21 institut der regionen europas july 2011 institute of the regions of europe newsregion Europe Day in Szentgotthárd: Common Performance of Folkloristic Groups from twelve Regions

th Member Croatia: EU‘s 28Page 7 in 2013 –

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HR BiH Pauk: Šibenik-Knin County did participate in many EU The Regions projects starting with CARDS programme in 2002. and later with INTERREG III and IPA, so I can say we have ex- could be perienced and well trained personnel but I believe it is Europe Day 2011 always necessary to continuously work on their further included more education. in Szentgotthárd Did your region already participate in EU Projects – in the accession in case yes, in which concrete projects?

process Pauk: As said above Šibenik-Knin County did participate brought together in many EU projects. We started in 2002. with CARDS pro- gramme where we have realized infrastructure projects worth almost 4 mil Euros and other projects including 16 traditional What are the expectations of the Region of Šibenik- technical support worth 2 mil Euros. We continued with Knin from the EU Membership? INTERREG III A (“Adriatic Re.Port – Adriatic tourist ports Pauk: Šibenik-Knin County already had experienced network” and “Galileo – Net”), PHARE (“Strengthening groups from five many benefits from EU within the CARDS programme of institutions for management of protected areas”), and Instruments for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). Ex- ISPA (Regional center for waste management - Bikarac) pectations of the Šibenik-Knin County from EU Mem- and IPA (Water supply and drainage for town of Knin and Countries bership is further development of our county because Drnisˇ and many others). throughout Cohesion and Structural Funds I believe the EU Membership can offer us many new opportuni- What are the political priorities for the Region of ties in various fields such as new investments, quality Šibenik-Knin? 16 youth, folk and music groups met on Europe Day 2011 in the Hungarian border city Szentgotthárd of life, new technologies, knowledge and many others, Pauk: Political priorities of Šibenik-Knin County are for although the ones we are most interested are infrastruc- sure more equal and faster regional development, im- following an invitation of the Institute of the Regions ture and environment projects within Cohesion fund. provement of education and decrease of unemploy- of Europe. Within the framework of the EU-project ment. „Lucky Four Leaf Clover“ 400 participants from 12 In which areas Croatia still has to improve reforms to regions in Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and be ready for the EU Membership? What advantages offers Šibenik-Knin for potential Bosnia and Herzegovina were gathering for a happy investors? Pauk: I must point out that negotiating process is a big celebration. challenge for every country candidate and I believe Cro- Pauk: Šibenik-Knin County offers many advantages for atia has made a big progress in negotiation procedure potential investors, but the most important ones are . Together they were dancing, playing, singing and ma- with EU. At the moment Croatia has 28 provisionally clo- geostrategic position and most modern transport infra- king music to show their own regional identity in a com- sed chapters and we do have 6 more areas to improve, structure in the region , PODI SˇIBENIK the biggest and but we hope that everything will go just as planned and most perspective business zone in Croatia which was mon Europe. After marching together through the city of negotiations will end in June 2011.* actually financed from EU CARDS programme, long tra- Szentgotthárd various groups were performing on a stage

dition in aluminium production with experienced and situated in front of a former Cisterician monastary. It was Are you satisfied regarding the participation of the skilled labour, eligible investment costs, tax and emplo- especially touching that people from Bosnia, Croatia and Croatian Regions and Municipalities in the negotia- yment incentives for new investors and great quality of tions of EU Accession ? Are you as Župan well infor- life. Serbia from Brcko in Bosnia and Herzegovina were appea- med about the ongoing negotiations? ring together on the stage for the first time showing by Pauk: Regarding the participation of the Croatian Re- Goran Pauk (HDZ) this how important events like that are for a mutual un- gions and Municipalities in the negotiations of EU Ac- President of the Region Šibenik-Knin derstanding among different ethnic groups. In the event, cession I have to say that Regions and Municipalities (Croatia) which lasted several hours, among others the mayor of are included even though I like to think that we can be included even more. As county prefect I think I’m well Szentgotthárd, Gábor Huszár, Slovenian ambassador, Mrs. informed about the ongoing negotiations. * This interview was made before the European Commission Darja Bavdaž Kuret, the representative of the Austrian decided to finish the negotiations with Croatia. embassy in Budapest, Andrea Nasi, IRE-president Franz After the EU accession Croatia will have more EU Šibenik-Knin County (Croatian: Šibensko-kninska županija) is a Schausberger, member of IRE-board Helmut Falschlehner, Funds available – especially EU Regional Funds for county in Croatia, located in north-central Dalmatia. Its centre is member of IRE-advisory board Wolfgang Friess, the ma- 1. Row from left: Anamaria Skopac, Aisa Henseke, Franz Projects in Croatian Regions and Cities. It will be ne- Šibenik; other notable towns are Knin, Drniš and Skradin. Schausberger, Samra Rahmanonvic. cessary to prepare suitable Project Proposals. You The county covers 3000 km2 and has over 112.891 (2001) inha- yors Peter Vadasz, Wilhelm Thomas and Wilhelm Herbst Standing, from left: Peter Vadasz (Mayor of Güssing), will need well trained administrative personnel. How bitants. It also includes 242 islands and national parks Krka and from Burgenland, the president of the region Koprivnica- Bernhard Hirczy (member of town council Jennersdorf), well prepared is the Region of Šibenik-Knin? Kornati. Richard Reisinger (Vice-Mayor of Szentgotthárd), Josef Križevci, Darko Koren and the vice-president of the regi- Markus (Vice Mayor of Weichselbaum), Gabor Huszar on Varaždin, Mrs. Blanka Glavica-Ječmenica from Croatia (Mayor of Szentgotthard), Willibald Herbst (Mayor of IMPRESSUM Media owner and publisher: Institute of the Regions of Europe, A-5020 Salzburg, Franz-Josef-Kai 1, Tel.: +43/662/843288-5017, Fax: +43/662/843288-5050, were participating. Weichselbaum), Helmut Falschlehner, Aaron Gottardi, www.institut-ire.eu, [email protected] • Editor and layout: printmedia, 5020 Salzburg • Photos: ire, Neumayr, Wikipedia, Friess, Schausberger, Fritz • Print: Druck & Digitale Joachim Fritz, Wolfgang Friess, Andrea Nasi (Austrian Medien, Salzburg-Hallwang 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 Embassy). men and women on equal terms. www

