EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY

JULY-DECEMBER 2018

ACTIVITIES / EVENTS OF THE AUSTRIAN EMBASSY IN ATHENS

Piraeus, „Athens greets Vienna“ event in view of the upcoming Austrian

Presidency of the Council of the EU, 29th June

© SEFA, from right: Filip Ikic, Austrian Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm, SEFA-President Konstantinos Katsikas

On Friday 29th of June the “Athens greets Vienna”

event took place at the Greek Yacht Club „Naytikos

Omilos Ellados“ under the patronage of the cities of

Athens and Vienna. This event was organised as

always by the Society of former Greek students in

Austria - SEFA, which has recently included the

Friends of Austria. Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm

highlighted the importance of the SEFA as a bridge

builder between Greece and Austria and as a symbol

of “unity in diversity”, particularly during the Austrian

Presidency of the Council of the EU. This event rich in

tradition became yet again a memorable night for all

guests.

Nafplio / Koroni / Thessaloniki: „European Ensemble“, 1st, 2nd and 4th July

© Uwe Matschke , Daae Papamattheou-Matschke, Kerstin Feltz

During the Austrian-Greek Music Summer

2018, Prof. Uwe Matscke (piano), Prof. Dr.

Kerstin Fletz (violoncello) and Danae

Papamattheou-Matschke (violin)

performed as the “European Ensemble” at

three venues: on 1st July at Nafplion

Festival, on 2nd July at Koroni Festival and

on 4th July at Moni Lazariston Festival. The

trio thrilled the numerous spectators with

the professionally and emotionally

performed melodies of Wolfgang

Amadeus Mozart, Georg Aranyi-Aschner,

Yannis Constantinidis and Ludwig van

Beethoven. The concert on 1st July also

marked the beginning of the Austrian EU

Council Presidency - in the first capital of

Greece and in the first Greek parliament,

“Vouleftiko”.

©Austrian Embassy Athens, from left: Filip Ikic, Danae Papamattheou-Matschke, Dr. Kerstin Feltz, Yannis Vakarelis (Nafplion Festival Artistic Director), Andrea Ikic-Böhm (Austrian Ambassador), Prof. Uwe Matschke

Athens, EU-HoMs Lunch with the Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs

Nikolaos KOTZIAS, 4th July

On 4th July H.E. the

Greek Minister for

Foreign Affairs Nikolaos

KOTZIAS - at the

invitation of

Ambassador Andrea

Ikic-Böhm as the local

representative of the

EU Council Presidency -

did the honour of

attending a meeting at

the Ambassador’s

residence with the

Ambassadors of EU

Member States, EFTA

and Western Balkans / Southeastern Europe accredited to Athens. H.E. Minister

Kotzias elaborated on his numerous foreign policy initiatives and discussed issues

related to the neighboring region of Greece as well as global issues.

Athens: ANA-MPA interview with Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm, 5th July

The ANA-MPA Greek magazine

“Praktorio” published on 5th July a two-

page interview with Ambassador Andrea

Ikic-Böhm, in which topics, such as the

work of the Austrian Embassy Athens, the

importance of cultural exchange, the

program of the Austrian EU Council

Presidency and the Austrian identity

based on neutrality and multilateralism as

well as the personal experiences of the

Ambassador in Greece were illuminated

in detail.

www.mfa.gr

© EKDDA, from left: Vassilis Hatzopoulos (Professor of European Law and Politics at Pantion University), presenter: Pavlos Tsimas (journalist), Prof. George Katrougalos (Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs), Andrea Ikic-Böhm (Austrian Ambassador)

Athens, Conference: "The European Union at the foreground:

Consultation on the Future of Europe and Public Administration", 5th July

Matters concerning the

future of Europe are also an

important part of the program

of the Austrian EU Council

Presidency. Under the motto

"A Europe that protects",

Austria wants to help restore

the citizens' trust in the EU.

The EU should focus on the

big issues that need a

common solution and back up

on small issues. For this

reason Ambassador Andrea

Ikic-Böhm thanked H.E.

Alternate Minister for Foreign

Affairs (responsible for European Affairs) George Katrougalos for the invitation to

participate in the joint panel at the Civic Consultation Conference which was opened

by H.E. President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopios V. Pavlopoulos on 5 July.

Following her speech on current challenges and opportunities in the EU, she had an

interesting discussion with the representatives of the Greek administration.

Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm emphasized the joint responsibility to bring Europe

closer to its citizens.

