CPH POST Diplomancy 5 by The Copenhagen Post

Diplomacy MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2018 - ISSUE 5

• COMPETITION COMMISSIONER VESTAGER ON FAIRNESS FOR ALL • INTERVIEW WITH THE SLOVENIAN AMBASSADOR COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO AMBASSADORS IN DENMARK

ENSURING A FAIR DEAL FOR ALL THE EU'S CONSUMERS Photo: Hasse Ferrold

With former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

BY STEPHEN GADD

Margrethe Vestager is the current EU Competition Commissioner. The daughter of two priests, she grew up in Ă&#x2DC;lgod in southwest Jutland. Having taken a degree in economics at the University of Copenhagen, she joined the Finance Ministry in 1993. Vestager took her first serious steps into politics as Radikale Venstre MP for Esbjerg in 1988 2

Vestager became head of the Radikale party on 15 June 2007 and was chair of the party's parliamentary group from 2007-2011. Subsequently, she has held ministerial posts as economics and interior minister (2011-2014) and education and church minister (1998-2000). She also served as Deputy Prime Minister from 2011-2014 under Helle Thorning-Schmidt.

You have had a long high-profile career in Danish politics. What made you get into politics and why did you pick De Radikale Venstre in particular? Well, I wasn't really interested in politics to start with. What I wanted to do was to take part in shaping what is happening around me. My parents were both Lutheran pastors, very engaged in the local community, so this was the sort of thing you were supposed to do.

Party politics only came into my life after years of student politics. I think it was Radikale Venstre because that was everything we ever believed in. My mother's great grandfather was at the meeting in 1905 when the party was founded. My mother's aunt was a very old-school member up in the northern part of Denmark, so it was rather the thing you did â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not because somebody was pushing a leaflet at you but because of a more integrated approach and the values of the party relative to the way you live your life.

Which political issues are closest to your heart? The most important thing is that people feel they are counted in when it comes to society; that each and every one of us feels that we are equally respected, that we have equal

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a very strong market position; you cannot buy yourself a cosy little monopoly so that you can set the prices yourself, and member states shouldn't give harmful subsidies to make it easier for some companies to compete compared to others. The point is that we, as consumers, get a fair deal in the market because in the regulated way we have it in Europe, the market is part of the peace-keeping puzzle where we all get treated fairly and have an equal chance. This puts me in a special position within the commission because this is law enforcement. Law enforcement is based on evidence, the facts of the case and jurisprudence. You cannot put politics into that mix because it will have to stand up in court. This gives me a large degree of independence in case work so that it does not become politically-infused. That's very important because of the rule of law, due process â&#x20AC;&#x201C; those are the very fundamentals of our union.

How important is diplomacy when it comes to your work as Competition Commissioner? Well, you always have to be able to express yourself in a way that enables people to find solutions. It is important that I'm not thought to be at war with a particular business. There is a specific kind of behaviour, sometimes illegal, and that of course has to stop. But that doesn't mean that the entire company and all its employees are also being judged. For me that is important, because people can change. And before the case is proven you don't know whether your suspicions are right or wrong. So it takes a certain level of diplomacy, if you can call it that â&#x20AC;ŚTact perhaps? Yes, I think that would be the appropriate word.

Shaking hands with Barack Obama at the UN Council Chamber opportunities so we have a fair chance of making it. There are no guarantees, but at least we ought to have a fair chance because everyone is treated alike. That comes in many different forms and one is education. That's one of the things I worked with and that has always been very close to my heart. The more we learn and the more we are able to develop as humans, the better we can shape our own lives.

Did you have any doubts about taking up the EU Commission post when it was offered? The then Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and I had to figure out who was going to be the Danish commissioner. We were to-ing and fro-ing and postponed taking a decision and then I realised that I would actually like the job! We quickly agreed on that and I could say that with my background in economics it made sense to take one of the more economics-based posts in the commission. I had the experience, having served in the EU's Ecofin council for three years by that time. I hadn't planned it but it was something that came up and it was all about being in the right place at the right time when an opportunity arises.

What does the Competition Commissioner actually do and how does that fit in with the EU governing system in general? The short answer is we want the markets to work fairly for everyone. No-one is too big and can be above the law; it is for each and every one of us. You shouldn't form a cartel, you shouldn't misuse

You're only the second woman to hold the post (the first being Neelie Kroes). Do you feel that as a woman, you have to be twice as good as a man or is that irrelevant? I wouldn't say that it was irrelevant because I think there are still differences. The relevance comes from the fact that the more diverse the group to investigate and take decisions, the better. But in this position I've never felt discriminated against or not respected for being a woman. Sometimes I find that people have to work out how to deal with this because they are used to having a man on the other side of the table! I get people asking about my children and I don't think they would do that if it was a man. But is doesn't really matter as it is another kind of relationship and that is the important thing. When you talk to people, you still have to work together within the framework of the law.

You have been in the headlines for taking a tough stance against a number of the largest companies in the world such as Facebook, Google and Apple and handing out heavy fines. That must have taken some courage â&#x20AC;Ś I don't think about it like that because yes, they are giant companies but I work on behalf of 500,000,000 people and if ever I get nervous, I just imagine 500,000,000 people standing behind me!

It seems also to have earned you a lot of respect in Europe. Do you feel that there is also a moral dimension involved here as well as a purely competitive one? The treaty setting out the articles on which all our regulations are based didn't come out of thin air. It has been made by people and choices made by the founders of the EU. They made value choices because they saw what happened in the 1930s in the run-up to the Second World War. One of the things they saw was that an unregulated market gives room for monopolies and misuse of power. They saw that the market-

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place had played a negative role to some extent. They then said 'this is not the way we want things to be'. What we do is based on what our founders and those coming after revising the treaties wanted them to be, so it is not neutral but based on human activity and human choices.

In that respect, do you have any comment on the Dansk Bank money-laundering scandal? We've recently drafted a proposal to combat money-laundering. The sad thing about this enormous scandal is that it is absolutely a matter of urgency, and right to strengthen the rules that we have. We need to enable supervisory bodies to do a better job. Unfortunately, money-laundering is not just a thing of the past; it is very much a thing of today. If we can do more in fellowship in Europe then we can present a stronger front against money-laundering.

There seems to be a feeling in some quarters that globalisation has gone too far and some multinationals are behaving as if they are a law unto themselves. How do you feel about that – and if it is true, what can be done about it? In this context it is important to actually define the problem because we live in one world. Even the Vikings had global endeavours! So living in one world is not a new thing but the fact that we gain more in control of the negative sides is the important thing. For instance, my colleague Celia [Cecilia Malmström, Trade Commissioner] has changed the way we do trade deals so that they are more fundamentally value-based. It's not just about lowering tariffs. We also want to emphasise that we want to have a relationship where we want everybody to have decent working conditions, animal welfare – and the other things that we would like to see in our own country. So I think we can shape globalisation to a larger degree than we've done so far. We can still have the benefits but also take greater control of the bad sides of globalisation.

Photo: Trine Søndergaard

If you look at my tax cases, what you see is that it's not because you are multinational that you avoid taxes, but if you avoid taxes by for instance receiving illegal state aid, then more often than not you would be a multinational company. It is of course 100 percent legitimate that a multinational gets itself organised with the different branches in different countries. But the fact that you have to be organised like that also opens up for the possibility of moving the profits from high tax to low tax to almost no tax. If that last part gives a selective advantage just to you and not to anyone else, then it is illegal. The European Court ruled on this around 20 years ago. The issue has arisen because companies have been doing this in secret. A number of companies have organised themselves in order to avoid paying taxes and also receive illegal state aid. That will have to change, as we are showing in our decisions that it should.

Although the laws passed in Brussels have an enormous impact on people's daily lives, the EU can seem very remote. Have you any ideas regarding how to make EU politics more visible in a positive way? One of the things we have to do is to stop talking about the EU because to some degree, that's a fiction. It is either the parliament, the council or the commission where I work — or the courts for that matter.

Our PM was with his colleagues yesterday in the European Council, so he is also a European decision-maker. I think if we can have our national decision-makers talk more and discuss more what decisions they take with their colleagues in council and our publicly-elected parliamentarians in the European Parliament, then we can show that our national democracy and the European democracy are completely integrated. They are just different parts of one democracy that allow us to solve problems of almost any nature – some on a European scale and some on a national scale.

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How do you view the growing Euroscepticism that is manifesting itself these days – most notably through Brexit and how can we tackle that? Part of it is very difficult to tackle because it is a very well known political rhetorical flourish to say that those far away do bad things and I'm right in front of you, you can feel my passion to better your conditions but those people far away don't see you. That is very hard to avoid. However, I think we can show people that there is so much more too it; that there is no mysterious body far away taking decisions over your head. It is actually the same PM and the same minister of fisheries taking decisions here on Danish conditions who negotiates on a European level. We are much more integrated than the hostile rhetoric would suggest.