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Croatia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Slovenia Weichselbaum, Austria Croatia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Croatia

Croatia Bosnia and Herzegovina Zalaegerszeg, Hungary Impressions from Europe Day 2011 in

Slovenia Slovenia Szentgotthárd

Zalaegerszeg, Hungary

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IRE Expert Conference on Regional Development in the Context of EU Accession in Varaždin: Realistic expectations of Croatia of the EU entrance

by Franz Schausberger

It was exactly the right time, a few days after the Declaration of the European Commission ac- on regional and local level has to be prepared especially cepting Croatia as the 28th memberstate of EU, when the Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) well in order to develop suitable projects for EU promotion. Besides that the Croatian government has to make funds organized on the 17th of June 2011 a conference in the Croatian city of Varaždin about “Our ex- available for co-financing these projects. In case both pre- pectations of the EU”. This event has been part of the EU-project “Lucky Four Leaf Clover”. conditions cannot be fulfilled the EU-funds, which would be available for Croatia after becoming a member country could not be accessible. A monitoring process until the final Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as of various economic Approximately 150 representatives of regions, cities and joining in the year 2013 shall guarantee, that Croatia will be enterprises were participating. Papers were given by the municipalities from Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Austria and able to provide consequent continuing of the initiated re- Croatian Secretary of State for European Integration, Andrej forms in the future. IRE-chairman Franz Schausberger was Plenković, the chairlady of the National Croatian Commit- also mentioning, that most Croatian regions have been well Franz Schausberger, Andrej Plenković and representatives of cro- tee for EU entrance negotiations, Vesna Pusić, the Austrian prepared for joining the EU during the last years. atian regions at the press conference. ambassador in Zagreb, Jan Kickert, the president of the Re- gion of Varaždin, Predrag Štromar and IRE-president Franz Schausberger.

As Croatia is still suffering heavily under the consequences of the finanical and economic crisis joining the EU is consi- dered as a chance for economic recovery, for enforced fo- reign investments and for targeted subsidies of EU funds. It has been suggested, that due to the long-lasting negotia- tions with EU the enthusiasm for joining EU has been remar- F. l.: Jan Kickert, Vesna Pusić, Franz Schausberger, Predrag kably decreased and now all endeavours have to be made Štromar, Andrej Plenković and Richard Maša (EU-Delegation in order to achieve a positive result of the referendum. It in Croatia) was also completely agreed that above all administration

F. l.: Ambassador Jan Kickert, Vesna Pusić and Franz Schaus- IRE-Chairman Helmut Falschlehner welcomes the Croatian State Event Partner: berger. Sekretary for European Integration Andrej Plenković.

Croatia: EU‘s 28th Member in 2013

On 24th June EU leaders announced that Croatia is ready to European Commission become the next member. If all goes well, Zagreb will become DG Enlargement/PRINCE EU-27 the second former Yugoslav republic to join the European club. According to the summit‘s conclusion, an accession treaty will be signed by December. The ratification process by the member Viktor Orbán, states will probably last until June 2013. Jadranka Kosor, The decision came at the time when Croatia marked 20 years of Herman van Rompuy, independence. So it was a historic moment for the country. The José Manuel B arroso accession of Croatia brings new momentum to the European vo- cation of the countries in the Western Balkans. the accession treaty Croatia has to continue working, just as it The talks since 2004 had lasted long, had been marked by ups will have to continue working hard after entering the EU. and downs, but progress was now visible in all areas, notably the According to a survey of GfK market research agency over the judiciary, the fight against corruption and crime, and judicial re- past month public support for Croatia’s accession to the EU has form. Those processes are irreversible and they create the foun- risen to 51 per cent, while the number of opponents and those dation for the fight for everyone‘s human rights. After signing who are undecided has dropped.

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Café d’Europe Régional and Opening of Touring Exhibition in Brčko: Very successful series of discussions continued in BiH

by Aisa Henseke Brčko district, a small region in the northeast of the country, is the only self-governing and multie- that many young people were not Donatus Köck, Ambassador of Austria very happy about the political and and Bosnia and Herzegovina quoted thnic administrative unit under the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Within the frame of the economic situation in their country. some points that must be improved Lucky Four Leaf Clover Project IRE organized two events in Brčko on 18th March: a Café d’Europe Franz Schausberger, Chaiman of the in Bosnia in order to clear the way for Régional and the touring exhibition launch themed “Regional culture = European Culture” Institute of the Regions of Europe, the country to become a member of taking place in five project countries encouraged young people to take ac- the EU. The clear message was that within the frame of the “Lucky Four tively part in politics in order to par- this cannot be done from the outside. Leaf Clover Project”, was organized by “Even though there have been a range of activities con- ticipate in designing their future. Dra- Bosnian people need to cooperate in the IRE in cooperation with regional ducted by foreign institutions, there has never been an gan Pajic, Mayor of the Brčko district order to achieve this common goal. galleries, regional artists and regio- event like this in Brčko”, said Ilija Stojanović, Head of the De- emphasized the importance of good Dragana Oriold, journalist from the nal project partners. Peter Kneževic, partment for European Integration of Brčko District, when education and the opportunities Eu- RTV HiT, moderated a lively discussion Curator of the Brčko District Art Mu- he was asked about the Café d’Europe in his district . “It is an ropean Union is offering to Bosnian between young people and the spea- seum and Hiltrud Oman, IRE Art Ex- exceptional case, that young people are getting a chance to students. Drazen Maloca, Austrian De- kers. Evaluation of the questionaries pert, were very impressed by the high discuss political issues” he adds. There has been an immen- puty Trade Commissioner in Bosnia, that were filled in by the participants quality of the 36 paintings which were se interest in this event by media and the citizens. Local, re- and Johann Hesse, Head of Section of the Café showed a high interest in submitted by contemporary regional gional and international media, around 140 citizens mostly Economic Reform at the Trade and further events like this in Brčko. artists from 12 European regions. This students and pupils, but also other interested groups came Natural Resources Delegation of the The opening of the touring exhibition exhibition will be travelling to Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary and Austria until Ilija Stojanović, Donatus Köck, Dragan Pajic, Franz Schausberger, to Café Click in order to discuss European and Bosnian to- EU, talked about many business and “Regional Culture = European Culture” Johann Hesse and Drazen Maloca answered questions. pics together with politicians and experts. It was obvious investment projects between Bos- in Brčko attracted many national and November 2011. nia ,Austria and the European Union. international guests in the afternoon Peter Appleby from OHR Bosnia and of the same day. This event, which is www.lucky-four-leaf-clover.eu Touring Exhibition: “Regional culture = European Culture” at Brčko City Hall

