Wie entwickelt sich Europa weiter; wie sieht die EU politisch, wirtschaftlich, demografisch und kulturell? Über diese Fragen diskutierten rund 1500 internationale Entscheidungsträger in Wien zwei Tage lang Der Wiener Kongress com.sult ist der erste Weltkongress im Jahr, der sich mit der Zukunft Europas befasst. Rund 50 einzelne Veranstaltungen fanden im Rahmen des Kongresses statt. Darunter der Executive Lunch im Hotel Imperial und die Speakers‘ Reception im Wiener Rathaus. Traditionell haben die meisten VIP-Gäste beim Artistic Signature ihre Kreativität ans Licht geholt und Bilder zum Thema „Europe of Tomorrow“ gemalt. Mit Farbe und Pinsel haben u. a. s.D. Fürst Hans Adam II von und zu Liechtenstein, EU Parlamentspräsident Jerzy Buzek, der berühmte Autor Robert Menasse, der Europa-Parlamentarier Dimitrios Droutsas ihre Ideen ausgedrückt.

“Beim zehnten Vienna congress com.sult 2013 haben wir Top-Leute aus 15 Ländern nach Wien gebracht, um die Visionen für Europa zu erörtern. Wir wollen eine sehr konkrete, substanzielle Diskussion über die Zukunft Europas führen. Der Vienna Congress com.sult ist dafür mit seinem umfangreichen Programm und seiner einzigartigen Atmosphäre die ideale Plattform”, so der Initiator der Veranstaltung, David Ungar-Klein.

In drei hochkarätigen Panels und fünf Workshops diskutierten u.a.; Oxford-Professor Jan Zielonka, der tschechische Staatspräsident Václav Klaus, s. D. Fürst Hans-Adam II. von Liechtenstein, der frühere Präsident des Europäischen Parlaments, ehem. Premierminister Polens und heutiger Europa-Parlamentarier Jerzy Buzek, die Handelsministerin aus Kosovo Mimoza Kusari-Lila, der Europaparlamentarier und ehemaliger griechischer Außenminister Dimitrios Droutsas, Vizekanzler a.D. Erhard Busek, Cameron-Berater Phillip Blond, Nationalbank-Gouverneur Ewald Nowotny, „Die Zeit“-CEO Rainer Esser, der frühere finnische Premier und heutige Senior Fellow an der School of Government und Nokia-Berater Esko Aho, Iain Begg, Professorial Research Fellow am European Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science oder der österreichische Literat und nunmehrige EU-Anhänger Robert Menasse.

Gäste beim Kongress waren u.a. die Präsidentin der Wirtschaftskammer Wien KommR. Brigitte Jank, der Generaldirektor der Casino Austria Dr. Karl Stoss, DI Oliver Schmerold - Präsidiumsmitglied und Generalsekretär von ÖAMTC, DI Walter Boltz, Vorstand, Energie-Control Austria, der ehemalige EU-Kommissar Dr. Franz Fischler, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ewald Nowotny – Gouverneur der Österreichischen Nationalbank.

Program:

January 22, 2013 | House of Industy

A dire economic outlook, high government debt, a lack of political unity, increasing social tension: All eyes are on Europe. But where is Europe really going?

The Vienna Congress com.sult 2013 calls for a rethinking of Europe. International speakers will provide their input and ideas on how Europe can take a decisive step forward. The further development of the political union, greater stability in the financial system, strategically increased competitiveness, a higher level of innovation, efficient infrastructure and more democracy: These are the key topics of the Vienna Congress com.sult 2013, and the most important guideposts for tomorrow.

Panel I: Political Outlook 2013

The year 2013 will bring numerous and diverse challenges for Europe: elections in Germany, the future of the euro, the implementation of the bank supervision system, ways out of the recession and growing anti-EU sentiment.

How can Europe get a better handle on its future? Will there be a split between north and south? Is more Europe possible, and the project of a “United States of Europe”? What could the EU’s next success story be after the expansions to date? Who is driving the development of Europe, and who is driving Europe apart?

On this panel at the Vienna Congress com.sult, high-ranking figures from Austria and abroad will discuss how Europe can be better conceptualised and implemented in the future to enable the continent to become an economic and political success story again.

Panel II: The Economic Agenda in 2013

The development of the economy in Europe is anything but encouraging. Europe is lagging in the international race for growth and future prospects. And this is having an impact on the European model of society.