Mani / Koroni / Ancient Messini / Kalamata: DANUBIA SYMPHONIC

WINDS, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th July

During the Austrian-Greek

Music Summer 2018 the brass

orchestra „Danubia Symphonic

Winds“, consisting of 41

musicians, performed at four

venues: on 5th July in Mani

Sonnenlink, on 6th July at Koroni

© Danubia Symphonic Winds

©Austrian Embassy Athens: Minister Georgios

Katrougalos, Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm

©Austrian Embassy Athens, from left: Municipal

Councilor Christina Athanasopoulou, SEFA President

Konstantinos Katsikas, Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm,

Mayor Giorgos Tsonis, President of the Greek National

Opera Athanassios Theodoropoulos

Festival in Koroni, on 7th July in the ancient Messini and finally on 8th July in

Kalamata.

The symphonic brass orchestra is the result of a cooperative project of five music

schools from Klosterneuburg, the Wagram region, Sieghartskirchen, Traismauer and

Tulln in Lower Austria, offering young and engaged musicians the chance to perform

in extraordinary ways, thereby presenting symphonic brass music to a large audience

in their home regions and beyond. The numerous spectators were particularly

impressed by the joint performance of the Orchestra of Lower Austria with Greek

musicians and a Greek choir – entirely inspired by the European idea.

Athens: Information evening event for Austrians living in Greece and

SEFA, 9th July

On 9th July Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm

invited the Austrians living in Greece as well as

members of the Association of former Greek

students in Austria (SEFA) to her residence for an

information evening event. During this event the

Austrian EU Council Presidency program was

presented to the guests. Following this,

Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm responded to

questions posed by the guests and a lively

discussion took place.

Athens, Press Conference on the presentation of the program of the

Austrian EU Council Presidency, 10th July

There was considerable interest in

the press conference on the

presentation of the Austrian EU

Council Presidency program on 10

July in the premises of the European

Parliament's Representation in

Greece. In addition to numerous

diplomatic representatives, a large

number of Greek and international

media representatives were present.

After the opening remarks of the

Director-General of the European Commission George Markopouliotis and of the

European Parliament in Greece, Leonidas Antonakopoulos, as well as of the Bulgarian

charge d’ affaires a.i. Vesellin Ivanov, who symbolically handed over the Council

Presidency to Austria, Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm took the floor. Following this,

she presented the priorities of the Austrian EU Council Presidency under the motto "A

Europe that protects" and then responded to questions posed by media

representatives.

Article: http://www.ert.gr/ert-protaseis/ert1-europe-30-162/#

Athens, EU consular cooperation meeting, 11th July

On 11 July an EU consular cooperation meeting

took place in the premises of the Greek Ministry of

Foreign Affairs, co-organized by the Austrian

Embassy as the local representative authority of the

Austrian EU Council Presidency under the motto “A

Europe that protects”. In her introductory words

Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm emphasized the

importance of consular work to provide EU citizens

with the best possible protection and service. Co-

operation among the EU embassies also plays an

important role. Many consular staff members of EU

Embassies heard the speeches of representatives of

the Greek Civil Protection Unit, the Greek Police

and the Greek Ministry of Health. The Embassy

©Austrian Embassy Athens: Alexandra

Mantzila (1. Embassy Counselor, Head of the

crisis management unit), Christoph Reitinger

(Austrian Consul in Athens)

© Efe Turumtay, Nikola Zarić

©Vassilis Podaras, Takis Farazis, Petros Varthakouris

expressly thanks the Greek Foreign Ministry for making this meeting possible.

Athens: Radio interview with Athina 9.84, 11th July

The radio station Athina 9.84 broadcast

on 11th July an extensive interview with

the Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm,

whereby numerous topics were

addressed. The Ambassador not only

commented on the generally good Greek-Austrian relations, but also addressed

everyday political issues. In particular, she provided an overview of the priorities of

the Austrian EU Council

Presidency as well as the Austrian views on European migration policy. Moreover,

Austria's role as bridge builder and supportive

power for the Western Balkans and Southeastern Europe was discussed.

Tinos / Paros: Jazz concert with Turumtay-Zaric, 13th & 14th July

©Austrian Embassy Athens

©Austrian Embassy Athens: Takis Farazis, Nikola Zarić and Efe

Turumtay: Rehearsal in Paros

©Austrian Embassy Athens

Efe Turumtay (violin) and

Nikola Zarić (accordion) thrilled

the audience with two concerts

of the highest artistic quality

within the framework of the

Austrian-Greek Music Summer

2018. In Tinos they virtuously

played their own compositions

with "Balkan-Jazz" sounds on

13th July and intermingled so

brilliantly that their melodies

sometimes merged into a

single voice - a symbol of

harmony for relationships between people and

countries. The concert in Paros took place on 14th

July at Paros Park, where Turumtay-Zaric performed

at first as a duo and – after two compositions

performed by the Takis Farazis Trio – all musicians

performed together as a quintet. After only one

hour of a joint rehearsal, the Austrian duo and the

Greek trio came together so impressively that they

collaborated to bring their respective compositions

into the musical starry sky.

