news region magazinE of the institute of the regions of europe • 38 / SEPTEMBER 2015
Feature: Broadband
expert conference on future communication infrastructure
3 António Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees on the burning issue of displaced persons
5 Broadband Networks: Putting data on highways instead of man
11 Industrial Heritage: New creative spaces for cultural and economic development 10 years IRE 13 10th anniversary of the IRE Politics and business meet to celebrate Ideas, 15 CoR adopted opinion on European Union‘s enlargement Visions, strategy 17 Regional elections: Activities facts & analysis FOCUS opinion & comment
vement with some refugees, as I mentioned, in the Cen- cially for people in need of protection. That is related to tral Mediterranean. Of course we have seen the marine resettlement opportunities; that is linked to humanita- rescues of last year and then all the difficulties of the rian admissions, and obviously two countries in Euro- beginning of the year, but finally I believe the European pe have had the biggest burden on that: Germany and Union has increased its capacity to rescue at sea. Now Sweden. lives are being saved in a much more effective way, and that was for us a first priority in any circumstance. Germany and Sweden received last year 43% of the asylum requests in Europe. There is no fair distribution But things are shifting. The arrivals in Greece are now of the situation within the European Union. We need bigger than the arrivals in Italy, and even if we count more legal avenues also in visa policies, in family reu- from the beginning of the year until now, the majority nification programmes, and at the same time we need António of the 150,000 already came to Greece. Greece has no to make sure that a mechanism of responsibility and capacity at all, either of reception or of integration of solidarity is created. Guterres people at the present moment. The reception system of Greece has 1100 spaces. Last weekend, 1900 people But at the same time we need to recognise that the UN High Commissioner came to Greece. This gives you an idea of the chaos that countries of entry have not the capacity to deal with for Refugees exists at the present moment in Greece in relation to such a huge problem. We need to have an effective me- the arrivals in the European Union. chanism of solidarity within the European Union. The 11 July 2015 relocation proposed that was presented was only for
© US Mission Geneva, flickr Obviously in this situation, and with the worsening of 40,000, and was also on a voluntary basis. the living conditions of Syrians in the neighbouring countries, 65% of the arrivals to Greece are already Sy- Finally, it would be very important also to address root rians and 85% are from conflict countries, which means causes. We know that the root causes in relation to the prevention of conflict are difficult, but at least in deve- We live in a dangerous world, and one of its symptoms is displacement. It is a symptom but that what we are witnessing is less and less of a migra- lopment cooperation policies a lot can be done. Euro- is also a relevant indicator of broader humanitarian, social, economic, political and security tion movement and more and more progressively a pean development cooperation very rarely takes into problems of our times. We recently published the statistics of 2014, and at the end of last refugee movement. Which of course highlights all the account human mobility. Spain has been quite success- year we had 59.5 million people displaced by conflict in the world. Roughly two thirds were obligations that Europe has in relation to international ful with its policy in relation to Western Africa, in which internally displaced, and one third refugees. Sometimes the internally displaced live much refugee law and in relation to the European legislation a lot of things have been done in order to create the worse lives than refugees because their government, that is supposed to protect them, can in itself. conditions for the populations there to have conditions be part of their problem. The drama is that people coming to Greece then tend to stay and not to be forced to move. But in general I believe the day before yesterday we have reached 150,000 people coming to Europe by to move onwards. The borders are with Bulgaria, and as development cooperation doesn‘t take into account boat. 150,000 people seems – and it is – a meaningful number, but let‘s not forget that we you know Bulgaria has had all the difficulties and pro- human mobility or the prevention of displacement. have today 4 million Syrian refugees, just Syrian refugees, and that a country like Lebanon blems that are well-known, and there is kind of a fence I think that it would be very important to look seriously has one-third of its population, as I mentioned, Syrian or Palestinian. at the Bulgarian border, then the former Yugoslav Repu- blic of Macedonia that also has the vulnerabilities that into what Europe is doing in countries of origin, coun- But in any case, it is an important challenge for Europe. Last year Europe had about 600,000 are known. The next is Serbia and the next is Hungary tries of first asylum, and countries of transit, in order asylum requests. This corresponds more-or-less to 1 per 1000 of the European Union popu- which has just announced the creation of a wall and a to increase there the capacity to absorb populations in lation. Now, think about an island with 1000 people, and if one person comes to that island, certain number of other very restrictive measures. distress, to give them opportunities, and to be able to we cannot say that the island has not the capacity to absorb that person. reduce the flows. Which means that we are going to see, in the months to So the first thing we should have is a sense of proportion of what we are discussing. It‘s a come, a very complex problem of movements of peo- Having said this, it is clear that in relation to conflict huge challenge for Europe, it‘s a meaningful movement of people, but it is not something ple from Turkey to Greece and through the Western Bal- situations the respect for the protection instruments comparable with the impacts that countries like Lebanon or Turkey or Jordan or Cameroon kans, for which I believe Europe needs to be prepared, that international law has established will also need to or Ethiopia or Kenya are having at the present moment. We need to avoid the kind of schi- and Europe needs to have a comprehensive response. be maintained and Europe needs to remain a continent zophrenic discussion that sometimes exists in Europe, namely about migration. of asylum. I think we need a European approach, and a compre- The problem is that we are now witnessing a movement within this displacement into Eu- hensive European approach. First of all, rescue at sea It is my belief that this will happen. There are some rope. It started essentially in the Central Mediterranean, and I would say it started with the needs to be maintained; saving lives remains a key distressing indications of rising xenophobia in some majority of people moving because of economic reasons; it was essentially a migration mo- humanitarian objective that cannot be denied. At the societies and more and more difficulties for societies same time, we need to massively support Italy, Greece, to understand the values of tolerance, of diversity, and and the countries in transit – in between –in order for of the fact that societies will become multi-cultural, them to be able to offer proper conditions of reception multi-ethnic, multi-religious. But at the same time I also and proper conditions of integration in their societies, see a lot of very dedicated organisations in civil socie- COVER: Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Af- or at least of transit in a humane perspective. ties, and several political leaders in different European fairs, Sebastian Kurz holding a speech at the 10th anniversary of You can find us on Facebook countries, that are strongly committed to make sure the IRE in Vienna https://www.facebook.com/institut.ire But we also need to do a number of other things. It‘s that Europe remains a continent of asylum, and that Photo: Ashraf Mahmoud (Department of Press and Informati- on, Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs) essential to crack down more effectively on smugglers Europe can have a comprehensive approach to this and traffickers, and what we have been doing until now problem based on a common responsibility, but also a IMPRESSUM Media owner and publisher: Institute of the Regions of Europe, A-5020 Salzburg, Nonntaler Hauptstraße 58, Tel.: +43/662/843288-0, Fax: +43/662/843288- is not enough. But cracking down on smugglers and common solidarity. 5050, www.institut-ire.eu, [email protected] • Editor and layout: printmedia, 5020 Salzburg • Photos: ire, Neumayr, Wikipedia, Schausberger, salzburgerland.com, Tourismus traffickers can only be effective if at the same time we Salzburg GmbH, Salzburg Congress, DomQuartier, Stieglkeller / dreamstime.com • Print: druck.at, A2544 Leobersdorf Source: http://www.unhcr.org/55ba370f9.html, (Excerpts from speech) Insofar as this publication features only personal designations in their gender-specific forms, they relate – insofar as this can be considered with regard to the content – to create more legal avenues to come into Europe, espe- men and women on equal terms. Photo: US Mission Geneva, flickr
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IRE-expert conference on Broadband Networks, 28th April 2015 in Linz, Austria: Putting data on highways instead of man
The development of broadband and high-speed internet connections is crucial for the quality of a location. Only with access to high speed internet, rural and border regions remain competitive. An efficient telecommunication infrastructure contributes to the development of interactive tech- nologies, growth and innovation. Best-practice examples for the development of regional and local IT and business locations on the way into the new digital age were presented at the IRE- conference “Broadband supply for regions and cities as precondition for the reduction of regional disparities“ on 28th April 2015 in the Power Tower of the Upper Austria regional infrastructure company Energie AG in Linz, Austria.
Avoid two-class-system in digital supply
Broadband Networks The European Union, national governments, federal states, regions and municipalities have to take all necessary measures in order to prevent a two-class-system in terms of digital supply, urged the chairman of the Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) Franz Schausberger at the IRE expert conference. The supply of remote, peripheral and rural regions with solid and ultra-fast information highways is an important structural and socio-political necessity and a part of the classical assignments of public services, compa- rable to the comprehensive supply of all areas with telephone lines in the 1970s. As part of E-Government, the public administrations offer an increasing number of online services. The aim is to provi- de faster services for citizens, said Schausberger. In addition, fast internet connections are relevant for tourists, who immediately from left: Werner Weihs-Raabl, Managing Director of the Group ask for WIFI once they find an accommodation. When moving to a Infrastructure Finance at the Erste Group Bank AG, Franz new home fast internet connection very often is more important Schausberger, IRE-Chairman, Josef Pühringer, Governor of Up- to people than parking spaces. per Austria and Alexander Schuster, CEO of ZTE Austria GmbH .