Austerity measures versus growth: How can Europe return to a path of growth? What instruments can be used to sustainably increase the competitiveness of the economy? Where are the key growth markets for Europe’s companies, and in what direction will the European economy go in the next ten to twenty years? How can European companies remain competitive against the new world and powerhouses like China, Brazil and India, and what BRICS countries are decisive for Europe? New technologies, new media, new offline and online relationships with customers – how can companies adapt successfully?

This panel at the Vienna Congress com.sult will focus on Europe’s economic potential and the relevant economic conditions. Its members will discuss how the European economy can – and must – move forward.

Panel III: Visions for Europe

The recapitalisation of ailing banks and the rescue of crisis countries is one of the greatest financial-policy challenges in Europe today. We still do not know what measures will bring success, or who will pay for them in the end.

This panel at the Vienna Congress com.sult will concentrate on the rescue measures for the euro and the banking system. What are the different scenarios? Will all of the current members of the Eurozone remain in the European currency union in 2013, and what will the price for this be? What influence will the results of the federal parliamentary elections have on Germany’s role in the euro debate? Will the ESM be able to relieve pressure on individual countries? What can we really expect from the European banking supervision system? What counts for the markets in the end?

This panel at the Vienna Congress com.sult will centre on currency stability, austerity programmes and their consequences, and the effectiveness of Europe’s various financial-policy instruments. High-ranking experts will talk about the prospects of a European economic administration and future financial-policy challenges.

S.D. Fürst Hans Adam II. von und zu Liechtenstein und der EU-Parlamentspräsident a.D. und ehemaliger Premierminister Polens Jerzy Buzek wurden bei der Abendgala im Rahmen des 10. Internationalen Vienna Congress com.sult 2013 für Ihr Lebenswerk mit dem Lifetime Achievement Award “Golden Arrow” ausgezeichnet. KR Brigitte Jank, Präsidentin der Wirtschaftskammer Wien, überreichte den Golden Arrow an die beiden Politiker, die sich mit ihrem großen Engagement für die Weiterentwicklung Europas und für den Schutz der Demokratiegrundlagen einsetzen. Der „Golden Arrow“ für besondere Verdienste wird seit dem Jahr 2006 vergeben und erhielten seit dem Persönlichkeiten, u.a. wie die Präsidenten und Friedensnobelpreisträger Schimon Peres und Lech Walesa, der deutsche Vizekanzler und Außenminister Joschka Fischer, der tschechische Präsident Vaclav Klaus, der Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Hans Dietrich Genscher. Jährlich wird der „Golden Arrow“ auch an eine österreichische Persönlichkeit, Institution oder Unternehmen vergeben. Im Jahr 2013 erhielt diesen Preis Generaldirektor das Hotel Imperial, Klaus Christandl. Dieser Preis wurde in den vergangenen Jahren unter anderen an Thomas Kloibhofer, CEO Competence Call Center, Professor Oskar Mencer, einem der erfolgreichsten Wissenschaftler Österreichs am Imperial College in London und dem Manager des SK Rapid Wien, Werner Kuhn überreicht.

„Die Auszeichnung ist ein Tribut des Wiener Kongress com·sult an die Kraft des friedlichen Widerstands und den unbändigen Glauben an eine bessere Welt“, so com·sult-Initiator David Ungar-Klein.

Der Golden Arrow des Vienna Congress com.sult 2013 geht an s.D. Fürst Hans-Adam II von Liechtenstein, weil sich das liechtensteinische Staatsoberhaupt mit großem Engagement mit der Zukunft der Demokratie im 3. Jahrtausend beschäftigt. Die Weiterentwicklung der Demokratie in Europa ist vor dem Hintergrund eine besondere Herausforderung, als Europa mit globalen Herausforderern im Wettbewerb konfrontiert ist, die Demokratie und Rechtsstaatlichkeit ablehnen und die demokratischen Mitwirkungsmöglichkeiten ihrer Bürger unterbinden. Fürst Hans-Adam II von Liechtenstein beweist darüber hinaus, dass europäisches Denken und Handeln in einem Nicht-Mitgliedsstaat der EU integraler Teil des politischen Selbstverständnisses ist.

Der Golden Arrow des Vienna Congress com.sult 2013 geht an den ehemaligen Präsident des Europäischen Parlaments Jerzy Buzek, der sich bereits als Ministerpräsident Polens große Verdienst für die Europäische Integration erworben hat. Buzek war konsequenter Befürworter des EU-Beitritts seines Landes. Er repräsentiert damit die politische und auch wirtschaftliche Erfolgsgeschichte der Erweiterung der Europäischen Union, die gegenwärtig nahezu zum Stillstand gekommen ist. Als Europaparlamentarier setzt sich Jerzy Buzek dafür ein, dass ein gestärktes Europäisches Parlament mehr Transparenz und vor allem auch mehr Bürgernähe der europäischen Institutionen ermöglichen kann.