The Turumtay-Zaric Duo is part of the „New

Austrian Sound of Music“ (NASOM) initiative, which

is supported by Federal Ministry Europe, Integration

and Foreign Affairs.

Visit of the Shadow Foreign Minister and Member of Parliament George

Koumoutsakos, 16th July

On 16th July Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm welcomed

the Shadow Foreign Minister and Member of Parliament

George Koumoutsakos to the Embassy and had an in-

depth discussion with him on the priorities of the Austrian

EU Council Presidency as well as on other current foreign

policy issues of common interest.

©Austrian Embassy Athens:

Alexandra Mantzila (1. Embassy

Counselor, Head of the Crisis

Management Unit), Christoph

Reitinger (Austrian Consul in

Athens)

Crete, Conference of Women Entrepreneurs, 25th July

At the invitation of the Region of Crete Ambassador Andrea Ikic-

Böhm gave a speech on 25th July on "Female Entrepreneurship in

Austria and beyond" during the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce

Conference on "Cosmopolitanism: A Growth Engine" within the

framework of “Women's Week 2018". Ambassador Andrea Ikic-

Böhm prompted to acknowledge the achievements of women in the

economic sector and in this regard mentioned the Austrian

Honorary Consul in Crete Roswitha Badouvas-Walch as one of these

women. In this context, Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm also

emphasized the importance that the Austrian EU Council Presidency

attaches to gender equality in the EU, which should also be

strengthened and institutionalized in the EU agenda: "We want to

have an open, future-oriented dialogue on gender equality,"said

Ambassador Ikic-Böhm.

Athens, Consular meeting, 25th July

On 25th July 2018 a briefing on the forest fires in the

Attica region took place on the initiative of the Austrian

Embassy Athens as the local representative of the Austrian

EU Council Presidency and the Crisis Management Unit of

the Greek Foreign Ministry, where Ambassador Andrea

Ikic-Böhm expressed her condolences to Greece and the

families of all victims. All people present were profoundly

affected and shocked by the devastating consequences of

the forest fires. Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm thanked

the Head of the Crisis Management Unit Alexandra

Mantzila for the excellent cooperation.

Athens, Visit to Secretary General for Digital Policy Stelios Rallis, 27th July

On 27th July the Austrian Ambassador

Andrea Ikic-Böhm visited the Secretary

General for Digital Policy Stelios Rallis at

the Ministry of Digital Policy,

Telecommunications and Media and

congratulated him on his important post,

which he had taken up in August 2017.

The discussion topics included the

priorities of the Austrian EU Council

Presidency with emphasis on

digitalisation and the positive

opportunities that a common digital

market in Europe opens for all EU citizens.

Skopelos / Skiathos: Concert of "Die Wandervögel", 22nd, 25th & 26th

August

“Die Wandervögel” - Bryan Benner (mandolin,

vocals and guitar), David Stellner (guitar and

vocals) and Raphael Widmann (violin and

vocals) - revived ancient, often already forgotten

songs in the best “Zupfgeigenhansel” tradition

on 22 August in Skopelos during „Diamantis

Paleologos” dance festival and on 25th and 26th

August in Skiathos. The two concerts in Skiathos

were performed at Hotel “Atrium” as well as in

the historical Evangelistria Monastery. The

program included German, Austrian or Yiddish

folk songs from the 17th until the 20th century. In

Skopelos "Die Wandervögel” added a Greek folk

song to their repertoire.

Both concerts in Skiathos were supported by the cultural association "SKIATHOS" and

the family of Andreas Potamianos.

The trio is part of the program „New Austrian Sound of Music“ (NASOM), funded by

the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs.

