EU STRATEGIC TALKS

STABILITY, SECURITY AND COOPERATION – CHALLENGES IN A TIME OF UPHEAVAL Follow-up report on the launch of the EU Strategic Talks in the House of the | 4 June 2018

LANSKY, GANZGER + partner RECHTSANWÄLTE | ATTORNEYS EU STRATEGIC TALKS

EU STRATEGIC TALKS

n early June, LANSKY, GANZGER + partner, in cooperation with the rep- resentation of the European Commis- sion, the , and Amsterdam and Partners LLP, organ- Iised the EU Strategic Talks at the House of the European Union in to address the central issues that will be faced by Aus- tria’s European Council Presidency.

Some might ask why an international business law firm would go to such great lengths and take on the cost and effort of organising a full-day conference on issues of European politics. The answer is simple: Firstly, I have been a passionate proponent of the European project since first becom- ing politically aware in the early 70s, and I am very concerned about its future – as are many of Europe’s most astute observ- ers. And secondly, the EU is central to us as a law firm as we deal with Union law on a daily basis in our work for corporate clients and in our representation of individ- uals and states in front of European courts. The continued existence and future shape of a common Europe is thus an important concern for me personally as well as pro- fessionally. Founder and Managing Partner of LGP, Gabriel Lansky

It is my hope that the EU Strategic Talks will contribute to an intensified debate of and between cosmopolitan and nationalist do we want governing our future relation- the major issues facing the European Un- tendencies. ship with a post-Brexit United Kingdom? ion. The Austrian Council Presidency falls How can Europe bind the countries of the at a time when the future of the continent is These decisions are not about narrow Western Balkans closer to the Union and up for debate and in which the survival of technical details but competing visions of contribute to the resolution of latent con- this immensely important peace project is Europe’s shape and purpose in the world: flicts in the region? at risk. It is high time to make fundamental how can Europe improve its ability to act decisions on the future course of the Union in the face of an increasingly volatile inter- All of these questions, and many more, were – a task that is not easy in a Europe marked national environment? How shall we con- discussed by high-ranking decision makers by tensions between centralistic and seces- front the progressive erosion of Europe’s and experts in the framework of the EU sionist, between liberal and authoritarian, common values? What kind of agreement Strategic Talks. n

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LGP as a think tank for the EU accession

he EU Strategic Talks also covered the EU enlargement. LGP is well “Stability in the Neighborhood – Bringing the Western Balkans or acquainted with this topic, as it has South-Eastern Europe to the EU” is one of the leading priorities developed a comprehensive advi- of the Austrian EU Council Presidency. LGP has maintained close sory service in the region. This in- contact with politics and businesses in this region for many Tcludes both the level of policy makers and the operational level (bureaucracy). years and advises both as a legal and as a political consultant.

On the one hand, LGP’s portfolio includes purely legal advice. Unlike traditional prepa- ration for the EU membership, this is not relationship between institutions, each of tions (EU and candidate country). Of course, about adopting the acquis into national law, which has its own agenda. this requires having the necessary credibility for this consists to a large extent of the trans- on both sides. lation of innumerable legal acts into the re- In addition to these vertical and horizontal spective official language(s), with subsequent aspects, it is important to keep in mind the It has been, and remains to be, essential to “transcription” of rules. What is required is individual phases of each chapter of nego- be able to use a team of legal experts and strategic advice and support, including the tiation. For this purpose, there is a need to political consultants, permanent senior ex- exploration of the scope for implementation. navigate various screenings, opening bench- perts, and experts who can be consulted ad Occasionally, it is suggested to the candidate marks and the applicable reports, in order to hoc. In the communication with the entities countries that such a scope does not exist or then determine the negotiating position to- concerned, the knowledge of the respective a specific implementation is declared to be wards the EU. On the basis of the EU Com- national language(s) proves to be an indis- the only one permitted. This knowledge gap, mon Position, negotiations are then held at a pensable advantage. Given that LGP is based then, is used to the detriment of the candidate political level and consultations are held at a in Austria, the candidate countries benefit country. This can be counteracted with inde- technical level. not only because of the upcoming Austrian pendent analyses and appropriate know-how. EU Council Presidency but also because of In addition to closing benchmarks, the fulfil- LGP’s geographical proximity to the region. On the other hand, legal support requires ment of which allows the closing of the re- Vienna is also proving to be an air traffic hub at least selective, and in some negotiating spective chapter, the EU requires, in particu- for the states of the Western Balkans / South- chapters more appropriate, political advice larly sensitive chapters, temporary or interim eastern Europe. n on how to proceed at home, at the EU lev- benchmarks which must be fulfilled before- el, and in the capitals of the Member States. hand. It is, of course, a long way until the EU Prior knowledge of regional conditions and decides that the benchmarks have been met. actors in the accession process is essential. The number of open or closed chapters alone The political advice is again supported by a is only relevant to the race between the can- corresponding communication strategy. didate countries.