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Comprehensive broadband supply in Upper Austria until 2022 rences for the first time, which until now were not available in this quality. “Data, should be put on the highway, not men.” said Leo The expansion of the fiber optic network in Upper Austria is under- Windtner, Director General of Energie AG. way – all municipalities have already been connected. The current challenge is to lay the fiber optic lines from the approximately 900 distribution points in the municipalities to the companies and pri- Public-private partnerships for financing vate households, explained Josef Pühringer, governor of the state In Germany and France private funds have already been used of Upper Austria. In urban areas broad band with private househol- for the expansion of the broadband network in recent years. ds is currently being expanded, which can be co-financed with EU- The broadband expansion cannot solely be financed by the pu- fundings. A new funding mechanism for companies was set up by blic sector, if a satisfying and modern quality is expected. This the economic department of Upper Austria on 1st January 2015 has also been recognized by the EU, which has set up so-called whereby small and medium-sized enterprises are awarded up to “Project Bond”. The Project Bond is an initiative by the European fifty percent (max. € 5000) of non-repayable grants for the produc- Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB), which fi- tion of fiber optic connections. Altogether € 2.5 million are availa- nances the broadband networks for municipalities and cities, ble for this purpose in 2015 and 2016. from left: Hans-Peter Wilhelmer, CEO of Fibre Network reported Werner Weihs-Raabl, Managing Director of the Group The required investments are enormous: According to current cal- Construction GmbH, Anna Krzyżanowska from the EU-Com- Infrastructure Finance at Erste Bank AG. The aim is to make large culations the large-scale expansion in Upper Austria amounts for mission in Brussels, Leo Windtner, General Director of Ener- investments in infrastructure projects attractive for capital market from left: Ernst-Olav Ruhle of SBR-net Consulting AG, Marcus about € 1.2 to 1.7 billion. The public sector alone cannot afford this, gie AG Oberösterreich and Alfred Ruzicka from the Federal investors. According to the European Commission € 2 trillion must Grausam, Chief Technical Officer of A1 Telekom, Jan Trionow, therefore, private investors are needed. Many examples in Austria Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology. be invested in infrastructure in order to fulfil the objectives of CEO of Hutchison Drei Austria and Christian Kohr from the Eu- show that the private sector promotes the broadband expansion Europe’s 2020 strategy. ropean Investment Bank (EIB). – with, as well as without – the support of the public sector. Ho- The Project Bond Initiative mobilizes private funds from lead part- wever, private investors see no incentives for rural areas. Hence, tion points in all municipalities of Upper Austria. Thanks to “Energie ners who carry out eligible infrastructural projects. The eligible Connecting Europe Facility (CEP) with € 150 million and Juncker’s peripheral regions need supporting measures financed by public AG” Upper Austria is one of Europe’s pioneering regions. Today´s projects are mostly public private partnerships. The funding peri- investment plan with € 315 billion. Still, a major part of the fun- subsidy programs. proceeding digitalization demands powerful broadband connec- od is 20 to 25 years. “Broadband access is a basic service and the in- ding needs to be made available from the federal government to tions with 100 Mbit/s. A fiber optic connection combines supreme vestment pays off“, added Weihs-Raabl. position Austria among the top ICT nations like Finland, Singapore quality, almost unrestricted power and security and is the gateway Top-speed and highest safety in the best data network and Sweden. to a new era of digital communication. The fiber optic network has Upper Austria, as one of the first regions in Europe, offers a large- been recently opened for private households. The data network Broadband paves way for smart regions Currently 81 percent of all Austrians use the internet, most of them scale fiber optic newtwork provided by “Energie AG Oberösterrei- of the “Energie AG” offers home-office-jobs with unrestricted in- use the basic access with 2 Mbit/s, only about 48,2 percent of Broadband supply with ultra-fast data connection is essential for ch” and its partners. The 4.500 km long data network has connec- formation access and possibilities for telephone and video confe- Austria’s citizens have a 100 Mbit/s connection. the competitiveness of an area. Smart applications based on a sta- ble infrastructure could be established in fields such as education, Therefore, the working program of the Austrian Federal Govern- administration, tourism and transport. Alexander Schuster, CEO ment “Digitale Offensive” for 2013-2018 has been implemented to of ZTE Austria explained: “Smart regions are not a trend or even facilitate the nationwide availability of high-performance broad- luxury. Densely populated regions in China and South America band infrastructure, explained Alfred Ruzicka from the Federal feel the pressure to make social interaction more Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Techno- stable. And that is exactly what technology does logy. The broadband billion for the period of – provide innovative solutions in order to supply 2015 to 2020 was adopted. The concrete objec- people nationwide, reduce disparities and mini- It is crucial not to tive is to supply 70 percent of households with mize the social and economic gaps.” Even Austria an ultra-fast broadband connection by 2019 is facing the challenge of strengthening its regi- miss out on the and to reach almost all households by 2020. ons, linking business locations nation-wide and technological creating a future vision by investing in broadband development. In other panel discussions experts from the expansion. “It is crucial not to miss out on the tech- telecommunication sector such as Marcus nological development. A smart Austria is within “Alexander Schuster, Grausam, the Chief Technical Officer of A1 Te- Rooted in Lower Austria. reach if it sets the right course for the future now. CEO of ZTE Austria lekom, Ernst-Olav Ruhle of SBR-net Consulting The broadband billion is an important step to- AG and Jan Trionow, CEO of Hutchison deba- wards Austria’s digitalization and improvement of ted on future developments for broadband competitiveness”, said Schuster. The technology expert sees the coverage in rural areas. Successful in Europe. cooperation between regions, the federal government, the tele- The challenges of Open Networks in terms of construction, opera- communications industry, technological neutrality and innovative tion and financing were analyzed by Hans-Peter Wilhelmer, CEO consortium solutions as an important precondition for an efficient of Fibre Network Construction GmbH, Christian Kohr of the Euro- broadband expansion. pean Investment Bank (EIB) from Luxembourg, Henri Piganeau of Cube Infrastructure Funde from Paris as well as Huub van Etteko- EU financing of the expansion ven of OpenNet Europe from Amsterdam.
The broadband infrastructure is also a top priority for the Juncker The aim of the conference was to highlight best-practice exa- Commission, reported Anna Krzyżanowska from the EU Commis- mples for the development of regional and local IT and business sion in Brussels. Half of all households in the EU are to be supplied locations on the way into the new digital age. The Institute of www.evn.at with 100 Mbit/s by 2020. The Commission offers three different the Regions of Europe had organized its first broadband confe- financial instruments for the period of 2014 -2020: the European rence a year ago, on May 27th, 2014 in Hallwang near Salzburg, Structural and Investment Fund with more than € 6 billion, the Austria.
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Supplying broadband in the regions: European broadband connections – prerequisite for removing regional disparities a comparison of three countries Research Paper by Stefanie Gaisbichler by Alexander Schuster, CEO of ZTE Austria The European integration is being dis- Toolbox’ the European Commission offers Belgium has a good broadband penetra- cussed more and more. A reason for this help to the national and regional authori- tion, but the speed is not comparable to Nobody would dispute how important it is to sup- tourism regions), on the other mobile telephony, might be that it affects the daily life of EU ties when they face major difficulties. Romania’s. Although, Slovakia’s starting ply broadband services to the regions of Europe particularly for the rapid connection of remote inhabitants to a greater extent nowadays For example, the three countries Belgium, position is similar to Romania’s, its strategy and Austria in order to keep up with current digital areas. This ensures a comprehensive supply as well than it did only some years ago. Within the Slovakia and Romania have completely is more comparable to Belgium’s. developments. Countries and regions need ultra- as brisk competition and thus good prices for con- EU it has been decided that the European different approaches. The European Union At the moment, the Belgian authorities are fast internet as a prerequisite for modern applica- sumers. integration should also be supported in has made a ranking of all the countries, digitalizing their documents in order to tions. In addition, smart applications are already the field of broadband internet. Therefore, which shows the penetration and quali- make them available online. In Romania being made available that are bringing about con- Strategic public sector planning the ‘Digital Agenda for Europe’-strategy ty of broadband internet. In this ranking this is of no importance and in Slovakia siderable improvements in the areas of education, Regions need a properly considered roadmap for was developed in 2010. It is a part of the Denmark is the number one while Roma- such online documents are used to put administration, tourism and transport. The future their broadband initiatives, one that ensures the Europe 2020 goals and has to be realized, nia takes last place. Being in the twentieth pressure on the inhabitants. This way they of successful regions therefore depends on ultra- efficient use of resources. Failing to do this could as the name already says, by 2020. The place, Slovakia is closer to the middle, , and will be motivated to use these documents fast data connections. result in support being given to random broad- three main goals of the ‘Digital Agenda Belgium is in the fifth place. In general, it in their daily life and to get more familiar In order to provide the best possible support for state subsidies as band infrastructure projects that ultimately generate less than suf- for Europe’ are the realization of a broad- cannot be said with one hundred percent with the digital world. While Romania puts they are currently planned and rolled out in Europe, regions and ficient benefit for users. The following three points must be taken band penetration of 100 percent in all of certainty, which achievement of a coun- the emphasis on public internet, Slovakia the companies in the ICT sectors should put accompanying strate- into consideration in such a plan: the EU until 2013, broadband internet of try is due to a successful realisation of the and Belgium support the use of private gic preconditions in place or take active measures: Avoiding a “funding patchwork”. A central, countrywide funding more than 30 megabits per second should strategy and which due to the natural de- internet. In Romania each village has ‘tele- agency at national level is absolutely essential for ensuring the ef- be used until 2020 and 50 percent or more velopment of the digital market. Because centra’, for instance in schools, where the Collaboration between countries and operators/network ficient use of resources. households in the EU should use broad- of this, one does not know for sure why Romanians have free access to broadband band internet of more than 100 megabits outfitters Ensuring the funding delivers tangible benefits is critical: it needs the less developed countries in this area internet. The acquisition of broadband per second until 2020. are still that far behind the EU average. internet is still quite expensive in the two Regions are the experts when it comes to creating a regional focus. coordinated, integrated infrastructure development and