and technology.<br />
By the end of the 18th century, the French failed<br />
in their construction efforts of the Canal. They had<br />
underestimated the tropical conditions in the area.<br />
Workers were brought to their knees by the damp<br />
heat, malaria and yellow fewer, causing the death of<br />
seven men on average per day. The USA took over<br />
under President Roosevelt, and completed the mammoth<br />
project in August 1914 after over ten years of<br />
construction work. The dream of connecting two<br />
oceans finally came true. Transiting between the Atlantic<br />
and Pacific Oceans saves ships from sailing an<br />
additional 15.000 kilometres.<br />
Sole administrative authority of the Panama Canal<br />
was in the hands of the USA until 1977. Only after<br />
tough negotiations and numerous protests by the<br />
people of Panama did they come to an agreement to<br />
transfer authority of the Canal by the end of 1999.<br />
Since the container ships are getting bigger and<br />
bigger, the Panama Canal is currently being further<br />
developed. The original schedule, however, is in danger<br />
of changing both in time and budget. Initially,<br />
the completion was planned for the end of 2<strong>01</strong>5, and<br />
the cost was to amount to 5.25 billion US dollars.<br />
Economic Benefits of the country<br />
Apart from the Panama Canal, the country has<br />
PHOTOS: JOSÉ CARLOS LEIS<br />
d.signwerk.com | Photos: Markus Pummer, Gregor Titze, Keith Collie<br />
also other important advantages thanks to the location<br />
such as a modern financial centre, linking to the<br />
dollar, the best flight connections in Latin America,<br />
the free trade zone of Colón (world wide the second<br />
largest) and raw materials including copper and<br />
gold. Agriculture mainly focuses on rice, corn, coffee<br />
and tropical fruits.<br />
In 2<strong>01</strong>3, the gross domestic product amounted<br />
to 40 billion US dollars. 81 percent of Panama’s economic<br />
output is generated in the transit region (Panama<br />
City, Canal area), and only 16 percent come<br />
from the country’s interior. A further three percent<br />
are from the five indigenous Comarcas and Darién.<br />
The gross domestic product is in steady growth<br />
since mid-2002. Throughout the last decade, Panama<br />
reached the biggest growth rates of about 8.5 percent<br />
in Latin America according to the IMF. In 2<strong>01</strong>3,<br />
it was 8 percent, and for 2<strong>01</strong>4, a decrease to seven<br />
percent is expected. Inflation was four percent in<br />
2<strong>01</strong>3, and the official unemployment rate could be<br />
lowered to four percent. There is virtually full employment<br />
now in Panama.<br />
An Attractive Country for Investors<br />
Panama succeeds in attracting foreign investors<br />
by giving them equal market access as local companies<br />
enjoy, with a few exceptions, such as in retail<br />
and maritime services. Foreign investment of about<br />
4 billion US dollars put Panama on the top again in<br />
Central America.<br />
Additional corporate settlement is possible in the<br />
world-wide prominent free zone Colón, also called<br />
“Science City” (Ciudad del Saber) and the Special<br />
Economic Zone AEP (Área Especial Económica Panamá-Pacífico)<br />
close to the capital. The legislation<br />
for seats of multinational enterprises (SEM), the free<br />
zone regime (“zonas francas” in succession of export<br />
promotion zones) for manufacturing companies, industry-specific<br />
support programs, a comprehensive<br />
service from a single source (one stop shop) in the<br />
production zone Panamá Pacífico for non-bureaucratic<br />
control of immigration and work permit <strong>issue</strong>s<br />
as well as tax benefits (including the territorial control<br />
principle) give the foreign investor support, facilitation<br />
and highly attractive incentives.<br />
STEP INTO<br />
A TRULY<br />
REMARKABLE<br />
PLACE<br />
Panama<br />
Official name:<br />
Republic of Panama<br />
Location: Costa Rica to the<br />
west, Colombia to the east<br />
Area: 75,517 km2<br />
Population: 3.3 million<br />
Official language: Spanish<br />
Other languages: 73<br />
Religion: 86% Catholic,<br />
10% Protestant<br />
Capital: Panama City<br />
Currency: Balboa (PAB),<br />
US dollar<br />
Climate: tropical<br />
National day: 3rd<br />
November (1903 – independence<br />
from Colombia)<br />
Form of government:<br />
Republic<br />
Head of State:<br />
Juan Carlos Varela<br />
Source: WKO, Status: 2<strong>01</strong>3<br />
54 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
HOTEL | SPA CLUB | RESTAURANT & BAR<br />
BURGGASSE 2 | 1070 VIENNA, AUSTRIA | T: +43-1-522 25 20 | WWW.SANSSOUCI-WIEN.COM<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
55
LE MONDE FOREIGN AFFAIRS<br />
Sebastian Kurz<br />
“Vienna is a natural venue for dialogue“<br />
Austria’s Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz about the importance of intercultural<br />
and interreligious dialogue, development-cooperation, and the efforts his department<br />
is making to bring Austria’s economic movers and shakers together with<br />
international diplomats.<br />
Interview: Petra Stix<br />
“Promoting cohesion<br />
is a task for the<br />
whole of society“<br />
Fear of terror threatens to drive a wedge between Europe<br />
and its immigrants. How do you view the situation at present,<br />
and what can be done to counter the trend?<br />
The shocking propensity for violence of the terror<br />
group calling itself ‘Islamic State’, the <strong>issue</strong> of radicalisation<br />
associated with jihadism, and the latest attack<br />
in Paris are anything but helpful to the climate<br />
of integration. Simply equating Islam with terror,<br />
however, is both wrong and dangerous. Islam has<br />
now been recognised in Austria for over 100 years,<br />
and we have been taking in Muslim migrant workers<br />
for 50 years now. Muslims are an important part of<br />
our society today, and must not be subjected to some<br />
sort of general suspicion. At the same time, people’s<br />
fears need to be taken seriously. The fact is that we<br />
have succeeded in achieving a great deal in the area<br />
of integration in recent years, and the climate of coexistence<br />
has been continuously improving. In the<br />
field of integration, therefore, we need to ensure that<br />
we achieve clear goals in an effort to make sure that<br />
there is not a wholesale loss of trust between the<br />
Muslim and non-Muslim population. We will be<br />
proceeding determinedly against dangerous trends<br />
such as political Islamism on the one hand, while not<br />
allowing a negative mood against all Muslims to take<br />
root on the other. Promoting cohesion is a task for<br />
the whole of society, and the responsibility of each<br />
and every one of us. All sides and each and every one<br />
of us can contribute to building mutual trust.<br />
Let’s talk for a moment about “successful integration”. What<br />
do you mean by successful integration?<br />
Our guiding principle is “integration through<br />
achievement”. Migrants should not be measured by<br />
their origin, but by what they succeed in achieving in<br />
their profession, education, family or society. Successful<br />
integration builds upon their German language<br />
skills, success in education, and profession.<br />
That’s why we’re concentrating on these areas in our<br />
work. We have vastly increased investment in helping<br />
children master the language at an early age.<br />
Central government will be investing an additional<br />
EUR 60 million in our kindergartens by 2<strong>01</strong>8. We are<br />
currently working around the clock on a law recognising<br />
qualifications gained abroad, which will be a<br />
hugely important step for those seeking opportunities<br />
in the job market here. And a new law on Islam<br />
will be enacted in the next few weeks defining the<br />
rights and obligations of Muslims in Austria.<br />
The situation in Ukraine is still critical and there seems to be<br />
no solution in sight. What can be done?<br />
We are of course observing the situation in Eastern<br />
Ukraine with great concern. A peaceful solution<br />
can only be achieved if all participants are involved.<br />
That means that the dialogue between all parties to<br />
the conflict has to be kept going. It also means that<br />
the EU will have to continue speaking with one<br />
voice, and remain true to its principles. No solution<br />
to the conflict will ever work without Russia on<br />
board, but the basis for any solution has to be complete<br />
implementation of the Minsk Agreement. Selective<br />
implementation damages trust, and as we<br />
have already seen, does not contribute to progress in<br />
any way. Internal reforms will also have to be implemented<br />
within Ukraine; without these, any international<br />
aid will be completely ineffective.<br />
2<strong>01</strong>5 is the European Year of Development. The OECD is<br />
demanding that Austria increases the financial resources it<br />
contributes to development work. What do your plans look<br />
like for fulfilling the OECD demands in the future?<br />
The European Year of Development is a hugely<br />
important opportunity to discuss development cooperation,<br />
keep Austrians informed, and reach people<br />
who have not been concerned with the <strong>issue</strong> to<br />
date. What happens in the wider world, and in developing<br />
countries in particular, affects every one of us:<br />
<strong>issue</strong>s such as fighting poverty, protecting the environment,<br />
using nature and precious resources care-<br />
PHOTOS:<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
BMEIA/FELICITAS MATERN<br />
PERSONAL DETAILS<br />
Sebastian Kurz<br />
Born in 1986, Sebastian Kurz<br />
became Austria’s Minister for<br />
Europe, Integration and<br />
Foreign Affairs in December<br />
2<strong>01</strong>3. He is the youngest<br />
Foreign Minister in the world.<br />
56 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
57
LE MONDE FOREIGN AFFAIRS<br />
fully, peace and security, and how to deal with refugees,<br />
are global challenges which can only be<br />
overcome by working together. One important target<br />
audience is our young people; at the end of the day,<br />
it’s their future in particular that we’re talking about<br />
here. The launch event in Austria, which we’ve organised<br />
together with partners from the Austrian Development<br />
Cooperation, has been targeted at young<br />
people, and communicates knowledge surrounding<br />
this development cooperation theme in what I hope<br />
will be a fresh and exciting way. Erik Solheim, Chair<br />
of the Development Aid Committee of the OECD,<br />
has praised Austria for the way it has involved the<br />
private sector and the Austrian Development Cooperation’s<br />
work in Moldova. And because we are doing<br />
good things at present, of course, we should be continuing<br />
to redouble our efforts. We take this request<br />
extremely seriously, of course. That’s why I think increasing<br />
financial resources from public as well as<br />
private sources is so very important. Development<br />
cooperation and its financing are not just tasks for<br />
my own department, however; they are responsibilities<br />
of the entire government. I’m very pleased to see<br />
that together with the respective Finance Ministers,<br />
we succeeded in avoiding making the cutbacks in the<br />
budget for bilateral development cooperation in<br />
both 2<strong>01</strong>4 and 2<strong>01</strong>5, and I shall of course be working<br />
to strengthen future development cooperation.<br />
In your speech to the General Assembly of the OSCE, you<br />
declared that you were prepared to take over Chairmanship<br />
of the OSCE in 2<strong>01</strong>7. What do you think will be the greatest<br />
challenges facing you when you do so?<br />
Chairmanship of the OSCE is a huge challenge,<br />
both at an organisational level and in terms of content,<br />
so we will need to get the process of preparation<br />
moving at as early a stage as possible. We shall be<br />
supporting the chairmanships of Serbia in 2<strong>01</strong>5 and<br />
Germany in 2<strong>01</strong>6 to the best of our abilities. In light<br />
of the crisis in Ukraine, the OSCE has proven to be<br />
the core organisation for security in Europe. Events<br />
have made clear, however, that this system needs to<br />
be updated and strengthened. It was against this<br />
backdrop as much as anything else that I offered to<br />
take over the chairmanship in 2<strong>01</strong>7. We see our<br />
chairmanship as a sign of our commitment to a<br />
peaceful, free and common Europe based on cooperation<br />
and dialogue, and are hoping to receive the<br />
support of the international community in achieving<br />
this goal.<br />
At the opening event of the European Year for Development<br />
in Austria, together with Development Commissioner Neven<br />
Mimica.<br />
The Conference of Western Balkan States is being held in<br />
Salzburg this year. How are preparations for this going, and<br />
what do you think its core themes will be?<br />
We’re currently in the middle of preparations for<br />
the Conference of Western Balkan States on 27th<br />
August, which will be held in Salzburg. The heads of<br />
government, foreign ministers and economic ministers<br />
of the seven states of the former Yugoslavia and<br />
Albania will be participating, and I’m very pleased to<br />
say that there will also be other high-level addresses,<br />
including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and<br />
representatives of the EU, such as High Representative<br />
Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Johannes<br />
Hahn. The core themes will be infrastructure expansion,<br />
strengthening of the rule of law, and regional<br />
cooperation. Civil society is also an important theme<br />
for us, which is why we’re also planning to hold a<br />
Civil Society Conference just before the summit<br />
takes place itself.<br />
You have repeatedly emphasised that you would like to<br />
position Austria even more strongly as a location for<br />
dialogue. What initiatives are you planning for 2<strong>01</strong>5 in order<br />
to achieve this?<br />
As one of the UN’s four permanent seats, Vienna<br />
makes a natural venue for dialogue. In 2<strong>01</strong>5, we shall<br />
PHOTOS: DRAGAN TATIC<br />
Left: Sebastian Kurz meets Kofi Annan at the Security Conference in Munich at the beginning of February 2<strong>01</strong>5.<br />
Right: Speaking to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pawlo Klimkin at the OSCE Security Council in December 2<strong>01</strong>4.<br />
be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding<br />
of the United Nations, and the 60th anniversary of<br />
Austria becoming a member of the UN. We want to<br />
use these anniversaries to continue strengthening dialogue<br />
with Viennese UN organisations on the one<br />
hand, and to bring the UN’s work closer to Austrians<br />
on the other hand. To do this, we’re planning a series<br />
of events targeted at a broad public, i.e. not just diplomats<br />
and experts, but also the public at large, all<br />
with the aim of contributing to stronger dialogue. At<br />
times like this, possibly more than any other – when<br />
the global community is exposed to ever-greater<br />
challenges – it’s absolutely crucial that we focus on<br />
multilateral cooperation and mutual understanding.<br />
Austrian foreign policy also has a decades-long tradition<br />
of inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue.<br />
The new pluralism in Austrian society demands dialogue<br />
both within Austria and with our neighbours<br />
and partners. Important bilateral projects on Islam<br />
in the best Austrian tradition of dialogue are being<br />
prepared for 2<strong>01</strong>5. The Task Force Dialogue of Cultures<br />
also considers projects with new dialogue partners,<br />
including China. The Intercultural Achievement<br />
Award (IAA), which I presented for the first<br />
time last year and which is open to participants<br />
around the world, will be held again this year.<br />
What measures is the Foreign Ministry taking to network<br />
domestic economic movers and shakers with international<br />
diplomats?<br />
The newly set-up enterprise service will be spearheading<br />
our efforts in this area. Business diplomacy,<br />
which is also a natural setting for targeted networking<br />
by domestic companies, has always been a central<br />
area of activity of the Foreign Ministry in its own<br />
right. I wanted to make this aspect of our daily work<br />
more visible to the public at large by setting up the<br />
enterprise service, so Austrian companies can now<br />
address their concerns and queries directly to a central<br />
point of contact. The global network of the<br />
BMEIA, which represents more than 100 authorities,<br />
offers specific added value in this field, such as providing<br />
exporters and investors with sound political<br />
analyses and forecasts, and a means of accessing<br />
high-ranking political decision-makers abroad. We<br />
also proactively network our entrepreneurs with international<br />
diplomats through a wide range of<br />
events, such as our “One Day At...” company tours<br />
and regular “Foreign Trade Round Table” meetings.<br />
In addition to this, we work hard to draw companies’<br />
attention to any procurements being made by international<br />
organisations, and promoting contacts with<br />
those organisations.<br />
“At times like<br />
this – when the<br />
global community<br />
is exposed to evergreater<br />
challenges<br />
– it’s absolutely<br />
crucial that we focus<br />
on multilateral<br />
cooperation and mutual<br />
understanding.”<br />
58 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
59
LE MONDE VIENNA ECONOMIC FORUM<br />
From the Adriatic to the Black Sea<br />
Text: Petra Stix<br />
INFO<br />
1 2<br />
5 7<br />
VEF Events in 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
27th-28th May 2<strong>01</strong>5:<br />
“Vienna Economic<br />
Talks – Tirana Meeting.<br />
Brainstorming Regional”,<br />
in Tirana, Albania<br />
3 4<br />
18th June 2<strong>01</strong>5:<br />
“Vienna Economic<br />
Talks – Meet Macedonia in<br />
Vienna”, Studio 44 of the<br />
Austrian Lotteries,<br />
Rennweg 44, 1030 Vienna<br />
The Vienna Economic Forum has played a hugely influential<br />
role in establishing Vienna as an economic hub for the<br />
region of Southeastern Europe.<br />
1 Left to right: Austrian<br />
Chancellor Werner<br />
Faymann, Elena Kirtcheva<br />
and Erhard Busek.<br />
2 Austrian President Heinz<br />
Fischer with the Patrons<br />
Committee.<br />
3 Elena Kirtcheva.<br />
4 Former Austrian<br />
Chancellor Wolfgang<br />
Schüssel.<br />
5 „Family picture“ at the<br />
Business and Investment<br />
Forum, Albania, organised<br />
by WKO and VEF.<br />
6 Former President of the<br />
Vienna Economic<br />
Chamber, Brigitte Jank<br />
(left) and Margarete<br />
Kriz-Zwittkowits,<br />
Honorary President,<br />
Austrian Trade<br />
Association.<br />
7 Regional Governor of<br />
Lower Austria, Erwin Pröll.<br />
The Vienna Economic Forum (VEF) was<br />
ini tially founded in April 2004, based on an<br />
idea by Elena Kirtcheva, Ambassador of the<br />
Republic of Bulgaria in Vienna at the time. A few<br />
years previously, as Bulgarian Ambassador to Switzerland,<br />
she had become acquainted with the World<br />
Economic Forum in Davos, an experience which<br />
inspired her to found an organisation of a similar nature<br />
focussed on the needs of Southeastern Europe<br />
and the Balkan countries, and based in Vienna.<br />
“Vienna immediately struck me as the perfect location,”<br />
Kirtcheva says. “Not only was there a real demand<br />
for economic exchange in the region, but you<br />
could sense the generally optimistic mood in the city,<br />
a feeling of wanting to instigate change.” The aim of<br />
the VEF is to promote economic cooperation between<br />
the countries and territories of the region,<br />
which is defined as stretching from the Adriatic to<br />
the Black Sea, from a location in Vienna.<br />
It was decided that the VEF’s partner countries<br />
should be Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina,<br />
Bulgaria, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of<br />
Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia,<br />
Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, Kosovo – and of course<br />
Austria.<br />
Along with Kirtcheva, who initially came up with<br />
the idea, the Forum’s founding members included<br />
some of Austria’s most notable entrepreneurs and industrialists,<br />
such as Josef Taus, the first President of<br />
the Vienna Economic Forum, Erhard Busek, Rudolf<br />
Gruber, Burkhard Hofer, Walter Rothensteiner,<br />
Herbert Stepic, Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer, Veit Sorger,<br />
Andreas Treichl, Karl Fink, Hanno Soravia,<br />
Christoph Leitl and Elisabeth Gürtler-Sacher. Therefore,<br />
the three fundamental components in the<br />
Forum’s success – the right location, the right time<br />
and the right people – were all very much in place.<br />
Former Austrian Vice-Chancellor Erhard Busek,<br />
who was also a Special Coordinator of the Stability<br />
Pact for Southeastern Europe, is the current President<br />
of the Vienna Economic Forum. The Patrons<br />
Committee of the VEF is made up of the Prime<br />
Ministers of individual member states, together with<br />
the Austrian Chancellor. The ambassadors of the<br />
countries in the region also participate in the work of<br />
the Forum as honorary members.<br />
Asked why she thinks the Forum has enjoyed the<br />
success it has done, Kirtcheva says: “The Vienna Economic<br />
Forum has accomplished a lot over the past<br />
eleven years, and Vienna’s importance as an economic<br />
hub for the region of Southeastern Europe has<br />
grown enormously at the same time. The achievements<br />
of our members, Austrian and Southeastern<br />
PHOTOS: VEF<br />
6<br />
European companies and international firms, in helping<br />
the region of Southeastern Europe from Vienna,<br />
really speak for themselves.”<br />
The Vienna Economic Forum’s main conferences<br />
are held in the Austrian capital every year in November.<br />
The conferences are attended by hundreds of<br />
decision-makers from business and industry, who<br />
come together to exchange ideas and to network. In<br />
addition to this, the VEF organises a number of<br />
external conferences each year in the capital cities of<br />
its partner countries, under the patronage of the<br />
prime minister in question.<br />
Another initiative, the “Vienna Economic Talks”,<br />
provides a platform for discussing specific <strong>issue</strong>s or<br />
economic sectors within a smaller framework. In<br />
2008, the “Vienna Economic Talks – Pleven Meeting”<br />
was organised to discuss the <strong>issue</strong>s of water<br />
supply, waste management and infrastructure.<br />
The 11th Forum was held in Vienna in November<br />
2<strong>01</strong>4. 500 participants from 44 countries attended<br />
the event, including Austrian President Heinz<br />
Fischer, Chancellor Werner Faymann, and the<br />
President of the European Bank for Reconstruction<br />
and Development, Suma Chakrabarti.<br />
Elena Kirtcheva is also particularly proud of the<br />
fact that the VEF was awarded NGO status in 2<strong>01</strong>1,<br />
and that it now enjoys Special Advisor status at the<br />
Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.<br />
One particularly popular event in the Vienna<br />
Economic Forum calendar is its annual garden party<br />
every summer. “The unique atmosphere of this event<br />
proves once again just how much the people of this<br />
region, from the Adriatic to the Black Sea, have in<br />
common with one another,” Kirtcheva says.<br />
The Vienna Economic Forum is continuously<br />
growing and evolving, a trend reflected in the ongoing<br />
internationalisation of its Executive Board.<br />
One Belgian, two Bulgarian and one German company<br />
are now represented on the Board, as well as the<br />
Turkish Investment Agency. “We are firmly convinced<br />
that the presence on the Board of the VEF of<br />
representatives of companies from all member countries<br />
heightens economic collaboration across the<br />
region as a whole,” Kirtcheva says.<br />
Playing such a key role in the region of Southeastern<br />
Europe for almost eleven years, and continuing<br />
to establish Vienna’s place as an economic hub, is a<br />
hugely positive feeling, of course, and Kirtcheva is<br />
optimistic about the future. “Advancing the region’s<br />
economic development and witnessing so many success<br />
stories – initially those of the Austrians, and as<br />
time has gone by, those companies we have had the<br />
chance to accompany in partner countries as well –<br />
provides enormous motivation and impetus.”<br />
9th June 2<strong>01</strong>5:<br />
14th Traditional Garden<br />
Party of the Vienna<br />
Economic Forum, Haus<br />
Wittgenstein, Parkgasse<br />
18, 1030 Vienna<br />
23rd November 2<strong>01</strong>5:<br />
12th Vienna Economic<br />
Forum – Vienna Dialogue<br />
2<strong>01</strong>5, Palais Niederösterreich,<br />
Vienna<br />
INFO:<br />
www.vienna-economicforum.com<br />
60 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
61
LE MONDE BANGLADESH<br />
An up-and-coming country<br />
Text: Petra Stix<br />
GUEST ARTICLE<br />
The decision by the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to<br />
open an Embassy in Vienna for the first time represents a<br />
significant milestone in the planned expansion of bilateral<br />
relations between Austria and Bangladesh.<br />
Bangladesh today is actually still a young country.<br />
It was only in 1971, following a bloody<br />
war of liberation the country then known as<br />
East Pakistan gained independence from Pakistan<br />
and became Bangladesh. Although the country may<br />
only have existed for 44 years, its cultural and historical<br />
roots actually extend far back into antiquity.<br />
Today’s Bangladesh was once part of the historically<br />
significant Bengal Empire.<br />
Bengal was inhabited by Hindus, Buddhists, and<br />
some animists until the thirteenth century, when<br />
Muslims invaded from the north-west, bringing<br />
their faith and culture with them. The British assumed<br />
political power in Bangladesh from 1757 onwards,<br />
ruling the country’s destiny for almost two<br />
centuries. After the Second World War, when the<br />
British planned to give up colonial power, they decided<br />
to partition the Indian Subcontinent into Hindu<br />
and Muslim regions, namely India and Pakistan respectively.<br />
The region once known as East Bengal was<br />
renamed East Pakistan in June 1947. Overnight, the<br />
new Muslim country was created out of British India,<br />
but split in two: West Pakistan lay to the far west,<br />
and East Pakistan to the east, separated by almost<br />
1,600 km of Indian territory. This was not the only<br />
problem, however. Irrespective of the geographical<br />
distance between them, East and West Pakistan had<br />
absolutely nothing in common other than the fact<br />
that both were Muslim; they did not even speak the<br />
same language. After years of political marginalisation,<br />
ethnic discrimination and economic neglect, a<br />
war of liberation finally broke out in 1971, and the<br />
country gained its independence from Pakistan. This<br />
was followed by decades of deprivation for the newly-founded<br />
state of Bangladesh, characterised by poverty<br />
and natural disasters as well as political unrest<br />
and military putsches. The country’s new age of economic<br />
progress could only begin in earnest once democratic<br />
elections began being held again in 1991.<br />
Economic growth<br />
Today, Bangladesh is one of the five fastest growing<br />
developing countries in the world. In the years<br />
2<strong>01</strong>1-2<strong>01</strong>4, the country saw average rates of economic<br />
growth of 6.3 percent. In the years since it gained<br />
independence from Pakistan, Bangladesh’s economy<br />
has evolved from being primarily agrarian-based, to<br />
one focussed on the industrial and service sectors.<br />
The traditionally dominant agricultural sector is now<br />
only responsible for around one-fifth of the country’s<br />
PHOTOS: GETTY / TANVIR IBNA SHAFI, YAHSANUL HOQUE CHOWDHURY ANAND, CD<br />
GDP. Despite this, three out of every five working<br />
people continue to be employed in the agricultural<br />
sector. For the rural population in particular (approximately<br />
three-quarters of the popula tion as a whole),<br />
agricultural production still represents the most<br />
important way of earning a living.<br />
The most important staple crop by far is rice.<br />
Something like 11.3 million hectares of land (around<br />
73 percent of the total area devoted to agricultural<br />
production) is used for the cultivation of rice. Increasingly<br />
large areas have been devoted to cultivating<br />
grain in recent decades, and production currently<br />
stands at over 36 million tons.Another important<br />
staple is jute. Even though its production is being<br />
steadily reduced every year, this continues to be an<br />
important source of revenue on the world market.<br />
“In 44 years we have made tremendous progress in<br />
food production. We have almost tripled the<br />
country’s production of grain since 1971,” said Md<br />
Abu Zafar, Bangladesh’s Ambassador in Vienna.<br />
The growth in the industrial sector is essentially a<br />
result of the booming textile industry. The success<br />
story began in the 1980s, when South Korean textile<br />
producers tried to get around quotas for textile imports<br />
in industrialised countries by moving their<br />
production to Bangladesh. Today, Bangladesh is the<br />
world’s second-largest textile producer as a result.<br />
The textile industry now employs over four million<br />
people. In addition, Bangladesh has entered into the<br />
ship-building industry with supplying ocean-going<br />
ships to the western world.<br />
International relations<br />
The foreign policy priorities of the government,<br />
unequivocally guided by the fundamental principle<br />
of foreign relations were outlined four decades<br />
ago by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu<br />
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman – ‘Friendship<br />
to all and malice to none’. The foreign<br />
policy accents and diplomatic<br />
initiatives were also essentially guided<br />
by the principal tenets of foreign policy<br />
as enumerated in the Constitution of<br />
Bangladesh and further shaped by the<br />
present go-vernment’s foreign policy<br />
pledges contained in its ‘Vision 2021’<br />
manifesto. Accordingly the government<br />
has launched proactive and multidimensional<br />
diplomatic initiatives to<br />
reaffirm and add value to Bangladesh’s<br />
Md Abu Zafar, Bangladesh‘s first Ambassador in Vienna<br />
His Excellency Md Abu Zafar talks about the natural beauty of his home country and<br />
the economic potential this could have, the role of religion in Bangladesh, and the<br />
social position of women there.<br />
Bangladesh’s coastline has the potential to<br />
support a successful tourist industry. Nowhere is<br />
the natural landscape more stunning than in the<br />
far south of the country. The coastal town of<br />
Cox’s Bazar is particularly blessed, for instance:<br />
it boasts the longest unbroken, natural sandy<br />
beach on Earth, with a gently sloping, sandy<br />
shore snaking along the coastline for more than<br />
125 kilometres. Bangladesh’s foreign tourism<br />
sector is still relatively small, and few<br />
Bangladeshis themselves have had the resources<br />
to travel within the country until recently.<br />
Internal tourism is now growing, however, as the<br />
economy develops, Austria is a world leader in<br />
providing such services, of course, so it will be in<br />
the interest of both countries to build up levels<br />
of cooperation in areas such as tourism.<br />
Although approximately 90 perccent of the<br />
Bangladeshi population are Muslims, it is far<br />
from what one might imagine as a conservative<br />
Islamic country. Bangladesh is a People’s<br />
Republic, in a similar way, in fact, to Austria.<br />
It is a secular country by constitution, where<br />
all religions co-exist peacefully. There is no<br />
religious discrimination of any sort here. The<br />
best thing about Bangladesh is that it is a<br />
tolerant society, and one of the most liberal<br />
Muslim countries in the world. The United<br />
Nations has described Bangladesh as being a<br />
model for other Muslim countries.<br />
The other important achievement of<br />
Bangladesh is women empowerment. The past<br />
four decades have seen increased political<br />
empowerment for women, better job prospects,<br />
and more opportunities for girl’s education and<br />
new laws to protect their rights. In Parliament<br />
we have 50 seats reserved for women. As of<br />
2<strong>01</strong>4, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the<br />
Parliament, the leader of the opposition are<br />
women. And not forgetting, they were elected<br />
by a majority of men. We have women football,<br />
cricket and hockey teams. This speaks volume<br />
for the liberal, democratic ethos of Bangladesh.<br />
Md Abu Zafar and<br />
his wife Salma,<br />
wearing the<br />
traditional Sari.<br />
62 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5
LE MONDE BANGLADESH<br />
Welcome to one of the most competent and comfortable private hospitals!<br />
FACTS &<br />
FIGURES<br />
RECOMMENDED BY LEADING DOCTORS<br />
Bangladesh<br />
Official name: People’s<br />
Republic of Bangladesh<br />
Location: bordered by India<br />
to the north, east and west,<br />
and the Bay of Bengal to<br />
the south and Myanmar to<br />
the south-east<br />
Area: 147,570 km2<br />
Population: 158 million<br />
Official language: Bengali<br />
Other languages: English<br />
Religion: Islam (90.4 %),<br />
Hinduism (8.2 %),<br />
Buddhism, Christianity<br />
Capital city: Dhaka<br />
Currency: Taka<br />
Climate: tropical with mild<br />
winters from October to<br />
March and hot, humid<br />
summers from March to<br />
June<br />
Public holiday: 26th<br />
March, Independence and<br />
National Day<br />
Form of state:<br />
People‘s Republic<br />
Head of State:<br />
Abdul Hamid<br />
Head of Government:<br />
Sheikh Hasina<br />
From left to right: Honorary Consul Wolfgang Weninger,<br />
First Secretary Shabab Bin Ahmed, Ambassador Mohammed Abu<br />
Zafar, Salma A. Zafar, Honorary Consul Ernst W. Graft.<br />
global identity and stature as a responsible and contributing<br />
member of the international community.<br />
Inspired by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu<br />
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s vision of establishing the<br />
country as “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal). The<br />
Government of Bangladesh has been tirelessly working<br />
to transform Bangladesh into a middle income<br />
country by 2021 and a developed nation by 2041. Taking<br />
into consideration the country’s geographical<br />
position, the importance of foreign development assistance<br />
and its economic and political interests.<br />
Bangladesh pursues constructive cooperation with<br />
the world of Islamic states and with western states.<br />
Relations with Bangladesh’s South Asian neighbours<br />
with whom it enjoys historic ties, geographic proximity<br />
and multifaceted cooperation is being further<br />
consolidated, while Bangladesh’s relations with its<br />
traditional economic partners in the Far Eastern region,<br />
especially China, Japan and South Korea have<br />
been vibrant. Both China and Japan are supporting<br />
Bangladesh in expanding infrastructure. The country<br />
also enjoys particularly close relations with states<br />
in the Gulf, where more than half of Bangladesh’s<br />
overseas workers are employed. Second only to export<br />
revenues from the textile industry, their remittances<br />
to home are Bangladesh’s most important<br />
source of income. Bangladesh is a founder member<br />
of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation<br />
(SAARC), the Group of Eight Developing<br />
Countries (D-8) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for<br />
“Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation”<br />
(BIMSTEC). The country is a member of the<br />
United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, the<br />
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Movement<br />
of Non-Aligned States.<br />
Bilateral relations: Austria – Bangladesh<br />
The foundations for the good relations between<br />
Austria and Bangladesh were laid back in 1971 when<br />
Austria supported Bangladesh during its war of independence,<br />
both in a moral and a material regard.<br />
“Immediately after liberation, the Austrian Ambassador<br />
based in New Delhi basically worked out a<br />
paper on economic policy for Bangladesh, outlining<br />
how Bangladesh could deepen its economic relations<br />
with Western Europe,” Ambassador Zafar said.<br />
The First Meeting of the Austria-Bangladesh Joint<br />
Working Group was held in February 2002. From<br />
26th-28th February 2<strong>01</strong>3, the Bangladeshi Foreign<br />
Minister visited Austria for the 5th Global Forum of<br />
the Alliance of Civilisation of the United Nations in<br />
Vienna. During this visit, she met a range of dignitaries<br />
including the Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister,<br />
Michael Spindelegger, the President of the<br />
Austrian Economic Chambers, Christoph Leitl, and<br />
members of the Foreign Policy Committee of Parliament.<br />
Both Foreign Ministers showed great interest<br />
in expanding existing economic relations further.<br />
The two saw great potential for future cooperation in<br />
fields including the energy sector, health, education,<br />
tourism and waste management. The volume of bilateral<br />
trade between the two countries in 2<strong>01</strong>3 was<br />
over 360 million Euro. Around 30 Austrian companies<br />
were located in Bangladesh at the time. “There is<br />
an imbalance in trade relations between our two<br />
countries. There exist great potentials to expand our<br />
bilateral trade to 1 Billion Euro by 2020, and thereby<br />
gradually offsetting the trade imbalance. Most importantly,<br />
Austrian investment in Bangladesh in sectors<br />
like renewable energy, waste management, agro<br />
industry, pharmaceuticals, physical infrastructure<br />
and service sectors including tourism can further<br />
contribute to the healthy trade and economic relations<br />
between the two countries. One of the objects<br />