Dragan Pajic, Mayor of the Brčko district (below left), welco- med the guests at the opening of the touring exhibition at its first stop at Brčko District Art Museum in the City Hall (r.) of Brčko and Hiltrud Oman, IRE Art Expert (m.), who as project co- ordinator arranged the artworks explained the special features of this exhibition. Café d‘Europe within the IRE EU-Project „Lucky Four Leaf Clover“ is kindly sponsored by:

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Café d’Europe in Maribor: Young students show a great interest in EU-related topics

By Aaron Gottardi and Aisa Henseke

The fourth Café d’Europe Régional within the Lucky Four Leaf Project took place on 15th April tive impacts on Slovenia. After the first Maribor within the framework of the 2011 at the Café Astoria in Maribor. Experts and students got the chance to discuss EU related round of statements the moderator European Capital of Culture. A general Natalija Bratkovič from TV-channel discussion between the speakers and topics on education, employment, enlargement and development possibilities. RTS invited the participants to a que- guests took place afterwards. Studen- stion session. The extraordinary well- ts showed a great interest in the edu- Around 120 guests, most of them students from Second prepared students were interested in cational and employment possibilities Gymnasium Maribor and Gymnasium Ptuj, took part in this the issue of the international role of European Union is offering. All the event, which was organized by the Institute of the Regions Slovenia and how could the country speakers gave comprehensive an- of Europe (IRE) in cooperation with the City of Maribor. Franz help its neighbors from the Western swers in order to satisfy the curiosity Schausberger , Chairman of the IRE, and the Deputy Mayor Balkans in becoming a member of EU. of the students. of Maribor, Tomaž Kancler, opened the event with their After the first question session Dami- After two hours the event ended welcome words, explicitly addressed to the students and jan Habernik, from the commercial with the conclusion that the dialo- their important role in building the future of Slovenia and Department of the Austrian Embas- gue between decision makers and the EU.Andrej Beloglavec, Acting Head of Mission of the Re- sy in Ljubljana gave a detailed report citizens must be improved in order to presentation of the European Commission in Slovenia, gave on economic connections between strengthen and deepen the integrati- an overview on the duties of his mission in Slovenia. Erwin Austria and Slovenia including busi- on process. A questionary evaluation ness and investment possibilities. Ms. among students showed how much Franz Schausberger, Erwin Kubesch, Austrian Ambassador in Slo- Kubesch, Austrian Ambassador in Slovenia, emphasized the venia, Deputy Mayor of Maribor, Tomaž Kancler, Andrej Belogla- excellent relations between Austria and Slovenia within the Jrnea Rebernik of the Maribor Capital they have enjoyed this event and their vec, Acting Head of Mission of the Representation of the European European Union and the United nations. Concluding this of Culture 2012 closed the statements explicit wish for more opportunities Commission in Slovenia and Damijan Habernik, commercial De- round of statements, Gregor Greif explained the functions giving an outlook of the events which to discuss EU-related topics. partment of the Austrian Embassy in Ljubljana and duties of the European Cohesion funds and their posi- will take place in 2011 and 2012 in www.lucky-four-leaf-clover.eu

Fotos: Zolles Touring Exhibition: “Regional culture = European Culture” at Weihnachten wie Betnava Castle damals erleben! IN WIEN in Maribor

„Über 1 Million Gäste pro Jahr besuchen die Veranstaltungen in der Thanks to very detailed preparation the opening of the Touring changed their experiences. and talked about their work with Wiener Stadthalle. Ein Erfolg, der auch auf der Vielseitigkeit und der Multifunktionalität der Arena beruht. Vom Rockkonzert bis zur Oper, Exhibition at the most beautiful premises of Betnava Castle in interested guests. Centre of attention was the significance of von Holiday on Ice bis zu Masters of Dirt. So gut wie alles ist in der Maribor was a great success. Artists from five countries ex- arts for the understanding between the regions and nations. Wiener Stadthalle möglich!“

Seit fünf Jahrzehnten beherbergt die Wiener Stadthalle jene Ereignisse 16. Dez. '11 und Events, die Wien ein attraktives und vielfältiges Unterhaltungs- 16. Dez. '11 programm garantieren. Ob als Schauplatz von Konzerten (mit bis zu 16.000 Besuchern in der großen Halle D oder bis zu 2.000 Besuchern mehr als in der Showbühne/Halle F) oder Sportereignissen - darunter bisher rund 80 Welt- und Europameisterschaften. Für die große Vielfalt an unter- 100 mitwirkende! schiedlichen Veranstaltungen ist es notwendig, moderne Technik, hoch- Salzburger Gitarrentrio, Reiterer Vocal-Ensemble, LandesChor Hohensalzburg, wertige Ausstattung, Flexibilität und optimale Infrastruktur zu bieten. Pongauer Stub’n Musi, Salzburger Adventconsort, uvm. Gaststars:

KARL MERKATZ Ticketpartner: KARL MERKATZ Hiltrud Oman, IRE Art Expert (r.) with one of Dragica Marinič, Director of European Cul- Tomaž Kancler, Deputy Mayor of Maribor, SASSY HOLZINGER (die Seer) the artistis. tural and Technological Center Maribor Franz Schausberger and President Darko Koren

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Visit to Čakovec European Forum honours excellent Europeans and the dynamic Region of Međimurje Institute of the Regions of Europe and Otto The region of Međimurje despite being the smallest Croatian county by size, it is the most Habsburg-Lothringen densely populated one (not including the City of Zagreb). The county seat is Čakovec. have been awarded The county borders Slovenia in the north-west IRE Chairmen Franz Schausberger and Helmut Falschlehner discussed topics as EU-accession of Croatia and infrastructure and Hungary in the east, with about 30 kilometers projects with the Ivan Perhoč, Međimurje County Prefect. EUROPAN of Slovenian territory separating it from Austria. The EUROPAN is an award which is assigned every Karl Habsburg-Lothringen, State Secretary Dr. Wolfgang year by the European Forum Burgenland to per- Waldner, Dr. Reinhold Lopatka, LH Dr. Franz Schausberger (Chairman IRE), Dr. Helmut Falschlehner (Chairman IRE), Eu- The opening of the Touring Exhibition sonalities and institutions which have served the in Croatia took place in Čakovec castle ropaforum President LH-Stv. Mag. Franz Steindl, Europafo- which Inner Palace contains the County European thought of peaceful living together of rum Burgenland Chairman and Head of Group Ing. Rudolf Museum. The exeptional castle is loca- people in the Pannonian area in a special way. The Strommer ted in Zrinski Park, not far from the city‘s price winner 2011 is the Institute of the Regions of central square. It was built in the 13th century by Count Dimitrius Csáky, after Europe. With the EUROPAN for the work of his life Price winner 2011: whom the city of Čakovec is named. Otte Habsburg-Lothringen was honoured, whose Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) The castle is the biggest fortification in son Karl Habsburg-Lothringen took the award in Međimurje County. It was the scene of the celebration hall of fortress Gussing, which was The Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE) in Salzburg is a the Zrinski-Frankopan conspiracy, a si- private foundation, which has been organizing projects and gnificant event in the history of Croatia. filled until the last seat. events also and in an enhanced manner recently in the Pan- The castle‘s main palace is now the site nonian area since 2004, which was the reason of the award. of the Međimurje Museum, the biggest Among high-ranking representatives from politics, internatio- IRE is considering its special task to promote the economic re- museum in the county. nal diplomacy and economy, among many friends and com- lations between the regions and municipalities of Europe, to Vladimir Kalšan, Director of Međimurje panions, the deputy head of the provincial government, Mag. make available informations and to strengthen the connection Museum, in his opening speech ex- Franz Steindl, the president of the European Forum, chairman with the European Union. The activities of IRE include especial- pressed the wish and expectation that KO Ing. Rudolf Strommer and the speaker Secretary of State Dr. ly respective research work, publications, seminaries and con- art will contribute to unite the regions Wolfgang Waldner could hand over the awards. For the presi- ferences. The European Forum is this year also partner of IRE at and countries of Europe and bring fina- dent of the European Forum Burgenland, deputy head of the the EU-project “Lucky Four Leaf Clover” at which municipalities ly peace and cooperation to the former provincial government, Mag. Franz Steindls and the chairman from Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Her- yougoslavian countries and their neigh- KO Ing. Rudolf Strommer the Institute of the Regions of Euro- zegovina are co-operating. bour regions in the EU. pe with former head of the provincial government Dr. Franz www.institut-ire.eu Schausberger has been an excellent example for networking among municipalities, for decreasing information deficiencies and has offered chances to use the potential of co-operation in the regions of Europe. For the second time in the 10-year-history of the European fo- Touring Exhibition rum Burgenland the EUROPAN has been awarded for the work of a lifetime. After Dr. Alois Mock Dr. Otto Habsburg-Lothringen “Regional culture has been awarded for his engagement for a strong united Eu- rope. “We want to honour his merits for peaceful living toge- European Commission represented = European by General Directorate Enlargement ther of people in Pannonia by awarding the EUROPAN for the work of his life”, said Steindl. The price was taken over by his son Culture” within Karl Habsburg-Lothringen, who expressed the sincered thanks the IRE EU-Project on behalf of his father for receiving the award. „Lucky Four Leaf Dr. Reinhold Lopatka has been closely linked with the Burgen- From left: Kiril Kalev (Fromer Ambassador of Bulgaria), IRE land for all his life. He attended school in Oberschützen, is clo- Chairman Franz Schausberger, Ambassador Aleksandar Hei- in cooperation with Clover“ is kindly sely related with associations and has been a strong partner na, Paul Luif (Österreichisches Institut für Int. Politik, oiip), and supporter of the European Forum Burgenland for many Markus Prenner (Europaforum Burgenland), Rudolf Strom- sponsored by: years. He was awarded the honorary membership for his rela- mer (Chairman Europaforum Burgenland) tedness and his support.

12 newsregion 21 / jul11 newsregion 21 / jul11 13 Save the date! IRE-delegation in 7th Conference of European Regions and Cities „The new Europe 2020 Strategy – implementation Arad and Timiş within Regions and Cities“ Twice within half a year delegations headed by IRE-president Franz Schausberger visited regions Economy Meets Politics in Western Rumania. From the 12th until the 15th 18 to 20 September 2011 of November 2010 Franz Schausberger was visi- ting with IRE-board members Helmut Falschleh- in Linz / Austria / Landhaus / Design Center ner and Bernd Petritsch, with Eduard Paulus and Max Schausberger the regions of Arad and Timis. The IRE delegation (f. l.) Helmut Falschlehner, Bernd Petrisch, Sunday; 18 September 2011 12:45 Networking Lunch The delegations met with the president of the Franz Schausberger and Eduard Paulus met the president of the 12:00 Official Welcome-Lunch 14:00 Working Groups (parallel in English) region Arad Petru-Nilolae Iotcu and with the presi- region Arad Petru-Nilolae Iotcu (m.).