operator It is not only of advantage for the EU to Romania and Slovakia face the problems more eastern countries. For the realization In order to continue expanding networks into the future, regional concepts. A decoupling of the two components should not be fun- have a good broadband connection, but of huge rural areas and a relatively weak of their strategy the Romanians have foun- planning and development, such as the creation of new techno- dable with regard to long-term profitability. also for the individual countries. It simpli- purchasing power. These are two aspects ded a new authority, the Belgians consider logy centres, must be taken into account. Operators and network EU states should allow really innovative solutions for their regions: fies communication across borders and that make it really difficult for those two it to be the responsibility of the already outfitters can in particular bring their expertise to bear in coopera- appropriate here would be, for example, operator consortia sub- brings economic advantages. These are for countries to reach the EU goals. Now their existing authorities and the Slovakians tion with the federal provinces, especially with regard to the opti- ject to anti-trust scrutiny in order to increase efficiency and offer a instance a better and more sustainable de- strategies have started to pay off and both have a more creative approach and see it misation of fibre optic and mobile telephony technologies. mix of technology. velopment and a higher competitiveness. countries are making huge steps towards as a part of the work of their Minister of According to the European Commission, a the digital goals. Finance. Contrary to Belgium, where inha- Technology neutrality Only those regions that award public funds for expanding broad- higher broadband penetration rate incre- In the IT sector there are big differences bitants have to inform themselves about Regions need a mix of technologies: on the one hand a strong band with a well-considered plan will actually obtain the quality ases the GDP by 1-1.5 per cent. Further- between the countries. Belgium does changes in the broadband area, the Slova- fixed network for business locations (commercial/industrial areas, of a “digitalisation infrastructure” that makes them competitive in more, the EU tries to maintain its leading not see a need to increase its number of kian authorities publish this data, to keep Europe in terms of location policy. role in this area with the new strategy. As technicians. This might be the case be- the inhabitants always up to date. a good broadband is determined by many cause Belgium always has had good cir- The illustration underneath shows the aspects it is not easy to realize the plans. cumstances. The country’s geography and broadband access of the households in Vienna: Hub for telecommunications equipment and network solutions Each country must develop a suitable na- size are favourable for the installation of a the chosen countries compared to the tional broadband strategy and then try to broadband internet and its capital is the average access in the European Union. realize it. Taking a closer look at this, one capital of the EU as well. In order to have Vienna as the hub for Eastern Europe: Since 2009, the Chinese nications market, including mobile telephony, access and bearer (Compare Eurostat 2015) discovers that there are many different a high penetration rate, Belgium has had technology firm ZTE Corporation, a leading developer, manufac- networks, value-added services, terminal equipment and profes- strategies throughout Europe, as the coun- to do less in comparison to the other two Sources: turer and provider of state-of-the-art telecommunications equip- sional services. The company supplies innovative, customised pro- tries also have different approaches to si- countries. Slovakia and Romania on the Bohlin, E. & Teppayayon, O. (2010): http:// ment and network solutions, has been supporting more than 20 ducts and services to over 500 operators in more than 160 coun- ssrn.com/abstract=1989675 milar obstacles. With the ‘Digital Agenda other hand understand the importance of mobile telephony operators in the region from its Austrian regi- tries and helps them to meet the changing requirements of their European Commission (2015): DOI: this sector for their future onal centre - and the trend is rising. Among its major clients are customers while achieving lasting growth in sales. ZTE invests ten 10.2759/24341 development. They try to European Union (2013) paper: Summary of a the domestic mobile phone companies Telekom Austria, T-Mobile percent of its annual turnover in research and development and increase the number of Survey on the Europe 2020 Flagship Initiative Austria and Hutchison Drei Austria. According to Alexander Schu- plays a leading role in numerous international committees invol- “A Digital Agenda for Europe” mathematicians and to ster, CEO of ZTE Austria: “ZTE Austria is one of the most important ved in the development of new telecommunications standards. ITU (2012). Paper: Strategies for the promoti- offer good and very fast in- on of broadband services and infrastructure: locations for ZTE Corporation and at the same time the regional Because the company places great importance on Corporate So- ternet, which also pleases a case study on Romania. hub for the entire Eastern European area.” cial Responsibility (CSR), it is a member of the UN Global Compact. tourists. While the instal- Point Topic (2015) Belgium is a leader in su- perfast broadband coverage, URL: http:// lation of very fast inter- Strong numbers: 500 network operators, 160 countries The company is the only Chinese telecommunications supplier point-topic.com/press-and-events/2012/bel- net is still in progress and gium-is-a-leader-in-superfast-broadband- listed simultaneously on the Hong ZTE Austria GmbH is the Austrian subsidiary of the international one of the major goals of coverage/ (Stand: 23.6.2015). Kong and Shenzhen exchanges OECD.org (2015a) Historical time series, fixed ZTE Corporation, a publicly listed global provider of telecommuni- Belgium, this has already (H-shares, share code: 0763.HK / A- and wireless broadband penetration. URL: cations equipment and network solutions. Its comprehensive ran- been realized in Romania, shares, share code: 000063.SZ). http://www.oecd.org/sti/broadband/oecdb- ge of products covers practically all segments of the telecommu- (compare Eurostat 2015) especially in the big cities. roadbandportal.htm (Stand 19.6.2015).
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Conference on Industrial Heritage, 15th May in Novi Sad, Serbia: New creative spaces for cultural and economic development from left: Branislav Bugarski, Andrä Rupprechter, Franz Schausberger ndustrial built heritage represents a multidisciplinary field of berger and the Rector of the University of Novi Sad PhD Radovan © ACC research and practice, which is gaining importance. The enti- Pejanović inaugurated the conference. More than 130 participants Ire territory of Serbia keeps the remains of old mines, factories, attended this event. mills, canals, locks, rail facilities, warehouses and workers‘ colonies Alongside the conference IRE Chairman Franz Schausberger met that are constant reminders of life and work throughout the past the Austrian Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Environ- two centuries. Serbia´s industrial heritage reflects a wider Euro- ment and Water Management Andrä Rupprechter. Together pean heritage and reminiscence because the buildings and infra- with Branislav Bugarski, a member of the Government of Vojvo- structure were mostly built by engineers from different European dina responsible for inter-regional cooperation, local government countries in the late 19th and early 20th century. Despite the grow- and European Affairs, the economic situation in Serbia and the ing interest, a largest number of these facilities is neglected, aban- cooperation with Austria was discussed. The Federal Minister Rup- doned, left to oblivion and gradual devastation. A large number prechter attended the International Agricultural Fair, one of the of these buildings are not yet well understood and appropriately most important in South-Eastern Europe, which was organized valorized, neither have they enjoyed legal protection. by the Austrian Agricultural Cluster (AAC) in Novi Sad. This year‘s The Government of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, the fair was held under the title „Optimal way to use the agricultural Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) and Suburbium organized Funds – Experience from Austria and chances for Serbia“ on 14th this conference focusing firstly, on the Schools of thought, re- May, 2015.
© http://pinsta.me/incredible_serbia search, preservation and promotion of industrial he- The AAC - Austrian Agricultural Cluster - is an in- ritage, and secondly, on the revitalization of indus- novative association of Austrian companies, which trial heritage buildings in the context of sustainable have been successfully active in foreign trade for development and building identity of local commu- Industrial Heritage several years. Through the network of qualified nities, cities, regions and nations. companies in various fields of agriculture and food- A best-practice example was mentioned by the processing, the AAC is a competent partner for all- IRE-Chairman Franz Schausberger, who described in-solutions through the whole food-chain. Austria the successful revitalization of the underground and Serbia intensify cooperation regarding cattle salt mine in Hallein, near Salzburg in Austria. It is the Franz Schausberger breeding. Both Ministers of Agriculture, Andrä oldest mine in the world open to visitors and it beca- and Slaviša Grujić Rupprechter and Snezana Bogosavljevic Bosko- me a museum in 1994. It operates successfully and vic, signed a corresponding memorandum of un- offers 9 underground floors. With about 260.000 visitors per year derstanding in the Serbian City of Novi Sad. it is one of the popular tourist attractions in the Salzburg Region. Austrian Cattle exporter Klinger active in Vojvodina The purpose of this conference was to contribute to the process of The first project was signed between one of the largest cattle ex- changing the current trend by influencing perception and sharing porters in Austria, the Lower Austrian cattle trading company Klin- awareness of this significant industrial heritage fond that Serbia ger, and the city of Zrenjanin in Vojvodina. In a first step, Klinger possesses. Examples of other European countries were presented, will provide Zrenjanin with 60 cattles. The animals from Austria will especially those where industrial heritage has become an impor- be settled largely to farmers in the region. „We want to revive the tant catalyst for social and economic development through their export of Austrian breeding cattle,“ says Rupprechter. These have revitalization and their function in a wider contribution to the de- declined lately. A new farm bill in Serbia also allows the purchase velopment of new creative space, art, tourism, small businesses of livestock. and particularly identity of the local community. Additionally, the up-to-date results of studies, research and concrete actions Safe Export in this field were presented by the international speakers from With the new export initiative the Austrian Ministry for Agricul- Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Belgium, England, Romania, Hungary ture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management aims at broa- and Austria. The Conference was held under the patronage of dening the export business and make it crisis-proof. The Western In kind cooperation with: the Provincial Secretariat for Culture and Public Information of AP Balkans, in particular EU candidate Serbia, are regarded as future Vojvodina, which, for the past ten years, has strongly encouraged markets for agriculture, forestry and environmental technology. In all purposeful activities in the field of industrial heritage preserva- order to support the EU accession of the country and ensure the tion, especially those focused on recognition of the significance, transfer of know-how, the Austrian agricultural attaché has reloca- conservation and efficient management of the industrial heritage ted its office from Croatia to Serbia. „We want to support Serbia in resources. Member of the Provincial Government for Culture and getting the EU funds“, says Christian Brawenz. Serbia gets € 175 Public Information Slaviša Grujić, the IRE-Chairman Franz Schaus- million for agricultural purposes as part of the pre-accession aid.