Visionary power through oil on canvas

The Vienna Congress com·sult traditionally allows for this aspect through its “Artistic Signatures” by inviting the com·sult keynote speakers and VIPs to address the com·sult theme as artists. This year, top decision makers were requested to express themselves and show their true colors using acrylic paint on canvas. People who have never painted before are guided by an artist and are shown techniques that are easy to apply. Every picture expresses each person’s individuality in the art series “Artistic Signatures”.
Among this year’s artists were personalities like H.S.H. Prince Hans-Adam II. of Liechtenstein, Jerzy Buzek, Esko Aho, Robert Menasse, Theo Hoffenberg, Hans Lehrach, Vesa Martinnen, Jeannine Pilloud, Dimitrios Droutsas und Phillip Blond.

Die „Artistic Signatures“ der vergangenen Jahre waren extrem erfolgreich – sowohl bei den Teilnehmern, als auch beim Publikum. Unter den com·sult Künstlern waren Hans-Dietrich Genscher, Jack Welch, Michael Eisner, Steve Forbes, Sir Terry Leahy, Mark Spitz, Jimmy Wales, Karl Schranz, Aaron Peirsol, Veit Sorger, Claus Raidl, Toni Innauer, Leo Windtner, Klaus Kinkel, Alexander Wrabetz und Georg Pölzl. Alle Manager haben während ihrer Performance professionelle Unterstützung erhalten, um ihre Visionen schnell, beeindruckend und kraftvoll umzusetzen.

Europe, quo vadis? Howard Dean, a U.S. democrat and a leading force behind Barack Obama, pointed out in his speech at the Vienna Congress com∙sult 2010: “The question whether Europe can become the United States of Europe, is the biggest challenge in the world.” The President of the Czech Republic Václav Klaus expressed support for this process in his statement at the Vienna Congress com.sult, but drew attention to some potential obstacles: “Europe is in the captivity of the EU!”

Against the backdrop of the current leadership crisis in Europe, Lech Walesa, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Hans-Dietrich Genscher, legendary politician, were discussing the future of the continent at the 9th Vienna Congress com∙sult 2012.

Challenges of Leadership in Europe

The Congress initiator David Ungar-Klein chose a historic Vienna Congress 1814/15 as a role model: “Back then Europe was restructured and reorganised. 200 years later we want to create a basis for the future of politics and economy in the heart of Europe.” The successful revolutionary Lech Walesa spoke downright about the main congress topic: “We have a lack of politicians whose visions are powerful enough to push the idea of a greater whole.”

Walesa vehemently spoke out in favour of establishing a “State of Europe” and radically reforming capitalism and democracy. Hans-Dietrich Genscher regarded as the father of the Euro and of the European Union defined creation of the “States of Europe” as a long-term objective. Genscher also stated that “it is not possible to build Europe only on an economic basis. In addition to a closer cooperation in the sphere of economy, a stronger cooperation in the foreign policy is necessary.”

Europe – a role model for the world

“Europe is a message to all other countries. We have learned from our history which was full of bloodshed”, concluded Genscher. Avigdor Liberman, the Vice Premier and the Foreign Minister of Israel fully agreed stating: “The aim of my party is Israel`s accession to the EU.” He expressed scepticism regarding the Arab Spring. According to Liberman, the Arab states lacked a strong middle class, which is the backbone of democratic systems.

Criticism from the UK

The legendary CEO of the British supermarket chain Tesco, Sir Terry Leahy, rejected the notion of a leadership crisis and said: “At Tesco we always say, that you need more than one manager, you need thousands of them.  You have to give people the opportunity to make a step forward by themselves and to lead and motivate them to take responsibility.”

The British philosopher Phillip Blond took the same line stating: “Culture is the key to everything. Europe has lost the ability to reinvent itself continuously”. Blond, who is the advisor to Prime Minister Cameron, also added that people have become complacent and sedate and that they have lost the ability to reinvent themselves. Blond concluded with a plea for a new European model, which should help the people to reinvent themselves through entrepreneurial resources.

Golden Arrow 2012

One of the highlights was the evening gala of the Vienna Congress com∙sult 2012. Within this framework, two architects of the United Europe, Lech Walesa and Hans-Dietrich Genscher were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award “Golden Arrow”. With their unprecedented leadership during the fall of the Iron Curtain and their visionary power for the project “Europe” they overcame a division of the continent.