dent of the region Timis, Constantin Ostaficiuc. 13:30 IRE-General Assembly (voting for IRE-members only) I. Restoration of regional and local public budgets Conference Venue: Landhaus, Steinerner Saal, Linz Moderation: Alois Steinbichler, Director General, Kommunal- kredit Austria AG, Vienna, Austria Twice within half a year delegations headed by IRE-president Presentation and Information on available EU Funds „Euro- Franz Schausberger visited regions in Western Rumania. From pe for Citizens“, by Ms. Meena Lang, National Contact Point in II. Intelligent Smart Grid-Solutions - E-mobility the 12th until the 15th of November 2010 Franz Schausberger Austria, Ministry for Education, Arts and Culture, Vienna Moderation: Stefan Eder, Benn-Ibler Law Firm, Deputy Chair- was visiting with IRE-board members Helmut Falschlehner man of IRE and Bernd Petritsch, with Eduard Paulus and Max Schausber- 14:30 Networking Coffee Break ger the regions of Arad and Timis. The delegations met with 15:30 – 16:00 Networking Coffee Break the president of the region Arad Petru-Nilolae Iotcu and with 15:00 IRE Expert Forum the president of the region Timis, Constantin Ostaficiuc. „The digital Agenda for Europe - a chance for 16:00 – 17:30 Working Groups (parallel in English, Venue: deprived regions and cities“ Basement of Design Center) Conference Venue: Landhaus, Steinerner Saal, Linz On the 28th and 29th of April 2011 Franz and Max Schausber- Moderation: Andreas Schiller, Journalist, Real Estate, I. Modernization of traffic system for a resource-preserving Franz Schausberger with the president of the region Timis, Con- ger, Roman Esternbauer, Wolfgang Hössl, Ionel Giuglea (three Urban and Regional Development, CEO of Andreas Europe – financing of infrastructure representatives of company Alpine Bau) met with the presi- stantin Ostaficiuc. Schiller Investment Insight, Schiller Publishing House, Moderation: Werner Weihs-Raabl, Head of Group Infrastruc- dent of the region Arad, Petru-Nicolae Ioţcu, and the mayor of Germany ture Finance & Group Public Sector, Erste Group Bank AG, the city of Arad, Gheorghe Falca. Vienna, Austria 17:00 End of Forum During preparation work of the CoR-opinion “EU Enlargement II. Energy Efficiency in Cities and Energy Performance Strategy 2010/2011“ IRE-chairman Franz Schausberger visited 19:30 Traditional Welcome Dinner Contracting the ambassador of Turkey at the EU in Brussels. Above all the si- Reception given by Josef Pühringer, President of Land 17:30 End of Conference tuation of cities and municipalities in Turkey was discussed, as Upper Austria, Landhaus, Steinerner Saal, Linz well as the required strengthening of their competences and fi- 19:30 Evening Programme and Gala-Dinner at Stahlwelt, nancial provisions. Ambassador....mentioned, that after parlia- Monday; 19 September 2011 voestalpine, Linz ment elections an administrative reform would be developed, which should include also issues of local self-administration. 7th Conference of European Regions and Cities „Strategie Europe 2020 – Overcoming of the Financial- and Tuesday; 20 September 2011 Economic Crisis – Implementation on the Regional amd Local Level“ Scientific IRE-Symposium 2nd Conference of Regional Universities 08:30 Opening “How to find additional financial resources for Franz Schausberger, Chairman of IRE, Former President regional universities“ New Strategic of Land Salzburg, Austria Conference Venue: Energie AG Oberösterreich, Böhmerwald- 08:45 Welcome Address strasse 3, 4020 Linz, Austria, PowerTower, Room: Power Center Erich Watzl, Vicemayor of Linz Josef Pühringer, President of Land Upper Austria, Linz 09:30 Panelldiscussion Partner of the IRE Representative of the Austrian Government Moderator: Gerlinde Pöchhacker, Pöchhacker Innovation Consulting GmbH, Linz, Austria 09:15 Wilhelm Molterer, Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), 12:00 Networking Lunch

09:45 EU-Commissioner, Brussels, Belgium 14:00 End of the Symposium

10:45 Panel-Discussion: „Intelligent, sustainable and Conference fee € 350,-- per Person for all three days Roman Esternbauer, Wolfgang Hössl, Ionel Giuglea (three repre- integrative growth on regional and local level“ Volksbank Salzburg sentatives of company Alpine Bau) and Franz Schausberger met Moderation: Claus Reitan, Chief-Editor “Die Furche”, IBAN AT85 4501 0000 1510 1140, BIC: VBOEATWWSAL with the president of the region Arad, Petru-Nicolae Ioţcu (m. r.), Vienna, Austria (No fee for IRE-Members, Regions, Cities and Municipalities, and the mayor of the city of Arad, Gheorghe Falca (m. l.). Diplomatic Services and NGO´s) 14 newsregion 21 / jul11 newsregion 21 / jul11 15 Freiluftkino. Overcoming Regional Disparities

SALZBURGERLAND.COM The Ministry of Economy and Regional Development of the Republic of Serbia, represented by State Secretary Dragijana Radonjic Petrovic, organized the Second International Con- ference on Overcoming Regional Disparities and Achieving better EU coherent Implementation of Regional Policies. The conference was held on May 10 – 12th, 2011 in Arandjelovac, Serbia. The overall objective of the Conference was to foster the pro- cess of bringing national policies in line with EU regional de- Right to left: Andrej Horvat, State Secretary (Slovenia), Dragijana velopment policies. The conference was identified by mutual Radonjic Petrovic, State Secretary (Serbia), Franz Schausberger discussions, exchange of experiences among EU and candi- date and neighbouring countries. IRE president Prof. Franz Schausberger spoke about “Decentralization – a precondition titioners at European, national and regional level, focusing on for achieving EU financial support”. The conference aimed to a better, EU-coherent implementation of regional policies and facilitate common understanding among politicians and prac- more balanced regional development.