10 newsregion 38 / september15 newsregion 38 / september15 11 FOCUS FOCUS info & partners events Professional practice Politics and business celebrate in Istria County within th the framework of the 10 anniversary of the IRE
he Institute of the Regions of Europe Specialised Programme has celebrated its 10th anniversary Ton 29th May 2015 with members and “Management of partners of its network as well as high- ranking guests from politics, diplomacy Regional Development and economics in the Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs. The Insti- tute was founded in Salzburg in 2004 by through EU Funds“ former Salzburg Govenor Prof. Dr. Franz Schausberger, who has created a forum for regions, municipalities and internatio- Within the framework of the Specialised The study tour started with the visit to the partment for Decentralization, Local and nal companies in Europe. Lifelong Learning Programme “Manage- Centre for EU and International Coopera- Regional Self-Government, Planning and from left: Prof. Dr. Franz Schausber- The main aim was to point out the incre- ment of Regional Development through tion, in Bale, where the EU funded projects: Construction at Region of Istria, empha- ger, Dr. Theo Waigel, Prof. Dr. Gabriele asing importance of regions and munici- EU Funds“, a professional practice was held “Revitas”, “Heart of Istria”, “Adriamuse”, “Pa- sized that the cooperation between Istria Krone-Schmalz, Federal Minister Seba- palities for European politics and for eco- in Istria County, Croatia from 29th June to renzana” and “Re.d.d Hill” were presented County and the Autonomous Province of stian Kurz und Dr. Wolfgang Schüssel nomic development. „As a historian I know 2nd July 2015, on the basis of the signed by Mrs. Patrizia Bosich, Head of the Ad- Vojvodina could be enhanced by new acti- that ten years is not a very long time, as Protocol of Cooperation between the Au- ministrative Department for International vities and joint projects. the Head of the Institute of the Regions tonomous Province of Vojvodina and Istria Cooperation and European Affairs, and The Specialised Lifelong Learning Pro- of Europe I have learned how much can County, and given the fact that Istria Coun- Ms. Bojana Puljko, Senior Associate for gramme “Management of Regional De- be done in ten years, how much work is ty proved to be an example of best prac- International Projects. At the Historical velopment through EU Funds” is being involved in the numerous activities and tice in the use of EU funds. The visit was and Maritime Museum of Istria, in Pula, the implemented by the European Affairs that it is not self-evident that such an in- organised by the European Affairs Fund of “HERA” project funded under the IPA Adri- Fund of AP Vojvodina, in cooperation with stitute has successfully survived for ten AP Vojvodina with the support of the Istri- atic Cross-border Cooperation Programme the University of Novi Sad. The objective years „said Prof. Dr. Franz Schausberger in an Cultural Agency and Mrs. Aleksandra was presented. is information dissemination on EU pro- his welcome address. Austria‘s Minister for Vinkerlić, Director. The following day, the study tour continu- cesses and regional policies, as well as on Foreign Affairs and Integration Sebastian In addition to the Fund‘s representatives, ed in Pazin with the visit to cultural insti- the importance and opportunities for ac- Kurz, Head of the European Commission the participants were comprised of the at- tutions and associations in Pula: Alliance cessing EU funds, so as to obtain an ade- Representation in Austria Dr. Johann Soll- tendees of the first generation of the Pro- of Rojc Associations, Portal Kulturistra, quate analysis of regional development gruber and former Austrian Chancellor Dr. gramme, representatives of the Provincial Pula Film Festival, Metamedia Association, in the framework of EU integration, with Wolfgang Schüssel congratulated the IRE Secretariat for Interregional Cooperation where the “Creative EU“ project was pre- the aim of making relevant decisions and on its round jubilee. and Local Self-Government, Provincial Se- sented, followed by the visit to the Agen- bringing conclusions in terms of project A keynote speech on „Europe‘s future – a cretariat for Culture and Public Informati- cy for Rural Development of Istria Region management and programme and project way out of the crisis“ was held by the for- on, Assembly of AP Vojvodina and Radio (AZZRI), where the focus was on the Stra- documentation development in the EU ac- mer German finance minister and „Father Television of Vojvodina. The purpose of the tegic Program of Rural Development for cession process. The Programme is aimed of the Euro“ Dr. Theo Waigel. „It would be visit was to familiarise the participants with the Istria County, and to the Educational at the employees of local self-government bearable for Europe if Greece left the Euro- the work and experience of the county in Gastro Centre of Istria, where the “KEY Q – units, provincial administration, develop- zone, but it would be a disaster for Gree- programmes enhancing rural and regional A Key for the Quality in the Development ment agencies, public utility enterprises, ce”, he said and continued: „The entry of development, as well as cultural and me- and Responsible Value Build Up of Agro- educational and cultural institutions, civil Greece into the euro zone was a mistake, dia development. An important segment Food Resources from Both Adriatic Coasts“ society organisations, small and medium- I have always turned it down in my term of the study visit was acquaintance with project was introduced. At the House of sized enterprises and entrepreneurs, uni- of office.” Waigel reported on the history of the practical application of the gained Frescoes in Draguć, the host was Mr. Vla- versities, research institutes and other in- the Euro. He gave an insight into the for- knowledge and examples of best practice dimir Torbica, Head of the Department stitutions that may be beneficiaries of EU mer negotiations, which he conducted as in the use of EU funds. of Culture of Istria, who presented the EU funds. The first generation of attendees former German Minister of Finance. Ano- funded project “Revitas“. In addition, the completed the first semester in June 2015 ther speech was delivered by the German European Affairs Fund of AP Vojvodina ex- and the second semester is due in Septem- television journalist and former Moscow plored the possibilities of future coopera- ber 2015, whereas the second generation correspondent Prof. Dr. Gabriele Krone- tion with the Istrian Development Agency is to start the programme in the autumn Schmalz on the topic „Russia, the Ukraine (IDA) in Pula. 2015. and the West.“ While meeting the study visit participants, European Affairs Fund of Autonomous The ceremony was officially closed with Viviana Benussi, Deputy Prefect of Istra Province of Vojvodine the European anthem. County and Marin Grgeta, Head of the De- www.vojvodinahouse.eu Photos: Franz Neumayr/ MMV
12 newsregion 38 / september15 newsregion 38 / september15 13 FOCUS FOCUS info & partners committee of the regions
Oberösterreichische CoR adopted opinion on European Union‘s enlargement strategy: Konjunktur- und Call for further regionalising Wachstumsinitiative and decentralising reforms in
Als Reaktion auf die hartnäckige Konjunkturdelle enlargement countries in Oberösterreich aufgrund der schwierigen euro- päischen Situation haben alle vier im Oö. Landtag he European Committee of the Re- administrations, it will be very difficult for vertretenen Parteien in der Landtagssitzung am gions adopted its recommendations the Former Yugoslav Republic of Mace- Insgesamt soll die Konjunktur- und Wachstumsinitiative des Tfor the European Union‘s enlarge- donia, Montenegro, Serbia and especially 18. Juni 2015 einstimmig eine Konjunktur- und Landes OÖ ein Investitionsvolumen von über 500 Mio. Euro ment strategy “Enlargement strategy and for Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo th Wachstumsinitiative beschlossen. auslösen. Fotos: Land OÖ main challenges 2014-2015” on 16 April [under UNSCR 1244] and Turkey to join the 2015. The opinion, drafted by Prof. Franz EU. It is therefore essential for local and re- Schausberger (AT/EPP), Delegate of the gional representatives to become part of Die Förderungsmittel sind seit 1. Juli 2015 freigegeben und stehen zungsfinanzierung zur Verfügung. Im Rahmen des Investitionsvor- Region of Salzburg to the Committee of the accession process in good time. If this bis Ende 2016 zur Verfügung. Insgesamt wird durch die erwartete ziehprojekts werden Investitionen in allen Ressorts des Landes OÖ the Regions, analyses the situation in each will not be accomplished, there will be dire Hebelwirkung bei Förderungen von 1:3 ein Investitionsvolumen gefördert. of the candidate