Traditionally, an Austrian was awarded with the “Special Golden Arrow”. This year the award was received by Oskar Mencer, the owner of Maxeler Technologies, who is about to revolutionize the world of computing and is ranked among the global knowledge elite. The top scientist lives and conducts research in London. In his job he thrives on innovation on a daily basis and is a great example for the future of the economic and knowledge venue “Europe”.

Lech Walesa & Hans-Dietrich Genscher

Architects of Europe honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award

At the evening gala of the 9th International Vienna Congress com∙sult, Lech Walesa, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Hans-Dietrich Genscher, a legendary politician, were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award “Golden Arrow”. With their unprecedented leadership during the fall of the Iron Curtain and their visionary power for the project “Europe” they paved the way to a better Europe for millions of people. “The award is a tribute of the Vienna Congress com∙sult to the power of peaceful resistance and the irrepressible belief in a better world”, says com∙sult initiator David Ungar-Klein.

The laudation was held by Erhard Busek, former Vice Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, who described Lech Walesa and Hans-Dietrich Genscher as statesmen who went down in history during their lifetime. “The best certificate of their success is the award they are being honored with today: A Pole and a German, who are being awarded for their lifetime achievement together in Vienna – this is a United Europe, which learned from its history of bloodshed” said Busek with full conviction.

Traditionally, an Austrian was awarded with the “Special Golden Arrow”. This year the award was received by Oskar Mencer, the owner of Maxeler Technologies, who is about to revolutionize the world of computing and is ranked among the global knowledge elite. The top scientist lives and conducts research in London. In his job he thrives on innovation on a daily basis and is a great example for the future of the economic and knowledge venue “Europe”.

Lifetime Achievement Award “Golden Arrow”

The largest annual economic congress in the region – the Vienna Congress com∙sult brings together top managers, international politicians, athletes and artists from all over the world. Every year extraordinary personalities are presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award “Golden Arrow” for their outstanding achievements. In the past years Václav Klaus, the President of the Czech Republic (2011); Buzz Aldrin, the space pioneer (2010); Karl Schranz, the skiing legend (2009); Mark Spitz, the athlete of the century (2008); Joschka Fischer, the former Foreign Minister of Germany (2007) and Shimon Peres, the President of Israel (2006) were presented with the “Golden Arrow”.

The 9^th Vienna Congress com·sult

“Challenges of Leadership in Europe”

January 24, 2012 | The House of Industry

SPECIAL GUESTS:

• Phillip Blond, author “Red Tory”, Conservative Mastermind
• Hans-Dietrich Genscher, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chancellor of Germany
• Sir Terry Leahy, former CEO, Tesco
• Avigdor Liberman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel
• Martin Meyer, Deputy Prime Minister, Principality of Liechtenstein
• Jan Petersen, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway
• Lech Walesa, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, former President of Poland

Legendary Leaders in Vienna

Times of upheaval are also times of awakening. The current crisis is forcing Europe to take measures, which seemed inconceivable until recently. At historic turning points resolute leaders can make use of unimaginable freedom of action.  The Vienna Congress com·sult 2012 has the privilege of welcoming among its special guests Hans-Dietrich Genscher and Lech Walesa, two visionaries who influenced the world in such a remarkable way and contributed to major transformations in Europe.

Shaping a strategic course requires courageous leaders who have the ability to make decisions beyond the current short-term political horizon. As a Tesco CEO, Management Mastermind Terry Leahy invented completely new rules of the game for an entire industry. At the Congress he will elaborate on how Economy and Politics can combine their potentials to be able to implement visionary concepts with clear priorities. Other success stories are Great Britain, Israel, Norway and Liechtenstein, which consistently follow their own path in or next to Europe, thus showing a degree of weaknesses in the structure of leadership in Europe.

A Way-Out for Europe

The Vienna Congress com·sult is a unique forum for decision-makers in the areas of economy, science and politics. It provides them with an opportunity to discuss the most burning current issues. Europe`s economy struggles with the monetary union in the conditions of having no common economic policy. It also has problems with weak structures and public finance.

Is there a way to mobilize funds so that the top-infrastructure can continue to expand despite the tight budget? This would be necessary to bring the creativity and innovation of the industry to a world-class level. Given a growing importance of outsourcing and automation, the cross-border investments in the areas of education, research and development today become a key to success of business activity centers tomorrow.