Decentralization Process in Serbia

On 24 May 2011 the Working Group on the Western Balkans of the Committee of the Regions held its 9th meeting in the city of Kragujevac, Serbia. Chaired by Prof. Franz Schausberger the Working Group discussed with representatives of Serbian municipalities and of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodi- na about Serbia’s accession negotiation talks and impact on sub-national authorities. The head of the delegation of EU to Serbia, Ambassador Vincent Degert spoke about the chances Left to right: EU ambassador Vincent Degert, Franz Schausber- for Serbia to get the candidate-status till the end of 2011. The ger, Dobrica Milovanovic Working Group had to deal with the decentralization-process in Serbia and the question how to increase the absorption ca- pacity for EU Funds at local and regional level in Serbia. The meeting was hosted by the city of Kragujevac represented by Serbian journalists visited IRE office the deputy mayor Dobrica Milovanovic.

A delegation of the EU Funds in Novi Sad (Autonomous Province of Vojvodina) Serbia accompanied by Andre Stajic visited the IRE Head Office in Salzburg between 17 and 19 May 2011. The delegation spoke about EU Perspective of Serbia and present developments within the Country. Furthermore F. l.: Graham Tope, Member of London Borough of Sutton, Jean the local radio Station “Antenne Salzburg” represented by Louis Destans, President of Euro General Council, and Mia De Station manager Matthias Nieswandt informed about their Vits, Member of Flemish Parliament programme and activities in the region.

16 newsregion 21 / jun11 newsregion 21 / jul11 17 Integration IRE-President Schausberger in Bratislava: Activities Centralization is not able to cope with the crisis in Karlovac National states have reached limits of crucial to have in the member states as their administrative and political capa- partners not only the national authori- cities and many have recognized that ties but also strong and capable, demo- From left to right: Ivan Banjavčić, Franz Schausberger, Eva Maria Sobo- political decentralization of compe- cratically legitimized local and regional Milan Ftáčnik, Lord Mayor of the Capital County tik Pavan, Ivan Vučić, Josip Šafar. tences adds to a relief and therefore to self-governments, which are not only a strengthening of the whole state. Af- able to use the EU-regional funds in a City Bratislava and Franz Schausberger ter all, the financial and economic crisis proper way but also can implement the On 16th June 2011 IRE-chairman Franz shows that globalization and centraliza- EU policies. Schausberger visited the croatian coun- tion are not really able to protect prospe- Schausberger underlined, that decen- ty Karlovac, a member region of IRE. He rity. As a consequence of the economic tralization can reduce the existing regio- met the County President Ivan Vučić crisis, it is necessary to strengthen the nal and inter-regional economic dispari- and his Deputies Josip Sˇafar and Ivan regional and local self-administration, ties and different living conditions in the Banjavčić and discussed with them the said IRE-president Prof. Franz Schaus- different parts of a country and reduce preparations of Karlovac County for the berger at the XXI. Congress of the Union the migration from the poor boarder EU-accesion of Croatia. of Towns and Cities of Slovakia at June and rural areas to the urban centers. President Vučić and the Head of Unit 10, 2011 in Bratislava. Schausberger re- for European Integration and Regional minded that almost 70 percent of all EU During his participation in the confe- Development Eva Maria Sobotik Pavan, legislation is implemented at local and rence Schausberger met with the Lord informed about the County‘s EU inte- regional level. Mayor of the Capital City Bratislava, Mi- gration-related activities. Undoubtedly in Europe a process of lan Ftáčnik, the President of Bratislava In the following discussion with studen- decentralization and regionalization of Region, Pavol Frešo, the Vice-President ts from Karlovac, Franz Schausberger political competences and public bo- Ivo Nesrovnal and Marián Minarovic, Ge- spoke about the benefits and challen- dies is going on. Within the European neral Secretary of UTCS, and discussed ges of Croatia‘s accession to European Union the power of the regional and with them the actual situation of the Pavol Frešo, President of Bratislava Regi- Union and paid particular attention to local levels is growing. For the EU it is Slovakian Regions and Municipalities. on, and Franz Schausberger the possibilities that the Union is offe- ring to young people through various forms of studying in European countries, scholarships, student and professor ex- changes etc. Schausberger encouraged CoR adopted the young people to participate in the referendum regarding the EU accession Schausberger’s Opinion of Croatia and to vote for it. on EU-Enlargement

Großglockner Hochalpenstraße Strategy Franz Schausberger and his assistent Aaron Gottardi On 1 July 2011 the Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted unanimously at its 91st Plenary Session in Brussels the opinion “EU-Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2010-2011”, elaborated by IRE-chairman Franz Schausberger. This do- cument is based on the enlargement report of the European Commission and reflects the developments on the local and away with and jobs must be created near borders in order to regional level in the official candidate countries as well as in decrease migration - regionalization and decentralization the potential candidate countries. must therefore be strengthened in order to counteract this. Fi- nally, it is essential that local and regional representatives are „We foster dialogue with the candidate and potential candi- more prominently included in negotiations with the Europe- date countries and support regional and local authorities to an Union vis-à-vis the accession of their respective countries. Der Berg. Die Straße. Das Erlebnis. prepare for their future responsibilities within the EU“ opens Thus far, there have been many reforms undertaken in Croa- Die Großglockner Hochalpenstraße zählt zu den faszinierendsten Panoramastraßen Europas. Genießen Sie den Ausblick auf Franz Schausberger. Staff remuneration at local and regional tia, Serbia and FYROM, however, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Österreichs höchsten Berg. Zahlreiche Lehrpfade, Ausstellungen und Schautafeln laden zum Staunen, Genießen und Innehalten ein. level needs to be revised. Likewise, the serious lack of expertise Albania are failing to do so and consequently remain far from is of great concern. Moreover, certain disparities must be done EU standards. Großglockner Hochalpenstraßen AG, Tel. ++43/(0)662/873673-0, [email protected], grossglockner.at

GG11_Ins_Newsregion_170x76_1106.indd 1 06.06.11 13:36 18 newsregion 21 / jul11 newsregion 21 / jul11 19 Get ahead with Karl-Heinz a strong partner. Lambertz IRE-Board Meetings in Linz new President of ✆ 01/514 50 the PES Group in the Committee of wko.at/wien Photo: Julius Silver Photo: the Regions

ECONOMY IN THE DANUBE

On 21 June 2011 meeting of the IRE-Board of Directors was held in Linz, Upper- REGION CONTINUES TO COALESCE Austria, at Energie AG Oberösterreich. From left to right: Helmut Falschlehner, Stefan Eder, Leo Windtner, Franz Schausberger, Christian Hasenleithner, Joachim Fritz. Thirteen chambers of commerce in the Danube region have founded the “Danube Chamber of Commerce Association”. This will make SMEs in the Danube region internationally even more competitive.