Obviously the press has a lot to answer for in this respect. Some newspapers are peddling the idea that the EU is to blame for everything under the sun when a lot of it is domestic policy … I think this is improving to some degree. It seems to me there is more reporting about what is going on in other countries, what is being discussed, what our PM or other ministers said in the council meeting, what decisions they took that we will now implement nationally. So I think it is getting better and that allows people to have a broader, fuller, richer view of what is going on in our European democracy.

What do you regard as your greatest achievement to date as commissioner? Well, it's not over yet! I think it is a little like asking someone to choose amongst their children – you can't do that either!

This is a rather loaded question I know, but would you like to continue as commissioner if you have the chance – and if it were possible, what areas would be your primary focus? I've stated publicly that I would be more than happy to have another five years and preferably as Competition Commissioner because I feel that we are in the middle of something. These are formative years because we're in this technological and digital revolution. Also, being able to carry on working to shape how we make sure that the market is still serving us as consumers – when everything becomes digital. Are there things that we should change?

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Maybe we've taken democracy and the rule of law for granted. I think this is something that has to be continually renewed with every generation because we tend to forget. It's a bit going to a funeral. You start to reflect and tell yourself 'I must remember to enjoy every day', but within a week you forget! You start planning for the future instead of being very much in the present. I have this feeling that we may be in the same situation with our democracy. We need to be present in it and renew it with every generation because otherwise we forget about it and it slips away.

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SLOVENIA: A MODERN COUNTRY ADVOCATING COMMON EUROPEAN VALUES BY STEPHEN GADD

Edvin Skrt was appointed Slovenian ambassador to Denmark in July 2018 and presented his credentials to HM the Queen in September. He has been employed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia since 1993, most recently as bilateral and EU relations adviser in the Foreign Minister's office. Ambassador Skrt has previously held diplomatic posts in Slovakia, Brazil and Ireland and some other ad hoc short postings. He has also been deputy head of the project group for the Slovenian Chairmanship of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, head of US and Canada Unit and Head of the Privileges and Immunities Unit in the Diplomatic Protocol of the Slovenian Foreign Ministry.

You are relatively young to be an ambassador. Could you tell me a little about your background and how you got into the diplomatic service? Thank you very much, it is not that often you hear that kind of observation at my age (47)! When you apply for this job it is important that you are ready and experienced enough for the burden the position brings. I believe that after 25 years in diplomatic service I have the experience to embrace the privilege and challenge of being an ambassador. The Slovenian diplomatic mission here in Copenhagen is quite a demanding posting, covering all the Nordic countries. It is therefore important that you're in good mental and physical shape to meet the demands of travelling and other numerous activities. I started my career at the Slovenian Foreign Ministry in 1993, even before I graduated in political sciences. I spent the first months at the MFA's main office and then moved to the Protocol Department, where I mostly dealt with diplomatic privileges and immunities. Later I continued my career in the bilateral and multilateral departments of the ministry and at diplomatic missions abroad. I have been building my career step by step through the diplomatic rankings, determined to learn as much as possible to be able to represent my country in the best possible way. I can say that I have benefited from each point in my career.

I realise that you are very new to Denmark, but what is your impression of the country and the Danes? I arrived to Copenhagen on August 8. I'd been here before as a tourist, so had a pretty good picture of the country that will be my home for the next 4 years. Copenhagen has been very nice to me during my period

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The Slovenian ambassador to Denmark Edvin Skrt of settling in and adjusting, which is always a little stressful as you never really get used to relocations. My first impression of Denmark is that it is very flat – which I expected – and very sunny – which I didn't expect! I know the weather will change soon and that this year's summer is an extraordinary one.

venians, quite a sporty nation. My first weeks in Copenhagen were full of very positive impressions and experiences.

My first experience with the Danes is that they are nice, ready to help, self-confident and proud of their country and its achievements and similar to Slo-

Modern Slovenia is a very young country. How do you see relations with the rest of Europe and the EU in particular? Slovenia is a modern, social country, devoted to peace, promotion of human rights and equality. It is a strong advocate of common European values. In December we will celebrate the 28th anniversary of the plebiscite that gave us independence.

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We believe that in these challenging times the EU is facing, we have to make an effort for a strong and united union based on common rules and solidarity. Slovenia is, like Denmark, an export-based economy and needs a stable common market.

Figures from 2017 show Slovenia to be per capita the richest of the Slavic countries by nominal GDP and the second richest by GDP. What is the secret of your economic success? The economic and financial crisis of 2008-2010 affected Slovenia very much and we had to introduce severe austerity measures. Since 2013 our economy has been growing strongly again; in the past two years we have had one of the highest growths in GDP in the EU. Slovenia has a highly educated workforce, fairly well-developed infrastructure and Slovenians are good businessmen. Most of our export products come from small and medium enterprises and most of them can achieve high added value. If our partners in the EU are doing well, we might do even better. If bigger EU countries go into recession, it might have an even worse impact on the Slovenian economy. We therefore want all the economies in EU and in the wider region to do well economically. This is only possible when there is a stable political environment.

What areas are most important to Slovenia foreign policy-wise? The primary goals of Slovenian foreign policy are to ensure peace, security, prosperity and good bilateral relations, to work towards a strong European Union and a strong multilateral system. Slovenia modernised its foreign policy strategy in 2015, but with the dramatic pace of change in the international community, it will soon need another revision. In general, our foreign policy priorities represent concentric circles – our basic foreign policy circle is the EU, then neighbouring countries, strategic partners in the EU, wider region and transatlantic relations. We place a very strong emphasis on effective multilateralism. Everything starts with neighbours – good neighbourly relations, based on trust, respect and rule of law, are very important for political stability, for business and for people on both sides. For Slovenia, the Western Balkan region is also very important. We believe that there should be a realistic perspective for Euro-Atlantic integration for these countries. This is the best incentive for reforms and addressing sensitive issues. When we talk about security, NATO is of course our basic framework. We also support stronger defence co-operation within the EU. We are strong advocates of close transatlantic relations – they have been challenged recently, but we believe there is genuine interest on both sides of the Atlantic for permanent close ties. We believe dialogue can always bring result and we therefore also think that we have to maintain dialogue with all the global players, including Russia. It is very important that we keep the lines of communication and dialogue open and that we keep talking – also on issues where it seems that we can't find a common language.

The spectacularly beautiful Logar Valley in the Savinjska Region

Could you tell me a little about relations between Slovenia and Denmark? Slovenia and Denmark have very good political relations. We are both pragmatic in this sense but we maintain a regular dialogue at expert and political levels on all important EU, UN, regional and other issues. Economically we are moving towards half a billion euros-worth of trade exchange in goods and services. Of course we can do more and I will try to support activities which would strengthen our co-operation. The role of contemporary diplomacy is different than for 20 or even 10 years ago. The role of an embassy is also to try to bring societies in both countries together. The most essential thing is interest. Without interest, without new ideas, you cannot strengthen co-operation and ties.

What story would you like to tell Denmark about Slovenia? There are many very nice stories about Slovenia but let me say it is one of the world’s safest countries, a green destination in Europe which can, despite its relatively small size in terms of geography and population, offer almost everything. It is digitalised, democratic, rule of law based and economically stable and also ready for further investments. It is a great tourist destination with the Alps, Adriatic Sea and Pannonian plains. A decade ago we had a slogan in Slovenia: "Tourism is people". People in Slovenia are warm, nice, friendly and hospitable – towards tourists and for anyone looking for opportunities for co-operation.

What do you export to Denmark and conversely, what are your main imports? First let me say that we export much more to Denmark than we import from the Danes. This is also due to the fact that there are Danfoss facilities in Slovenia which export a large share of their products to the distribution centre in Denmark. Pharmaceutical products represent the biggest share of our exports to Denmark – more than 20 percent. We have two big pharmaceutical companies in Slovenia, Krka and Lek, the latter being part of the Sandoz/Novartis group. In second place is machinery and mechanical appliances with almost the same share of one fifth of our total export to Denmark. Parts for

Photo: Slovenian Tourist Board/Darinka Mladenovic

In my opinion the EU is not only about free movement of goods and services – it is much more than that. We have to do our utmost to defend all four freedoms of the EU, the rule of law and high standards of human rights. As a member of the Eurozone and Schengen, Slovenia is already one of the most integrated parts of the European Union and it advocates even further integration, especially in the fields of monetary union, defence and so on.

the robotic industry also belong to this group. For example, Denmark-based company Universal Robots is one of the most successful, high-profile robot manufacturers. They use a magnetic rotary encoder, produced and supplied by Slovenian company RLS. In September, I actively participated in the Robotics Fair in Odense, where several Slovenian companies presented their ideas, solutions and visions to their Danish partners. I believe that robotics is an area of co-operation that we should further explore and enhance. We also export electrical machinery, equipment and vehicles. Adria caravans/camping vehicles and motorhomes are the most popular caravan vehicles in Denmark and are a product of Slovenian knowledge and also assembled in Slovenia. Gorenje and Asco are both Slovenian manufacturers of domestic appliances and Slovenia is the only country in the world that produces a fully electric aeroplane – the Taurus Electro G2 from Pipistrel. We also produce excellent wine that can be bought in Denmark. Pharmaceutical products are also the main products imported from Denmark to Slovenia, followed by machinery and mechanical appliances, some plastic and rubber products, electrical machinery and equipment, medical and surgical instruments, and so on.