and potential candidate consequences and problems regarding von 348,65 Millionen Euro durch das Konjunkturpaket und von countries, aiming to facilitate the task of the implementation of EU policies and the Die Drittmittelermächtigung der Landesimmobiliengesellschaft 156,47 Millionen Euro durch die Wachstumsinitiative erwartet. the local and regional authorities to pre- use of European funds“, said the rappor- wird zur Gänze ausgeschöpft und durch das Konjunkturprogramm pare for their future responsibilities in the teur Franz Schausberger. Das Konjunkturpaket um 20 Mio. Euro aufgestockt. Insgesamt stehen für das Baupro- European Union, to obtain recognition of gramm damit 32,65 Mio. Euro zur Verfügung, die unter anderem The CoR calls for the European Commis- Für das Konjunkturpaket werden 10 Prozent der frei verfügbaren their role and to establish and develop für Investitionen bei Schulen, Museen, Amtsgebäuden und Photo- sion to exert more pressure on the subsi- Franz Schausberger with the President Mittel, die im Budget 2015 gesperrt waren, nun für ausschließlich contacts and cooperation with their EU voltaikanlagen herangezogen werden. diarity principle and points to the need for of the CoR, Markku Markkula (FIN). investive Ausgaben zur Verfügung gestellt. Diese Fördermittel von counterparts. further regionalising and decentralising 32 Mio. Euro sollen in der Hebelwirkung zu einer wirksamen Inves- Die Mittel aus dem Programm können nur für Investitionsförde- The CoR shares the view of the European reforms in the enlargement countries. titionssumme von 96 Mio. Euro führen. rungen in Anspruch genommen werden, und die Baumaßnahmen gional assemblies and municipal councils, Commission on the need for a period of müssen bis Ende 2016 im Wesentlichen gesetzt sein. Bevorzugt „It is absolutely crucial that the Commis- and a constructive and sustainable dialo- Weitere gesperrte und bisher nicht freigegebene Übertragungs- consolidation, but stresses that this must gefördert werden Projekte mit vergleichsweise größerer Hebel- sion goes into greater detail about local gue across the political spectrum. „Targe- mittel aus früheren Budgetjahren in Höhe von 20 Mio. Euro wer- not result in a standstill. The period of five wirkung, um ein größtmögliches Investitionsvolumen zu erzielen. and regional self-government in its future ted action plans for the reform of regional den für Investitionsförderungen bereitgestellt. Die wirksame years must be understood as a phase of enlargement strategy reports. In most ac- and local authorities — such as those in Investitionssumme beläuft sich auf 60 Mio. Euro. Die Wachstumsstrategie intense preparation and adoption of the cession countries, democratic institutions Montenegro and Serbia — have resulted policies required to meet the criteria for Durch das Investitionsvorziehpaket werden zudem geplante in- Mit der Wachstumsstrategie wiederum wird durch vielfältige Maß- such as regional assemblies and govern- positively“, Schausberger noted. EU membership. A realistic prospect of EU vestive Projekte unterstützt, die bereits zwischen Juli 2015 und nahmen, Förderungen und Initiativen aktive Arbeitsmarkt- und ments, municipal councils and mayors and membership is a key stabilising factor and Source: CoR-press release Dezember 2016 vorzeitig umgesetzt werden können. Die Förder- Standortpolitik betrieben. Es werden stimulierte Investitionen von electoral processes must be brought up to an important incentive to implement the mittel belaufen sich auf 45 Mio. Euro aus Landesbeiträgen, die eine rund 157 Mio. Euro und ein generierter Beschäftigungseffekt von European standards“, stressed Schausber- necessary political and economic reforms. Investitionssumme von 135 Mio. Euro bewirken sollen. Zusätzlich bis zu 6.332 Arbeitsplätzen erwartet. ger. The opinion underlines the fundamental stehen noch 25 Mio. Euro an Bedarfszuweisungsmitteln als Ergän- Insgesamt soll die gesamte Konjunktur- und Wachstumsinitiati- role of local and regional representatives The opinion underlines the necessity of ve durchschnittlich rund 11.000 zusätzliche Arbeitsplätze für die in the enlargement process and encou- strengthening democratic institutions and Jahre 2015 und 2016 schaffen. Mit diesen starken Impulsen sollen rages enlargement countries in their de- respecting fundamental rights and the rule der heimische Arbeitsmarkt spürbar entlastet und Oberösterreichs centralisation and regionalisation efforts. of law, including fair electoral processes Wirtschaft merklich gestärkt werden. and proper functioning of parliaments, re- „Without effective regional and municipal Entgeltliche Einschaltung
Strategic Partner of the IRE from left: Vice-President of the CoR and President of the Government of the German-speaking Community in Belgium Karl-Heinz Lambertz, CoR- Die Schaffung von Arbeitsplätzen und die Stärkung des Wirt- rapporteur Franz Schausberger and schaftsstandortes Oberösterreich stehen im Mittelpunkt. expert Zuzana Kliska.
14 newsregion 38 / september15 newsregion 38 / september15 15 FOCUS special projects & events
Regional elections u u u Regional elections u u u Regional elections © iStockphoto.com/RichVintage
Cantonal Elections in Zurich, Elections in Bremen, Germany Switzerland A PLACE WHERE Losses for Social-Democrats The big parties remain stable Local elections were held in the state of Bremen, Germany, on 10th
May 2015. Bremen is one of Germany’s three city states and has For the first time since 1991, the liberal FDP (Free Democratic Par- been governed by the social-democratic SPD for more than se- IDEAS GROW ty) has won votes and gained eight additional seats in the canton venty years. The Free Hanseatic City of Bremen is made up of two parliament of Zurich. However, there have been losses for the geographical separated parts: Bremen and Bremerhaven. In the Green Party and the Green Liberals. The Greens have lost six, the last few years a coalition of the SPD and the Greens governed the Green Liberals five seats. SVP (Swiss People’s Party), FDP and CVP smallest of Germany’s states. But both parties registered serious (Christian Social Party) form the majority in the new parliament. losses at this year’s elections. However, they still retain a slight ma- jority. The coalition parties were surprised by the negative results. The SPD started its election campaign very confident and even relabelled its “election programme” into “government programme”.
AND TURN INTO The results of the state elections changed Bremen’s parliament (Bremische Bürgerschaft) tremendously. The liberal FDP (6.5 per- cent) and the Eurosceptic Alternative für Deutschland (5.5 percent) both entered the parliament; the far-left Die Linke even won 9.2 The FDP gained a plus of 4.39 percent at this year‘s cantonal elec- INNOVATION. percent of the votes. The centre-right CDU gained 2.2 percent and tions of 12th April 2015 in Zurich. The Liberals already won the can- stands at 22.6 percent, which equals twenty seats in the parlia- tons of Baselland and Lucerne at the beginning of this year. It is the ment. The SPD (32.9 percent) and the Greens (15,3 percent ) toge- first election victory since 1991 for the Zurich FDP. With their elec- ther achieved 44 of the 83 seats. Even though they form a slight tion success the FDP won eight additional seats in the cantonal majority, this year´s results are the worst in the SPD’s history in Bre- parliament. Only four years before, the FDP had lost six seats. The men. Jens Böhnsen, the former mayor and SPD candidate drew his Swiss People‘s Party (SVP) won slightly more votes (+0.39 percent) conclusion from the negative election result and resigned. Com- and retains 54 seats. The Social Democratic Party of Switzerland pared to the result in 2011, the SPD lost 5 percent and the Greens (SP) has also gained 0.36 percent of the votes and gains one ad- lost 7.2 percent of the votes. ditional seat. The Green Liberals, who were the big winners four years ago, received 2.63 percent less votes and therefore lost 5 The “Citizens in Rage” (BIW) benefit from a special regulation. Alt- seats. The winner of the small parties is the party of the Left Al- hough the party only reached 3.3 percent of the votes (-0.4 percent ternative. It gained 1.63 percent meaning two additional seats in compared to 2011), they remain in the parliament. This is possible the Canton parliament. SVP, FDP and CVP will have more than 94 seats in the newly elected parliament and thus are able to form the absolute majority. Together they can implement their fiscal policy measures. The turnout reached a historic low of 32.7 percent. Four years ago it was at 35.5 percent. The cantonal elections in Basel- land and Lucerne at the beginning of this year showed similar results. On 18th October 2015, the Swiss citizens will elect a new Swiss Parliament. The cantonal elections served as a first indicator.