© Austrian Embassy Athens, die Wandervögel and Deputy Head of Mission Dr. Martina Hermann

©Austrian Embassy Athens: Secretary-General for Digital

Policy Stelios Rallis, Austrian Ambassador Andrea Ikic-

Böhm

Mani, Kalamata, Athens, Chamber Music Academy and concerts of the

string ensemble "Strings in Motion", 23rd, 24th, 26th, 28th and 30th August

The Austrian-Greek Strings Academy

"Strings in Motion" gave 5 concerts in

Greece: on 23rd and 24th August in

Mani (Sonnenlink), on 26th August and

28th August in Kalamata and finally on

30th August at Gennadius Library in

Athens. This final concert of the

Austrian-Greek Music Summer took

place in cooperation with the

"Association of the Friends of the

Gennadius Library" and with the

support of the "SCHWARZ FOUNDATION" and Dr. med. Martha Walther-Bauer.

The numerous guests, including the Director-General for European Affairs in the

Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ioannis A. Metaxas, experienced a

musical journey with compositions ranging from Mozart

to Skalkottas at an extraordinary place that impressed the

guests. During this musical journey the audience was

especially thrilled by the very young soloists.

All in all it was a very special evening, highlighting the

friendship between Austria and Greece which was felt

both by the young musicians and the audience.

Information on the Chamber Music Academy for Strings „Strings in Motion“:

This innovative artistic-educational project presents masterclasses, workshops and

concerts, giving participants and listeners a unique insight into the creative work of

musical interpretation. The aim of the master classes is to offer students and

graduates of violin, viola and cello an expansion of their repertoire, an improvement

of technical and musical knowledge as well as experience in ensemble playing. The

centre of the project are the Tyrolean State Conservatory and the University

Mozarteum Salzburg. It takes place twice a year: in summer in Greece under the

patronage and with the support of the Austrian Embassy in Athens and in winter in

Toblach (South Tyrol) with the support of the Tyrolean and South Tyrolean provincial

governments. Since 2015 the project has been generously funded by Dr. med. Martha

Walther-Bauer. In addition to the concerts listed here, seminars and master classes

were held in Mani from 17 until 24 August 2018 and in Kalamata from 25 until 28

August 2018. Artistic Director: Christos Kanettis. Teachers: Christos Kanettis (violin,

viola & chamber music), Anita Mitterer (violin, viola & string quartet), Florian Simma

(cello & chamber music).

Information: www.facebook.com/AustrianGreekMusicSummer2018, www.konstirol.at

and on the websites of the event organizers.

The Austrian-Greek Strings Academy "Strings in Motion" was supported - among

others - by Mani-Sonnenlink and Bläuel Greek Organic Products.

Over the years, the organic pioneer Bläuel Greek Organic Products with the Mani

olive oil, which is famous in Austria, has become a center of encounter and culture:

the bio-hotel and music company Mani-Sonnenlink. "Vacationing at the source of

Mani olive oil, the only bio-hotel in Greece," said the founder of Mani-Sonnenlink

Burgi Bläuel. For further information: www.mani.bio, www.mani-sonnenlink.com

Thessaloniki, CHEAPART at the 83rd Thessaloniki International Fair,

8th-16th September

The Mayor of Thessaloniki Giannis

Boutaris and the Vice-Mayor Elli Chrysidou

were present at the opening of the highly

successful exhibition CHEAPART that took

place at Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF)

for the fifth time this year.

The non-profit cultural organization

CHEAPART, founded by Dimitris and

George Georgakopoulos in 1995, once

© Austrian Embassy Athens

again presented remarkable works of contemporary art with curators and artists from

eight countries.

As part of the European Exhibition Network,

CHEAPART promotes the exchange between the

local contemporary art scene and the international

art community.

The event was under the auspices of the Austrian

Embassy Athens.

Austrian curators: Agnes Tatzber, Sarah

Klimbacher, Christian Rupp

Austrian artists: Marion Fischer, Anna Reschl,

Sarah Langoth

Athens, Courtesy visit of the Parliamentary Secretary Giannis

Kefalogiannis, 10th September

On 10th September Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm

welcomed the Parliamentary Secretary and MP of

ND Giannis Kefalogiannis to the Austrian Embassy.

The priorities and events during the Austrian

Presidency of the EU Council as well as the current

developments in Greece were discussed.

Works by the Austrian artist Marion Fischer (from the project "BOX DROPS")

© Austrian Embassy Athens

Athens, Courtesy visit to the newly appointed Minister of Justice Michalis

Kalogirou, 19th September

Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm paid a

courtesy visit to the newly appointed Greek

Minister of Justice H.E. Michalis Kalogirou on

19th September and congratulated the

Minister on taking office. Their meeting

included a discussion on the modern

challenges to judicial systems as well as an

EU-sponsored joint project between the two

countries, which has been running since

2015 in order to provide technical support

for the reform of the Greek judicial system,

particularly in the field of digitalization, the

third phase of which has started recently.