of our mission here in Austria is to work towards<br />
achieving these goals,” Ambassador Zafar stated.<br />
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LE MONDE NEWS<br />
Latest update from around the globe<br />
PHOTO: CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS<br />
Bloomberg Innovationsranking<br />
South Korea is in<br />
the lead<br />
Austria ranked 17th out of 50<br />
in the global innovation<br />
ranking by Bloomberg, the<br />
financial news service. The<br />
most innovative countries are<br />
South Korea, Japan and<br />
Germany followed by Finland,<br />
Israel and the USA. Austria<br />
came 5th in the subcategory<br />
of manufacturing processes.<br />
Bloomberg ranked the<br />
countries based on six<br />
categories, which determine<br />
their ability to innovate.<br />
www.bloomberg.com<br />
European Union<br />
Economic forecast 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
For the first time since 2007, the economies of all European Union Member States are<br />
expected to grow again this year, according to the European Commission‘s winter<br />
forecast. Over the course of this year, economic activity is expected to pick up moderately<br />
in the EU and in the euro area, before accelerating further in 2<strong>01</strong>6. Growth this year is<br />
forecast to rise to 1,7 percent for the EU as a whole and to 1,3 percent for the euro area. In<br />
2<strong>01</strong>6, annual growth should reach 2,1 percent and 1,9 percent respectively, on the back of<br />
strengthened domestic and foreign demand, very accommodative monetary policy and a<br />
broadly neutral fiscal stance. Growth prospects across Europe are still limited by a weak<br />
investment environment and high unemployment. However, since the autumn, a number<br />
of key developments have brightened the near-term outlook. Oil prices have declined<br />
faster than before, the euro has depreciated noticeably, the ECB has announced<br />
quantitative easing, and the European Commission has presented its Investment Plan for<br />
Europe. All these factors are set to have a positive impact on growth. The trend towards<br />
low inflation has continued. In most Member States, inflation temporarily turned negative<br />
in December, on the back of the steep fall in energy prices. Inflation is set to remain<br />
subdued in 2<strong>01</strong>5 as low commodity prices dampen the headline figure. Inflation should<br />
increase as of mid-2<strong>01</strong>5 and in the course of 2<strong>01</strong>6, as economic activity gradually<br />
strengthens, wages rise and the economic slack is reduced. In the EU, inflation is projected<br />
at 0,2 percent in 2<strong>01</strong>5 and 1,4 percent in 2<strong>01</strong>6. Inflation in the euro area is forecast to be<br />
-0,1 percent this year before rising to 1,3 percent in 2<strong>01</strong>6.<br />
ec.europa.eu<br />
International Soil Sciences<br />
Office established<br />
in Vienna<br />
The IUSS (International Union<br />
of Soil Sciences) has set up an<br />
office in Vienna. IUSS is the<br />
global umbrella organisation<br />
of national soil associations<br />
and has more than 20,000<br />
members – scientists from 70<br />
countries around the world.<br />
www.iuss.org<br />
Airline Ranking<br />
The safest airlines<br />
in the world<br />
This year‘s safety ranking by JACDEC (Jet<br />
Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre)<br />
gave the top spot to Cathay Pacific Airways<br />
from Hong Kong, closely followed by<br />
Emirates from the United Arab Emirates<br />
and Eva Air, a private Taiwanese airline.<br />
The JACDEC ranking analyses the<br />
relationship between transport<br />
performance and incidents of the 60<br />
largest airlines in the world. To compile<br />
the list, all aircraft write-offs and fatalities<br />
in the last 30 years are recorded as well as<br />
serious incidents such as near-misses or<br />
risky situations.<br />
www.jacdec.de<br />
Spain<br />
Booming Automotive<br />
industry<br />
Spanish car manufacturers<br />
were able to increase their<br />
production in 2<strong>01</strong>4 by eleven<br />
percent to a total of 2,4<br />
million vehicles. This has<br />
made Spain the second<br />
largest European car<br />
manufacturer and go up to<br />
ninth place in the worldwide<br />
top ten.<br />
www.wko.at<br />
VEF 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Vienna<br />
Energy Forum<br />
The Vienna Energy Forum<br />
2<strong>01</strong>5 will take place only a<br />
few months before the<br />
Sustainable Development<br />
Goals Summit in New York<br />
and the UNFCCC Conference<br />
of the Parties in Paris. By<br />
emphasizing the multiple<br />
benefits of the Post-2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Development and the Climate<br />
Agenda and by showcasing<br />
best practices and actions on<br />
the ground, the VEF 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
aims at contributing to both.<br />
Date: 18th to 20th June 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Venue: Hofburg Imperial<br />
Palace in Vienna.<br />
www.unido.org<br />
Austria-Bulgaria<br />
Cultural agreement<br />
signed<br />
Austria and Bulgaria have<br />
signed a new agreement<br />
regarding cooperation in the<br />
fields of culture, education,<br />
science and youth. The<br />
agreement replaces an<br />
outdated agreement from<br />
1976. It has established a new<br />
basis for cooperation in the<br />
promotion of language<br />
teaching, literature, history<br />
and regional studies.<br />
www.bmeia.gv.at<br />
LEBEN IM NEUEN WIEN<br />
300 EXKLUSIVE EIGENTUMSWOHNUNGEN MIT TERRASSE UND AUSBLICK.<br />
CONCIERGE-SERVICE, SPA UND FITNESS. NUR ACHT U-BAHN-MINUTEN IN DIE CITY.<br />
AB SOMMER 2<strong>01</strong>5. WWW.DC-LIVING.AT<br />
FOTO: MICHAEL NAGL<br />
66 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
67
LE MONDE NEWS<br />
The South African<br />
soprano Pretty Yende<br />
is considered to be a<br />
shooting star on the<br />
opera scene.<br />
European Union<br />
Green light for<br />
SME financing<br />
Following a decision by the<br />
Board of Governors of the<br />
European Investment Bank<br />
(EIB), small and mediumsized<br />
companies (SMEs)<br />
across Europe should be able<br />
to benefit from the first funds<br />
from the new European Fund<br />
for Strategic Investments<br />
(EFSI) before the summer.<br />
The landmark decision taken<br />
today by the EIB Board of<br />
Governors will allow for the<br />
pre-financing of SME projects<br />
linked to the Investment Plan<br />
for Europe before the<br />
summer.<br />
ec.europa.eu<br />
China<br />
Shanghai expands free trade zone<br />
The Guangdong Free Trade Zone will now include the<br />
Nansha New Area in Guangzhou, Qianhai in Shenzhen<br />
and Hengqin New Area in Zhuhai, covering 116,2 sq km.<br />
The Tianjin Free Trade Zone covering an area of 119,9 sq<br />
km will incorporate the port, the airport as well as the<br />
Binhai New Area Industrial Park. The industrial areas in<br />
the provincial capital city of Fuzhou as well as Xiamen<br />
und Pingtan are also going to be included in the Fujian<br />
Free Trade Zone. Furthermore, the Shanghai Free Trade<br />
Zone, which has existed since 2<strong>01</strong>3, will be extended<br />
substantially and will also include the well-known<br />
Lujiazui Financial District, the Jinqiao Development<br />
Zone and the Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park.<br />
www.wko.at<br />
Individuelle Beratung bei<br />
MM Wien Mitte Flagshipstore<br />
Customised Consultation at<br />
Media Markt Wien Mitte Flagshipstore<br />
South African Embassy organises charity concert<br />
Nelson Mandela Tribute Concert<br />
The South African embassy in Vienna is holding a charity concert<br />
on 20th April at the Konzerthaus in Vienna in support of Nelson<br />
Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust. It was Nelson Mandela’s last<br />
wish to build a children‘s hospital in Johannesburg, the second<br />
medical facility of its kind in South Africa and the fifth in the<br />
entire African continent. They will also be celebrating the<br />
twenty-year anniversary of freedom and democracy in the<br />
Republic of South Africa. The two South African opera stars,<br />
Johan Botha and Pretty Yende, as well as the Vienna Chamber<br />
Orchestra conducted by Stefan Vladar will be performing works<br />
by Giuseppe Verdi, Gaetano Donizetti, Vincenzo Bellini, Giacomo<br />
Puccini, Franz Lehar and Johann Strauss.<br />
www.konzerthaus.at<br />
Indonesia<br />
Business licensing<br />
faciliated<br />
The Indonesian Ministry of<br />
Industry has transferred<br />
complete authorisation to<br />
BKPM (Indonesian Investment<br />
Coordination Board) to <strong>issue</strong><br />
business licences for 436 of<br />
1.249 industrial sectors as<br />
well as licences to allow<br />
extensions of business<br />
activities in various sectors.<br />
The government is taking this<br />
measure in order to transform<br />
BKPM into a “one-stop”<br />
licence centre. By having<br />
simpler approval procedures,<br />
the general conditions for<br />
foreign investors will be made<br />
easier and will therefore<br />
attract new investments by<br />
foreign companies.<br />
www.wko.at<br />
IACA/ICC<br />
Corruption Workshops<br />
The Austrian International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)<br />
and IACA invite you to take part in two workshops on<br />
the worth of contracts and the dangers of alleged<br />
corruption in arbitral proceedings. The workshops will<br />
take place back-to-back, from 7th to 8th May and 8th<br />
- 9th May, in Vienna, Austria. A group of international<br />
experts will present legal <strong>issue</strong>s and discuss real cases,<br />
highlighting the complexities of corruption in business,<br />
the civil law consequences, possible costs for business,<br />
and response mechanisms. Participants wishing to have<br />
a special situation discussed can anonymously submit<br />
questions as well.<br />
www. iaca.int<br />
PHOTOS: ZEMSKY GREEN, IACA<br />
Sie planen eine Neuanschaffung für ihr Zuhause und hätten dabei gerne Unterstützung?<br />
Wir beraten Sie dabei gerne. Vereinbaren Sie gleich einen Termin mit uns:<br />
Beratung.wienmitte@mediamarkt.at oder <strong>01</strong>/71615-123<br />
Planning to buy new technical equipment and need some help?<br />
Our Advisors are here for you. Contact us and make an appointment:<br />
Beratung.wienmitte@mediamarkt.at oder <strong>01</strong>/71615-123<br />
MEDIA MARKT Wien-Mitte:<br />
Landstraßer Hauptstraße 1b • 1030 Wien • Tel. <strong>01</strong> / 716150<br />
Öffnungszeiten:<br />
Mo-Mi: 9 - 20 Uhr, Do-Fr: 9 - 21 Uhr, Sa: 9 - 18 Uhr<br />
TEIL-<br />
ZAHLUNG<br />
68 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Wien Mitte
Manchmal stoßen<br />
Geschäfte an Grenzen.<br />
L'AUTRICHE<br />
DER NAME IST<br />
PROGRAMM. IN<br />
L’AUTRICHE DREHT SICH<br />
ALLES UM DEN STANDORT<br />
ÖSTERREICH, SEINE<br />
WIRTSCHAFT UND SEINE<br />
BEDEUTUNG AUF DEM<br />
INTERNATIONALEN<br />
PARKETT.<br />
THE NAME SAYS IT ALL.<br />
IN L’AUTRICHE THE FOCUS IS<br />
ON AUSTRIA, ITS ECONOMY<br />
AND ITS ROLE ON THE<br />
INTERNATIONAL STAGE.<br />
Mit uns stehen<br />
Ihnen alle<br />
Wege offen.<br />
Das gilt für Unternehmen, Botschaften<br />
und internationale Organisationen ebenso<br />
wie für deren Angestellte. Die Bank Austria<br />
spricht die Sprache der diplomatischen<br />
Gemeinschaft und ist in allen Angelegenheiten<br />
gerne für Sie da.<br />
www.bankaustria.at/en/
L‘AUTRICHE ECONOMIC AFFAIRS<br />
Reinhold Mitterlehner<br />
„Nationaler Protektionismus wäre genau die falsche Strategie“<br />
“National protectionism would be precisely the wrong strategy”<br />
Interview: Petra Stix<br />
Österreichs Wirtschaftsminister Reinhold Mitterlehner über die Liberalisierung<br />
des Welthandels und die Exportmärkte der Zukunft.<br />
Austria’s Minister of Economy Reinhold Mitterlehner on liberalising world trade<br />
and the export markets of the future.<br />
Für die Zukunft des Wirtschaftsstandortes Österreich<br />
ist eine weitere Liberalisierung des Welthandels von<br />
enormer Bedeutung. Wie stellen Sie sich diese<br />
Liberalisierung vor?<br />
Um die Wirtschaftskrise nachhaltig und langfristig<br />
zu überwinden, muss der Welthandel weiter belebt<br />
werden. Denn der Abbau von unnötigen Handelshemmnissen<br />
wie zum Beispiel langwierigen Zollverfahren<br />
schafft Wachstum und Arbeitsplätze und<br />
nützt sowohl den Unternehmen als auch den Konsumenten.<br />
Im Gegensatz dazu wäre ein Rückfall in nationalen<br />
Protektionismus genau die falsche Strategie.<br />
Abschottung löst keine Probleme, sondern verschärft<br />
sie. Dass sich die Internationalisierung bewährt und<br />
letztlich für alle Beteiligten Vorteile bringt, sehen wir<br />
auch in der Forschung.<br />
Welche Bedeutung hat das umstrittene Freihandelsabkommen<br />
zwischen der EU und den USA (TTIP) für den<br />
Wirtschaftsstandort Österreich?<br />
Die USA sind nach Deutschland und Italien Österreichs<br />
drittwichtigster Handelspartner. Ein starkes<br />
Exportland wie Österreich kann daher von einem<br />
gut gemachten Handelsabkommen besonders profitieren,<br />
aber die Qualität muss stimmen. Entscheidend<br />
für den Erfolg von TTIP ist daher, dass jeder<br />
Vertragspartner das Schutzniveau nach eigenem Ermessen<br />
festlegen kann und unsere nationalen Standards<br />
gesichert und respektiert werden. Das gilt vor<br />
allem bei Lebensmitteln, Umwelt, Gesundheit und<br />
Konsumentenschutz. Auch die Transparenz muss<br />
trotz einiger Fortschritte weiter gestärkt werden. Wir<br />
brauchen bei den künftigen Verhandlungsrunden<br />
mehr Offenheit, um das Vertrauen der Bürgerinnen<br />
und Bürger zu erhalten.<br />
Wie ist der Ist-Stand der österreichischen Internationalisierungsoffensive?<br />
Was sind die Vorhaben der Zukunft?<br />
Die Maßnahmen und Angebote von „go international“<br />
haben sich bewährt und unterstützen vor allem<br />
Klein- und Mittelbetriebe beim ersten Schritt in den<br />
Export, bei der Erschließung von Zukunftsmärkten<br />
und der Vermarktung ihrer Innovationen. Weitere<br />
Instrumente sind die Unterstützung des Besuchs<br />
wichtiger Branchentreffs, von Kongressen und Messen,<br />
sowie die Teilnahme an Forschungskooperationen.<br />
Neben Marktstudien werden auch Rechtsberatungen<br />
und Risikoanalysen durchgeführt und den<br />
Unternehmen angeboten. Unsere Exportbetriebe<br />
zählen zu den wichtigsten Konjunkturstützen und<br />
sichern Wachstum und Arbeitsplätze in Österreich.<br />
Was sind, Ihrer Meinung nach, die Exportmärkte der<br />
Zukunft?<br />
Aufgrund der Wachstumsschwäche in Europa müssen<br />
wir die erfolgreich eingeleitete Diversifikation<br />
der Exporte weiter forcieren, um neue Märkte zu erschließen<br />
und das Risiko zu diversifizieren. Wir<br />
müssen dorthin gehen, wo das stärkste Wachstum<br />
ist, ohne die traditionellen Märkte wie Deutschland<br />
zu vernachlässigen. Großes Potenzial sehe ich zum<br />
Beispiel in China, das ich im Vorjahr gemeinsam mit<br />
einer großen Wirtschaftsdelegation besucht habe.<br />
Heimisches Know-how und hochwertige Produkte<br />
und Dienstleistungen treffen dort auf eine stark steigende<br />
Nachfrage. Unser Ziel ist es daher, das gesamte<br />
Handelsvolumen mit China bis 2020 zu verdoppeln.<br />
Gerade die Russland/Ukraine-Krise macht es<br />
notwendig, noch stärker als bisher neue Märkte zu<br />
erschließen, um die Exportströme zu diversifizieren.<br />
Die EU-Sanktionen gegen Russland haben auch Auswirkungen<br />
auf Österreichs Wirtschaft. Welche Maßnahmen hat<br />
sich das Wirtschaftsministerium überlegt, um hier<br />
gegenzusteuern?<br />
Gerade in schwierigen Zeiten ist es besonders wichtig,<br />
ein verlässlicher Partner der Wirtschaft zu sein.<br />
Daher unterstützen wir die von der Russland/Ukraine-Krise<br />
betroffenen Unternehmen noch intensiver.<br />
Durch die rasche Aufstockung unserer Exportoffen-<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
PHOTOS: BMWFW/JAKOB GLASER<br />
PERSONAL DETAILS<br />
Reinhold Mitterlehner<br />
ist seit 2008 Österreichs Wirtschaftsminister. Im Jahr 2<strong>01</strong>3 übernahm<br />
er auch die Agenden des Wissenschafts- und Forschungsministers.<br />
Seit 1. September 2<strong>01</strong>4 ist er auch Vizekanzler der Republik Österreich.<br />
Reinhold Mitterlehner has been Austria’s Minister of Economy since 2008.<br />
He also took on the Science and Research Ministry portfolios in 2<strong>01</strong>3.<br />
In September 2<strong>01</strong>4 he additionally became Vice Chancellor of Austria.<br />
72 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
73
L‘AUTRICHE ECONOMIC AFFAIRS<br />
sive „go international“ um 2,5 Millionen Euro können<br />
sie dank neuer Förderungen gezielt alternative<br />
Auslandsmärkte bearbeiten und somit neue Exportchancen<br />
erschließen. Weiters bieten wir über die<br />
Förderbank Austria Wirtschaftsservice spezielle<br />
Überbrückungsgarantien für Betriebsmittelkredite<br />
an. Damit können zum Beispiel neue Kundenaufträge<br />
vorfinanziert werden.<br />
Nach den verheerenden Anschlägen in Paris sprachen Sie<br />
davon, dass die Regierung an einer Sicherheitsoffensive<br />
arbeite. Können Sie dazu schon Genaueres sagen?<br />
Wir haben im Ministerrat vereinbart, dass wir in den<br />
nächsten Jahren zusätzliche Mittel von bis zu<br />
290 Millionen Euro in die Sicherheit investieren. Zudem<br />
haben wir auch schon einige legistische Maßnahmen<br />
gesetzt, etwa das Verbot des Werbens mit<br />
Terrorsymbolen und Nachschärfungen beim Staatsbürgerschaftsgesetz.<br />
Darüber hinaus müssen wir<br />
Integration und Dialog einen hohen Stellenwert einräumen,<br />
um die Herausforderungen durch Terror<br />
und Extremismus gesamtgesellschaftlich bewältigen<br />
zu können. Wichtige Säulen des Pakets sind daher<br />
Prävention und Bewusstseinsbildung.<br />
It is hugely important for Austria’s future as an economic location<br />
that world trade should continue to be liberalised. What<br />
form do you think such liberalisation should take?<br />
If we want to overcome the present economic crisis<br />
in a way that is sustainable and long-term, then we’re<br />
going to need to keep stimulating world trade. Removing<br />
unnecessary barriers to trade – long and<br />
drawn-out customs processes, for example – creates<br />
growth and jobs, and helps companies and consumers<br />
alike. The alternative to that would cause a return<br />
to national protectionism, which would be precisely<br />
the wrong strategy. A protectionist approach<br />
doesn’t solve problems; it merely exacerbates them.<br />
Greater internationalisation, on the other hand, does<br />
work, and eventually everybody involved will benefit.<br />
This is something we’re also seeing in the research<br />
fi e l d .<br />
What is the importance for Austria as an economic location of<br />
the controversial free trade agreement between the EU and the<br />
USA, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership<br />
(TTIP)?<br />
The USA is Austria’s third-largest trading partner,<br />
after Germany and Italy. That is why a country like<br />
Reinhold Mitterlehner auf Marktsondierungsreise in China.<br />
Reinhold Mitterlehner on a fact-finding tour in China.<br />
ours, with a strongly export-led economy, can do<br />
particularly well out of a well-crafted trade agreement.<br />
At the same time, the quality of that agreement<br />
has to be absolutely right. If TTIP is going to succeed,<br />
it’s crucial that all the partners to the agreement<br />
have the discretion to define levels of protection, and<br />
that national standards are guaranteed and respected.<br />
This is particularly applicable to food, the environment,<br />
and health and consumer protection. Levels of<br />
transparency also need to be strengthened further,<br />
even though we have made a certain amount of progress<br />
in this field. We will have to achieve greater<br />
openness in future rounds of negotiations, if we want<br />
to retain our citizens’ confidence.<br />
How is the Austrian internationalisation offensive going? What<br />
are the projects of the future?<br />
The measures and services provided in “go international”<br />
have already proven their worth. Primarily,<br />
they are there to support small and medium-sized<br />
enterprises in beginning to export, open up future<br />
markets and market their innovations. It also uses<br />
other instruments, such as helping them attend important<br />
industry meetings, conferences and trade<br />
fairs, and participate in research collaborations, and<br />
companies are being provided with legal advice, risk<br />
analyses and market surveys. Exports have slowed<br />
down in recent years due to the challenging inter-<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
PHOTOS: BMWFW/GEORGES SCHNEIDER, BMWFW/JAKOB GLASER<br />
Reinhold Mitterlehner: „Ein Rückfall in nationalen Protektionismus wäre jetzt genau die falsche Strategie.“<br />
Reinhold Mitterlehner: “A return to national protectionism would be precisely the wrong strategy at a time like this.”<br />
national environment, of course, but exporters are<br />
still amongst the most important pillars of the<br />
Austrian economy, and are the basis of growth and<br />
many jobs in the country.<br />
What do you think are the export markets of the future?<br />
Because of the current low levels of growth in Europe,<br />
we are going to have to push forward with the diversification<br />
of exports introduced so successfully, in<br />
order to open up new markets and spread the risk.<br />
We always need to be going wherever the highest levels<br />
of growth are, without neglecting our traditional<br />
markets, like Germany, by doing so. I see huge potential<br />
in China, for example, a country I had the<br />
pleasure of visiting last year as part of a large economic<br />
delegation, where domestic know-how and<br />
high-value products and services are meeting<br />
sharply-increasing levels of demand. We are aiming,<br />
therefore, to double overall trading volume with<br />
China by 2020. The current crisis between Russia<br />
and Ukraine makes it more necessary than ever<br />
before for us to open up new markets, so that we can<br />
diversify export flows.<br />
EU sanctions against Russia have also had consequences for<br />
Austria’s economy. What measures has the Ministry of Economy<br />
considered using to counter this?<br />
It is always important that we remain a reliable partner<br />
to business, of course, and never more so than<br />
during such difficult periods as these. That’s why<br />
we’re trying to support companies affected by the<br />
Russia-Ukraine crisis more intensively. By increasing<br />
our “go international” export offensive by 2.5 mil lion<br />
Euros, we’ve enabled those companies to target specific<br />
foreign markets with the help of new support<br />
funds, and create new export opportunities by doing<br />
so. We are also offering special bridging guarantees<br />
on operating loans through our development bank,<br />
the Austria Wirtschaftsservice. This will allow companies<br />
to finance new orders in advance.<br />
In the wake of the terrible attacks in Paris, you said the government<br />
was working on a security offensive. Can you be more<br />
specific as to what exactly this might mean?<br />
We agreed in the Council of Ministers that we would<br />
invest additional funds of up to 290 million Euros in<br />
security. We have also put in place a number of logistical<br />
measures, such as prohibiting the advertising<br />
of terror symbols, and tightening up the Nationality<br />
Act. Alongside measures such as these, though, we<br />
are going to need to give a high priority to integration<br />
and dialogue, if we want to overcome the challenges<br />
posed by terror and extremism throughout society<br />
as a whole. That is why preventative measures<br />
and consciousness building will also be important<br />
components of the package.<br />
„Gerade die<br />
Ukraine-Krise<br />
macht es notwendig,<br />
neue<br />
Märkte zu<br />
erschließen.“<br />
„The crisis in the<br />
Ukraine makes it<br />
more than necessary<br />
to open up<br />
new markets.“<br />
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75
L’AUTRICHE VIENNA<br />
Norbert Kettner<br />
„Wenn du nach Europa fährst, dann musst du in Wien vorbeischauen!“<br />
“If you travel to Europe, you just have to visit Vienna!”<br />
Interview: Gerald Sturz<br />
Wien boomt. Jahr<br />
für Jahr kann die<br />
Stadt mit einem<br />
neuen Rekord an<br />
Übernachtungen<br />
aufwarten. Das ist<br />
zu einem großen<br />
Teil das Verdienst<br />
von Norbert<br />
Kettner. Ein<br />
Gespräch mit<br />
dem Wiener<br />
Tourismusdirektor.<br />
Vienna is booming.<br />
Year after<br />
year, the town has<br />
been observing<br />
new records of<br />
overnight stays.<br />
This success can<br />
be credited to a<br />
large extent to<br />
Norbert Kettner.<br />
An interview with<br />
the managing<br />
director of the<br />
Vienna Tourist<br />
Board.<br />
Herr Kettner, lassen Sie uns zuerst einmal einen Blick<br />
zurückwerfen. 2<strong>01</strong>4 war für Wien trotz aller Krisen –<br />
auch auf für Österreich relevanten Märkten – ein sehr<br />
erfolgreiches Jahr.<br />
Es war wieder einmal das beste Jahr aller Zeiten. Wir<br />
hatten in elf von zwölf Monaten historische Bestergebnisse.<br />
Wir haben allein durch die Zuwächse im<br />
deutschen Markt in absoluten Zahlen die Rückgänge<br />
aus dem russischen Markt wettgemacht und wir<br />
haben aus allen Hauptmärkten – außer Russland<br />
und Japan – deutliche Zuwachsraten erzielt. Das<br />
zeigt uns, dass nicht nur der Städtetourismus nach<br />
wie vor boomt, sondern dass Wien auch mit seiner<br />
Steigerungsrate oberhalb des Trends liegt. Wien gewinnt<br />
deutlich an Marktanteilen, und das ist natürlich<br />
eine Auszeichnung für die Stadt.<br />
Warum funktioniert Wien in jüngster Zeit so gut?<br />
Wien funktioniert eigentlich seit vielen Jahren gut.<br />
Mit Ausnahme von 2009, als wir die Auswirkungen<br />
der Finanz- und Wirtschaftskrise zu spüren bekamen.<br />
Für den Erfolg gibt es viele Gründe: Wir spüren<br />
jeden neuen Flug nach Wien, und es helfen uns auch<br />
die neuen Hotels, die eigenes Marketing machen und<br />
eigene Gäste und Gästegruppen gemeinsam mit uns<br />
nach Wien bringen. Und wenn ich mir in den Überseemärkten<br />
die Situation anschaue, dann sehe ich einen<br />
neuen Trend: Wenn du nach Europa fährst, dann<br />
musst du in Wien vorbeischauen. Das war nicht immer<br />
so. Das spüren wir und davon profitieren wir.<br />
Wie erklären Sie sich dieses neue Interesse an Wien?<br />
Das hat natürlich mit der Entwicklung der Stadt zu<br />
tun. Beim Destination-Marketing stehen wir im globalen<br />
Wettbewerb; wir können dort redlich kommunizieren,<br />
was in der Stadt wirklich passiert. Dass<br />
Wien immer noch bekannt ist als die schöne, elegante,<br />
zeitlose Stadt, dass Wien aber auch eine der jüngsten,<br />
eine der am schnellsten wachsenden Städte Europas<br />
ist, mit der höchsten Lebensqualität. Das wird wahrgenommen.<br />
Wien ist die größte Universitätsstadt im<br />
deutschsprachigen Raum, Konferenzstadt, Ort der<br />
Begegnung. Wien ist eine Stadt der Expats – 25.000<br />
Expats leben hier. Das Produkt hat sich massiv verändert<br />
und das strahlt jetzt in die Welt hinaus.<br />
Wie sieht ein Blick in die Zukunft aus?<br />
Wir haben ein Tourismuskonzept für das Jahr 2020,<br />
in dem die Baseline ist: global, smart und Premium.<br />
Das heißt: Wir wollen, dass Wien eine globale Stadt<br />
bleibt beziehungsweise noch mehr wird – dabei sind<br />
die Expats und die internationalen Organisationen<br />
von immenser Bedeutung. Denn für das Image einer<br />
Stadt verantwortlich ist der Tourismusverband nur<br />
zu einem geringen Teil; genauso wichtig sind Expats,<br />
genauso wichtig sind Diplomaten, internationale<br />
Organisationen, Celebrities, Filmproduktionen, Politiker.<br />
Unsere Aufgabe ist es, das alles ein wenig zu<br />
steuern. Wenn wir smart sagen, dann meinen wir<br />
eine intelligente Stadt nicht nur im Sinne von Technologie,<br />
sondern intelligent auch im Sinne des Zusammenlebens.<br />
Wir leben ja in der postmodernen<br />
Brechung, wir haben so viele Touristen wie noch nie<br />
auf der Welt und keiner will ein Tourist sein. Der<br />
Gast will Lokalkolorit aufsaugen. In Wien kann man<br />
am Leben der Wiener relativ leicht teilhaben. Und<br />
Premium, das hat nichts mit Luxus zu tun, sondern<br />
dass wir versuchen, in jedem Segment die bestmögliche<br />
Qualität zu liefern. Wir wollen Wien als eine<br />
wertige, aber nicht abgehobene Stadt präsentieren.<br />
Was bringen Events wie das Public Viewing vor der Sydney<br />
Opera oder das Kaffeehaus in der New Yorker Grand<br />
Central Station, wie Sie sie kürzlich organisiert haben?<br />
Das bringt Aufmerksamkeit. Wenn man in Australien<br />
mit einem Event Twitter-Trend wird, dann heißt das<br />
Aufmerksamkeit – und das bei einer Zielgruppe, die<br />
man sonst nur schwer erreicht. Wir sind auf mehr als<br />
zwanzig Märkten aktiv, und das mit einem überschaubaren<br />
Budget von 14 oder 15 Millionen Euro.<br />
Das ist nicht viel. Also muss man bündeln und in<br />
Medienstrategien investieren. Und Relevanz schaffen.<br />
Wenn beim Public Viewing im Hafen von<br />
Sydney 3.000 vor allem junge Menschen sitzen, die<br />
vielleicht nicht jedes Stück kennen, das in der Oper<br />
gespielt wird, die aber das alles mit großen Augen<br />
verfolgen, dann haben wir zum einen die Destination<br />
Wien untergebracht, aber auch ein für uns wichtiges<br />
Asset, nämlich die klassische Musik, neu aufgeladen.<br />
Das ist ein wichtiges Thema: Wie kann ich klassische<br />
Inhalte so aufladen, dass sie auch für junge Menschen<br />
spannend bleiben. Im Elfenbeinturm zu verkümmern<br />
nützt uns allen nichts.<br />
Mr. Kettner, let’s first take a look back. In spite of all the crises,<br />
2<strong>01</strong>4 was for Vienna – as well as for markets important to Austria<br />
– a very successful year.<br />
It was the best year ever. We had the best results of all<br />
time in eleven out of twelve months. The increase in<br />
FOTOS:<br />
PHOTO:<br />
XYXXYXYXY<br />
PETER RIGAUD<br />
PERSONAL DETAILS<br />
„Die klassische Musik neu<br />
aufzuladen ist ein wichtiges<br />
Thema für uns.“<br />
“Revamping classical music is<br />
an important <strong>issue</strong> for us.”<br />
Norbert Kettner wurde 1967 in Tirol geboren. Von 2003 bis 2007 war er<br />
Gründungsgeschäftsführer von Departure, Wiens Wirtschaftsförderinstitution für<br />
die Creative Industries. Seit 2007 ist er Geschäftsführer von Wien Tourismus.<br />
Norbert Kettner was born in Tyrol in 1967. He was the founding managing<br />
director of Departure, Vienna’s institute for economic development for the<br />
creative industries from 2003 to 2007. He has been the managing director of the<br />
Vienna Tourist Board since 2007.<br />
76 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
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77
L’AUTRICHE VIENNA<br />
Im Nachbau des Café Central<br />
in der Grand Central Station,<br />
New York, konnten die Gäste<br />
live mit Gästen im Wiener<br />
Original plaudern.<br />
In the replica of Café Central<br />
in Grand Central Station, New<br />
York, a live link-up enabled<br />
guests to communicate with<br />
guests in the original café in<br />
Vienna.<br />
absolute numbers in the German market helped us<br />
make up for the drop in the Russian market and we<br />
were able to achieve considerable rates of growth in<br />
all of our main markets – apart from Russia and Japan.<br />
This shows us that not only city tourism is<br />
booming like never before but also that Vienna’s<br />
growth rate is above the trend. Vienna has gained a<br />
greater market share and that is naturally a credit to<br />
the city.<br />
Why has Vienna been performing so well recently?<br />
Vienna has actually been performing well for many<br />
years. Except for 2009 when we felt the impact of the<br />
financial and economic crisis. Many factors have<br />
contributed to its success: we notice every new flight<br />
to Vienna and the contribution by the new hotels,<br />
which do their own marketing and attract their own<br />
guests and groups jointly with us to Vienna. And<br />
when I look at the situation in the overseas markets,<br />
I see a new trend: if you travel to Europe, you just<br />
have to visit Vienna; this wasn’t always the case. We<br />
can feel it and we benefit from it.<br />
How do you explain this new interest in Vienna?<br />
The development of the city is the reason. Destination<br />
marketing means we are competing globally; we<br />
can talk openly about what is really happening in this<br />
city. Vienna is still known as the beautiful, elegant<br />
and timeless city. However, Vienna, is also one of the<br />
youngest and one of the fastest growing towns in<br />
Europe with the highest quality of life. People have<br />
noticed this. Vienna is the largest University city in a<br />
German-speaking country, a conference town, a<br />
meeting-place. Vienna is a town of expats – 25.000<br />
expats live here. The product ‘Vienna’ has massively<br />
transformed itself and is now being radiated all over<br />
the world.<br />
What does a glimpse into the future look like?<br />
Our tourism concept for the year 2020 has the baseline:<br />
global, smart and premium. This means: we<br />
want Vienna to remain being a global town and to<br />
grow even more – therefore, the expats and the international<br />
organisations are extremely important to us.<br />
The tourism association is only responsible for a<br />
PHOTOS: EDDY GILL, PHILIP ANGERT<br />
small part of a town’s image; expats are just as important,<br />
as are the diplomats, international organisations,<br />
celebrities, film productions, politicians. It is<br />
our job to steer everything a little. When we say<br />
smart, we mean an intelligent town not only in the<br />
sense of technology but also intelligent in the sense<br />
of living side-by-side. We are living in a postmodern<br />
refraction, and there are so many tourists in the<br />
world as never before, but nobody wants to be a tourist.<br />
Visitors want to soak up the local atmosphere! It<br />
is easy to participate in Viennese life. ‘Premium’ has<br />
nothing to do with luxury, instead we’re trying to deliver<br />
the best possible quality in all areas. We want to<br />
present Vienna as a valuable city, not a city out of<br />
touch with the real world..<br />
What are the benefits of events such as public screenings in<br />
front of the Sydney Opera House or the coffee shop in Grand<br />
Central Station in New York, which you recently organised?<br />
It attracts attention. If you are trending on Twitter<br />
after just one event in Australia, then that means attention,<br />
and this happened with a target group which<br />
is otherwise difficult to reach. We are active in more<br />
than twenty markets and that with a manageable<br />
budget of 14 or 15 million euro. That’s not a lot. So<br />
you have to pool together and invest in media strategies.<br />
And create relevance. If there are 3.000 mainly<br />
young people at a public screening at Sydney Harbour<br />
who maybe do not know every single piece<br />
played at the opera but who watch it all wide-eyed,<br />
then we’ve not only made people aware of Vienna as<br />
a destination but also of an important asset for us,<br />
namely classical music. This is an important <strong>issue</strong>:<br />
how can I revamp classical content so that young<br />
people will also find it exciting. Withering away in<br />
the ivory tower is of no use to us at all.<br />
Spektakuläre Wien-Inszenierung am Dach<br />
des Opernhauses von Sydney.<br />
Spectacular Vienna production on the roof of<br />
the Sydney Opera House.<br />
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FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
Camerata Schulz<br />
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78 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
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Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
79<br />
Penthouse Perfection Photo: lukasbeck.com
L’AUTRICHE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT<br />
Internationale Spitzenforscher in Wien<br />
International Elite Researchers in Vienna<br />
Text: Petra Stix<br />
Die „Außenwirtschaft Austria“ der Wirtschaftskammer Österreich organisiert<br />
heuer bereits zum fünften Mal die MIT Europe Conference und bringt hochkarätige<br />
Forscher des Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) nach Wien.<br />
The “Außenwirtschaft Austria” (Foreign Trade Austria) from the Chamber of<br />
Commerce Austria organises the MIT Europe Conference this year for the<br />
fifth time, bringing top-level researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of<br />
Technology (MIT) to Vienna.<br />
Vom 25. bis 26. März 2<strong>01</strong>5 ist die Forschungselite<br />
des weltbekannten Massachusetts<br />
Institute of Technology (MIT) wieder in der<br />
Wirtschaftskammer Österreich versammelt und<br />
trifft dort auf Interessierte aus Wissenschaft, Forschung<br />
und Wirtschaft. Dr. Walter Koren, Leiter der<br />
„Außenwirtschaft Austria“, dazu: „Die österreichischen<br />
Unternehmen und ihre Entwickler schätzen<br />
den Dialog mit den Spitzenforschern und holen sich<br />
bei der MIT Conference wichtige Impulse für ihre<br />
tägliche Arbeit.“<br />
Das MIT gilt als eine der weltweit führenden<br />
Institutionen im Bereich von technologischer Forschung<br />
und Lehre. Bei der diesjährigen Konferenz<br />
dreht sich alles um das Thema „Minds, Machines &<br />
Management“. Die englischsprachige Veranstaltung<br />
kann mit einer Reihe prominenter Redner aus der<br />
US-Kaderschmiede punkten.<br />
Neben dem berühmten Informatiker Tomaso<br />
Poggio, Nicholas Roy, Michale Schrage, John<br />
Cipplinger, George Westerman und vielen anderen<br />
wird auch Caleb Harper am Podium stehen. Er hat<br />
eine höchst interessante Vision für die Landwirtschaft<br />
und Nahrungsmittelproduktion. Auf seiner<br />
CityFarm am MIT Media Lab werden Pflanzen nicht<br />
in den Boden eingesetzt, sondern über die Luft ernährt.<br />
Mittels dieses aeroponischen Systems gelingt<br />
es dem Forscher, Obst- und Gemüsepflanzen bis zu<br />
viermal schneller aufzuziehen als in der traditionellen<br />
Landwirtschaft. Sein Verfahren verspricht die<br />
Landwirtschaft zu revolutionieren. Bei der Konferenz<br />
in Wien wird er erklären, wie die auf der<br />
CityFarm angewandte Methode in Zukunft den klassischen<br />
Pflanzenanbau ablösen könnte.<br />
From the 25th to 26th of March 2<strong>01</strong>5, the research<br />
elite of the world-renowned Massachusetts<br />
Institute of Technology (MIT) is reassembled<br />
in the Chamber of Commerce Austria, where it<br />
meets those interested in science, research and economics.<br />