What do you think you can learn from Denmark? Denmark is an inspiration for many countries worldwide. It tops almost all the international registers: digitalisation, the welfare state, gender equality, human development index, efficiency at work, work-life balance – and many more. In many respects, Denmark is an exemplary country. And Danes know that and are proud of it. Self-confidence is also something we can learn from Denmark.

Is there anything that you feel that you can teach the Danes? I am quite sure there is. But let me put it this way – we live together in the EU, which is confronted with many challenges. No one country in the Union can tackle the most demanding challenges alone – be it migration and integration issues, security threats, circular economy, lack of skilled work-force, climate change and so on. The solutions that work in one country should always be analysed; there is always something that can be applicable in another country as well. I think it is very important that we share our experiences and knowledge. No one country in the Union can tackle the most demanding challenges alone – be it migration, lack of skilled work-force or climate change.

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Slovenia is something of a 'closed book' to many Danes. Where would you advise tourists to visit in your country? Yes, I also get the impression that we are still not a very wellknown country, although Slovenia is closer to Copenhagen than the Faeroe Islands or only a bit further away than Paris. This is another challenge for the embassy team. On the other hand, the number of Danish tourists in Slovenia is constantly increasing. Danes mostly visit Slovenia during summer with camping vehicles and motorhomes, but often also fly and rent a car there. Those Danes who visit Slovenia once very often return. That is very important.

In Slovenia you can ski in the Alps and swim in the Adriatic on the same day if you visit it in the month of May. We have impressive glacier lakes at Bled and Bohinj, the exceptional Soča valley, the world-renowned Postojna cave, several UNESCO heritage protected sites, many spa centres, amusement parks and other things to see and experience. Slovenia is also a culinary destination, with many different types of cuisine from the Mediterranean, mostly based on fish and vegetables, to the heavier Alpine or Pannonian cuisine. We promote sustainable and green tourism. Slovenia is a place which rarely disappoints. You can easily fall in love with a country with the word "love" in its name (Slovenia)!

Finally, when you are "off duty" what hobbies and interests do you have? Even though my free time is limited, I try to do regular sports, spend time with my family and meet friends. I am also a foodie and I like to eat and cook. History, film and music are also among my interests.

The major challenges through 2030 for Slovenia will be the implementation of climate-related goals and improvement of the aquatic and land ecosystems. Slovenia is fully committed to combating climate change at both national and international levels. Let me also point out that last year, on Slovenia's incentive, the UN General Assembly unanimously proclaimed May 20 as

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Photo: Slovenian Tourist Board/Jošt Gantar

How is Slovenia coping with the problems associated with climate change? Slovenia is among the eight leading countries in terms of implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, according to the Global Responsibility report, which measures countries' performance in meeting a total of 17 objectives of the agenda, the so-called Sustainable Development Goals.

Photo: Hasse Ferrold

DI: PREPARING DANISH INDUSTRY FOR THE GLOBAL MARKET OF TOMORROW

Jens Holst-Nielsen at the DI Business Summit in Copenhagen in September

BY STEPHEN GADD

The confederation of Danish industry Dansk Industri (DI) has 10,000 private companies as members within the manufacturing and services sectors. DI works to provide the best conditions for Danish businesses in order to enhance opportunities for growth and overall competitiveness As exports are vital to the Danish economy, a large part of DI's focus is outward-looking. “If companies are to be prepared for the global market of tomorrow, they must be accountable and give thoughtful attention to both local and global demands,” says DI's CEO, Karsten Dybvad. 14

CPH POST spoke to Jens Holst-Nielsen, the

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organisation with some 10,000 member

Could you tell me a little of the history of DI? The first employer association in Denmark was established in 1885 by companies within the iron industry in Copenhagen as Foreningen af Fabrikanter i Jernindustrien i København.

companies.

How did you come to be involved in DI? With a background as agronomist I came to DI 20 years ago after serving in the Danish Ministry for Food and Agriculture for some years. Since then

A national organisation with the name

I have been working with a variety of business

Sammenslutningen af Arbejdsgivere inden for

sectors and always with an international outlook.

Jernindustrien i Danmark was established in 1902. In the 1980s, it changed its name to Jernets Arbejdsgiverforening.

Other companies within the manufacturing industry were organised in Arbejdsgiverforeningen Industrifagene. These two employer associations merged on 1 January 1990 under the name Industriens Arbejdsgivere. In 1992 Industriens Arbejdsgivere merged with Industrirådet under the name Dansk Industri. On 1 May 2008, Dansk Industri merged with HTS Handel, Transport og Service under the name DI.

Is your work largely 'behind the scenes' in Denmark or do you accompany delegations abroad? My work is both behind the scenes and on the stage, both in Denmark and abroad. I do accompany many of our approximately 40 delegations abroad each year.

How does DI take advantage of diplomatic channels when it comes to promoting Danish business interests? We are totally dependent on the contact to the diplomatic corps in Copenhagen. Our dialogue

with the foreign Embassies to Denmark provides very valuable inspiration for planning our activities, especially when heads of state, ministers etc. come to Denmark and wish to engage with the Danish business community.

DI also seems to be very much involved whenever the Danish Royal Family visit a country. How

before you go to ensure that the royal representative and DI are 'singing from the same hymn sheet'? Our local Embassy is responsible for that dialogue. There are certain countries worldwide that are problematical from a political or human rights point of view. How does DI function in relation

Photo: Dansk Industri//Hans Søndergård

to them? It is ultimately up to politicians to decide whether countries are problematical from a political or human rights point of view, and if so whether they should be subject to international sanctions or trade restrictions. It is then up to companies to comply with these sanctions and restrictions and they take great care in doing so. We also offer help on how to navigate these often very complicated rules, and it is something that we give high priority to. In this respect, we firmly believe that Danish companies can have a positive impact on the countries that they trade with or invest in as they can bring Danish values and ideas on, for instance, treatment of workers, consumer protection and respect for the environment to the host country. Isolating ourselves

DI's Copenhagen headquarters The house also entertains guests during the annual Kulturnat in Copenhagen.

from countries that we do not understand or agree with 100 percent is seldom the best way to bring about a positive change in those countries.

For example, the US recently imposed Photo: Dansk Industri

Q Q

Do you work out an agenda with Amalienborg

Photo: Dansk Industri/Hans Søndergård

does that work in practice? When the Royal Family visit a country they are often accompanied by a business delegation. Together with the other Danish main business organisation and the Trade Council and our local embassy we normally establish a committee which is responsible for the planning of the business program. Normally we choose to focus on 2-3 business sectors where there is a clear match between the Danish business strengths and the needs of the market we are visiting.

sanctions on Iran. That must have an effect on potential Danish exports … Traditionally, Iran has been a good trading partner for Denmark and many Danish companies had very high expectations in terms of market opportunities in Iran following the nuclear agreement signed between Iran and the international community back in 2015. The re-imposition of US sanctions on Iran has unfortunately made it very difficult for Danish companies to trade with Iran. Nevertheless, we do our utmost to help our member companies to navigate in the current situation.

The fast pace of globalisation seems to be leaving some people behind. What can DI do to help those industries and their workers that have become 'victims' of outsourcing or relocation? In general, Danish companies have embraced globalisation and have succeed in creating

jobs both in Denmark and abroad. We have put a lot of effort into preparing our member companies for globalisation and in Denmark, we have not lost very many of our core business areas to global competition. An exception is the large-scale shipbuilding industry. Here, we lost out to South Korea, but we still have a booming cluster of subsuppliers that today are supplying some of the world's largest shipbuilders.

How does DI work on the domestic front to promote its members' interests? We have a very fact-based and analytical approach. In our opinion that is the best way to influence the political process – both at a European and at a national level.

Q DI works to provide the best conditions for Danish businesses

How do you see the future role of DI? DI aims to provide the best possible corporate conditions for Danish industry. Thus we need constantly to address the limiting factors for growth in the private sector. Currently we are concerned about the shortage of skilled workers. At the same time it will be more important than ever that we succeed in preparing our member companies for the global market of tomorrow. 15

MEETING DENMARK’S FIRST MAN IN SPACE

Photo: Thomas Nielsen

Mogensen signs a mural at CIS

Photo: Thomas Nielsen

water on board is recycled – meaning it's condensed from the air (their sweat) and extracted from their urine.