Athens, EUNIC Event on the occasion of the European Day of Languages,

22nd September

Photo above: Stephanie Thiele (PDV President), Christina Ruttner (Head of the ÖSD Institute),

Dr. Martina Hermann (Austrian Embassy Athens), Director Martin Scharnhorst, Dr. Elfriede Damalas

(VÖG President)

© Austrian Embassy Athens

On the occasion of the European Day of Languages,

the EUNIC Cluster Athens hosted a large-scale event

with cultural happenings from several European

countries on Saturday, 22nd September at Athens

Conservatoire (17-19 Rigillis & Vasileos Georgiou B). At

the stands information about the countries as well as

about various language diplomas could be obtained.

Austria was represented at the event by the Austrian

Embassy and the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom

Griechenland (ÖSD). As an Austrian contribution, the

Moraitis School presented an abridged version of the Austrian children's book classic

“Little I-Am-Me" ("Das kleine Ich bin Ich").

The event was supported by the City of Athens, the Austrian Embassy in Athens and a

number of other Embassies and cultural institutes.

Athens, EU-Heads of Mission Lunch with H.E. the Greek Minister for

Migration Policy Dimitris VITSAS, 26th September

On 26th September Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm

invited to an EU Heads of Mission Lunch with Minister for

Migration Policy Dimitris VITSAS as guest of honor.

Under the motto "A Europe that protects: Security and

the Fight against Illegal Migration", one of the main

topics of the Austrian EU Council Presidency, the

participants showed a keen interest in the remarks of

Minister VITSAS on the current migration situation in

Greece and the efforts of his Ministry. At the end,

© Austrian Embassy Athens

© Austrian Embassy Athens

Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm thanked Minister VITSAS for meeting the

Ambassadors from EU Member States, Switzerland and Norway in a very friendly

atmosphere as well as for his highly interesting remarks, emphasizing the importance

of common solutions for the protection of the external borders also starting outside

the EU.

Athens, EUNIC event „Literary Walk“, 29th September

On the occasion of the

European Day of Languages

the EUNIC Cluster Athens

organized a reading series

with literary contributions by

authors from several

European countries on

Saturday, 29th September at

the National Library of the

Stavros Niarchos Foundation

Cultural Center (address: 364

Leof. Andrea Siggrou, 176 74, Kallithea).

This year Austria was represented by the schreibART AUSTRIA author Susanne

Gregor, who had moved from Slovakia to Austria as a child writes about the concept

of foreigness. Her reading from her novel "Territorien" was well received by the

audience.

This event took place with the support of the City of Athens "Athens 2018 World

Book Capital", the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Griechenland (ÖSD) as well as the

Austrian Embassy in Athens.

Athens, Courtesy visit to H.E. Deputy Minister of Interior Marina

Chrysoveloni, 8th October

On 8th October Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm

paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Deputy Minister of

Interior Mrs. Marina Chrysoveloni. The main

topics during the exchange of views, which took

place in a very friendly atmosphere, were the

priorities of the Austrian EU Council Presidency as

well as the experiences and plans of both countries

regarding gender equality.

© Austrian Embassy Athens

Athens, Courtesy visit to H.E. the new Minister of Shipping and Insular

Policy Fotis Kouvelis, 9th October

On 9th October Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm paid a

courtesy visit to the recently appointed Minister of

Shipping and Insular Policy Fotis Kouvelis. The main

topics of this very friendly encounter were the priorities

of the Austrian EU Council Presidency as well as the

current political situation from the perspective of the

Ministry of National Defence. Moreover, possibilities for

further deepening the cooperation with the Embassy

were discussed.

© Austrian Embassy Athens

Athens, Breakfast of the EU-HoMs with ND-President Kyriakos Mitsotakis,

10th October

On 10th October

Ambassador Andrea Ikic-

Böhm invited the EU-HoMs

to a breakfast in the

residence with the New

Democracy President

Kyriakos Mitsotakis as guest

of honor.

President Mitsotakis,

accompanied by the Shadow

Foreign Minister Georgios

Koumoutsakos (pictured on

the right below), referred to

the Austrian EU Council

Presidency, discussed the current situation in Greece and outlined his priorities. He

dealt extensively with the issues of Migration and Economy and addressed further

current topics. The subsequent numerous questions posed by the Ambassadors from

EU countries, Switzerland and Norway showed the great interest in the direct

exchange, which took place in an agreeable and informal atmosphere.