Dr. Walter Koren, head of the “Außenwirtschaft<br />
Austria” commented: “Austrian companies<br />
and their developers appreciate the dialogue with<br />
senior researchers and pick up important impetus<br />
for their daily work at the MIT Conference.”<br />
The MIT is one of the world’s leading institutions<br />
in the field of technological research and teaching.<br />
At this year’s conference, it’s all about the topic<br />
“Minds, Machines & Management”. The Englishlanguage<br />
event scores with a number of prominent<br />
speakers from the US elite university.<br />
Besides the famous computer scientist Tomaso<br />
Poggio, Nicholas Roy, Michale Schrage, John Cipplinger,<br />
George Westerman and many others, Caleb<br />
Harper will also take a stand at the podium. He has a<br />
very interesting vision for agriculture and food production.<br />
On his City Farm at the MIT Media Lab<br />
plants are not planted in the ground, but fed through<br />
the air. Using this aeroponic system, the researcher<br />
manages to grow fruit and vegetable plants four<br />
times faster than in traditional agriculture. His method<br />
promises to revolutionise<br />
agriculture. At the conference<br />
in Vienna, he will<br />
explain how the methodology<br />
applied to the City<br />
Farm could replace traditional<br />
crop production in the<br />
future.<br />
INFO<br />
MIT Europe<br />
Conference 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Datum: 25.-26. März 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Zeit: 9:00-18:00 Uhr<br />
Ort: WKO, Julius-Raab-Saal<br />
Wiedner Hauptstraße 63<br />
1045 Wien<br />
Evening Reception:<br />
Palais Ferstel<br />
Strauchgasse 4<br />
1<strong>01</strong>0 Wien<br />
Date: 25. - 26. March 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Time: 9.00 - 18.00<br />
Location: WKO, Julius<br />
Raab Saal, Wiedner<br />
Hauptstraße 63<br />
1045 Vienna<br />
Evening Reception:<br />
Palais Ferstel<br />
Strauchgasse 4<br />
1<strong>01</strong>0 Vienna<br />
wko.at/aussenwirtschaft/MIT<br />
Der Robotik-Experte<br />
Nicholas Roy spricht über<br />
den Paketversand durch<br />
selbstfliegende Drohnen.<br />
Robotics expert Nicholas<br />
Roy talks about parcel<br />
delivery via flying drones.<br />
Caleb Harper’s CityFarm.<br />
Das aeroponische System von<br />
Caleb Harper verspricht die<br />
Landwirtschaft zu<br />
revolutionieren.<br />
The aeroponic system by<br />
Caleb Harper promises to<br />
revolutionise agriculture.<br />
PHOTOS: MIT<br />
80 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
81
L’AUTRICHE FUTURE LAB<br />
Georg Kapsch<br />
„Die Produktion ist die Basis des Wirtschaftens.“<br />
„Production is the basis of economic activity.”<br />
Der Präsident der Industriellenvereinigung Georg Kapsch über seine Vorstellungen, wie der<br />
Wirtschaftsmotor in Österreich beschleunigt und das Innovationsmanagement gestärkt werden kann.<br />
The President of the Federation of Austrian Industry, Georg Kapsch, about his ideas of how to drive<br />
economic growth and strengthen innovation management in Austria.<br />
Der Motor der österreichischen Wirtschaft ist<br />
ins Stottern geraten. Und zwar mehr, als es<br />
noch vor einem Jahr den Anschein hatte. Zu<br />
diesem Ergebnis kommt zumindest das Wirtschaftsforschungsinstitut,<br />
das Ende Jänner seine Prognosen<br />
auf ein jährliches Wachstum von 1,25 Prozent bis<br />
2<strong>01</strong>9 festgelegt hat. Vor einem Jahr wurden noch<br />
1,8 Prozent jährliches Wachstum prognostiziert. Was<br />
hindert Österreichs Wirtschaft daran, die volle Leistung<br />
auf die Straße in Richtung Zukunft zu bringen?<br />
Innovationen fördern<br />
Die Europäische Kommission stellt Österreich<br />
ein nicht gerade berauschendes Innovationszeugnis<br />
aus. Im Innovation Union Scoreboard liegt Österreich<br />
auf dem elften Platz im Feld der Innovations-<br />
Follower – also abseits der Spitzengruppe. Wir müssen<br />
aufpassen, dass entscheidende Trends nicht<br />
verschlafen werden. Blickt man über die Grenze<br />
nach Deutschland, sieht man mit der Hightech-Strategie<br />
der Bundesregierung ein konkretes Programm<br />
von oberster Stelle verordnet. Schweiz, Dänemark<br />
oder Schweden: All diese Länder haben die Bedeutung<br />
von Innovation nicht nur erkannt, sondern<br />
auch schon in Form von nationalen Strategien verankert<br />
und institutionalisiert. Hierzulande haben<br />
Infrastruktur- und Wirtschaftsministerium die Implementierung<br />
einer Taskforce angekündigt – ein<br />
begrüßenswerter Schritt. Derartige Entwicklungen<br />
müssen aber konsequent und schneller vorangetrieben<br />
werden. Ein erster möglicher Schritt wären<br />
vermehrte Partnerschaften zwischen Industrie und<br />
Universitäten. Warum Innovation so wichtig ist?<br />
Weil Innovation eng mit Produktion verflochten ist.<br />
Die Produktion muss optimiert werden, um sie letztendlich<br />
im Land zu halten, denn sie ist die Basis des<br />
Wirtschaftens. Bei Kapsch legen wir traditionell über<br />
zehn Prozent unseres Umsatzes in Entwicklungsprojekte<br />
um und arbeiten eng mit Universitäten wie der<br />
TU Wien und außeruniversitären Forschungseinrichtungen<br />
wie COMET zusammen. Unsere Erfahrung<br />
aus dem eigenen Unternehmen lehrt uns, wie<br />
viel dadurch gewonnen werden kann. Aber auch,<br />
dass die Möglichkeiten bei Weitem noch nicht ausgeschöpft<br />
sind.<br />
Internationale Wettbewerbsfähigkeit stärken<br />
Als kleine offene Volkswirtschaft sind wir mit einer<br />
Exportquote von 59 Prozent des BIP auf Exporte<br />
angewiesen. Das sind gute Nachrichten, die belegen,<br />
wie gefragt österreichische Produkte sind. Es ist auch<br />
ein wertvolles Signal für heimische Unternehmen,<br />
ihr Profil weiter zu schärfen und ihre Expertise auszubauen.<br />
Export und internationale Arbeitsteilung<br />
sind Fundamente dafür, dass es uns allen besser geht:<br />
Exportierende Unternehmen in Österreich weisen<br />
eine um 66 Prozent höhere Arbeitsproduktivität, um<br />
23 Prozent höhere Löhne und eine um sogar 72 Prozent<br />
höhere Investitionsintensität als nicht exportierende<br />
Unternehmen auf. Das ist eine gewaltige „Exportprämie“,<br />
die den Arbeitnehmerinnen und<br />
PHOTOS: KAPSCH/ MARIO ROBERTO DURAN ORTIZ, ISC<br />
Arbeitnehmern zugutekommt.<br />
Wir müssen aber diese Unternehmen wettbewerbsfähig<br />
halten. Mit einer Abgabenbelastung von<br />
über 52 Prozent des Unternehmensgewinns (Quelle:<br />
IV/PWC) liegen wir weltweit im Spitzenfeld der<br />
Steuerbelastungen auf unternehmerische Tätigkeiten.<br />
Das sind Summen, die gerade im internationalen<br />
Wettbewerb den Unternehmen ihre Wettbewerbsfähigkeit<br />
rauben.<br />
Viel zu bewahren<br />
Letzten Endes gibt es nämlich vieles, auf das wir<br />
als Wirtschaftsstandort stolz sein können. 116 so genannte<br />
„Hidden Champions“ beheimatet der Standort<br />
Österreich. Also Unternehmen, die in ihrer Sparte<br />
Innovations- und/oder Marktführer sind. Laut<br />
Eurostat generieren jede Österreicherin und jeder<br />
Österreicher im Schnitt eine industrielle Wertschöpfung<br />
von 6.124 Euro pro Jahr; der Durchschnittseuropäer<br />
nur 3.484 Euro pro Jahr. Damit ist Österreich<br />
„Industrienation“ Nummer drei in der EU.<br />
Es muss in diesem Land endlich jedem klar sein,<br />
dass nur Unternehmerinnen und Unternehmer mit<br />
ihren engagierten Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeitern<br />
Arbeitsplätze schaffen und damit gemeinsam<br />
auch den gesamten öffentlichen Dienst finanzieren.<br />
The engine of the Austrian economy has begun<br />
to stutter, even more than it seemed last year.<br />
This is the conclusion drawn by the Austrian<br />
Institute of Economic Research, which at the end of<br />
January forecast an annual growth of 1.25 percent<br />
until 2<strong>01</strong>9. A year ago, 1.8 percent annual growth<br />
was forecast. So what prevents the Austrian economy<br />
from delivering its full potential for the future?<br />
Promoting Innovation<br />
The European Commission does not give an exhilarating<br />
innovation testimony to Austria. On the Innovation<br />
Union Scoreboard, Austria is in eleventh<br />
place in the innovation followers field – far from the<br />
top group. We must be careful in avoiding overlooking<br />
key trends. Peering across the border to Germany,<br />
we see that the government has implemented a<br />
programme of top priority covering high-tech. Switzerland,<br />
Denmark and Sweden have also not only<br />
recognized the importance of innovation, but already<br />
anchored it in form of national and institutionalised<br />
strategies. In Austria the Ministries for Infrastructure<br />
and Economy have already announced the<br />
implementation of a task force, a positive step. However,<br />
such developments must be pursued consistently<br />
and quickly. A first possible step would be further<br />
partnerships between industry and universities.<br />
Why is innovation so important? Because innovation<br />
is closely linked to production. Production must<br />
be optimized in order to keep it in the country, as it<br />
is the basis of economic activity. At Kapsch, we traditionally<br />
invest more than ten percent of our turnover<br />
into development projects and work closely with<br />
universities such as the University of Vienna and<br />
non-university research institutions like COMET.<br />
Our experience from within the company tells us<br />
how much can be gained through this, but also that<br />
the possibilities are far from being exhausted.<br />
Strengthen International Competitiveness<br />
As a small, open economy with an export share of<br />
59 percent of gross domestic product, we are dependent<br />
on export. This is good news and demonstrates<br />
just how popular Austrian products are. It is also a<br />
valuable message for domestic companies to expand<br />
their expertise. Export and international division of<br />
labour is the foundation for improving our lives. Exporting<br />
companies record higher productivity by 66<br />
percent, as well as 23 percent higher wages and a higher<br />
capital investment by 72 percent than their nonexporting<br />
counterparts. Employess benefit a lot from<br />
this “export bonus”, but we need to keep these companies<br />
competitive. With a tax burden of 52 percent<br />
of business profits (source: IV/PWC), we are among<br />
the world leaders in the tax burden on business activities.<br />
These are sums that decrease the international<br />
competitiveness of our companies.<br />
Much to Treasure<br />
At the end of the day, we can be proud of many<br />
things as an economic location. Austria is home to<br />
116 so-called “Hidden Champions” – companies<br />
that are innovation or market leaders in their sector.<br />
According to Eurostat, each and every Austrian generated<br />
an industrial added value of 6,124 euros on<br />
average per year; in comparison, the average European<br />
only 3,484 euros per year. This makes Austria<br />
the number 3 “industrial nation” in the EU.<br />
Everybody in this country should finally realize<br />
that only entrepreneurs with their dedicated employees<br />
create new jobs and likewise finance the entire<br />
public service sector.<br />
ABOUT THE AUTHOR<br />
Georg Kapsch ist<br />
CEO und Mitglied des<br />
Vorstandes der Kapsch AG.<br />
Seit dem Jahr 2000 ist er<br />
CEO der Kapsch Group und<br />
seit 2002 CEO und<br />
Vorstandsmitglied der<br />
Kapsch TrafficCom AG.<br />
Im Jahr 2<strong>01</strong>2 wurde<br />
Georg Kapsch zum<br />
Präsidenten der<br />
Industriellenvereinigung<br />
gewählt.<br />
Georg Kapsch is CEO und<br />
member of the board of<br />
Kapsch Corporation. He<br />
has been CEO of the<br />
Kapsch Group since 2000<br />
and CEO and board<br />
member of Kapsch<br />
TrafficCom Corporation<br />
since 2002. In 2<strong>01</strong>2, Georg<br />
Kapsch was elected<br />
President of the Federation<br />
of Austrian Industry.<br />
Kapsch errichtet die<br />
TETRA-Infrastruktur für<br />
eine neue U-Bahn-Linie in<br />
Rio de Janeiro und sorgte<br />
für die Digitalisierung<br />
der International School<br />
of Carinthia.<br />
Kapsch built the TETRA<br />
infrastructure for a new<br />
subway line in Rio de<br />
Janeiro and implemented<br />
the digitalization of the<br />
International School of<br />
Carinthia.<br />
82 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
83
L’AUTRICHE NEWS<br />
Das Neueste aus der Welt des Business<br />
The latest from the world of business<br />
PHOTOS: TEAM.BREATHE.AUSTRIA, ABDULLAH ALIPOUR JEDDI<br />
Global Entrepreneurship Monitor<br />
Hohes Gründerniveau<br />
in Österreich<br />
High level of<br />
start-ups in Austria<br />
Der Global Entrepreneurship<br />
Monitor (GEM) gilt als<br />
weltweit größter Benchmark<br />
zur unternehmerischen<br />
Aktivität von derzeit<br />
70 Ländern. Österreich wurde<br />
2<strong>01</strong>4 ein anhaltend hohes<br />
Niveau an Gründungsaktivität<br />
bestätigt.<br />
The Global Entrepreneurship<br />
Monitor (GEM) is the<br />
worldwide largest benchmark<br />
for entrepreneurial activity for<br />
currently 70 countries. A<br />
sustainably high level of<br />
founding activity was<br />
confirmed in Austria in 2<strong>01</strong>4.<br />
www.bmwfw.gv.at<br />
Auszeichnung | Award<br />
OFID Generaldirektor<br />
Suleiman J. Al-Herbish<br />
OFID General Director<br />
Suleiman J Al-Herbish<br />
Der Generaldirektor des OPEC<br />
Fonds für Internationale Entwicklung<br />
(OFID), Suleiman J. Al-Herbish,<br />
wurde mit dem Großen Goldenen Ehrenzeichen für die Verdienste um das Land<br />
Wien ausgezeichnet. Die hohe Auszeichnung wurde, stellvertretend für Wiens<br />
Bürgermeister Michael Häupl, von Wirtschafts- und Finanzstadträtin Vizebürgermeisterin<br />
Renate Brauner überreicht. Suleiman Jasir Al-Herbish ist seit 1. November<br />
2003 der Generaldirektor des OFID.<br />
The General Director of the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID),<br />
Suleiman J. Al-Herbish, was awarded the Grand Golden Badge of Honour for<br />
services to the city of Vienna. The high distinction was awarded by the city<br />
councillor for economics and finance, Vice Mayor Renate Brauner, standing in for the<br />
mayor of Vienna, Michael Häupl. Suleiman Jasir Al-Herbish has been General<br />
Director of OFID since 1 November 2003.<br />
www.ofid.org<br />
Exportwirtschaft | Export<br />
Industry<br />
Wirtschafts-Oscar<br />
2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Economic Oscar 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Die Firmen Doka, FACC,<br />
Getzner, opvizor, Siemens<br />
Österreich und TTTech sind mit<br />
ihren Spitzenleistungen am<br />
US-Markt Gewinner des<br />
USABizAward 2<strong>01</strong>5 des<br />
AußenwirtschaftsCenter<br />
Los Angeles der<br />
Außenwirtschaft Austria.<br />
Doka, FACC, Getzner, opvizor,<br />
Siemens Österreich and TTTech<br />
are the winners of the USABiz-<br />
Award 2<strong>01</strong>5 of the foreign trade<br />
centre Los Angeles, for foreign<br />
trade in Austria, with their peak<br />
performances on the US<br />
market.<br />
www.wko.at<br />
DISCOVER THE LATEST<br />
MELIÁ EXPERIENCE IN VIENNA<br />
Expo 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Österreich-Pavillon<br />
Austria pavilion<br />
Nachdem die Luft in Österreich<br />
von besonderer Qualität ist, wird<br />
sie im Österreich-Pavillon bei der<br />
kommenden Weltausstellung in<br />
Mailand zum Thema „Feeding the<br />
Planet. Energy for Life“ thematisiert.<br />
Auf 560 Quadratmetern wird<br />
ein lebender Wald gepflanzt. Dazu<br />
wurde ein Gebäude entwickelt, in<br />
dem man österreichische Waldluft<br />
atmen kann. „breathe.austria“<br />
nennt sich das Projekt.<br />
As the air in Austria is of<br />
particularly high quality, the topic<br />
at the Austria pavilion of the<br />
coming world exhibition in Milan<br />
will be “Feeding the planet. Energy<br />
for Life”. A living forest will be<br />
planted over 560 m2. For this<br />
purpose, a building has been<br />
developed, where you can breathe<br />
Austrian forest air. The project is<br />
called „breathe.austria“.<br />
www.expo2<strong>01</strong>5.org<br />
You like the flair of Meliá? It´s inevitable!<br />
Maybe it´s because we created it<br />
with you in mind.<br />
It is not our job, it is our passion.<br />
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Donau City Strasse 7 • 1220 Wien • Österreich • Tel. (43) 1 90 104 • melia.vienna@melia.com • www.melia.com<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5 85
L’AUTRICHE NEWS<br />
Umfrage | Survey<br />
Einkaufen am<br />
Sonntag<br />
Shopping on a Sunday<br />
Entwicklungszusammenarbeit | Development Cooperation<br />
Neukonstituierung des<br />
Entwicklungspolitischen Beirats<br />
Reconstitution of the development policy<br />
advisory board<br />
Unter dem Vorsitz von Außenminister Sebastian Kurz hat sich<br />
der Entwicklungspolitische Beirat vor Kurzem neu konstituiert.<br />
Die neuen Mitglieder sind Univ.-Prof. Mag. Wolfgang Lutz,<br />
IIASA, Dr. Franz Fischler, Europäisches Forum Alpbach,<br />
Dr. Werner Kerschbaum, ÖRK, Dr. Petra C. Braun, Universität<br />
Linz, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Gottfried Haber, Donau-Universität Krems,<br />
Sissy Mayerhoffer, ORF, Dr. Walter Koren, WKO, Stefan<br />
Szyskowitz, EVN, Doraja Eberle, ERSTE Stiftung,<br />
und DDr. Michael Landau, Präsident Caritas.<br />
Under the chairmanship of foreign minister Sebastian Kurz, the<br />
development policy advisory board was reconstituted recently.<br />
The new members of the advisory board are Univ.-Prof. Mag.<br />
Wolfgang Lutz, IIASA, Dr. Franz Fischler, European Forum<br />
Alpbach, Dr. Werner Kerschbaum, ÖRK, Dr. Petra C. Braun,<br />
University of Linz, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Gottfried Haber, Danube<br />
University Krems, Sissy Mayerhofer, ORF, Dr. Walter Koren,<br />
WKO, Stefan Szyskowitz, EVN, Doraja Eberle, ERSTE Stiftung<br />
and Dr. Michael Landau, President of Caritas.<br />
www.bmeia.gv.at<br />
Laut einer aktuellen Umfrage<br />
von MAKAM Research im<br />
Auftrag der Wirtschaftskammer<br />
Wien wünschen<br />
sich 65 Prozent der Wiener<br />
Touristen am Sonntag offene<br />
Geschäfte. „Will Wien<br />
Weltstadt werden, muss man<br />
sich weiterentwickeln und<br />
provinzielle Haltungen<br />
ablegen“, sagt Walter Ruck,<br />
Präsident der Wirtschaftskammer<br />
Wien.<br />
According to a recent survey<br />
by MAKAM Research on<br />
behalf of the Chamber of<br />
Commerce Vienna, 65% of<br />
Vienna tourists want shops to<br />
open on Sunday. “If Vienna<br />
wants to become a<br />
metropolis, we must further<br />
develop and discard provincial<br />
attitudes,” says Walter Ruck,<br />
President of the Chamber of<br />
Commerce Vienna.<br />
www.wko.at/wien<br />
Leitbetriebe Austria<br />
Erstes Zertifikat 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
geht an Lyoness<br />
First certificate 2<strong>01</strong>5 goes to Lyoness<br />
Als erstes Unternehmen im neuen Jahr wurde Lyoness<br />
in das Netzwerk der Leitbetriebe Austria aufgenommen.<br />
Neben der Vorreiterrolle für Cashback-Produkte wurde<br />
Lyoness auch für sein Corporate Citizenship Programm<br />
ausgezeichnet, zu dem die Child & Family Foundation<br />
und die Greenfinity Foundation zählen. Das Zertifikat<br />
überreichte Leitbetriebe Austria Geschäftsführerin<br />
Monica Rintersbacher an Lyoness CEO Hubert Freidl.<br />
Lyoness was the first company to be accepted into the<br />
network of leading companies in Austria in the new<br />
year. Apart from its forerunner role for cash back<br />
products, Lyoness was also awarded for its Corporate<br />
Citizenship Programme, which includes the Child &<br />
Family Foundation and the Greenfinity Foundation. The<br />
certificate was presented to Lyoness CEO Hubert Freidl<br />
by Leitbetriebe Austria manager Monica Rintersbacher.<br />
www.leitbetriebe.at<br />
PHOTOS: LEISURE.AT/SABINE KLIMPT, THORSTEN STAUFER<br />
Auszeichnung | Award<br />
WKO-Präsident Christoph Leitl<br />
WKO-President Christoph Leitl<br />
Deutschlands Botschafter Detlev Rünger überreichte<br />
Österreichs Wirtschaftskammer-Präsident Christoph Leitl das<br />
Große Verdienstkreuz des Verdienstordens der Bundesrepublik<br />
Deutschland. Der feierliche Empfang fand in der deutschen<br />
Botschaft statt. „Namens der österreichischen Wirtschaft<br />
bedanke ich mich für die mit dieser Verleihung symbolisch<br />
zum Ausdruck gekommene Wertschätzung der erfolgreichen<br />
ökonomischen Kooperation zwischen Deutschland und<br />
Österreich“, sagte Leitl in seiner Dankesrede.<br />
German ambassador Detlev Rünger presented Christoph Leitl,<br />
President of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, with the<br />
Grand Cross of Merit of the Order of Merit of the Federal<br />
Republic of Germany. The ceremonial reception took place in<br />
the German embassy. “On behalf of the Austrian economy,<br />
I would like to say thank you for the appreciation of the<br />
successful economic cooperation between Germany and<br />
Austria, symbolically expressed with this award,” said Leitl in<br />
his speech of thanks.<br />
www.diplo.de<br />
World Architecture Top 100 | World Architecture Top 100<br />
ATP auf Platz 1 in Westeuropa<br />
ATP in 1st place in Western Europe<br />
Das renommierte britische Magazin BD hat wieder das<br />
alljährliche Ranking der 100 weltweit größten Player in<br />
der Architekturszene bekannt gegeben. Das Innsbrucker<br />
Architektenbüro ATP architekten ingenieure erreicht<br />
erstmals Platz 1 in Westeuropa und ist als führendes<br />
europäisches Büro in CEE gelistet.<br />
The renowned British magazine BD has once again<br />
announced the annual ranking of the 100 worldwide biggest<br />
players on the architecture scene. The Innsbruck<br />
architecture firm ATP architects engineers reached 1st place<br />
in Western Europe for the first time, and is listed as the<br />
leading European office in CEE.<br />
www.atp.ag<br />
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86 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
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Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
87
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 />
FASHION & DESIGN, WELLNESS &<br />
HEALTH AND MUCH MORE.
SAVOIR-VIVRE RINGSTRASSE<br />
Wiens Prachtboulevard<br />
Vienna’s Magnificent Boulevard<br />
Text: Gerald Sturz<br />
Die Wiener Ringstraße feiert in diesem Jahr ihren 150. Geburtstag. Ihre Entstehungsgeschichte<br />
dokumentiert den Wandel der Stadt zur modernen Metropole.<br />
Ringstraße in Vienna celebrates its 150th birthday this year. Its development story documents<br />
the city’s change into a modern metropolis.<br />
Ende des Absolutismus.<br />
Das Parlamentsgebäude, einst<br />
Reichsratsgebäude, wurde im<br />
neoklassizistischen Stil<br />
entworfen.<br />
The end of absolutism.<br />
The parliament building, once<br />
the Imperial Assembly<br />
building, was designed in the<br />
neo-classical style.<br />
PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
Die Geschichte der Wiener Ringstraße begann<br />
am 25. Dezember 1857. Da druckte<br />
die amtliche Wiener Zeitung eine kaiserliche<br />
Verfügung ab, in der Kaiser Franz Joseph die<br />
Anordnung gab, die Befestigungsanlagen rund um<br />
die Innenstadt zu schleifen und an ihrer Stelle einen<br />
Prachtboulevard mit repräsentativen Gebäuden zu<br />
errichten. Es gab dafür mehrere Gründe: Erstens waren<br />
Stadtmauern aus militärisch-strategischer Sicht<br />
nicht mehr sinnvoll, außerdem sollte endlich eine<br />
bessere Anbindung der rasant wachsenden Vororte<br />
an das imperial-aristokratische Machtzentrum geschaffen<br />
werden – vor allem aber sollte durch den<br />
Verkauf der Grundstücke Geld in die öffentlichen<br />
Kassen gespült werden. So begann das größte städtebauliche<br />
Projekt in der Stadtgeschichte Wiens.<br />
Ein internationaler Wettbewerb wurde ausgeschrieben,<br />
85 Büros reichten Vorschläge ein, aus<br />
denen eine Kommission einen „Grundplan“ erarbeitete:<br />
eine fünf Kilometer lange und knapp 60 Meter<br />
breite Doppelallee-Straße, die nahezu kreisförmig<br />
um die Wiener Innenstadt führt. Eine gemischte<br />
Nutzung wurde angestrebt: Nicht nur öffentliche Gebäude<br />
sollten den Boulevard säumen, sondern auch<br />
Palais, private Miethäuser und Kulturinstitutionen<br />
sowie Parks und Plätze. Die Errichtung der öffentlichen<br />
Gebäude sollte durch den Verkauf von Grundstücksflächen<br />
an private Personen teilweise finanziert<br />
werden. Um diesen Investoren einen Anreiz zu<br />
schaffen, Grundstücke zu erwerben, wurde ihnen<br />
sehr großzügig für 30 Jahre Steuerfreiheit gewährt.<br />
Unter der Auflage, dass sie ihr Bauprojekt innerhalb<br />
von fünf Jahren fertigstellen.<br />
Tatsächlich vergingen nur sieben Jahre, bis dieses<br />
Monster-Projekt so weit gediehen war, dass die –<br />
noch nicht zur Gänze fertiggestellte – Ringstraße am<br />
1. Mai 1865 vor dem Burgtor durch Kaiser Franz<br />
Joseph und seine Gattin Elisabeth feierlich eröffnet<br />
werden konnte. Und sie ist eine städteplanerische<br />
Meisterleistung geworden. Vielen gilt die Ringstraße<br />
heute als der schönste Boulevard der Welt. Es dauerte<br />
jedoch dann noch fast 50 Jahre, bis die Ringstraße<br />
tatsächlich vollendet war.<br />
Was diesen Boulevard so außergewöhnlich und<br />
so einmalig macht, hat keiner besser beschrieben als<br />
der englische Schriftsteller Edmund de Waal in<br />
seinem wunderbaren, melancholischen, immens erfolgreichen<br />
Roman „Der Hase mit den Bernsteinaugen“:<br />
„Diese neue Straße ist nicht von einem einzigen<br />
Gebäude dominiert; es gibt kein Crescendo hin<br />
zu einem Palast oder einer Kathedrale, dafür aber<br />
einen fortwährenden Zug von einem großen Aspekt<br />
der Zivilisation zum nächsten.“ Zentrum der Erzählung<br />
de Waals ist das Palais Ephrussi, das am Universitätsring<br />
gelegen ist. Sein Schicksal sowie das<br />
Schicksal seiner Bewohner mag stellvertretend für<br />
viele Prachtbauten entlang der Ringstraße stehen. Es<br />
ist die Geschichte des jüdischen Großbürgertums, es<br />
ist die Geschichte jener jüdischen Unternehmer und<br />
Bankiers, der Epsteins, der Todescos, der Ephrussis,<br />
die wesentlich zum wirtschaftlichen Aufschwung jener<br />
Gründerjahre beitrugen, die von diesem Boom<br />
profitierten und die als Mäzene und Kunstsammler<br />
wesentlich dazu beitrugen, dass sich Wien in den<br />
folgenden Jahren zu einem kreativen Brutkasten entwickelte<br />
– dass hier und vor allem im Umfeld der<br />
Ringstraße das entstand, was wir heute die Moderne<br />
nennen. Die Geschichte dieses jüdischen Großbürgertums<br />
fand ein tragisches Ende. 1938, nach<br />
dem Anschluss Österreichs ans Deutsche Reich,<br />
wurde es enteignet, vertrieben oder ermordet.<br />
Nicht vergessen sollte man bei all der Pracht und<br />
Glorie der Ringstraße die Geschichten jener Menschen,<br />
die diese Straße tatsächlich gebaut haben. Die<br />
vielen tausenden Bau- und Ziegelarbeiter, die auf<br />
dieser Megabaustelle unter unmenschlichen,<br />
sklavenartigen Bedingungen im Akkord und bei<br />
schlechter Bezahlung arbeiteten, kamen vor allem<br />
aus Böhmen und aus Mähren. Man nannte sie deshalb<br />
die „Ziegelböhm“. Ohne die Ausbeutung dieser<br />
Arbeitskräfte wäre das Projekt Ringstraße nicht zu<br />
realisieren gewesen.<br />
Aber auch viele der wichtigsten Architekten und<br />
viele Bauherren kamen aus allen Teilen der Monarchie<br />
und aus dem übrigen Europa. Geprägt wurde<br />
das Aussehen der Ringstraße von Architekten wie<br />
Theophil von Hansen, der Parlament, Börse, die<br />
Akademie der bildenden Künste, den Musikverein,<br />
die Palais Epstein, Ephrussi und Hansen schuf und<br />
der aus Dänemark kam; von Gottfried Semper, zu<br />
dessen Arbeiten die Neue Burg, das Burgtheater und<br />
das Kunsthistorische und das Naturhistorische<br />
Museum gehören und der aus Hamburg stammte.<br />
Auch August Sicard von Sicardsburg, der gemeinsam<br />
mit dem Wiener Eduard van der Nüll die Staatsoper<br />
entwarf, kam nicht aus dem österreichischen,<br />
sondern aus dem ungarischen Teil der Monarchie.<br />
Heinrich Ferstel, der Universität, Votivkirche, das<br />
Museum für angewandte Kunst und das Palais Wertheim<br />
schuf, stammte aus Wien.<br />
90 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
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91
SAVOIR-VIVRE RINGSTRASSE<br />
BUCHTIPP<br />
Die Wiener Ringstraße.<br />
Ein prächtiger Bildband,<br />
herausgegeben von<br />
Alfred Fogarassy, der die<br />
Geschichte des Boulevards<br />
erzählt. Den vielen<br />
historischen Aufnahmen<br />
werden aktuelle Fotos,<br />
die von der Fotografin<br />
Nora Schoeller stammen,<br />
gegenübergestellt. Darüber<br />
hinaus wird die Geschichte<br />
der Wiener Ringstraße in<br />
Beiträgen von namhaften<br />
Autoren wie Frederic<br />
Morton oder Monika Faber<br />
erzählt.<br />
A beautifully illustrated<br />
volume, published by<br />
Alfred Fogarassy, which<br />
tells the story of the<br />
boulevard. The many<br />
historical pictures are<br />
compared to historical<br />
photos, taken by the<br />
photographer Nora<br />
Schoeller. Furthermore, the<br />
history of Ringstraße<br />
Vienna is told in articles by<br />
renowned authors such as<br />
Frederic Morton or Monika<br />
Faber.<br />
–<br />
Verlag Hatje Cantz<br />
€ 58,00<br />
Eine Straßenbahn fährt an der<br />
Votivkirche vorbei.<br />
A tram goes past Votivkirche church.<br />
Dominierender Baustil ist der Historismus, als<br />
Vorbilder dienten Bauten der Renaissance, des<br />
Barocks und der Gotik. Es ist diese stilistische Mischung,<br />
die die Ringstraße so attraktiv macht.<br />
Wer heute die Ringstraße entlangwandert, dem<br />
werden die vielen Luxushotels auffallen, die an<br />
diesem Boulevard zu finden sind. Sie waren jedoch<br />
ursprünglich nicht vorgesehen. Erst 1873, als Wien<br />
eine Weltausstellung veranstaltete und Nachfrage<br />
nach repräsentativen Unterkünften bestand, wurden<br />
Palais und Wohnhäuser in Hotels umgewandelt. Das<br />
älteste Hotel am Ring ist das Grand Hotel zwischen<br />
Oper und Schwarzenbergplatz; es wurde 1870 eröffnet,<br />
entstand aus einem Wohnhaus und beeindruckte<br />
damals durch seine avancierte technische Ausstattung:<br />
Ein maschinenbetriebener Lift und Telefone in<br />
jedem Zimmer waren eine Sensation. Vor allem der<br />
Adel fand Gefallen an diesem modernen Haus – so<br />
traf hier Kronprinz Rudolf regelmäßig seine Geliebte<br />
Mary Vetsera. Auch das Palais Württemberg, das gegenüber<br />
dem Grand Hotel gelegen ist, wurde in ein<br />
Hotel umgewandelt: Das Hotel Imperial gilt heute<br />
immer noch als eine der ersten Adressen der Stadt.<br />
Interessant ist die Geschichte des Palais Hansen am<br />
Schottenring. Auch dieses großartige Palais sollte<br />
anlässlich der Weltausstellung als Hotel genutzt werden<br />
– doch erst im Jahr 2<strong>01</strong>3 wurde es tatsächlich<br />
zum Luxushotel: Heute ist das Palais Hansen Hotel<br />
Kempinski eines der besten Grandhotels Wiens.<br />
Von Anfang an war die Ringstraße die Flaniermeile<br />
des Wiener Bürgertums. Vor allem die Ecke<br />
Kärntner Ring und Kärntner Straße entwickelte sich<br />
schnell zum Hotspot. Weil sich hier das Lederwarengeschäft<br />
Sirk befand, nannte man diese Ecke schnell<br />
„Sirk-Ecke“. Wer sich an der Ringstraße verabredete,<br />
der traf sich hier. Mit den Flaneuren kamen auch die<br />
Kaffeehäuser. 25 große Kaffeehäuser gab es vor<br />
150 Jahren an der Ringstraße – nur wenige haben bis<br />
heute durchgehalten. Es waren egalitäre Einrichtungen,<br />
in ihnen trafen sich Künstler und Wirtschaftstreibende,<br />
Bürgertum und einfache Leute. Berühmtestes<br />
Kaffeehaus ist auch heute noch das Café<br />
Landtmann, das sich strategisch sehr gut im Brennpunkt<br />
von Politik (Rathaus, Parlament, diverse Parteizentralen),<br />
Kunst (Burgtheater) und Wissenschaft<br />
(Universität) befindet. Es ist einer der beliebtesten<br />
Treffpunkte der Stadt. Hier geben immer noch Politiker<br />
Pressekonferenzen und Künstler Interviews.<br />
Das Café Landtmann befindet sich im Palais Lieben-<br />
Auspitz. Über dem Kaffeehaus unterhielt einst Berta<br />
Zuckerkandl ihren literarischen Salon, in dem sich<br />
Arthur Schnitzler, Gustav Klimt, Gustav Mahler und<br />
viele andere Künstler, Schriftsteller, Musiker und andere<br />
Größen der Wiener Kulturszene trafen.<br />
Die Ringstraße war aber nicht nur Flaniermeile.<br />
Sie war auch der Ort von Aufmärschen, Demonstrationen<br />
und Umzügen. Auf der Ringstraße wurde<br />
wiederholt österreichische und europäische Geschichte<br />
geschrieben. Der erste große Umzug fand<br />
bereits 1879 statt. An dem Festzug zum 25. Hochzeitstag<br />
von Kaiser Franz Joseph und seiner Sisi nahmen<br />
mehr als 14.000 Personen teil. Später wurde am<br />
Ring die Erste Republik ausgerufen (am 12. November<br />
1918) und 1934 vor dem Justizpalast so heftig<br />
gekämpft, dass es schließlich zum Bürgerkrieg kam.<br />
Am 15. März 1938 fuhr Adolf Hitler im Triumph den<br />
Ring entlang, um am Heldenplatz den Anschluss<br />
Österreichs ans Deutsche Reich zu verkünden. Heute<br />
noch marschiert am 1. Mai das „Proletariat“ auf<br />
der Ringstraße, werden Fanmeilen wie bei der Fußball-Europameisterschaft<br />
2008 eingerichtet, laufen<br />
die Teilnehmer des Vienna City Marathon dem Ziel<br />
entgegen, eröffnen die Wiener Festwochen und halten<br />
die Gäste des Life Ball, des alljährlichen Charity-<br />
Events, Einzug.<br />
20<strong>01</strong> wurde die Ringstraße von der UNESCO<br />
zum Weltkulturerbe ernannt. Ein Ort für Flaneure,<br />
ein Ort für Kultur, Politik und Unterhaltung ist sie<br />
auch heute noch.<br />
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
The history of Vienna’s Ringstraße began on 25<br />
December 1857. The official Wiener Zeitung<br />
newspaper printed an imperial decree, in<br />
which emperor Franz Joseph gave the order to pull<br />
down the fortifications around the city centre, and<br />
build a magnificent boulevard with representative<br />
buildings in their place. There were several reasons<br />
for this. First of all, city walls were no longer sensible<br />
from a military strategy point of view, and the rapidly<br />
growing suburbs finally had to be better connected<br />
to the imperial-aristocratic centre of power – but<br />
above all, due to the sale of the land, money would<br />
flow into the public coffers. So began the largest<br />
town planning project in the history of the city of<br />
Vienna.<br />
An international competition was tendered, 85<br />
offices submitted suggestions, from which a committee<br />
compiled a “basic plan”: a five kilometre long<br />
and almost 60 metre wide double row street, which<br />
almost formed a circle around Vienna city centre. A<br />
mixed usage was intended: not only public buildings<br />
should line the boulevard, but also palaces, private<br />
rented houses and cultural institutions, as well as<br />
parks and squares. The public buildings should be<br />
partially funded by selling land to private persons.<br />
To give these investors an incentive to purchase land,<br />
they were very generously granted 30 years of tax exemption<br />
on the condition that they complete their<br />
building project within five years.<br />
It actually only took seven years until this monster<br />
building project was sufficiently finished. On 1<br />
May 1865, in front of the castle gate, the not yet completely<br />
finished Ringstraße was officially opened by<br />
Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth. It was<br />
a town planning master stroke. Today, for many,<br />
Ringstraße is the most beautiful boulevard in the<br />
world. However, it took almost 50 years until Ringstraße<br />
was actually completed.<br />
What makes this boulevard so extraordinary and<br />
unique was best described by the English author Edmund<br />
de Waal, in his wonderful, melancholic, immensely<br />
successful novel “The hare with amber<br />
eyes”. “This new road is not dominated by one single<br />
building; there is no crescendo to a palace or a cathedral,<br />
but instead a continual procession from one<br />
great aspect of civilisation to the next”. The focus of<br />
de Waal‘s story is the Palais Ephrussi, which is located<br />
on the Universitätsring. Its fate and the fate of its<br />
inhabitants could stand for many magnificent buildings<br />
along Ringstraße. It is the history of the Jewish<br />
upper classes, it is the story of these Jewish entrepreneurs<br />
and bankers, the Epsteins, the Todescos, the<br />
Ephrussis, who significantly contributed to the economic<br />
upturn of the founding years who benefited<br />
from this boom, and who as patrons and art collectors<br />
significantly contributed to Vienna developing<br />
into a creative incubator in the following years – that<br />
here and above all in the area of Ringstraße arose<br />
what we call the modern age today. The story of these<br />
Jewish upper classes came to a tragic end. In 1938,<br />
after Austria joined the German Reich, they were<br />
expropriated, expelled or murdered.<br />
With all the magnificence and glory of Ringstraße,<br />
we should not forget the stories of those people<br />
who actually built this street. The many thousands of<br />
construction workers and brick layers, who worked<br />
for poor wages on this mega building site under inhuman,<br />
slave like conditions and did piece work, primarily<br />
came from Bohemia and Moravia. That’s why<br />
people called them the “Bohemian bricklayers”. Without<br />
the exploitation of these workers, the Ringstraße<br />
project would never have been completed.<br />
But many of the most important architects and<br />
builders came from all parts of the monarchy, and<br />
the rest of Europe. The look of Ringstraße was characterised<br />
by architects such as Theophil Hansen,<br />
who designed the parliament, the stock exchange,<br />
the academy of fine arts, the musical society, the Palais<br />
Epstein, Ephrussi and Hansen and who came<br />
from Denmark; Gottfried Semper, who came from<br />
Hamburg, whose works included the Neue Burg, the<br />
Vienna Burgtheater, and the Kunsthistorisches and<br />
Natural History Museums Vienna. August Sicard<br />
Die Wiener<br />
Staatsoper wurde<br />
nach dem Zweiten<br />
Weltkrieg neu<br />
aufgebaut.<br />
The Vienna State<br />
Opera was rebuilt<br />
after the 2nd World<br />
War.<br />
92 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
93
SAVOIR-VIVRE RINGSTRASSE<br />
Titian | Rubens<br />
Rembrandt | Tiepolo<br />
Hieronymus Bosch<br />
INFO<br />
BUCHTIPP<br />
1865, 2<strong>01</strong>5. 150 Jahre<br />
Wiener Ringstraße.<br />
Anlässlich des 150.<br />
Geburtstages der Wiener<br />
Ringstraße hat Wien<br />
Tourismus dreizehn<br />
international bekannte<br />
Autoren gebeten, sich<br />
Gedanken über den Prachtboulevard<br />
zu machen.<br />
Zu den Autoren zählen<br />
Sybille Berg, Eva Menasse,<br />
Marlene Streeruwitz und<br />
Wladimir Sorokin.<br />