Economic relations in the ed to create a strong platform for identifying On 30 June 2011 the PES Group elected Danube region have tra- new business opportunities in the Danube re- unanimously Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ, ditionally developed along gion. At its heart is improved economic coopera- Minister-President of the German-spea- king Community of Belgium als Group’s friendly lines. To further tion between the companies in the region. SMEs President. cement these ties, thir- will be supported in developing and implementing Karl-Heinz Lambertz had been the teen chambers of com- new business models and management tech- Group‘s First Vice-President since March On 21 June IRE-Advisory Board discussed in Linz the priorities of the future wor- 2011. „I come from a region which bor- king program of the Institute. From left to right: Erich Haager, Roland Ertl, Bernd merce from Germany, niques by cooperating with each other, and in in- ders three Member States and where Petrisch, Franz Schausberger, Helmut Falschlehner, Gerhard Bauer, Christian Ha- Hungary, Croatia, Roma- creasing their market opportunities by enhancing three languages are spoken; this is the senleithner, Stefan Eder and Andreas Hopf nia, Serbia and Austria employee qualifications. basis of my European commitment that I have never stopped developing

Photo: Weinwurm Photo: have formed the “Danube over the years. We will work to create BW_english_111x85:BRAUWELT_inserat_297x106 06.04.11 08:55 Seite 1 Brigitte Jank, President Chamber of Commerce Exploiting opportunities for development a Europe that is more equitable, more of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association”, a move in- The “Danube Chamber of Commerce Association” social and more oriented towards the real needs of its citizens“, concluded the itiated by the Budapest is also important for the countries along the Dan- newly elected PES-President. Typical Chamber of Commerce. From the Austrian side, ube in enabling them to achieve their objectives Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ has been mem- austrian the chambers of commerce for Vienna, Lower within the EU. It is especially important for the ber of the CoR since 1999 and member of the CoR Bureau since 2009. He has gastronomy Austria and Upper Austria are members. The aim Viennese economy to be able to help shape Euro- been CoR rapporteur on key issues. EUROPE'S LARGEST REAL LIFE WORLD OF BREWING of the “Danube Chambers” is to exploit the eco- pean decision-making through this initiative. This Before being appointed Minister-Presi- dent of the German speaking Commu- nomic potential of the region to its fullest by im- forward-looking cooperation provides a huge op- DAY nity in Belgium in 1999, he was Minister FAMILY-SUN ly proving the exchange of information and training. portunity for making the SMEs of the Danube re- the whole fami in charge of Media, Adult Education, ntrance for For SMEs in particular, the cooperation is intend- gion internationally more competitive. E EUROS Policy for the Disabled, Social Aid and for only 9.- Professional Retraining (1990-1995), and later responsible for Youth, Training, Media and Social Matters (1995-1999). From 1999 to 2004, he was also Minister of the German speaking Community for Employment, Policy for the Disabled, Media and Sport; since 2004 he is also Minister of Local Authorities. Karl-Heinz museum Mo – So 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. gastronomy daily cuisine 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Lambertz is also President of the Euro- Bräuhausstraße 9, 5020 Salzburg, Tel.: +43(0)662-8387-1492, www.brauwelt.at pean Association of Border Regions. Weiter kommen. 20 newsregion 20 / mar11 newsregion 21 / jul11 21

WKW_DanubeRegion_engl_210x297abf_02.indd 1 19.05.11 15:23 IRE-Lunch with We introduce our New IRE-Members EU-Commissioner Hahn PwC Corporate City of Maribor On the occasion of the visit of EU Regional Policy Commissio- Finance Beratung ner Johannes Hahn in Salzburg (Austria) on 27 May 2011 the Slovenia Institute of the Regions invited to a lunch with numerous re- GmbH, Austria presentatives of economy, administration and politics. Com- represented by Managing represented by missioner Hahn hold a very interesting speech concerning the Director Dr. Christine Catasta Franc Kangler relevant problems of EU, in particular the crisis in Greece and Managing Dir. Mag. Miklós Révay [email protected] the future Regional Policy. [email protected] www.maribor.si Regional policy is the best way to transform the economic www.at.pwc.com goals of the ‚Europe 2020‘ strategy into concrete achievements, and it will need to keep its current share of the EU budget to do so, Regional Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn said in his speech. Regional policy needs to keep its current funding levels - around one third of the EU budget - to make the Europe Municipality of Municipality of 2020 agenda a reality and „make Europe more visible“ across the EU member states. Szentgotthárd Jennersdorf, Austria The economic crisis and subsequent downturn has hit all regi- Hungary ons across the European Union, and continues to have a huge represented by impact on economic development. European regional policy represented by Mayor Wilhelm Thomas has a key role to play in restoring confidence in the EU‘s econo- Mayor Gábor Huszár [email protected] my, providing vital investment at local and regional level, and [email protected] www.jennersdorf.eu offering an anchor of stable, targeted and sustainable finan- EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn with Wüstenrot CEO Susanne www.szentgotthard.hu cing, investing in areas that will allow businesses to thrive and Riess-Passer (l.) and President of Austrian Association of Munici- employment to increase, said the Commissioner. palities Helmut Mödlhammer

IRE Chairman with Director Walter Mönichweger of DB Schenker & CO AG, Salzburg. DB Schenker Aus- tria is one of the largest national offices within the global network of Schenker. As one of the leading providers of in- tegrated transport and logistics services with a nationwide office structure in Austria DB Schenker provides industry and commerce with full support in the international move- ment of goods. The Company is IRE Member since 2006. DB Schenker has 11 branch offices and 5 additional locations in Austria.