© Austrian Embassy Athens

© Austrian Embassy Athens

Austrian Armed Forces Photograph/Pusch

Athens, Speech at the European Security & Defence College, 15th October

On 15th October at the invitation of the "Institute for Research and Training on

European Affairs" in cooperation with the "European Security & Defence College"

Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm gave a detailed presentation on "The EU Global

Strategy: A Europe that protects" during an orientation course on the Common

Security and Defence Policy and also addressed topics of the Austrian EU Council

Presidency.

Athens, Visit of the Austrian Federal Minister of Defence Kunasek,

18th -20th October

At the invitation of H.E. Minister

of National Defence Panos

Kammenos, H. E. Federal Minister

of Defence Mario Kunasek visited

Greece from 18th until 20th

October 2018. The visit focused

on detailed discussions between

© Austrian Embassy Athens, from the left: Georgios Antonakakis (Co-Founder and President of the Institute of

Research & Training on European Affairs), Despoina Papadaki ( General Secretary of the Institute of Research

& Training on European Affairs, Course Director CSDP Orientation Course), Leo Lindqvist ( Training Manager,

European Security and Defence College)

© CSDP

the two counterparts on current issues of common interest. The Austrian Federal

Minister Mario Kunasek also presented the priorities of the Austrian EU Council

Presidency from the perspective of his Ministry. At the end of this meeting, which

took place in an excellent atmosphere, the possibilities for further deepening the

cooperation between the two Ministries were discussed.

Athens, Visit to H.E. Minister of Administrative Reform H.E. Mrs. Mariliza

Xenogiannakopoulou, 22nd October

On 22nd October Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm paid a

courtesy visit to the recently appointed Minister of

Administrative Reconstruction H.E. Mariliza

Xenogiannakopoulou. The discussion centered on the

Greek priorities for administrative reform as well as on

the priority of the Austrian EU Council Presidency on

“Securing Prosperity and Competitiveness through

Digitalisation”. From her time in the European Parliament,

H.E. Minister Xenogiannakopoulou remembered the

preparations for the accession of Austria to the European

Union, which took place on 1.1.1995. At the end of the

interesting exchange of views, both sides decided to continue the cooperation as

soon as possible.

Athens, Meeting on consular cooperation, 23rd October

On 23rd October at the initiative of the Austrian Embassy in

Athens under the motto of the Austrian EU Council Presidency

"A Europe that protects", the third meeting on consular

cooperation took place, this time with the Greek Tourist Police.

At the invitation of the Austrian Consul Mag. Christoph

Reitinger, numerous representatives of the Embassies of the EU

member states, Switzerland and Norway as well as Southeastern European countries

participated and showed great interest in the exchange of views with the Greek

authorities. Special recognition was also given on this occasion to Mrs. Alexandra

Mantzila, Head of the Crisis Center at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who

© Austrian Embassy Athens

received spontaneous applause for her excellent cooperation with the Embassies in

Athens.

Athens, Visit by H.E. Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign

Affairs Dr. Karin Kneissl, 29th October

On 29th October

H.E. Federal

Minister for

Europe,

Integration and

Foreign Affairs Dr.

Karin Kneissl

participated in the

EU-Arab Summit,

which took place

from 29th until 30th

October in Athens.

The event, which

was held for the

third time and The

event, which was

held for the third

time and aimed at strengthening

relations between the EU and the Arab

world, was initiated by the Greek

government. At the opening of the

conference Federal Minister Kneissl in

her capacity as EU Council Presidency

gave a keynote speech on the

historical roots of the conflicts in the

Middle East and surprised the high-

ranking audience with her fluent

knowledge of Arabic. During her visit,

a bilateral discussion with the Greek

Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

H.E. Alexis Tsipras as well as with other high-level conference participants took place

in an excellent atmosphere (pictured right here withwith H.E. Palestinian Vice-PM and

Minister of Information H.E. Dr. Nabil Abu Rudeineh and in the picture on the left

©Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs (BMEIA), Mahmoud

©Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign

Affairs (BMEIA), Mahmoud

© Prof. Klaus Poier

with H.E. Serbian Vice-President and Minister of Interior H.E. Nebojša Stefanović) took

place in an excellent atmosphere.

Athens, Visit by Vice-Chancellor retd. Dr. med. Erhard Busek and students

from Graz, 31st October

Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm was pleased to welcome Vice-Chancellor retd. Dr.