On the occasion of the<br />
150th birthday of<br />
Ringstraße Vienna, Wien<br />
Tourismus asked thirteen<br />
internationally renowned<br />
authors to think about this<br />
magnificent boulevard. The<br />
authors include Sybille<br />
Berg, Eva Menasse,<br />
Marlene Streeruwitz and<br />
Vladimir Sorokin.<br />
–<br />
Metroverlag<br />
€ 19,90<br />
Auch die neue Wiener<br />
Universität fand Platz an der<br />
Ringstraße.<br />
The new Vienna University was<br />
also built on Ringstraße.<br />
from Sicardsburg, who designed the Vienna State<br />
Opera together with Viennese Eduard van der Nüll,<br />
did not come from the Austrian part of the monarchy,<br />
but the Hungarian part. Heinrich Ferstel, who<br />
designed the University of Vienna, Votivkirche church,<br />
the Museum for Applied Arts and the Palais<br />
Wertheim, came from Vienna.<br />
The dominant building style is historicism, with<br />
buildings from the Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic<br />
periods as role models. It is this stylistic mixture<br />
which makes Ringstraße so attractive. If you walk<br />
along Ringstraße today, you will notice the many luxury<br />
hotels located on this boulevard. However, they<br />
were not originally planned. Only in 1873, when Vienna<br />
hosted a world exhibition, and there was a demand<br />
for sophisticated accommodation, palaces and<br />
residences were turned into hotels. The oldest hotel<br />
on the Ring is the Grand Hotel between the State<br />
Opera and Schwarzenbergplatz; it was opened in<br />
1870, emerged from a residential house and impressed<br />
at the time with its advanced technical<br />
equipment – a mechanical lift and telephone in every<br />
room were a sensation. Above all the nobility relished<br />
this modern house – Crown Prince Rudolf regularly<br />
met his lover Mary Vetsera here. The Palais<br />
Württemberg, which is opposite the Grand Hotel,<br />
was also converted into a hotel. Today, the Hotel Imperial<br />
is still seen as one of the top addresses in the<br />
city. The history of the Palais Hansen on Schottenring<br />
is interesting. This huge palace should also have<br />
been used as a hotel during the world exhibition –<br />
but it took until 2<strong>01</strong>3 when it actually became a luxury<br />
hotel. Today, the Palais Hansen Hotel Kempinski<br />
is one of the best Grand Hotels in Vienna.<br />
Right from the start, Ringstraße was the strolling<br />
promenade of the Viennese middle classes. In particular,<br />
the corner of Kärntner Ring and Kärntner<br />
Straße quickly developed into a hotspot. Because the<br />
leather goods shop Sirk was located here, this corner<br />
was soon called „Sirk corner“. If you arranged to<br />
meet on Ringstraße, you met here. With the strollers<br />
came the coffee houses. 150 years ago, there were 25<br />
big coffee houses on Ringstraße – only a few of them<br />
still survive today. Artists and entrepreneurs, the<br />
middle classes and simple people met here. They<br />
were egalitarian institutions. The most famous coffee<br />
house, even today, is Café Landtmann, which was<br />
strategically located in the hotspot of politics (City<br />
Hall Vienna, the Parliament, various party headquarters),<br />
art (Vienna Burgtheater) and science<br />
(University of Vienna). It is one of the most popular<br />
meeting points in the city. To this day, political press<br />
conferences and artist interviews are held here. Café<br />
Landtmann is located in the Palais Lieben-Auspitz.<br />
Above the coffee house, Berta Zuckerkandl once<br />
held her literary salon, where Arthur Schnitzler,<br />
Gustav Klimt, Gustav Mahler and many other artists,<br />
writers, musicians and other greats of the Vienna<br />
cultural scene met.<br />
However, Ringstraße was not just a strolling promenade.<br />
It was also the location for marches, demonstrations<br />
and parades. Austrian and European<br />
history was repeatedly written on Ringstraße. The<br />
first big parade took place in 1879. More than 14,000<br />
people took part in the festive procession for the<br />
25th wedding anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph<br />
and his Sisi. Later, the First Republic was declared on<br />
the Ring (on 12 November 1918), and in 1934, there<br />
was such violent fighting in front of the Palace of Justice,<br />
that it ended in a civil war. On 15 March 1938,<br />
Adolf Hitler drove along the Ring in triumph to announce<br />
Austria’s inclusion in the German Reich at<br />
Heldenplatz. Even today, the “proletariat” still marches<br />
on Ringstraße on 1 May. Fan miles are set up, as<br />
with the European Football Championship in 2008,<br />
the participants of the Vienna City Marathon ran towards<br />
the finishing line, the Vienna Festival is opened<br />
here and the guests enter the Life Ball location,<br />
the annual charity event.<br />
In 20<strong>01</strong>, Ringstraße was named as a world cultural<br />
heritage site by UNESCO. Even today, it is still a<br />
place for strollers, a place for culture, politics and entertainment.<br />
PHOTO: RALPH MANFREDA<br />
Ausstellungen zum 150. Geburtstag der Wiener Ringstraße<br />
Exhibitions on the 150th birthday of Ringstraße Vienna<br />
Jüdisches Museum Wien<br />
Der Ring – ein jüdischer Boulevard.<br />
Die Ringstraße ist untrennbar mit dem Schicksal der jüdischen Unternehmer und Bankiers verbunden,<br />
die als Investoren eine wichtige Rolle spielten und die am Boulevard ihre großartigen Palais<br />
errichteten. Die Ausstellung im Jüdischen Museum Wien untersucht den Aufstieg dieser jüdischen<br />
Elite vor dem Hintergrund eines aufkeimenden Antisemitismus. 25. März bis 4. Oktober.<br />
Vienna The Ring - A Jewish boulevard. Ringstraße is inseparably linked with the Jewish entrepreneurs<br />
and bankers, who played an important role as investors and built their huge palaces on the<br />
boulevard. The exhibition in the Jewish Museum Vienna investigates the rise of this Jewish elite in<br />
light of a burgeoning anti-Semitism. From 25 March to 4 October.<br />
jmw.at<br />
Wien Museum<br />
Der Ring. Pionierjahre einer Prachtstraße 1857 bis 1865.<br />
Diese Ausstellung im Wien Museum konzentriert sich auf die Jahre zwischen 1857, als der Entschluss<br />
zum Bau der Ringstraße gefasst wurde, und 1865, dem Jahr der Eröffnung. Gezeigt werden Pläne,<br />
Modelle, Entwürfe und Fotografien, die die Planungsgeschichte des Boulevards erzählen.<br />
11. Juni bis 4. Oktober.<br />
The Ring. The pioneer years of a beautiful street 1857 to 1865. This exhibition in the Vienna<br />
Museum concentrates on the years between 1857, when the decision was made to build Ringstraße,<br />
and 1865, the year of the opening. Plans, models, drafts and photographs will be shown which tell the<br />
story of the boulevard. From 11 June to 4 October.<br />
wienmuseum.at<br />
Unteres Belvedere<br />
Klimt und die Ringstraße.<br />
Gustav Klimt war der bedeutendste Künstler der Gründerzeit. Ihm und den anderen bedeutenden<br />
Malern der Ringstraße – wie etwa Hans Makart – ist diese Ausstellung gewidmet.<br />
3. Juli bis 11. Oktober.<br />
Klimt and Ringstraße. Gustav Klimt was the most important artist of the founding period. This<br />
exhibition is dedicated to him and other meaningful painters of Ringstraße such as Hans Makart. 3<br />
July to 11 October.<br />
belvedere.at<br />
Architekturzentrum Wien<br />
Wien, die Perle des Reiches. Planen für Hitler.<br />
Auch der Führer hatte Pläne mit der Ringstraße. Das Architekturzentrum Wien zeigt die teilweise<br />
unbekannten Pläne Adolf Hitlers und der Nationalsozialisten für Wien und die Ringstraße.<br />
19. März bis 17. August.<br />
Vienna, the pearl of the empire. Planning for Hitler. The Führer also had plans for Ringstraße. The<br />
Architekturzentrum Vienna shows the sometimes unknown plans of Adolf Hitler and the national socialists<br />
for Vienna and Ringstraße. 19 March to 17 August.<br />
azw.at<br />
Österreichische Nationalbibliothek<br />
Wien wird Weltstadt. Die Ringstraße und ihre Zeit.<br />
Die Ausstellung zeigt, wie sich Wien von einer aristokratisch geprägten Stadt in eine moderne<br />
Metropole verwandelte. 22. Mai bis 1. November.<br />
Vienna becomes a world city. Ringstraße and its time. The exhibition shows how Vienna changed<br />
from a city characterised by the aristocracy to a modern metropolis. From 22 May to 1 November.<br />
onb.ac.at<br />
The Paintings Gallery of the Academy<br />
of Fine Arts Vienna<br />
94 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
1., Schillerplatz 3 | Tue – Sun 10 am – 6 pm<br />
www.akademiegalerie.at<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5 95
SAVOIR-VIVRE THE VIENNA BOYS‘ CHOIR<br />
Musikalische Botschafter<br />
Musical diplomats<br />
Text: Rois & Stubenrauch<br />
INFO<br />
Der charakteristische<br />
Matrosenanzug sitzt bei<br />
jeder Gelegenheit perfekt.<br />
The distinctive sailor’s suit<br />
fits perfectly – whatever<br />
you’re doing.<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
PHOTO: LUKASBECK<br />
Österreichs Botschafter dürfen auch mal ganz jung sein und Matrosenanzug<br />
tragen: Die Wiener Sängerknaben gehen jedes Jahr auf Konzerttournee um die<br />
ganze Welt und absolvieren rund 300 Auftritte als musikalische Botschafter des<br />
Landes von Mozart, Schubert und Schönberg.<br />
Austria’s ambassadors may be of school age and dressed in sailors‘ suits. Year in,<br />
year out, the Vienna Boys Choir is on world tour, making something like 300<br />
appearances a year as musical ambassadors of Mozart, Schubert and Schönberg‘s<br />
country.<br />
Palm Desert, 19. Februar 2<strong>01</strong>5. Der „Vienna<br />
Boys Choir“ startet seine USA-Tournee im<br />
sehr eleganten, 1.130 Zuschauer fassenden<br />
McCallum Theatre. Tags darauf heißt es wieder Koffer<br />
packen, der Tourbus bringt die Wiener Sängerknaben<br />
140 Meilen Richtung Südwesten nach San<br />
Diego für das Konzert in der Copley Symphony Hall.<br />
Next Stop Pasadena, California, dann folgt Santa<br />
Barbara, weiter geht es nach Alto, New Mexico. Die<br />
ausgedehnte Konzerttournee führt den wohl berühmtesten<br />
Knabenchor der Welt in 30 Tagen quer<br />
durch neun Bundesstaaten bis ins Upper St. Clair HS<br />
Auditorium, Pennsylvania. Nach dem Abschlusskonzert<br />
heißt es dann erneut Koffer packen für den<br />
Rückflug nach Wien. Gut 300 Konzerte vor insgesamt<br />
fast einer halben Million Zuschauer geben die<br />
Wiener Sängerknaben jedes Jahr. Längst zählen die<br />
Chorknaben in ihren charakteristischen Matrosenuniformen<br />
zu den berühmtesten Klangkörpern der<br />
Welt. Neben den USA stehen auch Japan, fast alle<br />
Staaten Europas, China, Taiwan, Südkorea, Australien,<br />
Afrika und der arabische Raum regelmäßig auf<br />
dem Tourneeplan. Nicht umsonst werden die Wiener<br />
Sängerknaben gerne auch als „jüngste Botschafter<br />
Österreichs“ bezeichnet.<br />
So reisefreudig wie heute war der berühmte Chor<br />
allerdings nicht immer. 1498 als Teil der Hofmusikkapelle<br />
von Kaiser Maximilian I. begründet, sangen<br />
die „Hofcapell-Singknaben“ die ersten 420 Jahre ihres<br />
Bestehens ausschließlich für den Kaiserhof sowie<br />
bei der sonntäglichen Messe in der Hofburgkapelle –<br />
eine Tradition, die von den Sängerknaben zusammen<br />
mit den Wiener Philharmonikern übrigens bis<br />
heute fortgeführt wird. Der Untergang der Monarchie<br />
brachte die Neuausrichtung des berühmten<br />
Chors; von nun an begaben sich die Wiener Sängerknaben,<br />
neben ihren Auftritten bei Produktionen<br />
der Wiener Staatsoper und der Salzburger Festspiele,<br />
auf Tournee durch die Konzertsäle von New York bis<br />
Beijing. Heute gibt es rund 100 aktive Sängerknaben,<br />
die auf vier Chöre aufgeteilt das enorme Pensum des<br />
weltberühmten Klangkörpers absolvieren – schließlich<br />
haben die Buben neben ihrer musikalischen<br />
Erziehung und den Konzerten auch noch das<br />
Gymnasium zu bewältigen.<br />
Mit dem MuTh steht den Wiener Sängerknaben<br />
seit Dezember 2<strong>01</strong>2 nun endlich auch ihr eigener<br />
Konzertsaal in Wien zur Verfügung. Nur wenige<br />
Schritte die schöne Kastanienallee entlang sind es<br />
vom barocken Palais Augarten, wo die Knaben im<br />
Internat wohnen und zur Schule gehen, zur neuen<br />
Bühne. So bescheiden sich das futuristische Gebäude,<br />
das sich diskret an den barocken Bestand<br />
schmiegt, von außen ausnimmt, so großzügig und<br />
technisch ausgefeilt ist der Konzertsaal im Inneren.<br />
Neben den regelmäßigen Auftritten der Sängerknaben<br />
hat sich das MuTh (der ungewöhnliche<br />
Name steht für „Musik und Theater“) mit seiner<br />
hervorragenden Akustik nach dem feierlichen Eröffnungskonzert<br />
unter der Leitung von Franz Welser-<br />
Möst schnell als neuer Wiener Konzertort für<br />
kleinere Orchester und ausgefallene Produktionen<br />
etabliert, wie Direktorin Eva Hesse erzählt. Intensiv<br />
geprobt wird hier natürlich auch, schließlich dürfen<br />
die Sängerknaben schon bald wieder ihre Koffer packen.<br />
Ende März geht es für eine Woche nach Kanada,<br />
von Ende April bis in den Juni stehen dann 22 Auftritte<br />
in Japan auf dem Programm der jüngsten und<br />
musikalischsten Botschafter Österreichs.<br />
MuTh Highlights<br />
im Frühling.<br />
MuTh Highlights<br />
this spring.<br />
Vienna meets the USA<br />
Die Sängerknaben und die<br />
Junge Philharmonie spielen<br />
und singen Bach, Alban<br />
Berg, Ravel und Gerhard<br />
Tracks Symphonie<br />
„Minnequa“.<br />
• Di 24. März 2<strong>01</strong>5, 19:30<br />
The Boys Choir and Young<br />
Philharmonic play and sing<br />
Bach, Alban Berg, Ravel<br />
and Gerhard Track’s<br />
Symphony, “Minnequa”.<br />
• Tuesday, 24th March<br />
2<strong>01</strong>5, 7.30 p.m.<br />
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika<br />
Konzert der Wiener<br />
Sängerknaben mit<br />
afrikanischer Musik.<br />
• Do 26. März 2<strong>01</strong>5, 19:30<br />
Concert of African music<br />
by the Vienna Boys Choir.<br />
• Thursday, 26th March<br />
2<strong>01</strong>5, 7.30 p.m.<br />
1398 – Der Bettelknabe<br />
Kinderoper der Wiener<br />
Sängerknaben.<br />
• Sa 2. Mai 2<strong>01</strong>5, 11:00<br />
Children’s opera by the<br />
Vienna Boys Choir.<br />
• Saturday, 2nd May 2<strong>01</strong>5,<br />
11.a.m.<br />
Angelika Kirchschlager<br />
und Marianne<br />
Sägebrecht<br />
Ein musikalisch-literarischer<br />
Abend mit zwei<br />
Weltstars – inklusive<br />
Gastauftritten.<br />
• Sa 30. Mai 2<strong>01</strong>5, 19:30<br />
A musical-literary evening<br />
with two world stars – including<br />
guest appearances.<br />
• Saturday, 30th May 2<strong>01</strong>5,<br />
7.30 p.m.<br />
INFO:<br />
www.muth.at<br />
96 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
97
SAVOIR-VIVRE THE VIENNA BOYS‘ CHOIR<br />
IM GESPRÄCH MIT | A TALK WITH<br />
INFO<br />
Sängerknaben<br />
gesucht<br />
Choir Boys<br />
wanted<br />
Singen kann jeder, ist<br />
Gerald Wirth, künstlerischer<br />
Leiter der Wiener<br />
Sängerknaben, überzeugt –<br />
man muss es nur ein wenig<br />
trainieren. Für singbegeisterte<br />
Buben finden<br />
regelmäßig Schnupperwochen<br />
statt. Vorsingen ist<br />
selbstverständlich auch<br />
jederzeit erwünscht.<br />
Gerald Wirth, Artistic<br />
Director of the Vienna<br />
Boys Choir, is convinced<br />
that anyone can sing – all<br />
you need is a bit of<br />
training. If you love singing<br />
and fancy getting a feel for<br />
what it’s like to be a<br />
member of the Vienna<br />
Boys Choir, try-out weeks<br />
are offered regularly. You’ll<br />
need to audition first, of<br />
course.<br />
INFO:<br />
www.wienersaengerknaben.at<br />
Die Sängerknaben am Dach des Wiener Rathauses.<br />
The Boys Choir on the roof of Vienna’s Rathaus.<br />
Palm Desert, 19th February 2<strong>01</strong>5. The Vienna<br />
Boys Choir starts its US tour at the elegant<br />
McCallum Theatre, in front of 1,130 spectators.<br />
And in a few days, it’ll be time for the members<br />
of the Vienna Boys Choir to pack their bags all over<br />
again, board the tour bus and head 140 miles southwest<br />
to San Diego for the next concert, at the Copley<br />
Symphony Hall. After that it’s Pasadena, California,<br />
shortly followed by Santa Barbara, and Alto, New<br />
Mexico.<br />
The extensive concert tour takes the world’s most<br />
famous boys choir across nine states in just 30 days,<br />
until they finally hang up their sailors’ suits – for the<br />
moment, at least – at the Upper St. Clair HS Auditorium,<br />
Pennsylvania, and head out to the airport, just<br />
in time for the flight back to Vienna. The Vienna<br />
Boys Choir performs over 300 concerts a year. As<br />
well as the US, their tour schedule regularly includes<br />
Japan, almost every state in Europe, China, Taiwan,<br />
South Korea, Australia, Africa and the Arab world.<br />
The members of the Vienna Boys Choir are frequently<br />
referred to as “Austria’s youngest ambassadors”,<br />
and not without good reason. The famous<br />
choir was not always quite as fond of travelling as it is<br />
today, however. Founded in 1498 as part of the Imperial<br />
Court Chapel, of Kaiser Maximilian I, the ‘Hofcapell-Singknaben’<br />
sang exclusively for the Imperial<br />
Court for some 420 years, as well as for Sunday Mass<br />
at the Hofburg Chapel (a tradition that the choir<br />
continues to this day, together with the musicians of<br />
the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra). Then, in 1918,<br />
the fall of the Habsburg Monarchy brought with it a<br />
reorientation of the famous Choir. From now on,<br />
along with appearances in productions by the Vienna<br />
State Opera and at the Salzburg Festival, they would<br />
begin touring concert halls across the world, from<br />
New York to Beijing. They perform the enormous<br />
workload of the world-famous choir divided into<br />
four choirs – because after all, the boys have to overcome<br />
the rigours of school, as well as their musical<br />
education and concerts.<br />
In December 2<strong>01</strong>2, the Vienna Boys Choir was finally<br />
given a concert hall of its very own, the MuTh.<br />
It’s just a few steps from the Baroque Palais Augarten,<br />
where the boys attend boarding school, to the stage.<br />
Huddled up against its Baroque neighbours, the futuristic<br />
building initially appears humble from the<br />
outside. Inside, however, the concert hall is generously<br />
laid-out and intelligently partitioned. In<br />
addition to all those regular appearances by the<br />
Choir, the MuTh (the slightly unusual name is a<br />
mash of the words ‘music’ and ‘theatre’) has quickly<br />
established itself as one of Vienna’s premier venues<br />
for concerts by smaller orchestras and unconventional<br />
productions since its triumphant opening<br />
concert under the leadership of Franz Welser-Möst,<br />
according to current Director Eva Hesse. It is also<br />
home to intense rehearsal sessions, of course – because<br />
it’s never long before the Boys Choir is due to<br />
be hitting the road again. At the end of March they’re<br />
off to Canada for a week, and from the end of April<br />
until June, the schedule of Austria’s youngest ambassadors<br />
includes 22 appearances in Japan.<br />
PHOTOS: LUKASBECK (2), HELMUT KARL LACKNER<br />
Elke Hesse<br />
Direktorin des MuTh | Director of the MuTh<br />
PERSONAL DETAILS<br />
Elke Hesse studierte Musik- und<br />
Theaterwissenschaften in Wien,<br />
arbeitete als Schauspielerin, Referentin<br />
von Direktor Hans Gratzer am Theater in<br />
der Josefstadt und war Intendantin der<br />
Festspiele Bad Hersfeld. Seit 2<strong>01</strong>2 ist sie<br />
Direktorin des MuTh.<br />
Elke Hesse studied Musicology and<br />
Dramaturgy in Vienna, before going on<br />
to work as an actress, advisor to<br />
director Hans Gratzer at the Theater in<br />
der Josefstadt, and Artistic Director of<br />
the Bad Hersfeld Festival. She has been<br />
Director of the MuTh since 2<strong>01</strong>2.<br />
Büro im Stadtpalais<br />
Palais Breuner<br />
1<strong>01</strong>0 Wien<br />
Büroräume mit beonderem Flair<br />
(tw. Kamine und Kasettendecken)<br />
Nutzfläche: 439 m 2<br />
Lift, gute Ausstattung<br />
2 Garagenplätze<br />
Was bedeutet der neue Konzertsaal für die Sängerknaben?<br />
Das MuTh ist der Ort, wo die Wiener Sängerknaben in der<br />
Nähe ihres Zuhauses auftreten können. Es haben jetzt viel<br />
mehr Menschen die Möglichkeit, die Sängerknaben auch in<br />
Wien hautnah zu erleben, und nicht nur von ihrem Erfolg im<br />
Ausland zu hören.<br />
Die Konzerte im MuTh gehen natürlich weit über die<br />
Aufführungen der Sängerknaben hinaus. Wie würden<br />
Sie die Linie Ihres Hauses charakterisieren?<br />
So wie die Architektur des Hauses soll auch das Programm<br />
für eine Offenheit stehen, die die klassischen Genres<br />
überwindet. Auf der anderen Seite ist das MuTh natürlich<br />
als erste Bühne für den künstlerischen Nachwuchs<br />
positioniert. Es soll einfach ein buntes Treiben sein in<br />
diesem Haus.<br />
Wie fühlt es sich an, als Frau in einem „Männerverein“<br />
wie den Sängerknaben eine tragende Rolle<br />
zu spielen?<br />
(Lacht) Ich habe ja vorher die Festspiele Bad Hersfeld<br />
geleitet, da war ich auch die erste Frau – insofern ist es für<br />
mich nichts Neues. Aber ich finde es spannend, dass bei den<br />
Wiener Sängerknaben gerade ein ziemlicher Umbruch<br />
stattfindet, und ich fühle mich sehr wohl, dass ich da mit<br />
dabei sein darf.<br />
Ihr persönliches Programmhighlight der laufenden<br />
Saison?<br />
Stolz bin ich, dass Angelika Kirchschlager und Marianne<br />
Sägebrecht bei uns auftreten und Maria Happel die Regie<br />
bei „Der Bettelknabe“ übernommen hat. Das freut mich<br />
sehr!<br />
What does the new concert hall mean for the Boys<br />
Choir?<br />
The MuTh enables the Vienna Boys Choir to perform close<br />
to home – it means that far more people are now getting the<br />
chance to experience the Choir right up close in Vienna,<br />
rather than just hearing reports of their success abroad.<br />
There’s a great deal more to concerts at the MuTh than<br />
just the performances of the Boys Choir, of course.<br />
How would you characterise the venue’s philosophy?<br />
Like the architecture of the building, the programme’s<br />
designed to stand for an openness that goes beyond<br />
classical genres. On the other hand, of course, the MuTh is<br />
positioned as a first stage for the next artistic generation.<br />
It’s just supposed to be filled with noise and life.<br />
How does it feel, as a woman, to be playing a key role in<br />
a ‘men-only association’ like the Boys Choir?<br />
(Laughs) Well, I used to manage the Bad Hersfeld Festival,<br />
and I was the first woman ever to be given the job there<br />
too – so it’s really nothing new to me! But I do find it<br />
exciting that there’s something of a cultural upheaval<br />
taking place at the Vienna Boys Choir at the moment, and<br />
it’s fun to be part of that.<br />
What would be your personal highlight for the current<br />
season?<br />
I’m proud that Angelika Kirchschlager and Marianne<br />
Sägebrecht are appearing with us, and that Maria Happel<br />
has taken over the direction of “Der Bettelknabe”.<br />
I’m enormously happy about that!<br />
98 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Tel.: 02735/2205<br />
Info: Ing. Gerald Türk<br />
www.metternich.at<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
99
SAVOIR-VIVRE BELVEDERE<br />
Wo der Kuss zu Hause ist<br />
The home of the kiss<br />
Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Wien | The Austrian Gallery Belvedere, Vienna<br />
Text: Rois & Stubenrauch<br />
DIRECTOR’S TALK<br />
INFO<br />
Gustav Klimt,<br />
„Sonja Knips“, 1898.<br />
Im Oberen Belvedere befindet sich die<br />
weltberühmte Klimt-Sammlung.<br />
The Upper Belvedere houses the<br />
world-famous Klimt collection.<br />
21er Haus.<br />
Das Belvedere im gleichnamigen Barockschloss,<br />
welches sich einst Prinz Eugen von<br />
Savoyen als Sommerresidenz erbauen ließ,<br />
zählt zu den wichtigsten Kunstinstitutionen des<br />
Landes und gewährt eine nahezu lückenlose Zusammenschau<br />
der österreichischen Kunst vom Mittelalter<br />
über das Barock bis ins 21. Jahrhundert.<br />
Highlights der umfassenden, historisch gewachsenen<br />
Bestände sind die weltweit größte Sammlung von<br />
Werken Gustav Klimts – da runter der weltberühmte<br />
„Kuss“ – sowie Meisterwerke von Egon Schiele und<br />
Oskar Kokoschka. Neben dem Unteren und Oberen<br />
Belvedere gehören auch das kürzlich renovierte 21er<br />
Haus sowie das 2<strong>01</strong>3 in ein Museum umgewandelte<br />
Winter palais des Prinzen Eugen zum Kompetenzbereich<br />
von Direktorin Dr. Agnes Husslein-Arco.<br />
The Belvedere, located in the baroque palace of<br />
the same name was originally built as the<br />
summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy.<br />
Today it is one of the most important art institutions<br />
in Austria, providing a practically complete overview<br />
of Austrian art, ranging from the Middle Ages and<br />
the baroque period through to the 21st century. The<br />
highlight of this extensive collection is the world’s<br />
largest collection of works by Gustav Klimt – including<br />
the world-famous “Kiss”, as well as masterpieces<br />
by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka. The director<br />
Dr. Agnes Husslein-Arco is responsible for<br />
not only the Upper and Lower Belvedere but also the<br />
recently renovated „21er Haus“ in addition to Prince<br />
Eugene’s Winter Palace, which was converted into a<br />
museum in 2<strong>01</strong>3.<br />
PHOTOS: BELVEDERE WIEN, KARL SCHÖNDORFER, GERALD ZUGMANN<br />
Dr. Agnes Husslein-Arco<br />
Direktorin Belvedere | Director of Belvedere<br />
Nach ihrer Tätigkeit als Geschäftsführerin von Sotheby’s Österreich und Director of European Development des Guggenheim<br />
Museums wurde Agnes Husslein-Arco zur Direktorin des Rupertinums in Salzburg bestellt und war von 2003 bis 2005<br />
Gründungsdirektorin des Museums der Moderne Salzburg. Seit 2007 leitet Agnes Husslein-Arco das Belvedere.<br />
After having worked as the managing director of Sotheby’s Austria and director of European development at the Guggenheim Museum,<br />
Agnes Husslein-Arco was appointed director of the Rupertinum Museum in Salzburg and she was also the founding director of Museum<br />
der Moderne in Salzburg. Agnes Husslein-Arco has been running the Belvedere since 2007.<br />
Ihr Museum wird natürlich in erster Linie mit Gustav Klimt<br />
in Verbindung gebracht – wofür steht für Sie als Direktorin<br />
das Belvedere?<br />
Das Belvedere besitzt zwar die weltweit größte Sammlung an<br />
Gemälden von Gustav Klimt, die einen besonderen kunsthistorischen<br />
Schatz und, kein Zweifel, auch einen Besuchermagnet<br />
darstellt. Allerdings ist es mir persönlich wichtig, auch die<br />
herausragende Qualität der anderen Sammlungsbereiche zu<br />
vermitteln. Dieses Jahr zeigen wir etwa Ausstellungen zu einem<br />
mittelalterlichen Fastentuch, über Klimt, Schiele, Kokoschka,<br />
bis hin zum zeitgenössischen österreichischen Künstler Hans<br />
Weigand, um nur einige zu nennen.<br />
Wie bringen Sie diese enorme Spannweite der<br />
Sammlungen unter einen Hut?<br />
Wir nützen sie gezielt! Es gibt und gab in der bildenden Kunst<br />
stets Wechselwirkungen zwischen Neuem und Altem. Die<br />
verschiedenen Epochen müssen sich also nicht ausschließen,<br />
sondern können in der Zusammenschau interessante Verbindungen<br />
erkennen lassen. Wunderbar sieht man das etwa in<br />
unserer derzeitigen Ausstellung „Schlaflos. Das Bett in Geschichte<br />
und Gegenwartskunst“ im 21er Haus.<br />
Mit dem 21er Haus und dem Winterpalais im 1. Bezirk hat<br />
sich das Belvedere in den letzten Jahren stark erweitert.<br />
Wie bespielen Sie diese neuen Ausstellungsflächen?<br />
Das 21er Haus ist der Ausstellungsort, wo wir die gegenwärtige<br />
und jüngere österreichische Kunstproduktion mit entsprechenden<br />
Einzelausstellungen abbilden, die oftmals eigens für diesen<br />
architek tonisch speziellen Ausstellungsort entwickelt werden,<br />
wie etwa die Schau von Gelatin (2<strong>01</strong>3) oder Franz Graf (2<strong>01</strong>4).<br />
Das Winterpalaisprogramm wiederum wechselt bewusst<br />
zwischen historischen Ausstellungen und Projekten, die<br />
zeitgenössische Positionen mit dem prunkvollen Setting gezielt<br />
in einen Dialog setzen.<br />
It goes without saying that your museum is primarily<br />
associated with Gustav Klimt – but what does the Belvedere<br />
mean to you as the director?<br />
The Belvedere has the world’s largest collection of paintings by<br />
Gustav Klimt, representing a special treasure of art history and it<br />
is undoubtedly also a magnet for visitors. However, it is important<br />
for me personally to also show the outstanding quality of the<br />
other collections. This year, we are exhibiting the medieval lenten<br />
veil, Klimt, Schiele, Kokoschka as well as the modern Austrian<br />
artist Hans Weigand, just to mention a few.<br />
How do you accommodate such a large range of collections?<br />
We use them in a targeted manner! In visual arts, there always is<br />
and has been an interaction between old and new. The different<br />
eras, therefore, do not have to exclude each other but instead can<br />
reveal interesting connections. A perfect example of this can be<br />
seen in our current collection “Sleepless – The Bed in History and<br />
Contemporary Art” in the 21er Haus.<br />
The Belvedere has expanded significantly in the last few<br />
years with the 21er Haus and the Winter Palace in the first<br />
district. How are you going to use this new exhibition areas?<br />
The 21er Haus is the exhibition venue where we show contemporary<br />
and more recent Austrian art, including solo exhibitions<br />
that have often been developed specifically for this special<br />
architectural exhibition venue, such as the shows by Gelatin<br />
(2<strong>01</strong>3) or Franz Graf (2<strong>01</strong>4). The Winter Palace programme, on<br />
the other hand, consciously alternates between historical<br />
exhibitions and projects, which deliberately create a dialogue<br />
between contemporary perspectives and the magnificent setting.<br />
Aktuelle Ausstellungen<br />
und<br />
Sammlungen:<br />
Current Exhibitions<br />
and Collections:<br />
Schausammlung im<br />
Oberen Belvedere<br />
Neben klassischer Moderne<br />
und der Barocksammlung<br />
werden Gustav Klimts<br />
Meister werke mit einem<br />
frischen Raumkonzept in<br />
neuem Licht präsentiert.<br />
Public Collection in Upper<br />
Belvedere<br />
Classic modern and baroque<br />
collections. Gustav Klimt‘s<br />
masterpieces shine in new<br />
splendour in a redesigned<br />
room.<br />
Europa in Wien.<br />
Der Wiener Kongress<br />
1814/15<br />
Unteres Belvedere und<br />
Orangerie, bis 21.6.2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Europe in Vienna<br />
The Vienna Congress<br />
1814/15<br />
Lower Belvedere and<br />
Orangery, until 21.06.2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Schlaflos. Das Bett in<br />
Geschichte und<br />
Gegenwartskunst<br />
21er Haus, bis 07. 06. 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Sleepless – The Bed in<br />
History and Contemporary<br />
Art<br />
21er Haus, until 07. 06. 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Vienna for Art’s Sake!<br />
Archive Austria /<br />
Contemporary Art<br />
Winterpalais, bis 31.5.2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
INFO:<br />
www.belvedere.at<br />
100 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5 1<strong>01</strong>
SAVOIR-VIVRE SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL<br />
450 Jahre hohe Reitkunst<br />
450 Years of Consummate Horsemanship<br />
Text: Rois & Stubenrauch<br />
Die Spanische Hofreitschule, wichtiger Bestandteil der kulturellen Identität<br />
Österreichs, feiert 2<strong>01</strong>5 mit großer Geste ihr 450-jähriges Jubiläum.<br />
The Spanish Riding School, an important part of Austria’ s cultural identity,<br />
celebrates its 450-year jubilee in 2<strong>01</strong>5 with a grand gesture.<br />
INFO<br />
Silbermünze<br />
„450 Jahre<br />
Spanische<br />
Hofreitschule“<br />
Silver Coin “450<br />
years Spanish<br />
Riding School”<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
PHOTOS: SPANISCHE HOFREITSCHULE / JULIE BRASS, RENE VAN BAKEL, ARCHIV BOISELLE<br />
In den nächsten Wochen und Monaten laufen<br />
hektische Vorbereitungen in Stallburg und Winterreitschule<br />
der Wiener Hofburg. Lipizzaner<br />
und Bereiter der Spanischen Hofreitschule perfektionieren<br />
Levade, Kapriole und die Quadrille für den<br />
großen Tag im Juni. Als Höhepunkt der Festivitäten<br />
zum 450-jährigen Bestehen der weltberühmten Institution<br />
werden Pferde und Reiter der Real Escuela<br />
Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre aus Spanien in Wien erwartet,<br />
die gemeinsam mit der Spanischen Hofreitschule<br />
eine außergewöhnliche equestrische Galavorstellung<br />
am Wiener Heldenplatz geben werden.<br />
Seit 1565 wird in der Spanischen Hofreitschule ununterbrochen<br />
die Hohe Schule der klassischen Reitkunst<br />
in der Tradition der Hochrenaissance gepflegt<br />
und gelebt. Die Schimmel und ihre Reiterinnen und<br />
Reiter in ihrer charakteristischen Aufmachung sind<br />
ebenso unverbrüchlicher Bestandteil von Österreichs<br />
kultureller Identität geworden wie die Staatsoper<br />
oder Schloss Schönbrunn und stehen denn<br />
auch seit 2<strong>01</strong>0 auf der Liste des immateriellen<br />
Kultur erbes der UNESCO.<br />
Maestoso Virtuosa oder Neapolitano Allegra heißen<br />
die stolzen Hengste, die an den Vorführungen in<br />
der Winterreitschule, die als schönster Reitsaal der<br />
Welt gilt, teilnehmen. Die komplizierten Figuren der<br />
Hohen Schule verlangen den Pferden allerhöchste<br />
Körperbeherrschung ab. Im Alter von vier Jahren<br />
kommen die ausgewählten Junghengste aus dem<br />
berühmten Lipizzanergestüt von Piber nach Wien.<br />
Nach durchschnittlich sechs Jahren intensiven Trainings<br />
dürfen sie dann erstmals bei der Nachmittagsvorstellung<br />
der Spanischen Hofreitschule in dem<br />
vom stilprägenden Barockbaumeister Fischer von<br />
Erlach ausgestalteten Winterreitsaal dabei sein.<br />
Elisabeth Gürtler trat vor acht Jahren als erste<br />
Frau den Posten als Generaldirektorin an. Seither<br />
weht ein frischer Wind durch die Spanische Hofreitschule.<br />
Die Direktorin des Hotel Sachers und frühere<br />
Vizestaatsmeisterin im Dressur reiten, hat die altehrwürdige<br />
Institution nicht nur erstmals Frauen zugänglich<br />
gemacht, sie hat es sich auch nicht nehmen<br />
lassen, wieder zum Ball zu bitten. Seit fünf Jahren<br />
verwandelt sich die Hofreitschule für jeweils einen<br />
Tag in Wiens schönsten sommer lichen Ballsaal. Zum<br />
450-Jahr-Jubiläum bringt Elisabeth Gürtler also<br />
nicht nur die Königlich-Andalusische Reitschule<br />
nach Wien, gekrönt wird die Feier von der sechsten<br />
Auflage der Fête Impériale am 26. Juni. Dann dürfen<br />
ausnahmsweise einmal die Menschen und nicht die<br />
Pferde in der wunder schönen barocken Winterreitschule<br />
tanzen.<br />
In the coming weeks and months, hectic preparations<br />
are being made in Stallburg as well as the<br />
Winter Riding School of the Vienna Hofburg.<br />
Lipizzaners and their riders from the Spanish Riding<br />
School perfect their caprioles and the quadrilles for<br />
the big day in June. As the highlight of the festivities<br />
to mark the 450-year anniversary of the world-famous<br />
institution, the horses and riders of the Real<br />
Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre from Spain are<br />
expected to give an exceptional equestrian gala performance<br />
on Heldenplatz in Vienna, together with<br />
the Spanish Riding School. Since 1565, the Spanish<br />
Riding School has maintained and lived the High<br />
School of Classical Horsemanship in the Renaissance<br />
tradition. The white horses and their riders in<br />
their characteristic appearance have become a steadfast<br />
part of Austria’s cultural identity along with the<br />
State Opera and Schönbrunn Castle, and have been<br />
on the list of the UNESCO Heritage since 2<strong>01</strong>0.<br />
Maestoso Virtuosa or Neapolitano Allegra are the<br />
names of the proud stallions who will perform the<br />
demonstrations in the Winter Riding School, considered<br />
to be the most beautiful riding Hall in the<br />
world. The complex movements of the horses require<br />
perfect body control. The young stallions selected<br />
from the famous Lipizzaner stud farm of Piber come<br />
Die Münze Österreich<br />
nimmt das 450-Jahr-<br />
Jubiläum zum Anlass für<br />
die Prägung einer<br />
Sondermünze. Auf der<br />
Wertseite zeigt die<br />
20-g-Silbermünze zwei<br />
Lipizzaner beim Pas de<br />
deux, auf der anderen Seite<br />
einen Bereiter auf einem<br />
Lipizzaner, der eine Levade<br />
ausführt. Die Münze wird<br />
in limitierter Auflage von<br />
50.000 Stück geprägt.<br />
Austrian Mint takes the<br />
450-year anniversary as an<br />
opportunity for the<br />
production of a<br />
commemorative coin.<br />
On the value side, the 20 g<br />
silver coin shows two<br />
Lipizzaners at the Pas de<br />
Deux, and on the reverse, a<br />
rider on a Lipizzaner is<br />
executing a levade. The<br />
coin is minted as a limited<br />
edition of 50.000 pieces.<br />
www.muenzeoesterreich.at<br />
Junghengst bei der täglichen<br />
Morgenarbeit.<br />
Young stallion at the daily<br />
morning work.<br />
102 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
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SAVOIR-VIVRE SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL<br />
NACHGEFRAGT | QUESTIONS ASKED<br />
INFO<br />
PERSONAL DETAILS<br />
Elisabeth Gürtler leitet das Hotel Sacher und war<br />
langjährige Organisatorin des Wiener Opernballs.<br />
Seit 2007 ist die ehemalige österreichische<br />
Vizestaatsmeisterin im Dressurreiten<br />
Generaldirektorin der Spanischen Hofreitschule.<br />
Elisabeth Gürtler manages the Hotel Sacher and was<br />
the organiser of the Vienna Opera Ball for many years.<br />
Since 2007, the former Austrian vice champion in<br />
dressage has been the General Director of the Spanish<br />
Riding School.<br />
Elisabeth Gürtler<br />
Generaldirektorin der Spanischen Hofreitschule Wien | General Director of the<br />
Spanish Riding School Vienna<br />
Welche Highlights erwarten die Besucherinnen<br />
und Besucher der großen Gala zum runden<br />
Jubiläum der Spanischen Hofreitschule am<br />
Heldenplatz?<br />
Wir werden eine Fohlen- und Stutenherde aus unserem<br />
Gestüt Piber nach Wien bringen, was sicher die Herzen<br />
aller großen und auch kleinen Pferdefreunde berühren<br />
wird. Als Ehrengäste haben wir dann die Urahnen<br />
unserer Lipizzaner, die Andalusier, mit ihren Reitern<br />
nach Wien eingeladen. Gemeinsam mit der Real<br />
Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre werden unsere<br />
Reiter mit ihren Lipizzanern „Gustostückerl“ aus der<br />