Source: srf.ch, (bau/SDA)
16 newsregion 38 / september15 newsregion 38 / september15 17 www.iv-net.at
IV_INS_210x297_ENGLISCH.indd 1 02.09.15 16:55 Regional elections u u u Regional elections u u u Regional elections u u u Regional elections u u u Regional elections u u u Regional elections
because the five-percent-threshold can be applied to only one part Tyrol will have more than 34 new mayors; ten of them will be go- ties the two leading parties PP and PSOE have to look for coalition Regional elections in Burgenland of the city. This means that 5 percent in Bremerhaven is sufficient. verned by women. The voter turnout in the first rounds was at 66.9 partners. The parliamentary elections in November 2015 will show The BIW in the end even reached 6.5 percent. percent, a decline of 7.7 percentage points compared to the 74.6 whether this trend continues at national level. First coalition of socialists and right-wing on re- percent turnout five years ago. The turnout in the second round of The voter turnout was at about 50 percent. In 2011 still 65.5 per- gional level in Austria elections was below 50 percent. cent of the voters had casted their votes. Sources: http://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/spanien-kom- munalwahl-101.html http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/ Sources: orf.at/stories/2277996/ stol.it/Artikel/Gemeinde- The Austrian region of Burgenland also elected a new regional par- spanien-analyse-zur-kommunalwahl-a-1035435.html http:// th Source (text): tagesschau.de/inland/bremen-wahl-109.html heute. ratswahlen-2015/Gsies-Kurti-Taschler-Buergermeister-Viele- liament on 31 May 2015. The two major parties, the ÖVP and the www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/spanien-nach-der-kommunalwahl- de/reaktionen-nach-der-buergerschaftswahl-bremen-boehrnsen- Protestwaehlern stol.it/Artikel/Gemeinderatsw http://orf.at/ SPÖ lost votes and the FPÖ gained votes. fuer-podemos-und-ciudadanos-wird-es-nicht-einfach/11823418. bleibt-buergermeister-mit-rot-gruen-38407548.html source stories/2280046/ http://www.blick.ch/news/ausland/italien-span- html Quelle Grafik: http://cadenaser.com/ser/2015/05/25/politi- The SPÖ lost about 6.4 percent of the votes, leaving it with 41.9 (Graphics): wahl.tagesschau.de/wahlen/2015-05-10-LT-DE-HB/index- nende-regierungsbildung-nach-stichwahlen-in-suedtirol-id3792490. ca/1432564025_921664.html percent. Consequently, it will be represented with 15 seats. An content.shtml html analysis of the elections shows that this is due to non-voters. The results of the ÖVP are similar. It lost 5.5 percent, which leaves the party at 29.1 percent and 11 seats. Just as in Styria the FPÖ Elections in Southern Tyrol, Italy Local elections in Spain Regional elections in Styria was very successful in Burgenland and gained 6 percent. Hence, The FPÖ is represented with 15 percent, which equals 6 seats in Voters get to decide in run-offs Traditional two-party system is shaken Voters boost result for right-wing party the regional parliament. The Green party as well as „Bündnisliste Burgenland“ gained additional votes and one more seat each. In Southern Tyrol, Italy, 381060 eligible voters were asked to cast Regional and local elections were held on 24th May 2015 in Spain. As a result, they are both represented with two seats in the regi- On 31th May 2015 Austria’s region Styria elected its new regional their votes for the mayoral and municipal In 13 of the 17 Spanish regions 35 million eligible voters were as- onal parliament. The NEOS and the CPÖ also gained new votes, parliament. The turnout only declined to a small extent and the elections on 10th May 2015. From a total ked to cast their vote. These elections brought a defeat for the con- but not enough to be represented in the parliament in the next amount of rejected votes went down. Nevertheless, there were no- of 116 Southern Tyrolean municipalities, servative Partido Popular (PP) and its Prime Minister Rajoy. Even legislative period. table changes compared to the last elections in 2010. 109 have elected new mayors and muni- though it is the worst election result in 20 years, as the PP received cipal assemblies. only 26 percent of the votes, the PP still forms the strongest force The two biggest parties of Austria, the ÖVP (Christian-democrats) Results in % (in comparison to 2010) Mayor of Brixen and candidate of the in eleven regions. However, they did not win an absolute majority and the SPÖ (social-democrats), lost the support of many voters SVP (South Tyrolean People‘s Party) Pe- in any of the regions. The Socialists (PSOE) lost many votes, espe- and reached a historic low. The result of 29.29 percent shows a SPÖ ÖVP FPÖ GRÜNE LBL NEOS CPÖ ter Brunner was the only one to defend cially in the big cities, and reach a total of 25 percent. Two new decline of 8.97 percent for the SPÖ. Hence, it is represented with 41.92 29.08 15.04 6.43 4.84 2.31 0.38 his office with a 51.2 percent share of the parties that emerged in recent years have competed for the first 15 seats in the regional parliament and remains the strongest par- -6.34 -5.54 +6.06 +2.29 +0.84 votes already in the first round. Peter Brunner: time in Spanish elections. The left party Podemos, an alliance of ty. Similarly, the ÖVP lost 8.74 percent and represents now 28.45 several lists, was overall the third strongest force. The moderate, percent of the voters. This means that the ÖVP gets 14 seats in Run-off elections took place two weeks © politikbzit.word- press.com liberal party Ciudadanos reached 6.5 percent and stands in fourth the parliament. Contrary to this, the FPÖ (right-wing) won 16.10 2015 2010 later. While the mayor of Leifers, Liliana Di position. percent and therefore accounts for 26.76 percent of the votes. Turnout: 76.04 % 77.30 % Fede from the Partita Democratica (PD) Consequently, they are on equal terms with the ÖVP with 14 seats. got 33.5 percent and her challenger Christian Bianchi (Uniti per The new parties result as election winners. The two-party system, Eligible voters : 250 607 248 694 Moreover, the Green party gained additional 1.13 percent. As a re- Laives) got 29.5 percent of the votes in the first round, a change which for nearly 40 years has ruled the political landscape in Spain, sult they are now at 6.68 percent and have three seats. The KPÖ in power took place in the second round when Christian Bianchi also seems to have come to an end in the communities. In many ci- Source: http://orf.at/wahl/burgenland15/#ergebnisse/10000 h lost 0.19 percent and only holds 4.22 percent, but is represented won most votes and became new mayor of Leifers. ttp://derstandard.at/2000016717498/SPOe-verlor-vor-allem- by two seats in the regional parliament. Not only the Liste Frank, an-die-Nichtwaehler?ref=rec Quelle Tabelle: http://orf.at/wahl/ In Bolzano the incumbent Luigi Spagnolli received 57.7 percent but also the NEOS and the “Die Piraten” gained additional votes, burgenland15/#projection and clearly bet his challenger Urzi Alessandro, who was sup- however not enough for a seat. ported by the center-right parties and only reached 42.3 percent Sources: http://www.verwaltung.steiermark.at/cms/ziel/74837281/ in the run-offs. DE/ http://orf.at/wahl/story/2713698.html http://derstandard. Even though mayor Gerhard Gruber (SVP) received 24 percent at/2000016713703/FPOe-bei-pessimistischen-Steirern-am- and led the first rounds of elections by a narrow margin over Paul staerksten?ref=rec (Quelle Grafik: http://orf.at/wahl/story/2713698. Regional elections in Italy Rösch from the Greens’ list, Paul Rösch won the second round of html) elections with 60.7 percent becoming the first Green mayor of Me- Italian PM struggles with support in the regions rano, the second largest municipality in Southern Tyrol. In seven out of 20 Italian regions elections took place on 31st May All in all, the SVP remains the strongest party but has witnessed 2015. The political trend has changed slightly. Contrary to the ex- losses, while the national-conservative pectations before the elections the Italian Prime Minister Matteo South Tyrolean Freedom and several Bür- Renzi lost votes for its Democratic Party (PD). He has not reached gerlisten (List of Citizens) have won po- the record of 40.1 percent like in the last European elections, yet pularity. The municipalities in Southern the Democratic Party (PD) remains the strongest party in five out of seven regions.
Renzis Social Democratic Party won in Tuscany, Marche, Umbria, Paul Rösch Puglia and Campania. In Veneto, however, the PD lost its power © www.stol.it/
18 newsregion 38 / september15 newsregion 38 / september15 19 Regional elections u u u Regional elections u u u Regional elections u u u Regional elections u u u Regional elections u u u Regional elections
gained most votes but no candidate won the absolute majority. Local elections in Moldova Therefore, run-off elections took place on July 5th.
After Saxony´s Economics Minister Markus Ulbig (CDU) decided Pro-Europe Incumbent declared Winner in not to run in the second round, the CDU called its voters to cast Chisinau their vote for interim Mayor Hilbert. Markus Ulbig, home secre- tary of Sachsen, only received 15.4 percent of the votes in the first In the Republic of Moldova, pro-European forces have won the ma- run. In the months prior to the elections he had been criticized for jority of the votes in local elections on 14th June and the run-offs the state government’s asylum policy and his handling of the Pe- on 28th June 2015. gida conflict (a German far right anti-Islam political organisation Pro-European parties came out ahead of those favouring closer founded in Dresden in October 2014). The municipalities claimed Matteo Renzi ties with Russia, although many cities had no outright winner and that the Home Office has communicated too little regarding the runoffs took place two weeks later. Pro-European parties scored © http://www. placement of asylum seekers. The opposition on the other hand re- lindro.it/ about 51 percent of the votes nationwide, with pro-Russian parties right in the eastern town Orhei, polling 62 percent of the votes. proached Ulbig for having played down the problem. His cabinet’s polling at about 36 percent. The rest of the votes went to indepen- colleague and minister of Science Eva-Maria Stange (SPD) rea- dent parties. „This is a very important victory that means the continuation of ched about 36 percent. She had been supported by the Social De- pro-European reforms in Chisinau and moving Moldova along the to the right-wing populist politician Luca Zaia from the Northern mocrats, the The pro-Western incumbent path of European integration,“ said Chirtoaca. Moldova signed an League with a majority of 50.1 percent. The Lega Nord presented Greens and mayor of Chisinau Dorin Chir- Association Agreement last year, taking it closer to European Uni- itself as an alternative to the PD. Disagreements within the party the Left Party. toaca has been declared the on membership. The elections were seen as a test of whether Mol- contributed to the loss of the PD in Liguria. The candidate of Forza winner in a second-round dova would remain committed to European integration or choose Italia Giovanni Toti won the elections and the PD only remained The candi- mayoral election in Moldova, to move closer to Russia. Pro-European parties won outright in 348 in 4th place. Furthermore, the protest party „Movimento Cinque date of Pegi- securing a third term in of- cities, towns and villages, while pro-Russian parties won in 56 and Stelle“ (Five Star Movement) succeeded in gaining importance in da, Tatjana fice. Dorin Chirtoaca, deputy independent candidates in 34 municipalities. the political landscape of Italy. Festerling, head of the Liberal Party, won reached al- 53.46 percent of the votes, The election encompassed around 900 mayors and 10,000 local most 10 per- while rival Zinaida Grecea- Sources: http://orf.at/stories/2281483/ http://kurier.at/politik/ councillors in 32 districts, plus the larger cities of Chisinau and cent in the ni of the pro-Russia Socialist ausland/italien-regionalwahl-match-ging-52-an-renzi-aber-es- Pegida © Reuters Balti. Only 49 percent of the approximately 2.8 million Moldovans first round. Party received 46.56 percent. bleibt-ein-bitterer-geschmack/133.865.158 