Without a timely and comprehensive anal- Advice to candidate countries by a law firm ysis of the countries’ needs, of course, such from an EU Member State also benefits the a project cannot proceed. In this context, EU and the old Member States. Although knowledge of the respective bureaucracy LGP acts as a representative of the respective Attorney at law Univ.-Doz. Dr. Dr. ALEXANDER EGGER is an indispensable advantage, not only in candidate country, LGP sometimes takes a Head of EU, Regulatory, Public Procurement terms of hierarchy, but also in relation to the kind of “role as an interpreter” in both direc- & State Aids at LGP

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1 23 34 Impressions of an engaging and exciting event

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[1] Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl on the way to the event; [2] Georg Pfeifer, head of the Information Office of the European Parliament in Austria;[3] LGP founder Gabriel Lansky at his opening speech; [4] Robert Amsterdam, Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl and Foreign Minister of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn, former Greek Foreign Minister and LGP Senior Expert Council member Dimitrios Droutsas, Gabriel Lansky and moderator Tarek Leitner; [5] Tarek Leitner interviews Karin Kneissl and her counterpart Jean Asselborn 65 76

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[6] About 20 media representatives from Austria and abroad came to the conference; [7] MEP Othmar Karas addresses the audience in the discussion of EU reforms; [8] Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of the Munich Security Confe- rence; [9] Political scientist and author Ivan Krastev chairs the Center for Liberal Studies in Sofia;[10] Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn welcomes former Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski; [11] A podium discussion 1011 featuring prominent representatives on the EU reform plans

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[1] Family photo: MEP Martin Engelberg, former Hungarian Finance Minister Tibor Draskovics, Moderator Ivo Gabara, MEP Angelika Mlinar, Governor of the Austrian National Ewald Nowotny, Host Gabriel Lansky. EESC Member and LGP Senior Expert Council Michael Ikrath; [2] Former Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski at an interview; [3] Moderator Ivo Gabara and Member of Austrian Parliament Martin Engelberg; [4] Full audience at the launch of the EU Strategic Talks; [5] Former Greek Foreign Minister and member of the LGP Senior Expert CouncilDimitrios Droutsas during an interview; [6] European politician Michael Ikrath, member of the LGP Senior Expert Council, during an interview; [7] Panel discussion on EU enlargement and its potential for the countries of Southeastern Europe 3 4

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[8] EU parliamentarian Knut Fleckenstein; [9] Co-hosts Robert Amsterdam, Amsterdam & Partners; Dimitrios Droutsas, LGP Senior Expert; EU parliamentarians Knut Fleckenstein and Eduard Kukan; the former EU Special Envoy for Kosovo and former High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wolfgang Petritsch, also a member of the LGP Senior Expert Council; [10] The House of the European Union, located in the center of Vienna; [11] Robert Amsterdam, Managing Partner at Amsterdam & Partners; [12] LGP Managing Partner Gerald Ganzger (center); [13] Gabriel Lansky and Matthew Karnitschnig, Chief Correspondent for Europe, Politico 1213 1314

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Brexit: The countdown has started – but far too slowly

as Europe’s financial centre cannot be easily Brexit, and its consequences, was one of the main topics replaced”, says Nowotny,”but the ECB, as of the EU Strategic Talks. Governor of the Austrian National banking supervisor, believes that derivatives Bank Ewald Nowotny sees little chances for reaching trading will take place in a country governed by the ECB rules.” Accordingly, there is al- a meaningful agreement on time. ready competition underway for the succes- sion, in which Frankfurt has been the favour- ite, but Amsterdam is also well positioned. Nowotny does not exclude the possibility he referendum result was com- dency of the pound, weak stock market per- that part of the business could move to New pletely unexpected, and therefore, formance, and economic growth being only York due to the strict regulations in the EU. shocking: The UK’s “no” to the EU half of the Eurozone average. “The exit has hit Europe and its institutions un- its price,” said Nowotny, but a collapse of The Governor of the National Bank is very prepared. The first shock has been the economy is not that price. However: concerned about the sluggish exit negotia- Tovercome, but a certain paralysis is still no- “Disasters are rather rare in the economy. tions, which will also be an important topic ticeable; especially in the negotiations on Much more common are creeping develop- of the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the “divorce” and future relationship. The ments, and in England these are not good the EU. “By October, there must be a final contentious issues include the border with developments”. exit scenario so that the necessary political Northern Ireland, which after exiting will processes can be completed. But at present actually be an EU external border, the status This is especially pertinent to London, hith- I see no indication that this deadline can be of British people in Europe and vice versa, erto the leading financial centre of Europe. met,” said Nowotny, “especially as the Brit- the status of EU citizens in the UK. Especial- London accounts for 43 percent of the Euro- ish side lacks a coherent negotiation man- ly important for the UK is the future of the zone’s foreign exchange trade and 75 percent agement.” If nothing happens, the UK will London financial centre, which has thus far of the Eurozone’s turnover in derivatives become a third country like many others on played a leading role in Europe. trade, amounting to the considerable sum of March 29, 2019. USD 574 billion – per day. Since it is fore- In his keynote speech on Brexit, the Gov- seeable that London will lose its leading role Nonetheless, Ewald Nowotny also de- ernor of the Austrian National Bank, Ewald as the financial centre of Europe, numerous rives something positive from the situation: Nowotny pointed out what consequences banks have already relocated their headquar- “Brexit did not trigger any contagion effects had already accrued: the devaluation ten- ters to the Eurozone. London’s “central role as some people had feared.” n

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EU has become a technocratic system that works well, but no one has become an avid European for a well-functioning technocrat- ic system.

Is there a lack of ideas for the future?

Lansky: Yes, and that’s a big problem. There is a lack of vision, and memories have been lost. The attractiveness of the union as a major peace project is fading. The momen- tum created by the accession of Spain, Por- tugal, and – countries that had just freed themselves from dictatorships – has been lost, as has the momentum for eastern enlargement. This creates a vacuum, which those who are slowly destroying Europe are using to their advantage

What is necessary now?

Lansky: History shows that great empires break down because of a lack of legitimacy. I am not a prophet of doom, but it’s obvious that there’s a big gap in Europe between lib- eral and authoritarian, and between cosmo- politan and nationalist tendencies. The insti- tutions are unable to maintain a consensus “I’m very worried when there is no political foundation. about Europe” What does this mean for the Austrian Presidency?

Gabriel Lansky on the necessity of EU Strategic Talks Lansky: It is necessary to make fundamen- tal decisions: how the political and consti- and the challenges facing Europe. tutional future should look in a currently eroding European Union. This relates to the topic of majority decisions, as well as the handling of Brexit and the future EU The premiere of the “EU Strategic Lansky: Since I began to think politically, budget. With our EU Strategic Talks we Talks” was successful. What is I have been a fervent proponent of a unit- hope to make contributions to this discus- your personal conclusion? ed Europe. As a lawyer, I am continuous- sion. ly dealing with Europe in my professional Gabriel Lansky: I am very pleased that practice, whether when advising countries How do you see the future we were able to bring in a large number of in accession negotiations or when dealing of the EU? well-known experts for this event and that with international arbitral tribunals. Cur- interest was extraordinarily high, with more rently, I am very worried about Europe. Lansky: Of the various options outlined by than 220 attendees. And it is particularly Commission President Jean-Claude Junck- important, given the difficult phase that the It is obvious that the value system of the EU er in his White Paper, a Europe of differ- EU is going through, to promote discussions is no longer functional. Indeed, the govern- ent speeds has some plausibility. This is not about the future of our continent. ments of some member states have moved my favourite solution, but if not all of the far from the European fundamental con- countries are able or willing to go the same Why is it that a corporate law sensus. Additionally, there is great dissat- way, they will have to be left out so as not to firm organizes a conference isfaction with the democratic system, with hinder the others from continuing on a com- on this topic? a veritable “revolt against tolerance”. The mon path with closer cooperation. n

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Over 200 interested parties and media representatives attended the launch event of the “EU Strategic Talks” in the House Prominent voices at of the European Union on 4 June 2018. We asked conference the conference participants for statements.

This event is extremely important, This conference helps break down ‘‘ especially during the countdown to ‘‘ the European topic to essential problems the Austrian Council Presidency. It and pragmatic solutions. I am a friend offers an opportunity to hear voices of what is feasible.

from abroad on the most important Karin KNEISSL, Federal Minister for Europe, topics and priorities. Integration and Foreign Affairs of Austria

Jean ASSELBORN, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Minister for Immigration and Asylum of Luxembourg It is certainly unusual for a law firm ‘‘ to organize such a conference. But it is especially important to map out the relevant future European issues during The current situation in Europe is the countdown to the Austrian EU very complicated. It is at this stage ‘‘ Presidency. Through this conference, in particular that we need to foster LGP has made a substantial contribution dialogue, just as this excellently to this discussion. organized conference does. Wolfgang PETRITSCH, former EU Special Envoy for Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI, Kosovo and High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, former President of Poland Member of the LGP Senior Expert Council

An excellent, well organized event with top speakers. We need these high level discussions, ‘‘ especially in the countdown to the Austrian Council Presidency, and I can only congratulate Gabriel Lansky for his initiative.

Robert AMSTERDAM, Managing Partner at Amsterdam & Partners attorneys at law and co-host of the event

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This event not only provides information for people who have been working intensively on ‘‘ the subject, but also offers an open discussion of current EU topics. Both are very important and both were very well executed today. Personally, despite all of the EU scepticism, I left the conference with a new sense of optimism. Additionally, the conference confirmed Gabriel Lansky’s decision to involve former politicians on major public issues through the Senior Expert Council was successful because they were able to bring in important different perspectives and experiences.

Dimitri DROUTSAS, former Foreign Minister of Greece and member of the LGP Senior Expert Council

To clarify, to differentiate, to form an Very interesting discussions with important ‘‘ opinion, to create a public sphere – ‘‘ contributions. We cannot do enough to convey such a conference can serve all of to the public the importance of the European these purposes. This is especially Union. And such an event can help foster an important given the current difficult understanding of the often complex relationships situation of the EU. in Europe. I am very glad that this conference is taking place here. Othmar KARAS, Member of the European Parliament Wolfgang ISCHINGER, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference

Events like these are important ‘‘ because they allow for high level discussions and attempts to find This event is very important and clarifies what it answers. Additionally, it provides ‘‘ is all about: creating more awareness for Europe. media attention, which is extremely Without the support of the people, you will not important. be able to save the EU.

Angelika MLINAR, Member of the Prof. Heinz MAYER, European Parliament Constitutional Lawyer and Of Counsel at LGP

This event has created much needed momentum. This is a great success, since little has ‘‘ come from the Austrian government in the countdown to the Council Presidency. While it would be unusual for an average law firm to host such a conference, it is not unusual for Gabriel Lansky and LGP. Moreover, it is very rare that the European Commission and Parliament host such an event with a private company, making this truly something special.

Michael IKRATH, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee and member of the LGP Senior Expert Council

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Successful Premiere for LGP: EU Strategic Talks Vol.1

Well in time before Austria assumes the rotating EU Council Homework in place of new rules. To strengthen the people’s diminishing trust Presidency, the House of the European Union in Vienna’s historic in the European Union again, Europe must city centre turned into a think tank for the future of Europe: At analyse closely what EU citizens are most the invitation of LANSKY, GANZGER + partners, attorneys at law, concerned about, Mr Asselborn stated on the issue of the loss of solidarity: “We have numerous experts came to Vienna to discuss urgent questions to do our homework internally instead of regarding the European Union: Is increasing nationalism en- constantly putting out new sets of rules and regulations.” While the Austrian Minister dangering the cohesiveness of the community? Which steps of Foreign Affairs posited the lack of a ba- are necessary to overcome the obvious crises the EU is facing? sic education informed by humanism as a What will be next for the countries of the Western Balkans? possible reason for EU-citizens’ increasing fears concerning migration, her counterpart from Luxembourg pleaded passionately for an obligatory adherence to the contentious quota system in European asylum policy: “This is an essential core aspect which t the premiere of the “EU Stra- has been overcome and replaced by a sense could otherwise lead to a dangerous split tegic Talks”, organised by the of pragmatism: “We must think through between the various EU members. This international business law firms possible scenarios and conduct negotiations principle should not be questioned by the LANSKY, GANZGER + part- on an orderly Brexit accordingly.” Austrian EU Council Presidency either.” ner (LGP) and Amsterdam & APartners, in cooperation with the Europe- an Parliament’s information office and the representation of the European Commission in Austria, an informal meeting of foreign ministers took place. In front of more than 220 listeners and numerous journalists, Austrian Federal Minister for Europe, Inte- gration, and Foreign Affairs Karin Kneissl and Luxembourg’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn were faced with the critical questions of Tarek Leitner, renowned anchor-man at the Austrian public broadcaster ORF. Mr Asselborn was highly optimistic that a sensible agreement could be found with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the frame- work of the Brexit negotiations. Ms Kneissl described the EU’s first reaction to the Brex- it referendum of 23 June 2016 as “shock-in- The Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl and her Luxembourg colleague Jean Asselborn (right) duced paralysis”, but went on to say that this were interviewed by ORF moderator Tarek Leitner on stage.

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Previously, following the official welcome dealt with the important issue “EU reform ern European tradition: “Democracy for by Georg Pfeifer, head of the European plans: ever closer union or stronger nation- these people means national sovereignty Parliament’s information office, co-host al sovereignty?” Othmar Karas, Member of and opposition to certain types of cosmo- and managing partner Robert Amsterdam the European Parliament and Chair of the politan ideas. In many of these countries, had analysed the current situation in clear Parliamentary Delegation to the Commit- the idea of change has a strong negative words: “The European Union is at a histor- tee for parliamentary cooperation EU-Rus- connotation. For this reason, a multi-speed ic crossroads. Past concepts of authoritari- sia, demanded more sincerity from poli- Europe would be a good option.” Wolfgang an power politics and national sovereignty ticians instead of attempts to gain points Ischinger, Chairman of the Munich Securi- which we had long believed to be van- with empty promises, as is so often done ty Conference, made references to the mas- quished are back on the agenda and threat- during electoral campaigns: “To design a sive need for reforms to make Europe more ening the common peace project. Austria, more democratic, more efficient EU that is capable of acting in an increasingly compli- as the new EU Council President, has the more capable of acting, we have to solve cated world – especially when it comes to unique chance to find flexible answers to its problems together. We all know exactly the Common Foreign and Security Policy. this and to defend the EU as an essential what it would take. In the age of globali- “It would be a strong signal if Germany for value-based community against further dis- sation, nationalism is a dead-end strategy.” example would forego its veto right and ac- integration in the face of the forthcoming The former President of Poland, Aleksand- cept majority decisions in the EU’s foreign Brexit.” er Kwasniewski, referred to a paradox sit- and security policy.” uation in his home country in this context: Founding partner Gabriel Lansky similarly “According to Eurobarometer surveys, the Brexit – a self-fulfilling prophecy? Brexit stressed the immediate need for landmark Poles are the most pro-European people and its impacts: this conflict-prone topic decisions regarding the future viability of in the EU. Yet, they have still voted a con- was at the centre of a keynote delivered the EU, and went on to attest to the EU an servative, anti-EU government into office.” by Ewald Nowotny, Governor of the Aus- overly technocratic mode of governance Still, Kwasniewski sees grounds for hope: trian National Bank, and a subsequent and an advancing erosion of its common “The governing PiS party could only mo- panel discussion. Moderator Ivo Gabara values: “When EU-member states advocate bilise the support of 35% of the electorate. of the London-based consulting firm Gab- opposing sets of values, it is going to be The next elections in two years’ time could ara Strategies welcomed to the panel for- difficult to enforce a uniform jurisdiction.” change things for the better.” mer Hungarian Minister of Finance Tibor Draskovics, Member of the Austrian Par- Disagreements between Eastern and Ivan Krastev, Chairman of the Centre for liament Martin Engelberg, Member of the Western Europe. A panel discussion mod- Liberal Studies in Sofia and Author of the European Economic and Social Commit- erated by Matthew Karnitschnig, chief bestselling book “After Europe”, in his tee and LGP of Counsel Michael Ikrath, correspondent for Europe at POLITICO, statement pointed towards another East- and Member of the European Parliament

LGP founder Gabriel Lansky at his opening speech (left), prominent speakers discussed EU reform plans (center), nearly 200 interested parties and 20 media representatives from home and abroad followed the „EU Strategic Talks”

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Panel discussion on the upcoming Brexit and its consequences (top left), introductory words by Ewald Nowotny, Governor of the Austrian National Bank (bottom left), crowded audience (mi.), Family photo of the Western Balkans experts (top right) and Gabriel Lansky conversing with Matthew Karnitschnig, POLITICO Chief Correspondent (bottom right)