klassischen Reitkunst zeigen: die Schulsprünge Levade,<br />
Kapriole und Courbette – und das sowohl an der Hand<br />
als auch unter dem Reiter. Natürlich wird es auch ein<br />
beeindruckendes Solo und die Vorführung am „Langen<br />
Zügel“ geben, bevor als krönender Abschluss die nur<br />
alle Jahrzehnte zu sehende 12er-Quadrille präsentiert<br />
wird.<br />
Ein weiterer Höhepunkt des Festtages wird die<br />
sechste Auflage der von Ihnen ins Leben<br />
gerufenen „Fête Impériale“. Worauf dürfen sich<br />
die Gäste des beliebten Sommerballs freuen?<br />
Nach der Vorführung am Heldenplatz bitten wir die<br />
Gäste, die auch den Ball besuchen wollen, direkt zur<br />
Michaelerkuppel, wo unser traditioneller VIP Cocktail<br />
stattfindet, bevor wir dann von den Hoch- und<br />
Deutschmeistern zur Balleröffnung in der Winter -<br />
reitschule abgeholt werden. Thematisch steht der Ball<br />
heuer im Zeichen Wiens – Details sind aber noch ein<br />
Geheimnis und werden erst bekannt gegeben!<br />
Unter Ihrer Ägide hat sich die Hofreitschule<br />
erstmals auch Frauen geöffnet. Wann wird denn<br />
die erste weibliche Oberbereiterin in der Hofburg<br />
zu sehen sein?<br />
Als im Jahr 2008 erstmals zwei weibliche Bewerberinnen<br />
in den Elevenstatus der Spanischen Hofreitschule<br />
aufgenommen wurden, gab es viele kritische Stimmen,<br />
die das als Bruch einer jahrhundertealten Tradition<br />
ansahen. Heute haben wir fünf junge Damen teils als<br />
Pferdewirtlehrlinge, Elevinnen und Hannah Zeitlhofer<br />
auch als Bereiteranwärterin bei uns. Da die Ausbildung<br />
zum Bereiter etwa 8 bis 10 Jahre dauert, kann damit<br />
gerechnet werden, dass in nächster Zeit auch eine<br />
weibliche Bereiterin in den Vorführungen zu sehen<br />
sein wird. Die Ernennung zum Oberbereiter ist nur bei<br />
ganz außergewöhnlichen Leistungen vorgesehen, die<br />
nicht nur langjährige Berufserfahrung einschließen,<br />
sondern auch Sprachkenntnisse, geschichtliches<br />
Wissen und die Fähigkeit, die Hofreitschule nach außen<br />
zu repräsen tieren.<br />
What highlights await visitors to the Anniversary<br />
Gala of the Spanish Riding School on Heldenplatz<br />
square?<br />
We will bring a foal and mare herd from our stud farm<br />
Piber to Vienna, which will surely touch the hearts of<br />
all horse lovers big and small. As guests of honour, we<br />
have invited the ancestors of our Lipizzaners, the Andalusians<br />
with their riders, to Vienna. Together with Real<br />
Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, our riders will<br />
show “delicacies” from classical horsemanship with<br />
their Lipizzaner horses, the school jumps levade,<br />
capriole and courbette – both at halter and under the<br />
saddle. Of course, there will also be an impressive solo,<br />
and the presentation on the “long reins” before the<br />
crowning finale of the 12 quadrille which is normally<br />
presented only once per decade.<br />
Another highlight of the festival is the sixth edition<br />
of the “Fête Imperial” which had been launched by<br />
you. What may the guests of the popular summer<br />
ball look forward to?<br />
After the performance at Heldenplatz, we will<br />
accompany guests who want to visit the ball straight to<br />
the Michaelerkuppel, where our traditional VIP cocktail<br />
event takes place. Afterwards we will be collected by<br />
the High and German Masters of the Winter Riding<br />
School for the opening of the ball. Thematically, the<br />
ball this year is dedicated to Vienna! Details are still a<br />
secret and will be announced soon!<br />
With your patronage, the riding school has finallly<br />
opened up to women. When will the first female<br />
chief rider be seen in the Hofburg?<br />
When two female applicants entered the Eleves status<br />
of the Spanish Riding School in 2008 for the first time,<br />
there were many critical voices who saw it as a<br />
breaking of a centuries-old tradition. Today, we have<br />
five young ladies, some as stablehand apprentices,<br />
Eleves and Hannah Zeitlhofer as aspirant rider.<br />
Although the training of a rider takes about 8-10 years,<br />
we expect that a female rider will soon be seen in the<br />
performances. The appointment of chief rider is<br />
intended only for exceptional achievements, not only<br />
for professional experience, but also language skills,<br />
knowledge of history and the ability to represent the<br />
Riding School.<br />
PHOTOS: SPANISCHE HOFREITSCHULE / MICHAEL RZEPA / RAINER ECKHARTER<br />
to Vienna at the age of four. After an average of six<br />
years of intensive training they may, for the first<br />
time, perform at the matinee of the Spanish Riding<br />
School in the Winter Riding Hall, designed by the<br />
well-known baroque architect Fischer von Erlach.<br />
Elisabeth Gürtler became the first woman to be<br />
Director General when she took up the post eight<br />
years ago. Since then, a breath of fresh air has blown<br />
through the Spanish Riding School. The Director of<br />
the Hotel Sacher and former Vice Champion in dressage,<br />
not only made the time-honoured institution<br />
available to women for the first time, she also took<br />
the opportunity to initiate ball-goers to convene<br />
once again. For the past five years, the Spanish Riding<br />
School has been turned into Vienna’s most<br />
beautiful summer ballroom for a day. Elisabeth<br />
Gürtler does not only bring the Royal Andalusian<br />
Riding School to Vienna for the 450-year anniversary,<br />
but the celebration is crowned by the sixth edition<br />
of the Fête Impériale on June 26. On this occasion,<br />
it’s the people, and not the horses, that dance in the<br />
beautiful baroque Winter Riding Hall.<br />
EUROPA<br />
IN WIEN<br />
Der Wiener Kongress<br />
1814/15<br />
Karten für die beiden<br />
Galavorstellungen am<br />
26. und 27. Juni jeweils um<br />
19 Uhr auf dem Heldenplatz<br />
sowie für die Generalprobe<br />
am 25. Juni unter:<br />
Tickets can be purchased<br />
here for the two gala<br />
performances on 26 and 27<br />
June at 7 pm at Heldenplatz,<br />
as well as for the rehearsal<br />
on June 25th:<br />
www.srs.at<br />
Im Anschluss an die Gala am Heldenplatz lädt die Direktorin der Hofreitschule Elisabeth Gürtler am<br />
26. Juni zur „Fête Impériale 2<strong>01</strong>5“. Der Reinerlös des Balls kommt dem Erhalt und der Zucht der<br />
Lipizzaner zugute.<br />
Following the gala at Heldenplatz square, the Director of the Spanish Riding School, Elisabeth<br />
Gürtler, invites you to the “Fête Imperial 2<strong>01</strong>5” on June 26. The net proceeds of the ball will benefit<br />
the preservation and breeding of the Lipizzaner horses.<br />
www.fete-imperiale.at<br />
104 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
20.2.–21.6.2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
belvedere<br />
UNTERES BELVEDERE & ORANGERIE<br />
Rennweg 6, 1030 Wien<br />
Täglich 10–18 Uhr<br />
Mittwoch 10–21 Uhr<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5 105<br />
www.belvedere.at
SAVOIR-VIVRE LYONESS OPEN<br />
Mehr Preisgeld, mehr Stars, mehr Spaß<br />
More Prize Money, More Stars, More Fun<br />
Golfer’s Paradise:<br />
der Diamond Country<br />
Club bei Tulln.<br />
Golfer‘s Paradise<br />
“Diamond Country<br />
Club” in Tulln.<br />
Wenn Mitte Juni im Diamond Country Club bei Tulln die<br />
europäische Golfelite Österreichs Paradegolfer Bernd Wiesberger<br />
jagt, gibt es für Golffans nur eines: hinfahren und Daumen<br />
drücken. Es wird wohl das größte Golffest ever in Österreich.<br />
When the European golf elite hunts Austria‘s most famous golfer<br />
Bernd Wiesberger at the Diamond Country Club in Tulln in<br />
mid-June, only one thing is important for golf fans: to go there<br />
and keep their fingers crossed. It will probably be the biggest golf<br />
festival in Austria ever.<br />
Text: Klaus Nadizar<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
FOTOS: PHOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
GEPA PICTURES/ MARTIN HOERMANDINGER; DIAMOND COUNTRY CLUB<br />
Abschlag.<br />
Österreichs Nr. 1, Bernd<br />
Wiesberger, auf dem 18 Grün.<br />
Tee.<br />
Austria’s no. 1, Bernd<br />
Wiesberger, on the 18th<br />
green.<br />
Wenn am 11. Juni 2<strong>01</strong>5 die erste Dreier-<br />
Gruppe aufteet und damit die Lyoness<br />
Open quasi eröffnet, wird österreichische<br />
Sportgeschichte geschrieben: Dank einer Preisgeldaufstockung<br />
von 1,0 auf 1,5 Millionen Euro matchen<br />
sich die 156 Top-Golfer der European Tour um den<br />
bislang höchsten Preisgeldscheck, der in Österreich<br />
ausgestellt wurde. Wer die Lyoness Open 2<strong>01</strong>5 gewinnt,<br />
darf sich über 250.000 Euro Preisgeld freuen.<br />
Eine höchste erfreuliche Entwicklung, auch für<br />
den Golfsport, die der Tatsache geschuldet ist, dass<br />
gleich mehrere starke Persönlichkeiten den Event im<br />
Diamond Country Club bei Tulln kontinuierlich vorangetrieben<br />
und verbessert haben oder als eine Art<br />
Trägerrakete fungieren.<br />
Etwa Christian Guzy, der Besitzer der Anlage und<br />
ein nimmermüder Vordenker. Die Anlage wird<br />
heuer erneut um eine Facette reicher und besser. Ein<br />
System, das Guzy verinnerlicht hat: Nach dauerhaftem<br />
Update des Diamond Course über die letzten<br />
sechs Jahre, dem Bau des Bootshauses und einer<br />
Driving Range sowie dem Ausbau des Country<br />
Course steht 2<strong>01</strong>5 eine Hoteleröffnung an, die aus<br />
der Top-Golfanlage nun ein Top-Golfresort macht.<br />
Christian Guzy: „Mit der Eröffnung werden wir<br />
den letzten großen Schritt zu einem seriösen Golfresort<br />
getan haben. Mit dem Hotel ist auch ein entsprechend<br />
professioneller internationaler Auftritt<br />
gewährleistet.“<br />
Der lange Schatten der Lyoness Open<br />
Dass das Hotel am Platz heuer ganz speziell von<br />
den Stars der European Tour eingeweiht wird, macht<br />
es natürlich doppelt wertvoll.<br />
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107
SAVOIR-VIVRE LYONESS OPEN<br />
Cercle_JMW_US_2<strong>01</strong>5_Layout 1 09.02.15 10:12 Seite 1<br />
Links: Blick auf den VIP-Bereich, der während der<br />
Lyoness Open im Bootshaus des DCC untergebracht ist.<br />
Rechts: die Chill-out Lounge des Bootshauses.<br />
Left: View of the VIP area, housed in the boathouse of the DCC<br />
during the Lyoness Open. Right: The chill-out lounge of the<br />
boathouse.<br />
JEWISH VIENNA –<br />
THEN TO NOW<br />
Photographer Margit Dobronyi<br />
on the gangway of an<br />
EL AL aircraft, May 1968<br />
JMW; Dobronyi archives<br />
The permanent exhibition.<br />
Das für die Golffans Erfreuliche: Neben der bereits<br />
erwähnten Aufstockung des Preisgeldes und des<br />
dadurch wohl noch besseren Starterfeldes sind auch<br />
die langjährigen Partner bereits wieder fix an Bord:<br />
Emirates und BMW sorgen für zusätzliches internationales<br />
Flair, der ORF wird wieder live übertragen<br />
und die VIP-Area hat sich mit dem Drehen des<br />
Platzes für den European Tour Event als doppelt attraktiv<br />
erwiesen, wie Ali Al Khaffaf (Geschäftsführer<br />
Golf Open Event Gmbh) erklärt: „Es sind schon verhältnismäßig<br />
früh die ersten Anfragen für VIP-<br />
Tickets für die Lyoness Open 2<strong>01</strong>5 eingetrudelt und<br />
wir werden uns einiges einfallen lassen, um diesen<br />
Bereich noch attraktiver zu gestalten. Logistisch<br />
wird es speziell wegen des Hotels eine Spur kniffliger<br />
als in den Jahren zuvor, weil nun große Stellflächen<br />
für die Tour-Trucks wegfallen.“<br />
Aber nicht nur den VIPs wurde über die Jahre<br />
immer mehr geboten, auch die zigtausend Golffans<br />
dürfen sich auf jede Menge Spaß abseits der Fairways<br />
freuen. „Der Aussteller-Bereich ist zwar aufgrund<br />
der Gegebenheiten limitiert, die zahlreichen Attraktionen<br />
sind aber derart mannigfaltig, dass spannenden<br />
Tagen im Diamond Country Club nichts im<br />
Weg steht“, freut sich Ali Al Khaffaf schon wieder auf<br />
die Tage und eigentlich Wochen im Diamond<br />
Country Club: „Die Vorbereitungen sind in Wahrheit<br />
schon voll im Gang, bis zur Turnierwoche sind<br />
wir dann auch mit dem Feintuning durch.“<br />
Von Augusta nach Tulln<br />
Der Burgenländer wird auch heuer wieder das<br />
Zugpferd der Lyoness Open sein. Und das mit einer<br />
noch nie dagewesenen Strahlkraft, „übersiedelt“<br />
Wiesberger doch nach seinem furiosen Saisonstart<br />
zur PGA Tour in die USA und kommt erst knapp vor<br />
den Lyoness Open wieder nach Europa.<br />
Die von allen heimischen Golffans lang ersehnte<br />
Premiere eines Österreichers auf dem heiligen Rasen<br />
des Augusta National Golf Clubs wird es mit 99-prozentiger<br />
Wahrscheinlichkeit in der heurigen Saison<br />
geben: Als Nummer 36 der Golf-Weltrangliste<br />
(Stand Mitte Februar) ist Wiesberger so gut platziert<br />
wie noch kein Österreicher vor ihm. Als Belohnung<br />
winken Einladungen zu Top-Events der US PGA<br />
Tour, Starts bei den World Golf Championship<br />
Events und allen Majors mit dem US Masters als<br />
glorreichem Auftakt.<br />
Dass es mit einem Sieg in der heurigen Saison<br />
noch nicht geklappt hat, magerlt Bernd wohl ein<br />
bisschen, es überwiegt aber ohne Zweifel die Freude<br />
über den sensationellen Aufstieg in der Weltrangliste<br />
und alle damit verbundenen Annehmlichkeiten.<br />
Wiesberger ist zweifelsohne in der Weltspitze an-<br />
PHOTOS: GEPA PICTURES/CHRISTIAN WALGRAM; DIAMOND COUNTRY CLUB<br />
gekommen und allein das sollte und muss Anreiz<br />
genug sein, dem heimischen Golf-Aushängeschild<br />
bei seinem Heimturnier im Diamond Country Club<br />
kollektiv vor Ort die Daumen zu drücken.<br />
Lyoness – ein Partner mit Visionen<br />
Dass Bernd Wiesberger als „Trägerrakete“ derart<br />
sensationell durchstarten würde, war nicht nur für<br />
Hauptsponsor Lyoness nicht absehbar. Auch nicht,<br />
dass man mit dem Co-Sponsoring durch Greenfinity<br />
in kurzer Zeit ziemlich viele Türen geöffnet hat.<br />
Mathias Vorbach, Konzernsprecher von Lyoness:<br />
„Natürlich hatten wir ein gewisses Bild vor Augen,<br />
als wir vor fünf Jahren hier eingestiegen sind, speziell<br />
was Lyoness betrifft. Aber der Erfolg mit Greenfinity<br />
kam doch ein wenig überraschend.“ Selbst die European<br />
Tour hat das Thema „Greenfinity“ und Nachhaltigkeit<br />
zügig aufgegriffen und den European Tour<br />
Event im Diamond Country Club dahingehend als<br />
Leuchtturm-Projekt installiert.<br />
Auch die tolle Entwicklung im heimischen TV<br />
und die gelungene Kooperation mit dem ORF im<br />
Jahr 2<strong>01</strong>4 freut Mathias Vorbach: „Mit den erweiterten<br />
Sendezeiten und dem „Sport am Sonntag“-<br />
Studio hier im Vorjahr hat das Turnier insgesamt<br />
einen neuen Stellenwert erhalten. Das ist vor allem<br />
dem persönlichen Einsatz einiger ORF-Mitarbeiter<br />
12. Februar – 12. April 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Artists and Poets<br />
Kuratiert von Ugo Rondinone<br />
24. April – 21. Juni 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Josef Strau<br />
Kristin Oppenheim<br />
secession<br />
Dorotheergasse 11, 1<strong>01</strong>0 Vienna · Sun – Fri 10 am – 6 pm · www.jmw.at<br />
Friedrichstraße 12<br />
A-1<strong>01</strong>0 Wien<br />
www.secession.at<br />
108 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5
SAVOIR-VIVRE LYONESS OPEN<br />
INFO<br />
several strongly committed people have worked tirelessly<br />
to promote and improve the event at the Diamond<br />
Country Club near Tulln to form a basis for<br />
bigger and better things to come.<br />
Christian Guzy, the owner of the facility and tireless<br />
mentor, has been one of them. The complex will<br />
be enriched by a few additions this year, driven forward<br />
by Christian Guzy. After continuous development<br />
of the Diamond Course over the past six years<br />
including construction of the boathouse, a driving<br />
range, the expansion of the Country Course, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
welcomes a hotel opening, turning the top golf<br />
course into a top golf resort. Christian Guzy: “With<br />
the opening, we will have done the last major step for<br />
a reputable golf resort. The hotel also ensures a corresponding<br />
professional international presence.”<br />
Lyoness Open<br />
powered by Greenfinity<br />
Ort: Diamond Country<br />
Club<br />
Datum: 11.-14. Juni 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Preisgeld: 1,5 Mio. Euro<br />
Location: Diamond<br />
Country Club<br />
Date: 11.-14. June 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Prize Money:<br />
1.5 million euro<br />
www.lyonessopen.com<br />
www.countryclub.at<br />
Der Sieger der Lyoness<br />
Open 2<strong>01</strong>4 sponsored<br />
by Greenfinity Mikael<br />
Lundberg, links Mathias<br />
Vorbach, Konzernsprecher<br />
Lyoness, rechts Christian<br />
Guzy, Präsident & Eigentümer<br />
Diamond Country Club.<br />
The winner of the Lyoness<br />
Open 2<strong>01</strong>4 sponsored by<br />
Greenfinity, Mikael Lundberg.<br />
Left, Lyoness company<br />
spokesman Matthias Vorbach.<br />
Right, Christian Guzy,<br />
president and owner of the<br />
Diamond Country Club.<br />
wie etwa Michi Berger zu verdanken.“<br />
Besonders gut angekommen sei auch das Drehen<br />
der Löcher und das damit verbundene Finale auf der<br />
eigentlich neunten Spielbahn, einem spannenden<br />
Par 3 mit Wasser bis vors Grün. „Das war von der<br />
Wahrnehmung her deutlich besser als in den Jahren<br />
zuvor, auch für die Spieler ist es extrem interessant.<br />
Das war eigentlich ein neuer Platz für sie“, zieht<br />
Vorbach auch hier ein positives Resümee.<br />
Für 2<strong>01</strong>5 sind seitens Lyoness noch mehr Attraktionen<br />
und Interaktionen mit den Golffans geplant.<br />
Da gebe es noch Potenzial, sagt Vorbach. Und mit<br />
Bernd Wiesberger als Zugpferd werden heuer wohl<br />
so viele Golffans wie noch nie nach Atzenbrugg bei<br />
Tulln pilgern.<br />
On 11 June 2<strong>01</strong>5, the first group of three tee<br />
off and practically start the Lyoness Open,<br />
writing Austrian sports history. With the increased<br />
prize money from one to 1.5 million euro,<br />
the 156 top European Tour golfers aim to land the<br />
highest prize money cheque ever to be <strong>issue</strong>d in Austria.<br />
The happy winner of the Lyoness Open 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
will walk away with 250.000 euro. It’s a very positive<br />
development for golf, and this is due to the fact that<br />
The Long Shadow of the Lyoness Open<br />
The fact that stars from the European Tour will be<br />
present at the opening of the hotel makes for double<br />
the value. The good news for the fans is that besides<br />
the aforementioned increase in prize money and the<br />
resulting top-profile player attendance, the longterm<br />
partners are on board: Emirates and BMW provide<br />
for additional international flair, the ORF (Austrian<br />
Broadcasting Corporation) will broadcast live<br />
again, and the VIP area is now even more attractive<br />
due to the changes on the course.<br />
Ali Al Khaffaf (Chief Executive Officer of Golf<br />
Open Event Gmbh) explains: “The first requests for<br />
VIP tickets for the Lyoness Open 2<strong>01</strong>5 started coming<br />
in relatively early and we will develop fresh<br />
ideas to make the area even more exciting. Logistically,<br />
it is more of a challenge now as we have less<br />
space for the tour trucks due to the hotel.” The added<br />
value is not only a pleasure for VIP guests, but<br />
thousands of fans of golf can enjoy the off course fun<br />
and benefits as well. “The exhibition area is somewhat<br />
limited, but the numerous attractions will provide<br />
for exhilarating days at the Diamond Country<br />
Club,” Ali Al Khaffaf is pleased to report. The days<br />
and weeks at the Diamond Country Club are eventful:<br />
“Preparations are already in full swing. We will<br />
fine tune a few details, and then the tournament is<br />
ready to begin.”<br />
From Augusta to Tulln<br />
The Burgenland local spearheads the Lyoness<br />
Open again this year. With unprecedented force,<br />
Wiesberger “emigrated” to the United States after his<br />
PHOTOS: GEPA PICTURES/ MARTIN HOERMANDINGER<br />
„Hole-in-one Preis“ – der neue BMW i8.<br />
“Hole in one prize” – the new BMW i8.<br />
powerful start in the season at the PGA and only<br />
“moves back” to Europe just in time for the Lyoness<br />
Open. The long awaited premiere of an Austrian on<br />
the sacred green of the Augusta National Golf Club<br />
will most likely come true for the local golf fans, with<br />
a probability of 99 percent. Ranked number 36 in the<br />
world as per mid-February, Wiesberger has achieved<br />
what no Austrian has done before him. Invitations to<br />
the top events in the US PGA tour are his reward,<br />
along with participation at the World Golf Championship<br />
events, starting with all majors in the US<br />
Masters. This year has not brought a victory to him<br />
yet, which irks him just a little. However, his extraordinary<br />
rise in the world ranking provides for delight,<br />
coupled with the amenities that come with it. Wiesberger<br />
has undoubtedly made it to the top and this<br />
alone should and will be encouragement enough to<br />
collectively support him during his home tournament<br />
at Diamond Country Club.<br />
Lyoness – a Partner with visions<br />
The sensational start by “launcher” Wiesberger<br />
couldn’t have been foreseen by main sponsor Lyoness.<br />
The co-sponsoring partnership with Greenfinity<br />
also opened many doors. Lyoness spokesman Mathias<br />
Vorbach said: “Of course we had a certain<br />
vision in mind when we came on board five years<br />
ago, especially with regard to Lyoness, but the success<br />
with Greenfinity came as a surprise.” The European<br />
Tour carries the “Greenfinity” theme along<br />
with its message of sustainability, which has as such<br />
been implemented as a beacon project for the European<br />
Tour Event at Diamond Country Club. Mathias<br />
Vorbach is pleased with the highly prosperous cooperation<br />
with the ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation)<br />
in 2<strong>01</strong>4 and its ensuing development in<br />
local TV: “The tournament has received an elevated<br />
status with the extended transmission times and the<br />
“Sport on Sunday” studio here last year. This is mostly<br />
thanks to the personal efforts of some ORF staff<br />
such as Michi Berger.” The course and the way shots<br />
were framed on TV were particularly well received.<br />
The final, essentially on the 9th hole, had an exciting<br />
par 3 and water right up to the green. Vorbach draws<br />
a positive conclusion, “It was a better perception to<br />
the previous years and highly interesting for the<br />
players. Actually, it was like a new course for them.”<br />
In 2<strong>01</strong>5, more attractions and interaction is planned<br />
with the fans. Vorbach sees scope for potential and<br />
predicts that this year, with Bernd Wiesberger as the<br />
driving force, more fans of golf than ever will make<br />
their way to Atzenbrugg near Tulln.<br />
Bernd Wiesberger (re.)<br />
mit Caddie.<br />
Bernd Wiesberger, on the<br />
right, with caddy.<br />
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SAVOIR-VIVRE WATCHES<br />
Genf tickt anders<br />
Geneva Ticks Differently<br />
Text: Michaela Hocek<br />
Was 1991 fünf Uhrenmarken initiierten, gilt 25 Jahre später als der exklusivste Uhrensalon<br />
der Welt. Das Jubiläum der SIHH wurde von aufsehenerregenden Neuheiten umrahmt.<br />
Five watch brands initiated a trade fair in 1991 which this year, 25 years later, still counts as<br />
the most exclusive fair for Fine Watchmaking in the world. The anniversary of the SIHH<br />
brought exciting news.<br />
Anfang des Jahres dreht sich in der Schweizer<br />
Metropole traditionell alles um erlesene<br />
Zeitmesser. Wenn der „Salon International<br />
de la Haute Horlogerie“ (SIHH) seine Pforten öffnet,<br />
sind 16 Aussteller – allen voran die Richemont-<br />
Gruppe – stolz, ihre neuesten Innovationen vorstellen<br />
zu dürfen. Der Spirit der Uhrenmanufakturen<br />
überträgt sich dank sensationeller Präsentationen<br />
auf ein ausgesuchtes internationales Publikum. In<br />
den Genuss der Präsentation der neuesten Modelle<br />
von A. Lange & Söhne, Audemars Piguet, Baume &<br />
Mercier, Cartier, Greubel Forsey, IWC, Jaeger-<br />
LeCoultre, Montblanc, Officine Panerai, Parmigiani<br />
Fleurier, Piaget, Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry,<br />
Richard Mille, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin<br />
und Van Cleef & Arpels kommen nur geladene<br />
Gäste. Auf 30.000 m² wird der Gipfel der Uhrmacherei<br />
erklommen. Die Räumlichkeiten in eleganten<br />
Farbtönen sind luxuriöser Rahmen, ohne vom<br />
Wesentlichen abzulenken. Die dicken Teppiche<br />
schlucken die Schritte der 14.500 Besucher. In jedem<br />
einzelnen Ausstellungsraum betritt man eine eigene<br />
Welt. Multimedia-Spektakel und Imagefilme lassen<br />
die Zuschauer großformatig in das Innere der Uhren<br />
vordringen, zeigen ihre Entstehungsgeschichte, erklären<br />
die Ideen dahinter. Die Dichte an CEOs,<br />
Produktentwicklern und Uhrmachern verschafft<br />
interessierten Einzelhändlern und Journalisten<br />
konzentriertes Wissen rund um neue Rekorde der<br />
Uhrenwelt. Umrahmt werden die Kollektionen von<br />
hochkarätigen Events. Das war auch zum diesjährigen<br />
25. Jubiläum nicht anders. Der traditionelle<br />
Fundraising Cocktail zugunsten des Genfer Roten<br />
Kreuzes durfte 2<strong>01</strong>5 ebenso wenig fehlen wie exklusive<br />
Dinners und Partys der einzelnen Häuser mit<br />
Staraufgebot. Montblanc begrüßte beispielsweise<br />
Charlotte Casiraghi als neuen globalen Brand Ambassador.<br />
IWC freute sich über die Anwesenheit von<br />
Oscar-Preisträger Christoph Waltz.<br />
PROMINENZ. Mit Charlotte<br />
Casiraghi präsentierte<br />
Montblanc-CEO Jérôme<br />
Lambert einen elitären<br />
Brand Ambassador.<br />
CELEBRITIES. The CEO<br />
of Montblanc, Jérôme<br />
Lambert presented Charlotte<br />
Casiraghi as their elite brand<br />
ambassador.<br />
Traditionally, the beginning of the year in the<br />
Swiss capital is all about fine timepieces.<br />
When the SIHH opens its doors, 16 exhibitors<br />
– especially the Richemont Group – are proud to<br />
unveil their latest innovations. The spirit of watchmakers<br />
surrounds a carefully selected international<br />
audience with spectacular presentations by the exhibiting<br />
Maisons. Only invited guests can join to enjoy<br />
the display of the latest models by A. Lange & Söhne,<br />
Audemars Piguet, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Greubel<br />
Forsey, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc, Officine<br />
Panerai, Parmigiani Fleurier, Piaget, Ralph<br />
Lauren Watch & Jewelry, Richard Mille, Roger Dubuis,<br />
Vacheron Constantin and Van Cleef & Arpels.<br />
The 30,000 metres altitude is a perfect fit for the<br />
summit of Fine Watchmaking. Rooms in elegant colours<br />
provide a luxurious backdrop without distracting<br />
from the essentials. Thick carpets cushion the<br />
busy footsteps of the 14,500 visitors. Stepping into<br />
each showroom, one enters a world of its own. Multimedia<br />
spectacles and image films allow the visitor<br />
to delve into the interior of large-scale watches, reveal<br />
their history and explain the ideas behind them.<br />
The sheer number of CEOs, product developers and<br />
watchmakers gives interested retailers and journalists<br />
concentrated knowledge about new records<br />
from the world of watches. Collections are highlighted<br />
with spectacular events, and this year’s 25th anniversary<br />
was no different. The traditional fundraising<br />
cocktail to benefit the Geneva Red Cross was<br />
not to be missed in 2<strong>01</strong>5 besides exclusive dinners<br />
and parties of the various Maisons with a lineup of<br />
stars. Montblanc, for example, greeted Charlotte Casiraghi<br />
as their new global brand ambassador. Oscar<br />
winner Christoph Waltz pleased IWC with his attendance.<br />
PHOTOS: FRANÇOIS GOIZÉ, HERSTELLER<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
Vacheron Constantin.<br />
„Mécaniques Gravées<br />
Tourbillon 14 Tage“ ist eine<br />
der beiden Neuheiten der<br />
Linie „Métiers d’Art“. Das<br />
Platingehäuse (41 mm) gibt<br />
den Blick auf das Tourbillonkaliber<br />
mit aufwendig<br />
gravierten Komponenten frei.<br />
“Mécaniques Gravées 14-day<br />
Tourbillon” is one of the latest<br />
pieces from the Métiers d’Art<br />
line. The platinum case (41<br />
mm) gives a clear view on the<br />
Tourbillon calibre with<br />
elaborately engraved<br />
components.<br />
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113
SAVOIR-VIVRE WATCHES<br />
INFO<br />
SIHH 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Im Zuge des „Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie“ werden in Genf die Uhren der<br />
Superlative präsentiert. Heuer jährte sich das Event der hohen Uhrmacherkunst zum 25. Mal.<br />
Vom 19. bis 23. Jänner präsentierten 16 Maisons ihre aufsehenerregenden Innovationen und<br />
Weltneuheiten. Materialien wie Carbotech, Kautschuk-Lünetten mit Diamantbesatz und<br />
höchste Komplikationen in neuen Arrangements faszinierten 14.500 Besucher.<br />
Magnificent watches are presented at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva.<br />
This year, the event for Fine Watchmaking was held for the 25 th time. From 19 to 23<br />
January, 16 Maisons presented their sensational innovations and world news. Materials such<br />
as Carbotech, rubber bezels set with diamonds and intricate complications in new<br />
arrangements fascinated 14,500 visitors.<br />
A. Lange & Söhne.<br />
In „Zeitwerk Minutenrepetition“<br />
wurde erstmals die<br />
Sprungziffernanzeige mit<br />
einer dezimalen Minutenrepetition<br />
vereint. Der komplexe<br />
Schlagwerkmechanismus<br />
steckt im 771-teiligen<br />
Manufakturkaliber L043.5.<br />
The mechanical display<br />
elements separately sample<br />
the number of hours,<br />
ten-minute intervals, and<br />
minutes acoustically with a<br />
minute repeater. This<br />
complex striking mechanism<br />
using the calibre is the<br />
771-part L043.5.<br />
Audemars Piguet.<br />
Ein starker Name und ein<br />
Höchstmaß an Femininität<br />
sind bezeichnend für die<br />
spektakuläre Manschettenuhr<br />
„Diamond Punk Haute<br />
Joaillerie“ mit mehr als<br />
8.000 Diamanten und klaren<br />
geo metrischen Linien. Neben<br />
den neuen Royal-Oak-<br />
Modellen und der „Millenary<br />
Quadriennium“ mit<br />
Vierjahreskalender ist diese<br />
opulente Extravaganz<br />
zweifellos ein beeindruckendes<br />
Stück Fachkompetenz.<br />
A strong brand name as well<br />
as a high degree of femininity<br />
are indicative of the<br />
spectacular cuff watch with<br />
over 8,000 diamonds and<br />
clean geometric lines:<br />
“Diamond Punk Haute<br />
Joaillierie”. In addition to the<br />
new Royal Oak models and<br />
the Millenary Quadriennium<br />
with a four year calendar, this<br />
opulent extravagance is<br />
undoubtedly an impressive<br />
piece of expertise.<br />
Baume & Mercier.<br />
Silberfarbene Guillochierung<br />
auf dem Zifferblatt und<br />
„Côtes de Genève“ und<br />
Phi-Symbol auf der Rückseite:<br />
„Classima“ (Ref. M0A10214)<br />
überzeugt mit schlanken<br />
Proportionen und moderner<br />
Linienführung.<br />
Embellished with a<br />
silver-coloured guilloché<br />
pattern on the dial and “Côtes<br />
de Genève” with a phi symbol<br />
on the back: “Classima” (ref.<br />
M0A10214) convinces with<br />
slender proportions and<br />
modern lines.<br />
Cartier.<br />
Die vollständig mit Diamanten<br />
ausgefasste „Rêves de<br />
Panthères“ aus Weißgold<br />
katapultiert die Ikone der<br />
Marke als Trio in eine<br />
imposante Tag/Nacht-Kulisse.<br />
Die Uhrzeit wird im sich<br />
ständig ändernden Spiel der<br />
auf und untergehenden<br />
Himmelskörper angezeigt.<br />
Fully surrounded with<br />
diamonds, “Rêves de<br />
Panthères” made of white<br />
gold catapults the icon of the<br />
brand as a trio into an<br />
impressive day/night setting.<br />
The time is displayed in the<br />
ever-changing game of the<br />
rising and setting heavenly<br />
bodies.<br />
IWC.<br />
Mit „Portugieser Handaufzug<br />
Acht Tage Edition 75th<br />
Anniversary“ wird das<br />
Jubiläum der Kollektion mit<br />
fast originalgetreuem Design<br />
stilgerecht begangen.<br />
Limitiert auf 175 (Rotgold)<br />
bzw. 750 (Stahl) Stück.<br />
The anniversary of the<br />
collection is celebrated true<br />
to the original style with the<br />
“Portugieser Hand-Wound<br />
Eight Days Edition 75 th<br />
Anniversary”, limited to 175<br />
(pink gold) and 750 (steel)<br />
pieces.<br />
PHOTOS: MORVAN ALAIN/ NENCIOLI GILBERT, HERSTELLER<br />
Jaeger-LeCoultre.<br />
Die „Rendez-Vous Moon“<br />
wurde für 972 Jahre absolute<br />
Präzision konzipiert.<br />
The “Rendez-Vous Moon” has<br />
been designed for absolute<br />
precision for 972 years.<br />
Montblanc.<br />
Limited Edition: „Heritage Chronométrie<br />
ExoTourbillon Minute<br />
Chronograph Vasco da Gama“.<br />
Limited edition: “Heritage<br />
Chronométrie Exo Tourbillon<br />
Minute Chronograph Vasco da<br />
Gama”.<br />
Entspannt in den Frühling<br />
JUBILÄUM. Die Uhrenwelt<br />
wird seit 1991 in Genf neu<br />
definiert.<br />
ANNIVERSARY. The world of<br />
watches has been redefined in<br />
Geneva since 1991.<br />
Die Sonnenstrahlen werden immer wärmer, bald recken die ersten Blumen ihre Köpfe<br />
aus der Erde und die Wiesen färben sich in saftigem Grün – der Frühling hält Einzug<br />
auf dem Seefelder Hochplateau. Erleben Sie diese einzigartige Jahreszeit im Interalpen-<br />
Hotel Tyrol und genießen Sie feinste Kulinarik, ein luxuriöses Spa und exquisiten Service.<br />
Zwei Übernachtungen inklusive Spa-Gutschein ab € 393. Mehr Informationen auf www.interalpen.com<br />
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115
SAVOIR-VIVRE WATCHES<br />
Wie sagt man Urlaub auf Italienisch?<br />
[Costa]<br />
Panerai.<br />
Mit „Luminor Submersible<br />
1950 Carbotech 3 Days<br />
Automatic“ steht einmal mehr<br />
technische und optische<br />
Materialinnovation in der<br />
Haute Horlogerie – in diesem<br />
Fall Carbotech – auf dem<br />
Programm. Das Automatikkaliber<br />
P.9000 sorgt für eine<br />
Gangreserve von 72 Stunden.<br />
With the “Luminor<br />
Submersible 1950 Carbotech<br />
3 Days Automatic”,<br />
technical and visual material<br />
innovation in the Haute<br />
Horlogerie is once more in<br />
focus – this time, it’s<br />
Carbotech. The automatic<br />
calibre P.9000 offers a power<br />
reserve of 72 hours.<br />
INFO<br />
Parmigiani.<br />
Zehn Jahre währt die<br />
Partnerschaft von Bugatti und<br />
Parmigiani bereits. Zum<br />
Jubiläum gibt es drei neue<br />
Modelle – eines davon ist<br />
„Bugatti Mythe“. Die Uhr<br />
greift das quer angeordnete<br />
Uhrwerk des Erstlings „Type<br />
370“ auf und fasziniert mit<br />
avantgardistischer Optik.<br />
Raue, anthrazitgraue Flächen<br />
wechseln sich mit glatten,<br />
goldenen ab und spiegeln die<br />
Verbindung von Industrie und<br />
Handwerk wider.<br />
Celebrating a decade of the<br />
partnership between Bugatti<br />
and Parmigiani. For the<br />
anniversary, three new<br />
models are unveiled – one of<br />
them being the “Bugatti<br />
Mythe”. The watch repeats<br />
details from the avant-garde<br />
transverse movement design<br />
of the first Type 370 and<br />
fascinates with its<br />
avant-garde look. Rough,<br />
anthracite gray surfaces<br />
alternate with smooth, golden<br />
ones and reflect the<br />
combination of industry and<br />
craft.<br />
Piaget.<br />
„Piaget Altiplano“ wurde<br />
erstmals seit Bestehen der<br />
Kollektion mit Goldarmbändern<br />
und wahlweise mit<br />
polierter oder Brillant-Lünette<br />
ausgestattet. Die ultraflache<br />
Ikone der Manufaktur zeigt<br />
Stunden und Minuten, ist mit<br />
Genfer Streifen, perlierter<br />
Werkplatte sowie anglierten<br />
Brücken veredelt und verfügt<br />
zudem über 42 Stunden<br />
Gangreserve.<br />
“Piaget Altiplano” was, for<br />
the first time in the history of<br />
the collection, fitted with gold<br />
bracelets and optionally with<br />
a smooth or diamond bezel.<br />
The ultra-slim icon of the<br />
Maison indicates hours and<br />
minutes, is decorated with<br />
Geneva stripes, a stippled<br />
main plate, bevelled bridges<br />
and offers a 42-hour power<br />
reserve.<br />
Richard Mille.<br />
Die Magnolienblüte mit<br />
Blättern aus Weißgold der<br />
„RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur“<br />
öffnet und schließt sich und<br />
gibt im ständigen Wechsel für<br />
fünf Minuten den Blick auf<br />
den Tourbillonkäfig frei.<br />
The magnolia flower with<br />
leaves in white gold on the<br />
“RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur”<br />
opens and closes and allows<br />
for a view of the tourbillon<br />
cage while changing<br />
constantly for five minutes.<br />
Roger Dubuis.<br />
Skelettierung des Gehäuses,<br />
Zeigers und Höhenrings<br />
sowie die weltweit erste<br />
edelsteinbesetzte Lünette aus<br />
Kautschuk: Mit „Excalibur<br />
Spider Skelett Fliegendes<br />
Doppeltourbillon“ werden die<br />
Grenzen des Uhrenhandwerks<br />
neu ausgelotet.<br />
By thinning the case, the<br />
limits of watch making craft<br />
are redefined with the hands<br />
and dial ring on the “Excalibur<br />
Spider Skeleton Flying<br />
Tourbillon” as well as<br />
displaying the world’s first<br />
bejewelled rubber bezel.<br />
PHOTOS: HERSTELLER<br />
Inklusive<br />
NIKI Flug<br />
Zauberhaftes Mittelmeer<br />
ab Wien<br />
mit der Costa Diadema<br />
7 Tage Kreuzfahrt ab Savona inkl. NIKI Flug<br />
Wien - Genua - Wien und Transfer zum Hafen Savona/retour<br />
samstags 6. Juni - 21. November 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Frühbucher Extra Preis* ab € 699 p.P. zzgl. Serviceentgelt*<br />
Barcelona<br />
Marseille<br />
Palma<br />
de Mallorca<br />
Savona<br />
La Spezia<br />
Florenz<br />
Neapel<br />
SIHH 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Uhrensalon Genf/Salon<br />
International de la Haute<br />
Horlogerie Geneva<br />
www.sihh.org<br />
Beratung und Buchung im Reisebüro<br />
www.costakreuzfahrten.at<br />
Mo - So 0 - 24 Uhr, Tel. 0732/239 239<br />
116 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
*Basis 2-Bett Innenkabine Classic. Preisbeispiel: 14. u. 21.11.2<strong>01</strong>5. Die Frühbucher-Extra Ermäßigung von € 200 p.P. bei Buchung bis 31.03.2<strong>01</strong>5 ist im Preis bereits berücksichtigt. Limit.<br />
Kontingent! Die Frühbucher Extra und Frühbucher Ermäßigung gelten nicht für Oberbetten. Zzgl. Serviceentgelt i. H. v. max. € 8,50 p.P./ohne Servicebeanstandung an Bord verbrachter Nacht.<br />
Für Kinder zwischen 4 und 14 Jahren werden 50% des Serviceentgelts erhoben. Costa Kreuzfahrten, Niederlassung der Costa Crociere S. p. A. (Genua), Am Sandtorkai 39, 20457 Hamburg.