IRE is sponsored IRE is sponsored by by

OUR WATER. OUR LIFE. 24 hours a day. 365 days a year. Wasser 22 newsregion 21 / jul11 newsregion 21 / jun11 23 ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 18001 www.wdl.at www.energieag-wasser.at

kommunal.indd 2 6/9/11 12:23 PM Bilder © Reed Exhibitions Messe Wien www.christian-husar.com

REAL VIENNA 2011 REAL VIENNA 2011 6.463 Participants an zwei Tagen bei der sechsten Ausgabe der 6,463 Participants in two days at the sixth edition of the trade platform Branchenplattform für Immobilieninvestments mit Fokus auf Mittel- for real estate investments with the focus on Central and Eastern Europe und Osteuropa +++ Namhafte internationale Aussteller wie Lidl, Invest +++ Renowned international exhibitors like Lidl, Invest Slovenia, City of Slovenia, City of Budapest, Russian Federation, SIEPA Serbia, Colliers Budapest, Russian Federation, SIEPA Serbia, Colliers International, Regus International, Regus +++ Investorenprogramm brachte Top-Entscheider +++ Investors’ programme attracted top decision makers to Vienna +++ nach Wien +++ ÖGNI: Blue Buildings zertifiziert – hochkarätige ÖGNI: Blue Buildings certified – top-flight panel discussions regarding Paneldiskussionen über Nachhaltigkeit +++ Property Talks mit erstklassigem sustainability +++ Property Talks offered first-class discussion programme: Diskussionsprogramm: “Infrastrukturentwicklungen im Donauraum“ +++ “Infrastructure Developments in the Danube region” +++ Numerous coun- Zahlreiche Länderpräsentationen aus CEE/SEE-Regionen +++ Erfolgreiche try representations from the CEE/SEE regions +++ Successful cooperation Zusammenarbeit mit Reed MIDEM wird fortgesetzt +++ Mehr als 400 with Reed MIDEM will be continued +++ More than 400 guests at the Gäste beim abendlichen Networking im Wiener Rathaus +++ evening networking event in Vienna’s city hall +++

Zwar sind die Nachwirkungen der Wirtschafts- und Finanzkrise in der The repercussions of the economic and financial crisis in the real estate Immobilienbranche vor allem in Zentralost- und Südosteuropa noch industry, especially in Central Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, are still deutlich sicht- und spürbar, dennoch waren bei der „Real Vienna 2011“ clearly visible and discernible, yet at the “Real Vienna 2011” on May 24 am 24. und 25. Mai 2011 in der Messe Wien klare Erholungstendenzen and 25, 2011, in Vienna’s Congress Center Messe Wien, clear tendencies und deutlicher Optimismus zu verspüren. Die Bilanz der sechsten Edition of recovery and a strong optimism could be felt. The balance of the sixth der internationalen Fachmesse für Gewerbe- und Industrieimmobilien edition of the international trade fair for commercial and industry proper- mit besonderem Schwerpunkt auf die Länder in den CEE/SEE-Regionen ties with a special focus on the countries of the CEE/SEE regions (Central, (Zentral-, Südost- und Osteuropa) fällt durch die Bank positiv aus: „Die South-East and Eastern Europe) is generally quite positive: “Focusing on two Fokussierung auf zwei Messetage hat sich als goldrichtig erwiesen, wir fair days has proven to be perfect, we have registered 6,463 participants in haben an diesen zwei Tagen insgesamt 6.463 Participants verzeichnet und these two days and could see that the industry has seemingly achieved the konnten erkennen, dass die Branche nach der Krise nun den Turnaround turnaround after the crisis – the trend indicator is clearly positive”, reports geschafft haben dürfte – das Stimmungsbarometer zeigt wieder deutlich Matthias Limbeck, CEO in charge of this topic at organizer Reed Exhibitions nach oben“, berichtet DI Matthias Limbeck, themenverantwortlicher Messe Wien. Geschäftsführer von Veranstalter Reed Exhibitions Messe Wien. Das Konzept stimmt – Positive The Concept is Correct – Positive Vorzeichen für REAL VIENNA 2012 Signals for the REAL VIENNA 2012 Den Erfolg der „Real Vienna 2011“ sieht man bei Reed Exhibitions auch als The success of the “Real Vienna 2011” is also at Reed Exhibitions seen as eindeutige Bestätigung für die Richtigkeit des Veranstaltungskonzepts. „Das a clear confirmation of the appropriateness of the event concept. “The Convention-Modell mit dem abgestimmten Mix aus Standpräsentationen, convention model with the attuned mixture of stand presentations, trade Fachprogramm und Networking wurde auch dieses Mal von den Participants, programme and networking has this year been again extremely well recei- Ausstellern wie Fachbesuchern, hervorragend angenommen“, stellt ved by the participants, both exhibitors and trade visitors”, states Matthias DI Matthias Limbeck fest. Nachdem die Branche sich auf der ‚Real Vienna Limbeck. After the industry has presented itself again in an optimistic mood 2011‘ wieder in optimistischer Verfassung präsentiert und neue Dynamik and has shown a new dynamic we start the preparation of next year’s event gezeigt hat, gehen wir sehr zuversichtlich an die Vorbereitung der nächst- very optimistically. Next year the fair will be taking place on Tuesday, May jährigen Veranstaltung“. Diese wird am Dienstag, 22. und Mittwoch, 22 and Wednesday, May 23, 2012 in Hall D of Vienna’s Congress Center 23. Mai 2012 in der Halle D der Messe Wien über die Bühne gehen. Messe Wien.

www.realvienna.com

RX11_A4_IRE News.indd 1 06.06.11 10:09