Erhard Busek as well as professors and students of the University of Graz. The

students had deliberately chosen Greece for their study trip and showed great

©Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign

Affairs (BMEIA), Mahmoud

©Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign

Affairs (BMEIA), Mahmoud

interest in the presentations and subsequent discussion on "Greece and its external

relations, with special focus on Southeast Europe" with H.E. Ambassador Darko

Angelov, who described Skopje's point of view, H.E. Ambassador Ana Vukadinović,

who focused on Podgorica’s view, Vasilis Tselios (Expert Minister Counselor in the

Greek Foreign Ministry), Vassilis Nedos, Diplomatic Correspondent for "Kathimerini"

and Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm as hostess. The Austrian Ambassador also

addressed the Austrian EU-Presidency Priority "Stability in the neighborhood -

bringing Western Balkans / Southeast Europe closer to the EU" and explained

Greece's important geopolitical role. After answering the numerous questions of

interested guests from Austria, the event was concluded with a reception in the

Austrian Residence.

Athens, EUNIC Event „Culture of Integration”, 9th November

The European Union

Network of Institutes of

Culture (EUNIC) invited to

a conference under the

title “Culture of

Integration” at the

American College of

Athens on Friday, 9th

November, 2018,. The

project "Culture of

Integration" tried to offer

answers in the aftermath

of the refugee crisis. The

EUNIC Cluster Athens

financially supported

five targeted actions in the priority areas of "Libraries, Education and the Arts", which

were meant to contribute to the cultural and social integration of the refugees, while

helping the local people receiving them to deal with the challenges involved. The

numerous guests listened to the remarks of the project coordinators with great

interest and had the opportunity to delve into the subject areas more deeply during a

personal discussion after the event.

The project “Culture of Integration” and the closing ceremony were co-organized by

the following institutions: Goethe-Institut Athen, the Austrian Embassy, the Hellenic

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, the British Council,

the Cyprus House and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Athens in collaboration with

© Austrian Embassy Athens

© Austrian Embassy Athens

the American College of Greece and with the support of the National Library of

Greece.

Athens, Courtesy visit to the Alternate Minister of National Defence

Panagiotis Rigas, 13th November

On 13th November,

Ambassador Andrea Ikic-

Böhm, accompanied by

Military Attaché Colonel

Nikolaus Rottenberger, paid

a courtesy visit to the

Alternate Minister of

National Defence Panagiotis

RIGAS. Both sides

emphasized the good

bilateral relations, as

demonstrated on the

occasion of the visit of the

Austrian Minister of National

Defence Mario KUNASEK to

Athens in October. During

the courtesy visit, topics of

bilateral cooperation as well

as the Austrian EU Council Presidency were discussed in a friendly atmosphere.

Athens, Conference titled „Women in European Politics“, 17th & 18th

November

On 17th and 18th November the

conference titled “Women in European

Politics” took place. It was organized by

the Representation of the European

Commission in Greece and the City of

Athens on the occasion of the anniversary

of the signing of the Athens Declaration

"Women in Power" on 2nd November, 1992

and gave an overview of the developments

and the involvement of women in

European decision-making. Deputy Head

© Austrian Embassy Athens, from the left: Adjutant of the Alternate Minister,

George Balafas (Head of Political Section of Alternate Minister's Office),

Colonel Nikolaus Rottenberger, Austrian Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm,

Alternate Minister of National Defence Panagiotis Rigas, Captain Spyridon

Pollatos (Director of the Alternate Minister's Military Office)

of Mission and Austrian Embassy Minister-Counselor Dr. Martina Hermann

represented the Austrian Embassy at the conference.

Athens, EU HoMs with H.E. Minister of Administrative Reconstruction

Marilisa XENOGIANNAKOPOULOU, 22nd November

On 22nd November

Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm

hosted an EU Heads of

Missions breakfast in the

Residence with H.E. Minister

for Administrative

Reorganization Marilisa

XENOGIANNAKOPOULOU as

guest of honor. With "Securing

Prosperity and

Competitiveness through

Digitalization", this event was

dedicated to one of the priority

topics of the Austrian EU

Council Presidency. H.E. Minister Marilisa XENOGIANNAKOPOULOU outlined the

Greek Government's efforts to reform the public administration sector, aiming at

overall economic growth for the country. Thereby, digitalization is a horizontal

priority. Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm thanked H.E. Minister Marilisa

XENOGIANNAKOPOULOU for her interesting remarks, especially with regard to the

importance of the sector of public administration for investors.