SAVOIR-VIVRE PRAGUE<br />
Glänzende Tage in der Goldenen Stadt<br />
Shiny Days in the Golden City<br />
Text: Gerald Sturz<br />
HOTELTIPP<br />
Prag ist der ideale<br />
Ort, um ein gleichermaßen<br />
entspanntes<br />
wie spannendes<br />
Wochenende zu<br />
verbringen.<br />
Prague is the ideal<br />
place to enjoy a<br />
relaxed but also an<br />
exciting weekend.<br />
PHOTOS: GERALD STURZ<br />
Etwas mehr als vier Stunden dauert die Fahrt<br />
mit dem Railjet, dem Hochgeschwindigkeitszug<br />
der Österreichischen Bundesbahnen, von<br />
Wiens Hauptbahnhof nach Praha hlavní nádraží,<br />
dem Hauptbahnhof von Prag. Eine gute Zeit, um ein<br />
wenig Distanz zum Alltag zu gewinnen und sich auf<br />
ein wunderbares Wochenende zu freuen.<br />
Zwei, drei Tage sind vermutlich nicht genug, um<br />
alle Sehenswürdigkeiten und Annehmlichkeiten der<br />
Stadt kennenzulernen. Aber lassen Sie es uns<br />
dennoch versuchen.<br />
Wer sich zuerst einmal einen guten Überblick<br />
über die Stadt verschaffen will, wird den Hradschin,<br />
den Burgberg, besteigen. Man macht das am besten<br />
gleich am frühen Morgen, nach einem guten Frühstück<br />
im Hotel und bevor noch die Touristenmassen<br />
in Autobussen angekarrt werden. Wenn man von<br />
hier oben auf die Stadt blickt, dann versteht man,<br />
warum Prag auch die „Goldene Stadt“ genannt wird,<br />
und die „Stadt der tausend Türme“: Unter einem<br />
reckt und streckt sich tatsächlich eine Unzahl an<br />
Türmen und Türmchen hoch, glänzen Kuppeln im<br />
Licht der langsam hochsteigenden Sonne. Von hier<br />
sieht man viele der Sehenswürdigkeiten der Stadt:<br />
die Karlsbrücke, die die Moldau überquert, die<br />
Kirche der Jungfrau Maria vor dem Teyn mit ihren<br />
Spitztürmchen und Giebeln, das Konzertgebäude<br />
Rudolfinum, den Fernsehturm.<br />
Hier oben residierte also der kunstsinnige<br />
Rudolf II., der als Kaiser des Heiligen Römischen<br />
Reiches am Ende des 16. Jahrhunderts seine Residenz<br />
von Wien nach Prag verlegte. Man kann es dem<br />
Habsburger nicht verdenken, dass er lieber an der<br />
Moldau lebte als an der Donau. Heute ist der<br />
Hradschin Sitz des tschechischen Präsidenten.<br />
Durch enge Gassen geht es dann runter nach Malá<br />
Strana, der so genannten „Kleinseite“. Nach all den<br />
frühmorgendlichen Anstrengungen ist Zeit für eine<br />
Pause. Prag hatte einst eine Kaffeehauskultur, die<br />
jener Wiens durchaus ebenbürtig war. Das Café Savoy<br />
(cafesavoy.ambi.cz), ein prächtiges Art- déco-Kaffeehaus<br />
an der Vítězná, erinnert an diese Zeit. Wir laben<br />
uns an köstlichen Patisserien und Café au lait Savoy,<br />
der mit Schokolade und Zimt angereichert wird.<br />
Es ist Zeit, das Ufer zu wechseln. Wir überqueren<br />
die Moldau von der Kleinseite, der Malá Strana, nach<br />
Staré Město, der Altstadt, und finden uns zwischen<br />
all den Kirchen, Palästen und Bürgerhäusern wieder,<br />
die wir vom Hradschin aus gesehen haben. Staunend<br />
wandern wir durch die engen Gassen.<br />
Ein riesiger roter Totenkopf am Dach des Museums DOX.<br />
A giant red skull on the roof of the DOX Museum.<br />
Zwei sehr auffällige Gebäude, die aus dem<br />
Ensemble herausragen, wollen wir bei dieser Gelegenheit<br />
erwähnen. Da ist einmal das Haus zur<br />
Schwarzen Mutter Gottes, ein Meisterwerk des<br />
tschechischen Kubismus. Im ersten Stock des eigenwilligen<br />
Gebäudes befindet sich das Grand Café<br />
Orient (grandcafeorient.cz), das sich konsequent an<br />
die Formensprache dieser besonderen Variante des<br />
Kubismus hält – und das nicht nur bei der Innengestaltung,<br />
sondern auch bei den Speisen: Hier ist<br />
der Venecky, der traditionelle Germteigkranz, quadratisch<br />
statt rund.<br />
Ein anderes recht auffälliges Gebäude nennt sich<br />
„Ginger und Fred“. Frank O. Gehry und Vlado<br />
Milunic, die beiden Architekten, hatten Fred Astaire<br />
und Ginger Rogers, das Traumpaar der klassischen<br />
Hollywood-Tanzfilme, im Kopf, als sie dieses<br />
tänzelnd leichte und frivol-elegante Gebäude entwarfen.<br />
Weil uns aber vor allem das historische, das klassische<br />
Prag interessiert, werfen wir uns jetzt in das<br />
Getümmel in der Altstadt. Dass es hier etliche Touristen<br />
gibt, die wegen ihrer Leibesfülle lieber mit<br />
dem Segway durch die Stadt kurven als sie zu Fuß zu<br />
erkunden, nehmen wir mit Amusement zur Kenntnis.<br />
Ihnen wird viel entgehen.<br />
Dass Prag in Sachen Kulinarik längst viel mehr zu<br />
bieten hat als Braten, Knödel und Bier, können wir<br />
im Restaurant La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise<br />
(ladegustation.cz, +420 222 311 234; eine Reservierung<br />
wird eindringlich empfohlen) erfahren. Was<br />
Küchenchef Oldřich Sahajdák hier seinen Gästen<br />
bietet, ist wahrlich ein Erlebnis. Seine Interpretation<br />
einer klassischen böhmischen Küche ist schlicht<br />
atemberaubend.<br />
The Augustine<br />
Der Name des Hotels spielt<br />
auf seine Geschichte an:<br />
Was heute eines der<br />
elegantesten und besten<br />
Häuser Prags ist, war einst<br />
ein Kloster der Augustiner<br />
Mönche. Das Gebäude am<br />
Fuß des Hradschin stammt<br />
aus dem 13. Jahrhundert,<br />
wurde jedoch mit viel<br />
Feingefühl zeitgemäß<br />
adaptiert. Gutes<br />
Restaurant, toller Spa,<br />
lässige Bar, eine Oase der<br />
Ruhe. Das Augustine<br />
gehört zur prestigeträchtigen<br />
Gruppe der Leading<br />
Hotels of the World.<br />
The name of the hotel has<br />
its origin in the building’s<br />
history. It was once a<br />
monastery of Augustinian<br />
monks and remains one of<br />
the most elegant and best<br />
houses in Prague today.<br />
The building at the foot of<br />
the castle dates from the<br />
13th century and has been<br />
adapted over time with<br />
much finesse. A good<br />
restaurant, great spa, a<br />
casual bar – an oasis of<br />
calm. The Augustine<br />
belongs to the prestigious<br />
group of the Leading<br />
Hotels of the World.<br />
The Augustine<br />
Letenská 12/33<br />
+420 266 11 22 33<br />
lhw.com/augustine<br />
118 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
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SAVOIR-VIVRE PRAGUE<br />
HOTELTIPP<br />
Hotel Diplomat<br />
Das Vier-Sterne-Hotel der<br />
Vienna-International-<br />
Hotels-Gruppe liegt im<br />
ruhigen Diplomatenviertel,<br />
unweit des historischen<br />
Stadtzentrums, und ist<br />
daher vor allem für<br />
Geschäftsreisende<br />
geeignet. Ein Business<br />
Center und ein Wellnessbereich<br />
machen das Hotel<br />
Diplomat auch zu einer<br />
idealen Location für<br />
Konferenzen und<br />
Meetings.<br />
The four- star hotel of<br />
Vienna International Hotels<br />
Group is located in the<br />
quiet diplomatic district,<br />
close to the historic city<br />
center, and is therefore<br />
particularly suitable for<br />
business travelers.<br />
A business center and a<br />
spa make the Hotel<br />
Diplomat also an ideal<br />
location for conferences<br />
and meetings.<br />
Hotel Diplomat<br />
Evropská 15<br />
+420 296 559 171<br />
diplomathotel.cz<br />
Der neue jüdische Friedhof<br />
im Stadtteil Žižkov und Blick<br />
vom Hausberg Petřín auf<br />
die Stadt.<br />
The new Jewish cemetery in<br />
the area of Žižkov and views<br />
from the mountain Petřín<br />
overlooking the city.<br />
Auf die jüdische Geschichte der Stadt stößt man<br />
an vielen Stellen. Vor allem im Stadtteil Josefov, der<br />
einst das jüdische Getto bildete. Der alte jüdische<br />
Friedhof mit seinen mehr als 12.000 Grabsteinen ist<br />
sehenswert. In Josefov befindet sich auch die<br />
Pařížská, die heute die schickste Einkaufsstraße der<br />
Stadt ist.<br />
Zwei Stadtteile außerhalb des Zentrums sind einen<br />
Besuch wert. In Holeŝovice befindet sich das<br />
DOX (dox.cz), das 2008 eröffnete Zentrum für zeitgenössische<br />
Kunst. Der Stadtteil Žižkov befindet sich<br />
östlich des Stadtzentrums, ist wegen seines Fernsehturms<br />
unübersehbar und das aktuelle Szeneviertel<br />
Prags mit Galerien, originellen Lokalen, interessanten<br />
Läden und Musikclubs.<br />
Zum Abschluss werfen wir noch einen Blick auf<br />
Prag. Zu diesem Zweck machen wir das, was viele<br />
Prager an einem Sonntag tun: Wir fahren mit der<br />
Standseilbahn, dem Funicular, auf den Petřín, der<br />
eine Art Hausberg der Stadt ist. Oben im Petřín Park<br />
kaufen wir uns ein Trdelník, einen in Zimtzucker<br />
gewalzten Germkringel, und besteigen dann den<br />
Aussichtsturm. Ach, dieser Blick! Hier liegt uns Prag<br />
zu Füßen. Der Abschied von der „Goldenen Stadt“<br />
fällt schwer.<br />
Etwas mehr als vier Stunden – und wir sind<br />
zurück in Wien.<br />
It takes slightly more than four hours with the<br />
Rail jet, the high speed train of the Austrian Federal<br />
Railways (ÖBB), to go from Vienna Main<br />
Station to Praha Hlavni Nadrazi, the main train station<br />
in Prague. It’s a good opportunity to distance<br />
yourself from everyday life, and enjoy a wonderful<br />
weekend.<br />
Two or three days are probably not enough to get<br />
to know the attractions and features of the city. But<br />
let’s try! Whoever wants to get a good view over the<br />
city has to climb the Hradcany, the Castle Hill. The<br />
best time to do this is in the early morning, after a<br />
good breakfast at the hotel, before the tourist crowds<br />
arrive in their buses. As one gazes over the city, it is<br />
immediately clear why Prague is called the “Golden<br />
City” and the “City of 1000 Towers”. Looking down<br />
at the city below, there are indeed a myriad of towers<br />
and turrets, and shining domes which reflect the<br />
light of the slowly rising sun.<br />
From here, many of the city’s sights can be seen:<br />
the Charles Bridge which crosses the Vltava River,<br />
the Church of Our Lady before Tyn with its pointed<br />
turrets and gables, the concert hall Rudolfinum and<br />
the Television Tower.<br />
The art loving Rudolf II lived here, and as Emperor<br />
of the Holy Roman Empire, moved his residence<br />
from Vienna to Prague towards the end of the<br />
16th century. One can‘t blame the Habsburger for<br />
preferring to live at the Vltava River rather than at<br />
the Danube. Today, the castle is the seat of the Czech<br />
President. Narrow streets lead down to Mala Strana,<br />
the so-called “little quarter”. After all the early morning<br />
effort, it’s time for a break. Prague once had a<br />
coffee house culture almost equal to the one in Vienna.<br />
The Savoy Café (cafesavoy.ambi.cz) – a beautiful<br />
art-deco coffee house at the Vítězná – is reminiscent<br />
of these times. We refresh ourselves with<br />
delicious pastries and cafe au lait Savoy, which is<br />
enriched with chocolate and cinnamon.<br />
Now, it‘s time to change river banks. We cross the<br />
Vltava River at “little quarter” Mala Strana to Staré<br />
Město, the old town, and find ourselves amongst the<br />
churches, palaces and townhouses which we already<br />
spotted from the Hradcany. The walk is filled with<br />
awe, passing through narrow streets. Two very<br />
striking buildings worth mentioning stand out from<br />
the others. One of them is the House of the black<br />
Madonna, a masterpiece of Czech Cubism. The<br />
Grand Cafe Orient (grandcafeorient.cz) is located<br />
on the first floor of this unconventional building,<br />
which consistently adheres to the design language<br />
of this particular type of Cubism – not only reflected<br />
in the interior design, but also in the food: here<br />
the Venecky, the traditional wreath of yeast dough,<br />
PHOTOS: GERALD STURZ<br />
is square instead of round.<br />
Another remarkable building is called “Ginger<br />
and Fred”. The architects Frank O. Gehry and Vlado<br />
Milunic had Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the<br />
dream pair of classic Hollywood dance films, in<br />
mind when they designed the prancing and frivolously<br />
elegant building. But as we’re interested in the<br />
classic, historic Prague, we throw ourselves into the<br />
turmoil of the old town. There are quite a few corpulent<br />
tourists who prefer to cruise on a Segway<br />
through the city instead of walking. Amused, we<br />
take note, as they will overlook many interesting<br />
things whilst exploring.<br />
Prague has much more to offer than roasts,<br />
dumplings and beer. You can experience many culinary<br />
delights in the restaurant La Degustation<br />
Bohême Bourgeoise (ladegustation.cz, Tel: + 420<br />
222 311 234; a reservation is strongly recommended).<br />
What chef Oldřich Sahajdák offers his guests<br />
is an experience to behold. His interpretation of<br />
classic Czech cuisine is breathtaking.<br />
Jewish history is visible in many places in the<br />
city, especially in the Josefov district, which once<br />
formed the Jewish ghetto. It is worth seeing the old<br />
Jewish cemetery with more than 12,000 gravestones.<br />
Two districts outside the centre should not be<br />
missed. The DOX (dox.cz) Centre for contemporary<br />
art which opened in 2008 is located in Holesovice.<br />
South of the centre is where you find the<br />
Žižkov district, and is hard to miss due to its distinctive<br />
TV tower. It is currently the main scene of<br />
the Prague music clubs, galleries and interesting<br />
shops. As we come to the end of our journey, do<br />
what many citizens of Prague do on a Sunday: we<br />
take the funicular up to the Petrin, which is one of<br />
the city’s hills. In the Petrin Park, we buy a Trdelník,<br />
a yeast donut rolled in cinnamon sugar, and ascend<br />
the observation tower. Oh, what a view! Here,<br />
Prague lays at our feet. Saying goodbye to the “Golden<br />
City” is sad. A little more than four hours, and<br />
we are back in Vienna.<br />
BUSINESS AND LEISURE - 4 TIMES IN PRAGUE<br />
andel‘s Hotel | angelo Hotel | Chopin Hotel | Diplomat Hotel<br />
120 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
VI-HOTELS.COM<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
121
SAVOIR-VIVRE SUITE DREAMS<br />
Hotel Sacher, Vienna<br />
Präsidenten Penthouse Suite „Pelléas et Mélisande“, Hotel Sacher Wien<br />
Interview: Evelyn Rois<br />
Hoteldirektor Reiner Heilmann über<br />
die Präsidenten Suite des<br />
Hotel Sacher Wien.<br />
Hotel Manager Reiner Heilmann talks<br />
about the Presidential Suite at the<br />
Hotel Sacher Vienna.<br />
Seit der amerikanische Präsident Woodrow Wilson in seiner<br />
Amtszeit von 1913 bis 1921 seine spezifischen Anforderungen<br />
an ein Hotelzimmer für seine Amtsreisen formulierte,<br />
verfügt jedes Fünfsternehotel über eine Presidential oder<br />
Royal Suite für höchste Würdenträger und Staatsgäste.<br />
Cercle Diplomatique hat Hoteldirektor Reiner Heilmann um<br />
ein paar Worte zur Präsidenten Penthouse Suite „Pelléas et<br />
Mélisande“ des Hotel Sacher Wien gebeten.<br />
Since the American President Woodrow Wilson formulated<br />
his specific requirements of a hotel room for his work travels<br />
during his time in office from 1913 to 1921, every five star hotel<br />
has a Presidential or Royal Suite for dignitaries and state guests.<br />
Cercle Diplomatique asked the hotel manager Reiner Heilmann<br />
for a few words about the Presidential Penthouse Suite “Pelléas<br />
et Mélisande” in the Hotel Sacher Vienna.<br />
Wie viele Räumlichkeiten und welche besonderen Fazilitäten stehen dem Gast der<br />
Präsidenten Suite im Hotel Sacher zur Verfügung?<br />
Die Präsidenten Penthouse Suite „Pelléas et Mélisande“ beeindruckt durch ihre Größe von 110 m2 und lässt sich mit der „Nurejev“ Suite<br />
auf 175 m2 erweitern. Die großzügige Dachterrasse eröffnet ein einzigartiges Panorama über die Staatsoper, Stephansdom und die<br />
Hofburg, sogar das Wiener Riesenrad erscheint zum Greifen nahe.<br />
Wie würden Sie den Stil der Präsidenten Suite „Pelléas et Mélisande“ charakterisieren – mit<br />
welchen Kunstwerken, Antiquitäten oder Besonderheiten kann die Suite aufwarten?<br />
Ein Kamin, ein großer Esstisch, ein separates Arbeitszimmer, Original-Kunstwerke und hochwertiges Interieur prägen den exklusiven<br />
Charakter der in rot gehaltenen Penthouse Präsidenten Suite. In den Sommermonaten bietet sich den Gästen der Suite ein (kostenloser)<br />
musikalischer Genuss: Wenn auf dem Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz die Opernaufführungen live ausgestrahlt werden, kann man von der Suite<br />
wunderbar den Klängen lauschen.<br />
Welches außergewöhnliche Service Ihres Hauses für die Gäste der Suite erfüllt Sie mit besonderem Stolz?<br />
Die persönliche Betreuung durch die rund 380 Mitarbeiter des Hauses: Im Sacher kommen auf einen Gast zwei Mitarbeiter, was auch<br />
unter den besten Hotels der Welt eine Ausnahmeerscheinung darstellt.<br />
Welche speziellen Herausforderungen für den normalen Betrieb des Hauses ergeben sich<br />
durch den Aufenthalt eines hohen Gastes?<br />
Diskretion und Fingerspitzengefühl sind Pflicht, selbstverständlich wird auch die hausinterne Security nach Bedarf verstärkt.<br />
Welche prominenten Gäste durften Sie schon in der Suite empfangen?<br />
Die diskrete Abgeschiedenheit der Präsidenten Suiten im Herzen Wiens wussten bereits Edward VIII, Wallis Simpson, Elizabeth II, Prinz<br />
Philip, Fürst Rainier, Gracia Patricia, Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan und viele mehr zu schätzen. In der jüngeren Vergangenheit waren Rihanna,<br />
Bruce Willis und Lewis Hamilton zu Gast im Hotel Sacher.<br />
Wie ist die Präsidenten Penthouse Suite „Pelléas et Mélisande“ zu ihrem Namen gekommen?<br />
Alle Suiten im Hotel Sacher sind nach berühmten Opern benannt. Als zusätzliches Detail befindet sich in jeder Suite ein Exemplar des<br />
Theaterprogramms der Erstaufführung aus dem Archiv des Wiener Theatermuseums.<br />
PHOTOS: HOTEL SACHER WIEN<br />
How many rooms and what kind of special facilities are available to the guests of the Sacher Hotel’s Presidential Suite?<br />
The Presidential Penthouse Suite “Pelléas et Mélisande” impresses with its 110m2 and can be expanded to 175m2 in combination with the<br />
“Nurejev” Suite. The spacious roof terrace offers a unique view over the State Opera, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. Even<br />
the Wiener Riesenrad (Vienna Ferris wheel) seems within reach.<br />
How would you characterise the style of the Presidential Suite “Pelléas et Mélisande”? What type of art works,<br />
antiques or other special things can the suite impress with?<br />
A fireplace, a large dining table, a separate study, original artwork and high quality rugs define the exclusive character in the Presidential<br />
Penthouse Suite, held in red. During the summer months, guests of the suite get to enjoy a (free) musical pleasure: when the opera<br />
performances are broadcasted live on the Herbert von Karajan square, one is able to listen to the wonderful sounds from within the suite.<br />
Which exceptional service does your hotel offer for guests of the suite that you are particularly proud of?<br />
The personal attention from the approximately 380 employees of the hotel. In Hotel Sacher, there are two employees to every guest,<br />
which is exceptional even among the best hotels in the world.<br />
What special challenges does day-to-day operation of the hotel face as a result of the stay of an important guest?<br />
Discretion and tact are mandatory, of course. The in-house security will be enhanced if necessary.<br />
Which celebrity guests could you already welcome in the suite?<br />
The discreet seclusion of the Presidential Suite in the heart of Vienna were already appreciated by Edward VIII., Wallis Simpson, Elizabeth<br />
II., Prince Philip, Prince Rainier, Princess Grace, Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan and many more. In the recent past, Rihanna, Bruce Willis and<br />
Lewis Hamilton were guests at the Hotel Sacher.<br />
How did the “Pelléas et Mélisande” Presidential Penthouse Suite get its name?<br />
All Suites at the Hotel Sacher are named after famous operas. As an additional detail, there is a copy of the theatre programme from the<br />
premiere – from the archive of the Vienna Theatre Museum.<br />
INFO:<br />
HOTEL SACHER WIEN<br />
Philharmonikerstraße 4<br />
1<strong>01</strong>0 Wien<br />
+43 (0) 1 514 560<br />
www.sacher.com<br />
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SAVOIR-VIVRE CHECK IN<br />
Hotel Meliá Vienna<br />
Ein Gespräch mit Hoteldirektorin Dorothea Schuster. | A conversation with General Manager Dorothea Schuster.<br />
Interview: Petra Stix<br />
Etage befindet sich ein Ballsaal mit Terrasse und Blick auf die<br />
Donau. Spektakulär für besondere Veranstaltungen sind unser<br />
„57 Restaurant & Lounge“ für bis zu 110 Personen sowie unsere<br />
drei Private-Dining-Räumlichkeiten für bis zu 12 Personen auf<br />
der 57. Etage.<br />
PHOTOS: MELIÁ HOTELS 2<strong>01</strong>4<br />
Wodurch zeichnet sich Ihr Hotel aus?<br />
Das Meliá Vienna zeichnet sich durch die besondere Freundlichkeit<br />
unserer Mitarbeiter und die spanische Atmosphäre im Hotel<br />
aus. Ich bin sehr stolz, so viele verschiedene Nationalitäten,<br />
Sprachen und Kulturen bei uns im Team zu haben. Das schätzen<br />
auch unsere internationalen Gäste sehr. Hinzu kommen natürlich<br />
das einzigartige Design des Hotels und unser spektakuläres<br />
„57 Restaurant & Lounge“ in der obersten Etage des höchsten<br />
Gebäudes in Österreich.<br />
Können Sie Botschaften und Delegationen Special Deals<br />
anbieten?<br />
Bei Übernachtungen bieten wir spezielle Firmenkundenraten an.<br />
Die Gäste genießen zusätzlich Vorteile wie kostenfreies Wi-Fi und<br />
Minibar. Es freut mich zu sehen, dass sehr viele dieser Gäste auch<br />
unseren Business Lunch im „57 Restaurant & Lounge“ bzw. auch<br />
das Mittagsbuffet im „flow Restaurant“ in Anspruch nehmen.<br />
Welche Suiten können Sie anbieten?<br />
Das Herzstück des Hauses ist unsere Präsidentensuite mit 220 m2<br />
und herrlichem Blick auf die Stadt Wien. Zusätzlich haben wir vier<br />
Mastersuiten, die aufgrund der räumlichen Gegebenheiten –<br />
getrenntes Wohn- und Schlafzimmer – sehr gerne über einen<br />
längeren Zeitraum gebucht werden.<br />
Wie sieht es mit Sicherheitsvorkehrungen aus?<br />
Wir haben vor sowie im Hotel Kameras. Die Bilder werden auf<br />
Videobändern festgehalten. Zusätzlich können die Hotellifte nur<br />
mit eigens kodierten Zimmerkarten benutzt werden. Sie fahren<br />
nur das Stockwerk an, auf dem sich das Zimmer befindet.<br />
Außerdem lassen sich durch die außergewöhnliche Architektur<br />
bestimmte Hotelbereiche gut separieren.<br />
Können Sie auf spezielle Ernährungsbedürfnisse eingehen,<br />
wie koschere oder Halal-Kost?<br />
Unser Executive Chef Siegfried Kröpfl ist ein Experte beim Thema<br />
Ernährung. Er selbst hat bereits zwei Kochbücher über veganes<br />
Kochen herausgebracht und geht gerne auf die persönlichen<br />
Bedürfnisse unserer Gäste ein.<br />
Welche Business Facilities bieten Sie?<br />
Wir haben neben unserer „flow Bar“, die ein zentraler Treffpunkt<br />
für unsere Geschäftsreisenden ist, ein Businesscenter. Zusätzlich<br />
bieten wir im ganzen Hotel kostenfreies Wi-Fi an.<br />
Welche Veranstaltungs- bzw. Banketträumlichkeiten,<br />
die für Botschaftsempfänge geeignet sind, haben Sie?<br />
Das Einzigartige im Meliá Vienna ist, dass wir sehr viele<br />
Spielflächen auf unterschiedlichen Ebenen haben.<br />
Wir haben neun lichtdurchflutete Meetingräume mit<br />
modernster Audio- und Videotechnik. In der ersten<br />
What distinguishes your hotel from the competition?<br />
The Meliá Vienna stands out due to the high level of friendliness<br />
exhibited by our employees, and the hotel’s Spanish atmosphere.<br />
I’m particularly proud to have a multicultural team that speaks<br />
different languages and has diverse cultural backgrounds. That’s<br />
something our international guests also value very highly. Then<br />
there’s the hotel’s unique design, and our spectacular ‘57<br />
Restaurant & Lounge‘, on the top floor of Austria’s highest<br />
building.<br />
Can you offer embassies and delegations special deals?<br />
We offer special corporate rates on overnight stays. Guests also<br />
enjoy benefits like free Wi-Fi and minibar. It pleases me to see<br />
that many guests also enjoy our business lunch in the ‘57 Restaurant‘<br />
and the lunchtime buffet in the ‘flow Restaurant’.<br />
What suites can you offer?<br />
The jewel in the hotel’s crown is our Presidential Suite, which has<br />
220 m2 of floor space and breathtaking views. We also have four<br />
Master Suites, which guests often like to book for extended<br />
periods because of the separate bedroom and living area.<br />
What is the situation regarding security precautions?<br />
We have cameras both in front of and inside the hotel. Images are<br />
recorded on video. In addition to this, the hotel lifts can only be<br />
used with specially encoded room keys. The lift will only stop on<br />
the floor where your particular room is situated. Apart from this,<br />
certain sections of the hotel can be separated thanks to its<br />
unusual architecture.<br />
Can you meet special dietary requirements, such as kosher<br />
or halal food?<br />
Our Executive Chef, Siegfried Kröpfl, is an expert when it comes to<br />
nutrition. He has written two vegan cookbooks himself, and is<br />
always more than happy to meet our guests’ individual nutritional<br />
requirements.<br />
What business facilities do you offer?<br />
As well as our ‘flow Bar’, a central meeting point for our business<br />
people, we also have a business centre. We also offer free Wi-Fi<br />
throughout the hotel.<br />
What kind of event or banqueting facilities do you have<br />
which would be suitable for embassy receptions?<br />
The unique thing about the Meliá Vienna is that we have such a<br />
huge number of areas on different levels. We have nine nine<br />
bright meeting rooms, featuring the very latest in audio and video<br />
technology. There’s a ballroom on the 1st Floor, complete<br />
with terrace and and boasting views of the Danube. Our<br />
‘57 Restaurant & Lounge’ that can accommodate up to<br />
110 people and three Private Dining Facilities for up to<br />
12 people, both of which are situated on the 57th<br />
Floor, are spectacular venues for special events.<br />
INFO:<br />
MELIÁ VIENNA<br />
Donau-City-Straße 7, 1220 Vienna<br />
+43 (0) 1 9<strong>01</strong> 04<br />
www.melia.com<br />
Hoteldirektorin Dorothea Schuster<br />
über das Meliá Vienna.<br />
Hotel Manager Dorothea Schuster<br />
talks about Hotel Meliá Vienna.<br />
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SAVOIR-VIVRE WELLNESS HOTELS<br />
Kleine Fluchten<br />
Little Escapes<br />
Höchste Zeit für eine Auszeit? Wir haben vier Empfehlungen für Sie! | High time for a break? We have four recommendations for you!<br />
ANDERE HOTELS<br />
OTHER HOTELS<br />
PHOTOS: GUENTHER EGGER/ SOLL UND HABEN GMBH (2), FELSCH FOTODESIGN, BEIGESTELLT<br />
Gradonna Mountain Resort<br />
Chalets & Hotel<br />
Mit Auszeichnungen überhäuft wurde dieses Resort<br />
in der Osttiroler Ortschaft Kals am Fuße des<br />
Großglockners. Zu Recht. Nicht nur, weil es sich durch eine<br />
außergewöhnliche Architektur und Gestaltung auszeichnet,<br />
sondern auch, weil es vorbildlich zeigt, wie heute ein<br />
Luxus-Hideaway aussieht, das auf Nachhaltigkeit, Qualität<br />
und eine Verpflichtung gegenüber der Region setzt.<br />
Perfekt fügt es sich mit seinen 41 Chalets und dem<br />
Hotelturm in die alpine Landschaft ein. Selbstverständlich<br />
bietet das Gradonna alles, was man sich von einem<br />
Luxusresort erwartet. Blick auf den Großglockner,<br />
Österreichs höchsten Berg, inklusive. Die direkte Anbindung<br />
an 250 Kilometer Wanderwege – etwa im Nationalpark<br />
Hohe Tauern – sowie 110 Pistenkilometer machen es zur<br />
Ganzjahres-Urlaubsdestination. Die Zimmer und Suiten und<br />
die vor allem sehr familientauglichen Chalets sind schön,<br />
edel und praktisch ausgestattet, der Wellnessbereich ist mit<br />
3.000 m 2 großzügig angelegt und bietet alles, was man zur<br />
Regeneration so brauchen kann. Der große Outdoor-<br />
Swimmingpool (neben dem erfrischenden Badeteich und<br />
zwei Indoor-Pools) wird an kühlen Tagen auch geheizt.<br />
The resort in the East Tyrolean village Kals, located at<br />
N the foot of the Großglockner, has won multiple awards,<br />
and rightly so! Not only because it is characterised by<br />
extraordinary architecture and design, but also because it is<br />
exemplary in showing what a luxury hideaway focusing on<br />
sustainability, quality and commitment towards the reagion<br />
can look like. It fits perfectly into the alpine landscape with<br />
its 41 chalets and the hotel tower. The Gradonna of course<br />
offers everything you would expect from a luxury resort,<br />
including a view of the Großglockner, Austria’s highest<br />
mountain. The year-round holiday destination provides<br />
direct access to 250 km of hiking paths such as the National<br />
Park Hohe Tauern as well as 110 km of of slopes. All rooms,<br />
suites and family-friendly chalets are beautiful, elegant and<br />
practically furnished. Everything one could wish for to<br />
regenerate comfortably is offered in the spacious spa<br />
covering 3.000 m2. The large outdoor swimming pool next<br />
to the refreshing swimming pond and two indoor pools is<br />
heated in cold weather conditions.<br />
INFO:<br />
GRADONNA MOUNTAIN<br />
RESORT CHALETS & HOTEL<br />
Kals am Großglockner<br />
Tel.: + 43 5283 2800<br />
www.gradonna.at<br />
Loisium, Langenlois<br />
Ein guter Ort, um Geist, Körper und Seele zu regenerieren,<br />
befindet sich nicht weit von Wien: Das Loisium im Weinort<br />
Langenlois im Kamptal bietet mit seinem großzügigen<br />
Spa-, Wellness- und Beauty-Angebot sowie mit seinem<br />
Gourmetrestaurant die besten Voraussetzungen für einen<br />
erholsamen Kurzurlaub.<br />
A good place to rejuvenate mind, body and soul is located<br />
close to Vienna: the Loisium Langenlois in the wine village<br />
Langenlois in the Kamptal provides the perfect conditions<br />
for a relaxing spa break with its extensive spa, wellness and<br />
beauty facilities, as well as its gourmet restaurant.<br />
www.loisium.com<br />
Elisabeth Hotel, Mayrhofen<br />
Als Refugium der Ruhe und als Rückzugsort für Erwachsene<br />
versteht sich dieses Luxus-Hideaway im Tiroler Zillertal.<br />
Besonders attraktiv: die 120 m 2 große Heaven Penthouse<br />
Suite, die einen herrlichen Ausblick auf die Tiroler Berge<br />
bietet, und der 1.400 m 2 große Wellnessbereich.<br />
This luxury hideaway in the Tyrolean Zillertal valley is a<br />
refuge for rest and a retreat for adults. A special attraction<br />
comes in the shape of the 120 m2 Heaven Penthouse Suite,<br />
which offers a magnificent view of the Tyrolean mountains,<br />
and the 1.400 m2 spa area.<br />
elisabethhotel.com<br />
Vollererhof,<br />
Puch bei Salzburg<br />
Als außergewöhnlicher<br />
Kraftplatz versteht sich diese<br />
einzigartige Kombination aus<br />
Hotel und Gesundheitszentrum<br />
vor den Toren Salzburgs. Das Expertenteam im Vollererhof<br />
hat das renommierte Entschlackungskonzept nach FX Mayr<br />
„modernisiert“ und weiterentwickelt.<br />
Located on the outskirts of Salzburg, this unique<br />
combination of hotel and health centre can be seen as an<br />
exceptional place of regeneration. The team of experts at<br />
Vollererhof “modernised” and further developed the<br />
prestigious purification concept by FX Mayr.<br />
www.vollererhof.at<br />
126 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5
SAVOIR-VIVRE CRUISES<br />
Neues aus dem Kreuzfahrerlogbuch<br />
News from the ship’s log<br />
Text: Rois & Stubenrauch<br />
Die Kunst des stilvollen Reisens an<br />
Bord eines Oceanliners verzeichnet<br />
ungebrochene Zuwachsraten. Exotischer,<br />
luxuriöser, intimer und immer<br />
weiter in den Norden heißen die<br />
wichtigsten Trends für 2<strong>01</strong>5.<br />
The art of stylish travel aboard an<br />
ocean liner records unbroken growth<br />
rates. The main trends of 2<strong>01</strong>5 can be<br />
summarized as exotic, luxurious,<br />
intimate, and going further North.<br />
Die Costa Diadema, das<br />
neue Flaggschiff von Costa<br />
Crociere, im Hafen von<br />
Genua.<br />
The Costa Diadema, the new<br />
flagship of Costa Crociere in<br />
the port of Genoa.<br />
PHOTO: COSTA<br />
Das Dinner spiegelt mit lokalen Rezepten und<br />
passender Weinbegleitung die Geschmäcker<br />
der berühmten Sehnsuchtsinsel Capri<br />
wider, die sich im warmen Abendlicht aus dem Mittelmeer<br />
erhebt. Noch bis zum Morgen liegt die mit<br />
600 Kabinen zu den mittleren Schiffen ihrer Zunft<br />
zählende Costa neoRiviera vor Capris magischer<br />
Felsenküste – ein Ankerplatz, der den Riesen der<br />
Branche verwehrt bleibt. Eine wunderbare Gelegenheit,<br />
ohne Hektik den Sonnenuntergang und den<br />
nächtlichen Lichterglanz von Neapel zu erleben.<br />
Slow Cruise ist eines der Zauberworte der Kreuzfahrtsaison<br />
2<strong>01</strong>5. Die neue Linie von Costa Kreuzfahrten<br />
mit intimeren Schiffen, ausgedehnten Landgängen<br />
mit Kunst- und Kulturschwerpunkten und auf die<br />
Reiseziele abgestimmter Slow-Food-Küche wurde<br />
letztes Jahr als beste Innovation in der internationalen<br />
Kreuzfahrtbranche ausgezeichnet.<br />
Kurs 80 Grad Nord<br />
Nordatlantik und Mitternachtssonne sind ein<br />
weiterer großer Trend dieses Jahres. Neben den<br />
14 Decks der AIDAdiva auf ihrem Weg in den Norden<br />
nehmen sich die Hafenfähren und Schlepper im<br />
Hamburger Hafen wie Spielzeugschiffe aus. Die<br />
deutschen Häfen boomen als sommerliche Heimat<br />
der internationalen Kreuzfahrtflotte, und mit ihnen<br />
die entsprechenden Destinationen. Die atemberaubende<br />
norwegische Fjordküste kann mittlerweile<br />
nur noch Kreuzfahrernovizen beeindrucken – das<br />
Nordkap und Island sind die abenteuerlichen neuen<br />
128 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
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SAVOIR-VIVRE CRUISES<br />
INFO<br />
Die AIDAmar bei den Hamburg Cruise Days 2<strong>01</strong>4.<br />
The AIDAmar at the Hamburg Cruise Days 2<strong>01</strong>4.<br />
Ziele. TUI Cruises und Phoenix laufen im Juni und<br />
Juli sogar das am 80. Breitengrad gelegene Spitzbergen<br />
an, Hapag-Lloyd erkundet mit der MS Europa<br />
die spektakuläre Westküste Grönlands bis hinauf<br />
nach Uummannaq und zu den schimmernden Eisbergen<br />
der Diskobucht.<br />
Rund um den Globus<br />
Einmal per Schiff die Welt umrunden ist nach wie<br />
vor der Traum, den sich viele erfüllen möchten.<br />
Je nach gewählter Route vereint die lange Fahrt<br />
tropische Traumdestinationen wie Tahiti oder Bora<br />
Bora mit so abenteuerlichen Orten wie dem chilenischen<br />
Amalia-Gletscher oder der Osterinsel.<br />
Neue Stapelläufe<br />
Der ungebrochene Boom der Branche verlangt<br />
natürlich auch nach neuen Schiffen. Costa hat Ende<br />
2<strong>01</strong>4 sein neues Flaggschiff Costa Diadema in Betrieb<br />
genommen. Auf der 500 Meter langen Promenade<br />
vom Bug bis zum Heck schlendert man wie auf<br />
einem italienischen Corso entlang von Bars und<br />
Restaurants, allein das Spa umfasst 7.800 Quadratmeter.<br />
2<strong>01</strong>5 stehen sieben weitere Stapelläufe an, von<br />
denen die AIDAprima sicherlich der spektakulärste<br />
Neuzugang unter den über die Weltmeere kreuzenden<br />
Luxusdampfern ist: 18 Decks, 1.643 Kabinen,<br />
12 Restaurants und 18 Bars wird das neue Flaggschiff<br />
der Reederei beherbergen. Nach dem Stapellauf<br />
führt die Jungfernfahrt ab dem 3.10. von Osaka<br />
in Japan in 50 Tagen nach Dubai. Im Frühling 2<strong>01</strong>6<br />
geht es für die exakt 300 Meter lange AIDAprima<br />
dann weiter nach Hamburg, wo sie als erstes Schiff<br />
der Flotte ganzjährig stationiert sein wird.<br />
Kurztrips auf See<br />
Einchecken in Wien am Flughafen und dann bequem<br />
in Savona aufs Schiff spazieren, wo das Gepäck<br />
schon in der Kabine wartet. Marseille, Barcelona,<br />
Mallorca und Napoli läuft die Costa Diadema an, bevor<br />
es am Samstag darauf mit Fly Niki wieder zurück<br />
nach Wien geht. Kurze Trips für eine Woche oder ein<br />
paar Tage auf See sind ebenfalls in höchstem Maße<br />
angesagt. Costa fährt Marseille und Barcelona sogar<br />
in einer nur dreitägigen Runde an. Aida hat Minikreuzfahrten<br />
nach Oslo oder Amsterdam und London<br />
im Programm, MSC etwa eine fünftägige Runde<br />
von La Spezia nach Marseille, Mallorca und Ajaccio.<br />
Ob Kurztrip nach Oslo, ein Longdrink in der<br />
Artico Ice Bar von Honningsvåg, Flanieren in<br />
Positano oder die Umschiffung von Kap Hoorn –<br />
Meeresbrise und die Erkundung der Welt an Bord<br />
eines Schiffes liegen jedenfalls 2<strong>01</strong>5 voll im Trend.<br />
Warm light rising from the Mediterranean<br />
sunset is reflected in the dinner, which<br />
serves local cuisine and smooth wine to<br />
echo the famous, dreamy island of Capri. The Costa<br />
neoRiviera, with 600 cabins a medium size vessel in<br />
their fleet, anchors until the morning at Capri’s magical<br />
rocky coastline – a privilege denied to the giant<br />
vessels in the market. It is an opportunity to enjoy<br />
the sunset without a mad rush and take in the nightly<br />
sparkle of Naples. One of the magic words of the<br />
cruise season 2<strong>01</strong>5 is ‘Slow Cruising’. The new line of<br />
Costa Cruises with intimate ships, extensive shore<br />
leave with focus on art and culture as well as Slow<br />
Food cooking was last year awarded best innovation<br />
in the international cruise industry.<br />
Course 80 Degrees North<br />
A further big trend this year is the North Atlantic<br />
and the midnight sun. Next to the 14 decks of AIDAdiva<br />
on its way north, the ferries and tugboats in the<br />
harbour of Hamburg resemble toy ships. The Ger-<br />
PHOTOS: AIDA, HAPAG-LLOYD KREUZFAHRTEN, COSTA<br />
Die MS Europa von Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten erkundet im Sommer 2<strong>01</strong>5 Grönlands Westküste.<br />
The MS Europa from Hapag-Lloyd cruises explores the west coast of Greenland in 2<strong>01</strong>5.<br />
man harbours are booming as a summer home for<br />
the international cruise fleet with their respective<br />
destinations. The Norwegian fjord coast can now<br />
only impress cruise novices – the North Cape and<br />
Iceland are the new adventurous designations.<br />
TUI Cruises and Phoenix even sail to Spitzbergen,<br />
located at 80 degrees latitude, Hapag-Lloyd explores<br />
the west coast of Greenland up to Uummannaq<br />
and the shimmering icebergs of the Disko Bay.<br />
Around The World<br />
Circumnavigating the world by ship is the dream<br />
many want to fulfil. Depending on the chosen route,<br />
the long journey combines tropical dream destinations<br />
such as Tahiti or Bora Bora with the adventurous<br />
locations of the Chilean Amalia Glacier or Easter<br />
Island.<br />
New Launchings<br />
The unbroken boom in the industry of course<br />
calls for new ships. Costa put its new flagship, the<br />
Costa Diadema, into operation at the end of 2<strong>01</strong>4.<br />
On the 500 metre long promenade from bow to<br />
stern, one can stroll as if on an Italian corso along<br />
bars and restaurants. The spa alone has 7,800 metres!<br />
In 2<strong>01</strong>5, further seven launchings are due, of which<br />
the AIDAprima will be the most spectacular of luxury<br />
cruise newcomers crossing the world seas: 18<br />
decks, 1,643 cabins, 12 restaurants, and 18 bars will<br />
be housed in the shipping line’s new flagship. After<br />
launching, the maiden voyage on 3rd October goes<br />
from Osaka in Japan to Dubai in 50 days. In the<br />
spring of 2<strong>01</strong>6, the precisely 300 metre long AIDAprima<br />
continues to Hamburg, where it will be the first<br />
ship of the fleet to be stationed there year-round.<br />
Short Trips at Sea<br />
Check-in at Vienna airport and stroll comfortably<br />
onto the ship in Savona, where the luggage is already<br />
waiting for you. The Costa Diadema calls at Marseille,<br />
Barcelona, Mallorca, and Naples before returning<br />
you to Vienna on Saturday with Fly Niki. A few<br />
days at sea or a short week’s trip are in high demand.<br />
The Costa can cruise to Marseille and Barcelona in<br />
only three days. Aida has mini cruises to Oslo or<br />
Amsterdam and London in their schedule, MSC a<br />
5-day tour of La Spezia to Marseille, Mallorca, and<br />
Ajaccio. Whether a short trip to Oslo, a long drink at<br />
the Arctic Ice Bar in Honningsvåg, strolling in Positano<br />
or circumnavigating Cape Horn – the ocean<br />
breeze and exploring the world on board a ship is the<br />
trend in 2<strong>01</strong>5.<br />
Unterwegs auf<br />
den Weltmeeren.<br />
Travelling on the<br />
world’s oceans.<br />
Costa Kreuzfahrten<br />
www.costakreuzfahrten.at<br />
Hapag-Lloyd<br />
www.hl-kreuzfahrten.at<br />
Aida<br />
www.aida-cruises.at<br />
Tui Cruises<br />
www.tuicruises.com<br />
MSC Kreuzfahrten<br />
www.msckreuzfahrten.at<br />
Royal Carribean<br />
www.royalcaribbean.at<br />
Hurtigruten<br />
www.hurtigruten.com/de<br />
Seadream<br />
www.seadream.de<br />
Ruefa Reisen<br />
www.ruefa.at/kreuzfahrten<br />
Seereisen Center<br />
www.seereisen-center.at<br />
Die Costa Diadema auf<br />
offener See.<br />
The Costa Diadema on the<br />
open sea.<br />
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131
SAVOIR-VIVRE MOTOR<br />
Powerpakete mit Allround-Qualitäten<br />
Power packages with all-round qualities<br />
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake: Moderner Sportwagen | Modern Sports Car<br />
Sportliche Proportionen und eine kraftvoll-dynamische Silhouette: Der neue CLA Shooting Brake ist das jüngste Mitglied der erfolgreichen Kompaktklasse-Familie von<br />
Mercedes-Benz. Das dynamische Design – in der limitierten Orange Art Edition mit orange lackiertem Felgenring und orange/schwarzen Sportsitzen – geht jedoch nicht zu<br />
Lasten von Effizienz und Familientauglichkeit; bequemer Einstieg, erhöhte Kopffreiheit, serienmäßige ECO Start-Stopp-Funktion und bis zu 1.354 Liter Ladevolumen gehören<br />
zu den vielen Stärken des CLA Shooting Brake.<br />
Sporty proportions and a powerful, dynamic silhouette. The new CLA Shooting Brake is<br />
the latest member of the successful compact class family of Mercedes-Benz. However,<br />
the dynamic design – in the limited Orange Art edition, with orange painted rim ring and<br />
orange/black sports seats – is not at the expense of efficiency and family friendliness:<br />
comfortable entry, increased head clearance, ECO start/stop function as standard and up<br />
to 1,354 litre loading volume are amongst the many strengths of the CLA Shooting Brake.<br />
Motor Engine<br />
Antrieb Drive<br />
kW (PS) kW (HP)<br />
Hubraum Capacity<br />
Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption<br />
Preis Price<br />
R4<br />
Vorderradantrieb, Allradantrieb als CLA 250 4MATIC<br />
100 – 130 (136 – 177) / 90 – 155 (122 – 211)<br />
Diesel: 2143 cm3 / Benziner: 1595 – 1991 cm3<br />
4,4 – 3,9 l/100 km / 6,8 – 5,3 l/100 km<br />
ab | from 32.540 Euro<br />
Audi Q7: Abgespeckter Klassenprimus | Streamlined<br />
Class Leader<br />
Motor Engine<br />
Vierzylinder Drive-E<br />
Antrieb Drive<br />
Allradantrieb serienmäßig | Four wheel drive as a standard<br />
kW (PS) kW (HP)<br />
236 (320) T6 AWD / 165 (225) D5 AWD<br />
Hubraum Capacity 1969 cm 3<br />
Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 10,8 – 7,5 l/100km / 7,7 – 2,7 mit Twin Engine<br />
Preis Price<br />
ab | from 58.450 Euro<br />
Volvo XC90: Skandinavischer Champion | Scandinavian Champion<br />
Der Volvo XC90 markiert den Neubeginn beim schwedischen Autobauer: Die zweite Generation des SUV aus Göteborg ist das erste Modell unter der Regie des neuen<br />
chinesischen Eigentümers Geely. Klares Design, skandinavisches Understatement, luxuriöse Verarbeitung, ein zukunftsträchtiger Touchscreen, der neu entwickelte Motor und<br />
als Weltneuheiten die Run off Road Protection sowie der Kreuzungsbremsassistent, der den Wagen automatisch abbremst, wenn er beim Abbiegen in den Gegenverkehr zu<br />
steuern droht, machen Volvos stolzes neues Flaggschiff zum Spitzenreiter seiner Klasse.<br />
The Volvo XC90 marks a new start for the Swedish car maker. The second generation of the SUV from Gothenburg is the first model under the reign of the new Chinese<br />
owner Geely. Clear design, Scandinavian understatement, luxurious finishing, a future oriented touch screen, the newly developed engine, and as a world innovation, the run<br />
off road protection and emergency brake assist which immediately brakes the car if it threatens to steer into oncoming traffic, when turning, make Volvo’s proud new flagship<br />
the frontrunner in its class.<br />
FOTOS: XYXXYXYXY<br />
PHOTOS: HERSTELLER, VOLVO CAR GROUP, MEDIA.DAIMLER.COM, BMW AG, MÜNCHEN/UWE@FISCHER<br />
BMW X6: Effiziente Powermaschine | Efficient Power<br />
Mit dem X6 M kombinierte der bayrische Autohersteller vor fünf Jahren erstmals<br />
M-typische Power und Emotionalität mit robusten X-Genen. Der BMW X6 startet<br />
im Frühjahr 2<strong>01</strong>5 in seine zweite Generation und setzt erneut Maßstäbe:<br />
Das kraftvolle, bullige Äußere und der M TwinPower Turbomotor, das stärkste<br />
Triebwerk, das BMW bis jetzt in seine Allradfahrzeuge eingebaut hat, sorgen<br />
gemeinsam mit dem neu entwickelten „8-Gang M Steptronic“-Getriebe für<br />
gesteigerte Fahrdynamik bei außergewöhnlicher Effizienz.<br />
With the X6 M, the Bavarian car manufacturer combined M typical power and<br />
emotionality with robust X genes for the first time five years ago. The BMW X6<br />
starts its second generation in spring 2<strong>01</strong>5, and is setting new standards: a<br />
powerful, bullish exterior; the M TwinPower TurboEngine, the strongest engine that<br />
BMW has built into its four wheel drive vehicles until now, ensures increased<br />
driving dynamic with extraordinary efficiency at the same time with the newly<br />
developed 8 gear M Steptronic gears.<br />
Motor Engine<br />
R6 Turbo<br />
Antrieb Drive<br />
Allradantrieb serienmäßig | Four wheel drive as standard<br />
kW (PS) kW (HP) 190 (258) – 330 (450)<br />
Hubraum Capacity<br />
2993 cm3<br />
Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 9,7 – 6,0 l/100 km<br />
Preis Price<br />
ab | from 74.450 Euro<br />
Audi gibt den Trend vor: SUVs werden wieder kleiner und leichter. Mit Leichtbaukarosserie<br />
und neuem Fahrwerk bringt der Audi Q7 325 kg weniger als sein<br />
Vorgänger auf die Waage und ist mit 1.995 kg Leergewicht nun der Leichteste<br />
seiner Klasse. Entsprechend agil und spritzig liegt er auf der Straße und ist mit<br />
einem um 26% reduzierten Kraftstoffverbrauch auch höchst effizient. Ein<br />
umfassendes Portfolio an neuen Assistenzsystemen ergänzt das Bild, etwa die<br />
intelligente Smartphone-Integration, die der Audi Q7 als eines der ersten Modelle<br />
weltweit serienmäßig anbietet.<br />
Audi sets the trend: SUVs are getting smaller and lighter again. With lightweight<br />
bodywork and a new chassis, the Audi Q7 weighs 325 kg less than its predecessor<br />
and as such now the lightest in its class with 1,995 kg empty weight. It is<br />
correspondingly agile and zippy on the road, and is also highly efficient with<br />
around 26% reduction in fuel consumption. An extensive portfolio of new<br />
assistance systems complete the picture, for example the intelligent smartphone<br />
integration, with the Audi Q7 being one of the first models worldwide to offer this<br />
as standard.<br />
Motor Engine<br />
V6 Turbo<br />
Antrieb Drive<br />
Allradantrieb serienmäßig | Four wheel drive as standard<br />
kW (PS) kW (HP)<br />
200 (272) 3.0 TDI / 245 (333) 3.0 TFSI<br />
Hubraum Capacity<br />
2967 cm3 / 2995 cm3<br />
Kraftstoffverbrauch Fuel consumption 6,1 – 5,7 l/100 km / 8,1 – 7,7 l/100 km<br />
Preis Price<br />
noch offen | to be announced soon<br />
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SAVOIR-VIVRE LIFESTYLE<br />
Start in den Frühling<br />
Start into the spring season<br />
High-End-Reiseprofi<br />
High-end travel professional<br />
Maßgeschneidert<br />
Tailor-made<br />
Die neapolitanische Familie Kiton<br />
hat die traditionelle Schneiderkunst<br />
seit 1956 fest in ihrer DNA<br />
verankert. „Schneiderei ist Teil<br />
unserer Kultur und Neapel ist die<br />
Stadt der Schneider“, erklärt<br />
CEO Antonio De Matteis.<br />
Die Spezialisierung auf<br />
maßgeschneiderte<br />
Anzüge mit dem „made<br />
to measure“-Service war<br />
der richtige Schritt,<br />
wie die mittlerweile<br />
45 Flagshipstores<br />
weltweit – der jüngste<br />
davon im Wiener<br />
Goldenen Quartier –<br />
beweisen.<br />
The Neapolitan Kiton<br />
family has had the<br />
traditional art of<br />
tailoring firmly<br />
anchored in its DNA since<br />
1956. “Tailoring is part of<br />
our culture, and Naples is<br />
the city of tailors,”<br />
CEO Antonio De Matteis<br />
explains. Specialising in<br />
tailored suits with the<br />
‘made to measure’ service<br />
proved to be the right<br />
step, as the company’s<br />
45 stores around the<br />
world – the latest of which<br />
recently opened in Vienna’s<br />
Golden Quarter – clearly show.<br />
www.kiton.it<br />
PHOTOS: HERSTELLER; SØLVE SUNDSBØ<br />
Das Reisegepäck von Rimowa wird härtesten Prüfverfahren unterzogen und auch die Designansprüche sind hoch. Die neue Onyx-Serie besteht aus Luxus-Businesskoffern und<br />
passenden Notebook-Bags. Details wie stufenlos ausziehbare Teleskopgestänge mit Druckknopf, Griffe aus Rindsleder, Rollen aus eloxiertem Aluminiumguss, Hightech-<br />
Materialien wie Polycarbonat in Verbindung mit silbernen Aluminiumrahmen und Vortaschen aus Leder und keprotec® machen sie ebenso praktisch wie resistent und daher<br />
bestens geeignet für den oft hektischen Reisealltag der Vielreisenden.<br />
Travel luggage made by Rimowa is subjected to the very strictest testing procedures, and the design standards are equally high. The company’s new Onyx series includes<br />
luxury business cases and suitable notebook bags. Details such as continuous extendable telescopic handles with push-button, cowhide grips, rollers made from anodised<br />
aluminium cast, high-tech materials like polycarbonate connected with silver aluminium frames and front compartments made of leather and keprotec® are as practical as<br />
they are resistant in the often hectic everyday travel routine of frequent travellers.<br />
www.rimowa.com<br />
Absoluter Genuss<br />
Absolute enjoyment<br />
Mitunter dauert es 26 Jahre,<br />
bis ein Stör erstmals Rogen<br />
produziert. Vivace – Correct<br />
Caviar ist es gelungen, eine<br />
Methode zu entwickeln, bei<br />
der hochwertige Qualität<br />
gewonnen wird, ohne den<br />
Stör zu töten. Die Eier können<br />
mehrmals geerntet werden,<br />
nehmen an Größe und<br />
Intensität zu und kommen<br />
ohne Konservierungsstoffe<br />
aus.<br />
It can sometimes take<br />
26 years for a sturgeon to<br />
produce its roe for the first<br />
time. Vivace – Correct Caviar<br />
has succeeded in developing<br />
a method of winning<br />
high-value quality roe without<br />
killing the sturgeon. The eggs<br />
can be harvested several<br />
times, become larger and<br />
more intense, and do not<br />
require the addition of<br />
preservatives.<br />
www.vivacecaviar.de<br />
Atmosphärische Mode<br />
Atmospheric fashion<br />
Sølve Sundsbø hat in London die aktuelle<br />
Werbekampagne für Giorgio Armani fotografiert.<br />
Leinwände mit abstrakten Motiven und das<br />
spezielle Licht betonen die zeitlose Eleganz der<br />
Kollektion des italienischen Couture-Meisters.<br />
Sølve Sundsbø photographed the current<br />
advertising campaign for Giorgio Armani in<br />
London. Abstractly picturesque screens in<br />
special light emphasise the timeless elegance of<br />
the new collection of the Italian Master of<br />
Couture.<br />
www.armani.com<br />
Ungezwungener Charme<br />
Effortless charm<br />
Die aktuelle Hermès-Kollektion bewegt sich<br />
im Farbbereich Weiß, Kalkstein, Sand, Hanf,<br />
Schwarz, Eukalyptus und Kürbis. Zu Windbreakern<br />
und linearen Blousons gesellen sich<br />
einfach geknöpfte Anzüge und Rundhalspullover,<br />
die mit dem klassischen Schuhwerk aus edlem<br />
Leder in Bicolor-Optik perfekt harmonieren.<br />
The current Hermès collection moves within a<br />
range of colours from white through to chalk,<br />
sand, hemp, black, eucalyptus and pumpkin.<br />
Simply buttoned suits and roundneck pullovers<br />
are combined with windbreakers and linear<br />
blousons, harmonising perfectly with classic<br />
footwear made of classy leather in a bicolour<br />
visual.<br />
www.hermes.com<br />
Wahres Glück<br />
True happiness<br />
Der Name dieser Kollektion<br />
der Schmuckmanufaktur<br />
Wellendorff steht für die<br />
handwerklich ausgereifte<br />
Kombination aus farbenprächtigem<br />
Kaltemail,<br />
erlesenem Gold und kleinen<br />
Besonderheiten wie der<br />
drehbaren Leiste mit<br />
Diamantbesatz; die<br />
geheimnisvolle Tiefe der<br />
Wellen zeigen faszinierende<br />
Nuancen von Tiefschwarz bis<br />
zu warmen Orangetönen.<br />
The name of this Wellendorff<br />
collection stands for the<br />
sophisticated, hand-crafted<br />
combination of brilliantly<br />
coloured cold enamel,<br />
exquisite gold and unique<br />
little features such as the<br />
rotatable bar set with<br />
diamonds; the depth of the<br />
mysterious is rendered in<br />
fascinating nuances, from<br />
deep black through to fresh<br />
turquoise and warm orange<br />
tones.<br />
www.wellendorff.com<br />
Schmucker Duft<br />
Heaven scent<br />
Die traditionsreiche<br />
Emailschmuck-Manufaktur<br />
hat sich auf neue Pfade<br />
begeben. Das Ziel der Reise<br />
sind flüssige Schmuckstücke,<br />
die mit frischen über blumige<br />
bis zu orientalisch-opulenten<br />
Nuancen faszinieren.<br />
Vier Parfums in noblen<br />
Flakons gilt es bei „Bijoux<br />
Liquides“ zu entdecken.<br />
Auch die Verpackung trägt<br />
unverkennbar die Handschrift<br />
von Frey Wille.<br />
The highly traditional enamel<br />
jewellery manufacturer has<br />
followed new paths. The aim<br />
of its journey: liquid pieces of<br />
jewellery which fascinate<br />
with nuances ranging from<br />
fresh through floral to oriental<br />
opulent. ‘Bijoux Liquides’ are<br />
four perfumes in classy<br />
flacons. Even the packaging<br />
bears the unmistakable<br />
signature of FreyWille.<br />
www.freywille.com<br />
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SAVOIR-VIVRE ARTS<br />
Kulturelle Höhepunkt 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cultural Highlights 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Bunte Videowelten<br />
Colourful Video Spaces<br />
Pipilotti Rist, Sip My<br />
Ocean, 1996, Installationsansicht<br />
Fundació<br />
Joan Miró, Barcelona<br />
Die Kunsthalle Krems unterstreicht ihren herausragenden Platz im österreichischen Kunstgeschehen<br />
zum 20-jährigen Bestehen mit einer großen Pipilotti-Rist-Personale. Die Ausstellung<br />
vom 22.3. bis 28.6. umfasst Arbeiten aus rund 30 Jahren inklusive eines Auftritts der bekannten Schweizer Video- und Objektkünstlerin beim Donaufestival.<br />
The Kunsthalle Krems, on the occasion of its 20-year anniversary, highlights its prominent presence in the Austrian art scene with a comprehensive Pipilotti Rist solo<br />
exhibition. It runs from 22nd March to 28th June and encompasses works from 30 years of her career, including an appearance by the famous video and object artist at the<br />
Donaufestival.<br />
www.kunsthalle.at<br />
Höhepunkte der Fotoreportage<br />
Highlights of Photojournalism<br />
Edward Steichen:<br />
Marlene Dietrich, 1934<br />
In High Fashion<br />
Edward Steichen gilt als eine der einflussreichsten Persönlichkeiten<br />
in der Geschichte der Fotografie. Seine Arbeiten für die<br />
Zeitschriften Vogue und Vanity Fair in den Jahren 1923-1937<br />
revolutionierten die Mode- und Porträtfotografie.<br />
Das Fotomuseum WestLicht zeigt unter dem Titel „Edward<br />
Steichen – In High Fashion“ vom 18.2. bis zum 19.4. rund<br />
200 Vintageabzüge aus dem Condé-Nast-Archiv.<br />
Edward Steichen is one of the most influential figures in the<br />
history of photography. His pictures for Vogue and Vanity Fair<br />
between 1923 and 1937 revolutionised fashion and portrait<br />
photography. 200 unique vintage prints from the Condé Nast<br />
Archive are displayed for the first time under the title “Edward<br />
Steichen – In High Fashion” in Austria at WestLicht Museum for<br />
Photography from 18th February to 19th April.<br />
www.westlicht.com<br />
PHOTOS: 1934 CONDÉ NAST PUBLICATIONS ; PERE PRATDESABA; MUSÉE D’ORSAY, PARIS; ERICH LESSING/BILDRECHT.AT; THOMAS AURIN<br />
Edgar Degas<br />
Der Badezuber, 1886<br />
Meisterwerke aus<br />
dem Musée<br />
d’Orsay<br />
Masterpieces from<br />
the Musée d’Orsay<br />
Die Albertina ermöglicht<br />
einen Blick in die Tresore des<br />
Pariser Musée d’Orsay:<br />
Pastelle von Edgar Degas,<br />
Gouachen von Honoré<br />
Daumier und Aquarelle von<br />
Paul Cézanne sind mit<br />
130 weiteren Meisterwerken<br />
bis zum 3.5. in der<br />
Ausstellung „Degas, Cézanne,<br />
Seurat – das Archiv der<br />
Träume aus dem Musée<br />
d‘Orsay“ zu bewundern.<br />
The Albertina will make it<br />
possible for visitors to cast<br />
their eyes on treasured works<br />
from the Musée d’Orsay in<br />
Paris. Pastels by Edgar Degas,<br />
gouaches by Honoré Daumier<br />
and watercolours by Paul<br />
Cézanne, along with 130<br />
gems of graphic art, can be<br />
admired in the exhibition<br />
“The Dream Archive from the<br />
Musée d’Orsay” until 03.05.<br />
www.albertina.at<br />
Die Bilder des österreichischen Fotografen<br />
Erich Lessing gingen um die Welt. Für die<br />
Ausstellung „Lessing zeigt Lessing“ vom 29.4.<br />
bis 8.9. im Jüdischen Museum hat Hannah<br />
Lessing eine sehr persönliche Auswahl von<br />
Fotografien ihres Vaters zusammengestellt.<br />
Neben den berühmten Fotoreportagen<br />
sind idyllische israelische Landschaften<br />
und zeithistorische Rückblicke auf das<br />
Lebensgefühl der österreichischen und<br />
europäischen Nachkriegszeit zu sehen.<br />
The pictures by the Austrian<br />
photographer Erich Lessing are<br />
world-famous. Hannah Lessing has<br />
made a highly personal selection of<br />
her father’s photos for the exhibition<br />
“Lessing on Lessing” at Museum<br />
Judenplatz from 29.04. - 08.09.<br />
Besides the renowned photo reports,<br />
idyllic Israeli landscapes and a<br />
historical retrospective of life in<br />
post-war Austria and Europe are on<br />
show.<br />
www.jmw.at<br />
Fenster zur internationalen<br />
Theaterwelt<br />
A Window to the World<br />
of International Theatre<br />
39 herausragende<br />
Produktionen aus 20 Ländern<br />
zeigen die Wiener<br />
Festwochen (14.5 bis 21.6.)<br />
Vom Schauspiel „Fishers of<br />
Hope“ von Lara Foot aus<br />
Kapstadt über Gogols „Tote<br />
Seelen“ in einer elektrisierenden<br />
Produktion des<br />
Gogol-Zentrums Moskau bis<br />
zur überdrehten Oper „Ohne<br />
Titel Nr. 1“ von Herbert<br />
Fritsch.<br />
39 outstanding productions<br />
from 20 countries are<br />
showcased at the Wiener<br />
Festwochen, running between<br />
14.05. and 21.06. The<br />
programme includes the play<br />
“Fishers of Hope” by Lara<br />
Foot, Gogol’s “Dead Souls” in<br />
an electrifying production by<br />
the Gogol Center in Moscow<br />
and the slapstick opera “Ohne<br />
Titel Nr. 1” by Herbert Fritsch.<br />
www.festwochen.at<br />
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SAVOIR-VIVRE ARTS<br />
Art Austria<br />
Visualisierung des<br />
Bühnendesigns<br />
A visual of the stage<br />
design.<br />
Singendes Europa<br />
Singing Europe<br />
Nachdem Conchita Wurst den<br />
Eurovision Song Contest 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
nach Österreich gebracht hat,<br />
steht Wien vom 17. bis 23.5.<br />
ganz im Zeichen des größten<br />
Unterhaltungsevents der<br />
Welt: 180 Millionen<br />
Zuschauer werden das Finale<br />
in der Wiener Stadthalle an<br />
ihren TV-Geräten mitverfolgen!<br />
Am Rathausplatz<br />
bietet das „Eurovision<br />
Village“ täglich spannendes<br />
Programm für die angereisten<br />
Fans aus ganz Europa.<br />
Conchita Wurst brought the<br />
Eurovision Song Contest to<br />
Austria in 2<strong>01</strong>5. Vienna will be<br />
dominated by the world’s<br />
largest entertainment event<br />
from 17.05 - 23.05. with 180<br />
million viewers glued to the<br />
television sets to watch the<br />
spectacle from the Wiener<br />
Stadthalle! The “Eurovision<br />
Village” at the Vienna City<br />
Hall Square (Rathausplatz)<br />
offers an exciting daily<br />
programme for visitors from<br />
all over Europe.<br />
www.eurovision.tv<br />
Pop-Art All-Stars<br />
Die knalligen Werke der<br />
Pop-Art illustrieren wie keine<br />
andere Kunstform den<br />
gesellschaftlichen Umbruch<br />
der 1960er-Jahre. Das<br />
Sammlerehepaar Peter und<br />
Irene Ludwig erkannten die<br />
Bedeutung der neuen<br />
Kunstströmung früh und<br />
begann, Werke von Andy<br />
Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein oder<br />
Jasper Johns zu kaufen – absolute<br />
Klassiker der Pop-Art,<br />
die vom 12.2. bis 13. 9. in der<br />
Ausstellung „Ludwig Goes<br />
Pop“ im MUMOK wieder<br />
zusammen zu sehen sind.<br />
The bright, gaudy works of<br />
Pop Art portray the social<br />
upheaval of the sixties like no<br />
other form of art. The<br />
collectors, Peter and Irene<br />
Ludwig, discovered the<br />
significance of the new<br />
movement early and began to<br />
acquire pieces by Andy<br />
Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and<br />
Jasper Johns. These works of<br />
classic Pop Art are brought<br />
together for the first time in<br />
the “Ludwig Goes Pop”<br />
exhibition in MUMOK from<br />
12.02 to 13.09.<br />
www.mumok.at<br />
Roy Lichtenstein<br />
M-Maybe (A Girl’s Picture),<br />
1965<br />
PHOTOS: ORF/MILENKO BADZIC, ORF; ESTATE OF ROY LICHTENSTEIN / BILDRECHT WIEN, 2<strong>01</strong>5 / RHEINISCHES BILDARCHIV; ART AUSTRIA; ÖNB/HINTERRAMSKOGLER; ARENARIA/RICARDO HERRGOTT; RICHARD SCHUSTER; ANDREAS HIRSCH<br />
Auf drei Ebenen des Leopold Museums präsentieren bei der Kunstmesse Art Austria (19. bis 22.3.) rund 50 namhafte Galerien ausschließlich<br />
Kunst aus Österreich – ein Erfolgskonzept, das letztes Jahr fast 25.000 Kunstinteressierte anlockte. Werke aus der Zeit des Biedermeiers<br />
und Jugendstils finden sich dabei ebenso wie zeitgenössische Arbeiten.<br />
A sports coupe that refines the everyday life on our roads. The 10 mm lowered body and the impressive 19-inch alloy wheels „R“ reinforce<br />
the sporty appearance, but also specific rear diffuser with chrome dual exhaust, the Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering light and<br />
dark titanium bezel and matte black roof arches emphasize its dynamic appearance.<br />
www.art-austria.info<br />
Alles Regal!<br />
Literal Shelf Life!<br />
Am 18. April ist es so weit:<br />
Das Literaturmuseum der<br />
Österreichischen Nationalbibliothek<br />
öffnet seine<br />
Pforten. Neben Hörproben<br />
türmen sich in den<br />
altehrwürdigen Bücher -<br />
regalen des ehemaligen<br />
k.k. Hofkammerarchivs in der<br />
Wiener Johannesgasse<br />
Schauobjekte, Fotos und<br />
Werkskizzen österreichischer<br />
Literatur vom 18. Jahrhundert<br />
bis in die Gegenwart.<br />
Die Ausstellungsarchitektur<br />
von planet architects und<br />
BWM Architekten darf als<br />
Kunstwerk für sich gelten.<br />
The Literature Museum of the<br />
Austrian National Library will<br />
open its doors starting 18<br />
April 2<strong>01</strong>5. Audio samples are<br />
next to piles of photos and<br />
sketches with Austrian<br />
literature on the time-honoured<br />
bookshelves of the former<br />
imperial chamber archive<br />
(Hofkammerarchiv) in<br />
Johannesgasse in Vienna<br />
spanning from the 18th<br />
century until the present. The<br />
exhibition architecture by<br />
planet architects and BWM<br />
Architects can be seen as a<br />
work of art alone.<br />
www.onb.ac.at<br />
Liebe Drama Fettuccine<br />
Love, Drama, Fettuccine<br />
Puccinis Oper „Tosca“ steht im Sommer unter<br />
der Regie von Robert Dornhelm auf der<br />
eindrucksvollen Naturbühne des Steinbruchs<br />
St. Margarethen am Spielplan. Zwischen den<br />
Akten wird in der Opernlounge ein opulentes<br />
Dinner serviert. Premiere ist am 8.7.2<strong>01</strong>5.<br />
Directed by Robert Dornhelm, Puccini‘s opera<br />
“Tosca” is shown on the impressive natural<br />
stage of the St. Margarethen quarry. Between<br />
acts, an opulent dinner is served in the opera<br />
lounge. The opera premieres on 08.07.2<strong>01</strong>5.<br />
www.arenaria.at<br />
Klassik unter<br />
freiem Himmel<br />
Classical Music in the<br />
Open Air<br />
Drei absolute Weltstars,<br />
Dirigent Zubin Mehta, Pianist<br />
Rudolf Buchbinder und<br />
natürlich das weltberühmte<br />
Orchester selbst, bestreiten<br />
am 14.5. das traditionelle<br />
Sommernachtskonzert der<br />
Wiener Philharmoniker. Das<br />
Konzert unter freiem Himmel<br />
vor dem Neptunbrunnen im<br />
Schlosspark Schönbrunn<br />
findet wie jedes Jahr bei<br />
freiem Eintritt statt.<br />
Three world stars, conductor<br />
Zubin Mehta, pianist Rudolf<br />
Buchbinder and of course the<br />
world famous orchestra itself<br />
perform the traditional<br />
Vienna Philharmonic Summer<br />
Night Concert on the 14th of<br />
May. The yearly open air<br />
concert in front of the<br />
impressive Neptune Fountain<br />
in the beautiful Schönbrunn<br />
Palace gardens is free of<br />
charge.<br />
www.wienerphilharmoniker.at<br />
Russische und<br />
italienische Klänge<br />
Russian and Italian<br />
Sounds<br />
Die Osterfestspiele vom<br />
28.3. bis 6.4. stehen ganz im<br />
Zeichen italienischer und<br />
russischer Musik. Höhepunkte<br />
sind die Opern „Cavalleria<br />
rusticana“ von Mascagni und<br />
„Pagliacci“ von Leoncavallo<br />
mit Startenor Jonas Kaufmann<br />
in der Inszenierung von<br />
Philipp Stölzl, einer der<br />
gefragtesten Opernregisseure<br />
seiner Generation.<br />
The Salzburg Easter Festival<br />
from 28.03. - 06.04. is<br />
focused on Italian and<br />
Russian music. Philipp Stölzl,<br />
one of the most sought-after<br />
movie and opera directors of<br />
his generation, directs the<br />
sets of two powerful operas,<br />
“Cavalleria rusticana” by<br />
Mascagni and “Pagliacci” by<br />
Leoncavallo, featuring the<br />
star tenor Jonas Kaufmann.<br />
www.osterfestspielesalzburg.at<br />
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SAVOIR-VIVRE TRAVEL<br />
Fernweh<br />
Itchy feet<br />
Die besten neuen Hotels und Restaurants aus aller Welt. | The best new hotels and restaurants around the world.<br />
Peking | Beijing<br />
Sunrise Kempinski Hotel<br />
Was wie das futuristische Bauwerk aus einem<br />
Science-Fiction-Film aussieht, ist das neue<br />
Kempinski Resort in der Nähe Pekings. Das<br />
Sunrise Kempinski liegt 60 Kilometer außerhalb<br />
der Stadt an dem schönen Yanqi-See, zur<br />
Großen Mauer ist es nicht weit, doch tolle<br />
Spa- und Wellnessanlagen sorgen dafür, dass<br />
man kaum Lust verspürt, die nahe Metropole<br />
oder die Mauer zu besuchen.<br />
What looks like a futuristic building from a<br />
science fiction film is in fact the new<br />
Kempinski Resort near Beijing. The Sunrise<br />
Kempinski is located at the beautiful Yanqi<br />
Lake, 60 kilometres from Beijing. The<br />
Great Wall is not far, but the fantastic spa<br />
and wellness facilities ensure that guests<br />
rarely feel like visiting the nearby<br />
metropolis or the Wall.<br />
kempinski.com<br />
PHOTOS: ADAM BRUZZONE, VANA RETREATS HOTEL, AMAN TOKYO<br />
Uttarakhand, Indien | India<br />
Vana Retreats<br />
Das Malsi Estate im nordindischen Uttarakhand<br />
ist kein Hotel und kein Resort, sondern ein<br />
wahrer Rückzugsort. Das Retreat am Fuße<br />
des Himalaya bietet Ayurveda, traditionelle<br />
chinesische Medizin, Tibetan Healing und<br />
Natural Therapies, Yoga, Spa, Fitness und Aqua<br />
von erfahrenen Ärzten und Therapeuten gelehrt<br />
und angewendet – jeweils zugeschnitten auf die<br />
individuellen Bedürfnisse des Gastes. Also keine<br />
vorgefertigten Packages. Bemerkenswert ist<br />
auch das Design des Retreats: sehr clean und im<br />
Einklang mit der Natur.<br />
The Malsi Estate in the north Indian province of<br />
Uttarakhand is neither a hotel nor a resort, but a<br />
true haven. The retreat at the foot of the<br />
Himalayas offers Ayurveda, traditional Chinese<br />
medicine, Tibetan healing and natural therapies,<br />
yoga, spa, fitness and aqua, taught and applied<br />
by experienced doctors and therapists – all<br />
geared to the individual needs of the guests. No<br />
ready-made packages here! The design of the<br />
retreat is also remarkable: very clean and in<br />
harmony with its natural surroundings.<br />
vanaretreats.com<br />
Tokio | Tokyo<br />
Aman Hotel Tokyo<br />
Das jüngste Haus aus der wunderbaren Aman Resorts Gruppe ist ein<br />
Traum! Es ist das erste richtige Stadthotel von Aman, es befindet sich<br />
zwischen dem 33. und 38. Stockwerk des Otemachi Tower nahe der<br />
Toyko Station, und wer aus einem der für japanische Verhältnisse sehr<br />
großen Gästezimmer blickt, dem liegt Tokio zu Füßen. An klaren Tagen<br />
kann man sogar den Berg Fuji sehen. Eindrucksvoll sind auch die<br />
30 Meter hohe Lobby und die riesige Spa- und Wellnessanlage samt<br />
Swimmingpool hoch über Tokio.<br />
The latest addition to the wonderful Aman Resort Group is a dream! It<br />
is Aman‘s very first urban hotel and located between the 33rd and 38th<br />
floors of Otemachi Tower near Tokyo Station. When guests look out of<br />
their room, large by Japanese standards, they have an overview of<br />
Tokyo at their feet. On clear days, one can even see Mount Fuji. The 30<br />
metre high lobby and the enormous spa and wellness facility, which<br />
includes a swimming pool high over Tokyo, are impressive.<br />
amanresorts.com<br />
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SAVOIR-VIVRE TRAVEL<br />
Paris<br />
La Réserve Paris<br />
London<br />
Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard<br />
Paris<br />
Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée<br />
Mit neuem Design lockt das Restaurant des Multi-Sterne-<br />
Kochs Alain Ducasse im noblen Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Und auch<br />
wenn hier alles glitzert und glänzt: Die Küche steht unter dem<br />
Motte „naturalité“ und setzt vor allem auf gesundes Gemüse.<br />
Alain Ducasse, multiple Michelin-starred chef, presents his<br />
restaurant with a new design in the luxury hotel Plaza<br />
Athenée. And even though everything here sparkles and<br />
shines: the idea behind the cuisine is “naturalité”, focussing<br />
strongly on healthy vegetables.<br />
alain-ducasse.com<br />
Eine wahre Flut von Luxushotels eröffnet – oder<br />
eröffnet wieder – in diesen Monaten in Paris.<br />
Dennoch sticht das La Réserve aus dem Angebot<br />
heraus. Nicht nur, weil es ein ziemlich intimes<br />
Hotel ist und sich durch eine gute Lage unweit<br />
der Champs-Élysées auszeichnet, sondern auch,<br />
weil es dem Designer Jacques Garcia gelungen<br />
ist, ihm einen historisch-eleganten Look zu<br />
geben, der niemals altmodisch oder bieder<br />
wirkt. Technisch ist es das wohl avancierteste<br />
Hotel in Paris.<br />
A real flood of luxury hotels is opening or<br />
re-opening in the next few months in Paris. La<br />
Reserve, however, stands out from the crowd.<br />
Not only because it is quite an intimate hotel<br />
and characterised by its excellent location not<br />
far from the Champs Elysées, but also because<br />
the designer Jacques Garcia has managed to<br />
give it an elegant and historical look, which<br />
never seems old-fashioned or conventional. It is<br />
probably the most high-tech hotel in Paris.<br />
lareserve-paris.com<br />
New York<br />
Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar<br />
„Die Polo Bar“, sagt Eigentümer und Modeschöpfer<br />
Ralph Lauren, „soll jene Wärme und<br />
lässige Eleganz ausstrahlen, die die Gäste<br />
veranlassen, immer wieder zu kommen,<br />
so als wäre das ihr Lieblings-Club.“ Mission<br />
accomplished, mag man jetzt sagen. Tatsächlich<br />
ist das Restaurant samt Bar, das aussieht, als<br />
würde es schon seit Ewigkeiten existieren, zu<br />
einem beliebten Treffpunkt an der Upper East<br />
Side von Manhattan geworden.<br />
“The Polo Bar”, the owner and designer Ralph<br />
Lauren says, “is supposed to radiate the warmth<br />
and casual elegance that would encourage<br />
guests to return, as though it were their<br />
favourite club.”. Mission accomplished, one<br />
could say. In fact, the restaurant along with the<br />
bar looks like it has been there forever and has<br />