Angelika Mlinar. Even though the Brexit The Western Balkans between Europe must be offered substantial, far-reaching negotiations have to be finished by March and China. “Even if it is already clear that autonomy as soon as possible, as already 2019 at the latest according to Article 50 there will be no EU enlargement during agreed upon between Belgrade and Pristina of the Treaty on the European Union, all Austria’s EU Council Presidency, the West- years ago. Dimitrios Droutsas, former For- panellists agreed that London, with a dai- ern Balkans states must be offered a credi- eign Minister of Greece and LGP of Coun- ly turnover of USD 537 billion, will re- ble EU perspective – not least for reasons of sel, reported on the considerable progress main the most important marketplace for geopolitics.” With this clear statement, for- in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and the Euro-denominated transactions. “For me mer EU Special Envy for Kosovo and High good chances for a soon-to-be agreement personally, a capital market union with- Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the name dispute between Greece and out London is hard to imagine. Therefore, and LGP of Counsel Wolfgang Petritsch Macedonia. “The prospect of EU-member- a ‘soft Brexit’ would probably be the best opened the debate on the highly pertinent ship depends to a considerable degree on solution for the member states, especially question of a possible inclusion of the six the ability to uphold the common values since access to the common market will states of the Western Balkans and, further that unite the countries of Europe: democ- have to be renegotiated in any event,” Mi- down the road, of Turkey, into the EU. The racy, rule of law, protection of fundamental chael Ikrath stressed. panel was moderated by Michael Martens, rights, the fight against corruption and or- correspondent for Southeastern Europe and ganised crime, and the establishment of a Even though Austria will feel the impact of Turkey at the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zei- functioning market economy” Brexit less than most other Eurozone coun- tung. Petritsch stressed the historic window tries, Angelika Mlinar thinks that smaller of opportunity for an agreement between “During its EU Council Presidency, Aus- companies and start-ups will find it harder Belgrade and Pristina; here, Austria should tria should promote the convergence of to gain access to cheaply finance their com- use its Presidency of the European Council the Western Balkans region to Europe,” petitiveness and innovativeness. “Not least to support the negotiations. Gabriel Lansky suggested in his wrap-up the young people in the UK’s deeply divid- of the conference and warned: “Many em- ed public will have a hard time dealing with Petritsch and the Members of the European pires collapsed due to a lack of legitimacy. leaving the EU and the repercussions. Only Parliament Eduard Kukan and Knut Fleck- Thus, an event such as this conference is Frankfurt am Main stands to profit from enstein agreed that it was now Pristina’s important since it offers a forum to discuss Brexit, as it will probably be able to posi- turn to show a willingness to compromise strategies and visions. Because this is what tion itself as the Eurozone’s new financial on the issue of Kosovo: First and foremost, it is about, above all: to show that Europe is centre in the long run.” the majority-Serb municipalities in Kosovo more than a technocratic set of rules.” n

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Legal advice at the interface In dialogue with between law, politics and the European Union business institutions

LGP provides private and public clients with not only Ever since the Austrian accession to the legal representation, but also political and economic European Union, our law firm founders Gabriel Lansky and Gerald Ganzger have advice. Indeed, LGP has made a name for itself beyond gradually expanded the firm’s EU expertise. the borders of Austria as a law firm at the interface Today, LGP covers a wide range of key topics between law, politics and business. that are important for the future of the EU, including: energy, environment, infrastructure, We regularly represent clients before the ECJ, and are the leading domestic competition, data protection, digitization, law firm handling cases before the General Court and the European Court of human rights and migration. Through our Justice. Our focus is on regulation, procurement and state aid law, as well as LGP Senior Expert Council, we are in direct antitrust law and external relations of the EU. LGP also does work in topics dialogue with European Union institutions. of the future, such as data protection, digitization and migration. This experti- LGP’s clients include public institutions in se is reflected in numerous domestic and foreign publications. Eastern and Southeastern Europe as well as governments and well-known private individu- In addition to lawyers Gabriel Lansky, Alexander Egger and Andreas Bauer, als. They rely on our know-how when it comes the team also includes the former dean of the law faculty Heinz Mayer. As a to international politics, European integration, long-standing judge at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), Elisa- harmonisation of legal systems, decision-mak- beth Steiner, who today is a practising lawyer, also contributes her expertise ing in the EU, EU law, international law, in the area of fundamental and human rights. human rights, Eastern and Southeastern Europe or financing topics.

The team includes lawyers Gabriel Lansky, Gerald Ganzger and Elisabeth Steiner, Eu- ropean politician and former Greek Foreign Minister Dimitrios Droutsas, business diplomat Dietmar Fellner, bank manager and European politician Michael Ikrath and top diplomat Wolfgang Petritsch.

LANSKY, GANZGER + partner

LGP RECHTSANWÄLTE / ATTORNEYS

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