Signing cards for the long line of enthusiastic children and teachers

BY ROSS MCPHERSON

Andreas Mogensen, who officially took Denmark into the space age, recently splashed down at his old school to tell the pupils all about it Up to now, when it comes to conversations about space travel it has been rare that Denmark's name has come up, but this could soon change. In recent years the world has been engaged in international efforts to improve our understanding of the cosmos. The European Space Agency (ESA) has been at the forefront of this endeavour and on 2 September 2015, Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen blasted off from Kazakhstan in a Soyuz rocket to join the International Space

When the call for applicants for potential astronauts went out from ESA to anyone who had the qualifications, Mogensen answered. He was selected from a pool of thousands to undergo the rigorous preliminary training, which he finished in November 2010. After the ISS began on the IRIS mission. The mission was organised to promote education and stoke interest in space around Europe, while also conducting important experiments for the future of inter-planetary travel. Amongst the tasks and experiments assigned to Mogensen were taking groundbreaking photographs of rare 'red sprite' and 'blue jet' lightning and using modern exercise equipment. Another aspect of his trip focused on how to

10-day trip, orbiting the earth 400 km away.

stop muscle and bone density deterioration,

man was on a tour around Denmark and one of his stops was his old school Copenhagen International School (CIS), where he gave

in the hope that new technologies can help astronauts on longer trips to and from Mars or in the upcoming new space station around

HANGING ON EVERY WORD

pupils about ESA, his trip and the future of

The room was mesmerised by Mogensen as

space travel. On a previous visit in 2013 CIS

he explained the details of the mission. He

gave him a t-shirt that he took into space

described moving through the ISS’s inter-

with him.

locked compartments as being like “moving

The experiments were in preparation for trips to both the Moon and Mars. Mogensen explained that a new space station is planned that will orbit the Moon. “I am almost certain that in our lifetime we will be able to say with close to certainty that there is life on another planet,” Mogensen said. But if you thought it was little green men he was talking about – then you may be right but with modification. This final comment from Denmark’s astronaut garnered an audible gasp from the children, but he brought them down to earth by adding that “it will probably be bacteria”. The visit ended with a lively Q&A session and who knows: maybe one of the pupils in the audience listening so intently could be the one to take the next giant leap into the unknown.

through a series of deep dark holes that your body just doesn’t want to go down”.

was the beginning of his lifelong path to-

The difficulties of life in space are always

wards the stars, giving him a unique interna-

evolving and growing in number. One barrier

tional background well suited to the stress-

to long stays on Mars or the Moon is water

ful and diverse environment of the ISS.

filtration. Mogensen explained that all the

CIS school children packed the auditorium for the talk

Photo: Ross McPherson

Rygåards international school and CIS. This

AND ON TO MARS ...

the Moon.

an extensive talk to third and seventh grade

Mogensen, a native-born Dane, attended

When astronauts spend long periods of time in space their muscles and bones lose density, leading to unforeseeable long-term consequences. To counteract the physical effects Mogensen tested a skinsuit with interwoven fibres that helped compress his spine and fight these adverse effects. Another technological aid was a bicycle designed by Danish Aerospace to help keep up an astronaut's muscle tone.

a further five years training, his journey to

Station (ISS) for an intense, research-filled

This week, Denmark’s one and only space-

THE RIGHT STUFF

During his short stay, he tested a new protein membrane that helps filter water molecules from dirty liquids, thus making the water clean to drink. This was one of the many Danish technologies he tested in space. “The coffee we drank today was the same coffee we drank yesterday and last week,” he added.

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Many of the faces on these pages will be familiar to readers of CPH POST as they are foreign ambassadors to Denmark and feature regularly in Hasse Ferrold’s About Town. Many are not based in Denmark, but fulfil their ambassadorial positions from overseas

AMBASSADORS BASED IN DENMARK

Australia

Algeria

Argentina

Armenia

Ali Benzerga

Conrado Solari

Alexander Arzoumanian

Mary Ellen Miller

Brazil

Bulgaria

.d benin k

Austria

Bangladesh

Maria Rotheiser-Scotti

Muhammad Muhith

Pho

t o:

Albania Kastriot Robo

Belgium

Benin

Leo Peeters

Eusebe Agbangla

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Carlos da Rocha

In transit

Burkina Faso Maria-Goretti Agaleoue

Canada Emi Furuya

e r m ans e n

Pho

t o:

Haris Basic

Chile

Croatia

Cuba

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Deng Ying

Frane Krnic

Yiliam Sardiñas

Penelope Erotokritou

Radek Pech

n ia

n Foreign M

i ni

P h ot o

Estonia Märt Volmer

Iceland Benedikt Jónsson

Egypt Ayman Alkaffas

st r

Flavio Tarsetti

China

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Vesa Vasara

In transit

Gigi Gigiadze

Andreas Meitzner

Efthalia Kakiopoulou

India

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Ireland

Ajit Gupte

Muhammad Said

Morteza Moradian

Alaa Musa

Cliona Manahan

Hungary Kristof Altusz

Italy Ligui Ferrari

All photos: Hasse Ferrold unless stated

AMBASSADORS BASED IN DENMARK

Israel

Ivory Coast

Japan

Latvia

Libya

Lithuania

In transit

Toshiro Suzuki

Alda Vanaga

Mohamed Selim

Ginte Damusis

ic k

Luxembourg Janine Finck

m r.co

P h ot o

Benjamin Dagan

Macedonia Naim Memeti

Palestine

Nepal

Netherlands

Niger

Yuba Nath Lamsal

Henk Swarttouw

Amadou Tcheko

Poland

Portugal

Henryka MoscickaDendys

In transit

Romania

Russia

Mihai-Alexandru Gradinar

Mikhail Vanin

Norway Aud Koldberg

Saudi Arabia Fahad Alruwaily

Pakistan Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi

Serbia Jasmina Mitrovic-Maric

P ho

t o:

Mufeed M Shami

Morocco Khadija Rouissi

Slovakia Boris Gandel

Thailand Vichit Chitvimarn

Slovenia

South Africa

South Korea

Edvin Skrt

Zindziswa Mandela

Jai-Chul Choi

Turkey

Uganda

Ugur Kenan Ipek

Zaake Kibedi

United Arab Emirates Fatema Almazrouei

Spain Romรกn Oyarzun

Sweden Fredrik Jรถrgensen

Switzerland Benedikt Wechsler

United Kingdom

United States

Vietnam

Dominic Schroeder

Carla Sands

Nguyen Truong Thanh

All photos: Hasse Ferrold unless stated

AMBASSADORS - BASED OVERSEAS

ress

P ho

Ethiopia Merga Bekana (Stockholm)

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a ti c- p r ess. n

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Costa Rica JosĂŠ Barrantes (London)

Mari-Cruz Andeme (London)

t o:

Comoros

Anita Escher (Stockholm) ip l

t o:

Ahmed Bourhane (Paris)

El Salvador

Pho

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Colombia

Ecuador fa .l

Sonia Duran (Stockholm)

Lautaro Malo (Stockholm) z.m

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Pema Choden (Brussels)

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Alexander Ostrovsky (Stockholm)

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bas

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Barbados Samuel Chandler (Brussels)

Pho

o :g

Pho p P h ot o

Grenada

Guatemala

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Guyana

Honduras

Jamaica

Karl Hood (London)

Francisco Hernandez-Kramer (Oslo)

Fatoumata Balde (Berlin)

Alfredo Lopes (Brussels)

David Hales (Brussels)

Roberto Ochoa (Brussels)

Seth G Ramocan (London)

er a

c co unt

O AT

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kosovo

Kuwait

Basheer Zoubi (Berlin)

Bolat Nussupov (Berlin)

Joseph Sang (Stockholm)

Skender Xhakaliu (Berlin)

Nabeel Al Dakheel (Stockholm)

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Gambia Francis Blain (London)

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Dominican Republic Marina de EstĂŠvez (Stockholm)

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Central African Rep. Chad Daniel Emery Dede Abdoulaye Senoussi (Brussels) (Berlin)

Anna Mbur Tasha (London)

e n t.s e

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Cameroon

Soeung Rathchavy (London)

Omar Said (Brussels)

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Cambodia

Brunei Dato Ali Apong (Home based)

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Tahir Taghizadeh (London) t o:

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Azerbaijan

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Afghanistan Shukria Barakzai (Oslo)

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Lesotho

Erines Otorbaev Bounpheng Saykanya Paramente Phamotse (Stockholm) (Berlin) (Dublin)

AMBASSADORS - BASED OVERSEAS

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Oleg Serebrian (Berlin)

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Musa Ilu Mohamed (Stockholm)

Kang Yong Dok (Stockholm)

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Mauritius Girish Nunkoo (London)

esco

Moldova

Mauritania Mohamed Khlil (Brussels) se

Ricardo Alvarado (Helsinki)