© Austrian Embassy Athens

© Austrian Embassy Athens

© Austrian Embassy Athens

© Austrian Embassy Athens

Athens, EU HoMs with H.E. the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs

Giorgos

KATROUGALOS, 30th November

On 30th November Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm, locally representing the

Presidency of the Council of European

Union, invited the Ambassadors of the

EU Member States and EFTA countries

accredited in Athens to a EU-Heads of

Mission breakfast at the residence with

H.E. the Alternate Minister of Foreign

Affairs Giorgos KATROUGALOS as guest

of honor. H.E. Giorgos KATROUGALOS

addressed current European and

regional topics and answered numerous

questions of the interested audience.

Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm thanked

H.E. Giorgos KATROUGALOS for the

comprehensive discussion, which took place in a traditionally friendly atmosphere.

©Austrian Embassy Athens

© Athens College, from left: Richard L. Jackson (President of the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation), Martina Hermann (Embassy Counselor of the Austrian Embassy Athens), Dimitris Karamanos (Counselor of the Chairman of the Board of Administration)

Athens, Courtesy visit to Deputy Minister of Digital Policy & Media

Lefteris Kretsos, 3rd December

On 3rd December, 2018 Ambassador Andrea Ikic-

Böhm paid a courtesy visit to Deputy Minister for

Digital Policy, Telecommunications and Media Lefteris

KRETSOS. Deputy Minister KRETSOS emphasized,

among other things, that Greece should become a

film-friendly country, creating jobs and promoting

tourism. Deputy Minister KRETSOS showed interest in

successful Austrian investors in Greece - especially in

the digital sector, such as the firm HCN in

Thessaloniki, and expressed his appreciation to ORF.

Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm was also pleased with

the interest of Vice Minister KRETSOS in the further

cultural plans of the Embassy as well as in film

projects related to Austria.

Athens, Christmas event and the 200th anniversary of “Silent Night! Holy

Night!”, 13th December

TEXT MH

On 13th December, 2018 Athens College in collaboration with the Embassy, the

Association of Former Greek Students in Austria, S.E.F.A. as well as Moraitis School

hosted a Christmas concert on "200 years Silent Night! Holy Night!". In addition to

readings by students and works of Austrian composers, there were two school choirs

(consisting of students of Athens College and Moraitis School, where the

© Athens College

© Austrian Embassy Athens

© Austrian Embassy Athens

headquarters of the ÖSD in Greece are) that sang Christmas carols in Greek, German

and English. At the end of the event both choirs sang together on stage "Silent Night!

Holy night!" in German and Greek and finally in English together with the audience. In

addition, an exhibition organized by the Austrian Embassy on the history of "Silent

Night! Holy Night!" was shown in English.

The concert took place in connection with the end of the Austrian Presidency of the

Council of the European Union under the motto "An Austrian Christmas carol goes

from Austria to Europe and around the world" and has helped to bring Europe close

to the people.

Athens, EU-HoMs-Fireside Talk with Dr. Martin Czurda, 18th December

On 18 December Ambassador

Andrea Ikic-Böhm invited the EU

Heads of Mission and those of the

EFTA and South East European

countries accredited in Athens to a

"fireside talk" with the Austrian CEO

of the Hellenic Financial Stability

Fund/HFSF Dr. Martin CZURDA at the

residence. After a highly interesting

exchange of views on current

financial topics, the discussion

© Austrian Embassy Athens

© Austrian Embassy Athens: His Beatitude Archbishop Hieronymos II with the interpreter (in the middle of the photo) and Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm

continued with a Christmas "Glühwein" reception.

Athens, EU-HoMs-breakfast meeting with Archbishop Hieronymos,

20th December

On 20th December

Ambassador Andrea

Ikic-Böhm invited the

EU Heads of Mission

and those of the

accredited EFTA and

Southeastern

European states to an

EU Heads of Mission

breakfast meeting

with His Beatitude the

Archbishop of Athens

and All Greece and

Primate of the

autocephalous

Orthodox Church of Greece,

HIERONYMOS II, as guest of honor in

the residence. His Beatitude Archbishop

HIERONYMOS II addressed the issue of

the relations between church and state

and answered the numerous general

current questions of the participants.

Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm thanked

His Beatitude Archbishop

HIERONYMOS II very cordially for the

detailed discussion and the time taken

for it. His Beatitude Archbishop HIERONYMOS II, Ambassador Andrea Ikic-Böhm and

the guests present exchanged their best wishes for a blessed Christmas.

Athens, symbolic handover of the local EU Council Presidency to the

Romanian Embassy

The Austrian Embassy wishes the Romanian

Embassy as the new local EU Council Presidency all

the best and every success!!

© Austrian Embassy Athens - Ambassador

Andrea Ikic-Böhm symbolically handing over

the local Council Presidency to the

Romanian Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Cristina

ZAMFIRACHE