http://derstandard. entitled to vote have cast their ballot. This party is Pro-Russian candidates still at/2000016726659/Renzi-moeglicherweise-vor-Rueckschlag-bei- known to be critical of the Islam. Hence, it was observed with great secured seats in several key Dorin Chirtoaca Sources: rferl.org, Agence France-Presse, globalpost.com, focus-fen. Regionalwahl Foto: http://www.lindro.it/ public interest in how far the weekly demonstrations by the anti- towns in the country, which net picture: Courtesy Image- Social Media islamic movement had an impact on the results. But Pegida did © iuliaalexeev.files.wordpress. borders Ukraine and Romania. com http://www.dw.de/moldova-elections-pro-europeans- not compete in the second round of voting and called its voters to dominate/a-18519091 vote for Hilbert. Renato Usatii, a pro-Russian http://www.sunherald.com/2015/06/15/6277111_pro-european- businessman, won outright in Moldova‘s second-largest city Balti, Local elections in Saxony, Germany candidate-ahead-in.html?rh=1 In the second run, Saxony´s Minister of Science Eva-Maria Stange taking 73.7 percent of the votes. The city in northern Moldova is from the SPD (Social Democratic Party) only gained 44 percent and FDP candidate wins in Dresden traditionally pro-Russian. Pro-Russian businessman Ilan Shor, who lost to Dirk Hilbert, even though she won most of the votes in the is being probed over the disappearance of 891 million Euros from first round. Hilbert spoke of a brilliant result. One of his goals is three Moldovan banks before the November elections, won out- The liberal FDP politician Dirk Hilbert won the mayoral election in to re-establish the city’s image after the emergence of the Islam- Municipal elections in Albania Dresden on 5th July 2015. The 43-year-old, who has taken over the critical Pegida-movement. „I want to make Dresden a model city mayor´s office from Helma Orosz in February, gained 54.2 percent for integration and employment of refugees and immigrants.“ 42.7 Success for the government party of the votes. Helma Orosz from the Christian Democrats (CDU) percent of the electorate cast its vote - which were less than in the st gave up her office for health reasons at the beginning of this year. first ballot, but significantly more than in 2008, when only 33.94 The Albanian local elections on 21 June 2015 have resulted in a positive outcome for the socialist government of Edi Rama. His Even though the CDU (Christian Democrats) won all positions of percent of the electorate voted in the run-offs. IRE is party has won 46 out of 61 mayoral offices, including offices in im- district administrators at the local elections in Saxony (Germany) Another 222 municipalities in Saxony elected their new mayors. portant cities such as Durres, Korca, Vlora and Elbasan. The right- on 7th June 2015, the CDU was not able to regain votes for the po- In addition, new administrators for ten districts were elected; the wing coalition won 15 cities. The capital Tirana has also elected a sition of Lord Mayor in the state capital Dresden. As a result they CDU was able to maintain all its positions. new mayor with more than 53 percent, the former Minister of So- lost another large city of more than 500 000 inhabitants. The SPD sponsored by cial Affairs Erion Veliaj. His conservative rival Halim Kosova got 39 Sources: brk/dpa, welt.de percent of the votes. Photo: hilbert-fuer-dresden.de 3.3 million Citizens were called to cast their vote for 61 mayors and http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/dresden-stichwahl-noe- almost 1,600 community representatives. The opposition com- tig-1.2510655 plained about “irregularities“ during the elections. Politicians of http://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2015-06/dresden-wahl- the right-wing Democratic Party (PD), the main opposition party, Dirk Hilbert oberbuergermeister spoke of manipulation and threats against voters. The Socialist Pri- © hilbert-fuer-dresden.de http://www.mz-web.de/ me Minister Edi Rama, however, declared it „the best elections in
20 newsregion 38 / september15 newsregion 38 / september15 21 FOCUS members, friends & supporters
Regional elections u u u Regional elections u u u Regional elections
Albania, the freest and 14.3 percent of the population most righteous.“ The live below the poverty level, un- turnout was around 48 employment is at 14 percent. percent. Albania carried out reforms at local level just last year and redu- Since the fall of commu- ced the number of local govern- nism in 1990 the elec- ments from 373 to 61 to become tion results in Albania more efficient. Albania became are regularly being que- an official EU candidate country stioned. More than 400 last year. The government in Tira- foreign and 5,000 do- na hopes to begin the accession mestic observers were IRE expands its network Erion Veliaj negotiations with Brussels by the © twitter_Erion Veliaj in action during the end of this year. These were the Making cooperation projects local elections. They sta- first elections since Albania holds ted that the election procedure was „broadly positive“. However, a the EU candidate status. There- New Cooperation with in the West Balkans a reality few cases of „group voting“ and „irregularities in the conduct“ have fore, the local elections were an been registered. The EU congratulated the Albanian citizens on the A report by Prof. Jugoslav Jovičić important test for the maturity of Albanian democracy. election success but warned that the recommendations of the mo- University of Business nitoring mission should be taken seriously. Sources: APA/AFP balkaninsight.com derStandard.at (Adelheid The NATO member Albania is one of Europe‘s poorest countries. Wölfl) Photo: ©: http://wtop.com/ Studies Banja Luka
During a recent visit of Prof. Jugoslav Jovičić to the IRE in Salz- Visit from Brasov, RO burg a cooperation agreement between the University of Business Studies in Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and the IRE was The concept of Smart City became an important topic in the Roma- “ of this year’s Europe Day. It signed. The University is represented by Director Prof. Dr. Radovan nian City of Brasov, reported city councillor Cristian Macedonschi had been organized under the Klinco. The aim of the cooperation is to contribute to the exchange during his visit to the IRE-Headquarter in Salzburg on 2nd June 2015. IRE’s patronage. Macedonschi of publications and information, to organize joint projects and to informed about this successful At a conference organized by the IRE in Brčko in 2014, Dr. Brasov has been a member of the IRE-network for three years now give young people the opportunity to do an internship abroad at event and Bravos efforts to be Franz Schausberger started an initiative for project collabo- and is actively con- the IRE. nominated for the title of Euro- ration. The initiative was accepted by the University of Trav- tributing to many pean capital of culture in 2021. The University of Business Studies (UPS) is a young academic in- nik, represented by the Rector (Prof. Dr. Rasim Dačić) and the events. The event More cooperation is planned between Brasov and the IRE in the stitution established in 2006 with the approval of the Ministry of vice-Rector for international relations and development (Prof. “Brasov’s European areas of telecommunication, Green City and energy transition. Education and Culture of the Republic of Srpska (Act no.06-01- Dr. Jugoslav Jovičić), as well as the municipality of Šipovo, re- path to a Smart City” 232-2/06 30. 1. 2006. ). The University’s basic purpose is to intro- presented by its mayor (Milorad Ćirko). took place as a part Following this conversation a visit was paid to the Romanian- duce modern facilities and programs into the domain of higher orthodox church in Salzburg. Archpriest Dumitru Viezuianu wel- The University of Travnik prepared the project “The improve- education, in the following fields of study: Economics, Information comed IRE chairman Prof. Dr. Franz Schausberger and his inter- ment of the tourist attraction in the area of the rivers Pliva and Technology and Design, Ecology, Journalism, Communications Archpriest Dumitru national guests warmly. He told them about the activities in the Janj in the municipality of Šipovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina”. and Law. This is accomplished by modern methods of teaching Viezuianu, Franz Romanian-orthodox community. Currently 4,000 believers are The project is tied to the assistance in the development of process directly aimed at obtaining high-quality scientific know- Schausberger, Cri- part of the church. It is characterized by the strong bonds between tourism and preparing the world fly-fishing tournament, held ledge and skills by providing students with training for work. stian Macedonschi the communities from Linz (A) to Rosenheim (D). in Bosnia and Herzegovina in June 2015. The municipality of The IRE welcomes the University of Business Studies in its network Šipovo finalized the project within the deadline, therefore si- and looks forward to a close cooperation. gnificantly attributing to the tournament.
The project was financially backed by the Swiss Embassy in Sarajevo and the SDC.
The mayor of Šipovo thanked the IRE and the University of Tra- vnik for the initiative and preparation of the project, and the Swiss Embassy and the SDC for the financial help.
RAPS suits your taste. This shows that it is possible to make cooperation projects Best Austrian taste for over 30 years. Wonderful fl avours for meat processing, in the West Balkans a reality, which is the goal of the IRE. A superb raw spices and spice mixtures for food service industry and business special amount of quality was realized in the cooperation of enterprises and high quality synthetic casings for sausage specialities. RAPS the two BiH entities (Travnik in the Federation of BiH and the provides best fl avour, economic products and personal service for your success. municipality of Šipovo in the Republic of Srpska) and two key sectors: education and economy. Raps GmbH · Handelsstraße 10 · A 5162 Obertrum · Tel.: +43-6219/7557-0 · E-Mail: [email protected] · www.raps.at
22 RAPS_A_Anz_Gewuerzlieferant_170Bx55H_ENG_150901_MZ.indd 1 newsregion 38 / september1502.09.15 15:39 newsregion 38 / september15 23 FOCUS members, friends & supporters
Catalonia, Spain
represented by Adam Casals
As from June 2015, the Region of Ca- talonia in Spain has opened its office in Vienna, Austria. The Government’s delegate in Austria Adam Casals wants to develop direct communi- cation with the Austrian government and with international organisations based in Vienna. The new delegation will act as envoy of the Ca- talan Government to Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary and Croatia. For more information see: The IRE welcomes the Catalonian delegation in its network and www.gencat.cat will closely observe the next regional elections on 27th Sept 2015. [email protected]
UN Special Representative Kandeh K. Yumkella becomes IRE Patron
Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and CEO of former Croatian President Dr. Ivo the UN initiative „Sustainable Energy for All“ Dr. Kandeh K. Yum- Josipovic, former German Chan- kella becomes new IRE patron, supporting the idea of a „Europe cellor Dr. Helmut Kohl, former Fo- of Regions“ and thus the objective of the Institute of the Regions reign Minister Karel Schwarzen- © makingitmagazine.net of Europe (IRE). berg, sing and song writer Hubert von Goisern, fromer Finance Minister Dr. Theo Waigel and former Yumkella followed an invitation to the 10th Conference of Europe- Govenor of the Free State of Bavaria Dr. Edmund Stoiber. an Regions and Cities (CERC) in the Vienna City Hall in 2014 and inspired the audience with his key note speech on renewable ener- The IRE is looking forward to further meetings and the future coo- gy. As member of the Board of Patrons he supports the work of the peration with Dr. Yumkella. IRE, which is a European, supra-regional, non-partisan and inde- pendent institution for all European regions and municipalities in- side and outside of the EU, with the aim to strengthen the political as well as the economic position of the regions and municipalities within the European framework.