become a popular venue on Manhattan‘s the<br />
Upper East Side.<br />
ralphlauren.com<br />
PHOTOS: PIERRE MONETTA, MASAHIKO TAKEDA, PLAZA ATHENE; LA RESERVE PARIS/ MICHEL REYBIER HOSPITALITY, POLO BAR, SHANGRI LA LONDON, HAM YARD HOTEL<br />
Gut, dass jeder Gast in seinem Zimmer ein Fernglas<br />
vorfindet. So kann er ganz gelassen einen Stuhl vor<br />
die zimmerhohen Fenster schieben und die<br />
Sehenswürdigkeiten Londons aus luftiger Höhe<br />
betrachten – befinden sich doch die Zimmer des<br />
neuen Luxushotels zwischen dem 36. und<br />
52. Stockwerk des Shard, jenes neuen, von dem<br />
italienischen Architekten Renzo Piano entworfenen<br />
Wolkenkratzers, der heute die Skyline von London<br />
beherrscht.<br />
It‘s great that every guest will find binoculars in<br />
their room. Then they can push a chair in front of<br />
the ceiling-high windows and view London‘s<br />
attractions comfortably at a dizzy height – after<br />
all, the rooms of this new luxury hotel are located<br />
between the 36th and 52nd floors of the Shard, the<br />
new skyscraper designed by the Italian architect<br />
Renzo Piano, which dominates London‘s skyline<br />
today.<br />
shangri-la.com/london<br />
London<br />
Ham Yard Hotel<br />
Das jüngste Projekt der britischen Firmdale Gruppe (Soho Hotel in<br />
London, Crosby Street Hotel in New York) befindet sich im Londoner<br />
Stadtteil Soho unweit des Piccadilly Circus und bietet neben<br />
entzückenden Zimmern auch ein Restaurant, Shops, ein kleines Kino,<br />
eine Library, ein Spa, eine Bowlingbahn aus den 1950er Jahren,<br />
die aus Texas importiert wurde, und auch sonst alles, was ein intimes,<br />
urban-lässiges (und ein wenig exzentrisches) Hotel ausmacht.<br />
Eine nachdrückliche Empfehlung.<br />
The newest project by the British Firmdale Group (Soho Hotel in<br />
London, Crosby Street Hotel in New York) is located in London‘s Soho<br />
area, not far from Piccadilly Circus. It not only offers charming rooms<br />
but also a restaurant, shops, a small cinema, a library, a spa, a bowling<br />
alley from the 1950s imported from Texas, and anything else that would<br />
be typical for an intimate casual urban (and slightly eccentric) hotel.<br />
Highly recommended.<br />
designhotels.com<br />
142 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5 143
SAVOIR-VIVRE MUST-READS<br />
Lesenswertes aus und über Wien<br />
Book Tips from and about Vienna<br />
Ewald und Mario Plachutta<br />
Plachutta<br />
Wiener Küche<br />
Ein neues und unverzichtbares Nachschlagewerk<br />
zur Wiener Küche.<br />
A new and essential reference book on Viennese<br />
cuisine.<br />
Andreas Oberkanins & Ulrike Tschabitzer-Handler<br />
Austrian Fashion<br />
Design<br />
Mehr als bloß Helmut Lang – ein längst überfälliger<br />
Überblick über österreichische Mode.<br />
More than just Helmut Lang – a long overdue review<br />
of Austrian fashion.<br />
Werner Rosenberger<br />
Im Cottage<br />
Ein Spaziergang durch einen der schönsten<br />
Stadtteile Wiens, die so genannte „Cottage“.<br />
A stroll through one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods<br />
in Vienna, the so-called “Cottage”.<br />
Oliver Rathkolb<br />
Die paradoxe<br />
Republik<br />
Die Neuauflage einer kritischen<br />
Auseinandersetzung mit Österreich und<br />
seiner jüngsten Geschichte.<br />
A new edition of a critical debate on Austria and its<br />
most recent history.<br />
Wolfgang Freitag<br />
Wo Wien beginnt<br />
Am Rand der Stadt: eine Reise in die<br />
Außenbezirke der Metropole Wien.<br />
On the outskirts: a journey to the suburbs of the<br />
metropolis of Vienna.<br />
art:phalanx<br />
Das Tor zur Welt<br />
Das Coffeetable-Book erzählt die Geschichte<br />
des Wiener Hotels InterContinental.<br />
A coffee-table book on the history of the InterContinental<br />
Hotel in Vienna.<br />
In Wien sind die Plachuttas eine Institution.<br />
Ihre Restaurants sind nicht nur bekannt für ihren<br />
hervorragenden, perfekt präsentierten „Tafelspitz“,<br />
sondern auch für die zeitgemäße Zubereitung von<br />
Wiener Küchenklassikern. Für dieses Buch haben sie<br />
in ihrer Rezeptsammlung geblättert und 170 Rezepte<br />
„für jeden Tag und jede Gelegenheit“ ausgewählt.<br />
Von Tafelspitz bis Kaiserschmarren. Ein unverzichtbares<br />
Standardwerk und Nachschlagewerk für jeden,<br />
der Interesse an der Wiener Küche hat.<br />
The Plachuttas are an institution in Vienna. Their<br />
restaurants are not only famous for their excellent,<br />
perfectly presented “Tafelspitz” (boiled fillet of beef),<br />
but also for their modern preparation of classic<br />
Viennese cuisine. They browsed through their<br />
collection of recipes for this book and selected 170<br />
recipes “for everyday and every occasion”, ranging<br />
from Tafelspitz to Kaiserschmarrn. An essential<br />
standard reference book for anyone interested in<br />
Viennese cuisine.<br />
–<br />
Brandstätter Verlag<br />
€ 34,90<br />
Eine sehr gut illustrierte, gut gestaltete und mit<br />
klugen Essays versehene „Zeitreise durch die Mode“.<br />
Am Anfang stehen Gustav Klimt und Emilie Flöge, die<br />
um die vorletzte Jahrhundertwende den modischen<br />
Look des Landes prägten. Die Reise führt den Leser<br />
zu Rudi Gernreich und Helmut Lang, bis er in der<br />
Gegenwart ankommt, bei Shootingstars und<br />
Szenelieblingen wie Peter Pilotto und Lena Hoschek.<br />
Eine längst überfällige Aufarbeitung.<br />
A very well-illustrated, well-designed “time travel<br />
through fashion” with cleverly written essays. It starts<br />
with Gustav Klimt and Emilie Flöge who shaped the<br />
fashionable look of the country around the turn of the<br />
nineteenth century. The journey takes the reader to<br />
Rudi Gernreich and Helmut Lang up to the shooting<br />
stars and designer darlings of the present day such as<br />
Peter Pilotto and Lena Hoschek. A long overdue<br />
reappraisal.<br />
–<br />
Brandstätter Verlag<br />
€ 39,90<br />
Dass die „Cottage“, dieser Stadtteil im 18. und<br />
19. Wiener Gemeindebezirk, auch bei Botschaften,<br />
Mitarbeitern internationaler Organisationen und<br />
anderer Expats so beliebt ist, hat natürlich seine<br />
guten Gründe: die prachtvollen Villen, die herrlichen<br />
Gärten, die weitläufigen Parkanlagen. Der Journalist<br />
und Flaneur Werner Rosenberger erzählt die<br />
spannende Geschichte der Villen und ihrer Bewohner.<br />
There are obviously many good reasons why the<br />
“Cottage”, a municipal district in the 18th and 19th<br />
centuries in Vienna, is so popular with embassies,<br />
employees of international organisations and other<br />
expats: the magnificent villas, the glorious gardens,<br />
the extensive parks. The journalist and flaneur Werner<br />
Rosenberger has exciting stories to tell about the<br />
villas and their residents.<br />
–<br />
Metroverlag<br />
€ 19,90<br />
Soeben ist eine aktualisierte Fassung des Standardwerks<br />
zur österreichischen Geschichte seit 1945<br />
erschienen. Der renommierte Zeitgeschichtler Oliver<br />
Rathkolb beschreibt Österreich und seine jüngste<br />
Vergangenheit in all ihrer Widersprüchlichkeit und<br />
Inkonsequenz. Ein sehr lesenswerter, kritischer, auch<br />
immer wieder diskussionswürdiger Überblick über<br />
Geschichte und Politik der Zweiten Republik.<br />
An updated version of the standard reference on<br />
Austrian history since 1945 has just been published.<br />
The renowned contemporary historian Oliver Rathkolb<br />
describes Austria and its most recent past with all its<br />
contradictions and inconsistencies. A critical,<br />
interesting overview worthy of discussion regarding<br />
the history and politics of the Second Republic.<br />
–<br />
Zsolnay Verlag<br />
€ 30,80<br />
Die Wiener Innenstadt kennt jeder. Wie aber sieht<br />
Wien an seinen Rändern aus? Der Journalist<br />
Wolfgang Freitag hat sich auf eine Expedition entlang<br />
der 136 Kilometer langen Stadtgrenze begeben.<br />
Er hat Biergärten ebenso besucht wie Hightech-<br />
Unternehmen. Spannend, was da alles zusammenkommt.<br />
Ja, auch das ist Wien.<br />
Everyone knows the city centre of Vienna. But what<br />
do the outskirts of Vienna look like? The journalist<br />
Wolfgang Freitag has gone on an expedition along the<br />
city boundaries, which is 136 km long. He visited beer<br />
gardens as well as high-tech companies and came<br />
across many fascinating things. Yes, this is Vienna,<br />
too.<br />
–<br />
Metroverlag<br />
€ 19,90<br />
Als das InterContinental Wien 1964 als erstes<br />
internationales Hotel in Wien eröffnet wurde,<br />
kam endlich mit ein klein wenig Verspätung die<br />
Fifties-Moderne auch nach Wien. Internationale Stars,<br />
die in die Stadt kamen, stiegen nun hier ab. Das gut<br />
illustrierte Buch erzählt die Geschichte dieses<br />
ikonischen Gebäudes und stellt es nicht nur in einen<br />
historischen, sondern auch in einen politischen,<br />
gesellschaftlichen, ästhetischen und sogar<br />
kulinarischen Kontext.<br />
When the InterContinental Vienna opened its doors in<br />
1964 as the very first international hotel in Vienna, the<br />
modern fifties finally arrived in Vienna albeit a little<br />
late. International stars who came to Vienna now<br />
stayed there. This well-illustrated book recounts the<br />
history of this iconic building, putting it not only into<br />
a historical but also into a political, social, aesthetic<br />
and even culinary context.<br />
–<br />
Amalthea Verlag<br />
€ 29,90<br />
144 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5 145
SAVOIR-VIVRE MY VIENNA<br />
Alberto Carnero<br />
Spanischer Botschafter | Spanish Ambassador<br />
Interview: Petra Stix<br />
WEIN & SPA GENUSS<br />
Sie sind nun seit eineinhalb Jahren in Wien. Welche Orte in<br />
der Stadt haben Sie in dieser Zeit besonders lieb<br />
gewonnen?<br />
Gerne schlendere ich durch die Altstadt. Die kleinen Gässchen<br />
und Plätze machen diese Stadt sehr reizvoll.<br />
Was macht für Sie Wien aus?<br />
Die Stadt bietet eine enorme Vielfalt an Kulturangeboten. Da ist<br />
für jeden Geschmack etwas dabei. Von der Hochkultur in den<br />
großen Häusern bis zu den kleinen Lokalen, wo Musik oder<br />
Theater gespielt wird. Wien bedeutet Vielfalt der Kultur.<br />
Wenn Sie Besuch aus Ihrer Heimat haben, wohin führen Sie<br />
Ihre Gäste zuerst?<br />
Von großer Bedeutung ist für uns Spanier natürlich die Spanische<br />
Hofreitschule. Über Jahrhunderte gab es zwischen Österreich und<br />
Spanien nicht nur auf politischer Ebene eine gemeinsame<br />
Geschichte. Zeugnisse davon konnte man bis vor Kurzem im<br />
Kunsthistorischen Museum in der großartigen Velázquez-<br />
Ausstellung besichtigen. Die Spanische Hofreitschule ist ein<br />
bewundernswertes Produkt dieses kulturellen Austausches.<br />
Haben Sie einen Lieblingsort? Wenn ja, welchen?<br />
Da gibt es viele. Wie schon erwähnt, die Altstadt. Aber nachdem<br />
ich Läufer bin und die Natur liebe, suche ich gern das Grüne auf.<br />
Manchmal ist das der Prater, dann wieder der Wienerwald.<br />
Welche Erinnerungen werden Sie mitnehmen,<br />
wenn Sie Wien wieder verlassen müssen?<br />
Die vielen Freundschaften, die ich hier geschlossen habe.<br />
Natürlich werde ich das kulturelle Angebot vermissen. Aber auch<br />
so praktische Dinge wie die öffentlichen Verkehrsmittel, das<br />
Gesundheitswesen, die Ämter. Generell funktionieren hier die<br />
Dienstleistungen bestens und wie in kaum einer anderen Stadt.<br />
im Weingarten<br />
Das LOISIUM Wine & Spa Resort**** s in Langenlois vermittelt ein<br />
besonderes Lebensgefühl getragen vom Erlebnis eines spektakulären<br />
und sehr individuellen Wein- und Spa-Genusses sowie einer<br />
inspirierenden Atmosphäre zeitgenössischer Architektur.<br />
PERSONAL DETAILS<br />
Alberto Carnero Fernandez wurde im Dezember 1962 in Madrid geboren. Nach dem Abschluss<br />
seines Studiums der Rechtswissenschaften im Jahr 1988 trat er in den diplomatischen Dienst ein.<br />
Bevor er 2<strong>01</strong>3 nach Österreich kam, war er Direktor des Kabinetts des Ministers für auswärtige<br />
Angelegenheiten und Zusammenarbeit, Don José Manuel García-Margallo, gewesen.<br />
Alberto Carnero Fernandez was born in December 1962 in Madrid. After completing his degree in<br />
law in 1988, he entered the diplomatic service. Before he came to Austria in 2<strong>01</strong>3, he was the Director<br />
of the Cabinet for the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Don José Manuel García-Margallo.<br />
You have now been in Vienna for a year and a half. Which<br />
places in the city have become particularly dear to you in this<br />
time?<br />
I like to stroll around the old town. The small alleyways and<br />
squares make this city very attractive.<br />
What makes Vienna outstanding for you?<br />
This city offers an enormous diversity of cultural programmes.<br />
There is something for every taste. From high culture in the big<br />
houses to the small pubs, where music is played and theatre is<br />
performed. Vienna means cultural diversity.<br />
When you have visitors from home, where do you take your<br />
guests first?<br />
For us Spaniards, the Spanish Riding School is of course very<br />
important. Austria and Spain have had a common history for<br />
centuries, and not only on a political level. Until recently, you<br />
could see proof of this in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in the<br />
magnificent Velázquez exhibition. The Spanish Riding School is a<br />
remarkable product of this cultural exchange.<br />
Do you have a favourite place? Where is it?<br />
There are many. As I already mentioned, the old town. But as I am<br />
a runner and a nature lover alike, I seek out the countryside.<br />
Sometimes this is the Prater park or the Vienna Woods.<br />
What memories will you take with you when you have to<br />
leave Vienna?<br />
The many friendships that I have made here. Of course, I will miss<br />
the cultural programme. But also practical things such as public<br />
transport, the healthcare, the public offices. The services<br />
generally function excellently here, like in hardly any other city.<br />
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA; WTV/MAXUM, PETER RIGAUD, LOIS LAMMERHUBER<br />
WEIN.FRÜHLING PACKAGE<br />
▪ 3 Tage | 2 Nächte im Design Zimmer<br />
▪ Reichhaltiges Gourmet Vintage Frühstückbuffet<br />
▪ 4-Gang Genuss Dinner an einem Abend<br />
▪ Verkostung von 2 Weinen in unserer LOISIUM Vinothek<br />
▪ Erfrischender Frühlingskräuter Salat an der Bar<br />
▪ Entspannung pur im Wine Spa, u.v.m.<br />
ZUR RUHE KOMMEN & SICH VERWÖHNEN LASSEN<br />
Zum Wohlfühlen lädt das LOISIUM Wine Spa auf 1.000 m² ein. Es<br />
verfügt über einen ganzjährig beheizten Outdoor Pool umgeben<br />
von Weingärten, einen großzügigen Saunabereich, individuell<br />
gestaltete Ruhezonen sowie ein umfassendes Angebot an hochwertigen<br />
Wein- und BeautyTreatments von AVEDA & Vinoble.<br />
WO DIE GESCHMACKSKNOSPEN TANZEN<br />
Im Restaurant Vineyard erleben Sie die Dramaturgie des Weines<br />
kombiniert mit Kreationen aus den besten Produkten der Region.<br />
Das Ganze interpretiert mit einem Hauch internationaler Cuisine. Entdecken<br />
Sie in der LOISIUM Vinothek mit Ab-Hof-Preisen die Vielfalt<br />
regionaler Weine.<br />
ab 199.00 EUR p.P. im DZ<br />
Gültig von 13.03. bis 15.06.2<strong>01</strong>5 auf Anfrage und nach Verfügbarkeit.<br />
146 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
INFORMATIONEN & BUCHEN UNTER:<br />
www.loisium.com<br />
LOISIUM Wine & Spa Resort Langenlois, Loisium Allee 2, A-3550 Langenlois<br />
buchen.langenlois@loisium.com, +43 (0) 2734 77 100-0
SCHOOL.<br />
ARTS.<br />
BOARDING.<br />
LE RENDEZ-<br />
VOUS<br />
EIN RÜCKBLICK AUF<br />
GESELLSCHAFTLICHE<br />
EREIGNISSE DER<br />
JÜNGSTEN<br />
VERGANGENHEIT.<br />
A REVIEW OF SOCIAL<br />
EVENTS OF THE RECENT<br />
PAST.<br />
» My school is a place<br />
where excellent schooling<br />
meets my passion for<br />
music and the arts. «<br />
Caroline K., Student<br />
WE INVITE YOU<br />
– 22 April 2<strong>01</strong>5 | Open House | 09:00 – 15:00<br />
– 20 May 2<strong>01</strong>5 | Open House | 09:00 – 15:00<br />
– 26 June 2<strong>01</strong>5 | School Musical | 18:00<br />
– 28 June 2<strong>01</strong>5 | School Musical | 15:00<br />
– 29 June 2<strong>01</strong>5 | School Musical | 10:00<br />
AMADEUS VIENNA – WHERE EXCELLENCE MEETS PASSION<br />
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL – MUSIC & THE ARTS – SUPERIOR BOARDING<br />
Bastiengasse 36 – 38 | 1180 Vienna | Austria<br />
+43 1 470 30 37 00 | info@amadeus-vienna.at | www.amadeus-vienna.com
LE RENDEZVOUS EVENTS<br />
Flurry of flashbulbs<br />
December 17, 2<strong>01</strong>4<br />
The Armenian Embassy and Cercle Diplomatique presented the last <strong>issue</strong> of Cercle Diplomatique<br />
with Armenia on the cover produced by Waltraud Steinböck at the Armenian Cultural Center. On this occasion,<br />
the new editors were introduced to the public for the first time.<br />
February 23, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
„Walking Lunch“ at the Belgian Embassy on the occasion of<br />
the concert of the „Brussels Philharmonic“ at the<br />
Musikverein, Vienna.<br />
January 22, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Eurovision Song Contest:<br />
Ambassadors‘ Breakfast in<br />
Palais Daun-Kinsky, Vienna<br />
Armenia‘s Ambassador<br />
Dr. Arman Kirakossian<br />
and Waltraud<br />
Steinböck<br />
Belgian Ambassador<br />
Baron Willem Van<br />
de Voorde (on the<br />
right)<br />
PHOTOS: HARALD KLEMM, <strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong>, ORF/MILENKO BADZIC<br />
Left to right: Edgar Böhm, ESC 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Executive Producer, Hélène Doub,<br />
Cultural Attaché of the French<br />
Embassy in Austria, Galit Ronen,<br />
Counsellor to the Israeli Embassy in<br />
Austria, Edgars Skuja, Ambassador<br />
of Latvia in Austria<br />
150 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
151
LE RENDEZVOUS EVENTS<br />
February 14, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Amadeus International School Vienna and Cercle Diplomatique invited to a gala concert at the Musikverein,<br />
Vienna. The concert presented performances by student soloists and ensembles as well as a number of<br />
distinguished music instructors, including Elisabeth Dvorak-Weisshaar (piano) and Paul Gulda (piano).<br />
January 17, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
CD congratulates Maria<br />
Antonia Delera Bosa, Cultural<br />
Attaché at the Embassy of<br />
the Philippines and Fabienne<br />
Van Espen-Boonen on their<br />
marriage.<br />
Feburary 6, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique at the “Ball of the Viennese Coffee House Owners”<br />
January 24, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Ball of the Viennese Industry<br />
at the Hofburg, Vienna<br />
FOTOS: <strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong>, NORBERT KÖSSLER , CHRISTIAN HUSAR, FOTOFALLY, KATHARINASCHIFFL<br />
January 31, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Opernredoute, Graz<br />
The hosts: Consuls<br />
Edith and KR Johannes<br />
Hornig, Consul<br />
Waltraud Steinböck<br />
152 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5 153
LE RENDEZVOUS EVENTS<br />
February 24, 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique and Patara Fine Thai Cuisine invited honorable guests to honor the new Ambassadors to the<br />
„Ambassadors Lunch“ at Patara restaurant.<br />
THE INTERNATIONAL PHARMACY<br />
Since its foundation in 1869 the International Pharmacy has collected a lot of experience and expertise in sourcing and trading with<br />
foreign medication, food supplements, medical devices and cosmetics and maintains contact with customers around the world.<br />
CD editors Waltraud<br />
Steinböck, Alexander<br />
Bursky and Andrea<br />
Fürnweger<br />
“(…)My pharmacy is situated (…) directly next to and opposite of all those hotels, who have the most foreign guests. (…) My pharmacy is visited<br />
by far more foreign customers, of all nations, as by Viennese. (…) In my pharmacy we speak French, English, Italian, (…) Hungarian, (…). The term<br />
“International” is a word that is the same in any language and always has the same meaning and is always understood. Finally I want to remark<br />
that I am the supplier to all the embassies.”<br />
Citation Mag.pharm.Arnold Stumpf, 1925<br />
CD editors Andrea Fürnweger,<br />
Alexander Bursky, Waltraud<br />
Steinböck and Stefan Ho,<br />
Patara‘s manager, welcomed<br />
the following guests:<br />
The connection between history and modernism is apparent not only in the adapted Arte Deco interiors, but also throughout the<br />
archives of our investigations and the fact that the business is managed cross generationally by mother and daughter. In the constant<br />
quest of assisting you as best as we can, we’re always trying to keep our knowledge up to date while at the same time not to<br />
forget about traditional and longstanding treatments.<br />
CerCle<br />
Diplomatioue<br />
ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL<br />
Andrea Fürnweger<br />
Mag. Alexander Bursky<br />
Publisher of<br />
<strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong> - ECONOMIQUE et TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL<br />
&<br />
PATARA FINE ThAI CUISINE<br />
cordia ly invite to an<br />
Ambassadors Lunch<br />
to welcome a l new Ambassadors<br />
accredited Winter 2<strong>01</strong>4<br />
at<br />
Restaurant Patara<br />
Petersplatz 1, 1<strong>01</strong>0 Wien<br />
on Tuesday, February 24 th , 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
at 12.30 p.m.<br />
Guest of honour:<br />
h.E. Arthayudh SRISAMOOT<br />
Ambassador of Thailand<br />
The invitation is no transferable<br />
R.S.V.P. by Emai latest February 19 th , 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
to office@firstclassmedia.at<br />
Macedonia Vasilka Poposka-<br />
Trenevska<br />
Panama Gloria del Carmen Young<br />
Chizmar<br />
Sudan Mohamed Hussein Hassan<br />
Zaroug<br />
Thailand Arthayudh Srisamoot<br />
(guest of honor)<br />
Tunisia Ghazi Jomâa<br />
Egypt Khaled Abdelrahman<br />
Finland Anu Irene Laamanen<br />
Tajikistan Ismatullo Nasredinov<br />
Kyrgyzstan Ermek Ibraimov<br />
India Rajiva Misra<br />
Bangladesh Mohammed Abu Zafar<br />
Hungary Dr. János Perényi<br />
OFID Suleiman J. Al-Herbish,<br />
Director General<br />
Vienna Economic Forum Dr. Elena<br />
Kirtcheva, Secretary General<br />
Federal Ministry for Europe,<br />
Integration and Foreign Affairs<br />
Mag. Konstanze Mantsch, Protocol<br />
Officer and Dr. Wolfgang Spadinger,<br />
Minister<br />
Federation of Austrian-Foreign<br />
Societies - PaN<br />
Senator Walter Gerbautz<br />
PHOTOS: HARALD KLEMM<br />
To assist our guests as personally as possible, we employ a high proportion of pharmaceutical professionals as well as trained<br />
beauty consultants and wellness coaches. English, Russian, French, Spanish, Hungarian and Croatian – each of our colleagues<br />
speaks at least one of the mentioned foreign languages.<br />
Following our principle “Medicine around the world – get well and stay well!” we would be pleased to be of assistance to you, no<br />
matter where you are or where you need something from!<br />
INTERNATIONALE APOTHEKE<br />
INTERNATIONAL PHARMACY<br />
Opening hours Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 7:00pm and Saturdays between 8:00am and 6:00pm<br />
1<strong>01</strong>0 Wien, Kärntner Ring 17, T: +43 (0)1 512 28 25, F: +43 (0)1 512 28 259 | www.internationale-apotheke.at
LE<br />
GUIDE<br />
EINE NÜTZLICHE<br />
ÜBERSICHT ÜBER DIE<br />
WICHTIGSTEN ADRESSEN<br />
FÜR DIE INTERNATIONALE<br />
GEMEINSCHAFT.<br />
A USEFUL OVERVIEW OF<br />
THE MOST IMPORTANT<br />
ADDRESSES FOR THE<br />
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.
LE GUIDE ADDRESSES<br />
Useful addresses<br />
You are looking for an appropriate<br />
home for you and your<br />
family? Here you can find a<br />
selection of Vienna’s top real<br />
estate agents.<br />
Relocation Services<br />
organise everything for<br />
you – from moving your<br />
belongings to finding<br />
the right school for your<br />
children.<br />
Relocation Services<br />
Crown Worldwide GmbH<br />
Tel.: +43 1 51633-3168<br />
office@crownrelo.com<br />
www.crownrelo.com<br />
E.R.A. Executive Relocations Austria<br />
Tel.: +43 699 11 55 93 24<br />
office@era-relocation.com<br />
www.era-relocation.com<br />
E. Fall International Movers<br />
Tel.: +43 1 865 95 33<br />
office@e-fall.com<br />
www.e-fall.com<br />
Expat Consulting Real Estate &<br />
Relocation Services GmbH<br />
Tel.: +43 1 328 8818 0<br />
office@expat-consulting.com<br />
www.expat-consulting.com<br />
ICUnet.AG<br />
Tel.: +43 1 8778264-14<br />
info@icunet.ag<br />
www.icunet.ag<br />
Interdean Relocation Services<br />
Tel.: +43 1 865 4706<br />
vienna@interdean.com<br />
www.interdean.com<br />
Moves consulting Relocation<br />
Tel.: +43 1 956 58 31<br />
office@moves-consulting.com<br />
www.moves-consulting.com<br />
Presup – Professional Expat Support<br />
Tel.: +43 676 448 64 06<br />
info@presup.at<br />
www.presup.at<br />
Randos Relocation and Office Service<br />
GmbH<br />
Tel.: +43 1 710 33 18 0<br />
randos.vienna@relocation.at<br />
www.relocation.at<br />
Relocation Services Erika Strohmayer<br />
Tel.: +43 1 706 21 70<br />
office@relocation-services.at<br />
www.relocation-services.at<br />
Sobolak International GmbH<br />
Tel.: +43 2262 6910<br />
office@sobolak.com<br />
www.sobolak.com<br />
PHOTOS: WIEN TOURISMUS/LOIS LAMMERHUBER, PID/HANS STRUNZ<br />
Real Estate Agents<br />
BAR bareal Immobilientreuhand<br />
GmbH<br />
Tel.: +43 1 20 52 15<br />
office@bar.at<br />
www.bar.at<br />
Dr. Koch & Co. GesmbH<br />
Tel.: +43 1 479 15 58<br />
kochreal@kochreal.at<br />
www.kochreal.at<br />
EHL Immobilien GmbH<br />
Tel.: +43 1 512 76 90<br />
office@ehl.at<br />
www.ehl.at<br />
Heissenberger & Rainer Immobilien<br />
GmbH<br />
Tel.: +43 1 904 30 22<br />
t.heissenberger@hr-immo.at<br />
www.hr-immo.at<br />
Hübl & Partner GmbH<br />
Tel.: +43 1 277 88<br />
office@huebl-partner.com<br />
www.huebl-partner.at<br />
KMR Immobilien GmbH<br />
Tel.: +43 1 20 5 2 15<br />
raffi@bestapartments.at<br />
www.bestapartments.at<br />
ÖRAG Immobilien Vermittlungs<br />
GmbH<br />
Tel.: +43 1 534 73-240<br />
immobilienvermittlung@oerag.at<br />
www.oerag.at<br />
OTTO Immobilien GmbH<br />
Tel.: +43 1 512 77 77<br />
office@otto.at<br />
www.otto.at<br />
Real Good Living Real Estate Services<br />
Tel.: +43 1 890 <strong>01</strong> 52<br />
office@realgoodliving.at<br />
www.realgoodliving.at<br />
RE/MAX Solutions<br />
Tel.: +43 699 108 920 20<br />
offfice@remax-solutions.at<br />
http://www.remax-solutions.at/<br />
RUSTLER Immobilientreuhand GmbH<br />
Tel.: +43 1 894 97 49<br />
office@makler.rustler.eu<br />
www.makler.rustler.eu<br />
158 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5 159
LE XYX GUIDE XYXYXY ADDRESSES<br />
Amadeus International<br />
School provides all<br />
students with a comprehensive<br />
education in the<br />
performing arts.<br />
IMPRESSUM<br />
Lawyers<br />
Cerha Hempel Spiegelfeld Hlawati<br />
Tel.: +43 1 514 35 0<br />
office@chsh.com<br />
www.chsh.com<br />
CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz<br />
Tel.: +43 1 40 44 30<br />
vienna@cms-rrh.com<br />
www.cms-rrh.com<br />
Dorda Brugger Jordis<br />
Tel.: +43 1 533 4795-0<br />
office@dbj.at<br />
www.dbj.at<br />
Lansky, Ganzger + Partner<br />
Tel.: +43 1 533 33 30-0<br />
office@lansky.at<br />
www.lansky.at<br />
Rechtsanwaltskanzlei Nikolaus Rast<br />
Tel.: +43 1 317 12 26<br />
info@anwaltrast.at<br />
www.anwaltrast.at<br />
Schönherr Rechtsanwälte<br />
Tel.: +43 1 534 37-0<br />
office.austria@schoenherr.eu<br />
www.schoenherr.eu<br />
TaylorWessing enwc<br />
Tel.: +43 1 716 55 0<br />
vienna@taylorwessing.com<br />
www.taylorwessing.com/at/home.html<br />
Foreign and austrian embassies:<br />
For the lists of foreign embassies in Austria and the Austrian embassies abroad<br />
and the Foreign Trade Centers of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce,<br />
please visit our website at:<br />
www.cercle-diplomatique.com/vertretungen<br />
Health<br />
International Pharmacy<br />
Kärntner Ring 17<br />
1<strong>01</strong>0 Wien<br />
Tel.: +43 1 512 28 25<br />
www.internationale-apotheke.at<br />
Service Department for foreign patients<br />
of the Vienna Medical Association<br />
Tel.: +43 1 513 95 95<br />
viennamed@aekwien.at<br />
Austrian Health – agency for high<br />
quality medicine<br />
Tel.: +43 1 361 88 66<br />
info@austrianhealth.at<br />
www.austrianhealth.at<br />
mediclass<br />
Tel.: +43 1 890 45 20–60<br />
info@mediclass.com<br />
www.mediclass.com<br />
Private Clinics<br />
Goldenes Kreuz Privatklinik<br />
Tel.: +43 1 40 111-0<br />
www.goldenes-kreuz.at<br />
Privatklinik Döbling<br />
Tel.: +43 1 36 066-0<br />
www.pkd.at<br />
Rudolfinerhaus<br />
Tel.: +43 1 360 36<br />
www.rudolfinerhaus.at<br />
Wiener Privatklinik<br />
Tel.: +43 1 40 180<br />
www.wiener-privatklinik.com<br />
PHOTO: AMADEUS - INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL<br />
Security<br />
The investigator – The Bodyguard<br />
Tel.: +43 664 44 99 464<br />
office@derfahnder.at<br />
www.closeprotection.wien<br />
4mation<br />
Tel.: +43 664 124 14 67<br />
office@4mation.at<br />
www.4mation.at<br />
Transportation<br />
Vienna public transport information<br />
www.wienerlinien.at<br />
Austrian Federal Railways ÖBB<br />
www.oebb.at<br />
Austrian Airlines<br />
www.austrian.com<br />
Vienna Airport<br />
www.viennaairport.com<br />
Vienna Airportlines<br />
www.viennaairportlines.at<br />
CAT (City Airport Train)<br />
www.cityairporttrain.com<br />
Taxi 4<strong>01</strong>00<br />
www.taxi4<strong>01</strong>00.at<br />
Taxi 6<strong>01</strong>60<br />
www.taxi6<strong>01</strong>60.at<br />
Taxi 31300<br />
www.taxi31300.at<br />
Austrian Automobilist Club ÖAMTC<br />
(AAA – partner)<br />
call 120 for breakdown-assistance<br />
www.oeamtc.at<br />
International Schools in<br />
Vienna<br />
Vienna International School<br />
Straße der Menschenrechte 1, 1220 Vienna<br />
Tel.: +43 1 203 55 95-0<br />
Fax: +43 1 203 03 66<br />
www.vis.ac.at<br />
Mail: info@vis.ac.at<br />
The American International School<br />
Salmannsdorfer Straße 47, 1190 Vienna<br />
Tel.: +43 1 4<strong>01</strong> 32-0<br />
Fax: +43 1 4<strong>01</strong> 32-5<br />
www.ais.at<br />
Mail: info@ais.at<br />
Danube International School Vienna<br />
Josef-Gall-Gasse 2, 1020 Vienna<br />
Tel.: +43 1 720 31 10<br />
Fax: +43 1 720 31 10-40<br />
www.danubeschool.com<br />
Mail: info@danubeschool.com<br />
Amadeus – International School<br />
Vienna<br />
Bastiengasse 36-38, Haus 3, 1180 Vienna<br />
Tel.: +43 1 470 30 37-00<br />
www.amadeus-vienna.com<br />
Mail: info@amadeus-vienna.at<br />
Vienna Elementary School<br />
Lacknergasse 75, 1180 Vienna<br />
Tel.: +43 1 470 46 00<br />
Fax: +43 1 470 46 00-99<br />
www.vienna-elementary-school.at<br />
Mail: office@ves.at<br />
International Christian School of<br />
Vienna<br />
Wagramer Straße 175, 1220 Vienna<br />
Tel.: +43 1 251 22-0<br />
Fax: +43 1 251 22-518<br />
www.icsv.at<br />
Mail: office@icsv.at<br />
Lycée Français de Vienne<br />
Secondary school / Lycée:<br />
Lichtensteinstraße 37A, 1090 Vienna<br />
Tel.: +43 1 317 22 41<br />
Fax: +43 1 310 24 17<br />
Kindergarten + primary school /<br />
Maternelle et Elémentaire:<br />
Grinzingerstraße 95, 1190 Vienna<br />
Tel.: +43 1 370 12 17<br />
Fax: +43 1 370 12 17-22<br />
Web (for both): www.lyceefrancais.at<br />
Svenska Skolan / Swedish School<br />
Scheibelreitergasse 15, 1190 Vienna<br />
Tel.: +43 1 320 79 80<br />
Fax: +43 1 320 79 80-20<br />
www.svenskaskolan.at<br />
Mail: svenskaskolan@svenskaskolan.at<br />
Japanese School in Vienna<br />
Prandaugasse 2, 1220 Vienna<br />
Tel.: +43 1 204 22 <strong>01</strong>-0<br />
Fax: +43 1 204 22 <strong>01</strong>-85<br />
www.japaneseschool.at (Japanese only)<br />
Useful Links & Resources<br />
Emergency numbers<br />
(all without prefix):<br />
Fire-brigade 122<br />
Police 133<br />
Ambulance 144<br />
City Of Vienna<br />
www.wien.gv.at/english<br />
Vienna Tourist Board<br />
www.wien.info/en<br />
Immigration & residency<br />
www.wien.gv.at/english/administration/<br />
civilstatus<br />
Vienna Service Office<br />
(in the UN center)<br />
www.vso.wien.at<br />
Vienna Expat Center – A service<br />
provided by the City of Vienna:<br />
Schmerlingplatz 3, 1<strong>01</strong>0 Vienna<br />
Tel.: +43 1 4000-86949<br />
Info@expatcenter.at<br />
www.expatcenter.at<br />
<strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong> – ECONOMIQUE et<br />
TOURISTIQUE INTERNATIONAL<br />
Seit über 40 Jahren das führende Magazin<br />
Österreichs für das Diplomatische Corps, Internationale<br />
Organisationen, Wirtschaft, Unternehmen,<br />
Tourismus, Lifestyle & Kultur sowie Events<br />
Herausgeber:<br />
Andrea Fürnweger, Mag. Alexander Bursky &<br />
KR Prof. Waltraud Steinböck (Mitherausgeberin)<br />
Medieninhaber, Hersteller & Verleger:<br />
FCM firstclassmedia GmbH<br />
Pokornygasse 17/2, A-1190 Wien<br />
Tel.: +43 1 934 65 94, Fax: -4<br />
E-Mail: office@firstclassmedia.at<br />
www.firstclassmedia.at<br />
www.cercle-diplomatique.com<br />
Geschäftsführer:<br />
Mag. Alexander Bursky, Andrea Fürnweger<br />
Anzeigen:<br />
Mag. Alexander Bursky, Andrea Fürnweger,<br />
Michaela Hirsch, Eva Nikolaou, Gunther Pany<br />
Leitung Back-Office, Produktion &<br />
Druckunterlagen:<br />
Doris Schölnast, BA<br />
(doris.schoelnast@firstclassmedia.at)<br />
Redaktion:<br />
Mag. Petra Stix (Chefredaktion)<br />
petra.stix@firstclassmedia.at<br />
Mag. Gerald Sturz (redaktionelles Konzept)<br />
Michaela Hocek, Evelyn Rois & Bruno Stubenrauch,<br />
Mag. Eva Maria von Schilgen, Klaus Nadizar<br />
Art-Direktor:<br />
Ralph Manfreda<br />
Grafik:<br />
Gabriele Sonnberger<br />
Korrektur:<br />
Barbara Hofmann<br />
Transvox Language Services<br />
Übersetzungen:<br />
Tim Martinz-Lywood, M.A., European Exchange Ltd.<br />
Transvox Language Services<br />
Fotograf:<br />
Harald Klemm<br />
Druck:<br />
Berger Druck, Wiener Straße 80, 3580 Horn<br />
Erscheinungsweise:<br />
4 x p.a., 40.000 Auflage<br />
Abo:<br />
Heftpreis EURO 10,-, Jahresabo EURO 36,-<br />
(innerhalb Ö.)<br />
Alle Beiträge in <strong>CERCLE</strong> <strong>DIPLOMATIQUE</strong> sind<br />
urheberrechtlich geschützt. Eine Weiterverwertung<br />
und Reproduktion von Texten, Fotos und Layout<br />
ohne schriftliche Zustimmung des Verlages und des<br />
Designers ist untersagt und strafbar.<br />
Für unverlangt eingesandte Manuskripte, Fotos u.a.<br />
wird keinerlei Haftung übernommen.<br />
Für namentlich gekennzeichnete Artikel ist der<br />
Autor verantwortlich. Die Inhalte der Artikel spiegeln<br />
nicht zwangsläufig die Meinung der Herausgeber<br />
bzw. Redaktion wider. Alle hier bereitgestellten<br />
Beiträge dienen lediglich zu Informationszwecken<br />
sowie der freien Meinungsbildung.<br />
Preisliste gültig ab 1. Jänner 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Offenlegung:<br />
Die Offenlegung gem. § 25 Mediengesetz ist unter<br />
www.cercle-diplomatique.com/impressum ständig<br />
abrufbar.<br />
160 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5 161
AU REVOIR<br />
Stadtspaziergang<br />
City stroll<br />
Burggarten, 1. Bezirk | Burggarten, 1st. District<br />
Springtime again!<br />
Zeit, die ersten<br />
wärmenden Sonnenstrahlen<br />
in einem der<br />
vielen historischen<br />
Wiener Parks zu<br />
genießen – etwa<br />
zwischen den blühenden<br />
Baumriesen im<br />
Burggarten vor der<br />
beeindruckenden Fassade<br />
der Neuen Burg.<br />
Time to enjoy those first<br />
warming rays of sun in<br />
one of Vienna’s many<br />
historic parks and green<br />
spaces – between the<br />
huge, flourishing trees in<br />
Burggarten, for instance,<br />
in front of the imposing<br />
façade of the Neue Burg.<br />
PHOTO: ROIS&STUBENRAUCH<br />
162 Cercle Diplomatique 1/2<strong>01</strong>5
Das Beste kennt keine Alternative.<br />
Die neue C-Klasse Limousine. Jetzt bei Wiesenthal.<br />
Kraftstoffverbrauch (NEFZ) 4,0–6,0 l/100 km, CO 2<br />
-Emission 103–139 g/km. www.wiesenthal.at<br />
Autorisierter Mercedes-Benz Vertriebs- und Servicepartner<br />
Diplomatic Sales: Ing. Robert Krempel, Tel. <strong>01</strong>/60 1 76-254, Mag. Clemens Neukomm, Tel. <strong>01</strong>/60 1 76-228<br />
1104 Wien, Troststraße 109–111; Internet: www.wiesenthal.at
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