Qatar

t o:

sy of S u da

Khalid Al-Khater Christine Nkulikiyinka Antonella Benedettini Carlos Dos Anjos (Stockholm) (Home Based) (Brussels) (The Hague)

Pho

to:

ba s

Pho

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P h ot o s

e.c o

Singapore

Sri Lanka

Sudan

Tanzania

Togo

Tunisia

Uruguay

Renuka Rajapakse (Stockholm)

Ahlam Ali (Oslo)

Dr Wilbrod Slaa (Stockholm)

Komi Bayédzè Dagoh (Berlin)

Elyes Ghariani (The Hague)

Santiago Wins (Stockholm)

dia T

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Zambia

James Patrick Green Rose Salukatula (Stockholm) (Stockholm)

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rg w.o

Karan Thakral (Home Based)

ic C h u r c h

t o:

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sse Ferrold

Bayani S Mercado (Oslo)

José Bellina (Stockholm)

Ferrold

Lyndal Walker (The Hague)

Philippines

Peru

t o:

P ho

P h ot o

Edward Turay (London)

Sierra Leone

ac R a e

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Pho eM

p a .e u

New Zealand

Namibia Morina Muuondjo (Stockholm)

uro

Myanmar

Pho

P ho

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our t.se

Kyaw Zwar Minn (London)

Papua New Guinea Lyutha Al Mughairy Joshua Kalinoe (Brussels) (Berlin) sro

a lc

t o:

P h ot o

P h ot c.e

Florencio Sele (Stockholm)

Oman

m r.co

3 .e

Joseph Cole (London)

Mozambique

t o:

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ped

ik i

Mali Toumani Diallo (Berlin)

s e t.s e

t o:

Malawi Kenna Mphonda (London)

ah u

sse Ferrold

Malta

Malaysia

t o:

P ho

Pho

P h ot

eb.n iw

Norlin Othman (Stockholm)

Montenegro

t o:

Liberia

Miroslav Scepanovic (Home Based)

o r c e N ew s dF

Ethel Davis (Berlin)

P ho

t o:

h ir

t.s e

huse

P h ot o

to:

n des präsid en

Zimbabwe Samuel Mhango (Stockholm)

Should you notice any omissions, out-of-date information or errors (mis-identifications, spelling etc), please don’t hesitate to contact CPH POST at ben@cphpost.dk

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TRUMP’S RHETORIC RAISES QUESTIONS OVER THE FUTURE OF NATO BY BEN HAMILTON

Media speculates that his demand for more defence expenditure is a ruse to sink the organisation Unlike his predecessors and most other world leaders, US President Donald Trump will not allow himself to be held accountable for what he says on the public record – and this again was all-too evident at the 2018 Brussels Summit in early July.

ABOVE THE MEDIA

Trump tends to treat his public appearances – whether it’s a high-level meeting, on a podium or occasional press briefings – as a sounding board where he is above media scrutiny. But make no mistake: this is a shrewd business operator who keeps his cards firmly to his chest. He is not in politics to play by the status quo’s rules; he is here to serve the people who voted him into power and to do whatever it takes to effect change in his country. He generalises, makes spurious claims and frequently loses track of his thought, and this helps to disguise his true intentions – particularly in interaction with foreign powers, regardless of whether they are his allies or foes.

WHAT WAS HIS OBJECTIVE? The media were understandably divided on what was Trump’s main objective at the 2018 Brussels Summit at the NATO headquarters in the Belgian capital from July 11-12.

Others regarded it as a genuine attempt to make the other 28 members of NATO to commit themselves to spending at least 2 percent of their GDP on military expenditure. At present only the US (at 3.57 percent following Trump’s recent decision to increase it by 40 percent) and four others manage this. According to security expert Steven E Miller, Trump’s demands for more spending are nothing new and merely echoing a long line of presidents dating back to the late 1940s. He told belfercenter.org that they were “arguably an appropriate reaction to Russia’s aggressiveness in recent years”, but found it worrying that Trump had called NATO a burden.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s attempts to move discussions away from trade mostly failed

“Is he genuinely worried about improving an institution he described as “obsolete” during his campaign for the presidency?” he questioned. Meanwhile, Washington Post columnist Max Boot contended that Trump is treating NATO like he did North Korea. “Here’s how it works,” claimed Boot. “Ramp up the alarming rhetoric. Escalate the crisis. Then hold a meeting. Act buddy-buddy. Claim that the problem is fixed because you’re a master deal-maker – even though nothing has actually changed.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was in no doubt that her country is unified in freedom

Photo: Hasse Ferrold

Some suggested he was trying to break up NATO in the same way he tore up the Paris climate accords and the Iran nuclear deal – thus fulfilling a longterm goal of Russian President Vladimir Putin. After all, during his election campaign he refused to reaffirm any commitment to NATO’s Article 5 security guarantee.

“I never thought I’d live to see this,” commented Russian political analyst Tatyana Parkhalina on Russian state television. “Neither the USSR nor Russia, who tried many times to drive the wedge between transatlantic allies, but Washington is doing everything to break down the foundations of transatlantic alliance and unity.”

Photo: Hasse Ferrold

The Washington Post commented post-Brussels: “The president has consistently described NATO spending inaccurately, reflecting blatant ignorance about the way the alliance works.” And the key word here is ‘consistently’ – for which we can also read deliberately.

Was it ‘Mission Accomplished’ for US President Donald Trump?

Photo: Hasse Ferrold

If Trump doesn’t like media criticism, he’ll play the fake news card via Twitter and, in the same way a social media user might defriend someone, most likely block their future access to the White House.

Photo: Hasse Ferrold

French President Emmanuel Macron (left) was quick to contradict Trump over his 4 percent claims

AGGRESSIVE TO GERMANY True to form, just like he referred to North Korean President Kim Jong-un as ‘Rocket Man’ ahead of their showdown, Trump started his criticism of NATO on social media on his way to Belgium. “Many countries … are also delinquent for many years in payments,” he tweeted. “Will they reimburse the US?” After that opening gambit, Trump understandably had everyone’s ears as he criticised his fellow NATO members on the first morning, and he reserved his biggest tirade for Germany, who he claimed was a “captive of Russia” and “totally controlled” by Putin. “Germany as far as I am concerned, is captive to Russia, because it’s getting so much of its energy from Russia. Germany is totally controlled by Russia, because they will be getting between 60 and 70 percent of their energy from Russia and a new pipeline, and you tell me that is appropriate, because I think it’s not, and I think it’s very bad thing for NATO, and I don’t think it should have happened, and I think we have to talk to Germany about it,” was more or less his opening address. German Chancellor Angela Merkel knows by now not to address Trump’s concerns point by point – doing so would be directly contradicting him.

Still in response to Stoltenberg, he later tweeted: “The US is paying for Europe’s protection, then loses billions on trade. Must pay 2 percent of GDP IMMEDIATELY, not by 2025.”

‘NATO Engages – the Brussels Summit

Nevertheless, on the second day of the summit, the NATO members adopted new plans to defend Europe against Russia and terrorism – and Trump did not raise any objections, possibly because he knows support for NATO in the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as among his own voters, is overwhelmingly high.

Von der Leyen can confidently say that

THE 4 PERCENT CLAIM

members’ renewed commitment to adhere

Dialogue’, the German defence minister, Ursula von der Leyen, spelt out the improbability of Germany meeting Trump’s 2 percent demand by 2024.

Germany will spend 1.5 percent of its GDP in 2024 – thanks to an 80 percent rise over the preceding decade. But she cannot speculate on anything beyond 2024, as she is unable to forecast how the German economy will evolve. Germany’s efforts are in line with the NATO

Before leaving Brussels on July 12, Trump held an unscheduled press conference at which he claimed every single NATO member nation had promised to “substantially up their commitment” on defence spending. “The additional money that they’re willing to put up has been really amazing,” he said.

to their 2014 Wales Summit promise to

“It was not immediately clear what specific new commitments had been made,” observed the Washington Post. And then minutes later, French President Emmanuel Macron refuted Trump’s claims.

general who now works as an adjunct

Later that day, Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary, stated that the US wants the NATO countries to raise their commitment from 2 percent of GDP to 4 percent by 2024 – a claim that Trump backed up in a tweet. These numbers won’t add up for most of the NATO members: not now, and not by 2024. At the summit’s official outreach event,

raise their defence expenditure to 2 percent, which they announced shortly after the 2018 Brussels Summit.

TROUBLE AT THE TOP So NATO looks to be on track, even if Trump is behaving like a loose canon, and it only takes one, warned Knud Bartels, a retired professor at Danish Defense, who was a guest speaker at the outreach event. “The greatest hurdle today is not so much gathering the information and putting together a coherent picture which can be presented to the decision-maker,” he said. “The real issue is when you present that to the decision-maker; then comes the real issue: does it fit into the preconceived world which the person in charge has of what is going on? Military history is full of surprises and, generally speaking, the information was available, but it didn’t fit the purpose.”

“I wanted to say that, because of current events, I have witnessed this myself, that a part of Germany was controlled by the Soviet Union,” she said. “And I am very happy that we are today unified in freedom as the Federal Republic of Germany.”

NO OBJECTION THOUGH Germany, Trump contended, gets 70 percent of its energy from Russia, thus giving it vast sums of money in contravention of the NATO charter. However, in reality, Germany derives 9 percent of its total energy needs from natural gas, of which 70 percent comes from Russia. In response to a reminder from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that the organisation was supposed to be concerned with security, not trade, Trump was quick to single out Germany again.

Danish PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen, pictured here with Merkel, was among the NATO leaders in attendance

Photo: Hasse Ferrold

“How can you be together when a country is getting its energy from the person you want protection against or from the group that you want protection against?” he responded.

CENTENARY OF A COLOSSUS: REMEMBERING THE STATESMAN WHO RESHAPED THE WORLD

Photo: World Economic Forum

in good stead, and after Nelson became the first member of his family to receive an education, he was well-placed to leave his mark on the world.

Frederik de Klerk and Nelson Mandela shake hands at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum held in Davos in January 1992

BY BEN HAMILTON

Nelson Mandela would have been 100 years old on July 18 – and never does a day go by without us recalling his monumental contribution to humanity Roger Federer, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Oprah Winfrey were among the world’s most respected and trusted individuals in 2011, according to the Leader RepTrak rankings, but one name outshone them all – not bad for a retired politician of 93 years of age. A few years earlier, the same individual topped a BBC poll to find the person “most people would like to lead a fantasy world government”. Despite only serving one term as the president of his country, and spending nearly three decades in prison prior to his election, he left an indelible footprint behind, not only in the history of South Africa, but in the hearts and minds of people all over the world. Such a description could only befit one man: Nelson Mandela. This year, ‘Madiba’ would have been 100 years old.

When Rolihlahla Mandela was born on 18 July 1918 in the village of Mvezo in what is now known as the Eastern Cape, he had neither the name Nelson or Madiba. The former was given to him at the age of seven by his first school teacher – an Anglicised moniker that replaced ‘Rolihlahla’, a name that means trouble-maker in his native Xhosa tongue. Nelson inherited the name Mandela from his grandfather, a son of the local king who due to the lowly birth of his mother could not aspire to inherit his father’s crown. Nevertheless, he was a hereditary councillor, which left his progeny 26

RESOLVE NEVER WEAKENED The ANC was established in 1912 with the primary aim of securing equal voting rights for black and coloured South Africans. But just three years after Nelson joined its ranks, it had a new focus: apartheid. The policy encouraged the segregation of all public facilities and social events to benefit the minority white population. Compelled to act by the injustice, Nelson rose to prominence, quickly earning a reputation for effective sedition. By the time of his arrest and imprisonment in 1962, he was on first-name terms with many African rulers, including Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I and Egyptian President Gamal Nasser, who had become sympathetic to the plight of non-white South Africans under the apartheid regime. And during his lengthy 28-year imprisonment – most famously on Robben Island where he was an inmate from 1964 to 1982, living in a damp cell measuring eight feet by seven – his name never faded, whether it was revered by anti-apartheid activists or commemorated in song, like the 1984 single ‘Free Nelson Mandela’ by The Special AKA. But despite the terrible conditions, his resolve never weakened, and neither did his capacity for forgiveness. Disturbed by the activities of Steve Biko and his Black Consciousness Movement in

FATHER OF THE NATION Following Mandela’s release in 1990, progress was rapid. His predecessor as South African president, FW de Klerk followed up on his decision to free the ANC figurehead by giving the vote to all South Africans, and Mandela was duly elected in 1994. Mandela advocated reconciliation, although past human rights abuses were investigated, and a year after his election enjoyed a crowning moment: victory in the Rugby World Cup on home soil, which brought the whole country together under one flag. There was no disputing his supporters’ claim that he was the ‘Father of the Nation’ anymore, while overseas his standing was enormous – arguably even surpassing the status of US President Bill Clinton. Mandela turned down the chance of a second term in 1999, the same year in which he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, to enjoy a retirement in which he continued to provide his name to good causes the world over. Today, five years after his death at the age of 95 in 2013, he is remembered not only as one of the 20th century’s greatest statesperson, but also alongside the likes of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr as one of its most important freedom fighters. Still in his lifetime, the United Nations General Assembly in 2009 proclaimed his birthday, July 18, as ‘Mandela Day’, encouraging the people of the world to spend 67 minutes to help their fellow man – one minute to mark the 67 years that Mandela tirelessly spent in helping to create a modern South Africa. Photo: Hasse Ferrold

SHAPING HIS DESTINY

Nevertheless, he clearly had bigger fish to fry, and after completing a university education in law, he decided at the age of 25 to turn down the chance to become a privy councillor in his homeland in favour of becoming a lawyer in Johannesburg. It was also the same year that Nelson joined the African National Congress.

the 1960s and 70s, Mandela held onto his belief that the ANC would one day achieve its primary objective: equal rights for all South Africans.

Many ambassadors – including (l-r) Amro Alhourani (Palestine), Amadou Tcheko (Niger), Rui Macieira (Portugal), Maria Rotheiser-Scotti (Austria) and Kastriot Robo (Albania) – were in attendance at a celebration held by the South African Embassy to mark the 100th birthday of Nelson Mandela at Helligånskirken on July 18

BY HASSE FERROLD

ABOUT THE WORLD

The world’s eyes were on New York last week as the General Debate of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly got underway on September 25, with Diplomacy Magazine occupying a ringside seat

US President Donald Trump’s address on the opening day was keenly anticipated, particularly with his nemesis, French President Emmanuel Macron, scheduled to follow him later in the Morning Session

Trump joined in the laughter that greeted his comment that his administration has “accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country”. Less mirth greeted his assertion that his country will “reject the ideology of globalism and embrace the doctrine of patriotism”, along with several other strong opinions

Macron’s focus contrasted with Trump’s noticeably. “Unilateralism leads us to withdrawal and conflict,” he contended – almost in direct response to Trump’s comments on US sovereignty. While the US president prioritised energy security, Macron addressed the need to fight climate change, and he also offered contrasting opinions on migration, trade, Israel and Iran

Danish PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who was among the many world leaders in attendance, addressed the assembly on September 28

A number of Danish ministers were also called to speak, including Ellen Trane Nørby, the minister for health 27

BY HASSE FERROLD

ROYAL CIRCLES

The mood was a sombre one at the funeral of Princess Elisabeth on June 25 where the mourners included her cousins, the queen and her sisters Benedikte and Anne-Marie. Princess Elisabeth had died aged 83 (the same age as Prince Henrik) a week earlier following a long illness

Four days later, the sisters then gathered to hand over the prize that bears their mother’s name, the Queen Ingrid Hæderslegat, at Tivoli Concert Hall. Could Queen Margrethe and Benedikte and Anne-Marie be entreated into an impromptu performance of ‘Sisters’? Not on this occasion!

Crown Princess Mary was among the VIP guests at the gala premiere of the New York City Ballet’s six-day run at Tivoli on August 15. The prestigious ballet group, on just their third trip to Tivoli, were invited by the themepark as part of its ongoing 175-year anniversary celebrations

Queen Margrethe was the guest of honour at the 200-year anniversary celebration of Nationalbanken on July 4, where a new exhibition has opened in the foyer charting its history. The queen was welcomed by the central bank’s chief executive Lars Rohde

Princess Marie was the guest of honour at the opening event of the Copenhagen Cooking food festival at Industriens Hus on August 23. The festival, which continued until September 2, attracted 80,000 people to more than 100 events over 10 days

Prince Joachim was the guest of honour at the national finals of the Creative Business Cup startup event at Børsen, the old stock exchange building, which also hosted the Stay Conference and a Chinese design exhibition. Also present was Chinese ambassador Deng Ying (left)

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BY HASSE FERROLD

ABOUT TOWN

Six days ahead of the 2018 World Cup starting, Russia celebrated its national day with a reception at its embassy that included football-related fun, a performance by an opera singer and an address by Russian ambassador Mikhail Vanin. Among the guests (left-right) were Niger ambassador Amadou Tcheko, South African deputy ambassador Tsholofelo Lefifi, Cuban ambassador Yiliam Gomez, outgoing Ivory Coast ambassador Mina Balde Laurent, who is being replaced as dean of the diplomatic corps by Vanin, and Chinese ambassador Deng Ying

The UK Embassy celebrated the British queen’s birthday with a garden party on June 7 that included fish ‘n’ chips and an appearance by an Aston Martin. Among the guests were (right: left-right) Serbian ambassador Jasmina Maric, Luxembourg’s ambassador Janine Finck, Lithuanian ambassador Ginte Damusis, Greek ambassador Efthalia Kakiopoulou, South Korean ambassador Choi Jai-Chul, Romanian ambassador Mihai-Alexandru Gradinar, German ambassador Andreas Meitzner, Irish ambassador Cliona Manahan and Brazilian ambassador Carlos Paranhos

On May 28, Israel marked the 70th anniversary of its foundation at the Jewish Culture Center on Krystalgade, where ambassador Benjamin Dagan addressed a packed house. The occasion included the presentation of an award to the winner of the ‘Israel 70 Years’ photography competition

Switzerland and Benin held a joint celebration of their national days. The diplomatic corps gathered at the Benin Embassy on August 1 to enjoy Alpine horn and Beninese drum renditions, as the countries’ respective ambassadors, Benedikt Wechsler (left) and Eusèbe Agbangla (right), locked arms

On June 21, it was the turn of US ambassador Carla Sands to welcome the diplomatic corps and more to Rydhave for a US Independence Day celebration. Her guests included Pakistani ambassador Zulfiqar Gardezi (centre) and Thai ambassador Vichit Chitvimarn (left)

Lithuanian ambassador Ginte Damusis (left) and Japanese ambassador Toshiro Suzuki (second left) were among the guests of Moroccan ambassador Khadija Rouissi (centre left)

Nepal celebrated its republic day on May 29 with an open air event at Nytorv that also marked the United Nations International Day of Vesak and Everest Day. The guests of Nepalese ambassador Yuba Nath Lamsal (hat) included (left-right from far left) Lithuanian ambassador Ginte Damusis, Estonian ambassador Mart Volmer and Japanese ambassador Toshiro Suzuki. Åge Kramp (left of ambassador), the head of Immigration Law, and Pakistani ambassador Zulfiqar Gardezi (far right) were also present

On June 11, the outgoing Portuguese ambassador Rui Macieira (right) was the host as his country celebrated its national day at his residence in Charlottenlund. The occasion was well attended by the diplomatic corps and afforded many of them the chance to sample some of the wines Portugal is famous for. Among those in attendance were (left-right) Armenian ambassador Alexander Arzoumanian, Albanian ambassador Kastriot Robo and Greek ambassador Efthalia Kakiopoulou

Indonesian ambassador Muhammad Ibnu Said was the proud host of a celebration of his country’s national day at his residence in Charlottenlund on August 17 – the 73rd anniversary of the country’s independence. Among his guests were Russian ambassador Mikhail Vanin (left)

Among those present at the South Korean national day celebration at the residence of South Korean ambassador Jai-chul Choi in Charlottenlund on August 16 were Copenhagen Post CEO Hans Hermansen (centre left), who presented the ambassador with a framed front cover of the recent CPH POST special edition on his country

Polish ambassador Henryka Moscicka-Dendys (centre left) was the host of a concert by the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra at DR Koncerthuset on September 9 to mark the 100th anniversary of her country regaining independence

Actress Vivienne McKee (left) was among Indian ambassador Ajit Gupte’s guests at his country’s national day celebration on August 15 at his residence in Hellerup. The occasion included dance performances and food

COMING UP SOON ...

BY HASSE FERROLD

ABOUT TOWN

International Club Copenhagen is an exclusive club for dignitaries that arranges monthly informative meetings on subjects within the spheres of culture, politics and bilateral relations. The September meeting treated members to an evening celebrating the best of Slovenian wine. Membership is by invite only

Following an acclaimed spring production of ‘Pride and Prejudice’, the Copenhagen Theatre Circle is determined to celebrate its 50th anniversary year in style, choosing the musical ‘Cabaret’ as its next show. Ongoing at the time of publication, there are evening performances from October 10-13 at Krudttønden

Irish President Michael Higgins will need to see off Dragons Den judge Gavin Duffy to win re-election on October 26. In will prove to be a busy October, with Latvia (Oct 6), Brazil (Oct 7), Bosnia & Herzegovina (Oct 7), Luxembourg (Oct 14), the German state of Bavaria (Oct 14), and Afghanistan (Oct 20) also going to the polls

If there’s one day this autumn to leave your diary free, it’s October 12 when Culture Night (Kulturnatten) returns to Copenhagen. Once again the night owls will be out in force as the city’s galleries, institutions and other venues host countless events to entertain the capital’s culture vultures

Tivoli is rarely shut for long – particularly when it’s still got the rest of its 175th year to celebrate. Its summer season may be over, but it will soon be open for Halloween from October 12 to November 4. And then two weeks later, it will be opening its doors for its Christmas season: from November 17 until December 31

Denmark tends to shut down during Week 42 (October 15-19) for the autumn school holiday. Many choose to take the week off, either to travel abroad or spend one last week at their summerhouse. With Tivoli open and other events (‘Oliver!’ at MusikTeatret Albertslund, for example), there’s plenty for the kids to do

It wouldn’t be autumn without another one-month That Theatre production, and this year long-time CPH POST contributor Ian Burns has chosen to revisit ‘The Woman in Black’. The October 24 premiere at Krudttønden is a great place to mingle with creatives from the city’s English-language theatre scene

UN Day on October 24 will see the 48th KUKS International Gala Festival of National Fare take over City Hall as a large number of the diplomatic corps take the opportunity to oversee stands showcasing their countries at this exclusive event to promote international understanding, friendship and respect

Is the Hubertus Hunt on November 4 this country’s answer to Royal Ascot or Henley Regatta? Held since 1900 on the first Sunday of November, high society mingles with picnicking families in Dyrehaven as 40,000 spectators watch 160 riders dressed in their finest regalia negotiate 35 cross-country obstacles

No festive season is complete without watching the Crazy Christmas Cabaret, an English-language comedy show penned by CPH POST columnist Vivienne McKee, who has been delighting audiences since the early 1980s. This year’s show, ‘Fogg’s Off’, premieres on November 7 at Tivoli’s Glassalen theatre

The Remembrance Sunday ceremony at Bispebjerg Kirkegaard on November 11 will mark the 100th anniversary of the armistice, bringing to a close four years of World War I centenaries. South African ambassador Zindziswa Mandela (centre) and Polish ambassador Henryka Moscicka-Dendys (right) are among the regular attendees

Rufus Gifford, the former US ambassador to Denmark, returns to reflect on his life and future prospects following his failure to win the Massachusetts' 3rd Congressional District Election on September 4. There are two chances to see his show, ‘The Next Chapter’, at Bremen Teater on November 27 and December 12 33

Photo: Adam Mørk

FROM RUSSIA WITH PASSION

Where do you find the world’s best young energy efficiency researcher? According to the World Sustainable Energy Days – one of Europe's largest annual conferences in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy – the answer to that question is right here in UN City Copenhagen and her name is Ksenia Petrichenko

A senior advisor at the Copenhagen

“I felt very inspired dealing with global

Centre on Energy Efficiency at UNEP

problems, and environmental issues were

DTU Partnership, Ksenia has been work-

one of the areas I was most interested

ing in UN City for four years, conducting

in. UNEP DTU Partnership provided a

research on measures to ensure better and

perfect synergy between academia and

more efficient use of our energy resourc-

international affairs, where my everyday

es. In February 2018, her hard work was

work and research remain closely con-

rewarded with the ‘Best Young Energy Efficiency Researcher Award’ at the World Sustainable Energy Days in Austria. Ksenia was born in Saratov – a Russian city located approximately 800 km southeast of Moscow. Admittedly, she did not envision a career as an environmental scientist. Her childhood dream was to become a painter. However, when Ksenia at thirteen years of age caught her first

nected to the on-the-ground projects. This applicable impact is the aspect of my work that I enjoy the most.” Ksenia holds a BA in Sociology and an MA in International Economics from National Research University Higher School of Economics, as well as an MA in Environmental Science and a PhD from the Central European University.

glimpse of the field of ecology through a

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AT THE FRONT AND CENTER

school project, she realised that paper and

Ksenia’s interest in the field of environ-

pencils might suit her better than palettes

mental studies is rooted in a growing

and paintbrushes.

international acknowledgement of the

urgency of addressing climate change. She firmly believes that her field will play a crucial role in curbing global CO2 emissions. In her opinion, energy efficiency is the most important lever to achieve a more sustainable future. If you want to make it sustainable, energy efficiency is the first step! Once you decrease your energy consumption, you can proceed to switching to more sustainable, renewable energy sources to supplement the remaining demands.

Photo: Adam Mørk

The interconnection between global warming and energy efficiency is – according to the senior advisor – still not common knowledge. The field of energy efficiency is much more incomprehensive and intangible than, for instance, renewable energy. This is partly due to the invisibility of energy optimisation. Efficient use of energy is achieved through various technological solutions and behaviour change measures, and thus perhaps more difficult to relate to than e.g. the benevolent wind turbine. But energy efficiency is rapidly gaining recognition. When Ksenia first started delving into the topic back in 2009, she found that the availability of robust research was scarce and data gaps significant. Ten years on, she now describes her field as “mushrooming” and gaining traction. In order to support this growth and overcome the multiple challenges and comprehension barriers that persist, the Russian native stresses the need for continuous capacity building to make sure that energy efficiency remains a key element in initiatives to combat climate change.

SCALING UP Professionally, working out of one of Scandinavia’s most sustainable buildings sets a powerful example as Ksenia and her team assists cities and governments to scope, design and develop projects on energy efficiency. Energy efficiency projects are part and parcel of the effort to achieve affordable and clean

Photo: Adam Mørk

energy by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 7). Ksenia’s team works to aggregate the often small-scale projects into replicable, standardised and scalable templates.

Photo: Adam Mørk

With the Paris Agreement we have seen an increase in the general level of knowledge and awareness on the importance of energy efficiency, but cities all over the world are still lacking the capacity to act upon their intentions and commitment. The impact I am striving for with our work on increasing the scale of projects, is to enable a shift from the planning stage to actual action and implementation. When asked how she would describe her work with the UN using only three words, Ksenia thoughtfully responds:

“Stakeholders, vision and team. All our work connects with stakeholders and encapsulates a vision of combining the local work with a global agenda. My team is great! It is amazing how UNEP DTU has managed to gather so many competent and at the same time unbelievably nice people, and the way in which we support each other with insights and brainstorms come to reflect that diversity is indeed the greatest advantage of our organization.”

Publisher: CPH POST • Editor:Hans Hermansen • Journalist: Stephen Gadd • Layout: CPH POST • Info: hans@cphpost.dk • Tel: +452420 2411 35

THE INSIDE STORY

ASIA HOUSE – HN ANDERSEN'S VISION SERVES THE 21ST CENTURY

BY STEPHEN GADD

Fittingly, the old company HQ now is a focal point for business and cultural exchange between Asia and Denmark 36

Situated on Copenhagen Harbour's

unique blend of European and Asian

Indiakaj, from the outside, Asia House

designs adorned with teak timber

looks the same today as it did when it

imported from what was then Siam

was opened by HN Andersen in 1898;

but is now Thailand.

rustic red brick on a striking base, in keeping with the style of the then newly built India Quay in Søndre Frihavn.

In the years that followed, it was used as a hiring office for sailors, a ticket office for passenger ships, a

The House was erected as the first

laboratory and administration com-

headquarters of A/S Det Østasiatiske

plex for a pharmaceutical group, an

Kompagni (the East Asiatic Compa-

international wool trading centre, a

ny). The inside of Asia House reflects

customs office, an exhibition centre,

HN Andersen’s global vision, with a

and more besides.

A COMPLETE RENOVATION In 1997 EAC celebrated its centenary and as a jubilee project, the house was thoroughly renovated and renamed Asia House. In 2017 the house was refurbished, adding modern lighting and furniture. Today, Asia House is owned by the EAC Foundation and serves as a focal point for its work to preserve knowledge of the EACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and importance and provide a meeting place for all those who have an interest in Asia today. More information on the history of both Asia House and EAC can be found in 'Udsyn' by Martin Jes IIversenIversen. In writing it, the author had direct access to the EACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s archives.

Carsten Dencker Nielsen, honorary chairman of Asia House, got the ball rolling back in 2000

A DIPLOMATIC UPBrINGING

LEARNING TO THE UNIQUENESS MeeTing a APPRECIATE FUTUre nobel prize OF EVERY DIFFERENT COUNTRY winner anD learning langUages BY ROBERT EYFJORD

CPH POST interviewed Laura Volmer, theinterviewed daughter ofantonio the cph post curent ambassador casciasEstonian whose father, although now retired, served as a diplomat for his country.

Life as the child of a diplomat can be isolating and full of uncertainty, putting a strain on friendships and forcing young people to adapt quickly to cultural environments and languages. Laura is 17 years old and attends Copenhagen International School. She loves travelling, sports and hopes to study medicine after graduating from high school.

life as a son of a diplomat is a very What country does he represent? privileged one – Estonia. and can at times When did he enter the foreign service? In 1992, age of 26. beat thesuperficial.

In which countries has your father served? His first posting was in Denmark, followed by Russia, Austria, Turkey and now Denmark again.

Have you accompanied your father on his postings? My sister Helena and I were born in Vienna. We lived in Estonia for a few years after our time in Austria, followed by a posting in Turkey that lasted 4 years. We returned to Estonia for 7 years and then moved to Denmark. This is our 4th year in Copenhagen. What was it like to be a foreigner in those countries? My experiences as a foreigner in both Turkey and Denmark has been very positive. In Turkey I was so young that it felt completely normal to live in a country so different from Estonia. Some of my favourite childhood memories are linked to when I lived in Ankara. Having spent so much time abroad has practically made English my second mother tongue.

38 30

Graduating from the English college in Prague

I have met people that I will be friends with my entire life. The experiences are so colourful, so positive and always full of new adventures. I have kept all of the great memories and en■ Life as the child of a diplomat can be counters and carried them with me to this very isolating and full of uncertainty, putting day. I have truly learned a lot from them. a strain on friendships and forcing young people towe adapt quickly new cultural I was older when headed for to Denmark, environments and languages. and moving away from everything that felt

“Hello!” He waved back and answered “Hello, Laura.” I proudly turned to my parents and concluded, “See, I told you he can speak English.”

Mywas parents instantly burst outand laughing, not engaging and fulfilling has contributed to the person becomebetween today; letting on that there is a I've difference understanding that perhaps our approach a universal salutation and a whole language. I may not be the optimum one. think this story shows how quickly children can adapt to new environments. what life lessons could be learned like home was hard. I was 13 and thought that Has yourbeing transition to the culture in which countries did your parents from the child of Danish an ambassaleaving sports, friends and family would be the been easy? serve? dor? end of the world. Despite this, I remember havI appreciate how it is to communicate with Belgium (where I was born ), USA, DenLife as a son ofeasy a diplomat is a very ing a strong feeling of excitement right before people in Denmark. Their English is quite good. the Netherlands, Czech republic. privileged one – and can at times be coming tomark, Denmark. Even those that clearly not to speak superficial. One shouldprefer measure one's Thinkingwhat rationally, I knew that I would make English try hard. And how could I neglect country did they represent? words prior to voicing them to avoid anyto new friends and that Denmark would eventually mention hygge? The concept is fantastic. I think Portugal. misinterpretation. feel like home. Additionally, I knew that my IB Danish culture is characterised by comfort, classmates would be welcoming, as the majority cosiness what years were they active? who isand thebeing mostfriendly. famous person you of them know what it is like to live in a differAntonio’s father was Portugal’s ambassahave shaken hands with? Nevertheless, I’ve also experienced that it can ent country. dor to Denmark from 1986 to 1991. Meeting Queen Mother juliana of take time for some Danes to get comfortable Orange-Nassau and her husband Prince I believe attending an international school will with newcomers. So although it can be a very Did you ever accompany your parents Bernhard – their warmth and humanity open many doors for my future. The things I’ve warm and sincere community, foreigners might were visible during that encounter. And abroad? if so, what was it like to be a learned and experienced have definitely shaped not always get that vibe. In fact, some Danes josé ramos-Horta – at the time, his foreigner there? the person I am today. Having grown up in so might come off as a bit rude or cold, but when approach to achieving independence in It was a great experience living abroad. many different places has made me appreciate you spend enough time with them you see their East Timor through non-violence and the I didn't feel like a foreigner, yet naturally the uniqueness all countries have and encourtrue colours. people's self-determination was inspiraabsorbed different cultures and lifestyles, aged me to explore different cultures and traditional. Later, he was awarded thejob? Nobel with respect for the views voiced. Learn- What do you think of your father’s tions. I now have an international network and Peace Prize. ing the basics of the local languages and I see diplomacy as a way of bringing together have cultivated the values I’ve learned along making friends of diverse background different cultures and philosophies and I think the way to become a very open-minded person. that’s so important. I’m very proud of him. What life lessons could be learned from Diplomacy is almost like a neutral voice, which being the child of a diplomat? can effectively calm people down when tensions I always try to learn and absorb as much as are high and promote peace. You need to be I can. I am very accepting of everyone and I diplomatic in order to avoid war. respect their point of view. In difficult situations, I’m more inclined to remain calm and be polite. My sister and I have often laughed about how our diplomatic upbringing has taught us to handle any situation with patience and humility. What is the fondest memory you have from your time abroad? So many to choose from. There’s one my family loves and it never stops being funny. This happened when we were living in Turkey. I remember yanking both my parents out onto the balcony and telling them that our security guard spoke English. My parents both knew that he did not and kept telling me, so I said “I can prove it.” I waved to the guard with a gleeful smile and yelled

Laura at her older sister's graduation

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