Yumkella is a Sierra Leonean Agricultural economist and the Spe- cial Representative of the Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy Kindergarden, Bad Vigaun for All. Yumkella graduated from Njala University and Cornell Uni- versity and holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural economics from the Uni- versity of Illinois, USA. He also holds the position of chief executive officer of the „Sustainable Energy for All“ Initiative. He is former Chairman of UN-Energy and a two-term former Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNI- It is not just a edifice - DO). Prior to working for UNIDO, Yumkella was the Minister for Tra- de and Industry of Sierra Leone. In 2012 Yumkella was appointed Special Representative for the initiative „Sustainable Energy for All“ it is the base of your future. by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Other prominent personalities of the „IRE Board of Patrons“ inclu- de: US-political scientist Prof. Benjamin Barber, President of the IRE-Directors with UN Special Representative Yumkella European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, EU Commissioner and his wife at the 10th CERC, from left: Helmut Falschlehner, Find here our current offers: Johannes Hahn, former Federal Chancellor Dr. Wolfgang Schüs- Franz Schausberger, Philomena Yumkella, Kandeh Yumkella www.salzburg-wohnbau.at sel, former EU Commissioner Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the and Stefan Eder.
2224 newsregionnews 38region / september15 37 / june15 newsregion 38 / september15 25
2015.05.08 MAS_Entwurf IRE.indd 1 11.05.2015 09:06:48 FOCUS FOCUS members, friends & supporters info & partners
Topusko Health Resort – Top Terme Topusko Geothermal energy, grace and the gift of health
Location and surroundings in recent years. The water acts stimulative on the reorganization of the organism, in the body mobilizes a series of defensive fac- Topusko Health Resort is located approximately 70 km south from tors, ingredients of mineral water are pharmacologically active. the capital city Zagreb, between two towns; Karlovac and Sisak. According to the latest findings of world-renowned institutions, This wonderful place is surrounded by forests and hills Petrova thermal waters in Topusko - by qualitative composition - are at the gora and Zrinska gora. The area had been habited long time ago top of the charts in Europe. due to its numerous thermal springs. Mud baths are especially known and well liked. Thanks to the influence of forests, peat and Facilities and offer thermal springs, winters are mild and summers are fresh. Topusko Health Resort has founded a daughter company cal- History led Top - Terme Ltd. Top Terme Ltd. is dealing with tourism and History of Topusko began more than 3000 B.C. were the Romans is oriented to the health, wellness and congress tourism. Within left their mark to therme. In the 13th century King Andrew II built the company there is a Spa hotel Toplice with 232 beds, 58 single the monastery and the church and gave them to the Cistercians. and 88 double rooms. All rooms have shower/toillet, phone, TV/ The park Opatovina today contains the remains of these magni- SAT. The hotel has 2 restaurants, 2 coffee bars, recreation center ficent buildings - the portal of the church of Blessed Virgin Mary with indoor/outdoor swimming pool, saunas, gym, fitness center, of the Visitation. In 1826 professor Michael Kunnits sent a letter to space for therapy and wellness, table tennis, bowling alley, cycling, the Austrian Emperor Francis I in which he described the Topus- mushroom fountain souvenir shop, congress halls, hairdresser sa- ko Thermal Spa. A year later, he published the book „History and lon, manual massage, hydromassage, body treatments (chocolate, Topography of the Topusko mineral baths“. In the next 100 years honey, ginger), face treatments, manicure, pedicure, foot massage, Topusko became gathering place for nobles and royalty, where body wrapping, body peeling, 2 cocktail bars and outdoor terrace. lords, generals, bishops and other wealthy guests from France, Near the hotel there is a complex of outdoor pools - 5 pools of dif- Italy, Great Britain and Germany came to enjoy the fresh air and ferent sizes, depths and temperatures, 5 cycling routes, golf, beach healing water. volleyball, 3 tennis courts, bowling, mini golf, outdoor restaurant. All pools (indoor and outdoor) are filled with thermal water with Topusko Health Resort today temperature ranges 27 - 34 °C . Nearby are the significant sights, Creating values. Topusko Health Resort is modern spa with thermal waters which medieval archaeological site, lapidary, English park, the stone me- contains three major and several minor water sources. Thermal morials, sundial, park Nikolino hill and Topusko springs. Also near- water of Topusko Health Resort was evaluated as one of the best in by is available paintball and rafting is possible on Mrežnica, Korana To know where you want to go, Europe. Main activity of the Topusko Health Resort is the treatment and Una rivers. Guests can also enjoy biking, hunting and fishing and rehabilitation of diseases and injuries of locomotive, nervous and gathering mushrooms and chestnuts in the autumn. The hotel and muscular systems. The basic natural factor of rehabilitation can organize trips to Plitvice National Park, Lonjsko Polje - Nature you need to know where you come from. and therapeutic measure is water which is hyperthermal (68-72°C). Park, Zagreb and Wine roads of Moslavina. Topusko Health Resort applies specifically developed treatments for all age groups, all kinds of injuries and diseases of the muscu- loskeletal system using combination of traditional medical treat- Solidarity, self-help support and sustainability are the principles on which Raiffeisen has been building ment gymnastics and massage in thermal water and cutting-edge for more than 125 years. Especially in a world that is constantly changing, it is these values that set the laser therapy, magnetic therapy, ultrasound and other procedures, For more information, please visit www.topterme.hr, foundations for a successful future. www.rzb.at electrotherapy. Medical use of this hot water is a consequence of the millennial experience, but its influence was discussed only we are looking forward to host you!
26 newsregion 38 / september15 newsregion 38 / september15 27
RZB_CSR_Generation2015_AZ_210x297_ENGL_abf_rz.indd 1 6/30/2015 9:47:10 AM 11th Conference of European Regions and Cities Survival strategies for Regions and Cities in Europe
Economics meets Politics Sunday 27th – Tuesday 29th of September 2015 Salzburg Congress, Europasaal Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
Under the patronage of Univ. Prof. Dr. Heinz Fischer President of the Federal Republic of Austria In cooperation with Land Salzburg represented by Dr. Wilfried Haslauer, Governor of Land Salzburg In cooperation with the City of Salzburg represented by Dr. Heinz Schaden, Mayor of Salzburg
In its 10th year of existence the IRE deals with the question of sur- the currently burning issue of refugees in Europe that has a direct vival strategies for regions and cities in an increasingly globalized effect on regions and cities. The conference begins with a discus- world, which will be examined from various aspects during the up- sion on EU enlargement and its impact on the regions and cities. coming 11th Conference of European Regions and Cities. We will Outstanding speakers and discussants guarantee an exceptional particularly focus on regional research and innovation policies, and interesting course of the conference. An extensive program regional energy strategies, regional tourism policies and regional of social activities offers many possibilities for communication and food production. Apart from the general topic, we will also discuss networking.
Sunday, 27 September 2015 Monday, 28 September 2015 Venue: Salzburg Congress, Europasaal, Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Venue: Salzburg Congress, Europasaal, Auerspergstraße 6, 5020 Salzburg, Austria Conference languages: German, English Salzburg (additional languages available upon request) Conference Languages: German, English (additional languages 12:00 Registration upon request) Lunch and Refreshments 08:00 Registration and Exhibition of the IRE Members: The 13:00 IRE General Assembly 2015 (Only IRE members are Regional Table entitled to vote, all guests are welcome) 08:30 Opening Address 14:00 Networking Coffee Break 09:00 Main Speaker: Tibor Navracsics, Ph.D., EU Commissioner 14:30 Opening Address of the 11th Conference of European for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport: “The Regions and Cities implementation of EU policies on education, science and research on regional and local level“ 15:00 Burning issue “The wave of refugees in Europe” 09:30 Panel discussion I: “Regional research and innovation 15:30 IRE - Forum: EU Enlargement - only possible with projects as strategy for intelligent employment” regions and cities 11:00 IRE Journalist Award 2015 Johannes Hahn, Eu Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations: „Enlargement strategy of 11:10-11:30 Networking Coffee Break the European Commission” (Video Message) 11:30 Panel discussion II: How will the energy transition 17:00 End of Expert Forum succeed? - The importance of cross-border regional cooperation in the energy sector 18:00 Guided Tour in the DomQuartier, Cathedral of Salzburg, Residenzplatz 1 / Domplatz 1a, 5020 Salzburg 13:00 Networking Lunch 19:30 Reception upon the invitation of the Governor of Land 14:00 Panel discussion III: “Regional Tourism: Right strategy Salzburg Dr. Wilfried Haslauer, Residenz Salzburg, at the right location” Carabinieri Saal 15:30-16:00 Networking Coffee Break 16:00 Panel discussion IV: “How regional food increases regional value” 17:30 Conclusion and end of conference 19:30 “Traditional Evening” upon the invitation of the Mayor of Salzburg Dr. Heinz Schaden Restaurant Stieglkeller, Festungsgasse 10, Salzburg, Austria
Tuesday, 29 September 2015 10:00 - 12:00 City Walk in the historical center of Salzburg
The aim is to host the event according to the criteri of the Austrian eco-label for Green meetings: